Elizabeth Township (part 1 of 2)

Buc Con

French, Micha iim Joseph W. 9m Wallace, Margareti2f Maria Jane 4f Davis, Margaret 29f Shell, Joseph H. 52m Elizabeth 48f Margaret 28f James 26m Rachael Zot George W. 19m Mary ul TO John 16m Cecil, Virginia i Bousman, John 29m Abigail 27f Roswell S. 2m Mary F. 107 12eh Elay, Thompson 17m Bousman, Leonard 42m Elizabeth 41f Mary 21f Cassa 19f Elizabeth 16f Wm. 15m Eliza 12a Sarah Jane 10f Leander 7m Henry 4m Bousman, Wm. 51m Mary 29f Joseph 2m James 25m Wm. 15m Jackson, Elizabeth 69f Henry 34m Maria 28f Shafer, Jane Hall13f Jackson, Wm. 37m Mary Ann 34f Elizabeth Eleni1f cont.

Matilda Zan, V Elizabeth 20f O Joseph 18m (@) Wm. 23m O John 15m 18) Margaret wai 10) Wesley 13m 0 Elen 12f 0 Benjamin 9m oO Eveline rai O Rase, Sylvester 3m Vv Mann, Henry 68m M Susannah oo fb 0 Jacob 18m 0) John 16m O Smith, Sydney 28f M Mann, Jacob 65m O Elizabeth 61if 0 Mary 24f 0 John 20m

Hardaker, Joseph 41m Sarah A. 37 f: John 15m Margaret 14f George W. 13m Ann A. 11f Wm. B. 9m Joseph H. 8m Robert M. 6m Thomas M. 5m Nancy C. ZF Lyle Edwin im

Shidaker, Emily 45f Sarah TiAl Ramsay, Wm. 33m Margaret Zon Sarah Ellen 11/12f Bailey, James 14m Keeper, Thomas 25m Mary S10; Jane Ann 1 f Jacob 18m Berryman, Nancy 23f Harlefs, Charles 39m Elizabeth 16f Dick, Margaret 16f Harlefs, Wesley 26m Shurman, Wm. 64m Mary 63 f Ellen 4f Cook, Stephen 35m Sarah E. Sat John W. 9m Mary Jane aks James C. 5m Albert 2m Melifsa Oy ahs Kepper, John 36m Lucinda 40f Mary Jane 12f Fritz, Christian 76m Stafford, Wm. H. 34m Mary E. Sat Oscar Be 10m Albert H. 8m Charles L. 6m Harriet A. 4f Adolphus D., 2m Blue, Mary C. 10f

Scott, John 58m Elizabeth 45f Wm. 22m Isabell 20f Jane 19f Robert 18m Frances VOT Elizabeth 14f Margaret iii Ig Samuel 8m Thomas 6m Sarah A.M. 4f George W. 10/12m

Bright, Henry 24m Maloy, John 28m Armstrong, Jacob 23m Jane Ann 21f Baird, Wm. 65m James W. 25m Jane 32 f Eliza 26f Sarah A. 23f Samuel C. 20m Johns, Wm. 25m Caroline 21f Joseph W. 6/12m Sayers, Frances oT Vandevere, Arthur A.43m Amanda Jane 32 Ff Ellen 20F John P. 18m Wm. 16m Electric 8f Arthur 10m Robert 5m Martha Jane 3f Harrison 2m Mumford, John 21m Rufsell, Winnefred 72f Harrison 28m Dick, John 29m Mary Jane 21f Francis M. 5m Robert E. 3m Arthur 2m Burke, Joshua 60m Frances 49f James 17m Joshua M. 16m Amanda E. 14f Sarah Jane Ma Wh Mary M. of Frances Ann 6f

Hance, Melissa 3f Louisa tit Clyne, John 47m Clyne, Olive 62f Wm. 25m Pettit, Benjamin D. 22m Patsy 19f Shidakeer, Jonathon 19m Ferguson, 43m Susan 21f Mitchell, 23m Abbott, Leroy 21m Wm. 18m Harter, Bennett J. 30m Nancy 28 Ff Isabell 6f Melinda oti Cecelia P. 6/12f Mattox, Abraham 28m Carver, Michael 39m Sarah 38f James 13m Elizabeth 10f Anna 8f Catherine 6 f Wm. 4m Randolph 2m Wolf, Catherine 24f Wright, Henry 23m Shermin, 34m Sarah 25f Mary E. 8f Elen 4f Frances R. 1f Gearheart, James M. 26m Matilda 26f John H. 2m Waggoner, 10m Twp.

Sprowl, Samuel 48m Sc Nancy 36 fF Frances 28f 10) Isabella S gis Sarah E. 6 f O Rebecca S. 2aF Robert S. 3m 10) Robert 24m Isabell F. iets O Brevard, Thomas Abner13m

Sprowl, Thomas 34m O Eliza 34 f V Sprowl, James 33m Sarah J. afi O Maria A. ot Robert J. 5m O Elizabeth Fr nt Nancy L. 3 f 10) Eliza Jane 5 f James F. 1m 0 Robert oT

Dunlapp, Alexander 45m Ire Crise, uyvramen. 4m Matilda 35 f Ire Alexander 16m Ire Harter, James 58m Lucy Ann Ten Oo Elizabeth 50 f Wm. Thomas 9m .@) Catherine 18f James 7m 16) Newton I. 15m George W. 5m oO Sabina: 13m Charles 3m O Wm. F. 10m Isabella lite 0) Furrow, Melinda TSF

Torus 200

Dye, James 52m oO Job 8m Elizabeth Zils P Thomas 4m Thomas 25m Oo Leopard, John 34m Abraham 21m .@) Blue, Elizabeth 20f Sarah Jane 18Ff oO James M. 13m O Lower, Christian 56m Abbott 9m Oo Dolsey 550

Source changes here: from The History of Miami County, Ohio, by W. H. Beers & Co, published 1880; 11,515 words in this source stream.

Elizabeth Township

Pnor to the first election, held in July, 1807, this township was bounded as follows : On the south by Montgomery County, on the east by Champaign County, on the north by Canada, on the west by. the Great Miami River ; that portion of the county east of the Miami was known by the name of Randolph Township. At the first meeting of the County Commissioners, the county was divided into five townships ; the fourth was called Elizabeth. From the official records we extract the following : " The fourth township to be known and called by the name of Elizabeth , and bounded : Beginning at the northeast corner of Bethel Township ; thence west with the line of said township to the Great Miami River ; thence up said river to the middle of the eleventh range ; thence east, with the line through said

Beautiful springs were notic^on^^idM ^ bea^ condition of this locality toe soil, assuring its fertility - th* *1 ..des » numerous streams traversed thmn^h was wbisky, obtained, in the the uiT68-111 the township^ ife hD Sta"nt05; In later years, a number of e liquor in the honse si!!Pi jJ e<1 t le demand. Eveiy family had a quantity of was invited to attend °f m"ch ^J8' enj°yment- The entire a s^pted. UsuaHy toe the Jceremonles, and the invitation was invaorP!^T!oa' Much funusement>Ut^8 ?"»d ,ma,den8 mounted on horses and formed 0f 'he bride, sometime Z^e"VWaV".dulged in during the trip to the residence y miles distant. A bottle of whisky was plaoed on the road, at a considerable length in advance of the company. Two of the young men would then dismount and run for the bottle. The winner of this novel race was entitled to the flask and its contents. The enormous amount of labor performed from year to year required the hearty co-operation of every member of the family, consequently, there was no time for idleness, and the youngsters had few opportunities of engaging in amusements. Occasionally, they were granted a short respite, and the ball and bat were brought into service. Instead of the base ball of to-day, they were content to play " corner ball" In the fall of the year, gathering beech-nuts and hickory-nuts was considered fine sport The spinning wheel fhmished the sole amusement for the maidens.

Elizabeth was well represented in the Indian war of 1812. Several companies of volunteers were organized, of which John Williams and Jacob Mann were Captains, while John Shidecker, William Mitchell, William Shearer, Philip Sailor and others deserve honorable mention as privates. Abram Statler was compelled to go to Fort Wayne during the campaign. Here he endured many privations, fortunately returning home in safety, though much broken down in health. His father was originally detailed to perform this duty, but this the brave and noble son would not allow, under any circumstances, and went in, his stead. Such heroic conduct and filial devotion is commendable. While Capt. Williams' company was stationed at Fort Loramie, a little incident occurred which was related to the writer by one of the oldest settlers. One night, one of the soldiers had a dream. Of the nature of this dream history will ever be silent, the dreamer sleeping the sleep that knows no wakening, his lips having long been hushed in silence. Perhaps, in his imagination, he saw some horrible illusion, for suddenly a piercing shriek was heard. In an instant all sprang to their feet and grasped their weapons in alarm. Capt. Williams was thrown into a state of great fear, and, heedless of the degradation which might follow, he ran from the camp and sought refhge behind a log. A soldier, thinking he was an Indian, raised his gun and fired, fortunately missing his man. Before another shot was fired, the Captain came to bis senses and the mistake was discovered.

For many years after the first settlement had been made, the township was inhabited by the untutored sons of the forest. Generally, these Indians were inclined to be peaceable, though the pioneer was much disturbed by their numer ous visits to his cabin, begging for bread and whisky, which were never refhsed Pottawatomies, who have a close connection with the Shawnoes, were camped at various parts of the township. Mr. Henry Carver informs us that the land at present owned by him was a favorite camping-ground, at that time being k*8 father, Michael Carver, who was often the victim of their depredations. On one occasion, Michael, with two horses attached to a sleigh, was naming logs. An Indian came toward him, showing strong symptoms of an er-indulgence in fire-water, undoubtedly procured from the whites. His drunken p^oraaances frightened the horses. This so angered Carver that he extracted a 8l^> and> striking the savage with it, felled him to the ground.

conscious, he walked away without making any demon- Wa8 Car7ef molested in the future. With the tribe just mentioned, W hI«7nTan ( ier "ame we °°uld not ascertain), who had been stolen from EventnflJlv uho(K^yVania' w^en hut a child, and taken by the band to Ohio, the mother' of * wT r^onclled with her lot, married a grim warrior and became old homXl^^e/amilyu ^ later yearn, she paid a visit to her house of John^M^^wl for action. The women and children were taken to the country in search of the the imale Potion of the community scoured the by thoma aim°yance. Immediately afW 2,"^ squirrels proved another source of tune A^dS 0f these little pests often m WfS pIanted> it: was ferreted out they wo^lnr°aid Was also made upi)n tihe nece98ai7 to plant a second hunted7 the '"habitants of a dUtoic'tfo^^' Acf°7Jingly' 8 certain was Cter ^®6 of «»e fanners would ^ 1 8l?en?*d slaughter. To encourage sav » Wi,° w°uld brine in the mcT*-1*'8? 8 8?b8CnPt,on in com, to be paid tee Witt-^am* b^r l8^ Mendenha11 and Allen Ramsafc^ 8 general migration nf th* hun.te" ,n this section. The year of 1828

