Green Township (part 1 of 2)

Green Township

Green Township occupies the southeastern corner of Shelby' County, and contains twenty-five sections, or is five miles square. It is bounded on the north by Perry Township, on the east by Champaign County, on the south by Miami County, and on the west by Orange Township.

March 7, 1820. Ordered^ that all of that part of Orange Township that is east of the west tier of sections in the 2d township of both 12 and 13 ranges, be erected into a new township by the name of Green Township, and that the qualified electors of said township meet at the house of John R. Medaris, on the first Monday in April next, to elect township officers.

The above order is taken from the journal of the County Commissioners. In 1825 the township was described as below by the Board of Commissioners, and the metes and bounds established as set forth.

The first family' who attempted to establish a home in the dense forest of Green Township were Henry Sturm and family, who came from Clark County, Ohio, some time during the year 1814, and made a settlement on the S. W. quarter of section 1. They had a family of twelve children, viz., Matthias, Margaret, Nicholas, Henry', Peter, William, Jacob, Frederick, Ephraim, Elizabeth, George, and John, all of whom are now deceased except George, who resides in Perry Township, Shelby County, and John, who owns and is residing on the old home farm where the family first settled. The next settlement was made by' Samuel Robinson, a son-in-law of Henry Sturm's, who came from Champaign County, Ohio, with wife and two or three small children in March, 1815, and settled on the N. W. quarter of section 19, where he made improvements and lived many years. The farm is now owned by George Ginn. In the year 1817 John R. and Abraham Medaris found their way to Green and made improvements on .section 19. The two brothers purchased or entered the south part of the section. Abraham Medaris settled on the S. W. quarter and John Medaris on the S. E. quarter of the section. It was at the house of .John It. Medaris that the first election in Green Township was held, in April, 1820.

John Ellsworth came from Clarke County, Ohio, in February, 1817, with wife and family, and settled on the N. VV. quarter of section 18. Tliaddeus Tuttle settled on a part of section 13 in 1818. Peter Princehouse came to the township about 1817 or '18. William Richardson was an early settler in the township.

Joseph Park made the first improvements on a part of the S. W. quarter of section 19, on which he resided several years and then moved out of the neighborhood. Edward Conroy, with wife and family, arrived in the township some time during the year 1818, and built his house on the N. E. quarter of section 10, where he lived many years. The farm is now owned by his son, Edward Conroy. Ezekiel Sargeant came from Clarke County, Ohio, to Shelby, in 1816, and located on a part of the S. W. quarter of section 6, Green Township. In 1816 William Bothel, a native of Pennsylvania, made a settlement on a part of the S. E. quarter of section 6. John Dorsey, a single man, came to Green Township some time between the years 1815-17, entered and made improvements on the N. W. quarter of section 4. He received his patent for the land, signed by President Adams, in 1818. A part of the land is now owned by his son, Isaac C. Dorsey. In 1818 David Larue came from Champaign County and settled on a part-of the S. E. quarter of section 10. Robert C. Cunningham settled the S. E. quarter of section 7 in September, 1819. Samuel Redenbo moved from Orange Township, this county, in 1819 or '20, and settled on the farm now owned by Mrs. Quinlish in section 25. In 1824 Silas Dorsey settled on a part of the S. W. quarter of section 4. Jacob Kizer was an early settler in the township. George W. Frazier and Daniel Apples were among the early settlers in the township, but the exact date of their coming has not been ascertained. Also, John Botkin can be numbered among the pioneers of the township.

Others came in later and settled in Green, viz., Peter V. and David S. Sherwood in 1831; Samuel Bird and William Niswangerin 1832; John Platt and William B. Williams in 1833; Elias Barbee in 1834; Timothy Conover and John Dickinsheets in 1835; Herman R. Hunt in 1836; Matthias Gray in 1837; Paul F. Verdierand Samuel Woodward in 1839; Mahlon Moon in 1840; Dr. John C. Leedom in 1842 ; and many others whose names are not mentioned were among those who endured the hardships of a pioneer life, and assisted in clearing up and improving the township for the present generation to enjoy the benefits of their hard labor.

The northeastern part of Green Township is drained by the Tawawa, or more commonly known as Mosquito Creek, and its branches, which takes its source at a small lake in Champaign County, flows in a northwesterly direction, entering Green Township a short distance southeast of New Palestine, on section 1, crossing sections 1, 7, 8, 14, and 20, and from thence it flows into Perry Township.

