German Township (part 1 of 3)

German Township

a' Germantown has given them the name of Twins. From Germantown, the i ted stream continues in its course southward for the distance of about six lL es, and then empties into the Miami River. Taking the mouth of the Twin ;i:;h6 starting-point, and proceeding along its course to Germantown, thence T ut two miles more along both of its branches, we pass through the entire Tin Valley and reach its northern terminus. The valley itself is formed of d! bottoms contiguous to the Twins and the hills by which they are inclosed, i) is from one to two miles in width. Underneath the outer soil of this valb there is found a deposit of gravel from one to three feet in thickness which as an underdrainer, as well as furnishing cheap material for making roads. In addition to their natural fertility, these bottom lands possess h advantage, that they do not suffer as much as other lands from a want or a cbrabundance of rain, and produce whether the summer season be wet or dry -ivantages seldom found combined, and which give these lands their chief vale. Two miles south of Germantown, upon a high bluff overlooking the aby, are found the remains of an ancient fort, covering a space of about ,vity-five acres. The trees that but recently grew on it have been cut down, r its site forms a part of a well-cultivated farm. By means of the plow and sow, its embankments have been reduced to a level with the adjoining sura , so that, to the eye of the casual observer, not much remains to be seen of h once vast inclosure, yet there is enough left to trace all its outlines, ire are many similar works in Southwestern Ohio, but who were their build- R what use and purpose did they subserve? and what is their age? are quesics which are difficult - perhaps impossible - of solution. The geology of v valley is likewise highly interesting. Beneath its soil, on the hillsides, is bestone rock of animal origin and a marine deposit. It is simply a coni ation of shell animals (Mollusks) that live in the ocean. The shells in li fossil rock are as well and clearly defined in form and outline as any shell b y thrown up by the waves from the ocean bottom. There is the greatest nj.ty of species of them, and one may count a dozen or two varieties in a rock e size of a man's hand. The gravel deposit of this valley affords no less it est than its fossil rock, a handful of its sand or pebbles containing at least d en different kinds of rocks, coming from formations which are far removed e one another. These pebbles are rounded off to almost the regularity and a tkness of marbles, giving evidence of having been subjected to friction, u ips by being carried great distances by some unknown process or catastroand large bowlders are found lying on the outside surface, which have ' .brought here from great distances. Here, then, in this valley, upon Its ' d ides and fields aud by its streamlets, both the antiquarian and the geolo- * vill find a promising field of research and study.

Germantown

Germantown is situated in the Twin Yalley, with Little Twin Creek on its ide, and Big Twin on its west and south sides, being in the forks of these r| ns. It was laid out by Philip Gunckel, who, on the 4th day of October. G certified that the plat as recorded was correct. The first sale of lots oc- October 21, 1814, and the second sale November 15, 1815. It was -1 Germantown because the people who built up the town and lived around f e Germans. Howe, in his " Historical Collections of Ohio," says " Gern iwn was named from Germantown, Penn.," but in this he is mistaken; the n was given for the reason just stated. Its site, as well as its surfings, are in a high degree beautiful. The valley immediately around H Yn is on almost all sides inclosed by hills, which are in large part cov- "iet|)y trees, forming a forest- crowned wall, presenting a very pleasing pict- are.* The town is regularly laid out; its streets are wide, well graded and m adamized. The climate is most salubrious, the drainage admirable, malark diseases unknown, and the health of the people excellent. The post office v established in October. 1818, Peter Shaeffer being the first Postmaster. G mantown has no railroad, but has, nevertheless, good railroad facilities means of omnibus lines to the C., H. & D. and C., C. , C. & I., at Carlisle g Miamisburg, which points are each but four miles distant. The town posses good public buildings ; the schoolhouse is a very substantial, three-stor structure, overlooking the valley, containing twelve rooms, four on each He the Town Hall is an edifice that would do credit to a much larger town; g the armory, originally built for an academy, engine house and prison, are quite new, capacious and attractive. There are four churches of good arc tectural style, some of them finished and furnished with taste and elegan The town also has what many large places lack - a public park, contain; about five acres of ground, which has been but recently laid out. Germanfco has at present three dry goods stores, four grocery stores, two hardware, t furniture, two tin and stove stores, a number of other mercantile establishme possessed by such towns, three hotels and one banking house. The Exck;u!i Bank was established by Col. John Stump, and did business a few years, wl it was merged into the First National Bank of Germantown, which was org ized July .18, 1868, by Christian Rohrer, William Gunckel, John Stump, J< F. Kern and others, beginning business September 1 of that year, with a ca tal of $50,000, which has since been increased to $75,000. John F. Kern i; elected President, and John Stump, Cashier; the former serving as Presid! of the bank until January 10, 1882, when he resigned, and was succeeded ,j Joseph W. Shank. Col., Stump was succeeded as Cashier by J. H. Cross, vl was elected January 16, 1869; began his duties February 1 of that year, wlf position of trust and confidence he has filled up to the present. During m;| years, the German was the only language spoken among the people of it town, but the English language has almost entirely supplanted it as a inedi of social and business intercourse. - (

Sunsbury is but a small village of about forty dwellings; is separaj from Germantown by a space of .about a quarter of a mile, and is located rectly south of the latter town, on the Carlisle & Germantown piko. It very old place, being the first point settled in German Township, and f<| number of years was the only village or place of business in the Twin Val It was not, however, platted until March 18, 1825, according to the cod records. Its people form, to some extent, a community by themselves, yet t. interests are largely identified with those of the people of Germantown. £ though small in size and population, some of the most prominent men in township have lived here, such as the Emericks, Catrows and Liggets. It never given much prospect of growth, and to-day has no more houses tka had forty years ago. and is beginning to show its age by its external appj a nee.

German Township has had two classes of settlers, who have succeeded! another, the first of whom were the squatters, who remained but a few ve and the second the pioneers, who stayed and became the permanent occupj of the soil. The squatter period begins with the year 1798, and ends with year 1804. Previous to the former period, the Indians held undisputed a; in the Twin Valley, and lingered here with fond attachments even after. i croaching civilization had robbed them of their means of support. As lati 1804, the Shawnees had a town on Shawnee Creek, on land now adjoin

Lsbury, from which tribe that stream takes its name, and it is said of Torny vlbuck, who was one of their number, that, for a long time, he utterly refused .save the country. He built nimself a hut on the west side of the Big Twin, in- the site of Conovers Mill, and for years no amount of persuasion could a e him to abandon the land of his birth and the scenes of his earlier years; r when at last he yielded to the inevitable fate of his race and concluded to u'e on westward, he did so with great reluctance only, and left very sad and U icted.

The first white settlers came to this township in the year 1798, from Kenicy, but they were not all natives of that State; perhaps but few of them up. Some were natives of Pennsylvania, others of Maryland, "Virginia and hth Carolina. The names of some of these people have been preserved, and follows: Benjamin Smith, James Griffith, John Pauly, William Cutler, aes Hatfield, Robert Hardin, Lickum Hardin, James Hardup, James Porter, .i'ge Worthington, Samuel Hawkins (who had been a Colonel in the Revoll'.nary army, and was a man of superior intelligence), John Winegardner, 7 iam Polk, John Bundaker, Richard Brown, John Herman, William Eastol, Eden Hardin, John Cutler, Martin McGrea, Nathaniel Lyon, Conrad ; i e, Anthony Richard and Abraham Hartzel. These people were not actual urs, but squatters only, but as soon as the land was ottered for sale, some ii based. Many were too poor, and had not the means to buy, whilst others ii the means, but were not willing to purchase and to remain. These, as >i as circumstances permitted or necessity impelled, moved away and made k for those who became actual settlers. The land upon which Germantown i: subsequently laid out was entered and owned by James Hatfield and Robtlardin, who sold it to Philip Gunckel in the year 1804, at the price of $10 :cre.

On the west side of this were two tracts, each of sixty acres. The north cme (now the site of the park and armory) was entered by James Porter, u he southern by Ahraham Hartzel, the latter of whom lived on the spot at

nt occupied by the residence of Lewis Stump. Both these tracts were i j ujiased by Leonard Stump and combined into one farm. Porter owned also o I' act of land to the west of this, which later passed into the possession of i amEmerick. All west of this last, as far as Twin Creek, was entered by Con- 1 lisele, George Worthington entering the land north of Germantown, known * as the George Emerick place. John Winegardner never owned any land,

ved on a tract now the property of the Kemps, on the Dayton pike, which long time was called the "Winegarden," in imitation of its first occupant's

I Bundaker owned George S. Gebhart's farm on Dry Run, and John Harithe farm of Jacob Brunner, on the same run. None of the uplands T entered by these first comers, and not even all the bottom lands were up by them. Richard Brown lived on the run that now bears his name, lifter v?hom it was called. Brown's Run was then confined to a narrow h: el, and the bottoms adjoining it were quite as good as those of the Twin G; but when the timber along its banks wras cut down, the stream began Gen until the rich surface soil of its bottoms was entirely washed away.

a'ury joins, Mr. Lyon's grave fell into the street, and his body was re-in r,j the same burial-place, a marble slab marking the spot where now his peaceable class of people, and, religiously, were mostly of the Baptist, pen sion; at least, the only minister who labored among them, the Rev. Mr. 1 was a Baptist preacher. They ei'ected a house of worship on the farm 1 owned by Christopher Emerick. It stood in the wToods on the hill, was a structure, and was never quite finished. The second class of settlers have sc times become the permanent occupants and owners of the soil, and this 1 pened to be the case in German Township. But in many instances, these 1 again sold out, and a third class only have come to remain.