^of the settler. The^necMsit^^r"^0^*1^ ?*d n?t 1°"? escape tee keen obserrath^fvfrefman'8 Mm jn Monm^Tvf & ^?unng-miB became apparent, the nearest ereoHn^dant production of co TPwn8tuP' A continual demaud for whisky and erectu>11 of distiUeries a safe fZZLl **Zm year to year> guaranteed the sale investment. In 1811, the building of the first mill was commenced by John M. Dye, at the Lost Creek crossing, near the land now owned by John Lefevre. The entire neighborhood assisted in hewing the logs. Perhaps the only man living who assisted in the construction of this mill, is Andrew Sayers. The mill was not finished until the year 1813, the first wheat being ground a few days prior to the marriage of Dye's daughter, Sarah, to Abram Statler. Mrs. Statler remembers that the chief amusement of the wedding guests consisted in visiting the new mill. At that time, Dye resided on the site of the Children's Home ; but, at the completion of the mill, he erected a stone building just north of it ; the house still stands and is occupied by John Lefevre. This new improvement was but the forerunner of many others. A road was surveyed from the mill to Troy, making a direct avenue for conveying grain to and from the center. The second grist mill was built by Michael Carver, m 1823 ; this building is at present used as a cotton-mill by Henry Carver. Other mills were erected in later years, many are yet in good running order, and will be found in every part of the township.

Jacob Mann erected the first distillery ; in what year we have been unable to ascertain. The next distillery of any magnitude was built by Daniel P. Yoorhis, in 1830. The many private whisky factories throughout the township are not considered worthy of notice. A Dutchman by the name of VanCulen Hampton owned the first saw-mill, situated on the land now owned by M. Hill. Perhaps, a powder-mill erected by Jacob Prillman, on Indian Creek, in 1806, is the first manufacturing establishment ever put up in the township ; the property is now in possession of William Thompson. Some years after, a man named Lusenhall engaged in the manufacturing of hats, on the site of Levi Staley's residence. In 1825, Newman Scarlet operated a turning lathe, on the present Henry Bell property, on Indian Creek. Stores were also established as they were needed. The first store was kept by Conklin, in 1831, father of John Conklin, the Corporation Clerk of Troy. Isaac Sheets and Asa French were also engaged in the sale of merchandise.

For many years, roads were comparatively unknown. The pioneer cut a path to the house of his nearest neighbor, who, in turn cut' his way to the next cabin. Thus, it will be noticed that the roads were very irregular, and traveling was necessarily slow and tedious. The road from Dye's mill to Troy was the first laid out by the County Surveyor. The first pike built through the township was the Troy and Springfield pike. At this writing, the township is traversed by three or four free pikes, intersected by a complete network of roads.

Cincinnati was the nearest trading-point for a number of years. After harvest, wheat was taken to the mill and ground ; if there was a surplus of flour, it was taken to Cincinnati, by wagon, and exchanged for leather, coffee and other indispensable necessaries. Sometimes a small amount of cash was received, which was saved for the tax-gatherer. The leather was usually converted into shoes by roaming shoemakers. Horses were often taken to South Carolina and sold at a, 8°^d figure. A cargo of flour and pork was placed on a raft and floated into me Miami, thence to the Ohio, down to the Mississippi, thence onward to New Orleans. Here the cargo was disposed of, and the pilot returned on foot, some three or four months being consumed in going and returning.

A new impetus came to the homes of the pioneer in 1830. This year witnessed the erection of frame dwellings ; new arrivals came from the Bast, and geneml prosperity crowned the efforts of the inhabitants. On and after this date, no 8teP? wefe taken ; the population was on a rapid increase ; instead of i u forest, beautiful fields of golden grain were seen ; blazed roads had

« ^versed the country in 1835, selling their wares at a high w^TintSShLH, e^i}fld fV>m *25 to *76 for » common efghtday clock. Stoves accustomed to aif0 * 5*®' *®^1 created somewhat of a sensation. To the pioneer, it and warm by the dear old fire-place from infancy up, it seemed

Hi8Tory Op Miami County

We wish to remark while writing on this subject, that religiously, Elizabeth is unsurpassed by any township in the county. The family Bible occupies a conspicious position in nearly every household. In the cares and pleasures of daily life, devotional exercises are never forgotten. The examples set fourscore years ago have passed from generation to generation. That religion and morality will ever have a finn foothold is a foregone conclusion. So mote it be.

One of the prime objects of the pioneers was the establishment of suitable schools for the children. Pennsylvania, to whom the township owes her earliest settlers, offered poor and uninviting educational facilities. John M. Dye, it is said, left his native State for that reason. Obstacles in the way of establishing suitable schools were many. There were, as yet, very few people in the district ; money was scarce ; able and efficient teachers could not be obtained ; much labor was required in building a suitable house for educational purposes. But, in spite of all these difficulties, the pioneer did not waver. A site was selected, logs were hewn, and erelong the house was ready for occupancy. A teacher was procured who received a small compensation, and boarded " round." The original schoolhouse was situated on the farm of Christian Knoop, near the Staunton line. The first person to officiate therein as schoolmaster was John Enyeart, who combined with the duties of pedagogue that of Justice of the Peace. Later on a schoolhouse was built near the present Staley mill, in what is now known as Bethel Township.

In 1812, the schoolhouse on the Lost Creek Crossing was taught by John Schell, when he was sober. For charts, rude boards on which were inscribed in rough caricatures the alphabet and easy monosyllables, were used. Noah Webster s spelling book, Dilworth's arithmetic, the Bible, or any other book obtainable, completed the outfit. Under careful, economical management, the educational interests of this locality progressed graduallv and satisfactorily. As the general surroundings advanced in civilization, the population increased ; the pioneer was slowly placing himself and his interests on a firm financial basis, thus enabling him to afford his children better facilities for obtaining a good common-school education. Prior to 1840, there were but two schoolhouses in the township. To-day, eight fine brick structures, erected at an average cost of $2,000, bear testimony to the rapid strides made in this direction.

. ^ stranger is impressed by the numerous graveyards located in nearly every .ion of the township. They are not populated very thickly, but their number and location show a change induced by . the absence of roads, and strengthen the idea that each family buried its own dead on the home place. No costly monument was erected in ye olden times, a plain, rough sandstone, simply inscribed, marking the silent resting-place. The oldest known grave is that of Mrs. Lowder, x? £ *he burYing-place in the rear of Charles Voorhis' residence. The Methodist Episcopal cemetery is the oldest public burving-ground in the township.

Mitehell was the first person buried here ; July *19, 1815, is the date. In this arJL <*ead reP°9e soldiers of all American wars, a singular coincidence. We i ^ t ^v°l<*ionary war, Samuel Mitchell, John Bums; war of J°hn Wmiam Mitchell; Mexican war, John French; field'^ge-route! h ne^rerhouL^i * 8tofPin8'P°int on the Troy and Springcooper-shop. In 1860 "it was ZZhJt TuM^ PhiliP Dick, and used 8tand > tavern is closed at piULt^TSte Dl't*y' and chanSed "»to a tavern A post office has be*n established - in wh«t 6 town bas a P°PDlatio» of about 150. earned from Trov via this nio^ V ^^Lba^ea^, we could not ascertain Mail is Thursday and Saturday of eJch we^k C^1!?81burgj ^"Paign Co., on Tuesday, the land donated* by on^oThTrfom6*1 h°T '® situated in this township, and on *> Present a brief sketch of U,e fon^w"1^ prominent citiz«". we will endeavor ®any years, the subject of buildin^I^,^^?"18^ men.t of thi<s institution. For nh-i ? wbo bad ^en deprived suitable asylum for the accommodation of philanthropists of this counts v be comforts of a home, had been agitated by «t that decisive steps must1 be token tot. '* became more and »PP»- Jhe matter was first brought l H tW?T? Jhe accomplishment of this object. to> of whom it may TX Women'8 Chri9tia" AssiTa-

Report of March, 1877 the Dinvtftn passer-by. In their official semi-annual Wrongest terms, the wtoWtehm^? °i the ?0Unty Infinnaiy advocated, in the whom were at that time nS £ £. h°me for de8titute children, a number of attention to the bad examnb^^v^r tha.ma!la?er8 of the Infirmary. They called tohon and urged that thePevil infWn^i? ht?? ones, while inmates of that instiertoly lead to bad results. Uences by which they were surrounded would

Elizabeth Township - oo^toinVna"«L07?Sl by W8 brother Jacob and himself), in Buildings '' are howioS^ rL ^ 16°- acres of la"d, on which the " Home

"e qualified electors of vL The Commissioners authorized the Auditor to notify 2 'toe questionTbuildiX< 'rfi& wou'd ^ called upon to vote The resultof this election wfs «f 8 Som®' a* the October election, of 1877.

"Um£XmLWtK^fotoIL«nASprini 0f 1878' the Commissioners visited a construction of thes#> in®f;?U5 tbe Wltb a view of gaining an insight into the *bo drew up the plans and ?' W* Gibbs' of Toledoi wa8 selected architect,

1878, the cont^t ^ specifications of the proposed building. On the 8th of bes at a cost of *16 970 on coRstr^ctlpS the building was awarded to various parswelled the total cost t^'*Qn additional work and many improvements have bte following ffentlpmon *^0,000. January 15, 1878, the Commissioners appointed Bohrer, Tippecanoe tw^° 96rVe ^ ^rU8tees 5 p- Spiker, Piqua, one year ; Jacob ppeeanoe, two years ; Samuel K. Harter, Troy, three yeare. January

21, 1879, Washington Barnes, of Troy, was appointed Superintendent. On the 30th of the same month, the building was completed and ready for occupancy.