The central part of the township is drained by Leatherwood Creek and its branches, which enters the township from the south on section 10, flowing in a northwesterly direction across the township, and connects witli Mosquito Creek in Perry Township, a short distance from the Green Township line. The township is also drained by a number of large ditches, which have been cut through the level or flat portion of the township.

In about 1820 or 1821 Dr. Pratt came into Green Township, and remained about one year. The next was Dr. Little, who remained several years. Dr. Leedom has been a practising physician in the vicinity of New Palestine since 1842, and at this time has a large and extensive practice. Dr. Hunt, a homoeopathic, is located a short distance south of New Palestine, and has a good practice. Drs. Shaw and Beamer are located iu Plattsville, Green Township, and both are good men in the profession.

The first justices of the peace in Green were Henry Sturm and Chas. Johnston, elected in April, 1820. The present justices were Esq. Siraes and Bowersock until December, 1881, when Mr. Bowersock resigned, which leaves only one in the township at this writing.

was erected by John Medaris in about 1824, near where Plattsville is now located. It was a small structure and remained standing as a land mark many years.

The first mill was erected by John Medaris. It was a corn cracker, located near where Plattsville now stands, on which he ground corn for the early settlers of the township, or any others that would come to his mill. In 1826 or 1827 William Ellsworth erected a water power saw mill on Leatherwood Creek near Plattsville, which was the first saw-mill in Green Township. Abraham Medaris also erected a saw-mill, a few years later, a short distance below where Ellsworth mill stood on Leatherwood Creek. Samuel Robinson built a saw-mill on the same stream, near where Henry Robinson now lives, several years after the Medaris mill was erected. In 1854 the Hageman Brothers erected a steam saw-mill one mile south of Plattsville, which is now owned and operated b} - J. I*. Hageman. In 1865 John Sargeant and John Neal built a steam saw-mill on the John Sturm farm near New Palestine. In 1879 Gabriel Harbaugh ! came into the township with a portable steam saw-mill, which he located at the four corners, on the southwest corner of section 11, where it is now standing, and is operated by Harbaugh and McClain, who are doing an extensive business in the manufacture and sale of all kinds of hard wood lumber, also poplar and linn lumber. In the fall of 1881 they supplied their mill with new machinery, and a new forty-horse power engine, which gives them the power or capacity to cut from 8"00 to 10,000 feet of lumber in ten hours.

The first school in Green Township was taught by Charles Dorsey about 1818 or 1819, in a log cabin that stood on the Larue farm in the southeast quarter of section 1 0. The term of school consisted of seven days, and Mr. Dorsey received fifty cents per day, or three dollars and fifty cents as a compensation for his services as teacher. The money with which he was paid belonged to the public funds of the township, but how or by what means the township came in possession of it cannot now be ascertained.

The first house for school purposes in the township was erected about 1820, near where the graveyard is now located at Plattsville. It was a round log structure, eighteen by twenty feet, with puncheon seats, and greased paper was used for windows instead of glass. Miss Lucy Wilson taught the first term of school in this house. Patrick Armstrong, Patrick Good, and Isaac Botkin were also among the early teachers in that part of the township. In 1821 there was a log cabin house erected for school purposes, near where the Sturm graveyard is now located, a short distance from the Champaign County line. It was built of round logs, with a fireplace at one end about seven feet in length, with a stick chimney extending a little above the top of the house. The floor was laid with puncheon, the flat side being turned up and dressed down smooth and level. The seats were made by splitting a small log in half, dressing the flat side smooth, and then putting legs or pins in the other side to elevate the seat the proper height. The windows were made by cutting out a log, and pasting greased paper over the space or opening made by taking out the log. Dr. Pratt taught the first term of school in this house during the winter of 1821-22, and received ten dollars per month for his services as teacher and board with the scholars, which was paid by each person sending scholars paying a certain amount per scholar for the term. This house was used for school purposes for a number of years.

The teachers in the township were all paid by subscription until June 18, 1853, when the township was divided into six school districts, and a tax levied on the township for school purposes. The first brick house erected for school purposes in the township was built in 1853 in now District No. 4. The first frame house was in District No. 5, built in 1854. A few years later District No. 6 was also supplied with a good brick house. The remaining districts were all supplied with good frame houses, which were used for school purposes for many years, or until 1875. when the township was redistricted, and one more district added, known as No. 7.

