Dudley Township (part 1 of 3)

Dudley Township

twenty years' residence here, removed to Missouri. Mr. Lownes was a man of character, a good and reliable citizen, and served this township as Trustee many years.

David Ward was a native of England, but emigrated to America when a young single man, and came to Marion County, Ohio, where he married Margaret Pangburn, and in December, 1836, settled on land in Section 12, of Dudley Township, Hardin County, where he resided till his death. Mr. Ward kept a " tavern " on his place about twenty-five years. He was a good neighbor and a valued citizen, kind and generous, yet a keen, shrewd [ business man, and acquired a large amount of property, owning 700 acres ^ of fine land. His wife still survives, and resides upon the old homestead' place. Their children were Joseph, John, Vesta, Henrietta, Harriet, George and David, and two who died in childhood.

We will now make mention of some of the first settlers on the Virginia military lands on the south side of the Scioto. It is believed that the first ' to break the quietude of the forest here was James Peaver, a native of Ohio, who settled on land now owned by Waraock Williams, about 1830 ! or 1831, where he cleared up a good farm with good improvements, but finally sold his place and located on the Kenton & Marysville pike, where he died, and his remains now rest in the Mentzer Cemetery.

Henry Jackson, a native of Clermont County, Ohio, became an early resident of Madison County, where he married Mary Latimore. In the spring of 1834, he removed to this county and settled on land now owned by Robert Thompson. Here he resided till his death, August 14, 1845, aged forty years. His wife survived him, and died May 24, 1881, aged seventy-seven years. Their children were William, John, Angeline, Sarah Jane, Margaret Jane, Lydia Ann, George, Precilla and Martha Ann.

Henry Burris also came from Madison County, where he married Hester Latimore, and settled on the Robert Thompson place, where he died. Their children were Margaret, Elizabeth, Frank, Mary, William, Rebecca, Martha, Amanda, John, Henry, Rachel and Sarah - all living but three, Frank, William and Sarah; and all are married and settled in life, and are prosperous and worthy citizens.

George Thurman came from Highland County, Ohio, and settled on land where his son, Zachariah, now lives, in 1834, where he died. Their children were Joel, Mary, Rebecca, William, Jane, Mahala, Matilda and Zachariah; all are living and residents of this county.

John Car came from Madison County, where he married Sarah Latimore. In 1835, he located on the place now owned by Andrew Miller, where they resided several years, thence removed to Iowa, where they died.

John Latimore, a native of Kentucky, but raised principally in Clermont County, Ohio, where he married Margaret Horner, settled in Madison County, about 1818. In fhe fall of 1836, they removed to Hardin County and located on the south side of the Scioto, opposite the Judge Wheeler place, and remained a resident of the township till his death in 1857. His wife died about 1853. Mr. Latimore was a soldier in the war of 1812, and passed through Dudley Township, with Gen. Shelby's troops in 1813. He was the father of the following children: Mary, Hester, Elizabeth (who married Henry Shanks, is now a widow and resides in Iowa),

Sarah, Fraccie (-who Bcarrietl Arminta EichardBon, and is still a resident of this township), Lewis, John (who enlisted in the war of the rebellion, and was killed in the battle at Gettysburg), Nancy, Martha, Amanda, Jesse, Samuel and James Alexander, all of whom are deceased, except Elizabeth and Francis; the latter has made a continued residence upon the place where he now lives since the spring of 1837. He has had a family of ten children, who all grew to maturity, all married and settled in life, and are all still living, prosperous, worthy citizens.

Thomas Bramble, a native of the State of Delaware, with his family, of vhom were "William and Thomas, two sons, settled on land on the south bank of the Scioto, where the father died at the advanced age of one hundred and seven years. The son William is still a resident of this township, now aged eighty-nine years.

It appears that Anthony Banning came into Dudley Township from Knox County, Ohio, prospecting for land, in 1833, and having selected his location, returned for his family. Mr. Banning was soon after taken sick and died, leaving his widow with a large family of children. About 1836 or 1837, she, with her family, removed to this township and settled upon the land selected by Mr. Banning, and here, in the almost unbroken wilderness, reared her children, who, in return, became helpers in subduing the mighty forests, cultivating the fields and rearing a home, right out of the wilds, which was made " to blossom as the rose" and yield to them the comforts and pleasures of life. Although the mother has long since passed to that "undiscovered country, from whose bourn no traveler returns," yet several of her Qhildren are still residents of this township and county, and are among its most honored and worthy citizens. One of her sons - Anthony - a namesake of his father, who now resides in Kenton, served as Treasurer of the county from 1861 to 1863, and was Probate Judge from 1867 to 1870.

"William C. Hampton was born in Bridgetown, now the city of Eahway, Union Co., N. J. His father, Joseph Hampton, was a native of England and a brother of the noted Wade Hampton, of South Carolina. William C. received from the hand of his father a good liberal education, and early manifested a natural taste and talent for drawing, painting and perspective. At the age of eighteen years, he was placed as a student with the New England Bank Note Company, situated in the Merchants' Ex- ! change on Wall street, New York, where he showed such tact and ability that he was soon employed on a salary, though small at first, yet at the end of three years was employed as their designer for three years for $4,000.

At the expiration of this time, a great fire occurred by which the company were burned out, and the prospects and course of Mr. Hampton's life were entirely changed, the result of which was that, in the summer of 1836, he emigrated to Ohio and settled right in the woods of Dudley Township, on the land where he still resides. Unaccustomed to manual labor and unac- j quainted with pioneer or even farm life, here he began the, to many, dis- j couraging work of opening out and making a home and a farm right from 1 the green woods. He has now been a resident here for forty-seven years, J has a fine farm of 253 acres, and seems to enjoy well the pleasures of rural j life. He has taken great interest in the cultivation of fruits and orna- | mental trees, flowers and shrubbery; has been greatly interested in and | spent much time at the study of botany, and is one of the experienced florists and botanical collectors of Hardin County. i

William and Abraham Mathews, two brothers, natives of New York, who, it appears, came to Ohio about the same time as Mr. Hampton, settled on the same tract of land. Subsequently they purchased land. William Mathews is still a resident of the township, in which he has served as Justice of the Peace. Abraham subsequently returned to his native State, where a few years ago he died.

Elections And Officials

The first election was held in the fall of 1834. The Judges at this election were Joshua Cope, Sr., Asa Davis and Abram Jones. There were twenty votes cast, ten for Lucas and ten for McArthur, for Governor of Ohio. The township records are not to be found prior to the year 1839, for which, and all years since that, the officials have been as follows:

Trustees - 1839, John W. Edgar, Anson M Clement and Elias L. Lownes; 1840, John W. Edgar, Thomas Bodine and Joshua Cope; 1841, William Carter, David Ward and Hanson Roby; 1842, David Clement, David Ward and William Carter; 1843, Samuel Hopkins, E. L, Lownes and Wiiliam Carter; 1844-45, William Yonng, E. L. Lownes and Ephraim McLain; 1846 to 1848, W. C. Hampton, Albert Dean and S. C. Smith; 1849, J. C. Smith, W. C. Hampton and E. L. Lownes; 1850-51, E. L. Lownes, Samuel Hopkins and David Ward; 1852, Paul E. Davis, B. L. Boynton and Anthony Banning; 1853, Peter Johnson, Benjamin Kelly and E. Davis; 1854, Benjamin Kelly, W. C. Hampton and Elijah Davis; 1855, Benjamin Kelly, Hanson Roby and W. C. Hampton; 1856, Hanson Roby, E. L. Lownes and W. Mathews; 1857, E. L. Lownes, Jesse Williams and Samuel Hinton; 1858, William Lee, Samuel Hinton and Joseph Wheeler; 1859, William Lee, Anthony Banning and Benjamin Kelly; 1860-61, William Harriman, Amos Wheeler and David Ward; 1862, Joseph Morison, Joshua Cope and W. D. F. Mathews; 1863, W. D. F. Mathews, Anderson Morison and Joshua Cope: 1864, Joshua Cope, William Lee and Edward Kelly; 1865, Joshua Cope, James Morison and Edward Kelly; 1866, Nathan Smith, Joseph Morison and Elijah Davis; 1867, Elijah Davis, James Morison and Alonzo Harvey; 1868, William Lee, James Morison and Amos Wheeler; 1869, James Morison, Joshua Cope and Joseph T. Ellyson; 1870, Joseph T. Ellyson, William Lee and Israel Brobeck; 1871, William Lee, Israel Brobeck and Edward Kelly; 1872, Edward Kelly, Israel Brobeck and A. AV. Burnison; 1873, A. W. Burnison, Thomas Ballinger and James E. Smith; 1875, Anson Clement, William H. Davis aud Ira Williams; 1876, William H. Davis, A. W. Burnison and J. C. Marshall; 1877, George Banniug, George W. Wright, and James H. Linger; 1878, William H. Davis, Peter W. Lame and T. R. Young; 1879, J. C. Marshall, John B. King and John Burris; 1880, Thomas Kearse, S. H. Cook and John Burris; 1881, Joshua Cope, Thomas Kearse and William Hinds; 1882, William Hinds, S. M. Smith and Joshua Cope. Clerks: 1839, Asa Davis; 1840, Portius Wheeler; 1841, Alexander Young; 1842 to 1844, John G. Marks; 1845 to 1848, John Wheeler; 1849, William AVilliams; 1850 to 1852, Miles Vanfleet; 1853-54, E. C. McLain; 1855. Amos Wheeler; 1856, P. J. Picket; 1857-58, Isaac Roby; 1859, R. D. Morison; 1860 to 1864, Joseph T. Ward; 1865 to 1877, Anderson Williams; 1878- 79, S. G. Harriman; 1880 to 1882, Ai. M. Thompson.

Eoads And Pikes

This township is generally well supplied with gravel for constructing gravel roads, but as yet it has not been brought into very extensive use for this purpose. There are an abundance of roads coursingtin almost all directions through the township, but are all mud roads except two. The Kenton & Marion pike has been built several years, and is an excellent road.