The first of the second class of settlers were principally from Berks Con Penn., who, later, were re-enforced from the same and other States. In 1' Philip Gunckel, Christopher Emerick, David Miller and George Kern, all fives of Berks County, Penn., came to Ohio on a prospecting tour. After v ing different localities, they concluded to purchase land about sixty miles of Cincinnati, on Bull's Skin Creek, near its junction with the Ohio River. Gunckel was a miller by trade, and, in the selection of land, aimed to seen site for a mill, and the others deferred to Mr. Gunckel's judgment in tbeij lections of land. The four contracted for 1,000 acres on this stream, from agent of a Virginian named Bedford, which land was a part of the Virjj Military Survey. They started for Virginia to see Bedford and secure i him deed and title of the land which they had bought from his agent, bul an-ivi ng at the man's residence, they found that he was dead, and the exec lived 150 miles further off. They therefore abandoned the project of settiin; Bull's Skin, and returned to Pennsylvania, still, however, with the intentio moving to Ohio. Their glowing account of the beauties of this State creat. "Western fever" in their locality, and twenty- four families concluded to ; out and move to Ohio during the following spring, all of whom were na" of Berks County, Penn., although a few were then living in Center Count the same State. They set out on their westward journey in the spring of 1 1 met at Pittsburgh, as previously agreed upon, where they loaded their w;i; and goods upon flat-boats, and. with their families, floated down the Oh Cincinnati, arriving at that town June 20, 1804. From there they wer Reading, a hamlet not far from the former place, where they tarried a night, considering what to do or whence to direct their steps. A few f< employment and remained; the rest continued their journey toward the n< intending to locate in the Miami Valley, of -which they had heard, but wit special objective point in view, trusting rather to fortune and the guidam providence. Passing through the Miami A^alley, they were delighted wit-1 country which they saw. Anally arriving at " Hole's Station," near which 1 a wealthy German farmer named Alexander Nutz, whom they were very gk meet, for he spoke their own tongue. They encamped on his farm, and weather being warm and pleasant, they took up their abode in the woods, w| they lived in wagons and temporary huts for about two weeks.

Mr. Gunckel was looked upon by these people as their leader, being a of superior intelligence, and the only person among them who spoke the glisli language with any degree of fluency; therefore, they were inclined 1;h low his fortunes, and locate wherever he did. He explored the countrji miles around, and finally concluded to settle on Big Twin Creek, within present corporate limits of Germantown, and the rest of the colony ma< their minds to locate around him. Mr. Gunckel was influenced in this d tion by the fact that the stream afforded a good mill site, as it was Ins iij tion to erect a mill as soon as properly settled. Those who followed Mr. Gum leadership crossed to the west bank of the Miami River, traveled on k direction of Twin Creek, which they reached August 1, 1804; and her the side of this stream, they rested as the end of a long and wearisome k, and here was now their future home. The earlier settlers who lived in ,b valley were ready to sell out to the Pennsylvanians, and those of the latter ,v|i had the means at once purchased land, while a few found unentered Govment land and secured that. Before winter set in, the newly arrived imini- , -cits had secured land, built their cabins and begun the battle of life in the n,nitive forest of the Twin Yalley. Such was their enterprise and industry 1 j they did more for the improvement of the country in one year than their alecessors had done in half a dozen of years, and at the end of twelve Liiths, they had attained such a condition of independence and thrift that v t or suffering- was unknown among them. Religiously, they were either jherans or Reformed, and in those days it used to be said that all the differ- -V3 between the two denominations was that in the Lord's Prayer, the one said iter IJnser and the other IJnser Vater," hence there was little occasion for 1 nation between them. After the first arrivals, came others, and the immii .ion hither continued steadily, so that in 1S08, German Township was pretty akly populated, and the land in the entire township, excepting some swampy it, ions, had been entered and occupied. The following are the names of be heads of families who came to this valley from Pennsylvania in the 1804 copy, some of whom, however, settled outside the present limits of German L'cnship : Philip Gunckel, Christopher, John and William Emerick (who to brothers), George Kiester, Jacob Bauer, George Moyer, John Gunckel vio subsequently returned to Pennsylvania), John and Christopher Shuppert, Yr Gebhart, George Stettler and his five sons, William, Henry, Daniel, flfge and Jacob, John Barlet, Abraham Puntius and George Ivern (who came iit them as far as Cincinnati, where he remained two years, coming to this

0 iship in 1806). There were twenty-four families of them when they started in Pennsylvania, but they did not all get to the Twin Yalley. Some dropped fin their way hither and settled elsewhere, while others remained so short a in that they cannot be claimed as pioneers of this valley. The names of ail

The people who came to this valley between the years 1804 and 1808 were, vii perhaps a few exceptions, natives of Germany, or of German descent, most

1 hem belonging to the latter class hailing from Pennsylvania, while a few as from Maryland and other States; but wherever they came from, they were ! f the same stock of people, and may all be ranked under the general category ' 'ennsylvania Germans. These pioneers were well adapted for the life which it had chosen, being brave and adventurous in spirit, and strong and healthy | tody. They were true and hardy sons of the soil, relishing sport no less ;u labor and adventure.

Brief Biographical Sketches Of Pioneers

tive of Berks County, Penn., born April 7, 1766. When yet a man young I 2ars, he went to reside in Center County, in the same State, from where he <;ap t° Ohio. He was a man of intelligence, enterprise and activity, of clear < j bight and shrewd business capacity. He brought some money with him to k State, which he invested judiciously, thus laying the foundation of future 'Oh. In purchasing his land, he saw the advantages of its location, and in h' began the erection of a mill, which was finished in 1806, and this was k nucleus of the future town, which he laid out in 1814, and was the first 'Ronly mill for many years in a district of maoy miles in extent. By means of the income derived from this mill, the proceeds realized from the salt town lots, and from other good investments, he soon accumulated a k amount of property, so that in his day he was the wealthiest man in Gera Township. For a number of years, he served as Associate Judge of the Co of Common Pleas; was also chosen as a delegate to one of the constitutio conventions of Ohio, and served one term as a Representative in the State L islature. In all these positions he acquitted himself with honor to hims and his constituents. He was, moreover, a leader in all the more import public movements of his township and county. Many improvements were s ported by him, and, by the aid of his influence, brought to a successful iss Providence had bestowed upon him a sound body and a vigorous mind, and them he made the best possible use which his circumstances permitted hi As a citizen and an official, he has done more than any other man of his ti in his community to promote the interest and prosperity of this section country.

Mr. Gunckel was a member of the Reformed Church, yet favored 8 aided other denominations in securing places of worship in his town. He \ married thrice, but left no issue except by his first wife. This lady's maic name was Catharine Schaeffer, and she was the mother of eight children, these, John, Michael, Catharine, Philip, Jacob and Sarah were born in Pe) sylvania, whilst David and Elizabeth were born in Ohio. Catharine beca the wife of Lewis Shuey; Sarah was married to Henry Zellers, and Elizafi to Dr. C. G. Espich. The most prominent among his descendants of the pr ent generation are William Gunckel, banker, and Lewis B. Gunckel, atton at law and ex-Member of Congress, both residents of Dayton, Ohio.

Mr. Gunckel's wife Catharine; was born in Berks County, Penn., July 1760, and died August 2, 1836, he surviving about twelve years, and dyi May 24, 1848. The remains of both were buried in the Lutheran Graveyf in Germantown, but subsequently exhumed and re-interred in the Gemanr.o Cemetery, where their resting-place is marked by a marble tombstone.

Daniel Gunckel was a brother of Philip's, and came to this township 1811; was a man of rather retired disposition and quiet habits of life; bt and operated a fulling-mill on Mud Lick, where at present stands the disi lery of David Rohrer. He was a member of the Reformed Church, but chan<j while here to the United Brethren. A nephew of his, by the same name, ca: still later, and was a miller by occupation. All three of the above Gtrack have left issue, and from them all of the name in Montgomery County are < scended.

The Emericks

There were four brothers of them who came to this township - Joi| Christopher, William and Michael - all natives of Berks County, Penn. - a George, a distant relative of these.

Christopher was one of the four men who, in 1803, came to Ohio on a pr pecting tour. He was married and had several children when he settled i this township. He was called by his German friends " Stoffel; " entered G( ernment land on Shawnee Creek, adjoining Sunsbury, and lived here until I hour of his death. He was born January 23, 1771, and died January 1837. Of his children, four are still living, viz., William, Christopher, M. Christian Rohrer and Mrs. Christian Eshelman.

John was an elder brother; was never married, and lived in Christopher family. As late as 1810, he entered about one thousand acres of land on I Run, which was considered valueless, being wet and swampy; but it is n among the best in the township. Both he and Christopher were go.od mucians; brought with them the first pipe organ ever seen in Twin Valley, a I frward manufactured a number of similar ones, some of which are still in cd repair. From far and near, the pioneer fathers, with their families, dd gather at their house for the purpose of enjoying the harmony of song rbh there prevailed, as well as to take part in the social dance, and on this c unt the name of Emerick became a household word throughout the valley, tliam Emerick bought land west of Germantown, of James Porter, and lived now stands the residence of Christian Dechant. He was born July!. 7 ; reared a numerous and respectable family - most of whom have passed v - and died February 10, 1842.