The districts were then supplied with good comfortable brick houses at a cost of about $1400 each, or $10,000 was the cost of erecting the 6even houses in the township. The average wages of the teachers at this time is about $2.00 per day for winter terras, and $1.60 per day for the summer terms.

In 1867 the board of education appointed Austin Heath as school examiner for Green Township; his duty being to visit the different schools at least three times during each term of school, and be present at the beginning and close of each term, to hold an examination, and grade the scholars according to their qualifications or advancement.

Mr. Heath was allowed two dollars per day as a compensation for the time he was employed at the school. He filled the position three years, or until 1870, when he resigned, and was succeeded by Mr. George Proctor, who acted as township examiner of the schools about one year, or until 1871, when the project was abandoned, and the schools of the township have since been without an examiner.

was organized March 15, 1851, by J. T. Hunt and James Skillen in a log school-house on Cephas T. Sanders's farm with sixty-one members, viz , Cephas Sanders, Nancy Sanders, Cephas T. Sanders, Rachel Sanders, David Sherwood, Cloe Sherwood, Martha Sanders, John Luseneyj Martha Luseney, David Wiles, Catharine Wiles, William Williams, Rachel Williams, Jackson Cramer, Mary Cramer, John Henman, Almira llenman, David Hall, Matilda Hall, Catharine Sanders, and a number of others whose names have not been ascertained. Cephas Sanders and C. T. Sanders were elected to fill the office of deacons in the church, and Elder J. T. Hunt was chosen as their pastor. The society has been prosperous, and the number enrolled on the church books from the date of its organization up to this time is five hundred and eighty-seven members. The following names are the elders who have been their regular pastors since the society was organized: Elder J. T. Hunt, twelve years; Elijah Baird, one year; A. Watkins, six years; C. T. Emmons, four years; E. M. Rapp, two years; Joel Thomas, two years; and A. Long, who is their present pastor. The number of ministers that have occupied the pulpit, sixty-four; number of deaths, fifty-four; number dismissed from the church by letter, forty-three; present number on roll, one hundred and twenty-five; number of original members now living is only fourteen. They held their meetings in the log school house until 1852, when they erected a frame church building, thirty-six by thirty feet, near the line between Shelby and Miami counties, on the southeast corner of section 28, Green Township, which was commenced in 1852, but not completed until some time in 1853, when it was dedicated by the Rev. Griffin. This served the society for a place to meet until 1868, when they erected their present church edifice, which is a frame building fifty by forty feet, and was erected at a cost of about $2500. It was dedicated jn November, 1868, by the Rev. James Linn, and is located near where the old church building stood.

This society was organized about 1825 by Rev. Simes or Rev. Westlake; it is not known now which of the two ministers conducted the meeting. Silas Dorsey and wife, David Larue and wife, Mrs. Jemima Conroy, and some others whose names cannot be ascertained, connected themselves with the organization. Revs. Smith and Davidson were among their early pastors who preached for them. The society erected a hewed log church building on section 4, Green Township, which served them for church purposes for a number of years, or until about 1840, when they ceased to be an organization, by a part of the members withdrawing from the church, and forming another church society known as the Methodist Protestant Church organization. Of the remaining members some removed from the neighborhood, and connected with other church societies, while a portion of the members remained firm in the belief of the principles of the M. E. Church, and died in that belief.

Their church building remained standing as a monument, although it had not been used for church purposes for many years, to mark the place where they had once met and worshipped, until a few years since, when it was torn down, and nothing now remains to mark the spot.

was organized about 1840 with twelve or fifteen members, with Silas Dorsey the leader of the organization. But little can now be learned regarding the society, as it has long since gone out of existence, and another church organization has taken its place. They met and held their meetings in Silas Dorsey's house for several years, when they erected a frame building on section 4, Green Township; the main part of the cost of the building being paid by Mr. Silas Dorsey. In this church building the society met and worshipped for a number of 3 'ears, or until 1864 or 1865, when they had become weak in numbers, and as it might be said that it was almost impossible for them to exist longer as an organization, some of their members connected themselves with the Christian Church society, which was organized in the neighborhood about that time, while others of the members remained firm in their belief of the principles of the Methodist Protestant Church until death called them away, and not one of its members is now living in Green Township to tell the history of their society.