Of more recent construction is the pike from Mount Victory, connecting with the first mentioned pike at the Judge Wheeler place. Other roads need graveling, and doubtless will receive the attention of the people to that end, erelong. The township has one railroad, recently completed, the Atlantic & Pacific, which passes east and west through the township on the north side of the Scioto River, along its valley to Kenton. On the j south half of Section 10, on the farm of Mr. Hopkins, is a fine gravel bank, i and while constructing the railroad, which runs through this farm, the ! company tried to buy a few acres of this gravel for their use, but, as it was f in the central portion of the farm, Mr. Hopkins would not sell it, and i finally the company bought the whole farm, lying south of the Kenton & | Marion pike. Here they have erected a depot and established a regular [I station. They have platted and laid out a portion of the farm into lots, (L streets and alleys, for a town. As there is no town or village within the j i township, we have no doubt that their project will meet with favor and sue- f ' cess, and the establishment of a town and post office here, with the various i branches of mercantile and mechanical industries, will be of great advan- j 1 tage and convenience to the surrounding community. ! j

The first schoolhouse erected in Dudley Township was on the place of j , one of its first settlers - Moses Dudley. This was of the most primitive ( kind - round log, stick and mud chimney, puncheon floor, slab seats and j | greased paper windows. The first teacher was Hampton Wood and the j second Benjamin Boynton. Soon after, che schoolhouse known as the j;j Kelly Schoolhouse was built, constructed in the same rough, primitive { manner. And thus, from settlement to settlement, from time to time, sprang | forth the pioneer schoolhouses; and as wealth and comfort were vouchsafed g to the people, the rude log houses were replaced with good, neat and com- f j fortable frame houses, until now (1883) the township is divided into ten f[ | sub- school districts, with an equal number of good schoolhouses. Theto-|| jj tal receipts of the township for the year 1882 for school purposes were | $3,384.34; total expenditures for the same year, $3,116.21; balance on hand } g September 1, 1882, $235.13; average wages of male teachers, $34; average ' g wages of female teachers, $24; average number of weeks, schools were in | g, session, twenty -seven; number of teachers necessary to supply schools, ten; | jj total value of school property, $10,000. I

The first to effect a religious organization here were the Free-Will Baptists. At the house of William Salmon, in 1834, Rev. David Dudley organized a church with the following seven constituent members: William Salmon and wife Mary, Asa Davis and wife Jane, John G. Marks and wife Jane, and a Mrs. Gardner. Their meetings and services were held in private houses and in schoolhouses until about 1866-67, when, as maay had died and others moved away, the membership had become so reduced that services were discontinued, and the}'' ceased to exist as an organization. The following ministers served this church as its pastors: Revs. David

Dudley, Isaac Dodson, Aaron Hatch, George Baker, Kendal Higgins, John Wallace, Mr. Cope, O. E. Baker, James Aldrich and D. D. Halstead. John G. Marks aad Benjamin Boyntoa served the church as its clerks.

Pisgah Methodist Episcopal Church. - It is thought by some that this society was organized prior to the above Free-Will Baptist, but whichever was first, it is evident they were both organized near the same time, and perhaps in the same year. The first class of this society consisted of Solomon Goss and wife, Uriah Williams, Mary Williams, William Williams and wife, Sarah Young, Elizabeth Elzy, Josiah Roby and wife, Matilda Roby, Mary Ann Roby, Daniel Cable and wife, Abel Allen and Rebecca Alien, with Josiah Roby as leader. Their meetings were held in private houses and schoolhouses until the spring of 1843, when they erected a hewed log house, 25x30 feet, for church purposes. This house served them till about 1858. The present frame edifice was erected at a cost of about $1,000, and the same was dedicated to service. The erection and dedication of this house was accomplished during the services of Rev. James DeLiel as pastor. Among the early pastors of this church were Revs. Harvey Camp, Mr. Nation, Archibald Fleming, Samuel Shaw, Mr. Bell, Mr. Day, Mr. Wareham, Mr. Bissell, Mr. Welch, William Boggs, Samuel Boggs, Mr. Ray, Mr. Roberts and Mr. Mathers. Early Class Leaders were Josiah Roby, Daniel Cable, William Plugh, Henry Badley, Hanson Roby and William Williams. At one time, this church reached a membership of about sixty. Sickness and death and moving away have decimated their numbers, till at the present time they have a membership of about thirty, with Jefferson Williams as pastor and Solomon Cook as Class Leader. They early established a Sabbath school, which was conducted through the summer seasons for many years, with good attendance, but of late years it has greatly decreased in attendance and interest.

Reinhart Chapel, Methodist Episcopal, was organized in 1839 by Rev. Enos Holmes, at the old log schoolhouse. The class consisted of Francis Latimore, Araminta Latimore, Henry Jackson, Mary Jackson, Henry Bui'- ris, Hester Burris, Frederick Kemper, Jane Kemper, Henry Shanks and Elizabeth Shanks. They held services in the old schoolhouse till it was burned down, then they were held at the house of Francis Latimore. Subsequently, a new schoolhouse was erected, in which they held services until the summer of 1873, when the present frame edifice was erected for church purposes at a cost of $1,400. The house was dedicated to service in August of the same year, Rev. Thomas Harvey Wilson preaching the dedicatory sermon. The following have served as pastors: Revs. Enos

Clement, William LaMaster, Leonard Cook, Mr. Bowers, and Joshua ' Longfellow; Class Leaders, Henry Jackson, Frederick Kemper, Joseph | Munger and John Smith. Present membership, about sixty-tive, with Eev. j William Day as pastor, and Thomas Ballinger and Frederick Kemper as !

Sabbath school was organized about 1850, and has been continued through the summer seasons ever since, with good interest and attendance, averag- ; ing about sixty-five, with Thomas Ballinger as Superintendent. i

Otterbein United Brethren in Christ. - This church was organized in ! March, 1850, by Rev. Robert Weeks, at the house of Benjamin Kelly. The class consisted of the following persons: James H. Lingo, Emeline Lingo, Benjamin Kelly, Martha Kelly, Benjamin Kelly, Jr., William Kelly, Isabel Kelly, Henry Burris, Hettie Burris, Margaret Burris, John Latimore, Sarah Latimore, Francis Latimore, Frederick Kemper, Jane Kemper, Sarah Kemper, Sanford Kemper, Henry Shanks, Elizabeth Shanks, and others, to the number of about thircy. Services were held in the Kelly Schoolhouse until the summer of 1875, when the present frame church edifice was erected at a cost of about 11,400, and the house was dedicated in Angust of. the same year. Bishop Weaver preaching the dedicatory sermon. The following have served as pastors: Revs. Robert Weeks, Mr. Powell, P. P.

Landon, Mr. Lay, F. B. Hendricks, Mr. Forbes, Samuel Fairfield, Mr. Marks, Mr. Hall, Thomas Downey, T. W. Hughs, C. Bodey, James Wilkinson, Jacob Kiracofe, Reuben Moore, J. W. Wentz, Jacob Parthamore, David I Davis and J. C. Montgomery. Class Leaders, Benjamin Kelly, James j H. Lingo, John Thompson. Parker Lee, Samuel Linton, Oscar N. Harvey II and James Lingo, Jr. Present membership, 116, with J. C. Montgomery | as pastor and Samuel Marshall as Class Leader; Trustees, Joseph Kelly, j John Kinney and James H. Lingo. A Sabbath school was established soon after the organization of the church, and has been continued through the summer seasons to the present, with good attendance, averaging about sixty, with Vincent Kinney as Superintendent.

There are three established places of interment in Dudley Township, j The first was the one now known as the Lee Cemetery, which is located on i the Kenton & Marion pike, in Section 9. The ground was donated by John I Henry, and contains about one acre of ground, pleasantly located on a high, elevated position, and is now and has been, for several years, in the I care of the Trustees of the township. This was dedicated to use by the j reception of the body of Samuel Codner, who died March 30, 1833, since which, it has received the mortal remains of many of the early settlers and others of this neighborhood and vicinity. The next established, was the one located about one mile and a half west of the Lee Cemetery, also on the Kenton pike on Section 8. This is smaller in size, but is also in care of the Trustees. The third is the Otterbein Cemetery, situated on the west | and adjoining the Otterbein United Brethren Church. This consists of one acre of ground, which was donated to the church by John Latimore in 1850. It remained in care of the Trustees of the church till about 1866-67, [ when they deeded it to the Trustees of the township, who have surrounded I it with a good substantial board fence, and, under whose supervision, it is | now expected it will receive due care. The first to be interred here was a | child of a Mr. Hockingberry. '

A little more than fifty years ago, the territory now embraced in the boundary lines of what is known and designated as Goshen Township, and which now contains so many beautiful farms and fine improvements, was all a dense forest, inhabited by wild beasts, and not a trace of a whitesettler within its precincts. The ring of the woodman's ax had not yet disturbed the wild beast in his lair, and the hunter and trapper had full and undisputed sway. What a change in so short a period! Although there is still an abundance of wood and timber for all practical purposes, yet thousands of acres of land have been cleared by the brawny arms of the sturdy pioneers, and now among the finest cultivated farms of Hardin County.

This township was organized in the spring of 1834, but as the county records, showing the acts of the Comnlissioners in organizing this township, were destroyed by fire, in 1853, and as the records of the township are preserved only since 1839, wo are unable, from any records, to describe the original boundary lines. But it is known that at first it embraced more territory than now, as nine sections were, in 1845, attached to Wyandot County. The township is all embraced in the " Congress Lands,'\ as the territory all lies north of the Scioto River. As it is now constituted, it embraces twenty-seven sections, or 17,280 acres. It is bounded as follows: On the north, by Jackson Township and Wyandot County; on the east, by Wyandot and Marion Counties; on the south, by Dudley Township, and on the west by Pleasant Township. It is said to have received its name on account of the exceeding richness of its soil, and the vast quantities of honey produced by wild bees - in comparison to the Goshen of oriental fame.

Physical Features

There are no large streams within this territory; two or three branches of theTymochtee pass through or take their rise in this township, flowing in a northeast direction into Wyandot County, and empty into the main stream. In the southern part of the township is Paw-Paw Run, which takes its rise in Section 32, on the farm of N. Heil, and takes a general eastern course into Marion County. These are small streams, insufficient for mills or manufacturing purposes, but help to furnish a supply of water for stock, and as outlets for ditching and tiling, so necessary to prepare the lands in this section of country for successful farming.

The surface is generally level, with some localities slightly undulating. By the general course of the streams, it is apparent that the southwest portion of the township possesses the highest elevation, although the slope to the north and east is so gradual that the traveler passing over the country could scarcely observe any variation, but would think the surface a broad, level expanse, with here and there portions slightly undulating.