Michael was a man of means, who came in 1806 and bought land about nmile west of Germantown, upon which Conover's Mill now stands; born uarv 10, 1756; died October 14, 1820. Those brothers were members of it Lutheran Church; were among the founders of the congregation in Gera own, and helped to build the first church located here. The most remark - i among the Emericks at this time is William, the son of Christopher, born j )rks County, Penn., June 29, 1794; he is consequently near eighty-eight i old. His memory is wonderfully vigorous and retentive, his form erect. s;ep as elastic and firm and his movements as quick as if still in the prime fe. He was married, in 1820, to Sarah Gunckel, daughter of Daniel i i :kel, who yet remains to cheer and comfort him. It is due to Mr. Emerick rto state that many of the facts here recorded were obtained from him. He .sjcept a record of names, dates and events, which he kindly placed at our rue, and without which this history would be incomplete, as many historical cl would have long since passed into oblivion.

leorge Emerick lived on land entered by George Worthington, adjoining u.antown on the north. He was born in Dauphin County, Penn., October 789; came to Ohio previous to 1810; was a prominent member of the Lull Church; was twice married; reared a large and respectable family, and April 12, 1859. His mother, who came to Ohio with him, and who died ' n her ninetieth year, had been an Indian captive when young, and had a ^heart-rending story to tell of her sorrow and sufferings during her captivij, ohn George Kern was one of those who came to Ohio in 1803, with Philip riel. He was born in Berks County, Penn., February 8, 1775; was a millet by trade, and remained working at his trade in Cincinnati from 1804 1 f6, when he followed his friends to German Township and made the buhrs finckel's mill, which was finished in that year. .Shortly after coming, he cd the quarter-section of land now the property of his son William, upon i( he ever afterward lived. Mi-. Kern belonged to the Lutheran Church; eorge Moyer started from Pennsylvania with the others, but parted from 1 t it Pittsburgh, from where he took a different route, and reached this 1 iip before any of his friends, taking up his temporary residence on a I'i'-section of land about two miles north of Germantown, on Little Twin i' later owned by his son Jonathan. After a brief stay, he bought land 9 Miami Kiver, near where Carrollton Station now is, and there died in ok, 1804. His son Jonathan, now in his eighty-fourth year, is the only T|,r of his family who resides in this valley.

George Ki Ester

eorge Kiester, one of the settlers of 1804, lived in this valley a number 1,1 y.'-'s, when he moved to Darke County, Ohio, and there found a home.

Peter, his brother, came out some years later, and from him all of the n; living in German Township are descended. He had served as a scout iu Continental army, had often been taken prisoner, and had passed thru many perils. Both he and George were members of the Lutheran Church.

Jacob Bauer

Jacob Bauer came to this township from Center County, Penn., in If and owned the farm at present the property of the Keedy brothers. His a was the daughter of the Rev. Ilgen, a Lutheran minister. Mr. Bauer was of the founders and supporters of the Lutheran Church at Germantown. 8 after some years' residence, moved away, since which time the name has tirely disappeared from this township.

George Boyer

George Boyer was a native of Berks County, Penn. , hut, previous to removal to Ohio in 1805, had resided in Center County, Penn. His wife a sister of Mrs. Philip Gunckel, and their two eldest children were bor; Pennsylvania. Mr. Boyer purchased a tract of land east of Germantown, f Anthony Richard. He was the father of live sons and live daughters, of wl two sons and two daughters are still living. William is the only one at prei residing in German Township. Mr. and Mrs. Boyer were members of the theran Church, and the remains of both lie buried in front of the Latin Church in Germantown.

Petek Caterow

Peter Caterow, father of Zephenia and Middleton Caterow, locate< German Township in 1804. His parents were natives of Germany, who set in Frederick County, Md. , and there Peter was born in the year 178.1, and ti his father died. In 1S02, Mrs. Caterow, her son Peter, and her two dat ters, with their husbands, Walter Cox and Zachariah Selby, started for 0 arriving in Warren County in January, 1803, and in the spring of that located on land in Butler County. Peter, being unmarried, lived with and Selby until Charles, his brother, came to Ohio, and the two entered a 1 section of land in German Township, about two and one-half miles to the si of Germantown, which they occupied in the spring of 1804. On the is January, 1805, Peter married Christina Loy, daughter of Adam Loy, ant sided on his farm until 1850, then moved to Sunsbury, where he died ir seventy-third year of his life. The remains of himself and wife are inte on Sunsbury Hill, where sleep so many of the pioneers of German Towns

Henry Crist

Henr, Crist, a native of Berks County, Penn., came to this townshi 1804, and, soon after his arrival, purchased the farm yet owned by his desc ants. He was not only a good farmer, but a skillful worker in iron; be good character, and was a member of the Lutheran Church.

Leonard Stump

Leonard Stump came to Ohio in 1805, in company with Martin Shuey Michael Cotterman. He was married when he came and bought and settle land adjoining on the west side the tract which subsequently became the si Germantown, where he lived until he was called away by death, July 29, 1 He was born in Berks County, Penn., July 11, 1767, and left three chile John and George, who lived and died in Germantown, and a daughter, married a Mr. Lanig, with whom she moved to Darke County, Ohio, be fell heir to the homestead, married a daughter of the Rev. John C. Dill,

Leonard Stump had two brothers, George and Michael, who came to this nship in 1810. They were all members of the Lutheran Church, and all l Stumps living in and about Germantown are descendants of these three others.

Mathias Sciiawaktzel

Mathias Schawartzel came from Somerset County, Penn. , in 1805, and Mired a section of land on Dry Run, a part of which is still in possession of n son Frederick. He died a few years after his arrival, and his widow asued the management, of the farm; was very successful, and accumulated a <re amount of property. His brother, who came the same year, located some lance north of Germantown, but soon exchanged his land for a part of Malls' tract, where he passed the balance of his days.

Martin Siiuey

Martin Shuey. another of the pioneers of 1805, was born in Lebanon 'Pity, Penn., January 20. 1750, and brought with him to Ohio a large sum Honey, with which he purchased land just beyond Sunsbury, on the Franklin pi,', which became later the Beard farm. Mr. Shuey, although coming to h valley with an abundance of means, met with adverse fortune. He was a i; of good mind and excellent character, and his financial reverses were wig to causes over which man has little or no control. He was a member of .1, Reformed Church, and one of the founders of that congregation in Gernjown, and was the father of ten children, most of whom became residents of x county. Mary became the wife of Capt. John C. Negley; is in her eighty - -igth year, and a resident of Germantown. Adam resides in Dayton, and is Mather of the several Shuey families of that city. Martin served as a Capli in the war of 1812, and later ranked as Brigadier General of militia; he it in California in his ninetieth year.

Lewis Shuey

Lewis Shuey was a nephew of Martin; was born in Dauphin Coimty, "i, November 17, 1785, and when yet quite young, his father moved to Auna, Va., where Lewis passed his early years. In 1806, he came to this nship, and in 1808 married Catharine Gunckel, daughter of Judge Philip ckel, by whom he had foiu children - Philip, Lewis, Jacob and Michael, hjbtained the mill property of his father-in-law, which he rebuilt and imr ed.

Mr. Shuey was a man of wealth and influence, and a member of the Rei ed Church, but, late in life, became a Methodist. After the death of his i , he was again married, to Mrs. Elizabeth Espich. widow of Dr. Espich,

> 'sister of his first wife. The Shueys of Montgomery County, of whom there x, great many, are descended from these two - Martin and Lewis.

Andrew Zeller

Andrew Zeller, the founder of the Zeller connection in this county, was 1 A in Berks County, Penn., and came to this township in 1805, settling on !l one mile to the north of Germantown, where he resided until the day of t-leath. In Ohio, he identified himself with the United Brethren Church, T' became a Bishop of that denomination. His home was for many years 'headquarters of the followers of Otterbein in this part of Ohio, and his de- ~ 'Gants are numerous and respected people.

John Casper Stoerer, the patriarch of the name in German Township, \ born in Dauphin (now Lebanon) County, Penn., and in 1806 came to the T; Valley, and then already an old man. There came with him his three so Frederick, Casper and John, all of whom were at that time heads of famili and all settled in German Township, where they spent the balance of tl days. Casper lived on a farm on the Dayton pike, about, one mile from G mantown; Frederick's farm was about one mile further to the northeast; wi John purchased a farm on the Little Twin, where his son Samuel now resit The father of these three died at the residence of his son Casper, at an vanced age, and was buried in the Lutheran Graveyard at Germantown, which church the family were, and are to-day. members.

Jonathan Lindamutii

Jonathan Lindamuth came to this township with his father-in-law, chael Emerick, in 1806, and secured land one mile west of Germantown, u] which he lived and died. Fie reared a large family, consisting of nine s and two daughters; two of the former settled in Darke County, Ohio; the i all settled about Germantown. He was one of the founders of the Luthe congregation in Germantown, and his remains are buried in the Luthe Graveyard.

George Coleman

George Coleman was here on a visit in 1806; entered land and went b to Pennsylvania. In 1809, he returned to this township, bringing his fan with him, aDd settled on his land, which lay about one mile northeast of G1 mantown. He was a member of the Lutheran Church, and was the father j* seven children, all of whom are still living.

Frederick Kimmerling, Sr

Frederick Kimmerling, Sr., resided in Frederick County, Md . previ to his removal to Ohio in 1808. In that year, with his family, consisting his wife and four children, he located on a farm adjoining George Colema which became his future home. His son Frederick inherited the place, also spent his life here, dying February 15, 1880, at the age of seventy years. Both the father and son were Lutherans.