This society was organized in the Methodist Protestant Church building in 1864 or 1865 by Elder Asbery Watkins, with William Benliam and wife, Thomas Stith and wife, Matthias Gray and wife, and a few other members. William Benliam and Thomas Stith were appointed as deacons of the church. Their membership soon increased to thirty in numbers. They held their meetings in the M. P. Church for several years, or until they erected their present frame church, fifty by thirtysix feet, at a cost of about $1200, which was dedicated December 27, 1878, by Elder E. M. Rapp. Their building is located on the Rolfe Pike, near the centre of section 4, Green Township. The society has been very prosperous, and their present membership numbers about two hundred, with William Benliam and John Moore, deacons, Oliver Hancock, clerk, and William Benhfjm, James Moore, and Thomas Moore, trustees.

Pastors: Elder Asbery Watkins was their minister about four years; Elder Richard Brandon, two years; and Elder E. M. Rapp has been their pastor since 1871, and is at this date, December 21, 1881, holding the position of minister for the organization.

is located near the centre of section 1, about a half mile from the Champaign County line, and a short distance north of Tawawa Creek. Owing to the fact that there is another town in the State bearing the same name the post-office is called Tawawa. The town was laid out on the 27th day of September, 1832, by Ephraim Davidson, who owned the land on which the village was located. The southwest corner of the town plat, being the corner of lot number I, is the place of beginning. This corner is witnessed by a box elder bearing north 34° west 21 links; also a black haw bush south 24° east 55 links.

The lines are all run at right angles, precisely east and west and north and south; the lots are all four rods wide and eight rods long; the streets are ninety-two links, or about sixty feet wide, and the alleys are twenty-three links, or about fifteen feet wide. ,

It is also stipulated that the proprietor of the aforementioned town of New Palestine - Ephraim Davidson - is to give for the use of streets around the said town plat on the north and east of said plat sixty feet of ground, extending the whole length of said plat each way, and on the south and west thirty feet extending the whole length.

The first settler in the village was George Swiger and family. The first store was kept by John Stephen in a log house on lot now owned by Jacob Princehouse. The first hotel was kept by Joseph Knot, near where the present hotel is now located.

The present post-master is Joshua Develvis. The village now contains about twenty-five dwelling houses, with a population of about one hundred inhabitants, one general store, one grocery store and post-office, one hotel with grocery annexed, one church of the Christian denomination, one physician, three blacksmith shops, with only one occupied, and one repair shop. The town is located in a good farming commuuitj, and is surrounded by well-to-do and enterprising farmers.

In about 1820 there was an M. E. Society organized in the vicinity where New Palestine is now located, by Rev. Finley, with Philip Locker and wile, William Bathel and wife, Jacob Kizer and wife, Ezekiel Sargeant and wife, and several others whose names cannot be ascertained, as members of the organization. They had no regular place of meeting, but met and worshipped at the homes of its different members, sometimes at the house of one member and sometimes at another. The same ministers that were on the Plattsville circuit preached for the Society. They remained as an organization until about the time the Christian Church organized their society m New Palestine, when it gave way to that church society, and a part of the members of the M. E. Church connected themselves with the Christian Church, and have since been active members and earnest workers for the cause of Christianity, and by their help the Christian Church is now a strong organization in New Palestine.

This society was organized in September, 1837, at the residence of Daniel Neal, in Champaign County, by Elders Jeremiah Fusion and John T. Robertson, with seventeen members, viz., Ira Hunt, Anna Hunt, Justus T. Hunt and wife, David Bever and wife, Daniel Neal and wife, Joseph Bascy and wife, David Greeley and wife, Ira F. Hunt and wife, Eleanor Woolley, Mary A. Flemmon, and Daniel Currier.

Justus T. Hunt acted as clerk of the society three years, or until 1840, when he was succeeded by James Rolfe, who filled the position several years. Their first regular pastor was Elder John Robertson, who remained with them two years, or until 1839, when he was succeeded by Elder Jacob G. Reader, who preached for them two years, or until 1841, when Elder Samuel Fusion took charge of the society as pastor and remained until 1842, when Justus T. Hunt was called to the pastorate and remaiued with them three years, or until 1845, when Elder Thomas Wells became their minister one year, and in 1846 Elder Justus T. Hunt again became their pastor and remained as such until 1851, when he was succeeded by Elder Mark D. Briney, who remained one year. Elder Mark Kurby was minister one year, Elder Samuel Penrod for a short time, when Justus T. Hunt returned and preached for them two years, and was followed by Elder E. M. Rapp five years. For several years the society was without a regular minister, and only had preaching occasionally by Justus T. Hunt, or when some minister of their denomination would happen to be in the neighborhood and favor them with a sermon. Elder C. T. Emmons is their present pastor, and has been with them two years.