The soil is very deep and rich, a gr^at portion of which is a black loam, and the balance a clay soil. It is generally embedded in a blue clay subsoil, of variable depth, under which is found sand or gravel. Thus constituted, it is capable of perfect saturation, and in very wet seasons the suo- cess of the crop depends upon good drainage. When the owners of the lands have completely perfected a thorough system of drainage, by ditching and tiling - which they are now rapidly accomplishing - this township will probably equal, if not excel, any township in the county, with the same number of acres, in its production of wheat, oats, corn and hay, to the raising of which the farmers are giving their principal attention, together with stock-raising. To the latter business the country is peculiarly adapted, producing a luxuriant growth of grass, and well watered, which gives it a prestige; and this business will, without doubt, become a pleasant and leading branch of business with the best farmers of this township.

This is entirely a rural township - not a town or village within its limits, no store or post office, and no mills or manufacturing, except occasionally a portable saw mill, which performs the work desired in one locality, then removes to another neighborhood; hence agriculture is the only and exclusive emploj^ment of the people.

From the above description of the physical features of Goshen Township, it would be nafural to suppose that it would hold out superior attractions to the pioneers of our country to locate in its domain, and open out and prepare homes for themselves and their families. And thus it appears to have been. The course of immigration was principally by the Ohio River and its tributaries, following up the Scioto with its beautiful valleys and rich lands, and taking up the most valuable and attractive; finally, about 1882, the current of immigration reached the heavy forests and rich lands of this township. The land here was originally very heavily timbered, consisting principally of the different varieties of oak, ash, maple, hickory and elm, with some sycamore and walnut, and large quantities of beech. There were other kinds of timber, but the above were the prevailing varieties.

For the settler entering in the midst of these forests, to make a farm and obtain the comforts and conveniences of a home, required years of toil and labor. Of these toils, hardships aud dangers, which these worthy sires endured, how little we know, and how diminutive our appreciation of them!

Early Settlers

As stated above, about 1832, we find the first permanent settlers locating in this township. Of some of these, we make the following mention; and we would here state, that after the settlers commenced to locate here the flow of immigration was rapid, and in less than twenty years - or in 1850 - the census gave a population of 490. In 1860, it had almost doubled, the population then being 894. Again, in 1870, it reached 928, and in 1880, there were 1,080. From these statistics, it will be seen that during the decade from 1850 to 1860 the immigration was unprecedented.

Samuel Kelly, who, it is believed, was born in Pennsylvania, became a settler of this township in the winter of 1832-33, locating on the northeast quarter of Section 20, where his son, William A. Kelly, now resides. He remained here many years, but subsequently removed to Kansas, where he still resides at quite an advanced age. He was the father of three children, of whom but one now survives - William A., who, as mentioned above, resides on the old home place, and is a man highly esteemed for his moral worth and integrity, and has held many of the leading offices of his township.

Jonathan Mason, a native of Virginia, emigrated to Ohio, first settling in Fairfield County, and about 1832-33 removed to Hardin County, and located in what is now Goshen Township, on land now owned by Baker Latham, where several roads intersect, and which has been known for many years as Mason's Corners. Mr. Mason resided here till his death. He had the following children, viz. , John, Thomas, Charles, Wilson, Loyd and Jane. Mr. Mason was a man somewhat peculiar in his habits, never made any religious profession, but was a kind neighbor and esteemed citizen.

Alexander Pool, believed to be a native of Pennsylvania, was first a settler in Richland County, where he resided several years; thence, in the spring of 1833, settled in this township, located on land where he resided till his death in the spring of 1882, having made a residence here of fortynine years. Of his children, Mr. B. Pool resides on the old home place; John and William are residents of Kenton, where they are carrying on the I blacksmithing and wagon business.

Samuel McQuown, believed to be a native of Virginia, settled in this township about 1833-34, and was for several years well known as a devoted Presbyterian, a man of undoubted integrity and a much respected citizen. He died where he first located. Of his sons, Robert served several years as Township Clerk, James is a resident farmer of Pleasant Townsihp. and there were several others who moved away.

= in the northwest part of the township in the winter of 1832-33, where they resided till their death. They were good neighbors and citizens, and died " esteemed and respected by all who knew them. Of the children of George Butcher, Joel is now a resident of Pleasant Township; Evaline married E. Spitzer; Mary married Robert Coates, and others moved West. The surviving children of Jonas Butcher have all emigrated to the West.

John Garrett, a gentleman of Irish descent, came here from Pennsylvania and settled on land now owned by R. Frazer, in 1834, and remained a resident here till his death.

' Spear, James and John Hastings, with their father, settled in the southeast part of Goshen about 1833-34, where the father died. The sons' above-mentioned are still residents of the same locality, and are now among the wealthy and prominent farmers of this township. They began right in the dense forests, and by their own labor and industry have cleared up their lands, erected fine buildings and now have beautiful farms and pleasant ' homes.

Hugh Pugh settled on land now owned by R. -S. Latham, in 1834-35, and there resided till his death. He was a man of strict integrity, a member of the Presbyterian Church and a valued citizen. He was the father of several children, some of whom are dead, and the balance are all settled in the West.

Henry Cole came here from Fairfield County, Ohio, about 1834-35, and resided here many years, but subsequently removed to the west part of Hardin County, where he died. He was a member of the United Brethren Church.

George M. Cummins, a native of New Jersey, settled, in 1834-35, with his family on the northeast quarter of Section 22, where his son, Jacob S., now reides. He died on the place where he first located, a man of great moral worth and integrity. He had two children - Jacob S. and Mary Ann; the latter is now a resident of Michigan. Mr. Cummins died January 14, 1866.

Jeremiah Sims was born in Mifflin County, Penn., May 14, 1791; emigrated to Ohio, and* settled on the southwest quarter of Section 15, Goshen Township, in July, 1835, where he resided with his son John until his death.

He had five sons and three daughters, of whom four now survive - John, Catharine, Rebecca and Harriet. The son, John, who resides on the home place, erected a good house, and fitted up some rooms for his aged father, but the old gentleman refused to occupy them, preferring to live by himself in the old house. Mr. Sims was by trade a post and rail fence builder. | He commenced life a poor man, and by his own industry became quite wealthy. His long life was characterized by industry, integrity and uprightness, and he was a member of the Christian Church. There is a cir-' cumstance connected with Mr. Sims' life so unusual that we deem it worthy to be placed here on record. About the year 1840-41, a colt was sired on his farm, which he raised, and which became a favorite horse of his, and an animal of trust and value, with which he would not part for " love or money." This animal lived, and was cared for with the tenderest affection, till, in February, 1883, it died, aged forty-two years. . There are few, if any, records of horses living to such an extreme age. It is said that Mr. Sims drove the horse to Kenton and b,ack several times last summer - a distance of nine miles. During the last two months oE the life of this horse, he was mainly supported on apples, being unable to masticate the ordinar}'^ feed for horses. It is said that the old gentleman grieved exceedingly at the loss of this aged but faithful animal. Mr. Sims was, doubtless, the oldest man in Hardin County when he died.

William and Morris Baker, two brothers, natives of Virginia, emigrated with their families to Ohio, and settled in the northwest part of this township, about 1835-36, where they remained during the balance of their lives.

The former was a member of the Christian Church, and the latter of the Presbyterian. They both raised large families, many of whom are deceased; some moved West; James, a son of Morris Baker, resides in the township and owns a part of the old home place, and Rachel, his sister, was married to G. W. Armstrong, and resides in Kenton. j

Jacob Yauger was born in Pennsylvania January 18, 1799. He mar- | ried Charity Albertson, and emigrated to Holmes County, Ohio; thence, in | December, 1836, removed to this township and settled on the northwest i quarter of Section 22, on the land where his son William now resides. I Here Mr. Yauger opened out in the midst of a dense forest, and here re- | mained till his death. He died April 20, 1868. Mr. Yauger was a very plain, i unpretentious man, but whose veracity and integrity were beyond reproach, I and who had the esteem and confidence of his community to an almost un- j' limited extent. He served as Trustee of his township sixteen years, and as j; Treasurer twenty years. His family consisted of seven sons and two | daughters, of whom only two now survive - Elam R. and William; the lat- i ter resides upon the old home place, where his father first located, and j where, soon after their settlement, it was made the place of holding the I township elections, and where they continued to be held till the spring of i 1878, when the Trustees purchased a quarter of an acre of land off the f northwest corner of Mr. Yauger's farm, upon which they erected a township j house, where the elections have since been held. I

John Millar, a native of Scotland, emigrated to America in 1805, and settled in Muskingum County, Ohio, where he was united in marriage with Sarah Dickson, who was born in Ireland and emigrated to America in 1810. I

They were married in 1815. In 1836, they removed to Hardin County, locating on Sections 30 and 31, in Goshen Township. He became a prominent farmer of this township. He owned 500 acres of land and a home, well improved, at the time of his death, which occurred in 1851, in his sixty-seventh year. He raised a family of seven children - Thomas B., Eobert D., Jane, Agnes, James, Gracy and John D. Of these, Thomas B., Agnes and John D. are deceased; Jane married, and resides in Indiana; the others are all married, and reside in this county, are all prosperous, reliable and respected citizens, and have tilled many of the prominent offices of trust in the township and county. In 1851, Robert D. was elected Surveyor, and held that office until 1857. From 1861 to 1867, he was County Auditor. From 1868 to 1869, he was County Engineer for the construction of pikes and gravel roads. In 1876-77, he was again appointed, and served as Engineer, since which he has given his principal attention to his farm.

Mr. Hisey came from Belmont County to Hardin County about 1832- 33, and settled on land near the crossing of the pike on the township line between Goshen and Dudley Townships, and the State road running from Bellefontaine to Upper Sandusky, where he resided several years, but subsequently moved away. He was a preacher of marked ability, and quite a noted revivalist in the Free-Will Baptist Church.

Joseph Roseberry, who came from Marion County to this county, and settled on the State road near the McKendrick Methodist Episcopal Church, is believed to be the first settler to locate in the present precincts of Goshen Township, settling here as early as 1827-28. After remaining here a few years, he again moved back into Marion County, where he died.

In 1835-36, Harrison Barrett, who came here from Belmont County, Ohio, settled on the same tract of land upon which Mr. Joseph Roseberry resided, where he remained till his death. Two of his sons - Franklin and George - have married and settled in this township, and are among its prominent and reliable farmers.

John Adam Pfeiffer was born in Prussia, August 14, 1808, and came to Springtield, Ohio, in 1837 ; thence to Kenton, and to Goshen Township in

1840. He lost his wife in 1859, since which he has resided with his sons, George and Peter. His brother John came to Kenton two years before his arrival, and his brother George came to Springtield, where he married Sarah Shearer, and after residing there seven years removed to Goshen Township, where he now resides. Peter, son of the above John Adam Pfeiffer, married Sabille Wolf, a daughter of Jacob Wolf, of Pleasant Township.

