Dinsmore Township (part 1 of 6)

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This township was independently organized December 3. 1832, ns shown by the following minute, abstracted from the journal of the commissioners : -

Ordered, That a new township be created, beginning at the southwest corner of town. 8, in the Piqua Land District, on the old boundary line, at tho range line dividing ranges 5 and 6, thence north with the said range line to the north line of Shelby County, thence east on the Shelby and Allen line to range line dividing ranges 6 and 7, thence south with the said range line to the old boundary line, thence west with said boundary line to the place of beginning; and, further, that all included (territory) in the above-described bounds be organized into a township under the name of Dinsmore.

Ordeted, also, that the inhabitants of said township meet at the house of Joseph Green on the 25th day of December inst. for the purpose of electing township officers according to law.

The township is bounded north by Auglaize County, east by Jackson, south by Franklin, and west by Van Buren townships. It contains an area of thirty-six square miles. It is crossed north and south within two miles of the west line by the Dayton and Michigan Railroad. Within one mile of the north line Botkins station is located, while Anna station is on the south-line, the village extending into Franklin Township. Small streams take their rise in the township, and, flowing west by south, afford drainage and an outlet to Loramie Reservoir in Van Buren and McLean townships.

The surface of the township is level throughout, and the soil is of an excellent quality. Improvements have gone on apace, and although the township was a late organization, it has enjoyed a rapid and satisfactory development. The people are industrious, frugal, and energetic, as shown by the houses and farms of the people. School-houses and churches, saw-mills and tile factories are seen throughout the township, while institutions and enterprises of various characters are properly represented. Two live and thriving villages, Anna and Botkins, are within the township, the former at the south line, and the latter near the north side of the township. Both are important stations on the Dayton and Michigan Railroad, and both enjoy an extensive local trade. Another village, Northumberland, was laid out in the township years ago, but proved too transitory for continued growth and life.

It is claimed, with some plausibility, that George Turner was the first actual settler in thfs township, and lie appears to have come here in 1832.

It is also claimed by the same authority that later in the same year Joseph Green and John Munch came within our present limits. Still, from other sources it appears Wm. Blakeley came here from Franklin County in 1831 and settled on the west half of the northwest quarter of section 9, while it appears further by the same source that during the same year Silas D. Allen came from Pickaway County and settled in this township, on the east half of the northwest quarter of section 25, and included jn his entry or purchase the east half of the southwest quarter of section 24. It is probable these men came here in 1831, entered or purchased land, and moved to it and commenced improvements the following season, or during the year 1832. So many claims are made for pioneer work, births, and marriages, that the subject is invested with considerable delicacy, and no little difficulty, embarrassment, ami uncertainty to the editor of a work of this kind. During the years immediately following, settlement appears to have progressed somewhat as hereafter indicated. I section 28, a part of which land became the site of the village of Anna. George Turner came from the same county, and settled in section 28, but ten months later left the county on account of the prevalence of milk sickness. In 1837, he returned to this township and settled on the west half of southwest quarter of section 22, where he now resides. Richard C. Dill came from Hamilton County with his wife and eleven children, and entered land in the northeast quarter of section 29. Joseph Green, of Warren County, with his wife and five children, entered a part of the southwest quarter of section 28, a part of which is now occupied by the village of Anna. Samuel Blakeley, of Franklin County, came to Franklin Township in 1830, but two years later moved to this township, and settled on land in the southeast quarter of section 4. Richard Botkin came from Hamilton County, and settled in section 4.

1833. Alfred Staley, of Montgomery County, came here and settled in the west half of the southwest quarter of section 25. Erasmus B. Toland with his wife and two children came from Miami County, and settled on eighty acres in south half of section 20. Philip Good, a native of Pennsylvania, came from Greene County, and occupied the east half of southwest quarter of section 27. Hector Lemon came from Chester County, Pa., and occupied the west half of the southeast quarter of section 27. Joseph Park, of New Jersey, settled on the northeast quarter of section 30. Philip Hagelberger, of France, one hundred and sixty acres in south half of section 8.

1834. David Taylor, of Greene County, with wife and eight children, one hundred and sixty acres in section 25, where he died ten y'ears later. Peter Boling, with family, of Montgomery County, the west half of the southwest quarter of section 24. Philip Brideweiser,of Franklin County, the east half of northeast quarter of section 27. William Ellis, of Virginia, and family, a part of the northeast quarter of section 28. Joseph Bruner, of Clarke County, with wife and children, a part of the Taylor land in section 25. Jacob Wiford, of Virginia, with wife and five children, a part of southwest quarter of section 9, where he died October 12, 1880. Frederick Oxburger, of Germany, the west half of the southwest quarter of section 9. Samuel and William Elliott, a part of the north half of section 4.

1835. Thomas Iiams and wife and children, of Warren County, the south half of the southwest quarter of section 17. Cornelius Elliott, of Licking County, one hundred and twenty acres in section 6.

1836. Daniel 'Poland, of Montgomery County, the east half of the southeast quarter of section 25. John Fahr, of Perry County, with wife and four children, the east half of northwest quarter of section 27. Wm. H. Abbott, one hundred and sixty acres in section 5.

Such is something of a comparative statement of the settlement of the township as related by some of the older residents. It may not be accurate in all details, neither is it supposed to be complete, but it approximates both accuracy and completeness as nearly as available sources will justify. It must be .observed in this connection that milk-sickness was so prevalent during the infancy of settlement, that many of those who first came soon returned to their former homes, or sought new lands beyond this section. This fact alone will account very largely for the tardiness of growth which obtained for a period of several years.

The first school-house in this township was built in 1836, ajid was of round logs, the building about twenty feet square, with puncheon floor and seats, a spacious fireplace extending full length of north side, a stick chimney, and a one-light window. It was located in the northwest corner of the plat, now known as the Loramie Graveyard, in section 9. The first teacher was William D. Johnson, succeeded by Wesley Short, Jonathan Counts, and others. The second building was similar in construction, except as to windows, which in this case consisted of "threelight sash placed in a right line, and filled with glass." It was built in 1*40, just south of Peter Garber's farm in section 23. The early teachers were William Wilson and E. T. Mede. The third house was a log building about eighteen by twenty feet, and built in 1844. It was called the Beck School-House, and was located in section 14. The first teacher was James Beck. The next movement was toward hewed log and frame buildings, and these were erected in dillerent parts of the township, until the present school law went into effect. The board of education then determined to build a school-house at the centre of every four sections, making nine regular districts, and an extra district or number 10 for colored pupils. In 1870, the colored district was abolished, and the colored children permitted to attend the white schools The first disarrangement which occurred was in 1874, when, by Act of the General Assembly of Ohio, the north half of section 28, of Dinsmore Township, was attached to joint subdistrict number 7, of Franklin Township. In 1876, still further changes were made by the same authority, attaching the south half of section 27, all of sefction 28, and the southeast quarter of section 29 to Franklin Township, thus creating what is known as the "Anna Special Joint School District." In 1877, an intermediate district was formed by the board in section 10, and known as the " Blakeley

District," first taught by Joseph Short. In 1879, District No. 1, at Rhine, was constituted a special district. The blackboard was first introduced in this township in 1846, and simply consisted of a board about five feet long, and three feet wide, smooth planed, painted black, and to which slats were fastened to answer the place of legs, by which the board was supported against the wall. The people considered it a nuisance, because, while the teacher and pupils were working upon it, it drew the attention of the whole school. It was, therefore, removed from the house by night, and hidden in the woods. In 1849, another teacher introduced a blackboard in his school-room, and it was retained. Each district has now a comfortable school-house furnished with the latest improved seats, slate blackboards, and all other modern appliances of use. The people take great interest in the schools, and, as a consequence, they are in a prosperous and successful condition.

is located near the southwest corner of section 36, Dinsmore Township, three miles east of Botkins, on the Botkins pike. The society was organ ized in 1856, in the school-house of Sub-district No. 1, Dinsmore Township, by Father Henry J. Muckerheidc, with about twenty members or families. The society met in the school-house until the erection and completion of their present church building, which was dedicated some time during the autumn of 1858, by Father Mnckerheide. The building is a brick structure, 50 X 40 feet, with a twenty-two feet ceiling, and was erected at a cost of about $2100. John B. Shipper, D. Schulte, Joseph Schmerge, and Steihke were then appointed trustees of the church. The present trustees are Joseph Stolle, Andrew Borges, and George Martin. The priests since the organization of the society have been Father Henry J. Muckerheidc, until 1861, when he was succeeded by Father A. Enders, who remained one year, or until 1862, when he was followed by Father P. Engelbert, and in 1863 he was succeeded by Rev. Herman Volm, who remained one year, or until 1864, when he was followed by Father Joseph Goebels, who remained until 1871, when he was succeeded by Father Daniels, who was on the charge two years, or until 1873, when Father Nicholas Eilerman was sent to the pastorate, who is now in the ninth year of his labor as priest in this church and the church at Botkins. The present membership is about fifty-five families. In 1878 the society erected a two-story brick school-house, 48 X 36 feet, at a cost of about $1800, in which they have school from three to six months each year, with a good attendance of scholars.

was organized May 25, 1874, by Deputy Johnson, with twenty-four charter members. Its place of meeting was at the school-house in Sub-district No. 8, in Dinsmore Township, Shelby County, where it continued to meet until the spring of 1881, when the Board of Education refused to order the use of the school-house as a place of meeting. It then moyed to an unoccupied house on J. Hensel's farm, two miles north of Anna, where it has since met, held its meetings, and flourished, having increased its membership from scarcely a quorum to forty-two. Its present officers are: Jacob Hensel, M. ; George Faler, 0.; George Hensel, L.; Philip Prott, S. ; Robert Turner, A. S.; E. F. Mede, C.; Christopher F'aler, T. ; John Reeves, S. Y.; George Lambert, G. K.'; Mary J. Reeves, P. ; Amanda Mede, F.; Mary F'aler, C., and Mrs. Anna Pratt, L. A. S.

are located three-fourths of a mile west of Montra, on Wra. P. Davis's farm, in Dinsmore Township. They were established in 1871 by M. Merkling and Wm. P. Davis. The d^-ing shed is 120 X 18 feet; grinding shed 36 X 36 feet, and the burning kiln has the capacity for burning about 550 rods per week. The machinery is run by horse power. The business was conducted under the firm name of Merkling and Davis about ten years, or until 1881, when Mr. Davis purchased his partner's interest in the factory, and in a short time Mr. Davis sold the establishment to Michael Zwiebel of Montra, who has since been conducting the business with success, manufacturing and constantly keeping on hand a good supply of all sizes of tile, from 2| to 6 inches in diameter, to supply the demands and wishes of his many customers.