The Schaeffers

The only family of this name who can be called pioneers are the child of Peter and Catharine Schaeffer, of whom there were eight,- viz. , Mrs. Pk Gunckel, Mrs. George Boyer, Mrs. Pressler, Jacob, Michael, Peter, John Henry, all born in Pennsylvania, and all came to German Township and c here. The daughters came out in 1804 and 1805; the sons, not until at

1814. John and Henry became farmers; Jacob was a wagon maker, and resi in the town; Michael built the Schaeffer Hotel, which was afterward kepi) his son George; Peter was an able man. taught school, practiced law, wa; first Postmaster of Germantown, and served in the war of 1812, and his wici who is still living, receives a pension from the Government for his service that struggle. The mother of this family has a very romantic, history, hai been captured by the Iadians when about seven years old. and held a cap for seven years. She was adopted by the tribe, and assigned as servant tc old Indian chief, who was no longer able to follow the chase. She was finj recaptured by some whites, who were building a boat not far from the IncJ camp, one of whom took her to an Eastern city, educated and supported hej his own child until she reached womanhood. She wrote a letter about this

, here she supposed her early home had been, addressing the same to her fai . who, with her little sister, had been captured at the same time, but subi.ently released, her mother having been brained by an Indian for resisting licapture of her little ones. To her great joy, she received an answer to her -t r, sought out her father, and again, after many years' separation, became hof his household. Soon afterward, she married Peter Schaeffer, and bore i eio-ht children. Her husband died in Pennsylvania, after which she lived her daughter, Mrs. George Boyer, and removed with that family to the vi Valley in 1805. During her captivity, she learned the Indian language,

- ell as the medicinal properties and uses of herbs and roots, and always i. practiced the .healing art,. She died August 16, 1818, in the seventy-third of her life, and her remains are resting in the Lutheran Graveyard in Ger- , a own, to which denomination she ever tendered a loving fealty. The num- 4f descendants of Mrs. Catharine Schaeffer cannot, by this time, fall far c of one thousand, for at least five hundred of the people of Germantown descended from her.

With this closes the chapter of pioneer sketches. A few more families -e nown to have come to this township during this early period, such as the ttees, Oldf athers and Cottermans, but nothing more has been learned of them e writer than their names. To the pioneers of this valley is owing a great ; and hence their memory should be gratefully cherished. The people who psent live in the Twin Valley have many reasons to be thankful to a kind -c dence, who has cast their lot in so favorable an age and such a pleasant

Che people who settled in German Township between the years 1804 and 1 were, with few exceptions, Lutherans and German Reformed, who erected i; is known as " union churches," and worshiped in the same building, epus to 1809, there was no regularly organized congregation in German ' ship, but there had been preaching and other pastoral work performed 'siting ministers. In the year 1809, the Lutherans and Reformed organ - - iihemseives into an association, purchased ground for a building and iward horn Philip Gunckel, who, together with William Emerick. Leonard isp and Jacob Weaver, were chosen by the members of both congregations a kidding Committee, the Trustees of the property being Casper Stoever T'eter Recher, to whom the ground was deeded in trust for both churches, graveyard was open to all religious creeds, but a suicide or a criminal nl not find burial there. The articles of union were signed July 30, 1809. h to following members of both congregations:

1 n Stoever, George Boyer, George Gener, Frederick Stoever. Jonathan Linda, William Emerick, Jr., Christopher Emerick, John Gunckel, John Em- 4 Martin Shuey, Henry Holler, Michael Gunckel, Casper Stoever, -Jr. he church was a log structure, was finished in 1810 at a cost of $500, and 11 ! few yards to the southwest of the present Lutheran Church. During fet few years, the congregations were ministered to by no regular pastors, 1815 the Reformed people called to their pastorate the Rev. Thomas firs, and about rhe same time the Lutherans were supplied with a minister 4 person of the Rev. John Casper Dill. From that date to the present, b have been regularly served by pastors of their own creed : 4 jioice. This union between these two chinches continued for about ; D years, each using the building every alternate Sabbath, but the audience " ' ' vays the same, the Lutherans attending the Reformed services, and the

Reformed the Lutheran. In the course of time, this log building erectec 1810 became too small, and in 1818 Judge Gunckel undertook to erect, at own expense, a large and commodious brick structure at the west end of } ket street, of which he sold one-half to each denomination, to be used by tl as a church. It was not finished until 1828, and in that year both abando the old log structure for the more roomy and modern one, which stood no; on the same site as the present Reformed Church. In the year 1830. ai understanding occurred between Judge Gunckel and the Lutheran comm tion, and the latter abandoned this church, went back to their old plae worship, and soon thereafter erected a new building. By this act, Hie congregations were finally separated so far as worship was concerned, but 1 still held the one acre of ground purchased of Judge Gunckel as common pi erty, and this joint ownership continued up to the year 1879, when an ag ment was reached by which the Lutherans became sole owners of this grot

The Reformed Church of Germantown. - This congregation was organ about the year 1809. Previous to this time, however, there had been di' services conducted in private houses throughout this whole valley. The guage then, and for many years thereafter, used, was the German. Am the early Reformed ministers who thus labored here are found the name Jacob Christman and John Jacob La Rose. The former came to Ohio f North Carolina, some authorities say as early as 1803, while others cla later period as the time of his arrival. There are certificates of baptism ex signed by him which bear the date of 1806, so that it appears he must come to this State in or before this year. He resided in Clear Creek T< ship, Warren County, Ohio, and is reputed to have been the first German; formed minister in this part of the State. He died in 1810, aged sixty j years. The Rev. La Rose having settled in Miami Township, close to "Hi Station," a ske ch of him will be found in the history of that township.

Whilst hus pastoral work was performed during the earliest years o settlement of the Twin Valley among the Reformed, it was not until 1815 the congregation in Germantown enjoyed the ministrations of a regularlj tied pastor. In this year, they called the Rev. Thomas Winters, who was in the State of Maryland in the year 1778. His parents were native Goriii1 Avho immigrated to the colonies and found a home in Maryland, that coloi religious liberty founded by the Calverts, a noble Catholic family of Engl Mr. Winters came to Ohio in 1809 and located in Greene County where h some preaching, but served no regular charge, having no organized eong tion under his care. From Greene he moved to Montgomery County, and for awhile in the vicinity of Dayton, and soon after this was called to the torate of the Germantown charge. He had received license to preach the pel from the Rev. Otterbein, who is generally regarded as the founder o United Brethren denomination, but, inasmuch as the constitution of the maatown congregation required its pastor to be a regularly ordained mu and a member of the Reformed Synod, he was obliged to seek ordinatioi apply for membership in this body, and for this purpose had to repair to 1 sylvania. He was licensed to preach by the said synod, whilst convem Eastern Pennsylvania, in the year 1815, and was ordained by the same bo 1819, during its convention in this year at Lancaster, Penn. Pastor W t took charge of the Germantown Church in the fall of 1815, but. like a ministers of his day in this Western country, served a large field. He pre .in Germantown, and in the Slifer Church in Montgomery County, at Creek in Warren County, at West Alexandria and Lewisburg in Preble Cc and at Beaver Creek in Greene County, his labors extending over four cou and his parishioners were scattered over all this vast space of territory.

\ ances over which he had to travel to reach his preaching-points were very hat, sometimes forty and fifty miles removed from one another, and his trav- ] g was all done on horseback. By reason of these facts, the labors of Mr. 'Inters were very arduous, and left him but little leisure for reading and ylv; but, notwithstanding these disadvantages, he acquired a large stock of (t wledge and became a well-informed theologian. He was a man of tact and njd practical sense, had made human nature a study, and had acquired the q of influencing and controlling men. He also had the natural gift of lan- _ige, did not lack for words, and clothed his thoughts in graceful and dignilit phrase. By means of these gifts and acquirements, he proved himself a ,ait efficient and successful pastor, and sustained himself with credit in all his -r.Vregations. He served the same field with acceptance until his retirement a his ministerial duties in 1840, which, of itself, is proof of his ability, for uinan of inferior talent can do this. He was equally proficient in the Gen u and English languages, and preached acceptably in either. Though agajisive in his pastoral work, yet he was a man of a most pacific turn of mind uj conciliatory temper, who would much rather suffer wrong than do wrong, ^regards his character and life, he enjoyed the utmost confidence of not only umembers of his own parish, but of all others with whom he was brought a contact, and exemplified in his own life the doctrines and precepts which u'aught to others. Mr. Winters became preceptor to some four or five young uj, who qualified themselves, under his care and direction, for the pastoral TO, among whom were his two sons, David and Thomas. After his retireait on account of old age and infirmities, he spent the last years of his life at ahome of his daughter, in West Alexandria. Preble Co., Ohio, where he died ntie year 1863, at the age of eighty-five years. His remains were brought to Liston and interred in Woodland Cemetery. Mr. Winters was the father of ten children, two of whom, David and Thomas, entered the Reformed min- #. They are both still living, and active in their calling. The former e:ides in Dayton; has now passed the allotted time of man's existence, but iivs the health of body and vigor of mind of ci m u in the prime of life. He n preaches with acceptance, his thoughts are clear and forcible, and his maneqf speaking animated and impressive. He has been honored with the de- T of D. D., of which honor he is eminently deserving. Valentine, another o also residing in D- yton, is a h.nker, a man of wealth and excellent busi <L capacity. He began life from an humble st-.rt, but. by habits of industry, ojiety and honesty, and by close application to his business, he has raised hi self to one of the first positions in society.