Elections And Early Officials

The township records for the first four years after the erection of the township could not be found. The elections .were held at the house of Jacob Yauger, and, after his death, at the same place (then in possession of his son William) from the time soon after their settlement here until the spring of 1878, when the Trustees purchased one-quarter of an acre of land off the northwest corner of Mr. Yeager's farm, upon which they erected the present township house, whore the elections have since been held. The records of the township commence with the year 1839, since which the officials have been as follows:

Baker and John Kelly; 1844-45, Edward McGuigin, John Miller and Jacob Yauger; 1846, Jacob Yauger, Henry Shriver and Thomas Baker; 1847, Jacob Yauger, John Roberts and James Hastings; 1848, Henry Shriver, John Roberts and Edward McGuigin; 1849, Thomas Baker, Jacob Yauger and Edward McGuigin; 1850, Robert Dickson, Jacob Yauger and Henry Shriver; 1852, Isaac A. Robinson, George Butcher and Jacob Yauger; 1853, Jacob Yauger, James Hastings and W. H. Borland; 1854, Jacob Yauger, George Butcher and Edward McGuigin; 1855, Jacob Yauger, Jeremiah Sims and Elisha White; 1856, Jacob Yauger, W. H. Borland and Edward P. Bull; 1857, Jacob Yauger, W. H. Borland and John Roberts; 1858, Benjamin Boyce, James Hastings and Sheldon Latham;^ 1859, James Hastings, R. S. Latham and Adam Millar; I860, W. H. Bor-^ land, Edward McGuigin and Redman Coates; 1861, J. S. Bull, H. T. Roby and James Baker; 1862, Edward McGuigin, H. T. Roby and S. S. Bolenberg; 1863, wanting; 1864, George Pfeiffer, John Yauger and William Pugh; 1865, J. R. Millar, John Baker and Peter Pfeiffer; 1866, William J. Emmons, W. H. Borland and George Pfeiffer; 1867, William J. Emmons, W. S. Pugh and J. IT. Heilman; 1868, AVilliam J. Emmons, James M. Baker and Adam Millar; 1869, William J. Emmons. W. S. Pugh and Peter Pfeiffer; 1870, William S. Pugh, Peter Pfeiffer and J. M. Baker; 1871, W. A Kelly, G. W. Armstrong and James Hastings; 1872, James Hastings, C. Althouser and David Thompson; 1873, W. C. Ingman, W. J. Emmons and H. B. Latham; 1874, James Hastings, H. B. Latham and

Constables - 1839, Nicholas Allison; 1840, George H. Cummins; 1841, wanting; 1842-44, Henry Cole and Charles Polly; 1845, George M. Cummins and Henry Cole; 1846-47, George M. Cummins and Henry Cole; 1848, George M. Cummins and Spear Hastings; 1849-50, George M. Cummins and Elisha White; 18d1, AValker McFadden and George M. Cummins; 1852, Thomas Comstock and Adam Pfeiffer; 1853, George M. Cummins and Peter A. Robinson; 1854, George M. Cummins and William A. Kelly; 1855, George M. Cummins and Justus Rockwell; 1856, Peter A. Robinson and Justus Rockwell; 1857, Patrick Laughlin and William A. Kelly; 1858, E. L. Sanford and A. W. Buell; 1859, E. L. Sanford and R. Yauger; 1860, Peter A, Robinson and Joseph Cross; 1861, Joseph Cross

G. B. Sanford and William Borland; 1865, Andrew Coffman ; 1866, George Pfeiffer; 1867, James Robinson and JohnAVolf; 1868, J. P. Bower and P. Champlain; 1869, A. Brown and A. Starling; 1870, Adam Starling and P. Champlain; 1871, John Watson and H. C. Comstock; 1872, John AVat-

As there are no streams to furnish water-power in Goshen Township, we found no early-erected mills, as has been the result in some sections where pioneers found good water privileges. We do not learn that there was ever a grist mill in the township, and very few saw-mills, and these have mainly been of the portable kind, for temporary use at the various points where used. About 1848-50, Harrison Pool erected a steam saw-mill, on land now owned by Emmons' heirs. He was finally succeeded in the ownership of the mill by Josiah Roby, and he by James M. Bunce, who continued to run the mill till 1870, when the boiler became old and was condemned as unsafe; yet he continued to run it, when one day, in abovementioned year,his wife was serving as fireman and something taking place demanded them to stop the engine, and before ready to start the engine again, too much steam had been generated in the boiler for its strength, and it blew up, killing both Mr. Bunce and his wife. Thus terminated the only permanent steam mill ever established in the township.

Roads And Pikes

There is no railroad within this township. The first road that was cut through the original dense forests of this township was made by the soldiers during the war of 1812, over which the troops passed from Bellefontaine to Upper Sandusky, which is now known as the " Old State road," and passes diagonally through Sections 34, 26 and 24, from a southwest to a northeast course, and on this road were located some of the first settlers of this township. After 1830, settlers came into the township quite rapidly, and roads were soon cut out running in various directions, principally upon section lines, until now the supply of roads is abundant and ample. This township, however, has a limited supply of gravel for making pikes, and the result is, there are, we believe, but four graveled roads in the township, viz. : The Kenton & Marseilles, the Millar, the township line between

Dudley and Goshen, and the pike running east from the first-mentioned pike, starting at the Hopewell United Brethren Church. Not a single pike is yet built running north and south, although they are very much needed, as the deep, rich soil of these lands, in wet seasons, makes almost impassable mud roads. But as the farmers advance in wealth, with fine, improved farms and comfortable homes, their enterprise will move them to the graveling of the roads, and, with the superior soil and other advantages they possess, we may expect that erelong this will become one of the " banner " townships of the county.

The first school in the township was in a little round-log cabin, situated on Section 21, of the old, primitive kind, and the first teacher was Sloan

McQuown, about 1836-37. But as this township was settled up quite rapidly, also so rapidly the schools were multiplied, -and now (1883) it compares favorably, in the number and value of its schools and school - houses, with those of the other townships of the county.

Eeport of the Board of Education - -Balance on hand September 1, 1881, 11,121.79; State tax, 1544.50; irreducible school funds, $231.40; township tax for school and schoolhouse purposes, $1,638.83; amount received from Marion County, $180; fines, licenses, tuition of non-resident pupils, etc., $76.93; total, $3,793.45. Expenditures: Amount paid teachers in common schools, $1,615.50; amount paid for fuel and other contingent expenses, $691,52; total, $2,307.02. Balance on hand September 1, 1882, $1,486.43; number of schoolhouses in township, 8; number of teachers to supply schools, 8; average wages per month of male teachers, $35; average wages per month of female teachers, $23; average number of weeks schools were in session, 23; total value of school property, $8,000.

It appears that the religious element of this community took root, shape and form in the way of an organized body in the northeast part of this township, in that portion which has since been cut off and become a part of Wyandot County. There, a church was organized at quite an early day, but, by the erection of Wyandot County, in 1845, the territory embracing this church became a part of that county; hence, the full history of the society belongs to a history of Wyandot; but we have mentioned the fact of its early organization, as many of its members and ardent supporters were citizens of Goshen Township.

The first church to effect an organization within Goshen Township, as its boundary lines were established in 1840, was the Asbury Methodist Episcopal Church, situated on the northwest corner of Section 30, on the Kenton & Marseilles pike, near the west line of the township. A class was here organized about 1845, consisting of the following persons: David

Clayton and wife Mary, John Castor and wife Elizabeth. Paul Castor and wife Eleanor, David Ware and wife Samantha, John Looker and wife Lydia, Daniel Osborn and wife Dorothy, Thomas Miller and wife Margaret, John C. Castor and wife Elizabeth, and some of the children of the above, with, perhaps, a few others whose names are not now remembered. Their meetings and services were held in the Clayton Schoolhouse until the summer of 1859, when the present frame church edifice was erected at a oost of $1,300. The house was dedicated to service on Sabbath, the 5th day of June, 1859, Elder E. C. Gavitt preaching the dedicatory sermon. The principal ministers who have served this society since its organization are as follows: Revs. Joseph Good, Joshua Smith, Hamilton Bigley, Jacob Holmes, WAlliam J. Peck, Hiram M. Shaffer, Samuel Hagerman, Oscar E. Moore, Ira Jamison, W. S. Ray, James S. G. Reeder, Thomas Harvey Wilson, Daniel Carter, Isaac N. Kalb and Jason Young. Its Class Leaders have been as follows: John Castor, Paul Castor, John AVilmuth, John

Looker, T, B. Miller, Lewis Emmons, W. A. Kelly and John Maguea. The following have served as Stewards: John Castor, Paul Castor, WTlliam A.

Kelly and William P. Castor. The present Trustees are Lewis Emmons, Paul Castor and William A. Kelly. jPresent membership is about fifty-five. Soon after the organization of the church, a Sabbath school was established, and has been continued during the summer seasons ever since, with good attendance, and doubtless sowing seed which will spring forth and continue to bear precious fruit through ages yet untold. The average attendance last summer was about fifty, with William A, Kelly, Superintendent.

Hopewell United Brethren Church was organized in the spring of 1870, by Rev. Thomas McKinney. The following seven persons constituted the first class, viz.; J. R. Burnside and wife Loruhamah, S. P* Bolenbaugh and wife Catharine, Thomas Durnal and wife Hannah, and Adam Starling, with J. R. Barnside as Class Leader and S. P. Bolenbaugh as Steward. They held their meetings and services in the schoolhouse until the summer of 1872, when the present frame church edifice was erected at a cost of |800. The building was dedicated to service by Elder W. J. Shuey, of Dayton, who preached the dedicatory sermon September 8, 1872. The following ministers have served as pastors of this church, viz.: Revs. Thomas McKinney, J. W. Wagoner, T. W.

Hughes, William Kiracofe, R. W. Wilgus, C. Bodey, James Wilkison, Reuben Moore, J. W. Wentz, Jacob Kiracofe, Jacob Parthamore and J. C. Montgomery. As Stewards, S. P. Bolenbaugh, Thomas W. Durnal, Hollis James, Geddis Starner, John Spitzer, M. B. Burnside and Thomas Wetherell. Class Leaders, J. R. Burnside and Hezekiah Hemp. Present membership, sixty. The same summer after the organization of the church, a Sabbath school was organized, and has been continued through the summer seasons since, with an average attendance of about sixty; present Superintendent, J. R. Burnside.