Anna was surveyed for John L. and Fletcher Thirkield, and lies in section 28, town. 7 south, range 6 east, as surveyed in 1867. Main Street bears north 87° 20' east, and is thirty feet wide north of the section. All other lines parallel to or at right angles with Main Street. The alleys are each one rod wide. First Street is thirty feet, North forty feet, Second sixty feet, and Third sixty feet in width. The plat contained sixteen lots, and was acknowledged by John L. and Fletcher S. Thirkield May 20, 1867, and recorded April 25, 1868.

Your petitioners, resident qualified voters of the town of Anna, in said county and State, and which town plat is not included within the limits of any city or incorporated village, respectfully pray your honorable body to be organized under the provisions of the statute in such cases made and provided into an incorporated village, under the name and style of the Incorporated Village of Anna, in Shelby County, Ohio, with the following limits, to wit: Being a part of sections 28 and 33, in town. 7 south, range 6 east. Main Street on section line. First Street thirty feet wide. Main, Second, and Third Streets eighty feet wide; west of Pike, Walnut, and South Streets forty feet each. Alleys one rod each. The first tier of lots north of Main Street nine by five rods, except fractional lots. The other lots ten by five rods, except Munches' addition east of Pike. An accurate map or plat of said village is hereunto annexed, and made a part of this petition. Lewis Kali, F. S. Thirkield, H. G. Seely, and A. Clason are hereby authorized to act in our behalf in the prosecution of this petition.

The first council meeting was held April 16, 1878. The Board then consisted of L. Kah, M. Norcross, A. Clason, M. Billing, Dr. LeFevre, and J. Weatherbead. The bond of L. Applegate, mayor elect, was accepted at this meeting. The other officers elected or appointed were J. C. Koverman, marshal; Godfrey Kembold, treasurer; and F. W. Stork, clerk.

At the aunual election held April 7, 1879, members of council were eleeted for two years, as follows: John W. Vossler, Michael Billing, and E. P. Edgcomb. Marshal for one year, Russel B. Dill.

In July, 1879, P. W. Young resigned the clerkship, and P. R. Clineliens was appointed his successor. On the same date P. W. Young was chosen mayor, to fill the unexpired term of L. Applegate resigned.

Officers in 1883: Mayor, J. M. Carson. Council, A. Clason, John C. Koverman, Dr. N. D. Le fevre, R. I). Mede, A. L. Markland, T. C. Leapley. Clerk, G. L. Finkenbein. Marshal, John It. Youug. Street Commissioner, M. A. Norcross.

The village post-office has been held by two persons, viz., F. S. Thirkield and the present incumbent, P. W. Young, who was appointed Feb. 14, 1872. On the 15th of August, 1881, the office was made a moneyorder office, and is kept in the room occupied also as a hardware store.

Three Dry Goods and Groceries, by D. Curtner, L. Finkenbein, and J. C. Thirkield. Grocery and Bakery, John Kratt. Wagon Makers and Blacksmiths, Harner & O'Leary and Grow & Quillhorst. Hotel, C. Stiive. Grist Mills, Kah & Rothe. Saw Mill, Kah & Markland. Two Warehouses, J. M. Carson, L. Finkenbein. Spoke and Bentwood

Factory, Win. Johnston A Co. Hardware, Elliott A Young. Tin Store, John C. Koverman. Two Furniture and Undertakers, J. L. Applegate and J. Weatherhead. Drugs, E. A. Steely, J. W. Weller. Physicians, N. D. Le Fevre, H. G. Steely, and E. A. Steely. Tile Factory, J. M. A M. M. Jenkins. Lumber Yard, John Yossler. Butchers, R. D. Gaggin and B. F. Weatherhead. Millinery and Notions, Mrs. A. Clark, Mrs. Jennie Babcock, and Mrs. Eva Mercer. Boots and Shoes, Fred. Timmens. Shoe Shop, Fred. Koverman. Agricultural Implements and Notary Public, R. D. Mede.

In the fall of 1832 and the spring of 1833 some Lutherans, most of them with families, settled in this vicinity, then a wild forest, with only' an occasional cleared spot here and there. These pioneers were Messrs. John Altematt, Michael Altematt, Louis Bej - , Andrew Moothart, Samuel Boyer, William Abbott, George Schaefer, Jacob Wuttering.

Scarcely had they provided humble cabins for themselves, when, early in 1833, assisted by their German Reformed neighbors, they put up a log house for the Lutheran pastor, Rev. John Henry Ferdinand Joestiug, which, for a while, served as a parsonage, school, and church in one. A Lutheran organization, with about twenty communing members, under the ministry of Rev. Joesting, had been effected near the beginning of that year, when soon afterwards a number of other Lutherans arrived with their families, and were added to the congregation, most prominent of whom were Messrs. Philip Hagelberger, Henry Schaefer, Samuel Schaefer, John Vogt, John Hermann, Frederic Knoesel, George Knoesel, John J. Finkenbein, Benjamin Werth, John J. Zimpfer, Philip Breitwieser.

The Lutherans and Reformed of this neighborhood at that time were sustaining a so called union, which existed about twelve years, each party, however, maintaining a separate organization, and for the most part being served by its own pastor. Before 1835 or 1836 they had as yet no proper house of worship. Owing to their destitute circumstances, and the undeveloped state of things generally, they erected a rude union log church, which stood on the west side of the old Wapakoneta and Sidney road, about six miles from the latter town, on the ground which is now the Lutheran graveyard. This building continued to be the common property of both congregations until 1845, when the above union was dissolved, and the Reformed sold their interest to the Lutherans, who thus became sole possessors of the church, ground, and books, it is said, for seventy-three dollars.

Now there were continual arrivals of German immigrants, mostly from Baden, who joined the Lutheran congregation, and with their descendants now constituted its principal element. In consequence of the rapid increase, it became necessary to provide a larger and more suitable house of worship, and by the liberality and devoted exertion of the members, a neat brick church was built in 1854, near the site of the old log building. This church at the time was justly considered an ornament to this locality, and as to size and location gave almost general satisfaction during the following sixteen years. But circumstances changed ; many of the members located their homes more or less northward of the church, which thus came to stand rather too far south of the centre of the congregation. In addition to this, it became apparent that the church would soon become too small. Hence it was resolved to build a church at Anna, the village being centrally located. Thus the present church, a beautiful frame structure, sixty by forty feet, was completed and dedicated in the summer of 1871, being an important addition and improvement to the town. The interior is plainly but neatly decorated, a fine reed organ is in the gallery, and two good bells, weighing respectively eight hundred and four hundred and eleven pounds, have been supplied. The building and all its appurtenances are free from debt.

St. James's congregation has been in full connection with the Evangelical Lutheran Joint Synod of Ohio and adjacent States upwards of forty years, being under the supervision of the Western District of that synod. The district president, or his proxy, installs the pastor, who by the vote of at least two-thirds of the congregation is called for an indefinite length of time.

Prior to the year 1877 this congregation was served by the same pastor who served the Sidney people, but since the date mentioned it has constituted a separate and independent charge.

As regards doctrine, practice, and the like, this society receives the Holy Scriptures as the only rule of faith and life, and requires its pastor to teach in conformity with the Symbolical Books of the Evangelical Lutheran Church. Much stress is laid on catechetical instruction, and a thorough training of the mind and heart of the young before admitting them into the church and to the holy communion, which, ordinarilj', is done by the rite of confirmation, although, in certain cases, new members are also received otherwise. Church discipline is mild; erring members being tolerated in the congregation as long as they manifest a willingness to correct their errors, but excluded from communion if the desired change does not take place; and only rebellious subjects who persist in their refusal to submit to the divine word being expelled. Not only theory but also practice must be consistent with the confessions of the Lutheran Church. Liberty prevails as regards nonessentials, yet this society endeavors to retain as many Lutheran customs and usages as circumstances permit. While justice is being done to the wants of those members who only understand the English language, it is nevertheless the earnest endeavor to perpetuate the German language of the forefathers, and give it the preference at divine services and other meetings of the congregation. In order to do this the Sunday-school, which is kept up six or seven months every year, is conducted in German. There is also a weekday school, generally in the spring and the fall of the year, in which the pastor himself instructs the children in German, the catechism, and Bible history.

Those who are old enough for their first communion receive a regular course of catechetical instruction, which is either in English or German, and is continued from four to six months, as the case may be.

In 1858 Mr. Sapper, who never was a member of the synod, was employed, and with this exception the congregation has thus far been served only by such as were in full connection with a Lutheran Sj'nod. The membership for 1832 is at least 625 baptized, 375 confirmed, and 150 voting members. Rev. Mr. Meissner took charge of the congregation in 1877, and still sustains the relationship of pastor, a relationship which has given satisfaction to all persons concerned. To him we are indebted for this sketch of the church.

was organized at the house of Richard C. Dill- in 1833, by Revs. D. D Davidson and James Smith, with about nine or ten members, viz., Mrs. R. C. Dili, Miss Jane Dill, E. B. Toland and wife, Thomas Iiams and wife, Mrs. Forsha, John Lucas and wife, and a few others. Their regular places of meeting were at the houses of Richard C. Dill and Joseph Park, for several years, or until 1840. Then they met at the house of Mary J. Young until the completion of their first church building, which was a hewed log structure, 30 X 25 feet, erected during the summer of 1841, and stood near where the frame church now stands, one-fourth of a mile north of Anna, in Dinsmore Township. The log building served the society as a place of meeting for several years, or until the erection of their present frame church building, where the log church was located, which is 40 X 30 feet. It was erected at a cost of about $800, and dedicated in July, 1858, by the Rev. Wilson, assisted by Rev. P. G. Goode, then the minister in charge. The present trustees of the church are, Silas D. Young, J. W. Davis, Fletcher Thirkield, Samuel Flesher, Robert

M. Toland, J. W. Evans, P. W. Young, and George Toland. Class-leaders are, P. W. Young, ffm. R. Park, and Robert Turner. Stewards are, Silas D. Young and Fletcher Thirkield. Recording Steward, Philip W. Young.