The society held their meetings at the residence of Daniel Neal one year, or until May, 1838, when they erected scats in a vacant house that stood on the farm then owned by Ira Hunt, but now owned by Heman R. Hunt, in Green Township, Shelby County, which they used for church purposes for several years, or until they erected a frame church building 26 X 40 feet, at a cost of about $600, in New Palestine, which was dedi- cated in June, 1851, by Elder Samuel Fusion, assisted by Elder Justus T. Hunt. In this building they met and worshipped for many years, or until 1881, when they erected their present frame church edifice, 36 X 54 feet, in New Palestine, near where the old church building stood* at a cost of about $1500, including the bell, which was purchased at a cost of about $125. The dedicatorial sermon of this church building was delivered January 1st, 1882, by Elder A. L. McKinney, of Troy, Ohio, assisted by Elders Emmons, Rapp, Hunt, and Fuller. After the erection of their church building in New Palestine, James Rolfe, Heman R. Hunt, and John Barbee, were elected trustees of the church, and served as such many j'ears.

Elder Justus T. Hunt is at this date, December 20, 1881, the only one of the original members of the organization now living. He is residing in Careysville, Champaign County, Ohio, at the age of seventy-three years, hale and hearty, and is living a retired life after many years of faithful and earnest work as a minister of the gospel, honored, esteemed, and respected by all that know of him, possessing the entire confidence of the people whom he has been among for the past forty -eight or fifty years.

Plattsville is a small village near the central part of Green Township, on the southeast quarter of section 19, where are located two stores, one general and one grocery store ; two churches - M. E. and Universalist - post-office; two physicians; blacksmith shop; wagon shop; I. O. O'. F. hall; township house, where the votes of the township are polled and other township business transacted. The census of 1880 gave the popu- - lation of the village as one hundred, which has increased some in numbers since that date.

In about 1817 John R. Medaris settled on the quarter section on which the village is located, who caused the survey of lots to be made by Jonathan Counts September 21, 1844. The town is situated in the southeast quarter of section 19, township 2, range 13 east, of the Great Miami River survey. Lots are all two by eight rods except fractional lots, which are more or less. Leatherwood Street, located on the county road, bears north 30° west, and is ninety-one links wide. All other streets, lanes, and alleys, are either parallel or at right angles to Leatherwood Street. Church Street is seventy-five links wide; Green and West Streets are each fifty links wide. All alleys are one rod wide. Lines are run and returned at their true bearings, the magnetic variation being 3^ 3 east of north.

We, the undersigned proprietors of the town of Plattsville, do hereby give, grant, and donate all the streets, lanes, and alleys designated on the plat of the town of Plattsville as public highways for the good and benefit of said town.

The first addition to the town was surveyed May 17, 184b, for J. r, Medaris, and consisted of lots 27 to 42 inclusive. This was recorded July 4, 1849.

Soon after the survey was made lots were purchased and buildings erected, and the village has since gradually progressed. The first business establishment was an ashery and a general store, owned and conducted by Thomas Farshee, who remained in the business several years. The next was a general store, conducted by Robinson and Peppers, who continued in business six years. Thomas Buchanan, and some others whose names are not mentioned, have been engaged in business in the village of Plattsville. At this date, December, 1881, Perry L. Frazier and Samuel Vohres are engaged in the mercantile business.

formerly known as the Antioch M. E. Church Society, was organized about 1819 or 1820, with Thaddeus Tuttle and wife, John R. Medaris and wife, Samuel Robinson and wife, Abraham Medaris and wife, William Ellsworth and wife, and some others whose names cannot be ascertained, members of the organization. Among their first ministers were the Revs. Arthur Elliott, William White, Daniel D. Davidson, James Smith, William Raper, James B. Finley, George Gatch, William Sutton, William Morrow, George Walker, David Whitmer, P. G. Good. Revs. Kemper, Wolfe, Clark, Lowery, and others of later date, whose names are uot mentioned. The society met and worshipped in the private residences of its members, sometimes at the house at Thaddeus Tuttle's, and other times at another member's house, until 1828 or 1829, when they erected a hewed log church building, twenty-four by twenty feet, on a part of the ground now occupied by the cemetery near Platt sville. The land was donated to the society by Thaddeus Tuttle for church purposes and a burying ground, in which many of the early members of the church are now sleeping. The log church served them for church purposes for many years, or until 1849, when they purchased a lot in Plattsville of John R. Medaris, on which they erected their present church building, which is a frame structure, forty-five by forty feet, and was built at a cost of about $1000.