McKendre Chapel, Methodist Episcopal Church. - The first class was organized by Rev. B. B. Powell, in 1858, and was connected with the Pisgah society, Marseilles charge. It consisted of the following persons: W. J.

Christena McFadden, P. A. Robinson, James Robinson, Ann Robinson, Eliza D. Wilson, E. J. Barrett, F. A. Clement, Purcell Sanford and wife, Emmerson Sanford and wife, Seldon Sanford and wife, George Sanford and John Haley, with W. J. Sanford as Class Leader. A meeting was held at the house of W. J. Sanford, December 13, 1858, at which time it was resolved to build a church edifice, and W. J. Emmons, L. Smalley and W. J. Sanford were appointed a committee to secure a deed for ground upon which to build. At the same meeting, the following persons were appointed trustees: H. Barrett, L. Smalley, P. A. Robinson, W. J. Sanford, L. Emmons, W. J. Emmons, J. Kneisly, W. W. McFaddin and G. L. Barrett. W. J. Sanford and Harrison Barrett donated the land, each one-fourth of an acre. A house was erected, 30x40 feet, at a cost of S900. The church was dedicated in February, 1860, by a sermon from Maxwell P. Gladdis, of the Cincinnati Conference, at which time $100 was raised, to complete the payment of the cost of the church, and it was given the name of McKendre Chapel. The following persons have served as Class Leaders: W. J. Sanford, W. J.

Emmons, AV. C. Ingman, L. Emmons, Henry Haynes, J. B. Humphrey, A. W. Burnison, Henry Hensel and I. S. Baker. The class was organized as a separate society, apart from the Pisgah society, by Rev. James DeLeil, in 1859, and was first recognized by the Marseilles charge in the quarterly conference, on July 29 of that year. The following pastors have served the society since its organization; Revs. James S. DeLeil, James Jackson, S. L. Roberts, John R. Colgan, D. D. S. Reah, William Boggs, John C. Castor, T. J. Mather, S. M. Boggs, F. Plumb, J. A. Wright, D. R. Cook, John

Born, Sr., Jacob Born, Jr., Jacob S. Born, John U. Born, John F. Casper, Samuel Frendiger, John N. Kellerhals, Casper Burkhalter, Jacob Magly, John G. Fisher, Peter McUeller, Jacob Pfeister, John M. Meyer, John N. Seiler and John Schoeneman, Sr. Services were held by both congregations at the old church, by mutual consent, until 1875, when, from existing circumstances, the members of the Salem congregation erected their | present church building, which was dedicated to service, November 14, j 1875, by Rev. J. G. Ruhl, who was then their pastor. The society was duly incorporated, January 10, 1876, and the articles of incorporation duly recorded at the office of the County Recorder. This society, with the congregations of Kenton and Forest, belong to the Heidelberg class of the Central Synod of the Reformed Church of the United States. The ministers who have served this church as its pastors have been Revs. William Renter, froDi 1860 to 1863; Gerhord Kuhlen, from 1864 to 1866; Carl Schaaf, from 1866 to 1869; Isaac Matzinger, from 1869 to 1871; Philip Ruhl, from 1871 to 1874; J. G. Ruhl, from 1874 to 1878; JohnHeberle, from 1879 to 1881. Since January, 1882, Rev. J. G. Ruhl, of Findlay, Ohio, has served the church, temporarily as its pastor. The Elders of the society have been Jacob Born, Jacob Pfeister, John Kimbelbein, Christian Daniels, John G. Fisher, John Sqhaffner,Chri stain Beeler, John F. Gasper, Benedict Kanel and W. H. Krimbelbein. Deacons: John G. Fisher, John Shafner, Jacob

Born, Jacob Magly, John F. Casper, John G. Born, Jacob Kenzig and Jacob Schoeneman. Present membership, 120; confirmed members, 53. Present officers - Elders: John F. Gasper and W. H. Krimbelbein. Deacons; Jacob Schoeneman. Jacob Kenzig and John Schoeneman, Sr., Trustees; Jacob Kenzig, Jacob Pfeister and John Schoeneman. Sabbath school was organized in the spring of 1875, with JoUn Schoeneman, Super- | intendent, Samuel Baker, Secretary, with an attendance of seventy and an average of fifty-six.

St. John's Lutheran Church was organized with the following constit- i uent male members, viz.; Adam Pfeiffer, George Pfeiffer, Christian Althouser, Adam Millar, Christian Daniels, Jacob Born, Samuel Strauser, Jacob Wolfe, John N. Kellerhouse, John Sherman, Jacob Born, Jr., John N. Born, John Pfeiffer, Sr., John Elsassor, Samuel Frediker, George Bishop, Jacob Feister and Louis Rannagier. They erected their present church building in 1850, which was duly dedicated to service. The follow- | ing ministers have served this church since its organization; Revs. Mr. j Herman, Mr. Kisler, Mr. Heifer, Mr. Betchler, Mr. Dimpler, Mr. Crusy, j Mr. Hembler, Mr. Surnadem, Mr. Diel, Mr. Munk, Mr. Sickle, and Mr. | Betz, who is the present pastor in charge. The present officers are George i Pfeiffer, John Shoefner, Nicholas Bloom and Peter Daniels. Its present ; members are as follows; John Blankner, Peter Pfeiffer, Louis Pfeiffer, ( George Pfeiffer, Jr., Henry Pfeiffer, Adam Pfeiffer, Jr., John Heilman, j Samuel Pfeiffer, George W. Althouser, Frederick Wolf, Andrew Briden- j stine, Thomas Ramgier, Henry Bouse, Frederick Shoefner, Casper Rader | and Rinehart Loubus. |

James R. Millar. Thomas B. Millar, George W. Ramge, Thomas Ramge, W. A. Kelly, John Haley, John Heilman, Jacob Pfeister, Peter Pfeiffer, Samuel Pfeiffer, Lewis Pfeiffer, John Stoll, David Swartz, Joel Russell, William Dickerson, Casper Stoll, Andrew Stoll, George Pfeiffer, D. K. Boyd, Joseph Cowen, John Cowen, Philip Daniels, Martha Millar, Ida Millar, Permelia Millar, Mrs. S. A. Boyd, Mrs. Martha Dikerson, Mrs. S. A. Haley, Margaret Kelly, Mrs. E. J. Kelly, Margaret Heilman and Rebecca Swartz. Officers: R. D. Millar, M. ; Joel Russell,. O. ; John Stoll, S. ; John Cowen, A. S. ; George Ramge, G. K. ; William A. Kelly, L. ; Thomas Ramge, Treas. ; John Haley, Sec,; Thomas B. Millar, Chap. ; Martha Millar, Po. ; Ida Millar, L. A. S. ; Permelia Millar, Flo.; Mrs. E. J, Kelly, Ceres. They held their meetings in the Millar Schoolhouse until the spring of IS77, when their present Grange Hall was erected - a frame building, 22x34 feet, containing three rooms. The society meets regularly every Tuesday evening. This has been a very pros perous society, increasing in membership and strength till it has become one of the largest and strongest Granges in the county. At one time it reached a membership of 100. Present membership, eighty-one. Present officers: Alonzo Dickson, M.; John Heilman, O. ; Lewis Dickson, S. ;

Lewis Emmons, A. S. ; Willis Hodge, G. K. ; Robert D. Millar, Sec.; C. B. Drum, Treas.; W. A. Kelly, Sec.; Mrs. R. D. Millar, Chap.; Mrs. W. A. Kelly, Po. ; Mattie Walters, Flo.; John Reeder, Cer., and Mattie Charlton, A. L. Sec.

This township is situated near the center of Hardin County, and is bounded on the north by Washington Township, on the east by Pleasant, on the south by the Scioto River, and on the west by Marion Township. It is six miles from east to west, and has an average breadth of about four miles from north to .south, containing twenty-two and a half square miles, or 14,400 acres, appraised in 1880 at $303,890, an average of $21.10 per acre, about onethird of its present cash value. In 1880, nearly one-half, viz., 6,587 acres, were reported as wood lands, 6,000 acres as plowed lands, and the balance, 1,814 acres, as meadow lands. The township is situated on the water-shed or backbone of the State, as the water from the southern part of the township finds its way to the Gulf of Mexico through the Scioto, Ohio and Mississippi Rivers, while the waters falling on the north part of the township find their way to the Gulf of the St. Lawrence, through the Blanchard, Hog Creek, the Maumee and the Great Lakes.

Soil, Timber, Products, Etc

The township is generally level, with gentle undulations, and with many small marshes - bear or buffalo wallows, as they are generally called - many of which are drained, and are very fertile. The whole township, with the exception of a little of the Scioto Marsh, wliich lies in the southwest corner, is susceptible of easy drainage. Considerable tile is already laid in the township.

The soil is a deep black vegetable mold, resting on a limestone clay subsoil. The stone is white or water limestone, but no quarries of good building stone, gravel or sand have been found in the township. Bowlders, or drift rock, are found scattered over the township, but not in such profusion as to be cumbersome.

The township was originally very heavily timbered, with the exception of ^ a few small prairies with elm, ash, beech, soft maple, sugar maple, hickory, basswood or lynn, burr oak, with some white oak, pine or Spanish oak, walnut and hackberry. Her forest is being very rapidly denuded, that her rich lands may be made available for the production of grain and grass.

The soil is well suited to the production of all the cereals, but wheat and | corn are the staple crops. The average yield of wheat, from 1870 to 1880, was j 15.42 bushels per acre, and of corn, for the same time, 36.6 bushels per acre. But with the drainage and better culture of the present, it may be inincreased very materially, if not almost doubled. The grasses all seem to do well ; clover and millet are most extensively cultivated, and clover-seed is quite generally raised for market. Cattle are only found in small herds, while hogs and sheep are more extensively raised. Some very nice droves of each are found, and a nice flock of sheep is seen on almost every farm.

There is probably no doubt that Charles Cessna was the first white settler j in what is now Cessna Township. He was a native of Coshocton County, Ohio, but came to this county and settled in the then wilderness of this township, locating on Section 12, in 1830, where he resided until his death. He was buried in the Salem Cemetery. He had a large family of children, some of whom were as follows ; Rachel, James, Jonathan, Rebecca and Colonel.