This town occupied a part of the east half of the northeast quarter of section 5, town. 7 south, range 6 east, and part of the west half of the northwest quarter of section 4, town. 7 south, range 6 east, as laid out and surveyed for Russel Botkin, the proprietor, in July, 1858. The regular lots are four by ten rods, the alleys one rod wide. All lanes parallel to or at right angles with Railroad Street, which is sixty feet wide. The alley at the east side of the town is forty -five links at the south end, and twenty-five at the north end. The alley adjoining the Monger lot is twenty-five links at the north end, and runs to a point at south end. Railroad Street runs south 87 west, magnetic bearing. The plat showed twelve regular lots, exclusive of the Monger lot, containing one acre, and the Botkins lot, containing a half acre.

We the undersigned, residents of the village of Botkins, Shelby County, Ohio, ever pray that you will take immediate steps necessary to effect the corporation of said town, to wit: The following described lands situate in Shelby County, O.: the northwest quarter of the northwest quarter of section 4, T. 7 S., R. 6 E. ; also the west half of the northeast quarter of northwest quarter of same section ; also the N. E. quarter of

N. E. quarter of section 5, same town, and range; also the E. half of the N. W. quarter of N. E. quarter of section 5 ; also the E. half of the S. W. quarter of S. E. quarter of section 32, T. 6 S., R. 6 E. ; also the S. E. quarter of S. E. quarter of section 32 ; also the S. W. quarter of S. W. quarter of section 33, same T. and R. ; also the W. half of S. E. quarter of S. W. quarter of said section 33, containing 240 acres more or less. The population of said limits is over 400: the said corporation is a village, the name to be Botkins, ami that D. E. Morgan and Jacob Zaenglein shall be agents for said corporation.

The undersigned, residents and taxpayers residing within the district sought to be incorporated, do most respectfully protest and remonstrate against the granting of the prayer of the petition filed March 7, 1881, and signed by J. B. Hemmert and others, praying for the incorporation of the village of Botkins, and say that the same is not demanded by the people; that it would involve an unnecessary expense and a burden upon the people, and upon the property-owners for all time to come; that the best interest of the community does not demand the same.

The undersigned protest against granting any order for the incorporation of the village of Botkins, and say that they reside within the bounds sought to be incorporated, and that they own property that will be taxed ; that they are poor and cannot afford to pay any additional tax that will necessarily follow ; that the same is not demanded by the best interests of the people.

In view of the foregoing petition and remonstrances, the Board of Commissioners fixed upon May 10, 1881, as the time, and the Auditor's Office, Sidney, as the place for the hearing of the matter of incorporation. Due public notice was accordingly given by the agent for the petitioners, and final action taken by the Board, as shown by the following entry: -

This day, to wit, Aug. 2, 1881, the matter of the incorporation of the village of Botkins, in said Shelby County, came on to be heard upon the petition filed in that behalf, and, the Board having heard the evidence and the arguments of counsel, do find that the petition contains all the matter required by law; that the statements therein made are true; that the name proposed is appropriate, and the limits proposed are accurately described and reasonable. They also find that the persons whose names are signed to said petition are electors residing in the territory described ; that there is the requisite population for the proposed corporation, and, moreover, it seeming to the Commissioners right that the prayer of the petitioners should be granted : Now, therefore, it is hereby ordered that the said corporation of the village of Botkins may be organized according to law.

At the regular election held in April, 1882, J. W. Zaengeline and J. B. Greve succeeded Tate and McMahon on the council, and J. W. Botkin succeeded Varner as clerk. All other officers were either re-elected or held over.

Three General Stores, by A. Gutmann, Joseph H. Miller, and Philip Sheets. Warehouse and Mill, A. Gutmann. Two Warehouses, P. Sheets and Miller & Norris. Two Blacksmith Shops, John W. Zaenglein, and Henry Brockman. Hardware, Schaf & Kuhn. Bakery, Frank Monger. Hotels, Shelby House, and Burnett House, Fred. Schubert, Proprietor. Liver}' Stable, Benj. Kuest. Meat Market, Stole & Hemmert. Tin Shop, John Duckro. Physicians, P. II. Clinehens, and G. M. Tate. Shoe Store, Joseph Miller. Saw Mills, Gray & Ailes, and A. Roth. Agricultural Implements, Hunt & Greve. Wagon Makers, John B

This organization was the outgrowth of a few families of Roman Catholics, who settled in the vicinity of the present town of Botkins at a comparatively early day. They were all Germans, and for a time unable to build a church, or sustain a pastor. They were served at irregular intervals by missionaries and other priests, who came from older communities. The services were held at times in the residences of the families, in an old school-house, and again in a log church, which gave place to the present building. In 1805 a church organization was regularly formed, and consisted of the families as follows: Andrew Gutmann, Joseph Beierstoerfer, Aquilin Hemmert, Nicholas Kohleieser, Anthony Roth, George Seiter, Clemens Heuber, John Beierstoerfer, John Schaub, John Gerhart, John Sosehert, John Koenig, Peter Arnold, Christian Hausraann, Frank Kupper, Henry Wismann, Michael Werronth, Otto Bellert, John Gress, John Schmidt, George Stegeinan, Herman Stegeman, Michael Muller, John O'Neal, Mark Sullivan, Frank Stolle, Eli Gibson, Lawrence Kuhn.

The same year steps were taken looking toward the erection of a suitable house of worship, and in 1867, the building now in use was completed and occupied. It is a building eighty-five by forty-five feet, and was erected at a cost of about $8000. The present membership consists of eighty -two families. About two years ago the old M. E. church was purchased by the Catholics for school use, and as now conducted consists of one department, with an enumeration of forty-nine boys and forty-four girls of school age. The first pastor of the church was Rev. Joseph Goebels, the organizer, who had charge until 1871. At this date he was succeeded by Rev. Henry Daniel, who served until 1873, when the present pastor took charge.

This society was organized at the house of Richard Botkin in 1833 or 1834, by the Rev. Daniel D. Davidson, assisted by Rev. James Smith, with Richard Botkin and wife, Henry Hildebrant and wife, Cornelius Montfort and wife, and a few others whose names are not mentioned as members of the organization. A few years later Cornelius Elliott and wife, Samuel Elliott and wife (deceased), connected themselves with the society. They held their meetings at the residence of Richard Botkin for several years, when they changed their place of worship to a log cabin house that stood where John Losher's residence now stands in Botkins. In this building they met until about 1841, when they erected a hewed log church building, forty by thirty feet, near where P. Sheets, Jr.'s warehouse now stands, on ground donated to the church by Richard Botkin. This building was used by the society for church purposes for a number of years, or until 1860, when they erected a frame church building in Botkins, forty-five by thirty feet, which was dedicated sometime during the autumn of 1860, by the Rev. Wilson, assisted by Patrick G. Goode, then the minister in charge. They used the frame building until 1881, when they erected their present brick church edifice in Botkins, fifty-one by thirty-one feet, with an eighteen-foot ceiling, which was erected at a cost of $2040, and dedicated June 18, 1882, by Rev. Watters, assisted by Rev. J. S. Ayers, Presiding Elder of the Bellefontaine District. The present membership is about forty members in good standing in the church.

Early ministers: Revs. Davidson, Smith, Clark, Sutton, Kemper, Walker, Lynch, Brown, Warnnock, Berry, Shaffer, Sheldon, Itoseberry, Good, and many others whose names are not mentioned have been on the charge or circuit. Rev. M. Gascoigne is the present pastor in charge.

Present officers: Trustees, P. Hunt, John Blakeley, D. Swim, Eli Abbott, Alexander Elliott, Alexander Botkin, and S. F. Boyer. Class leaders: John Blakeley and D. Swim. Recording Steward: P. W. Young, of Anna, Ohio.

In 1849, Silas D. Allen and George Duff erected a steam sawmill on the northeast corner of the northwest quarter of section 26, Dinsmore Township, which was 50 by 22 feet, two stories high, and contains a forty horse power engine. It was known as the old sash mill, and had the capacity for cutting from 1500 to 2000 feet of lumber per day. It was operated by Allen & Duff until the death of Mr. Allen, which occurred in June, 1850 ; then Mr. Duff conducted the business about one year, or until in 1851, when Michael Fogt purchased a half interest in the mill, and the firm name was then known as Duff & Fogt for several years. It changed hands or owners several times, and was operated until in about 1861, when it was abandoned, and has long since been torn down, and is now a thing of the past.

Linton's steam sawmill is located two miles south of Botkins, on the Dayton and Michigan Railroad. It was erected in 1874 by L. Davis and J. C. Linton, and was operated under the firm name of Davis & Linton until in 1878, when Mr. Linton purchased his partner's interest in the mill, and has since been operating it with success, manufacturing and dealing in all kinds of hard wood lumber. The mill has the capacity for cutting about 8000 feet per day.

Gray & Ailes's steam sawmill is located at Botkins, near the Dayton and Michigan Railroad. The building is 76 by 33 Icet, and contains a thirty-five horse power engine, a forty-five horse power boiler, two circular saws, one fifty -six and the other twenty-four inches in diameter, and has the capacity for cutting from 8000 to 10,000 feet of lumber'per day. It was erected during the winter of 1881-2 by Messrs. Gray and Ailes, who began running the mill in February, 1882, and have since been operating it successfully, buying logs, manufacturing and dealing in all kinds of hard wood lumber.