It was not until 1850 that the building was completed and dedicated. The name was then changed from the Antioch M. E. Church to the Plattsville M. E. Church Society, and now bears that name. The society 1ms been very prosperous, and since its organization has enrolled its members by the hundreds, but many of them have been taken away by death, others have removed from the neighborhood, and are now members of other church organizations. The membership at this date, December 5, 1881, is about ninety in number, with Rev. Mark with their pastor; Horace Brelsford and Amos Botkin class-leaders; J. P. H ageman and Amos Botkin stewards; Silas Johnston, Samuel Bird, .1. P. Hagtman, Henry Robinson, and Amos Botkin are the present trustees.

is located in Plattsville, and was erected in 1877 at a cost of $1500. It is a frame structure, fifty by thirty-eight feet, and was dedicated July 29, 1877, by T. S. Guthrie, assisted by their pastor, J. D. Lawer. The society was organized September 30, 1877, by J. D. Lawer with thirty-six members. The organization has been very prosperous, and at this time numbers one hundred members. The Rev. J. 1). Lawer is their present pastor, and has been the minister for the society since its organization, and preached in the village of Plattsville for one year prior to the organization of the church. The officers of trie church are as follows: Moderator. Lewis Arbogast; Treasurer, F. H. fleeter; Clerk, P. L. Frazier; Trustees are R. L. Atkinson, J. 1. C. Applegate, and Allen Arbogast.

located in Plattsville, was instituted by Nathan Jones, Grand Master of Ohio, on the 12th day of July, 1876, with the following charter members, viz., L. P. Redenbo, B. F. Johnson, P. R. Hunt, G. W Frazier, W. H. Bulle, J. T. Princehouse, W. L. Woolley, D. Bowersock, Jas. Williams, ami Samuel Griffis. In 1879 the order built a frame building two stories high, and finished the upper story. The dedicatory services were conducted by A. C. Duvel, of Urbana, in July, 1879, since which time the order occupy said building. They at present have a membership of thirty-eight, with the following officers: J. F. Applegate, N. G ; A. Hand, V. G.; J. Knoop, Sec.; B. F. Johnson, Per. Sec.; and J. Williams, Treasurer.

It is with pleasure that we present the following sketch of the life of the above-named, who is one of Shelby County's pioneers, and one among tiie leading farmers of Green Township. He is a native of Montgomery County, Ohio, where lie was born, near Dayton, on the 18th day of December, 1x18. He was brought to Shelby County in the spring of 1821 by his parents, William and Sarah Johnston, who located in Orange Township about two and a half miles south of Sidney, remained two years, then in 1823 they removed and settled on the farm now owned by their son William Johnston, near Sidney, whore the subject of this sketch spent his boyhood days. On the 27th day of March, 1845, he was united in marriage with Miss Hannah, daughter of Thomas and Jane Doren. Miss Doren was born in Butler County, Ohio, March 15, 1826, and came to this county in 1832, and located in Perry Township. Mr. and Mrs. Johnston moved on the farm in section 20, Green Township, shortly after their marriage, where they have since resided. They had a family of ten children : Jane, William T., Ellen (deceased), Caroline, Olive, Edgar, Anna, Kate (deceased), Grant, and Nettie. When Mr. Johnston moved on the farm there were only a few acres cleared. He has now one among the best improved farms in Green Township, which is principally, the result of his own labor; He has made farming and stock growing his avocation through life.

The subject of this sketch was born in Hamilton County, Ohio, on the 22d day of October, 1797. He is a son of William and Elizal>eth Beezley, who moved from Hamilton to Clermont County, Ohio, remained until 1812, when they removed to Clarke County, where the subject of this sketch grew to manhood. In October, 1816, he married Miss Elizabeth Ellsworth, of Clarke County, daughter of John and Mary Ellsworth, who were among the pioneers of Green Township, this county. Mr. and Mrs. Beezley settled in Clarke County, remained until the spring of 1826, when they came to this county and settled in Green Township, where he has since resided and made farming his vocation. They reared a family of nine children, five of whom are vet living - William, Paul, Silence, Jane, and Rachel. William and Paul are now in Iowa; Silence and Jane are living in Missouri, and Rachel is living in Illinois. All are married and have families. William Beezley served three years in the war of 1861, as captain of a company in an Illinois regiment. Paul Beezley served four years during the late war, as a private in the 20th 0. V. I., and was honorably discharged at the close of the war.