Isaac Gray was, perhaps, the second settler. He came here from Franklin County', Ohio, and settled in the west part of the township, on the borders of ; honest and worthy citizen, and a member of the Disciple Church. He was j twice married. By' his first wife, Catharine, he had the following children : ;

Thomas, Jesse, Johnson, James, Mary Ann, Gilbert, Adeline, Isaac, William i and Catharine. His second wife was a Miss Hamilton, by whom he had one ? child, Wesley. f

Daniel Trump came here from Licking County, Ohio, and settled near Mr. | Gray and close to the Marion Township line, in 1832-33. He married Sarah ' Walker. Their children were Abigail, Jacob, and others. After several J years' residence here, he removed with his family' to the West. Thomas f McGoldrick settled on Section 25, in 1832-33, but, after a few years, sold out i and moved away. j

Jacob Ryan came here from Coshocton County^, Ohio, and settled on the |i southwest quarter of Section 14, where he entered 120 acres in the fall of 1832. j He married Catharine Alkire, and resided on the place where he first settled till his death. His wife survived him, and died in Coshocton County, while m living with her daughter. Mr. Ryan was an excellent man, a good farmer, and [ highly' respected by all who knew him. He was the father of the following [ children : Mary, George, Christena, Nancy', Rachel, Susan, and two or three j who died young. |

Jacob Beem was born in Rockingham County, Va., September 9, 1785 ; i removed to Belmont County about 1803, where he married Elizabeth Me- j Millan, a native of Scotland ; subsequently they removed to several other j counties, and in 1833-34 came to Hardin County^, and settled on the north- j east quarter of Section 14, in this township, where he entered eighty acres of j land, opened out a farm, and made a good home, where he resided until his i death, August 12, 1872 His wife died August 21, 1866. Mr. Beem was a | soldier in the war of 1812. He was a true type of the honest old pioneer | farmer, and took great delight in hunting in those days of abundance of game. They were parents of eight children, of whom three now survive - James, Will- i iam and Sarah. The deceased were Elizabeth, Eda, Jemima, Hester and Gilman. |

Levi Mathews was born in Stark County, Ohio, January 20, 1811. He married Elizabeth Whetsel, who was born in Pickaway County, Februaiy 20, 1811. In May, 1834, they removed to this township and settled on the northeast quarter of Section 5, where he still lives and has resided a period of nearly half a century. His wife died in 1867. They had three children, viz.; Milton (deceased), Mortimer and Elmer. Jonathan Mathews, a brother of the above, came herein August, 1834, and settled on the northeast quarter of Section 7. He married Rebecca Donaldson in 1833, by whom he had the following children: Elizabeth J., William R., Phebe Ellen. Joseph, Melvin, Lovinia and Genevra. Mr. Mathews died in 1875. His wife still survives, and now resides in Ada. Smiley Mathews was born in Columbiana County, Ohio, and, in February, 1835, came here and settled on the southwest quarter of Section 5. He married Phebe Donaldson, and resided on this farm until his death, in 1868. His widow still survives him, and resides on the home place. They were not blessed with any children of their own, but their kindness and generosity were abundantly extended to others, several of whom they raised and to whom they extended a father's and mother's care and attention. Isaac Mathews, the father of the above mentioned Levi, Jonathan and Smiley Mathews, came here in November, 1834, and settled, with his family, on the northwest quarter of Section 5, where he died, aged sixty-six years. He married Nancy Hamilton, a native of Columbiana County, Ohio. She survived Mr. Mathews twenty-one years, and died at the advanced age of eighty-one years. Their children were as follows ; Smile}', Jonathan, Levi, Rachel, Susanna, William, Lovina, James, Elihu, Rebecca and Harvey ; the latter died in infancy. This family have been among the most prominent and prosperous farmers of Cessna Township, and are well known for their high moral and Christian character. '

Joseph Wilson was a native of Pennsylvania, and married Martha Holmes, born in Eastern Ohio. In the fall of 1834, Mr. Wilson, accompanied by his two eldest sons, Thomas H. and Isaac H., came from Carroll County, Ohio, and erected a house on land previously entered by him in Section 1, Cessna Township, Hardin County, Ohio, and then returned for the balance of his family, who, with his wife, were Amos, Elizabeth, Mary, George and Samuel C., arriving at their destination in February, 1835. After a residence of some seven years, the parents returned on a visit to Carroll County, where the father died, and Mrs. Wilson, after burying her husband, came back to Hardin County and removed her family to Carroll, where they lived about fifteen years ere again settling in this county. She still survives, and resides with her daughter Mary, now Mrs. William Deming, of Kenton. Isaac H. and Samuel C. are also residents of Hardin County, while Amos lives in Kansas, and Elizabeth in Harrison County, Ohio; Thomas H. and George are deceased. Joseph Wilson and his wife "Aunt Patty," as she is most familiarly known, were the first Methodists who settled in Cessna Township, and may justly be called the founders of Salem Church.

Rev. Thomas Flarvey Wilson was born in Carroll County, Ohio, March 29, 1817, and died in Fremont, Ohio, March 26, 1883, aged sixty-five years eleven months and twenty-seven days. He emigrated with his parents, Joseph and Patty (Holmes) Wilson, to Hardin County, in February, 1835. The family settled in Cessna Township, and were among the early settlers of the county. Here he became familiar with the hardships incident to pioneer life. In his latter years, he took great satisfaction in meeting wiih the pioneers and living over again the early incidents of his life. He experienced religion and united with the Methodist Episcopal Church in 1839, at a camp-meeting held about two miles west of Kenton, on the Scioto River. This marked a change in the course of his life. Such were his gifts and graces that in a few weeks after his conversion he was licensed as a local preacher. He was at once cm- plo\ x'd by the Presiding Elder as a supply on Richwood Circuit, and, in 1842, was admitted into the North Ohio Conference. He was first married to Miss Sarah Olne^, in 1844. They lived happily together for thirty-three years, and were blessed with four children, only one of whom survives. Under circumstances most painful indeed, the wife and daughter were called away in August, 1877. His next wife was Mrs. Sarah Harris, of Fremont, Ohio, whom he married December 1, 1881, and slie still survives. He enjo}md an unbroken membership in the church of forty-six }mars, and in the Conference of forty-one. He was Presiding Elder eleven years, on the best stations of the Conference, Centenary Agent one, and sixteen years on circuits. He was twice honored by an election by his brethren of the Conference to represent them in the Oeneral Conference. When he commenced his itinerate ministry, the country was new, circuits large, the roads almost impassable, the people poor, and the salaries very meager. No man in the Conference had a more vivid recollection of the hardships of the early preachers, and no man took more satisfaction in recounting them, or could more vividly describe them. Though he had been in very imperfect health during the winter, the last severe sickness was of short duration. For some days in the former part of his affliction, his mind wandered; but before the closing hours, consciousness returned, and he died, as he had lived, in the full possession of his faculties, and with a conscious sense of the favor and presence of his Savior. Mr. Wilson was a genial companion. Few men were blessed with better or more interesting conversational powers. His fine imagination, combined with his ample fund of varied and interesting anecdotes, made him the center of attraction in any social circle. He was specially endowed with great kindness of heart, and knew how to speak words of kindness and comfort to others. He possessed the rare faculty of entering into their feelings, and leading them from their grief to happier thoughts. His preaching was peculiar to himself Its marked characteristic was a peculiar pathos that at once arrested attention, and awakened sympathy for himself and theme. When aroused, his powers of imagination and delineation were wonderful. It was no uncommon occurrence for his audiences to be swayed as a forest and melted to tears. He understood well the doctrines of his church, and was capable of stating them clearly and ably defending them. He was an evangelist in the true sense of the word. He understood the art of winning souls. Few men were more successful in leading men to Christ. He had fine executive abilities and a clear weight into character. He studied men closel}", and possessed a wonderful power over them. In his work, he was alwa}'s master of the situation; full of resources, his good sense never failed him, and he was always capable of measuring up to the emergency. He was brought to Kenton, the scene of his early manhood, to find his last resting place.

Allen Leper came from Richland County, Ohio, and settled on the southwest quarter of Section 9, in April. 1834, where he and his wife resided until their death. They had the following children : John, James, Jane, Mary, Rachel, Kanhoppock, Catharine. Robert, Samuel, Asher and one daughter, the second child, whose name we could not obtain.

John Houser settled on the northeast quarter of Section 10, in 1835, where his wife died, after which he married, for his second wife, a Miss McBride, and subsequently moved to Indiana.

Stephen Cessna, from Coshocton County, Ohio, settled on Section 17, but resided here only a few years till he died. He was a man of fine ability, and possessed of a character above reproach, and had his life been spared, would l evidently have made a success in life, and have been a useful citizen in this communit}^ of Crawford County, in February, 1836, came to this township and settled on the northwest quarter of Section 7. He married Naomi Cory, by whom he had the following children, viz., Isaac, Cory, Sarah, Elmer and others whose names are not now remembered. After manj^ years' residence here, they removed to Indiana, and subsequently to California, where his wife died. About 1843-44, Isaac Hitchcock, father of the above Thomas, settled at Huntersville, where he erected a carding machine, and carried on quite an extensive business for several years, and died here. He was twice married. Children - Thomas, James, Nanc}", Isabel and iNJary, by first wife ; Henry, Moses, Sarah, Bigelow, Samuel and Jane by his second wife.

Peter Foglesong came here from Coshocton County, Ohio, and settled on Section 3, in 1836. He married a Miss Cessna, and resided here till his death.

Chester Hatch, a native of Medina County, settled on Section 1, in Cessna Township, in 1836, where he still resides, and is one among the most reliable and substantial men of the township. In his earlj^ life, he taught school many years. He has always been a strong advocate of temperance. In an early day, when he erected his house, some of his neighbors told him he must get a iug of whisky, or they would not help him raise the house. It was against his principles to do such a thing, but finally he went to Kenton and bought a jug Mled with whisky, and started for home. On his waj", he was refiecting upon what he was doing, and the more he thought upon the subject the more dis satisfied he became over his course of action ; finally, he grasped his jug of whisk}" and dashed it against a tree, eflectually destroying both jug and whisky, declaring that if he could not get his house raised without whisky, it should never be raised. But his neighbors helped him raise his house, although they had some fun and jokes over the broken jug, some of the pieces of which some neighbor had found, and brought to the raising. Mr. Hatch is the father of two sons - David and William.

Mr. Whitesides, also from Medina County, settled on the same (piarter-section at the same time with Mr. Hatch. He taught school many years ; was a man of firm character and principles, and who, with Mr. Hatch, did much toward molding the morals and good character of this community. Mr. Whitesides died on the adjoining section on the north, in Washington Township. He was the father of one child - James.