Botkins tile yards were established in 1876, by Hemmert & Stelzer, and have since been operated under the firm name of Heinmert & Stelzer, who manufacture all sizes of tile, from 2| to 7 inches. With a drying shed 130 feet in length, mill shed 36 by 36 feet, burning kiln 13 by 12 feet, they have the capacity to manufacture and burn about 10,000 rods duriug one season.

A village by this name was laid out on the west half of the northwest quarter of section 9, town. 7 south, range 6 east, on the State road leading from Sidney to Wapakoneta. It was surveyed April 19, 1837, for William Blakeley, the proprietor of the land. It was recorded June 1, 1837, but as a village long since lost its identity, and is merely a memory of the past.

was born in Salem Township, this county, January 1, 1837. Here he lived on the home farm until he commenced the study of medicine in Cincinnati, where he graduated in the spring of 1861. On the 1st of March, 1862, he enlisted as hospital steward in Co. K,57th O. V. I., but during his three years' service was acting assistant surgeon. He was finally mustered out at Columbus, Ohio, and at once began the practice of medicine at Careysville, Champaign County, Ohio. In 1873 he came to Sidney, but about a year later moved to Anna and opened a drugstore, practising medicine at the same time. In about six months he found his practice so extensive that he abandoned the drug business, and turned his whole attention to his profession. In this direction he has been unusually successful, his practice being really too extensive to be easily pursued. In 1866 he married Elizabeth Cecil, who died about 1873. In 1875 he married Clara Leckey, who is still living. They have four children, named Lucius M., Louisa Jane, Courtland L., and Benjamin F.

was born in Jackson Township, this county, June 7, 1846, and continued in that township engaged in farming until 1863. In July, 1863, he enlisted in Co. G, 9th O. Cav., and followed Sherman in his march to the sea, receiving his discharge in August, 1865. After the war he educated himself and taught school a portion of the succeeding eight j'ears. In 1876 he became a member of the Lower House of the General Assembly, where, alter serving two years, he was elected to the State Senate for the same period. In 1879 lie accepted a clerkship in the Navy Department, and so remained in Washington, D. C., until April, 1881, when he came to Anna and took charge of a warehouse. In 1882, he was elected Mayor of the town of Anna, and Justice of the Peace. lie is nowhere, engaged in the grain, salt, lime, coal, flour and seeds trade, doing a general warehouse business. His father was a native of Ohio, and died in 1852. His mother, a daughter of Benjamin Wallingsford, belonged to the pioneers of Jackson Township, and died here in 1850. Mr. Carson married Bessie E. Staley January 1, 1872. They have three children, named Millard Everett, Oliver Paine, and Victor Vance.

a son of one of the pioneer families of Johnson Township, Champaign County, was born September 21, 1842. Mr. Weller was here engaged in farming until May 2, 1864, when he enlisted in Co. 1, 134th O. V. 1., and served until September of the same year. In 1869 he went to Kansas, but after two years' experience returned to his old home in Champaign County. He married Louisa K. Hail April 23, 1867. In 1875 he came to Anna and engaged in the drug business, and in September, 1878, located at his present stand in the village of Anna, where he is doing a deservedly popular trade.

a merchant of Botkins, was born in Bavaria February 8, 1823, and came to America, landing at New Orleans in 1846. He at length went to Chillicothe, Ohio, wherehe remained until 1848, when he moved to the village of Freyburg, in Auglaize County. At this place he engaged in the merchandise business, which he conducted without interruption until February, 1863. At this date he moved to his present site in Botkins, where he has conducted the same business as a general supply merchant. In addition to the merchant business, he in 1865 built the Botkins steam grist mill, and after operating it about five years sold it in 1870, but in August, 1881, repurchased it, and has since been operating it. Besides doing a local trade in flour and feed, he buys grain of all kinds for shipment. His store is in the building formerly used as a warehouse by Ross Botkin, deceased. It was changed into a storeroom by August Hoffman about three years before it passed into the hands of its present owner.

On the 7th of February, 1854, Mr. Gutmann married Miss Catherine Seiter, of Freyburg, Ohio. They have seven children living, named Joseph, Alexander, Frank, Anna, Rosa, Andrew and Leo. Of these all are at home except Alexander, who lives in Lima, Ohio, although Joseph also is married.

a young but successful merchant of Botkins, was born at Tippecanoe City, Ohio, January 3, 1856. In 1874 he located at Piqua, Ohio, where he was engaged in the dry goods trade about three years, when he returned to Tippecanoe. After about one year passed at his native town he came to Botkins in 1878, where he entered the merchandise business with a cousin under the firm name of J. H. and P. Miller. In 1881 he purchased the interest of Philip Miller and has since conducted the business alone. The stock consists of dry goods, hats, caps, boots, shoes, and groceries, in fact the business is that of a general supply stock. Mr. J. H. Miller was married October 4, 1878, to Miss Lizzie. Werth, of Covington, Ky. Thej' have one child.

was born in Indiana, August 14, 1837, and came to Shelby County about the 3 'ear 1854. He then located about two miles southeast of Botkins, but has since moved to a farm about one-half mile south of town. Although he has alwa 3 r s followed farming, the last ten years have been extensively devoted to the settlement of estates. He has held about all the township offices for different periods, and is now serving his fifth term as Justice of the Peace During the past two 3 - ears he has been engaged in the lumber and agricultural implement business, as head of the firm of Hunt & Greve. At this time (June, 1883), Mr. Hunt is the Democratic candidate for the lower House of the General Assembly for Shelb 3 ' County. The nomination ma 3 ' ordinarily be considered equivalent to an election. In September, 1859, he married Mary Hillbrant of this township. They have reared eight children, of whom all are still at home except Aquilla, who is married. The names of the children are : Aquilla, Walter C., Anna A., Aldara, I'haunel, Samuel, Elida,and Lottie.

was born in 1836 in this county, and has pursued farming all his life. His post-office is Botkins Station. In 1864 he was married to Drusilla Elliott, who was born in this county in 1841. They have reared five children, named Rita M., William R., Ida May, Alfle, and Ida. Mr. Davis, occupies land in sections 8 and 9 of this township.

deceased, was bf>rn in Dublin, Ireland, in 1780, where he passed his minority da 3 'S. He emigrated to America when a young man, and located in the eastern part of Pennsylvania, where he remained several years, then came to Ohio and located in Franklin County. He was a weaver by trade, which he followed during the winter months and stormy weather for many 3 'ears. He married Miss Mai*y Decker, then of Franklin Count 3 r , Ohio, but a native of Bucks County, Pennsylvania, where she was born in 1797. Mr. and Mrs. Blakeley remained in Franklin County^ until in 1830, when they came to Shelby County, and settled on eighty acres of land in Franklin Township. March, 1832, thc 3 ' moved to Dinsraore Township, and settled on section 4, on which Mr. Blakeley died July 18, 1857. His companion survived him until in September,. 1880, when she died in Botkins^ They reared a family of seven children,, viz., Elias, Decker D., Catharine, John, George, Mary A., and Nancy A., two of whom are now- deceased, vizi, Decker D. and Nancy A third son of Samuel and Mary Blakeley, was born in Franklin County, Ohio, July 11, 1825. He came to Shelby County with his parents in 1830, and haa been a citizen of Dinsmore Township since March, 1832. He married Miss Elizabeth Elliott in the year 1852, daughter of Cornelius and Elizabeth Elliott. Miss Elliott was born in Licking County, Ohio, October 18th, 1833, and came to Shelby County with her parents in 1835. Mr. and Mrs. Blakele 3 ' settled on his father's home farm, on which they have since resided. They reared a family of three children, viz., Adam E., Minerva, and Adilia. Mr. Blakeley now owns bis father's home farm, containing one hundred and sixty-one acres; also one hundred acres in section 10, same township.

deceased, was born in Washington County, Pa., August 25, 1786. He came to Ohio sometime prior to the war of 1812, and located in Greene Count 3 '. He entered the army and served about six months in the war of 1812. He married Miss Hannah Burch, daughter of Charles and Mnrgaret (Speedy) Burch, of Hamilton County, born January 9,. 1792, Mr. and Mrs. Dill settled in Hamilton County, remained until in October, 1832, when they came to Shelby Count 3 r , with a family of nine children, entered,, made improvements, and settled on the northeast quarter of section 29,. Dinsmore Township, on which they passed the remainder of their da 3 'S. Mr. Dill died July 14, 1867* His companion survived him until June 4, 1873. They reared a family of eleven children, viz., Jane, Margaret, A nn, Rebecca, Joseph, Espy, Amanda, James C., Franklin, Susan, and Catharine, six of whom are yet living, viz., Jane, Amanda, Jumes C., Ann, Susan, and Catharine. Espy was in the battle of Chick- amauga, Term., in the war of 1861, and it is supposed that he was killed io the engagement, as he has never been heard of since that battle.

Mr. Dill served as commissioner of Shelby County one or two terms. He died respected by all who knew him, and was considered among one of Dinsmore's influential citizens.

deceased, youngest son of the aforesaid Richard C. and Hannah Dill, was born in Hamilton County, Ohio, October 2, 1830. He was brought to this county by his parents in the autumn of 1832 (then only two years of age), where his boyhood days were passed on a farm. In 1854 he married Miss Nancy A., daughter of Moses E. and Lucretia Baker, of Van Buren Township, this county, where Miss Baker was born November 26, 1836. Mr. and Mrs. Dill settled on his father's home farm in Dinsmore Township, where he died October 5, 1861, leaving a wife and two children, viz., James N. and Franklin, to mourn the loss of a kind husband and an indulgent parent. He filled the office of clerk of Dinsmore Township for several years.

eldest son of the above named Franklin and Nancy A. Dill, was born on the farm on Dinsmore Township, on which he is now living, July 8, 1855. He now owns a half interest in his grandfather Dill's home farm, on which he is residing and conducting the business of farming with success. December 20, 1876, he married Miss Elizabeth B. Weatherliead, then of Shelby County, but a native of Miami County, where she was born February 12, 1857, by whom he has one child, Arthur C. Dill.

was born in Hamilton County, Ohio, August 30, 1824. He came to Shelby County with his parents, Richard C. and Hannah Dill, in October, 1832, and settled in Dinsmore Township. He married Miss Axey Nichols, of Shelby County, by whom he had four children, one of whom is now living, viz., Joseph C. Dill, who lives in this county, five miles southeast of Sidney. His companion died, and on the 7th of October, 1860, he married Miss Ann, daughter of David and Mary Taylor. Miss Taylor was born in Greene County, Ohio, March 5, 1829, and came to Shelby County with her parents in 1834.