The Rev. Thomas Winters' successor in office was the Rev. George Long. W after the coming of this gentleman, he began the introduction of new Hr jures into the church service, such as prayer meetings, etc., which some of hpeopie looked upon as dangerous innovations, whilst others favored them, -i causing a division of sentiment that finally led to a split in the congre- -ton. One Sunday, at the close of his services, he made use of the follow- !l; language. Said he: "If I am not permitted to hold prayer meetings in l'hurch, I will hold them in private houses; and if I am not permitted to '> them in private houses, I will go out into the fields and hold them there."

II service, he -walked away from the church, the doors were locked, never gjti to be opened to him. Those who sympathized with him when excluded Kj the chinch withdrew from the congregation, organized for themselves and Ul a new church, with the Rev. Long as their pastor, in which position he ft.ated for about six years. The same trouble spread to the congregations formed Church. The old portion of the Germantown congregation contim worshiping in the old building, and was served by neighboring ministers. ] church erected by the Rev. Long was burnt down the last year of his minist and he was succeeded by the Rev. Thomas H. Winters, a son of Father Thor Winters, who failed in doing much for the congregation, and left after a y or two. The building was rebuilt whilst Rev. Winters had charge, but congregation was unable to pay for it, and it was sold to private parties, members scattered among other churches, some returning to the old conore tion, but the majority joined the Methodist and United Brethren denominatic and thus ended the existence of the Long congregation. The building i afterward used by different sects as a preaching- place, but has at last ccm< an inglorious end, being now used as a whisky and tobacco warehouse.

Thomas H. Winters was here during the years 1846-47. The Rev. S< mon K. Denius was now called to the pastorate of the Reformed Church. ; his selection proved to be a fortunate event for these people. Mr. Denius i a man of great amiability, and of a kind and conciliatory disposition. He ' the very man qualified to pour oil upon the troubled waters and cause the 1 toration of peace and harmony. Since the time of his ministry, the cong-re tion has enjoyed uninterrupted peace, has made steady advancement, is at pi ent a united body and in a prosperous condition. After Rev. Denius, wli ministry continued for about half a dozen years, the succession of minister? this congregation is as follows: John Kercher, 1852-56; Aaron Warn

1857-62; George W. Willard, 1862-66; H. G Comfort, 1866-67; J. R S maker, 1867-68; Joseph H. Apple, 1869-73; Charles W. Good, 1873- Peter C. Prugh, 1876 to the present time, who is a worthy gentleman and; efficient pastor. This congregation is now worshiping in its third ehun The first was the log structure erected as a union church in 18.10; the seen was the building erected by Judge Gunckel, and which they occupied fi 1828 to 1866, in which year it was taken down and the present building erei ' in its | dace, partly on new ground. It remained unfinished until 1370, congregation using the basement room as a place of worship; but in that j the audience room was finished and furnished, and the church was dedica during the summer of the same year. It is a commodious edifice, and spt well for the congregation and pastors who labored in the erection of this be liful house of divine worship.

The Evangelical Lutheran Church. This congregation dates its or: back to the year 1809, and at the time of its organization it used the Gen exclusively iu its public worship. Its members were, without a single ex< tion, either native Germans or their descendants, and most of them came 1 Berks County, Penn. Among the ministeis of this faith who were here p: to the year 1814 appear the names of Paul Henkel, Markert, Forster, Mau . Simon. The former was the father of Andrew Henkel, and lived and labc mainly in Virginia, and was one of the most remarkable men of his age m missionary field. In what year he visited this point is not known at presi Of Markert nothing is known but the name, and the same can be said of 1 ster. Mau was a native of Pennsylvania; had been a Revolutionary sold lived many years in the Twin Valley, and finally died here. He was a so what eccentric man, with a limited education, changing his church re! at several times, but died a member of the Lutheran denomination. And Simon officiated as pastor for the churches in German and Miami Townsl for a number of years - probably up to the year 1812. He resided in Mij Township, in the neighborhood of the Gebhart Church, settling there as e; as 1808. Greatly lacking the gift of language, he was not very popular successful, and, abandoning the ministry, he turned his attention to thep1 tice of medicine, removed to Indiana, and there closed his life.

After Mr. Simon left, the congregation remained without a pastor for years, but in the year 1814 they extended a call to the Rev. John Cas- Dill, who took charge in the fall of 1815, and may be said to have been the ii , regular pastor of the Lutheran Church at Germantown.

Rev. John Casper Dill was born in Wertheim, in the Grand Duchy of Pen, Germany, February 2, 1758. and his parents were worthy members of Ij Evangelical Lutheran Church, and well to do in the affairs of this world. Ii n Casper received a thorough literary and scientific education, his collegiate -crse being taken at the then noted University of Giessen, in Hesse, at that time i! of the best of Germany's institutions. In 1790, he embarked at Amsterdam othe United States, whither an elder brother had preceded him, and landed Baltimore, Md. , September 4 of that year, and, a few weeks subsequently, oed his brother in Philadelphia, where he was engaged in mercantile purns. Here he remained for some time, but in 1792 his brother fell a victim j re yellow fever, and for the following ten years our subject's residence and eltpation are not now known, but it is thought that a portion of that time was pit in preparation for the ministry. On the 16th of June, 1802, he was oriaked a minister of the Evangelical Lutheran Church by the Synod of Pennmnia, convened at Reading, in that State. At the time of his ordination, eiad charge of several congregations, and no doubt had been preaching for o,3 years as a licentiate. During his residence in Pennsylvania, he married : Maria Seiberling, of Northampton County. As previously stated. Mr.

!i came to Germantown in the fall of 1815, and in his day occupied the most n. tier position among Lutheran pastors, his mission extending over a vast ojbn of this portion of Ohio and Indiana. Mr. Dill preached at from six to but his main congregations were at Germantown and Miamisburg, a he may be justly called the father of Lutheranism in and around these

0 ts. The first church he preached in at Germantown was the log structure rded in 1810. He was an accomplished scholar and theologian, a close and «?al thinker, a refined and chaste writer, well read in ancient and modern : sics, and as a speaker, clear, practical and impressive. He was connected s the Synod of Pennsylvania until the organization of the Ohio Synod in 8 !, at which he was present, and thus became one of its founders, subseuitly holding different official positions in this body. Rev. Dill lived and h a poor man, being possessed of but an humble dwelling, with a few acres t round surrounding it, and when he died, in August, 1824, he left his fam- ) ittle else than God's blessing. His wife survived him many years, but the fins of both now rest side by side in the Germantown Cemetery. After the e h of Mr. Dill, the Germantown congregation were unable to secure a pasn until 1826, in which year they secured the services of the Rev. Andrew uttel, of Somerset, Perry Co., Ohio, whose paternal ancestor in this country athe Rev. Gerhart Henkel, a native of Germany, who came to this land at a.arly period and located in Germantown, Penn. This was in the year 1740,

he died soon after his arrival, and is said too have been the first settled a 3r of the Lutheran Church in Philadelphia and Germantown, Penn. The

1 md grandson of Gerhart Henkel, from whom, in direct line, Andrew de- ' his descent, were Justice and Jacob, the latter being the father of the " Paul Henkel, already referred to on a previous page. Paul Henkel was '' in North Carolina December 15, 1754. and served in the Revolutionary < subsequently becoming a Lutheran minister, to which his life was ever Pward devoted. Five of his sons became Lutheran ministers under his care :j instruction, viz. , Ambrose, Philip, David, Charles and Andrew, the latter , 'tom, for more than forty years, was pastor of the Lutheran Church in 'viantown, Ohio. He was born in New Market, Ya., October 21, 1790, and grew up under the careful training of his pious parents. He learned the of printing under the direction of his brother Ambrose, but after a short, : prenticeship, began the study of theology under the supervision and instri tion of his father and his brother Philip. He was licensed to preach the G pel by the Synod of Pennsylvania in the year 1811, and shortly afterward ca on a visit to Ohio in company with his brother Ambrose, traveling the ent distance on horseback. In 1812, Mr. Henkel came to Ohio to remain, taki charge of congregations and preaching-points in Perry, Muskingum, Mors and adjoining counties, his held of labor extending over probably ten count! spending fourteen years in this held, during which time lie resided in Somen Ohio. In 1815, he married Miss Margaret Trout, daughter of George ; Margaret Trout, of Somerset, Ohio. In September, 1818, he was one of 1 chief movers in the organization of the Synod of Ohio, but was not ordaii until 1823 or 1824. remaining a licentiate up to that time.

During his residence in Somerset, Mr. Henkel trained a number of yoi men for the ministry, and labored hard to build up his church, laying a df and solid foundation that subsequent religious storms failed to effect.

In the year 1826, Air. Henkel received a call from the Germantown c gregation and vicinity, which he accepted, entering upon his duties in the i of that year, and here he spent the remainder of his life. Up to this per the services had been conducted in German, but there had been a growing maud for services conducted in the English language as well, and this I Henkel, who was proficient, in both tongues, hastened to comply with bv ini ducing English services into all of the churches under his charge. A few ye after his arrival in Germantown, a new brick edifice was built, which was garded as one of the best churches in this part of the country. Like most the pioneer preachers. Mr. Henkel engaged in other pursuits outside of ' pastoral calling, for the purpose of winning a more comfortable livelihood th his salary as a minister afforded him; and thus, coming in contact with classes, he became extensively known and appreciated as a zealous advocate important enterprises and public improvements. He was also a leading mo ber of the Masonic fraternity, and did much in establishing and organiz \ lodges. But it was in the field of controversial debate, in defense of his elm and her teachings, that he attained the greatest distinction, vanquishing I opponents who had the temerity to offer him the gauge of battle.