Moses Kibby, with his wife Tamar, settled near the northwest corner of Cessna Township in 1837, where his wife died. He subsequently moved to Lima, Ohio, where he died. Their children were Lucy, Harman, Janette and others.

Samuel Calhoun, about 1838-39, came here and purchased the place of John Houser, but, after a few years' residence, moved away. William Cessna, Thomas Leedom and Joseph Leper also settled here between 1832 and 1835. Some of the McCoud family, who were early settlers at Fort McArthur, became quite early settlers on the Scioto River in Cessna Township ; but their history will be found in Buck Township, where the family first located.

Political History

Cessna Township was organized in 1834, and is tlie Congressional Township 4 south, Range 10 east, and was named for Charles Cessna, one of the early settlers within her borders. The first election was held at an old schoolhouse on Section 11. The record is so badly mutilated we were only able to ascertain that Charles Cessna was one of the Trustees, mid Joseph Lemont, First Clerk. In 1835, we find Thomas McColdrick, Charles Cessna and Jonathan Mathews were elected Trustees; Joseph Wilson, Clerk; Daniel

Trump, Treasurer, and Thomas McGoldrick, Constable. Thomas Leedom seems to have been the first J ustice of the Peace, although no account of his election exists. Samuel McCoy served fifteen or twenty .years as Justice of the Peace in the early history of the township, but none of either of their descendants are left to tell the tale.

In 1840, the following township officers were elected ; John* A. Houser, Levi Mathews and John Leedom, Trustees ; William Mathews, Clerk and Constable ; Smiley Mathews, Treasurer. In 1850, Jonathan Mathews, George Bate- j

Leeper, Treasurer, and Elihu Mathews, Assessor. The present oflScers of the township are J. N. Huey, Josiah Obenour and Valentine Eccarius, Trustees ;

Thomas Leedom, Samuel McCoy, Peter Ash, F. M. Cory, Jonathan Mathews, Simon A. Reid, Robert Whitesides, Ellis Sams, Valentine Eccarius, Charles Jackson, George Mesbaum, T. J. IMiller and John C. Smith, Simon A. Reid and [ evenly divided, Democrats and Republicans boch claiming a majority on a full f vote, but, at this time, a majority of the township officers is Republican, j,

In this as in most other backwoods districts, the first preaching was held in f private houses, schoolhouses, and in the groves, when the weather permitted. j Early in 1835, the Rev. Kinnear, a Methodist preacher, organized a small class ; at the house of Joseph W^ilson in Section 1. This class consisted of seven |

Ellen, John C. Dill, who was chosen class leader, and Susan Teeters, who sub- ! sequently married Isaac Draper. About 1840-41, the society, having largely in- i creased, then numbering about sixty members, erected a log building on the j was dedicated under the name of Salem." The ministers were the same, who j preached to the Kenton class, this whole region being then in one circuit. About ii twelve years ago, the old structure was torn down, and the present neat frame |' edifice erected, three-quarters of a mile west of its former site. Salem Church possesses a large membership, embracing man}' of the leading citizens of Cessna Township, while the large number of young people belonging to the church is a healthy sign of prosperity and stability of character. A good Sunday -

At an early day, the Presb3'terians organized a small class where David Hizer lives, composed principally of the Mathews family and James Hamilton. ^

The meeting house called "Obenour's" was built by the Protestant Method- |l ists, on the north line of Section 4, at an early da}', and passed into the hands | of the Evangelical Church. It is now very little used and is rapidly falling into > < decay. Though these comprise nearly, if not all, the active religious bodies in the township, yet most of the leading churches have adherents living within its boundaries, and the community ranks as highly moral and religious.

The schools of Cessna Township, during her earh'- settlement, were like those in most other new settlements in Ohio, few and far between ; taught in some kitchen or some rudely constructed log cabin, with the larger part of one end appropriated as a fire-place ; a log cut from one side and greased paper over the opening, forming the window; a puncheon floor, long slab ' benches, and a plank against the wall for a writing desk, completing the furniture. The first school of which we can get any account was taught by James Hamilton, about 1835, at his own house. John G. Lee taught a year later, in a house on Section 8. The first schoolhouse was built on Section 11, about the year 1836, and, a year or so later, one was built on Section 8. Among the early teachers, besides the two above named, was Simon A. Reed.

At present, the township is divided into six school districts, all furnished with brick or frame houses, with the latest improved desks and seats, blackboards, etc., and supplied with well qualified teachers, in fact all that is necessary to give the rising generation a fair start on the high road to knowledge and a fair education.

The first interment in Cessna Township was on Fractional Section 36, just across the river from Fort McArthur, where three or four soldiers were buried during the occupation of the fort in 1813, but their names are lost to history. Since the settlement of the country, some others have been buried on the same knoll. The Huntersville Graveyard is on Section 6, but the time of its location we have not been able to learn. The Salem Graveyard is located on the south line of Section 1, and has not been in use very long.

The Trustees have bought and fenced four acres on the west line of Section 23, but as yet none of the dead have found a resting place on this beautiful plat The settlers in the northwest part of the township used the Obenour Graveyard. A cemetery on the south line of Section 33, Washington Township, is now used by many of the inhabitants of the northern part of Cessna, and the custom so prevalent in most newly settled communities, of each farmer burying on his own farm, is fast being abandoned, and the dead are being congregated in public cemeteries, where their resting places will be taken care of and respected.

The only society that exists in Cessna Township is the First Mutual Protection Association of Hardin County. The object of the society is to protect the property of its members from theft or malicious destruction, and to arrest and convict criminals.

The officers are : President, J. D. Cessna ; Secretary, W. M. Reed ; Treasurer, George Cessna; Captain, W. A. Martin; First Lieutenant, W. A. Guider;^ Second Lieutenant, Charles Craft; Third Lieutenant, William Detwiler ; Fourth Lieutenant, Josiah Obenour ; Fifth Lieutenant, Benjamin Ault ; place of meeting, Schoolhouse, District No. 1.

Pioneer Reminiscence

When Levi Mathews first settled on the farm where he now resides, he lived in an old Indian bark house until he cut logs and put up a cabin, and got it ready to move into. He says that game was so plentiful that he scarcely ever needed to go off his own land for a supply of meat. Deer, turkey, rabbit or squir- rel, and occasional bears and wolves, were plenty about the marsh. Allen Leper, one of the first settlers of Cessna Township, a regular backwoodsman and hunter, who settled in the township in 1833, came from the backwoods of Pennsylvania, and was perhaps the best trained hunter and Indian scout that settled in Hardin County. John Perry Euline, who was born in Columbus, Ohio, July 19, 1817, and came to 'Hardin County in 1835, is about the last representative of the old-time hunter left in the township. He still can be seen with his trusty rifle on bis shoulder, with nothing larger to shoot at than a rabbit or squirrel, and he sighs for the game of " Auld Lang Syne."

WILLIAM T. ATHA, farmer, P. O. Mt. Victory, was born December 28, 1845, in Madison County, Ohio, and is the son of William and Maria (Gaunt) Atha, both of English descent, the former a native of Maryland, the latter of Pennsylvania. He was married February 21, 1863, to Ann J. Morse, born November 11, 1844, in Champaign County, Ohio, the daughter of Jason and Margaret (Collins) Morse, the former from Rhode Island, the latter a native of this State, both of English descent. This union has been blessed with five children, four girls and one boy, viz., Eva M., born January 22, 1864; Rosa E., born September 22, 1866; Celia L., born March 10, 1872; John B., born December 4, 1874, and Mary D.,born May 29, 1881. Mr. Atha enlisted in the Fourteenth Ohio Battery in January, 1862, and was discharged in August the same year. Mr. Atha has been living in this county for five years, and has been a resident of sixteen different States. During the year 1865-66, he was living in the West. He is a farmer by occupation and is one of the useful citizens of Dudley Township.

L. BALLINGER, farmer, P.. O. Mount Victory, was born November 25, 1844, in Logan County, Ohio. He is a son of Henry and Rebecca (Moore) Ballinger, the former a native of Logan County, the latter of Champaign County, Ohio. His paternal grandparents were Henry and Patience (Bishop) Ballinger, his maternal grandfather was Henry Moore. The subject of this sketch was reared in Logan County, where he attended the common schools, and has pursued farming for his occupation. In October, 1861, he enlisted in the Seventeenth Ohio Volunteer Infantry, Company C, serving three years; was in the battles of Pittsburg Landing, Murfreesboro, Chickamauga, Lookout Mountain, Atlanta, Resaca, Boonesville, and was also in many skirmishes. The last eighteen months he was Orderly Sergeant. Mr. Ballinger married Louisa Nash, born July 13, 1846, in Bellefontaine, Clinton County^ Ohio, and a daughter of John and Elizabeth Ann (Peterson) Nash, the former of Irish descent and a native of Pennsylvania; the latter of German parentage and a native of Virginia. Mrs. Ballinger's grandfather, Jacob Peterson, was a pioneer of Ohio; the former had a common school education and lived in Clinton County until fifteen years of age, when she went to Logan County and finally came to this county. This union has resulted in four children, one boy and three girls, viz., Dora, born May 14, 1870; Angenetta, born April 15, 1873; Merta, born July 30, 1875; Azel F. , born August 15, 1879; all born in this count}^ Mr. and Mrs. Ballinger are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church. Mr. Ballinger owns 100 acres of land in Dudley Township. He is a Republican in politics, has been several times a School Director, and is one of the self-made men of Dudley Township.

THOMAS BALLINGER, farmer, P. O. Mt. Victory, was born January, 1846, in Logan County, Ohio, and is a son of Henry and Caroline (Moore) Ballinger. He was reared and educated in Logan County, and has followed the occupation of a farmer. He owns 115 acres of land in Dudley Township.* He is also a local mmister and is licensed to preach for seven years. He was united in marriage in August, 1868, in East Liberty, to Anna Bishop, born in Logan County, on the 14th of March, 1845, and a daughter of James and Eliza (Inskeep) Bishop, both natives of Chillicothe, Ohio. This union has resulted in four children, one deceased - Charles E. , Zellie H. , Carrie J. and an infant. Mr. and Mrs. Ballinger are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church. Mr. Ballinger is a member of the Grange at Grass Point, has filled the offices of Treasurer and Trustee for the township, and in politics is a Republican.