Mr. and Mrs. Dill settled on the farm in section 14, Dinsmore Township, now owned and occupied by his widow and son, Harrison W. Dill, August 14, 1862. He enlisted in Co. H, 99th O. V. I., left his wife and one child, and went forth in defense of his country. He served faithfully until the battle of Chickamauga, in September, 1863, in which he was engaged, and has not been heard of since that engagement. It is supposed that he was either killed in battle, or taken prisoner and died in prison. At his death the Union army lost a brave soldier, and Dinsmore Township a good citizen.

deceased, was born in Hamilton County, Ohio, September 25, 1803, where he passed his minority days on a farm. On the 22d of October, 1829, he married Miss Elizabeth Short, of Hamilton County, Ohio, where she was born January 20, 1809. Mr. Botkin moved to Shelby County with his family in 1832, entered, made improvements, and settled on a part of section 5, Dinsmore Township, on which he lived and conducted the business of farming In connection with dealing in stock, until the time of his death, which occurred April 29, 1858. His companion died March 19, 1839, leaving him with four small children viz., Martha, Russell, Robert, and Hannah. In the fall of 1840 he married Miss Jane Elliott, daughter of Cornelius and Elizabeth Elliott, who was born in Licking County, Ohio, April 4, 1824, and came to Shelby County with her parents in 1835. By this union he reared a family of six children, viz., Sarah M., John W., Alexander, Selvenis, Emma J., and Charles S., all of whom are now living except Emma J., who died in October, 1878. Mrs. Botkin is still residing on the old home farm near Botkins Station. Mr. Botkin was one of the most energetic, enterprising business men in the township, and at his death the church of which he was a member (viz., the Methodist Episcopal) lost one of its best members, and Dinsmore Township one of its leading citizens.

After Mr. Botkin's first entry of land, he made other purchases of land until he owned several hundred acres in the vicinity of where Botkins village is now located. During the erection of the Dayton and Michigan Railroad, he contracted and graded three miles of the roadbed. He donated to the railroad company the right of way through his land, nearly a mile in length, with the understanding that the company would give him a station on his land, at the most convenient point for the accommodation of the citizens in the neighborhood. In his will, a short time prior to his death, he ordered a town to be laid out, which was done soon after his death, and given the name of Botkins in honor of him and to perpetuate his name.

son of Andrew and Mary M. Zaenglein, was born in Auglaize County, Ohio, November 9, 1838. He began working at the blacksmith trade in 1857, which business he has since made his principal vocation, except about four years, during which time he was serving in the army in the war of 1861. On the 18th of April, 1861, he enlisted, and served nearly four months, and was discharged August, 1861. In October, 1861, he re-enlisted in Co. G, 71st O. V. I., as a private. In January, 1864, he re-enlisted as a veteran in same company and regiment. In December, 1864, he was transferred to Company K, same regiment, and commissioned as second lieutenant, and in February, 1865, he was transferred to Company E, same regiment, and commissioned as first lieutenant, in which capacity he served until discharged from the service in October, 1865.

In 1870 he came to Botkins, where he has since been conducting the business of hlacksmithing in all its branches. May 15, 1866, he married Miss Mary S. Hurm, then of Auglaize County, Ohio, but a native of Pennsylvania, where she was born March 30, 1841. By this union he has three children, viz., William C., Mary C., and Alonzo F.

deceased, was born in New Jersey May 27, 1811. ne was a son of Joseph Park, a native of New Jersey, who married Hannah Hartpence, of that State. In 1831 or '32 Mr. and Mrs. Joseph Park came to Ohio with their family, and located in Champaign County, and remained until in 1833, when they came to Shelby County', entered, mnde improvements, and settled on the northeast quarter of section 30, Dinsmore Township, on which they' lived until in 1863, when they moved to Troy, Miami County, where they' passed the remainder of their days. They reared a family of nine children, John H., Mary, Ozias, Jane, Elizabeth, Easter, Wesley, Joseph R., and Isaac, five of whom are yet alive - Mary, Ozias, Elizabeth, Easter, and Joseph R.

John II. Park, subject of this sketch, came to Shelby' County with his parents in 1833, and located in Dinsmore Township. He made farming his principal avocation through life. May 28, 1835, he married Miss Catharine Noggle, then of Shelby County, born May' 3, 1818, by whom he reared eight children, Isaac N., William R., Mary C., George W., Benjamin F., Jane, Harriett P., and Barbara E., all of whom are yet living. Mrs. Park died in 1863. Mr. Park departed this life June 7, 1875.

second son of John H. and Catharine Park, was born in Dinsmore Township, this county, February 17, 1841. On the 5th of August, 1862, he enlisted in Company H, 99th O. V. I., and served until July 16, 1865, when he was honorably' discharged from the service. February 20, 1869, he married Miss Elizabeth, daughter of George and Eve Clinehcns. Miss Clinehens was born in Dinsmore Township, this county, July 3, 1846. By this union he has two children, Thurza 1). and Carrie E. He has made farming his principal business, and now owns a part of the Park homestead, on which he is residing.

deceased, was born in Germany in 1804. He immigrated to America, and - located in Franklin County, Ohio, where, on the 4th of September, 1833, he married Miss Dorothy Zimpfer, then of Franklin County', but a native of Germany, where she was born January 2, 1813. In the fall of 1834, Mr. and Mrs. Brideweeser came to Shelby County, entered, and settled on the east half of the northeast quarter of section 27, Dinsmore Township, on which they passed the remainder of their days. He died July 31, 1853. His companion died March 8, 1875. They reared a family of nine children, viz., Mary, Dorothy, Matthias, Godfrey, Philip, John, Henry, Sophia, and Valentine, three of whom are now dead, viz., Mary, Henry, and Valentine. The remaining six are now living in Shelby County.

deceased, was born in Virginia in 1804. When he had attained the age of eight years, his parents, Eli and Rebecca Ragan, came to Ohio and located in Ross County, where young Ragan grew to manhood. In 1824 he came with his parents to Shelby County, and located in the southeastern part of Franklin Township, remained a few years, then moved to Wyandot County and located near Carey, where Thomas Ilagan married Miss Elizabeth Young, then of Wyandot County, but a native of Pickaway County, daughter of Philip and Nancj' Young. Mr. Ragan returned to this county with his wife, and settled near Sidney. He was a miller by trade, which he made his avocation for a number of years, then turned his attention to forming, which he followed as his occupation until death called him home. In 1830 he made improvements on a piece of land in Franklin Township, which now belongs to the Fridley farm. Mr. Ragan was a citizen of Franklin and Dinsmore townships from 1830 until his death, except two years, during which time he was residing in the Slate of Indiana. He died December 26, 1876. His wife departed this life January 3, 1877. He reared a family of nine children, viz., Eli, Philip Y., Rebecca, Emily J., George, Lovina, Catharine, Harriet I., and John W. George died in Andersonville prison in 1864. Rebecca died in 1854. Eli served about three years in the war of 1861.

son of Thomas and Elizabeth Ragan, was bom in Franklin Township, this county, March 9, 1831. He had made farming his principal vocation, and now owns a good farm in Dinsmore Township, which he is conducting with success. On the 6th of April, 1854, lie' married Miss Sarah A., daughter of Hector and Ann Lemon. Miss Lemon was born in Chester County, Pa., November 12, 1832, and was brought to Shelby County by her parents in June, 1833, who settled on the west half of section 27, Dinsmore Township. Mr. and Mrs. Ragan settled on her father'shome farm, on which they have since resided. They have a family of nine children, two sons and seven daughters.

deceased, was born in German}' March 24, 1815. He made farming his avoc'ation through life. In the beginning of the year 1838, he immigrated to America and located in Pittsburgh, Pa., where, on the 7th of November, 1838, he married Miss Eve Moot. Miss Moot was born in Germany February 12, 1815. She came to America in the summer of 1838, and located in Pittsburgh. Soon after marriage Mr. and Mrs. Clinehens moved to Richmond, Indiana, remained about four years, or until in 1842, when they came to Shelby County, and settled on eighty acres of land, which is the south half of the northwest quarter of section 29, Dinsmore Township, on which Mr. Clinehens died January 2, lf>7 6. His companion is residing on the home farm. They reared a family of eight children, viz., Nicholas, Mary E., Conrad, George, Elizabeth, John G., David T., and Philip R., all of whom are now living. David T. is residing on the home farm in Dinsmore Township.

deceased, was horn in Vermont May 22, 1801. When yet a small child his parents, Whiting and Mehitable Allen, came to Ohio and settled in Fairfield County, where he passed his minority days on a farm. When he arrived at the age of eighteen years, or in 1819, he began working at the wheelwright and chair-making trades, which he followed about five years. He then turned his attention to contracting and building, which he followed until in 1832, when he turned his attention to clearing land and farming, which he conducted with success until his death. In 1824 he married Miss Elizabeth George, then of Fairfield County, who died in the autumn of 1828. leaving him with two small children without the maternal care, viz., Philemon 11. and Elizabeth. In 1831 he married Miss Phebe A. Fridley, of Pickaway County, Ohio. Soon after his second marriage, he came to Shelby County, entered the east half of the northwest quarter of section 25, and the east half of the southwest quarter of section 24, Dinsmore Township. In 1832 he moved his family to this county, made improvements and settled on his land in section 25, where he passed the remainder of his days. He died in June, 1850. His wife died in March, 1861. They reared a family of five children, viz., John S., George S., Oscar D., Isaac C., and Benjamin. George S. died February, 1861. Oscar D.and Isaac C. served in the war of 1861. Mr. Allen's father served about eighteen mouths in the war of 1812.