Mr. Miuniear was born in Montgomery County, Ohio, Feb. 27, 1804. On the 11th day of April, 1811, he was brought to Shelby County by his parents, William and Elizabeth Minniear, who settled in Orange Township, where young Minniear grew to manhood. On the 2(ith day of August, 1 8 40, he married Miss Lydia, daughter of Edward and Margaret John. They settled in Orange Township, this county, remained a short time, then moved on a farm in Loramie Township, this county. They lived in Loramie Township until 1855 or 6, when they purchased and moved on the farm in Green Township, section 20, where they are now living. They reared a family of five children, viz.: William, Denitia, Margaret E., Mary C., and Thomas C. Margaret is deceased ; the other four are married and are now living in Green Township.

Mr. Woodmancy is a native of New Jersey, where he was born on the 16th day of February, 1804. When at the age of fourteen years he went on a ship on the Atlantic as a hand, remained as such until 1821, when he was appointed captain of the schooner Industry, and held the position of captain of different vessels until 1842, when he retired from the coasting trade and turned his attention to farming, which he made his avocation until 1878, when he retired from business, and is now living a retired life, honored and esteemed by all that know him.

On the 20th day of June, 1832, he married Miss Harriet Platt, of Ocean County, New Jersey, born May 9, 1811. They settled in Ocean County, New .Jersey, remained until 1843, when he, with wife and family, emigrated to Ohio, purchased and moved on the farm in Green Township, Shelby County, where they are now living. They reared a family of six children, viz.: Lorenzo D., Reuben, John N., Louisa E., Martha E., and Lydia M.

Reuben served in the three months' service in the war of 1861, and after the expiration of his time he re-enlisted in Company F of the 20th 0. V. I. for three years or during the war. He was commissioned first lieutenant of his company, and served as such until wounded, July 22, 1 8**4, at the battle of Atlanta, and on account of which he was honorably discharged from the service.

a native of Pennsylvania, was born in Bucks County', March 3d, 1780. He came to Ohio when a young man. with his mother, his father being dead, and located in Clarke County, near Springfield, remained a few years, then moved to Champaign County, where he married Miss Elizabeth, daughter of Henry Sturm, then of Shelby County, born March 11, 1793. Mr. and Mrs. Robinson settled in Champaign County, remained until March, 1815, when he entered and moved his family on the land in Green Township, Shelby County, now owned by George Ginn, in section 19, where they passed the remainder of their days. Mrs. Robinson died Nov. 4, 1875, aged 82 years. Mr. Robinson died March 31, 1876, aged 96 years. They reared a family of eight children, viz.: Henry, Rebecca. Eliza, John, Mary, Rossi ter, Elizabeth, and Lydia, all of whom are yet living except Eliza, who died in August, 1881. All married and had families. Mrs. Robinson is said to have been the second settler in what is now Green Township, the first l>eing Henry Sturm, the father-inlaw of Mr. Robinson. His first improvement on his land was the erection of a log cabin, 14 by 16, one story high, which served them as a dwelling about ten years. Then, about 1825-6, he erected a hewed-log residence. He made clearing land and farming his avocation through life. Shortly after Mr. Robinson settled on his land, one day while walking around in the woods he saw a black bear sitting in the forks of a large tree. In order to kill the bear he returned to his house to get the gun, but unfortunately there were no bullets run; so, while Mrs. R. made the bullets, he went back to the tree to watch the bear. In a short time Mrs. R. came with the bullets. He loaded his gun and fired. The bear fell backwards; but instead of coming to the ground, it fell in the hollow of the tree, out of sight, and presently a young cub ran up the forks where the old bear sat, and looked down at Mr. R. He thought he had killed the old bear sure. He then cut the tree down, and found the old bear and all of her cubs were dead. But on examination he found his bullet

In about 1830 a severe storm passed over the settlement, blew the roof off of Mr. H.'s house, and did oilier damage in the neighborhood. In 1834 another storm came along, and moved the upper part of Mr. II 's house, down as low as the tops of the doors and windows, about six feet out of its place, but, fortunately, no one was seriously injured.