WILLIAM BRAMBLE, farmer, P. O. Kenton, was born June 14, 1800, in Delaware, and is a son of Charles and Lavinia (Layton) Bramble, who emigrated to Ohio in 1804. Our subject was married, March 13, 1828, to Nancy, the daughter of George Emery. The union resulted in nine children, three boys living - Alford, Charles and William. Mrs. Bramble died, and in July, 1858, Mr. Bramble formed a second union with Minerva, widow of Robert Wilson, and a daughter of Benjamin and Susan (Wakelee) Johnson, the former a native of New York and the latter a descendant of the Puritans. Mrs. Bramble came to Ohio in 1834, and by her first husband had four children, viz., Susan W., Delia E., Sofronia J. and Mary M., deceased. By his second union Mr. Bramble has bad but one child, Eunice, born July 31, 1860, died at the age of two years and two months, from the effects of a scald. In 1865, Mr. Bramble went to New Jersey, where he spent two years, and then went to Maryland, where he remained nine years, after which he came to Hardin County. Two of Mr. Bramble's sons were in the late war, and the youngest child of his wife by her first marriage was wounded in that war and taken prisoner at Knoxville, where he died;

ARTHUR BURRIS, farmer and minister, P. O. Larue, was born January 19, 1845, in this county, Ohio, and is the son of Robert and Susan (MilJer) Burris, both of English descent. His mother was a native of Muskingum County, Ohio, and his father was born in 1812 on the eastern shores of Maryland, and emigrated to Ohio when our subject was twelve years of age. He died in 1863. In 1864, our subject enlisted in the One Hundred and Thirty-fifth Ohio Volunteer Infantry, Company G, and was discharged September 6, 1864. His four brothers, two deceased, were also in the war. On July 31, 1863, he was married to Sarah H. Hinton (deceased), who was born in this county in 1848, died February 14, 1878. By this union there were six children, viz., Mathew, James, Thomas, Alfretta, Maud and an infant (deceased). Mr. Burris formed a second union September 23, 1879, with Rebecca J., born August 27, 1850, in Greene County, Ohio, widow of Henry C. Gardner, and daughter of John and Jane (Engle) Compton, of English descent, and natives of Greene County, Ohio. This union resulted in one child, Elcie J., born December 24, 1881. By her first marriage Mrs. Burris had one child. Flora, born February 9, 1874. Mr. Burris is a farmer by occupation, also a preacher in the United Brethren Chui-ch, where he has preached for nine years.

GEORGE CLEMENT, farmer, P. O. Lame, was born October 7, 1823, in the State of Vermont. His parents were David and Nancy (Smith) Clement, of Irish and German descent, who emigrated to Ohio about fortyseven years ago. His paternal grandparents were Merril and Hannah Clement. The subject of this sketch was educated at the common schools of this county, to which he came when thirteen years of age. He is by occupation a farmer, and owns 109 acres of land in Dudley Township, Section 2. In November, 1850, he was married to Mary Ann, who was born in 1833, a native of this State, and daughter of John and Emily (Henry) Armstrong By this union there were ten children, nine living - Amos; Mariam, wife of C. Morris; John; Alice, wife of B. Morris; Horace, Howard, Eddy, Charley, Flora and Blanche. In politics, Mr. Clement is a Kepublican, has filled the office of Justice of the Peace, and is a representative citizen of Dudley Township.

SILVANUS COOK, farmer, P. O. Larue, was born April 14, 1807, in Washington County, Penn., and emigrated to Ohio at the age of seven years, residing at first in Lexington, Bichland County, and finally, in January, 1843, came to this county, where he has since remained. He is a farmer by occupation, and owns thirty-eight acres of land in Section 12, Dudley Township. April 22, 1830, he was united in marriage to Anna Spacklin, native of England, born June 14, 1805, of English descent, who emigrated to. this State at the age of eighteen years. This union has resulted in five children, viz., Nelson W., married; John L., married; Peter S. (deceased); George J. (deceased), and Parmelia Ann, the wife of Byron B. Kilbourne. For nine years Mr. Cook served as Constable, for two years was Supervisor, and for six years a School Director. In politics, he is a Republican, has been an active man in his day, and is one of the robust pioneers who made themselves prominent in the early history of this country.

S. H. COOK, farmer, P. O. Kenton, was born August 8, 1845, in Wyandot County, this State, and is the son of James B. and Hannah (Corwin) Cook, natives of Pennsylvania, the former of English, the latter of Scotch and Irish descent. His paternal grandparents were Soloman and Hester (Brice) Cook. The subject of this sketch was educated in a log school house in Wyandot County, and chose farming for his occupation. Fifteen years ago he came to this county, which he has 'since made his home. He was married, October 24, 1867, to Mary N. Kneisley, born April 4, 1849, in this county, the daughter of John and Susan (McClain) 'Kneisley, natives of Muskingum County, Ohio, the former a descendant of the Pennsylvania Dutch, the latter of Irish parentage. This union resulted in seven children, viz., William G., born April 3, 1869; Jessie K., born February 12, 1871, died April 21, 1871; John J., born March 3, 1872-; Lizzie D., born July 22, 1875, Cora E., born May 10, 1877, died August 31, 1878; Harvey, born January 31, 1879; and May M., born July 17, 1881. Mrs. Cook is a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church. Mr. Cook enlisted in December, 1861, in the Seventy- second Ohio Volunteer Infantry, Company D, under Capt. Andrew Nuhfer, and Gen. Buckland, Fremont, Ohio, and was discharged June 22, 1865. He participated in the following battles: Shiloh, April 6 and 7, 1862; Raymond, Miss.; Jackson, Miss.; the siege and capture of Pittsburgh; the seige and capture of Jackson, Miss.; Clinton, Miss., and was also in numerous skirmishes. He re-enlisted in December, 1863, in the same regiment, wascaptmred and for nine months was a prisoner in the Andersonville Prison, at Florence, and Wilmington, N. C., and was paroled at Goldsboro. Mr. Cook has a relic of the war in the shape of a tin pan in which he did his cooking during his imprisonment. Mr. Cook has tilled the position of Trustee of the township. Supervisor, President of the Board of Education, Census Enumerator for 1 880, and School Director. In politics, he is a Republican and is one of the prominent, useful men of Dudley Township. Mr. Cook has been a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church ever since he was fourteen years of age, and has filled all the offices of the church with honor and ability, and was elected a lay delegate to represent Larue charge, Delaware District, in the Electoral Conference of Laymen, held at Findlay, Ohio, September 21, 1883. He was elected Master of the subordinate Orange to which he belonged four years in succession.

JOSHUA COPE, farmer, P. O. Kenton, was born December 12, 1813, in Eoss County, Ohio. His parents, Joshua and Isabella (McCrea) Cope, were natives of Virginia, the former a Quaker, of Irish and Scotch, the latter of Irish descent. He was the fourth of a family of seven children, four boys and three girls, two boys and two girls deceased; his brother William was a prominent physician in Wyandot County, Ohio, and is now a resident of Greenwood County, Kan. The subject of this sketch was educated in Marion County and chose farming for his occupation. He came to this county in November, 1832, when the country was all a forest, and has resided here ever since. On November 17, 1836, he was united in marriage to Elizabeth Hopkins, born February 26, 1817, in Pickaway County, Ohio, a daughter of Eobert and Nancy (Vesey) Hopkins, who were of Irish lineage, natives of Delaware, and emigrated to Ohio at an early day. Mrs. Cope was the second of a family of nine children, six boys and three girls, two of the boys deceased. Her 'brother, John F., was a representative of Boone County, Iowa; her brother Samuel, Squire of Dudley Township, Hardin County, and Eobert, Probate Judge for two terms of Marion County. Mr. Cope has been a member of the Free-Will Baptist Church for forty-three years, and Mrs. Cope since her seventeenth year. Mr. Cope in politics is a Eepublican, has filled the office of Township Trustee for eight years and is one of the successful, self-made men of Dudley Township.

THOMAS CEAIG, deceased, was a native of Scotland and died May 24, 1882, aged fifty- eight years. He was the son of Thomas and Marion (Anderson) Craig, both natives of Scotland. He worked in the coal mines in Scotland and emigrated to Ohio in August, 1851. For eight years he was a resident of Ashland County, and twenty-five years a resident of Dudley Township, this county, and followed the occupation of a farmer. He married in August, 1851, Elizabeth Montgomery, born in May, 1827, in Scotland. This union was blessed with twelve children, six boys and six girls, viz., Elizabeth (deceased), two died in infancy, Thomas (deceased), Elizabeth, Mary, Ellen, Eebecca, Martha (deceased), Thomas, Mathew and James (deceased).

W. T. DAVIS, farmer, P. O. Larue, was born May 12, 1849, in this county, and is the son of Elijah and Mary (Hastings) Davis, the former a native of Pennsylvania, the latter of Ireland. The subject of this sketch is a farmer by occupation, has been generally successful, and owns eighty acres ofland in Section 3, Eange 12, Dudley Township. He was married, January 17, 1878, to Mary Cook, a native of this county, born December 2, 1856, and a daughter of Nelson and Susannah (Dilldine) Cook, botli natives of this State. By this union there were four children born, viz., an infant (deceased), Eosanna (deceased at the age of five months and thirteen days - March 7, 1880), Blanche J., born May 12, 1881; and John, born May 24, 1882. Mr. Davis has tilled the office of Township Constable several times. For the past five years has been a member of the Masonic fraternity at Larue, and in politics is a Eepublican.

JOHN E. DUANG, farmer, P. O. Larue, was born June 24, 1859, in Frederick County, Md. He was reared and educated at his native place and selected farming for his occupation. Eight years ago he went to

Biographical Sketches

GEORGE ELSASSER, farmer, P. O. Kenton, was born' August 20, 1836, a native of Germany and a son of John and Margaret (Bishop) Elsasser. He was educated at the schools of Germany until his fifteenth year, when, in 1850, he emigrated and settled in this State. He is a farmer and saw-miller by occupation, and owns sixty acres of land in Dudley Township. He was married in May, 1861, to Cathem *Glock, born in 1838, in Germany, who bore him three children, William (deceased), John and Maggie. Mrs. Elsasser died in 1871. On May 15, 1881, Mr. Elsasser formed a second union with Naoma Brown, born in 1836 in Union County, Ohio. Mrs. Elsasser is a member of the United Brethren Church, and Mr. Elsasser of the German Reformed Church. In politics, he is a Republican, and has filled the positions of Trustee, Supervisor and School Director.