son of Silas D. Allen, was horn in Fairfield Co., Ohio, Feb. 27, 1826. He came to Shelby County with his father in 1832, and located in Dinsmore Township, where he was engaged at clearing land and farming, until in the spring of 1850, when lie bought himself an ox-team and began teaming, which he followed about five years, or until in 1855, when he turned his attention to contracting and building, which he made his vocation until in 1863 or '64, when he engaged in farming, which he has since been conducting with success, and now owns a good farm in Dinsmore Township, on which he has resided since 1^48. On the lltli of November, 1847, he married Miss Lydia A. Coleman, daughter of James H. and Susannah Coleman, who was born in Franklin Township, Shelby County, Ohio, July 9, 1830. They reared a family of nine children, three sous and six daughters.

deceased, was born in Maryland in 1789. In about 1823 he migrated to Pennsylvania and located in Chester County, where in 1825 he married Miss Ann Smith, of that county, born September 1, 1795. Mr. and Mrs. Lemon settled in Chester County, Pa., remained until June, 1833, when they went to Ohio and located in Shelby County, entered, made improvements, on the west half of the southeast quarter of section 27, Dinsmore Township, on which Mr. Lemon died April 18, 1851. Ilis companion survived him until September 15, 1867, when she died in Sidney, this county, where she had resided about five years. They reared a family of four children, Sarah A., Mary J., Esther C., and Rebecca E.

Mary J. and Esther C. are now dead. Sarah A. married Philip Ragan, and is now living on her father's home farm. Rebecca E. married Philip Summers, and now resides in Henry County, Iowa. Mr. Lemon served about one year in the war of 1812, and in 1852 his family received a warrant from the Government, calling for 160 acres of land for his services during that war.

Mr. Elliott was born in Licking County, Ohio, May 15, 1812, where his minority days were passed on a farm. He is a son of Cornelius Elliott, who was born in Maryland in September, 1778. He came to Ohio some time prior to 1803, and located near Newark, Licking County, where he married Miss Elizabeth Evans, of the same county. Mr. and Mrs. Elliott remained in Licking County until in October, 1835, when they, with twelve children, came to Shelby County, purchased and settled on 120 acres of land in section 6, Dinsmore Township, on which they passed the remainder of their days. Mrs. Elliott died July 20, 1839, aged forty-nine years. Mr. Elliott departed this life May 4, 1865. He served in the war of 1812. He reared a family of twelve children, viz., John, Samuel, Cornelius, Eliza, James, Joseph, William, Jane, Lorenzo, Margaret, Alexander, and Elizabeth, six of whom are yet alive, viz., Samuel, Joseph, Jane, Lorenzo, Alexander, and Elizabeth.

Samuel Elliott, subject of this sketch, came with his parents to Shelby County in October, 1835, and located near where Botkins has since been laid out. On the 14th of March, 1837, he married Miss Jane Dill, daughter of Richard C. and Hannah Dill. Miss Dill was born in Hamilton County, Ohio, December 11,1815, and came to this county with her parents in October, 1832, as elsewhere mentioned. Mr. and Mrs. Elliott settled on a piece of land in section 31, Dinsmore Township, on which he made improvements and lived fifteen years, or until in 1852, when he sold his farm in section 31, purchased and moved on a farm in section 20, same township, remained on this farm until in October, 1880, when he sold his land, phrehased and moved on a small farm in section 28, three-fourths of a mile north of Anna, on which they are now residing. They reared a family of eleven children, viz., Richard D., Joseph D., Elizabeth, Angeline and Catharina (twins), Amanda, Jane, James, Hannah, Samuel, and Minerva. Angeline died when at the age of eighteen years. Mr. Elliott served as justice of the peace for Dinsmore Township eighteen years ; also filled the office of land appraiser one term, and constable one year.

seventh son of Cornelius and Elizabeth Elliott, was born in Licking County, Ohio, June 16, 1828. He came to Shelby County with his parents in 1835, and located in Dinsmore Township. He has made farming his vocation. May 24, 1849, he married Miss Elizabeth Ileyo, then of Auglaize County, Ohio, but a native of Pennsylvania, where she was born May 15, 1826. Mr. and Mrs. Elliott settled on his father's home farm in Dinsmore Township, remained until in 1865, when they moved on the farm where they now reside, one-half mile north of Botkins.

was born in Greene County, Ohio, January 17, 1805. On the 28th of January, 1830, he married Miss Catharine Munch, daughter of John and Mary M. Munch, born in Virginia November 20, 1810, and came to Greene County, Ohio, with her parents in 1816. In November, 1832, Mr. and Mrs. Turner came to Shelby County, entered, made improvements, and settled on forty acres of land in the east half of the southeast quarter of section 28, Dinsmore Township, on which they remained about ten months, when, on account of the milk sickness, they sold their land in this county and moved back to Greene County, where they remained four years, or until in August, 1837, when they returned to this county, entered, made improvements, and settled on the west half of the southwest quarter of section 22, Dinsmore Township, on which they have since resided. They reared a family of ten children, viz., John, Patience, Joseph, George, Mercy, Charity, Robert, Mary, Catharine, and Wesley. John and George are now deceased. George served in the war of 1861, and died at Harper's Ferry, Va., March 21, 1865. Mr. Turner made farming his principal avocation until a few years since, when he retired from all business, and is now living a retired life, esteemed and respected by all that know him, and is looked upon as one of Dinsmore's early settlers.

an old and esteemed citizen of Dinsmore Township, was born near Milton, Pennsylvania, February 18, 1810. When he had attained the age of nine years, he came in company with his parents to Ohio, and located in Bath Township, Greene County. He is a son of David and Ann laylor, who came to Shelby County in 1834, entered, made improvements, and settled oji one hundred and sixty acres of land in section 2;>, Dinsmore Township, where David Taylor died in 1835. John Tayloi , subject of this sketch, came to Shelby County in January, 183 j, entered one hundred and twenty acres of land in section 25, Dinsmore Township, on which he has since resided. He lias made other purchases, and now owns a farm of one hundred and seventy acres of good land, which is under a good state of cultivation, and well improved. December 10, 1335, he married Miss Margaret Staley, daughter of Jacob and Margaret Staley. Miss Staley was born in Montgomery County, Ohio, May 3, 1810. She came to this county witli her parents in 1831, and settled in Salem Township. They reared a family of seven children, viz., Elizabeth, Mary A., Margaret, David, Jacob, George, and Amanda. Mr. Taylor filled the office of trustee of Dinsmore Township one year.

was born in Berkeley County, Virginia, September 29, 1808. He is a son of Andrew and Rachel (Montgomery) Toland. When he had attained the age of thirteen years, or in 1821, he moved with his parents to Morgan County, Virginia, where, on the 9th of April, 1829, he married Miss Sarah A., daughter of John Johnson, of Morgan County, where she was born January 25, 1809. Mr. and Mrs. Toland came to Ohio in October, 1829, and located in Miami County, where they remained about four years, or until October, 1833, when they came to this county, purchased eighty acres of land in the south half of section 20, Dinsmore Township, on which he resided about forty-nine years, and has been a citizen of Dinsmore Township since 1833. His companion died May 13, 1840, leaving him with five small children, three of whom grew to years of maturity, viz., Ann M., John W., and Nancy C. John W. died at Memphis, Tennessee, while serving in the late war. Nancy C. died in May, 1878. Ann M. is now living in Sidney. On the 10th of December, 1840, Mr. Toland married Nancy Sheets, of Miami County, where she was born September 23, 1819, by whom, he reared seven children, Robert M., Alfred E., Susannah, George B., James N., Charles C. and Martha, all of whom are yet living. Alfred E. and Robert M. served in the war of 1861. Mrs. Toland departed this life Aprjl 28, 1856. On the 1 1th of October, 1857, Mr. Toland married for his third wife Mary liams, then of Dinsmore Township, daughter of Thomas and Mercy liams. Miss liams was born in Washington County, Fa., December 11, 1811. She came to Shelby County with her parents in 1835, and located in Dinsmore Township.

son of Philip and Nancy Young, was born in Pickaway County, Ohio, April 1, ls20. He came to Shelby County with his father, and located in Franklin Township in 1830, where he grew to manhood on a farm. He has made farming his principal vocation, and now owns a farm of eighty acres in section 26, Dinsmore Township, on which he has resided since 1854. March 11, 1841, he married Miss Mary Noland, daughter of Wesley and Martha Noland. Miss Noland was born in Adams County, Ohio, April 25, 1822, and came to Shelby County with her parents in 1839. By this union he reared a family' of seven children, viz., Philip W., Keziah A., John R,, William R. H., Eliza, Druzilla C., and Martha O. Keziah A. is now dead.

son of George and Eliza Fridley, was born in Franklin Township, Shelby County, March 31, 1835, where he passed his minority days. He has made farming his vocation, and now owns a good farm in section 24, Dinsmore Township, on which he has resided since 1863. December 16, 1856, he married Miss Elizabeth, daughter of John and Margaret Taylor, who was born in Dinsmore Township, this county, September 3, 1836. By this union he has ten children, three sons and seven daughters.

was born in Northampton County, Pennsylvania, January 18, 1818. He is a son of William and Catharine Abbott, who emigrated to Ohio in 1828, and located in Fairfield County, remained four years, or until 1832, when they came to Shelby County, and located iu Franklin Township. William H. Abbott, subject of this sketch, came to this county with his parents in 1832, and has since been a citizen of the county. On the 16th of August, 1836, he married Miss Susannah, daughter of Daniel and Susannah Woodring, then of this county, but a native of Fairfield, Ohio, where she was born December 15, 18)5. Mr. and Mrs. Abbott came to Dinsmore Township in November, 1836, and settled on the farm in section 6, on which they have since resided. He has made farming his vocation, and now owns a good farm of 162 acres, on which he has conducted the business of farming with success. He reared a family of six children, viz., Catharine, Sarah A., Daniel W., Eli, Mary J., and Margaret, one of whom is now dead, viz., Mary J. His two sons, Daniel W. and Eli, served in the war of 1861.