Having decided upon giving the readers of this work a detailed account of the manner in which this institution is conducted, we repaired to the home. Upon ringing the door-bell, we were ushered into the cozy reception-room by a servant, a few moments later we were greeted by the genial Matron, to whom our wants were made known, and who kindly offered to conduct us through the building. Adjoining the reception-room is the office of the Superintendent and also of the physician ; across the hall is the parlor, through which we pass into the sitting-room. Everything presents a neat and inviting appearance. The children's dining-room, linen-room, etc., are also found on this (ground) floor. On the second floor is located the hospital, Superintendent's private apartment, spare room, girls dormitory, baby -room, occupied at this writing b}' eight sweet little cherubs, under the watchful eye of a nurse. The girls' sleeping apartments, and the dormitories and sleeping apartments of the boys, are also on this floor. The chapel and servants' apartments are on the third floor. In the basement is the employees dining-hall, kitchen and storerooms. Back of the main building is the engineroom, laundry and bakery. The building is heated by steam and illuminated by gasoline. . An inexhaustible spring furnishes water, which is forced to all parts of the building. Healthy bath-rooms have been provided, and the children are bathed once a week - Saturday. Visitors are admitted from 1 to 4 o'clock, P. M., daily, except Saturday and Sunday. Those who wish to attend the Sabbath school will be welcomed. The Trustees meet on the first Monday of each month. The friends of the children are also allowed to call on them on that day.

The total number of children who are inmates at this writing, is sixty-nfne. The following is the number of employes, and the character of their duties : One teacher, two cooks, one baker, three laundry girls, three nurses, one chambermaid, one maid-of-all-work, one engineer, three laborers. The Matron has been much encouraged by favorable comments made bj' visitors, and well she might ; a person more fitted for the responsible position could not be found. The Superintendent also takes an active interest in the welfare of all connected with the institution. Kecently, the Female Bible Societies, of Troy and Piqua, presented the home with . "?!e8' . ^ Sabbath school has been organized, and is visited by friends of the institution from far and near. Thus is the seed of morality and religion sown in these young hearts, and the Divine injunction, " Suffer little children to come unto Me, and forbid them not," is literally obeyed.

Miami County may well be proud of her Children's Home. Situated on the grounds donated by descendants of her earliest settlers, built by the almost unanimous consent of her people, and managed by some of her most charitable citizens, she may ever point with pride to the Knoop Children's Home.

shiD eighteeath century, and prior to the year 1807, this townaccurateY^oLtart i *he ®xttensive territory then known fis Elizabeth, which is £? oSStaSSL the* hl3fry of ®li?abeth Township. At the first meeting of was the first and hm, *** divided into five townships, of which Bethel f0ll0W9 : Bering at the southeast comer of the said river to the line hot c°untJ' ''ne to the Great Miami River, thence up the to the countv Imp than W6en n*ntk aQd tenth ranges, thence east with a line

^stedby^Ci^^^hT bheing dotted by numto the many springs is rich deeD and nr!SLt^ ' ^,ch owe tbeir existence wuntoy in the State These 'advantages any other 860110,1 of sumably induced the permanent 8etuSi^,? S tv, th P,cturesque aspect, pre- "* «®Pt from the almost im^Sffo^ti * Til The land was tiers were devoted almost exclush-eiv to the ®ret yea^ of the setmll be admitted, when we state, upon the authority- Jhat 'H8 P1??688 w«s tedious 1820, not more than ten acres ,onty of an old resident, that, up to But as time rolled on it 8ettler in the township time a Dute^^p* brought 'to^anS0 Ameri.can 80,1 dates back to 1620, at which colonists. Year after yew' this^nhumn "tmfflTh AfHcan8' who were sold to the slavery .existed in all of the Southern £ecame more general, and, in 1784, opposition to this system was manifested iw ,®ven at this early date, a violent a»d prospered without totemSinn ^' but'\e °PPressors were in a majority but were powerless to prevent* it sousrhTn^ hh0S6 Wb° fondemned 11 severely, these was Thomas StocksfflT n T^ht n6w homes in the Northwest. Among holder. Though enjoS a l fe of lnxM^^ who8e ^ler was a wealthy slave8 to his sire's mode of LcumuIatinV »nd ease Thomas formed a violent dislike mof forever. He was but sixteen flnalJ resolved to quit the parental rations destined to attend h'teMn^T f age',and "nused 10 the trials and privered. The dailv seerT» - T ew °°untry i but the noble lad never wacould be endured no longer if t° ?bicb the slaves were subjected P «g of a horse, and traveled in th^r *> *"- native soil, mounted an old Cincinnati. His entire ouS ^nsistS T °f ^ 'V*abio#°°' now known as chisels and two or three thumbri^E? wb,tC!?thes he wore> one broadax, three Performing odd jobs of 6tS' Tltb the8e tools he supported himself, mofed a barn, using wooden^totT8 °"i tho road- Somewhere in Kentucky he dnUing the holes with a thunK ^fT."ai1SZTUlere were no Mils in those days - when the work was finish^ he imHnn«rf^,*-kept him busy for 80016 tlme, and «ml condition having been somo^w - ^ hlS i°Ur^.ey Wltb "ore celerity, his finant°°> the owner of one of the six eahinafhPr>Ved' - b*9 arrlval at Fort Washingsame for his horse.. Stockstib ^,'"8.that constituted the fort offered to trade the the site of the Queen Citv of tLb\vg. 8"°ra?t10f the glorious future in store for short time, and, flnX after ^ rejected the offer He remained here for a what is now known as OlarkT r ' ^b° ^ ln the eitreme southwest comer of he married Hain's dauirhto^ p« ti T ^ wa8 in 1796' In the following year, eoa. J. L. Stockstill iff the nnrth lenoe' ftnd settled on the land now owned by his settlement made in the totn^heaSj COrner °f this township. This was the first , . David H !j|££ %r Tb ?' an<? °"e of 0,6 flrat 1,1 the county, lutionaty war. He afWwo J;3 ln New Jersey, and participated in the Revosurveyor. While travelinJ ^.wentt° Cincinnati, where he was detailed assistant the apparent fertility of the tbl? count-v; he was favorably impressed by township. The land i« n-eJ- 8C?i' a,lcl subsequently located in Section 23, in this At the Winning th-e P0886881011 of his grandsons, came from Pe^yh"gifantrJ!"6te?n'h century, Robert and John H. Crawford the young days of thi. "" Bottled here. These men held important positions in history of the county COUnty' ®*ey are prominently mentioned in the general lived there for near),- another old pioneer, settled on Section 24, and we believe still ^ half a century. John Ross settled here in 1810; his son,

Maryland, whenoe he came to Dayton, and, upon leaving there, came to Bethel, and settled on the southwest corner of Section 28. Here he built a log cabin, which has since been weather-boarded, and is yet standing. James Fergus came from Virginia. He represented Miami in the Legislature, and was universally esteemed.

David Puterbaugh came to Ohio in 1809, settled here in 1813. His wife is still living at the advanced age of eighty-four years, and apparently enjoying good health.

John Clayton, a son of the Emerald Isle, crossed the waters of the Atlantic in the closing days of the eighteenth century. He was a soldier in the war of 1812, and at its close purchased a farm upon which he quietly passed his days.

William Ellis squatted on Section 22, but soon changed his home for one west of the river. He was a Kentuckian by birth, and, tike Thomas Stockstill, left his native soil because her authorities permitted the barter and sale of human lives. He went to Loramie's in 1835 and there died.

David, John and Abraham Studebaker immigrated to Bethel Township from Maryland. They invested largely in land, and their descendants are at the present time in possession of some of the finest farms in the county.

John Newcomb, with his brother Daniel, came from Scotland. After stopping at various places, they arrived here in 1814, and purchased .whatisnow known as West Charleston.

Pioneer Hardships

The early pioneers of this township were not excepted from the privations surrounding the settlement of a new country. As a greater portion of Bethel is rolling, and traversed bv streams of refreshing waters, the inhabitants were in a salubrious condition. The northeastern comer, however, is low and marshy. At that time no system of drainage existed ; water stood at one place during the entire year, and its foul stench produced much sickness. People were attacked by the fever and ague, scarlet and typhoid fevers and similar diseases. The occasional physician examined the patient, introduced the lance, forbade the use of cold crater, prescribed pounds of calomel, shook his head and departed. Result - many of the patients died, some of them for the want of a cooling drink of water. The Pjon^®rl^afi discouraged ; those who survived in the fall knew not whether they snould live through the coming summer and made no preparations on their lands. I nomas Stokstill, a carpenter by occupation, devoted much time to making rough coffins and burying the dead, and, with that charity and good nature which was a cnaractenstic part of his nature, reftised all compensation from the poor and needy. Ha aX,yeM?> a compl®te system of drainage was introduced, the angel of death aeparted, and marshes and swamps gave way to fields of golden grain. . .

whioh nJ^L^°°re ; a* °ne time, wolves carried off a hog belonging to Stockstill, aJa£rk2? advance 111 toe price of pork - in thatfemily. The com p estroyed by the squirrels, who visited the fields in great numbers.

Looki^ out^auLnsh ahe r8 apM' At last' the "ornin« be£m to dawZ that her cabin hnH hai ' be f Sf° that no one was in sight, and concluded closed the Lt that thT byu-he redskins- Farther investigation disseen before it run-f. gh boring cabin remained untouched, A woman was handsy of her hus^^Th^ w,f®' wh?. was 8uP!»rted by a huge cudgel in the an attempt to mmn d^ ^bos were they kept at ba}\ Again, should they make were lighted The q°Wt the fireplace was filled with feathers, which time o??nd^ftn Shif -r^k8tdLWas .obtained this curious incident: "During a seriously wounded ' a wblt?T ^rl nam^d Hacker was attacked by them and ered, and in rW 6 WaS Ie ieve<^ ber scalP an(* left f°r dead. She recov- * afterward married & !ec?n<1 croP of beautiful hair grew upon her head. She the Indian remmrin W<! ? family." With the passing of time, peace returned, still and David TT to^ard tbe Great West. The descendants of Thomas Stockwere pitchod tuff Mornf stl^ point to portions of their farms where at one time r me tents of the red men.

Game

of 8quirrrfln1h,?t game abounded in the forests. The hunters killed large numbers encountered n Pbeafants' etc- Wolves, bears and panthers were frequently morning Thio* ^atcJ* that ^av*d H. Morris, Sr., killed three panthers in one boys to nw»ns« u.? °^d pioneer was very fond of hunting. He required his the ears was th sbooJ'bl^ daily ; when their record was poor, a general boxing of and difficult, 6 uf8-11*' Ammunition, though in active demand, was expensive every f 0Dtain* obviate all embarrassment, it became customary for sable artinlo his own powder. In after years, when this indispencould be obtained at a nominal figure, the old custom was abolished.