In 1844, Mr. Henkel removed to Goshen. Ind., but in 1847 returned Germantown: yet during his absence, the Rev. Abraham Reck, who was wi was known as a New- Measure Lutheran preacher, labored in this field, letiri however, upon the return of Air. Henkel. During the period that Mr. Hei had charge of the Germantown congregation, he resided a year or two in L isburg, Ohio, but the troubles experienced by his church through all these ye: and the dissensions existing in it. even up to this date, is history foreign this short sketch. Air. Henkel enjoys the honor of having been one of . founders of the first Synod in Ohio, as also of, the first theological seinim, The institution out of which have grown Capitol University and the h i Synods, Theological Seminary, was established under his leadership andthroi his influence. In personal appearance, Mr. Henkel was tall, straight and ei as an Indian, his step firm and his bearing dignified. He was a man of I resolution and wonderful tenacity of convictions, never shrinking from an o avowal or defense of his views and principles. He was of a kind and tors, ing nature, always exceedingly lenient and forbearing toward the frailtiej erring humanity, yet in his Lutheranism, Masonry and Democracy, he wat; immovable as a rock. As a friend, companion or pastor, he was genial affable, but in his public ministrations, he was always serious, earnest and at. Mrs. Henkel died June 1, 1S66, and about this time Mr. Henkel began t'feel old age creeping on apace, and liis son-in-law, Rev. J. L. Stirewalt, was cled as an assistant in 1865, their charge at that time consisting of Germantm, Farmersville and Slifer's congregations. In August, 1868, Mr. Henkel rried Mrs. Elizabeth Schwartzel, with whom he lived about two years in vj'dded life. Just two weeks before he died, he moved to Farmersville, where passed away April 23, 1870, in his eightieth year, triumphant in his faith nd calm to the last moment. His remains were interred in Germantown, where 1 had labored so many years, loved, honored and respected.

Mr. Henkel was the father of eleven children, seven of whom are still livi>. He labored in the ministry of the Evangelical Lutheran Church of Ohio %-eight years, forty-four of which were spent in his second and last charge, 1 during his labors in this last field, he performed 1,003 baptisms, 877 conimations, 495 marriages, and officiated at 683 funerals. The death of Pastor lukel left his associate sole incumbent of the Germantown charge, but soon aprward a division was made, resulting in the formation of two pastorates,

; Farmersville and Slifer congregations forming one, and the Germantown t other, the latter retaining the Rev. J. L. Stirewalt as their pastor. He hs the second son of the Rev. John and Hannah Stirewalt, and was born in viynesboro, Augusta Co., Va,, April 12, 1832. His mother was a sister of the Rjv. Andrew Henkel, and he therefore came of a long line of Lutheran minis- (|i on his mother's side. His father died when our subject was quite young, lelnng three sons to the care of the widowed mother, with a dying wish exposed to h r that they should be consecrated to the work of the Gosp l minislv. Their educational facilities being limited, *their good mother became Hr teacher, and she lived to see all inducted into the sacred calling of their Tier ; yea, more; she lived to see them all laid in the peaceful grave, and, sn after, was laid beside her son, Julius L., and her brother, Andrew, in the Gj-mantown Cemetery, this event occurring in May, 1874.

In the years 1845-47, Julius L. was employed as a dry goods clerk in Chichester, Va., and from 1848-49, he attended school at the New Market V demy in the same State. He first began the study of medicine, then turned i , attention to law, but this was also abandoned by him, and he then decided nter upon the study of theology. He went to Columbus, Ohio, where he -]atthe years 1851-52 in the college and seminary of the Joint Synod, but.

' ire he completed his theological studies under the direction of his uncles, 1! . Ambrose Henke1 and Jacob Stirewalt. In 1854, he was ordained a Deacon The Tennessee Synod, and became an assistant to his uncle. On the 10th of 1 1 ember. 1854, he was married to Vandalena, daughter of the Rev. Andrew -3ikel, of Germantown, Ohio, and soon after was elected Principal of the New >''ket Female Seminary for one year, his wife assisting him in teaching. Os, together with his duties in the ministerial field, proved too laborious for feeble constitution, and he accordingly resigned his principalship. In 05, he accepted a call from Wayne County, Ind., where he entered upon a 1 ire of labor more congenial to his tastes, and better adapted to the exercise I is gifts. In 1856, he was fully ordained to the ministry, and in 1858 sue- 1 led his brother Paul in the Lima charge, the latter having been removed 'death. After a year's labor at this point, failing health compelled him to j 4n> and he then accepted an agency in the Southern States for the Lutheran n idard, during which time he was a regular contributor to its columns, i s change not proving beneficial to his health, he resigned the agency and 'wed to his mother's farm in Virginia. Soon afterward, the rebellion broke 1 and. living amidst the scenes of constant conflict between the armies.

suffered great annoyance and loss, yet lie was always a friend to the Union, bi labored to alleviate distress among the suffering and wounded of both armiei In August, 1865, the English district of the Joint Synod of Ohio held its sei sions in Germantown, Ohio, the Rev. Stirewalt being present as a visitor. T1 Germantown congregation extended to him a call as associate pastor to the Re Andrew Henkel, and in November of that year he moved to Germantown 1 divide with Mr. Henkel the labors of this charge. His ministry was very sui cessful, and the church flourished and grew strong under his fostering car In 1867, the old church, which had been built in 1880, was remodeled and ei larged, the execution and direction of which undertaking devolved upon M Stirewalt. In 1869, the General Council appointed him as its home miadoj ary, to travel and labor chiefly in the State of Indiana, and to this work 1 devoted one-half of his time, giving the other half to his charge in Germantow and vicinity. This appointment he filled several years with commendable ii dustry and success. For years, Mr. Stirewalt had suffered from disease, ye amidst constant ill health, he never lost his patience or cheerfulness, and win at last the end came, his death was a grand triumph for the principles wki( he had always advocated and practiced. He died June 16, 1872, in his fortie year, beloved and regretted by all, admonishing with his last breath thoi who stood around him to be faithful, to revere and obey the Word of Go His remains were borne to the grave, attended by a vast concourse of peopl) who assembled in sadness to pay him the last respect of earth. The congr gation remained vacant about one year, but having occasional preaching 1 neighboring pastors. In the fall of 1872, the congregation called the Rev P. Hentz to Germantown, and in this year he paid them a visit, finally takii charge as pastor in April, 1873.

Rev. J. P. Hentz was born in the village of Beuern, six miles distant fro the city of Giessen, in Hesse-Darmstadt, Germany, May 5, 1832. He left k native land in June, 1852, for the United States, landing at Baltimore in A! gust of that year, but removed immediately to Pennsylvania, and for sever years following lived in different parts of this country. He Anally concliut to study for the ministry, and, with this purpose in view, entered Pennsylvan College, Gettysburg, Penn., from where he graduated in 1861. He studi theology in the Theological Seminary of the same place, and, in the fall 1862, entered the ministry of the Evangelical Lutheran Church. For seve) years, he labored in different fields in Western Pennsylvania, and, as previous stated, took charge of the Germantown congregation in April, 1873 whore has remained up to the present. His family consists of himself, wife and f children.

What remains to be told of the history of the Lutheran Church of Genua town can be recorded in a few sentences. In July, 1867, was laid the conn stone of the present house of worship, and by December 15 of this year , t building was so far completed as to enable the congregation to hold services the basement room. It was dedicated May 15, 1870, but its spire was not co pleted until 1880, the latter costing about $1,100.

The services were, from 1809 to 1826, conducted in the German langua* but since the latter year, both English and German have been used as necess prompted. Its communicants number from three hundred to four hundrt and the Sunday school has a membership of from two hundred to two hundr and fifty.

The United Brethren Church. - The history of this denomination in G< man Township dates back near the beginning of the present century, as it w here that the first organization west of the Alleghanies was effected. ^ In 18( Andrew Zeller settled in German Township, about one mile north of Genua tsra. on Little Twin Creek. He was an active Christian man of sound sense, ;p piety and liberality, and contributed much toward the development and uVth of Christianity in this valley. His house was one of the first establiied preaching-places among the United Brethren; the first organization of embers was there effected, and that was the nucleus of the many societies now ejsting in this valley. For a period of twenty-five years, this denomination 1 its regular preaching services in private houses, and their annual and l irterly conferences, as well as their protracted meetings, were held in barns.

( ! Brown's Bun and elsewhere were also established places for the holding of »p meetings annually. Preaching-points were established at the houses of tl following members: Jacob Garst, Gabriel Thomas, Walter Cox, Daniel

In 1815, the Rev. Andrew Zeller was a delegate to the first General Con lienee of the United Brethren Church, held at Mt. Pleasant. Penn. , and at that Terence he was elected a Bishop. In his work throughout this portion of Ohio a;was greatly assisted by such men as Bishop Christian Newcomer, Daniel Tiyer, Henry Evinger, Henry Kumler, Sr., Dewalt Mechlin, John McNamar,

Christian Newcomer was elected Bishop about six months prior to the Idth of the Rev. William Otterbein, who was the founder of the United Breth i.'tj Church, and he was formally ordained as an Elder only a few days previous che Rev. Otterbein's death. Rev. Newcomer did noble work for his church i ts first years in this part of the country, having crossed the Alleghanies neteen times on horseback after he had passed his sixty-first year.