was educated in the common schools of Dinsmore Township; also attended normal school at Sidney. In the fall of 1864, he began teaching school in Auglaize County, taught three months, or until February 13, 1865, when he enlisted in Company D, 192d O. V. I., and served until some time after the close of the war. He was discharged from the service September 7, 1865, and then returned to his home in Dinsmore Township. On the 26th of October, 1865, he married Miss Charity, daughter of George and Catharine Turner, who was born in Dinsmore Township, this county, August 21, 1843. Mr. and Mrs. Abbott settled on the farm in section 6, Dinsmore Township, on which they have since resided. They have a family of four children, three sons and one daughter. In the fall of 1868 he again began teaching, which he followed as his vocation about four months each winter, and conducted his farm during the summer months, until 1880, when he retired from teaching, and has since given all of his time to farming, which he has conducted successfully, and now owns a farm of one hundred and twenty acres in section 6, Dinsmore Township.

deceased, was born in Pennsylvania, February 12, 1815. He was a son of Samuel and Christina Boyer, who came to Ohio and located in Fairfield County, remained until in 1833, when they came to Shelby County and settled on the farm now owned by J.J. Schilling in Frankiin Township, on which they remained until 1847, when they moved to Dinsmore Township, and located on the farm now owned by George Fogt, Sr., one mile south of Botkins, where they passed the remainder of their days. Mr. Boyer died in 1861. His companion departed this life November 20, 1867. They reared a family of ten children, viz., Elizabeth, Daniel, Lucinda, Samuel F., Joseph, Mary, George, Christina, William, and Savina. Only four of the above named children are now living, viz., Elizabeth, Mary, William, and Savina.

Samuel F. Boyer, subject of this sketch, came to Shelby County with his parents as above stated. He made farming his principal avocation through life, which he conducted with success, and was considered one among the leading farmers of Dinsmore Township. At the time of his death he owned five farms in Dinsmore Township; in all there were three hundred and ninety acres of good land. On the 14th of September, 1842, he married Miss Elizabeth, daughter of Jesse W. and Sarah Teach. Miss Veach was born in Shenandoah County, Virginia, Juty 15, 1822. She came to Shelby County with her parents in 1832, and settled on the farm now owned by Christian Simmers, three-quarters of a mile south of Anna, in Franklin Township, where Mr. Veach died January 22, 1853. Mrs. Veach is still living at the advanced age of eighty-four years, and is now making her home with her daughter, Elizabeth Boyer, in Dinsmore Township. Mr. and Mrs. Boyer settled on the farm now owned and occupied by his widow, which is the west half of the northeast quarter of section 9, Dinsmore Township, on which Mr. Boyer died May 14, 1878, leaving a wife and ten children, viz., Sarah J., George W., Harriett E., Christina, Samuel F., William II., Joseph H., Mary F., James E., and Anna D., and many friends to mourn the loss of a kind husband, an indulgent parent, and a good citizen.

eldest son of Samuel F. and Elizabeth Boyer, was born in Dinsmore Township April 24, 1846. He enlisted in Company F, 20th O. V. I., in October, 1861; was actively engaged in the battles of Fort Donaldson, Shiloh, Champion Hills, and Atlanta; also several other minor engagements not here mentioned. In the fall of 1863 he re-enlisted as a veteran in the same company and regiment, and served until after the close of the war in 1865. He returned to his home in June, 1865. In February, 1868, he married Miss Nancy Blue, daughter of James and Sarah Blue, born in Franklin Township, this county, April 28, 1846. By this union he has five children, three sons and two daughters. He makes farming his vocation, and now owns a farm in section 3, Dinsmore Township, on which he now resides.

was born in Greene County, Ohio, on the 12th of April, 1822. He is a son of Jonathan and Zilpah Mede. Ilis father died when he was yet a small child, leaving him without the paternal care. His mother married Joseph Brunner in 1826. In 1834 became to Shelby County with his mother and stepfather, and located in the southeast corner of Dinsmore Township, and lie has since been a citizen of Dinsmore Township. In 1837 or '8 he attended the first term of school taught in the township. This school was taught by William D. Johnston, in a log-cabin schoolhouse which stood on the ground now occupied by the Botkins buryingground. He attended the common school during the winter months until he was nineteen years of age. He then attended school at Sidney one year. In 1842 he began teaching during the winter months, and attending school through the summer, which he followed as his vocation until in 1848, when he turned his attention to farming during the summer months, and teaching four or five months each winter. He continued to make farming and teaching his vocation until 1874, when he retired from teaching, and has since been giving all of his time to farming, which he has conducted with success, and now owns a good farm of eighty acres in the northeast quarter of section 20, Dinsmore Township, on which he has resided since the summer of 1848. On the 20th of April, 1848, he married Miss Amanda, daughter of Richard C. and Hannah Dill. Miss Dill was born in Hamilton County, April 26, 1826, and came to this county with her parents in October, 1832, who settled in Dinsmore Township. By this union he reared four children, viz., Franklin L., Richard D., Hannah S., and William. Franklin L. and Hannah S. are now dead. Mr. Mede served as justice of the peace for Dinsmore Township two terms, clerk of the township one term, and trustee one term. He is highly esteemed by ail that know him, and is classed as one among Dinsmore's leading citizens.

was born near Canal Winchester, in Ohio, March 17, 1839. He is a son of Jacob and Julian Zimpfer. In 1840 he was brought to Shelby County by his parents, who settled in Dinsmore Township, one mile and a half east of Anna, where young Zimpfer passed his minority days on a farm. He has made farming his avocation, and now ownrf a good farm in Dinsmore Township, on which he is now residing and conducting the business of farming. On the 25th of November, 1869, he married Miss Margaret Beamer, of Franklin Township, this county, daughter of Henry and Susannah Beamer. Mr. and Mrs. Zimpfer settled on the farm in section 16, Dinsmore Township, where they now reside. They have three children, viz., John L., Henry J., and Jennie M.

deceased, was born in Germany, June 20, 1802, where he grew to manhood. On the 13th of September, 1827, he married Miss Julia Dortha Zipper, a native of Germany, where she was born October 30, 1798. Mr. and Mrs. Zimpfer emigrated to America in 1831, landing in New York city, where they remained a short time, and then continued their journey westward until they reached Franklin County, Ohio. There they located near Canal Winchester, remained about nine years, or until in 1840, when they came to Shelby County, purchased and settled on a farm in Dinsmore Township, one mile and a half east of where Anna Station is now located, on which Mr. Zimpfer conducted the business of farming successfully until the time of his death, which occurred November 9, 1862. His companion survived him until February 22, 1881, when she died in Sidney at her daughter's, Mrs. George Kah. They reared a family of nine children, viz., Rachel, Dortha, Caroline, George, Sarah, Jacob, John, Frederick, and Lewis, all of whom are now married, have families, and reside in Shelby County. Mr. Zimpfer served about eight years in the army of his native country.

Mr. Reynolds is a son of William and Mary Reynolds. He was born in Columbia County, N. Y., April 16, 1812, where his minority days were passed on a farm. Oct. 19, 1836, he married Miss Rebecca, daughter of Amos and Martha Larkin, of Saratoga County, N. Y. In May, 1838, Mr. and Mrs. Reynolds came to Ohio and located in Sidney. In Sept. 1838, he in company with his brother-in-law, Henry Larkin, purchased of James B. McKinney two hundred and forty acres of land in the north half of section 24, Dinsmore Township, on which lie made some improvements, erected a cabin, and in November, 1841, he moved on his land, where he has since resided. In 1850 he purchased his partner's interest in the farm, and now is the owner of the entire farm, which ranks second to none in Dinsmore Township. About 180 acres of the land are now under cultivation, with a good frame house and a large barn, erected on the farm, which is the result of Mr. R.'s own hard labor and energy, which classed him among the best farmers in the township. His companion died Oct. 31, 1879.

deceased, was born in Switzerland Dec. 4, 1803, where he passed his minority days. He was a carpenter by trade, which he followed as his vocation for several years. When he had attained the age of twenty-five years, he went to Holland, where he enlisted in the standing army, in which he remained five years, when lie emigrated to America and located in Miamisburg, Montgomery County, O., where he married Miss Sarah Freemore, then of Miamisburg, but a native of Pennsylvania, where she was born Aug. 30, 1794. Mr. and Mrs. Gerber settled in Montgomery County, remained until in the fall of 1836, when they came to Shelby County, entered, made improvements, and settled on the N. E. quarter of section 23, Dinsmore Township, on which Mr. Gerber died Oct. 9, 1874. His companion is still surviving him, and is now residing on the old home farm with her son, John C. Gerber. They reared a family of three children, viz., Samuel, John C., and Lucinda.

John C. Gerber, second son of Peter Gerber, was born in Dinsmore Township, this county. Oct. 7, 1837. He has made farming his vocation, and now owns the old home farm and several other farms in Dinsmore

Township. He is considered one of the leading farmers in the township. Feb. 15, 1856, he married Miss Catharine Smith, by whom he has six children, three sons and three daughters.

son of Lewis and Susannah Fridley, was born in Pickaway County, O., Feb. 14, 1822, where his boyhood days were spent on a farm. In the spring of 1847 he came to Shelby County and made his home with his brother George Fridley, in Franklin Township. About three years prior to his coming to this county, or in 1844, he purchased the S. E. quarter of section 23, Dinsmore Township. During the summer of 1847 he erected a dwelling on his land, and made some other improvements. October 10, 1847, he married Miss Martha J., daughter of Adam and Sarah Young. Miss Young was born in Pickaway Count}', O., Sept. 8, 1824, and came to this county with her parents in 1830 or '31. Mr. and Mrs. Fridley settled on his land in Dinsmore Township, on which they have since resided. They reared a family of five children, viz., Adam, Sarah L., Jason B. F., John W. A., and Eliza L. Mr. Fridley has made farming his principal vocation, and now owns a good farm of one hundred and sixty acres, which he is conducting with success.