Early Mills, Etc

fnmishwnJi8* ^ WaS erected by one Teller, and called an ox mill, i. e., power was °xen. M<Jd a wbeel, about thirty feet in circumference, which was trod by not be a8cej^Pa^d^endenba^ erected a mill in early times - the exact date could

In 1815, a mill was built on the mouth of Honey Creek by David Staley. This mill enjoyed an extensive trade ; people from all directions flocking to the mill night and day. It was operated by the Staleys until 1831, when it fell into the hands of Daniel Babb, who operated it for many years. This gentleman established a store in its immediate vicinity for the accommodation of those who had their grain ground at his mill. In addition to this, he erected cooper and blacksmith shops. The various inhabitants formed quite a settlement, which was called Babbtown, in honor of its founder. On account of old age, Mr. Babb was compelled to cease running the mill in 1873, and since that time it has been idle. The location being a good one, however, the day may not be far distant when active work will be resumed. The shops and store have long been closed, and the former greatness of Babbtown exists in memory only. Simultaneously with the erection of the "Staley Mill" was constructed the Crawford Mill, which was rebuilt, in 1838, by one Cable. Corey's mill, on Honey Creek, was built prior to 1811. David Smith built upon the site of this old mill in 1835. A man named Earhart had a saw-mill on Honey Creek, in 1832, and a few years after, John Brier erected a saw and hominy mill on the same stream. The first steam saw-mill was put up, in 1840, in the village of Brandt At present it is owned by Albert Black. * In 1862, another mill of this character was put up, below Charleston, and is now in a flourishing condition.

Many distilleries prevailed in pioneer times, and many families did their own stilling as well as their own tanning. Henry Atkins established the first custom distillery in 1808, although Jacob Rudy manufactured liquor from corn, in a small establishment on Spring Branch, as early as 1806. James Stafford put up the first steam distillery on Lake Branch, in 1830. The site is now owned by Gustave Allen. At present there is not a "whisky shop" in the township. James Ferguson was one of the first tanners. He kept a small shop, built " in the bush," north of the present site of Charleston. He was also a shoemaker.

That our forefathers were a pious, churcn-gomg people will never be forgotten by this and the coming generations. For six days they labored diligently from early mom till late at night, but on the Sabbath Day, the Divine command, " Remember the Sabbath day to keep it holy," was never violated. At the close of the eighteenth century , when the settlers in this township were few and far betweeh, no opportunities for holding the general church sendees of the present day were afforded. Instead, was the family sendee of reading the Scriptures and commenting thereon, interspersed with song and prayer. A few years later, these sendees were held alternately at the different cabins of the pioneer. In 1807, the first society was formed by the Methodists, at the house of Rafe Stafford, on Indian Creek- Rev. Joseph Tatman was the officiating minister. Thomas Stockstill was one of the first Class Leaders and Stewards of this organization. In 181 0 or 1 81 1 , the society built a frame structure, which was called Palmer s Chapel, and served its purpose until 1830, when the brick building still standing was erected. By this time the membership had increased with the population of the county, and the building was crowded with eager listeners, who came from far and near, to hear Rev. William H. Raper preach the dedicatory sermon. The year 1820 marked the putting up of the first stove in the old church. Meetings are held here each alternate Sabbath. tw er mu.haiT 18 'embraced in the Brandt Circuit, of which Rev. N. H. Prince is the rv "«"???. 18 s*tuated on the extreme northeastern comer of the township wna Methodist Episcopal Church. - The first building erected by this society T& built t.he ground presented by David H. Morris, Sr., who also DaWdnlk!!8 con8tructlon- This was in 1825. William H. Raper, James Finley and brick wi prI!ILam°n?uthe. earl? ministers of this church. In 1850, the present Sourish^ Slte 0f the old building- The society is not in a very buS® The ol^tomtetone mw tobe /"T®1 ty'e was ^ first person buried ouding, a one-story brick struetnl to be. fo"nfi. >» dated 1818. The first church wgular minister Wa? bu,lt in 182e- »ev. David Winters was

1869, and by Rev. J. M. Lefevre, in 1870. The latter gentleman served very acceptably for ten years, and was followed in April, 1880, by the present Pastor, Rev. J. T. Hale.

This being the first church in all the surrounding country, it has always had a good membership. By 1840, it enrolled a hundred or more members of firstclass and leading citizens of the township and surrounding country, and has kept up its membership to about the same number, and from prominent members of the community. The churchyard adjoining is probably the best kept up of any country cemetery in the county.

The many incidents, ad well as the many difficulties that surrounded the establishment of early schools, are mentioned at some length in the history of the county, and a repetition is unnecessary. We will, therefore, locate at once the early schools of this township : On the Rudy farm, Section - , was erected the first schoolhouse, in 1802. In 1804, a rude log house was erected on Section 23 ; the first school was taught by one Keelan. Many of the early teachers received a monthly salary of $5 in addition to their board. These schools were conducted on the subscription plan. In 1830, the township was divided into six school districts. At present there are nine districts, each one containing a substantial brick schoolhouse ; four of these are graded, and contain two rooms each. Several years ago, the question of establishing a central high school for this township was violently agitated by the supporters and enemies of the system. The Trustees finally appointed a day on which the people could vote their sentiments as regarded this question. It was hoped that the measure could be carried ; but, on the contrary , the friends of the system met with overwhelming defeat. Educationally, Bethel stands without a peer among the rural townships of the county. Over seventyfive teachers have received their education within her boundaries. From an independent standpoint, a central high school seems to be a public necessity, and we believe that the day of its establishment is not far distant. Under a recent law, townships are empowered to employ acting managers, now called superintendents, who have a general supervision of all the schools. This township has taken advantage of the provisions of this act. In 1866, N. H. Albaugh was appointed Superintendent; in 1874, Hiram Brown was appointed to assist him. In 1876, Hiram Brown was appointed Superintendent and 8. R. Fergus Assistant, who are the present incumbents. To the gentlemen just mentioned, and to Mr. Samuel Dinsmore, who has been a member of the School Board of his district for twenty years, are due the thanks of the people for the excellent condition of the Bethel Township schools.

- . ®OI?e years agty at a fire at West Charleston, were destroyed the early records or the township ; consequently, we are unable to publish the list of township officials pnor to 1858. Following is a complete list since that time :

OWk - To/Jh gk I)ean'ni' C* McConnaughey, A. J. Allen, Trustees ; J. C. Mitchell, Cierk Jm>ob Shrover, Treasurer ; Jamls S Stafford, Assessor.

*nd David Morris Jr Sfl were joined in holy wedlock to Joseph Stafford tion utterly unknown' nni^176^' The village newspaper was then an the affair, nor are we fthle We m unable to &ve any accurate instituassertion, ho^Jw^f bow the brides were dressed. We will venture Bloom of Youth " J bat satins, laces and that indispensable article, the

The first orchard was planted by Jacob Price. It is not now remembered who was the first person born in the township. J. L. Stockstill, who resides in the northeastern corner of the township, is perhaps the oldest man now living who was born here.

On Tuesday, March 18, 1879, a deplorable accident occurred in this township. Jesse Albaugh, son of N. H. Albaugh, was hauling a load of fruit-trees from the Albaugh nurseries to Tadmor. While going down the hill, the rub-lock of the wagon was broken, and the horses became unmanageable. Young Albaugh was thrown to the ground and dragged some distance. When assistance arrived, life had fied, his neck having been broken.

This village, of about 250 inhabitants, is situated on the National road, in the eastern part of the township. It was laid out in August, 1839. John Dinsmore erected the first tavern, whose landlord was Thomas Forbes. The next tavern was kept by David Hepner. The present brick building was built by John and David Arnold and sold to Thomas Dover. The Voorhis brothers were the original proprietor! fof the town. Thomas Wilmington (father-in-law of ex-Clerk J. W. Cruikshanks) and Benjamin King, plow manufacturers, were the first inhabitants. It i& stated that, after their business was fairly established, they manufactured 1,500 plows per annum. The first store was kept by Michael Heffner in the property now owned by Jacob Siegman ; the stock of goods was small and unpretentious. The first store of any importance was kept by a rnnn named Bacon, in 1844-45. Brandt owes its existence to the construction of the National road, from Baltimore to Springfield. When this road was first Surveyed, there were but few other roads in the township. Travel on this became very general, and Brandt became a favorite resting-place for the weary traveler. Shortly after the completion of the road, however, pikes were being built through all parts of the township, and the number of travelers on the National, were correspondingly less ; and, since the introduction of the " iron-horse," Brandt has lost most of its former greatness.

In 1868, the school-building was erected, a substantial two-story brick edifice. The total cost exceeded $3,000, not including the ground. The educational facilities are ample. The youth of the village require but their own industry to obtain a first-class education. The primary department is in charge of Miss Amanda Swallow ; Mr. John W. Black is Principal of the intermediate grade. Spiritual instruction and consolation are offered by the Methodist Episcopal and Lutheran Churches, under the respective ministrations of Revs. N. H. Prince, and J. C. Zimmerman. The industrial and business interests of the little village are well represented as the following will attest :

Ilotel, Mrs. Schmidt; dry -goods, groceries, etc., Mrs. Schmidt, Jacob Hawn, B. *. Blessmger ; blacksmithing, Boyd Gowdy, Joseph Bechtold, Martin Gantz; wagon-making, John Bodiker, J. M. C. Dean ; basket- making, John W. Stremmel ; saw-mill, Black & Hower ; grower of small fruit and flowers, J. D. Tredway ; phjmcian, L. H. Humphreys ; shoemaker, John Motz ; Brandt -nurseries, D. and H. Jirown. The latter gentlemen enjoy an excellent patronage, employing from fifteen to twenty men at certain seasons of the year. Hiram Brown is lawyer, Justice of the Peace, Township Clerk, Township Superintendent of the Schools and i Enumerator, and, although comparatively a young man, has the energy an(* ability to discharge his duties in a satisfectory manner to Dayton. This road was cut out by Mad Anthony Wayne and his men, when on tneir way to Cincinnati. A number of pioneers from the surrounding country joined the army white they were engaged in cutting out the road at this point.

a so early tavern-keepers. There was a constant stream of travel, and hotel-keepmg was very profitablefor a number of years. As late as 1840, three hotels were required to supply the demands of the traveling public. To-day another state of a airs exists. The building of the canal and railroads has let the ambitious town i ^,1Iv0 ft provincial hamlet. For unknown reasons, the name of the town was ***» Jriendtown to West Charleston, now taking the Christian name of . . .ut half a century ago, the first frame was built by Caspar Young l Pres^m ^ 18 in the possession of. J ohn Baker. Kneislev erected one of the first one of the] firsf^ys***1 ^^^smithing. Dr. E. L. Crane, now of Tippecanoe, was

.on, Z8 itussell deserve mention as being among the first " engineers" of this np*- Tk1? eooyey ance. Now mail is received three times a week from Tip- Hhrlrin ^he following have held the position of Postmaster since 1839 : Samuel nf - 'KfJ!. H°gland, Jacob Waltz and Joseph Benham, who took charge whi^hf k d!stance from West Charleston are located the " Charleston Falls," wat or beauty of sceneiy outrival all similar works of nature in the county. The visit thp urni8hed hy the numerous springs in this locality. Hundreds of people sceneiy wafcers eveiY summer and enjoy the cooling breeze and picturesque anntlIJe 8fhoodloU8e was built in 1865, and consisted of one room. In 1871, how tn ah!?' ^as.^ed an<J the rooms graded. Here the young idea is " taught sixtv-fivah , rin& nine months of the year. This spring, there were about Dedaffftffii 8C t}ndei[ the general supervision of William Senseman, a veteran tion id oaf* Pf°yide for the spiritual wants of the inhabitants. The total popularly nnated at 150. The following is a showing of the business interests : Coshwo dosePh Benham ; blacksmiths, Solomon Funderburg, Martin P.