The Rev. Daniel Troyer came to this valley as early as 1806. He was a wa and prudent man, and a faithful Christian. His wholesome influence has winded down to the present, as many of to-day cherish fond remembrances This life and labors. In 1819, Jacob Antrim became identified with church Uk in this township. He was a good singer, an ingenuous preacher, a great carter, had tact, energy and buoyancy of spirit, which bore him onward where finger men would have sunk down in discouragement, and in the Miami Yale'he was remarkably successful in gathering members into the church. At a r day came the Bonebrakes, six brothers, all ministers - George and Fred- -vk preaching on Twin Circuit, which included Germantown. George and in Hoffman, S. Doubler, Thomas Thompson, Isaac Robertson, H, Surface, k)b Emerick and others labored for this church in the Twin Valley. The i building erected for church purposes by the United Brethren denomination of the Alleghanies was built in 1829, in Germantown. The Board of stees were Daniel Bruner, Jonathan Spoon, Rev. Jacob King, Andrew Zeller i George Bruner. The lot was deeded to them May 6, 1829, by Philip nickel and wife. The building on Warren street, occupied by the congrega- 1( for fifty years, is the original one, though somewhat enlarged and modern - in after years. Among the active ministerial workers now we find Revs.

: >b King, W. S. Rinelieart, John Coons, William Davis, Francis Whitcomb, Rinchbaugh, John and Jacob Kemp. The growth of the Germantown ° 3ty has been rapid. Its results are not limited by the township, county or 'te, but throughout the whole West are found many who were brought to eij Christian lives through the efforts of this society. As near results of the jiency of this organization, we have the following churches within a radius 'five miles of Germantown: Twin Chapel, Union Chapel, Brown's Run and

R.e Road Chapels, with a membership in all of 300. while the Germantown '°'pfy has 315 members, and Montgomery County twenty -five organized socie- 't: with houses of worship, aggregating a membership of 3,000 souls. This church has from the first embraced among its membership some of the mo influential families of the township and county. The present handsome ar commodious house of worship, located on Cherry street, was built by the coi gregation in the year 1879, at a cost of $10,000. The work was successful carried to completion under the direction of a Board of Trustees, consisting < William D. Emerick, O. M. Oblinger, Ezra Kemp, Joseph W. Shank and l K. Burtner. Valuable services were rendered by Mr. Kemp in soliciting fun< and giving the work his personal supervision. This church has under its ca a flourishing Sabbath school, thus guarding well the interests of youth. T1 life and activity of this society in religious work is also evidenced by its lina cial exhibit. More than $1,000 is annually expended for the various church ii terests, $635 toward ministerial support, $120 for the support of the Sabbat school, $200 for church expenses, $100 for missions, and $100 for Presidii Elder and annual conference collections, besides occasional special donations f missions, church erection and educational work. With an increase of ruembc ship, and a moral and financial ability to do good, there is a disposition upon tl part of the membership to increase the usefulness of the church, and to cultiva well this portion of the Lord's heritage.*

The Methodist Episcopal Church. - This is the youngest of alt the congi gations in Germantown. Ordinarily, the Methodists are the first at work any new settlement; but here they came in last. The reason of this was th the people who settled in this township were Germans, and for many years t; German was the only language spoken by them, and as this denomination roi long time confined its labors to the English-speaking portion of the people this country, they made no effort to build up a congregation in Germantoi until the English language had come into use. Somewhere about the ye 1834, they began to talk of organizing a congregation. At this time, th held service regularly in Germantown, and worshiped in the United Brethr Church. They gained ground rapidly, and. in the year 1837, were able to bu: a house of worship, and this is the same edifice which the congregation is st occupying. It was not finished at once, and for some time services were in in the basement room. It w7as remodeled and enlarged in the year 1865, a is at present a commodious and comfortable place of worship. At one tin this congregation had a numerous membership, gathering them in from difii ent sources, but at present it is numerically the weakest of all the chinches Germantown. About 1S48, a part of this congregation split off and orgamz a Protestant Methodist Church, one of the leaders of this movement, Mr, Wi iam Gunckel, having previously purchased the building which had be erected by the New-Measure Reformed, and this church they occupied a1 place of worship. For awhile they flourished, received numerous accessic and made rapid progress, but, after running a short race of seeming prosperi they began to grow less, unt il, after the lapse of a few years, the organizati was disbanded. Owing to these and other causes, the Methodist Episeoj Church in this township is not strong, but what it will be in the future, ti will reveal. Of the pastors of this congregation, so little is known and reme bered that it is impossible to give any reliable account of them. They In come and gone in such quick succession that they have made no history themselves; and where there is no history, there remains none to be written

Sunday Schools

There are at present Sunday schools connected with all the Christian » gregations of Germantown, and, although all of them have a definite date origin, and each its own history, they are much involved in obscurity.

-itten records have been preserved, and the little that is here recorded are the jittered fragments which have been gathered from a few aged people who still :tnain from among the first Sunday school teachers. Among these, Mrs. Eliz- ; eth Bohrer and Mrs. M. Ayers deserve special mention, because it was they

10 organized the first Sunday school in Germantown, labored for it and taught it. They have been teachers during a period of fifty years, and are still at eir post, and, though approaching fast their fourscore years, they are rarely sent from their classes on Sunday, or from the teachers' meeting on week

,js. Both teach in the Lutheran Sunday school. The first Sunday school is organized in 1828, in the Lutheran Church, mainly through the agency ,d exertions of the two ladies just mentioned. They called a meeting, at lich officers were elected and the school organized. It was the only school the kind that existed in Germantown for some years, combined all the repious elements of the community, and had no denominational character, hen the school was organized, Mrs. Bohrer and Mrs. Ayers canvassed the i vn for funds to procure the necessary books, but their efl'orts met with small -icess. The people at that time knew little of Sunday schools, and were brefore suspicious of their character and aims. They treated the efforts of use enterprising ladies with coolness, fearing that the movement was some iw innovation in the church. The Lutherans and Beformed especially misusted the movement, for the reason that the first Superintendent, John Pearr, was a zealous Methodist. The school, not having the hearty support of a ujority of the people, did not flourish, and in 1830 was discontinued. About 35, the subject was again agitated, and a school started in the United Breth-

11 Church. This was a union Sunday school, controlled by the LTnited Breth- 1 1 and Methodist denominations, but the names of the founders and first teach- - s have passed into oblivion. From 1830 to 1844. no Sunday schools existed i either the Lutheran or Beformed Churches, but in the latter year an agent I the American Sunday School Union organized a school in the Lutheran Curch, which was attended by the children of both congregations, and this siool has existed up to this time, but for many years was undenominational, i what year the Beformed separated and organized a Sunday school of their <fn church has not been learned. Since 1865, the Sunday school in the Lubran Church has been in a process of change, and now if is an exclusively ltheran school. Before that year, the Superintendents had belonged to dif- creeds, but none were Lutherans.

It is useless to attempt to give correct statistics of the number of teachers d scholars in the different Sunday schools of the town. The basis of caleu- ] 'ion and method of computation differ very widely from one another. The limbers reported can convey no correct idea of the real or comparative strength ( these schools. This much, however, may be said of them: They stand

Education

school purposes, and, as for some years the school lands were comparatively teachers' salaries had to be paid and schoolhouses had to be built ' means of voluntary contributions, and this was particularly the case in Ger- !n Township. The schools were here for many years simply subscription

lools. There was originally a school section in German Township, but it was ta, and Section 21, Jefferson Township, was ptu'chased with the proceeds 1 ^ized. The first schoolhouse in German Township stood on the south side of ; imp's Hill. It was a log structure, and had originally been erected by Willu Eastwood, a squatter from Kentucky, who occupied it as a dwelling. The first teacher who taught in it, and who was probably the pioneer teacher of t township, was the Rev. A. S. Man. The second schoolhouse stood on t Franklin pike, a short distance beyond the present site of Sunsbury. Like t1 other, it was built of logs, and for a long time received its light throiu greased-paper windows, glass being too expensive. To this school the childr came from three or four miles distance. The first teacher's name was <Tol McNamar, who later became a United Brethren preacher. He lived in a gan room in the schoolhouse. He was succeeded by Jacob Lesley, a Kentuckia The teachers of this early period were men generally of inferior ability, ai were able to teach nothing more than the merest rudiments of the 'owe branches of a common-school education. Add to this that the schools were operation but three months out of twelve, and it will readily be seen that t children could not learn very much. Soon after Germantown had been la out, schoolhousos were erected within its limits. The first of these stood < the site at present occupied by the Reformed Church, and another, erected a somewhat later date, stood on the site of Mr. H. Bear's residence, on Mr berry street. In these two buildings the youth of the town were taught uni the year 1847; while in the country, sclioolhousss were built, one after anothi as the wants of the people demanded. In the year 1846, the two small bri schoolhouses in town were sold, with a view to the erection of a large unic school building. After its completion, all the children of Germantown we collected, and were taught- in different rooms. The following gentlemen servi as Principals of this school: Rev. J. Pentzer, 1852-53; F. C. Guppy, 1 853-5

J. W. Legg, 1854-55; A. Beal, 1855-56; Collins Ford, 1856-60. This buil ing was long ago vacated by the schools, and is at present used as a planin mill. In i860, the public schools were re-organized aud placed under tl management of six Directors, and in this same year, the site of the prese school building was chosen by vote of the people, and the following year tl structure was erected. It is three stories high, has four rooms on each Hot a rotunda in the center connecting ail the rooms, and two side wings for stai cases. Its cost of erection was $17,000. The gentlemen who have, since 186 occupied the position of Principal, or what is now known as Superintended are: Hampton Bennet, 1860-64; he enlisting in the army. P. S. Turner fill