Mr. Faler was born in Lebanon County, Pa., Jan. 14, 1807. When he had attained the age of sixteen years, or in 1823, he came with his parents, George and Eva Faler, to Ohio, and located in Perry County. In 1830 he married Miss Elizabeth, daughter of Daniel and Susannah Berket, of Perry County, where she was born in July, 1812. In June, 1836, Mr. and Mrs. Faler came to Shelby County, purchased, made improvements, and settled on the east half of the N. W. quarter of section 27, Dinsmore Township, on which he has since resided. His companion died March 10, 1879. He reared a family of seven children: Christopher, George, John, Susannah, Mary, Elizabeth, and Catharine. John Faler died Nov. 27, 1874.

son of Philip and Dorothy Brideweeser, was born in Dinsmore Township, this county, Feb. 19, 1843. On the 17th of March, 1867, he married Miss Mary, daughter of Christian and Mary Fogt, of Franklin Township, where she was born March 17, 1837. Mr. and Mrs. B. settled on eightYacres of land in section 21, Dinsmore Township, on which they lived until 1874, when he traded his farm in section 21 for the farm in section 28, same township, on which he moved his family and has since resided. His companion died Feb. 12, 1879, leaving him with a family of six children, five of whom are now living, viz., Sophia C., Mary A. D., Christopher M., George E., and Joseph V. Mr. B. has made farming his principal avocation, which he has conducted with success.

son of Christian E. and Mary Fogt, was born in Franklin Township, this county, April 30, 1842. He received a common school education. He has made farming his principal vocation, and now owns a good farm of one hundred acres in Dinsmore Township. In 1879 he invented the Hay Rake, known as the Automatic Sulky Rake (or self-dumping rake). He received the patent on his invention Feb. 24, 1880; since that time a number of the rakes have been manufactured by The Sidney Agricultural Works and sold to farmers in different parts of Shelby and adjoining counties, which is giving entire satisfaction to the parties using them. Jan. 5, 1865, he married Miss Harriet, daughter of Thomas and Elizabeth Ragan, born May 6, 1849. Mr. and Mrs. Fogt settled on a farm in Dinsmore Township, and have since been citizens of the township. In 1876 he purchased a farm in section 29, on which they have since resided. They have six children - two sons and four daughters.

deceased, was bom in Baden, Germany, Dec. 14, 1809. He emigrated to America in 1833, and located in Shelby County, O. On the 23d of Dec. 1839, he married Miss Mary Boyer, then of Shelby County, but a native of Berks County, Pa., where she was born Dec. 14, 1821. Mr. and Mrs. Fogt settled on the farm in section 34, Franklin Township, now owned and occupied by their son, C. Fogt, Jr., on which they lived until the spring of 1881, when they moved to Anna, where he died March 18, 1882. They reared a family of seven children, viz., Christina A., John B., Lucinda, George W., Mary A., Christian E., and Samuel F., all of whom are now living except Mary A., who died in February, 1879.

was born in Hanover County, Virginia, December 21, 1823, where he passed his minority days. He is a son of John and Mary Flesher. He is a millwright and house-carpenter by trade, which, in connection with farming, has been his avocation. In 1870 he retired from his trade, and has since given his attention to farming, which he has conducted with success, and now own3 a good farm in Dlnsmore Township. On the 24th of September, 1864, lie enlisted in Company II, 29th O. V. V. I., 2d division. 20th Army Corps. He was with Sherman on his march to the sea. He was discharged at Washington, D. C., June 5, 1865, and returned to his home. Tn 1847 became to Shelby County, and made his home with Daniel Flesher in Dinsmore Township. January 20, 1850, he married Miss Delila Slagle, then of Champaign County, but a native of Virginia, where she was bprn March 18, 1827. Mr. and Mrs. Flesher settled on the east half of the southwest quarter of section 57, Dinsmore Township, remained three years, when they moved to Champaign County, Ohio; remained three years, moved to Logan County, but 1857 again found them located in Dinsmore Township, this county, where they lived until 1868, when they moved back to Logan County, remained two years, when they returned to this county, and settled in Dinsmore Township, where he has since resided. His companion departed this life June 18, 1881. He reared one child, viz., Elizabeth, now Mrs. Wilson Dill, who resides in Dinsmore Township, with whom Mr. Flesher is now making his home.

Mr. Hagelberger was born in France April 13, 1827. He is a son of Philip J. and Julian Hagelberger, who were natives of France. In the fall of 1833, they emigrated with their family to America, landing in New York City, remained about six weeks, when they came to Shelby County, Ohio, and settled on 240 acres of land in section 8, Dinsmore Township, on which they spent the remainder of their days. Philip J. Hagelberger died in June, 1837, aged fifty-four years. His companion survived him until September, 1847, aged sixty-four years, when her spirit took its flight. They reared a family of five children, viz., Catharine, Philip, Peter, Julian, and Balser. Peter and Balser are the only ones of the family that are now living.

Balser Hagelberger, subject of this sketch, came to America in 1833, and settled in Dinsmore Township, where he spent his minority days on the farm with his parents. In October, 1854, he married Miss Frederica Fogt, daughter of George and Julian Fogt. Miss Fogt was born in Baden, Germany, March 4, 1834, and came to America with her parents in 1844, and located in Franklin Township, Shelby County, Ohio. Mr. and Mrs. Hagelberger settled on a farm in section 8, Dinsmore Township, where they remained and followed farming until January, 1882, when they left their farm, moved to Anna, and are now living a retired life. They reared a family of six children, viz., Julian, George, Jacob, Samuel, William, and Sophia.

son of Philip J. and Julian Hagelberger, was born in France June 18, 1820. He emigrated to America with his parents in the autumn of 1833, and located in Dinsmore Township, Shelby Count}-, on the farm in section 8, on which he has since resided, making farming his principal avocation. He now owns 287 acres of good land: On the 10th of October, 1849, he married Miss Caroline Kali, daughter of Christian and Julia Kali, then of Shelby County, but a native of Baden, Germany, where she was born September 8, 1828, and came to America with her father in 1848. By this union they reared a family of six children, viz., Julian, Caroline, Mary, Christopher, Phebe, and Louisa.

son of George and Eve Clinehens, was born in Dinsmore Township, this county, February 14, 1855. He received a common school education; also attended the union school at Sidney one year, and then three years at Lebanon, Ohio. In 1877 he began the study of medicine under the tutorage of Dr. Le Fevre, ol' Anna. He attended lectures at Cincinnati, and graduated in the class of 1880, at the Cincinnati College of Medicine and Surgery. In March, 1881, he located at Botkins, where he has since been engaged in the practice of medicine. March 30, 1879, he married Miss Lou E. Weatherhead, of Miami County, Ohio, where she was born December 15, 1862, by whom he has one child, vjz., Ilolla H.

deceased, was born in Greene County, Ohio, July 10, 1843. He was a son of Daniel and Elizabeth Flesher, who came to Shelby County in 1847, and settled on the east half of the southwest quarter of section 27, where they passed the remainder of their days. Mrs. Flesher died September 28, 1856. Mr. Flesher died September 15, 1856.

William B. Flesher, subject of this sketch, came with his parents to Dinsmore Township, this county, in 1847. On the 31st of July, 1862, he enlisted in Company C, 99lh 0. V. L, served his country faithfully until after the close of the war, and was honorably discharged from the service May 18, 1865. On the 1st of January, 1866, he married Miss Caroline, daughter of Lewis and Sarah Kak. Mr. and Mrs. William B. Flesher settled on his father's home farm, remained about two years, when he purchased and moved on the farm in section 21, Dinsmore Township, on which he died April 1, 1877, leaving his companion with three small children, viz., Ida M., Lula S., and Clora, and many friends to mourn the loss of a kind husband, an indulgent father, and a good citizen.

was born near Reading, Pennsylvania, October 11, 1818. When he had attained the age of six years, or in 1824, his parents, Philip and Elizabeth Good, moved to Virginia, and located thirteen miles north of Richmond, where they remained until August, 1832, when they moved to '| Ohio, stopped in Greene Count}- one year, and in August, 1833, they came to Shelby County, entered, and settled on the east half of the southwest quarter of section 27, Dinsmore Township, on which they lived until 1823, when they moved to Wabash, Indiana, where they passed the remainder of their days.

Benjamin Good, subject of this sketch, came to Shelby County with his parents in 1833, and has since been a citizen of the township. On the 3d of October, 1847, he married Miss Sarah, daughter of John and Mary M. Munch. Miss Munch was born in Greene County, Ohio, December 13, 1824, and came to Shelby County with her parents in 1832. Mr. and Mrs. Good .settled on the north half of the northwest quarter of section 21, on which he has since resided. They have a family of six children, viz., John M., William n., Mary M., Nancy J., Benjamin F., and Samuel E. Mr. Good has made farming his business, and now owns a farm of eighty acres.

was born in Germany April 27, 1813. He is a son of Henry and Margaret Fey. He is a stonemason by trade, which, in connection with forming, has been his business through life. In 1838 he married Miss Anna C. Aberhardt, of Germany, born September 25, 1803. Mr. and Mrs. Fey remained in their native country until in 1847, when they, with two children, emigrated to America and located in Buffalo, N. Y., remaining until 1848, when they came to Shelby County, Ohio, and settled in Dinsmore Township. Since his settlement in this township he has given the greater part of his time to forming, which he has conducted with success, and now owns a good farm of 140 acres, in section 21, on which he has resided since March 29, 1866. His companion died December 13, 1876. He reared a family of two children, viz., Henry and Christian. He served two years in the German army.