Conclusion

ow arrive at the conclusion of the history of Bethel Township. But ' Fourscore of years of its existence have passed away. Could we rn^tl°wf °°untry eighty years ago, this grand change would be more lzecl. Where once was a continued forest, interpersed here and there with 6 .^e ^ew ^ttlers, scarcely a landmark remains. The trees ? ago been extirpated j in their stead have appeared thousands of acres of oncir ' , ?^ns have been torn down to make way for handsome edifices of is asaistS^!111^ ^ hoautiful lawns and beds of delicious flowers, whose growth seeds nl® wi PumPod by a monstrous automatical wind-engine. The apple incr*!, inted hy our fathers have grown into extensive fruit-farms, which are being UDon ?^r. ^ear' The blazed road has made way for graveled pike, a?e of rk Ctl heaviest loads are drawn with comparative ease. Verily, this is an renoflo®10^8881-011* ^nd ^he old pioneer, where is he ? Under the cool sod he hischnii 8Uent m death* A rough sand-stone marks his resting-place. Many of onstefiri 11611 j rema^n > hut their hair is white as the driven snow, their step is y, and ere long, they, too, will fall into everlasting slumber.

farm, most of it right from the native fnrZt *|omPaon E,y> where he cleared ud a brought the farm into a good state of ' £ere heLremaine(l for many years and

E8- .a"d 8he for thirty-five years hif ^'t"5 been such for thirty their children but one become nu - *-- ^ave also had the pleasure to see all

G^. by whom he had one child Iw wni m't5ned three times, first to Martha Nancy King, by whom hp L j e ' ^V, lham i his second marriage was to children, viz., Margaret JW s"8 th,Ird.consort was Mary Hendricks, 'who'had five d!*d *n *825 ; about 1831 th» ^nn and Robert ; the mother of our subject 1833. Oursubj^t beiS ' t%nthW '<X?ted in Elizabeth Township, and d?ed in >n the care of John C^ve'Lith yT* °(age when his fether died, he was placed was married to Miss Hannah^** T*i0ln he remained until October, 1845, when he New Jersey, and she of Kontn ?u®^er ^8a and Hannah French, he a native of cleared and in cuTtSn L^" yearS ; he baa 170 140 of which are aIaiKe bam and other bnUd^ frf6 hls pupation has erected a fine brick house, are members of the CMstow^anti^h ?"V 3°I!venien.ce- 3ffr. Green and Wife located in Staunton it is the nSS? ^hu^>^avi"g »nited with it white it was organized in 1804 - he h «« h 6 ° ^est baptist Church in the county, having been

Go-. Dec. 24^1842 an?^CE' ®?1,Jer > f- 0. Casstown ; he was bom in Miami "ative of Kentucky nn^ ~h Tr?S Joif ph Md Patsy (Wilson) Hance; he was a "ad came to America8^6 °f ' *£e grandfather Hance was bom in England, with his father re Mng th® Revolutionary war; Joseph, the father^ died in Lost Creek Township, May 16, 1864 ; his wife died Nov. 5. 1855. Our subject lived with his father till 17 years of age, when he went to learn the carpenter's trade with his brother Lewis, with whom he remained about four years, thence returned with his father, where he remained till his death. On Feb. 15, 1866, he was united in marriage with Priscilla Clyne, daughter of Isaac and Elizabeth Clyne ; by this union they have had two children, viz., Horatio Ingraham and William Otho. After Mr. Hance was married, he remained on the old home farm for two years, thence went to St Paris, Ohio, for two years, and finally settled on the farm where he now resides ; here he has 100 acres of good land with excellent improvements.

BENNETT J. HARTER, farmer ; P. 0. Troy ; bora in Kentucky. Feb. 19. 1819 ; is a son of Jacob and Elizabeth Harter ; he was a native of Virginia, and she of Kentucky. The grandfather Harter was born in Maryland, and the grandmother Harter in Virginia, the ancestry being originally from Germany. Jacob, the father, removed to Miami Co. about 1820, and located in Elizabeth Township, where he followed his trade as hatter, in connection with farming, for about twentythree years, then sold out and bought a grist-mill and distillery, about three miles southwest from his first locality ; here he carried on the business 9ome ten years, then removed to a farm just east of there, and fanned for a few years, when he retired from active business and located in Troy, and resided till his death, which occurred in 1875. When Mr. J. first came to this county, he commenced with but a few dollars' capital, but by industry and unfaltering energy, enduring faithfully all the hardships and deprivations of those early settlers, his diligence and economy won for him a large competency, so that during the latter years of his life he could enjoy all that money or wealth could procure ; but it is said that he declared that the happiest period of his life was during his first years in Miami Co., when he had to labor the hardest and economize the most They were the parents of eleVen children, of whom four are now living, viz., Bennett J., Samuel rr*» Catharine (now Widow Randolph), and Franklin L. Mr. Harter, our subject, lived with his father till about 28 years of age. In 1844, he married Miss Nancy reen, daughter of George and Nancy (Knight) Green ; he was born in Pennsylvania, and she in Ohio ; by this union they have had six children, of whom three are living, viz., Bell S. (now Mrs. Charles C. Royce, of Washington, D. G), Mary Josephine (now Mrs. E. W. Heywood, of Boston), and Jacob D. After his maron a rented farm for two years, then bought the Smulser farm, where ne lived about five years, then removed to the Cove Spring farm, where he has acres of excellent land well improved.

4 l(uaM®8 T' HE^MAN> farmer; P. O. Troy; born in Clark Co., Ohio, July j, 18 a «>nof Lawson D. and Hannah (Ball) Herman, also born in Ohio, iwrinta1 Maryland and New Jersey ; Lawson and wife were the

Janies T nTme cbl*d*MLj. three are living, viz., John Wesley, Mary Louisa and ?- Herman lost his wife in 1849 ; in 1852, he married Eliza- °LJohn Flinn, of whom mention is made in the sketch of Benjathe father livo ^'8 they had one child, viz., Lawson A. ; Mr. Herman, capital beine eon!? and M'an>i Cos. ; he started in life very poor, his only comforts JHr* h??}th: energy and a determination to gain a home and the land and some tin nnn*18 was 8Ucce8sftil, as he became owner of 400 acres of Clark <fo m"oneJ be8>des ; he was born March 2, 1807, and died in

°n the farm upon which ^he^r!* ' ^*9' '^r?^ ' born in Miami Co. June 19 183? he was bom in Pennsylvania 4dtoe7n' V* & -*? " °f ®amueI and Mary (BelljKyte ^>re in Pennsylvania"; the ancestry orioinBlf"1111 ' Hjegrandfather Kyle was also Kyle emigrated from Pennsylvania^ MinmiV*®6 Scotland. Grandfather Towntoipi where he and other membenf^ftK C?' 1807> and ,ocated in Concord of land ; here he died, after a ""i7 en?red five quarter-sections Samuel, remained there till 181 a ' J^jdence, at an advanced age. The father "*ides ; here he oS out In ,'h ^ h*}oc*ted vpon the farm where Isaac now ever taken from .Wive '^h aTr^' C""ing the firet a«ck of timZ wke a farm and a ho« enS 7'!i?fi.0n for in Pioneer style, to

ST® konored old pioneere of our <»u7hJl?rd8h,P!i and dePnvations which only of his locating on this fem ^ kr)cw and experienced. About the time

Hwcy C, now Mre. FutowTtow.' i" IoWa ; 8arah A., now Mrs. McNeal ; Christian from his earlv mnnhJ^*8' T' Isaac N' San>uel Kyle was an earnest Church ; a member of th» ""hood, and was one of the founders of the Christian a minister in the church bn'IlT ®®*rference ?»" its organization, he was ordained for twenty.flye years and DrehahW an active, energetic minister of the Gospel than any other man in probab,y °J5?amzed more churches, during this period m his Master's vineyard a^hifd t'u"ltian work was one of constanHabor one who believed i/thf i7"d 7® dSatb> wh,ch occurred April 8, 1836, was that of * blessed imroortalitf 7" bvingLfaitb' and had an unfaltering hope of

Pjace, where he non ^7ifio'ld of the family has always remained upon the home wJth fine buildings and1mn4 ^ 7 aD,<J' of whl®h 120 "c*^8 are in cultivation,

»>th Elizabeth ^SaveJTS^ rovements He was united in marriage Jan. 1, 1857, have five chiMr^i .yei?' daughter of Andrew and Sarah (Talbot) Sayers. They

°°nfidence of hi* JSli J haf .awa^8 been a public-spirited man. who has had the people, and is known from one end of the county to the other as one who is interested in all public matters and improvements. He was elected a member of the School Board in 1859, in which he has since served.