Institutions Of A Higher Grade

Rev. Jacob Pentzer was elected its first- Principal. This institution co tinued in existence about ten years, and enjoyed a high degree of prosper!! It occupied first the basement part of the Methodist Church, and later tl church on Main street. After it closed, a Miss Coffroth taught a school higher grade in the basement of the Methodist Episcopal Church, and eonti ued it for about three years. In 1855, J. W. Legg organized a school uad the name of Germantown Academy, and conducted it successfully for abo two years, he giving instruction in the English branches, and the Rev. Lewin Latin and Greek languages and literature. In 1874, the District Synod Ohio of the Evangelical Lutheran Church met in annual convention in Gt mantown, and dining the convention, an agreement was entered into betwei( t) citizens of the town and the synod to establish an academy, the citizens Seeing to furnish the ground and building, and the synod to organize, con o'jjt and support the school. A tract of land known as Stump's Hill, and em being live acres, was purchased in the year 1875, and in the summer of the sae year the foundation for the building was laid. During 1870, the structn> was erected, and so far completed that school was opened in December of tit year. The building and ground cost about $6,000, and the money was iected from the citizens by voluntary subscriptions. The academy had been L ding school since April, 1875, in an upper room of the engine house. The imitation was under the control of nine Trustees, chosen by the synod, and Use elected Prof. G. C. Dasher, of Capitol University, Columbus, Ohio, as the ; ncipal. It prospered beyond the expectations of its Mends, entering on its ,<ond year with forty students. In the spring of 1877, the synod, without > vious notice, and without assigning any reason for their action, abandoned 1 school and thus terminated its career, much to the surprise, chagrin and 1 appointment of the citizens of Germantown, who had hoped to see it grow r| a first-class college. The building was sold under the Sheriff's hammer, I'.ght in by the corporation of the town, and is at present used as an armory >d militia company. The academy conducted in this building was chartered rer the name of the Germantown Institute.

Places Of Sepulture

There are in German Township live places set apart for the burial of the dead - jae at Schaeffer's Church; the second is on the farm of Jacob Judy, at the head Run; the third is on Sunsbury Hill; the fourth is the graveyard in pjmantown; and the fifth is Germantown Cemetery. Of these, the Sunsbury i. Graveyard is the oldest, and was donated for the purpose by Christopher mrick, on whose farm it is located. The first persons who died in the Twin fley were buried here, and in it rest the remains of many of the pioneers.

' 3n Germantown Cemetery was laid out, many persons removed their dead Ai the older burial places to the new cemetery, and thus many bodies were lib from Sunsbury Hill, most of which were found petrified. The graveyard 'i xermantown is next in age, and contains one acre of ground, which was 'Phased from Philip Gunckel in 1809. It was open to all who desired to ur in it except suicides and murderers. At the time of its establishment, it outside the village limits, but as the town grew it came to be situated in amidst of residences, and therefore objectionable to the majority of the peol'is a burial-place. Much trouble was caused by those who still desired to s it as a graveyard. A few private individuals bought a tract of land on the p side of Twin Creek for a cemetery, but, after a few interments, it urns ' d subject to inundation during high water, and was therefore abandoned, ully, after much bickering, a cemetery association was formed July 1, 1849, Ustitution adopted, and the following officers chosen: John F. Kern, Willti McKeon, John Stump, Samuel Rohrer, Jacob Eminger, Jacob Koehne, r.erick Kimmerling, John D. Gunckel and Henry S. Gunckel as Directors; Stump, President; William McKeon, Vice President; Henry S. Gunckel, '-Vtary ; John F. Kern, Treasurer. At a meeting held July 3, 1849, a com- 1 was appointed to select suitable ground, and at a. subsequent meeting,

" 'Urchase of a ten-acre tract, located one-half mile west of town and owned ' - Koehne, was recommended by this committee. At a meeting held Au- :ll; 1, 1849, the Directors agreed to purchase the said tract at the price of A per acre, and this was subsequently effected, and the tract laid out for 1 mjtery. In 1861, a dwelling house for the sexton was erected on the ground,

This cemetery is at present almost the exclusive place of burial in 1 township. In the graveyard in town, no dead have been interred since 18( and in the remaining ones, only an occasional burial. Germantown Cemeti is a handsome resting-place for the dead, being nicely planted with trees a dotted with beautiful monuments. In all these cemeteries lie buried the mains of the fathers and founders of this township, whose names and gra1 should be honored and esteemed as sacred.

Newspapers And Printing

The first newspaper published in Germantown was called the Germauto Gazette , and was started in 1826 by Conrad Schaeffer, a German, from Alsal France. He was a pioneer newspaper man, and, previous to his advent hi had published papers in Lancaster and Canton. Ohio. One-half of the Gaz was printed in German, and one-half in the English language. He remai. here but one year, then went to Hamilton, Ohio, and, in partnership with J< Woods, established the Hamilton Intelligencer. In 1889, George W alike German, came to Germantown, and, in partnership with Dr. Espich, be; printing the Laws of Ohio in the German language. They issued several 1 times, but found few purchasers, and the enterprise proved a failure, and tl labor and investment a total loss. This was the only attempt at the pnbl tion of books in Germantown.

The next attempt in this line was made by William Gunckel in 1845 partnership with Moses B. Walker, but the latter soon withdrew from the fi and Gunckel continued the work alone. He began doing job work, and, a; an experience of three years in job printing, started the Germantown Gan which was a large-sized, well-conducted weekly journal. It was regarded i good family newspaper, and hence enjoyed a large circulation. In 1849, Gunckel disposed of this paper to -Joseph Reeder and Josiah Oblinger. firm of Reeder & Oblinger changed the name to Western Emporium , but, a a two-years' trial, they sold out to Solomon Miller and Henry Brooks, wl partnership continued until 1854, in which year Brooks retired and Miller came sole proprietor. It was in 1854 that the question of building a raili was agitated, and work was soon begun on the road, but, after a large amt of money was expended, the scheme fell through and was abandoned. Imt with the excitement which the proposed railroad created, Miller changed name of his paper to Twin Valley Locomotive. About this time, the Kn Nothing craze struck the country, and, the railroad failing. Miller put Locomotive on the Know-Nothing track, but, after one year's trial, it ran the ground and became a wrreck. The Twin Valley Railroad, the Twin Vo Locomotive and the Know-Nothing party all "played out" about the same t: and all three left behind them an equally ugly stench. What was saved of Locomotive from the wreck was sold to a man named Pepper, who changec name and advocated the principles of the Democratic party; but, not mee with sufficient encouragement, its publication was discontinued after a yes two. In 1855, the same Miller who had previously failed, started, the A. ican Republican, which was stongly partisan in its political views. M issued this paper until 1857, when he moved his press to Kansas, there to a hand in the contest then raging in that quarter. The press owned by Pe was purchased by -J. F. Meyers in 1858, who this year started the Germant Independent , which he operated until 1860, when he sold out to James C back, who continued the publication of the Independent until 1863, whe moved his press to Shelbyville, Ind., and there published the Shelbyville publican.

doing job work on a second hand press which they had purchased, finally si ing a small paper. In 1869, they disposed of their interests to C. W. Dun f, who started the Dollar Times, which he sold in 1874. The Germantown was established in 1875 by its present editor and proprietor, F. D. Hark- <r, who has exhibited much tact and energy, and made the Press one of the newsy papers of the Miami Valley.

The above account would be incomplete without the mention of the name f ,ewis Dill, who has been a compositor on every paper that has been pub- ,-3d in Germantown, and who can still be found at his post in the office of 111 Bulletin, in Miamisburg. He is the son of the Rev. John Casper Dill, and a'e to Germantown with his father in 1815. He learned the printer's trade ia quite young, and, though approaching his fourscore years, his health is ji st and his mental faculties are as vigorous as ever. He remembers as nh as any man now living of Germantown history, his position as printer il ding him opportunities of becoming familiar with current events, and with .( and their doings.

The distillery of D. Rohrer & Co., located one mile southwest of Germans' l, was established in 1864, but was the legitimate offspring of the distillery ut by his father, Christian Rohrer, about 1847, and which was operated by n for many years. There David learned the art of distilling, finally succeedj his father in the business. The present distillery has a capacity for manfituring daily thirty barrels of choice whisky, which has an enviable reputa jo all over the country. The buildings cost $60,000, and the capital invested, :usive of real estate, is $150,000. It employs thirty workmen, fattens bit 400 head of cattle and 1,200 hogs annually, and the daily expenses of r ing the establishment amount to about $1, 150. Mr. Rohrer's partner is hies Hofer, of Cincinnati, who attends to the sale of the liquor, while he 'he the manufacturing interests his personal supervision.

The manufacture of cigars has been a leading business of this town for Ay years, and the tobacco from which they are made is almost entirely prorid in German Township, a small quantity only of Connecticut and Havana tlfcco being used for flavoring purposes. More than three million cigars A been annually manufactured in Germantown, employing a large corps of robnen, clerks and salesmen, the Government revenue amounting to over $180,- 11 annually. The revenue collected by the Goveimment from the industrial Olishments of this township have amounted, during one year, to $545,000 dte a snug sum for Uncle Sam's money drawer to receive from one small 1 oqship.