DANIEL McNEAL. farmer ; Pa 0. Alconv ; bom in Pennsylvania Oct. 10, 1816 ; is a son of Daniel and Sarah (Brougher) McNeal, who were also natives of Pennsylvania ; the grandfather McNeal was a Scotchman, and the grandfather Brougher, or his ancestry, came from Germany. Daniel, the father, lived and died in Pennsylvania, but his wife, Sarah, came to Ohio and died in this county. They were parents of four children, of whom two are now living, viz., John and Daniel. Darnel, our subject, was only 11 years of age when his father died, but the mother, to her credit, managed to keep her family together till they grew to maturity, and came to Miami Co. Mr. McNeal removed from Pennsylvania to Ohio in 1839. and located on the farm where he now resides ; he first purchased 123 acres of land, most of which was still a dense forest ; he commenced with a capital of $1,000, and from year to year he cleared up and improved his land, from time to time purchasing more land adjoining him, as means and opportunity would permit, till now he is owner of nearly 800 acres of land, the greater portion of it in cultivation. This large amount of property has been accumulated by his own labor, industiy and good management, being a good example to the future generations of what may be accomplished by industry and economy, In 1838, Mr. McNeal was united in marriage with Barbara Brechbill, daughter of Frederick and Ann Maria Brechbill, who were natives of Pennsylvania. By this union they had eleven children, of whom ?? "J® now living, viz., Maria, now Mrs. Thompson ; Frederick B. ; Louisa, now M re. Stafford ; George, J ames and Marcellus. He lost his wife by death in 1864 ; m 1873, was united in marriage with Mrs. Ann V. Kessler, daughter of Peter and Kebecca'Vore, he a native of Pennsylvania and she of Ohio. By this union they nave had two children, of whom one only is now living, viz., Henry Ernest Mr.

cNeal has not only been a man of energy and industry, and accumulated a competency of this world's goods, but he has been a man of ability, commanding the , enoe of the people of his community and township, as indicated by the offices p held, having been Township Trustee for many years, and Justice of the A^rw^*0r m^e » be is, at the present time, Township Treasurer and Land Appraiser j in fact, there is scarcely a township office but what he has held, and °r "- but what he has held one or more offioes. He and wife are memseven yeare^*1118^11 ^urch, which they have been active members for twenty- vi^«K5°^gl U7mS m Iowa' Joseph and Mary's lives were very bnef, 183 and iqqo - temk*e scourge, the cholera, which visited this section in hours there heinJ^6,7 T,?*6 stacked with the disease, and lived but a few of age beiuo- &n. hour's difference in their deaths ; he only 27 years various occuDationl^f-i^^^ guardianship of their uncle, who put them to becoming of age mad!!*? w<Lre. able to care for themselves. They have, since ferent farms s^cessivftlv^111?*?6^?"1101^1 occupation, having owned three dnseven years ago thev f^M1\?a??Ile"llIP in this and Lost Creek Township. About resided. This conHiRt* JoS farm uP°n which they now live and have since modious buildings attarhf?4 a?JB.8.' under cultivation, with large and com* with Elizabeth -Knoon was united in marriage March 2, 1859,

Holl s army. He wS a l' ' r death' In the war of 1812, he wafa soldier in S®1P°f his sons, cleZd over i o,peat eD8^' and industrious habits, and, by the he t 0nr subjeet liv^d with MkfH?® and brought it into good cultivawas married to Miss Dorothv ?the!\tl,l 23 years of age. On March 14, 1833, "or°thy, daughter of Daniel and Elizabeth Neff; he was bora in Virginia, and she in Pennsylvania ; they were the parents of nine children, three now living - Mary, Dorothy and Elizabeth. As the issue of this union, Mr. and Mrs. Ramsey have two children - William and Sarah. Mr. Ramsey, after his marriage, located upon his father's place, and resided on his several farms for fourteen years ; thence went to the Booker farm for four years ; and finally to the farm where he now resides ; became owner of 425 acres of land, and sold 210 acres to Ills son-in-law, still owning 215 acres. The crowning traits of Mr. Ramsey's life have been energy, industry, economy and honor. Having the entire confidence of the people, the}" have extended to him many' offices of trust ; he has served as Justice of the Peace twenty-four consecutive years ; and, in testimony of his honor as it has been manifested in his official career, we have the evidence of the many compromised cases which' were brought before him, threatening extensive law-suits ; through Mr. Ramsey's pacific efforts between the contending parties, the differences were amicably settled without appealing to law. William, son of our subject, residing at home with bis father, was married, March 20, 1868, to Miss Abby, daughter of David and Martha NefT; they have seven children, six now living - George, John, Mary, Charlie, Samuel and Walter.

ANDREW S. SAUNDERS, farmer ; P. O. Casstown ; bom in Miami Co. Nov. 11, 1816 ; is a son of William and Elizabeth (Sheets) Saunders, born in Pennsylvania ; the Grandfather Saunders removed from Pennsylvania to this county when William was 11 years of age, locating here a few years after the Knoops ; William and Elizabeth were the parents of six children, of whom five are now living, viz., Andrew S., Henry R., Sarah Ann, Catharine Morter and Isaac ; the grandfathers were among the pioneers of the county7, having to go to mill for their grist and market their flour at Cincinnati ; but they accomplished their work, and lived to see and enjoy many improvements and comforts. Our subject lived with his father till 18 years of age, then worked by7 the month till January, 1837, when he was united in marriage with Delilah, daughter of Michael and Sarah Kissinger, who were natives of Virginia and the parents of two children, viz., Delilah and Nancy (deceased). After Mr. Saunders' marriage, he rented a farm of his Grandfather Sheets for about two y'ears, then went to Shelby Co., and has followed farming here and in this county until the present time ; he owns 200 acres of fine land, with good buildings and improvements ; Mr. Saunders has done a large share or pioneer work, having cleared up about 200 acres of land; he has held several offices, having been Constable, Appraiser, Township Clerk, etc., but he desires to business ^ ** mUCb " P°"ible- preferring to attend strictly to his own personal

1JeC' 2?;.17.7(?' and 8he in Pennsylvania Jan. 7, 1777. The grandparents ^ro.m. Virginia to Pennsylvania when Thomas was only a child, where h at maturitJ- On April 3, 1795, was celebrated his marriage, and M?«yJ; Aded lnPennsyl vania till the fall of 1808, at which time they removed to thp wrwi« \*nd ocat®d °.n the farm where Jefferson now lives ; here he settled in hP 18 near®®t neighbors being the Knoops, located in Staunton Township , resides. Mr. Sayere Cffl^the irm J? v .'u®"06 to the where hegtfil hard days' work in payinf for it - bat he and^h?/ '"f1837' and experienced many after many yeare of' toil and latore are T'f® "®Ver despaired, and now has also helped each of his children Kir r ^ ,s??8ed °f a fine farm and home He place, has been in of'u* means. This farm, the home

22,1797; is a son of Thorns anTprences^avere ! Pennsy,vania March sjHanta to this county in the fall of 1808 wiL^8' Theparents came from Penn- Mr. Sayers lived with his fatLr till 2^ °Ur "J*0* was 11 years of age. nec to Miss Sarah, daughter of SalmSf ,uJaly 19- ,821> he was wtacky, but came to Ohio atonitotn*! ? jd Jan5 Talbott, who were born in Kenchildren, who grew to maturity five of" ^l/8^ 87 this union they have had eight his father's farm for two yeare thei on a pL f h'9 Tmarriage, he lived on afterward bought a farm in JwHT a rented farm in Lost Creek TownshiD -

-nto Lost Creek Township, whTre he h® liVed flv® years : then went where he now lives and has mZl ,tb,rtl years >' and Anally to the farm has a fine farm of 160 acres of which 1 |!|W®d res,t,ence of twenty-two yeare. He wgs and improvements. Mr Savers l" cult,va'io". with good buildthe oldest persons now living t learly 84 y?are °r age, being one of Jan. 13, 1879, they having traveled tho^ Townal!'P He lost his wife by death years. They had been the journey of life together for over fifty-seven

Ohio in 1852. and located fnCKrlfrl^ £°r?.m Mar^land They removed to Mg, and resides in Miami Citv^his^untv^h^ h TCd !?d died ; she is 8ti11 ,iv' were parents of five children nfwh^?ty ' 1 th "danced of 82 rears. They fldd. Ohio ; John f J n f°Ur ^ now liviag Peter A., of Spring ?ur subject, remained with his father tn/A ?"d loBta C' Mr' SchiSdlef, be was united in marriage with Sareh a L "r 7 ^ °f 1age' 8nd on Maroh 12> 18«, (Wdhard) Rice, who were bland re?!?'-0®' °f Thomas and Elizabeth three children, one only nowlivin/vi Q^ T .Mary|??d- Tbey were parents of hail five children, of whom threl fi*, Sfr^h An."' and Mrs. Schindler have Schindler, after i,is Jam^e v ''PS? B,C®' MiIlard and Mina- Mrremained and carried mi the^mi^^K hl® fatbers 88 w and gristmill, where he have continued business to the nr and here in 1861, where he and his sons and machinist and h^Ta^! P.re8e"t 'me. Mr. Schindler is a natural mechanic The mill property heboid To h®/011® "l h" own Millwright work, repairing, etc. first class custom mill andT/th fn"9 a fe.w yeare smce> who are running a strictly their father, are ^ theasi!18tanoe of the large, practical experience of

Past labors Th*f i 'l .?ra act,ve business, enjoying some of the benefits of his nat ue has the confidence of his community, is shown by the offices he has held, having been Township Trustee one term, and Treasurer of the township for eight years. Mr. Schindler and wife have been members of the Beformed Church for a period of forty years.

SAMUEL SCOTT, farmer ; P. 0. Troy ; born in this township Dec. 9, 1844 ; is a son of John and Elizabeth (Sproul) Scott ; he was bom in Pennsylvania, and she in Sooth Carolina. John located in this township about 1830 ; had a fine farm of 320 acres, where he lived and died ; being one of the early settlers of that neighborhood ; they had ten children, who grew up to maturity, nine of whom are now living - William; Isabella; now Mrs. Walker ; Jane, now Mrs. Telford; Robert; Fannie; Elizabeth; Maggie, now Mrs. McCurdy ; Samuel and Thomas; our subject lived with his father till his death. Dec. 2, 1872, was married to Miss Mary E., daughter of John and Margaretta Farver ; he was born in Maryland and she in Ireland, coming to this country when a small child ; they were quite early settlers of this county ; Mr. Scott and wife by this union have three children - Sarah , Nelly, John Gustave and Bessie Margaretta ; they resided on the old home farm till the spring of 1880, when they located on the farm where they now reside ; the Scott family were early settlers, clearing up a large farm right from the dense forests, and, by their own labor and industry, became possessed of a fine cultivated farm and a pleasant home ; have a good competency, and present another example °^Pr®®Perity, arising from energy and close application to business.

WILLIAM SCOTT, farmer ; P. O. Alcony ; bom in Pennsylvania Jan. 18, 1822 ; is a son of William and Sarah (Kinney) Scott, who were also bom in Pennsylvania ; the ancestry being from Scotland. The parents, William and Sarah, came to this county about 1865, and located in this township, remaining here one year, then removed to Troy, where he has resided to the present time, living a retired life, he being in his 85th year ; his wife died in 1876 ; they were parents of nine children, of whom five are now living, viz., William, Mary E., James, Sarah Jane and Margaret Elizabeth (twins). Our subject remained with his parents till Jo years of age, when he was united in marriage with Mary, daughter of Henry and Jane Krimer, natives of Pennsylvania ; they had four children, of whom two are now living, viz., Henry and Sharon Kinney ; his wife died May 29, 1857. On Wkiff3, was celebrated his marriage with Sarah L., daughter of Zenas and JSAizaoetn Hart, who were bom in New Jersey, removing to this county about ° locating in this township, opening out in the forests a home and farm, and enduring a.11 the hardships of those early settlers ; but he lived to accomplish 8 work ; obtained a fine farm with good buildings, and all conveniences necessary tl?®re he.was permitted to enjoy only a few years, dying Nov. 15. , ' t"8 April 10, 1849 ; they were parents of seven children, olwhom urst located in this county, where he has since lived, following farming most of the a P,easant home and residence, with 50 acres of land all in cultivaand 'fin . t lave resided nine years ; they have two other pieces of land of 40 several ^espec?.ve!jf ; Mr S®01* has held several offices - was Supervisor

JOH? vTom"pllnTra8tee one term> a»d Postmaster for six years. livesSeof 2?'ia?»EE-TS' farmer: p- Troy ; bom on the farm where he now with his father ti??-' 18 a 8011 °*" Isaac S. and Nancy Sheets ; our subject In united with Miei a*® mai?'ia«e. which was celebrated June 4, 1861, when he was PenMVlraniaMwhe " Elizabeth, daughter of Jacob and Sybil Null, natives of bZto 2ST V* Ohio when Ln E. was an infant ; twelve children were

Mrs. Leonard) jPJlOI?,eleven are "°w living, viz., John M., Ann E., Frances (no Alice (now Mre lyof ' Maf?aret (now Mrs. Starr), Etta (now Mrs. Smith), Andre*. Sheets after his inarri^011 'i ^e°n°ra (now Mrs. Hooper), Capitola and Grant; & - the mill two vears - ocated on the old home place, by Sheets' Mill, and ran

Matilda, Laura E. and CUra p" JjT'UL « Th7 had three children, viz., Lucy are in cultivation SSn H« ha? « fine farm of 127 acres, of which 100 been «»e residence of the ShLll?f °< b"ildinS8 attached. This farm has how ' ANTHONY SNYOPR ^ k fa"dK f°r seventy-five years.

"any. The parents dted in ®'fab^th ,Sn>'.der- Tbe ancestry came from Gernow living, Wz John ^ Ah" "sy.lvama, leavng nine children, of whom six are P?8 8 .years of at^ when lhi^^ftthICb^^!Ll8ula,1' ®nd George. Our subject Blackford, with whom he lived tiil^ d,Cd ' r® wa8.then hound out to Aaron G. worked by the month v. ?ll,l6Jeor8 of "Fe> then, until 30 years of age, he' dwghterof John and FIizal^thhn1n48' ,e.was nn'ted in marriage with Sarah, of six fhi'M.. . Elizabeth Roller, natives of Pennsylvania anH wok no»>nfa

Biographical Sketches

R. James, the second child, married Jane Walders, daughter of Jacob Waldere, by which union they had two Children, viz., Flora and Sabin. James also lives on the Scott farm, assisting his father and brother in cultivating it Mr. Snyder and wife belong to the Methodist Episcopal Church, he having been a member for forty years, and she for thirty years. Their two sons are also members of the same church.

ROBERT SPROUL, farmer ; P. O. Troy ; born on the farm where he now resides Feb. 11, 1826 ; is a son of Robert and Isabella (Hayes) Sproul, who were born in Ireland ; he came to America in 1800, and she in 1793 ; they first located in South Carolina, but, about 1812, removed to Miami Co. ; while here he was drafted for the war and sent to Greenville, doing military duty two months, when he returned home ; in 1813, he located upon the farm where his son Robert now resid

Keith

Charles White, 832 Clara B., 032 Edward Pays on, 832 Mrs «Sdw. Pays on (Anna Marla Nlahwltzl, 832 Frances Henrietta, 832 Frederlok Albertus, 832 George Kishwitz, 832

Mac Collister

Jemima 785 Michael, 742 878 Mrs.Michaol (Agnes M. Neth) 742 Mi-KA-TAI-MB-SHE -KIA-ICIAH 3hdian name for Black Hawk, Indian Chief, 73 MALARTIE

Source changes here: from The History of Miami County, Ohio : Containing a History of the County; Its Cities, Towns, Etc.; General and Local Statistics; Portraits of Early Settlers and Prominent Men; History of the Northwest Territory; History of Ohio; Map of Miami County; Constitution of the United States; Miscellaneous Matters, Etc., Etc, by W.H. Beers & Co, Publisher, published 1880; 19,540 words in this source stream.

Elizabeth Township

Prior to the first election, held in July, 1807, this township was bounded as follows : On the south by Montgomery County, on the east by Champaign County, on the north by Canada, on the west by the Great Miami River ; that portion of the county east of the Miami was known by the name of Randolph Township. At the first meeting of the County Commissioners, the county was divided into five townships ; the fourth was called Elizabeth. From the official records we extract the following : " The fourth township to be known and called by the name of Elizabeth ; and bounded : Beginning at the northeast corner of Bethel Township ; thence west with the line of said township to the Great Miami River ; thence up said river to the middle of the eleventh range ; thence east, with the line through said

The seeker of a home was struck by the healthy condition of this locality. Beautiful springs were noticed on all sides ; numerous streams traversed through the soil, assuring its fertility ; the white oak, which predominated in the forests, promised to be of value in the building of cabins ; and the many maple trees yielded an abundance of sugar and molasses. These extraordinary inducements were not overlooked ; and it is not surprising that settlements were made in the younger days of the nineteenth century.

No actual settlements were made previous to 1800, though the forests were inhabited by the hunter and trapper during the period of 1790 to 1799. In 1799, Michael Carver emigrated from Pennsylvania to this State and settled on what is now known as Staunton. One year later, Carver, with Benjamin and Christopher Knoop removed some five miles east of Staunton. Carver purchased a half-section of land from John Cleves Symmes, paying $2.50 an acre for the same. This property is now in the possession of Henry Carver, who inherited it from his father. At this period, scarcely any trace of civilization was apparent, the locality for a distance of several miles consisting of one continued forest. A rude hut was constructed as a shelter from the elements, and an inclosure provided for the horses. Then the work of clearing the forests began in earnest. During the years of 1800 to 1812, occasional travelers, upon reaching this township, were not long in ascertaining its many advantages, and very naturally sought permanent homes within its boundaries. Among these, who were mainly from Pennsylvania, Kentucky and Virginia, were John and Jacob Mann, Michael Shidecker, George Williams, Christopher Prillamen, Obadiah Winters, John Flinn, John Gearheart, Ralph French, Thomas and James Cecil. These men settled in different sections, and in the face of many difficulties. The thriving and prowling son of the forest was as yet in his element, and the midnight howl of the wolf disturbed the rest ol the weary settler. The cutting down of trees and the clearing of the forests progressed slowly, requiring much labor.

Sociability was a prominent feature of the pioneer ; ever ready and willing to assist his neighbor - a request being responded to with readiness. Williams Mitchell, upon concluding to erect a cabin, invited his neighbors to assist him. A force of men began hewing the necessary timber in the morning ; and at the close of day the cabin was erected. Need we add that doors and windows were not included ? The opening was covered by a quilt or blanket ; the open space between the logs was covered with paper, serving instead of glass windows. Log-rolling constituted the chief employment in the earl}7 spring. It was customary to divide those participating into two companies, each commanded by a captain ; each party strove to perform the most labor ; consequently, every man worked with a will. Wrhisky was furnished at intervals, which placed the men in a splendid working condition. At noon, and in the evening, meals were provided for them, consisting chiefly of chicken pot-pie and noodle soup. In an interview' with Leonard Bousman, the writer was informed that he (Bousman) had attended some twenty of these log-rollings in one season.

An article indispensable in every household was whisky, obtained, in the earliest times, at the Knoop distillery, in Staunton. In later years, a number of distilleries in the township supplied the demand. Every family had a quantity of the liquor in the house. Should a neighbor call, he was sure to be greeted with a tin cup filled with whisky. Was a laborer engaged to perform a few days' work, he expected plenty of whisky in addition to his wages, and was never disappointed.

Marriages then, as now, wrere a source of much social enjoyment. The entire neighborhood was invited to attend the ceremonies, and the invitation was invariably accepted. Usually the youths and maidens mounted on horses and formed a procession. Much amusement was indulged in during the trip to the residence of the bride, sometimes many miles distant. A bottle of whisky was placed on the road, at a considerable length in advance of the company. Two of the young men would then dismount and run for the bottle. The winner of this novel race was entitled to the flask and its contents. The enormous amount of labor performed from year to year required the hearty co-operation of every member of the family, consequently, there was no time for idleness, and the youngsters had few opportunities of engaging in amusements. Occasionally, they were granted a short respite, and the ball and bat were brought into service. Instead of the base ball of to-day, they were content to play " corner ball." In the fall of the year, gathering beech-nuts and hickory-nuts was considered fine sport. The spinning wheel furnished the sole amusement for the maidens.

Elizabeth was well represented in the Indian war of 1812. Several companies of volunteers were organized, of which John Williams and Jacob Mann were Captains, while John Shidecker, William Mitchell, William Shearer, Philip Sailor and others deserve honorable mention as privates. Abram Statler was compelled to go to Fort Wayne during the campaign. Here he endured many privations, fortunately returning home in safety, though much broken down in health. His father was originally detailed to perform this duty, but this the brave and noble son would not allow, under any circumstances, and went in his stead. Such heroic conduct and filial devotion is commendable. While Capt. Williams' company was stationed at Fort Loramie, a little incident occurred which was related to the writer by one of the oldest settlers. One night, one of the soldiers had a dream. Of the nature of this dream history will ever be silent, the dreamer sleeping the sleep that knows no wakening, his lips having long been hushed in silence. Perhaps, in his imagination, he saw some horrible illusion, for suddenly a piercing shriek was heard. In an instant all sprang to their feet and grasped their weapons in alarm. Capt. Williams was thrown into a state of great fear, and, heedless of the degradation which might follow, he ran from the camp and sought refuge behind a log. A soldier, thinking he was an Indian, raised his gun and fired, fortunately missing his man. Before another shot was fired, the Captain came to his senses and the mistake was discovered.

For many years after the first settlement had been made, the township was inhabited by the untutored sons of the forest. Generally these Indians were inclined to be peaceable, though the pioneer was much disturbed by their numerous visits to his cabin, begging for bread and whisky, which were never refused them. The Pottawatomies, who have a close connection with the Shawnoes, were camped at various parts of the township. Mr. Henry Carver informs us that the land at present owned by him was a favorite camping-ground, at that time being in possession of his father, Michael Carver, who was often the victim of their depredations. On one occasion, Michael, with two horses attached to a sleigh, was hauling logs. An Indian came toward him, showing strong symptoms of an over-indulgence in fire-water, undoubtedly procured from the whites. His drunken performances frightened the horses. This so angered Carver that he extracted a stake from the sleigh, and, striking the savage with it, felled him to the ground. When the latter became conscious, he walked away without making any demonstration, nor was Carver molested in the future. With the tribe just mentioned, was a white woman (her name we could not ascertain), who had been stolen from her home in Pennsylvania, when but a child, and taken by the band to Ohio. Eventually, she became reconciled with her lot, married a grim warrior and became the mother of a large family. It is said that, in later years, she paid a visit to her old home, remaining for a short time only, and soon rejoining her wild associates. The savages were considered peaceful and harmless, and no danger was apprehended. Immediately after the killing of Dilbone and the Gerards, however, the entire country prepared for action. The women and children were taken to the house of John M. Dye, while the male portion of the community scoured the country in search of the murderers, but without success. For some time after the deed was committed, an Indian was held in mortal dread and looked upon with suspicion. No further disturbance occurring, all recollections of the bloody affair passed into oblivion. It may have been twenty }~ears after the first settlement before the last of the Pottawatomies disappeared. Many of the present inhabitants have distinct recollections of seeing these representatives of the red race, the above facts having been ascertained through interviews with Henry Carver, William Mitchell, Leonard Bousman, Andrew Sayers, Mrs. Dye, Mrs. Statler, Mrs. French and others, whose names do not occur to us at this writing. They all admit that the presence of an Indian inspired them with uncontrollable fear.

Wild beasts, common to American forests, abounded in this locality previous to the year 1820. The howd of the wolf was heard nightly ; encounters with bears and panthers occurred frequently ; human life was in danger, and the lives of domestic animals were in continual jeopardy. Mr. Leonard Bousman furnished us with the following : " The first sheep were brought to the county by the

Knoops. As the flock increased in numbers, five of the sheep were sold to a man named Jackson, and placed in a pen attached to his cabin. They were soon discovered by wolves, who, on a certain night, made an attack. The continued howling of the wolves frightened the sheep, and they made a desperate attempt to escape from the inclosure ; finally, they succeeded, and ran in the direction of a stream near by, closely pursued by their enemies the wolves. Upon reaching the stream, the foremost sheep plunged headlong into the water and was drowned. The remaining four, true to their instinct, followed the leader and shared the same fate, literally jumping from the frying-pan into the fire. Woolen clothing was not worn by Jackson's family in the following winter. At another time, Bousman's father was burning logs and rubbish in a field which he was clearing. His sons were assisting him. After the evening meal had been served, the male members of the family again repaired to the field ; it being essential that the land be prepared for the plow as quickly as possible, all hands labored diligently. Presently, the howl of the wolf could plainly be heard piercing the calm night air, followed by a succession of fierce cries apparently from every direction. Ere long, Bousman and his sons saw the beasts approaching. The fire, which had been the agent in attracting them, for a long time, kept them at bay ; but ere long, one more daring than the others, sprang toward Bousman, who promptl}T struck him with an ax, his sons flying to his assistance, they soon dispatched the beast. At this instant, strange as it may appear, the remaining wolves turned and fled. But for this fortunate circumstance, it might have gone hard with the Bousmans. Hogs were also frequently attacked by the wolves, until they were provided with means of defense. It became customary to allow several hogs to live to an old age ; as they grew older, their teeth increased in size, making them a splendid weapon of self - defense, and a protection also for the rest. An old, ferocious hog, with long teeth, was considered a match for any wolf. Gray squirrels proved another source of continual annoyance. Immediately after the corn was planted, it was ferreted out by thousands of these little pests, often making it necessary to plant a second time. An inroad was also made upon the growing corn as soon as in milk, and they would work upon it until gathered, sometimes destroying half the corn in a field. The nuisance becoming unbearable, it was decided to adopt a plan, by which the many little animals could be destroyed. Accordingly, a certain day was set apart by the inhabitants of a district, for a general slaughter. To encourage hunters, some of the farmers would raise a subscription in corn, to be paid the hunter who would bring in the most scalps. Isaac Mendenhall and Allen Ramsay were considered among the best hunters in this section. The year of 1828 witnessed a general migration of the squirrel to the East. After this time, wholesale squirrel killing was abandoned.

The excellent facilities for water-power did not long escape the keen observation of the settler. The necessity of a flouring-mill became apparent, the nearest being Freeman's Mill, in Monroe Township. A continual demand for whisky and the abundant production of corn increasing from year to year, guaranteed the erection of distilleries a safe investment. In 1811, the building of the first mill was commenced by John M. Dye, at the Lost Creek crossing, near the land now owned by John Lefevre. The entire neighborhood assisted in hewing the logs.. Perhaps the only man living who assisted in the construction of this mill, is; Andrew Sayers. The mill was not finished until the year 1813, the first wheat being ground a few days prior to the marriage of Dye's daughter, Sarah, to Abram Statler. Mrs. Statler remembers that the chief amusement of the wedding guests consisted in visiting the new mill. At that time, Dye resided on the site of the Children's Home ; but, at the completion of the mill, he erected a stone building just north of it ; the house still stands and is occupied by John Lefevre. This new improvement was but the forerunner of many others. A road was surveyed from the mill to Troy, making a direct avenue for conveying grain to and from the center. The second grist mill was built by Michael Carver, in 1823 ; this building is at present used as a cotton-mill by Henry Carver. Other miils were erected in later years, many are yet in good running order, and will be found in every part of the township.

Jacob Mann erected the first distillery ; in what year we have been unable to ascertain. The next distillery of any magnitude was built by Daniel P. Voorhisr in 1830. The many private whisky factories throughout the township are not considered worthy of notice. A Dutchman by the name of YanCulen Hampton owned the first saw-mill, situated on the land now owned by M. Hill. Perhaps, a powder-mill erected by Jacob Prillman, on Indian Creek, in 1806, is the first manufacturing establishment ever put up in the township ; the property is now in possession of William Thompson. Some years after, a man named Lusenhall engaged in the manufacturing of hats, on the site of Levi Staley's residence. In 1825, Newman Scarlet operated a turning lathe, on the present Henry Bell property, on Indian Creek. Stores were also established as they were needed. The first store was kept by Conklin, in 1831, father of John Conklin, the Corporation Clerk of Troy. Isaac Sheets and Asa French were also engaged in the sale of merchandise.

For many years, roads were comparatively unknown. The pioneer cut a path to the house of his nearest neighbor, who, in turn cut his way to the next cabin. Thus, it will be noticed that the roads were very irregular, and traveling was necessarily slow and tedious. The road from Dye's mill to Troy was the first laid out by the County Surveyor. The first pike built through the township was the Troy and Springfield pike. At this writing, the township is traversed by three or four free pikes, intersected by a complete network of roads.

Cincinnati was the nearest trading-point for a number of years. After harvest, wheat was taken to the mill and ground ; if there was a surplus of flour, it was taken to Cincinnati, by wagon, and exchanged for leather, coffee and other indispensable necessaries. Sometimes a small amount of cash wras received, which was saved for the tax-gatherer. The leather was usually converted into shoes by roaming shoemakers. Horses were often taken to South Carolina and sold at a good figure. A cargo of flour and pork was placed on a raft and floated into the Miami, thence to the Ohio, down to the Mississippi, thence onward to New Orleans. Here the cargo was disposed of, and the pilot returned on foot, some three or four months being consumed in going and returning.

A new impetus came to the homes of the pioneer in 1830. This year witnessed the erection of frame dwellings ; new arrivals came from the East, and general prosperity crowned the efforts of the inhabitants. On and after this date, no backward steps were taken ; the population was on a rapid increase ; instead of one continual forest, beautiful fields of golden grain were seen ; blazed roads had long disappeared ; the educational interests attained a higher standard. It was apparent the struggles through poverty were a thing of the past.

Clock peddlers traversed the country in 1835, selling their wares at a high figure ; many settlers paid from $25 to $75 for a common eight-day clock. Stoveswere introduced in 1840, and created somewhat of a sensation. To the pioneer,, accustomed to sit and warm by the dear old fire-place from infancy up, it seemed that the new contrivance could be of no service in heating and cooking. So strong was the prejudice against this invention, that many declared that Aictuals had not the wholesome taste produced by the old way of cooking. The general opinion soon changed, and erelong stoves came into general use. Simultaneously with the stove came the cast-iron plow, and lately the steel plow, the mower and reaper and the thresher. Log cabins gave way to beautiful edifices of frame and brick ; large bank barns were erected for the comfort of the domestic animal ; ever}Tthing was changed as if by magic.

Taught to reverence and trust in the Lord of Hosts, when but children, and faithfully adhering to these teachings as they grew older, it is natural that the settlers should make rapid progress in the religious cause. After six days of hard labor, the Sabbath was welcomed as a day of rest. Ministers were unknown for several years after the arrivals of the first settlers. No house of worship had been erected. On Sabbath morning, the humble cabin was converted into a house of prayer ; the family gathered around the fire-place, passages of Scripture were read and commented upon, interspersed by the singing of h3Tmns of ye olden time. The long distance to the house of the next-door neighbor made impossible the favorite Sunday afternoon call of the present day ; social conversation, suggesting and discussing plans for the future, and the singing of a hymn occasionally, serving to while away the lopg hours of the afternoon and evening. Later on, the locality becoming somewhat more populated, it was decided to hold services at a certain house which could be conveniently reached by the neighborhood ; and persons would gather from a radius of four and five miles to join in social worship. The first meeting was held at the house of Rafe Stafford, on the George Stafford farm, in Clarke County, by members of the Methodist Episcopal denomination. The first services held in the township, were conducted by the Methodists, at the house of John Gearheart, at present occupied by Miss Sarah Gearheart, on the Troy and Springfield pike, near the eastern township line. The New Lights erected a church, in 1815, near the Cold Springs.

The first meeting of the Baptists was held at the house of Stephen Dye, in Staunton Township, on the 3d of November, 1804, a full account of which will be found in another part of this work. Our forefathers endured all the inconveniences connected with an attendence to these meetings ; yet the long walk through the dense forests was performed without a murmur, and with glad thanksgiving to the Most High. At the residence of William Knight, on the site of the Children's Home, the first meeting within the township was held. Services were also conducted in the houses and barns of the neighbors, and frequentty an adjournment was made to God's first temples. Assembling together for the purpose of holding social religious meetings was the favorite and only pastime of the young folks The house owned by Knight was afterward sold to John 31. Dye, with the express understanding that devotional exercises should be continued, Mr. Dye, being a stanch Baptist, acquiescing readily. These meetings continued for some }Tears. Mrs. Sarah Statler is the only living member of this organization. At present the Casstown Church is attended by the Baptists of Elizabeth ; there is no Baptist Church in the township.