The eldest son of Samuel Robinson, deceased, was born in Champaign County, Ohio, February 19, 1814, nnd was brought to this county by his parents March, 1815, settled in Green Township as aforesaid, where young Robinson grew to manhood. On the 7th day of September, 1837, lie married Miss Ann Neal, of Champaign County, Ohio, born Nov. 29, 1817. They settled in Green Township, where they have since resided. They reared a family of eight children, two sons and six daughters, all of whom are yet living. Mr. Robinson is the oldest settler now living in Green Township, and has been a member of the M. E. Church at Plattsville since 1829.

Mr. Sleeter was born in Auglaize County, Ohio, on the 23d day of October, 1836. He is a carpenter by trade, and followed that business as his vocation twenty years. He then turned his attention to farming, and has since that time conducted farming and stock-raising successfully. September 25, 1 858, he married Miss Mary, daughter of David and .Mary Buchanan, of Orange Township, Shelby County. Mr. and Mrs. Sleeter settled in Green Township, on the farm in section 31, where they now reside. They have a family of three children, all daughters. He filled the office of treasurer of Green Township two years.

A native of Shelby County, and son of John and Margaret Martin, was born in Orange Township Sept. 4, 1842. When at the age of twentyone years he began working at the blacksmith trade, which he has since made his principal vocation. On the 23d day of August, 1866, he married Miss Jennie, daughter of John Rogers, of Orange Township, this county. Mr. and Mrs. Martin settled in Orange Township, remained until March, 1869, when he purchased and moved on the farm in Green Township where they now reside. They have a family of four children, three sons and one daughter. Since Mr. Martin's settlement on his farm he has been conducting the business of farming in connection with his business of blacksmithing and repairing farm implements, wagons, buggies, etc. etc.

Mr. Dickinsheets was born near Dayton, Ohio, in Montgomery County, September 30, 1819, and came to Shelby County in 1836 with his parents, Henry and Mary Dickensheets, who settled in Green Township, where they passed the remainder of their days. Mrs. Dickinsheets died in February, 1861. Mr. Dickinsheets died in September, 1869. They reared a family of five children, viz., John, Margaret, Rachel, Thomas, and Nancy. All are yet living except Thomas, who was killed during the late war.

John Dickensheets, subject of this sketch, married Miss Martha Bird March 9, 1845. They settled on the farm where he is now living in Green Township. By this union he had five children, two of whom are yet living, one son and one daughter. His companion died. He then married Mrs. Sarah A. Williams, nee Lewis, May 4, 1854, by whom he had ten children, seven of whom are now living.

Mr. Duer was born in Montgomery County, Ohio, December 1, H45, and was brought to Miami County by his parents, Joshua A. and Sarah Duer, iu the spring of 1845. He was educated in the high school of Piqua. In December, 1845, he began teaching school, nnd after teaching several terms he turned his attention to farming, which he has since made his vocation. June 18, 1868, he married Miss Mary E. Worthington, of Miami County, Ohio. Their first settlement was on his father's farm, where they remained until in March, 1872, when they moved on the farm in Green Township, Shelby County, where they are now living. They have two children, sons. Mr. Duer filled the office of clerk for Green Township for six years.

Mr. Hageman was born in Hamilton County, Ohio, on the 5th day of July, 1830. In 1850 he moved to Shelby County, and located in Green Township, making his home with his brothers William and Simon for several years. On the 17th day of February, 1859, he married Miss Elizabeth, daughter of Samuel and Elizabeth Robinson, of Green Township. Miss Robinson was born in Green Township, Shelby County, September 4, 1834. Mr. and Mrs. Hageman settled near Hageman sawmill, where he is now residing. They reared a family of four children, three sons and one daughter. In 1854 Mr. Hageman, in company with two of his brothers, William and George, erected a steam sawmill on the northwest corner of section 17, Green Township, one and a half miles south of Plattsville. The building was fifty by thirty-six feet, and contained a thirty-two horse power engine, with an upright or sash saw, with a capacity for sawing about twenty-five hundred feet per day. The business of manufacturing all kinds of hard wood lumber, including poplar and linn, working under the firm name of Hageman Brothers until 1865, when William sold his interest to J. P., and the firm was then styled Hageman and Brother, and remained as such two years. Then in 1867 George Hageman sold to C. W. Dorsey, and the firm name was Hageman and Dorsey. Mr. Dorsey remained a partner one year, and in 1868 he sold his interest in the mill to Mr. Hageman, who has since that time operated it successfully alone. In 18S0 he enlarged his mill to seventy-eight by thirty-six feet, and put in a forty-horse-power engine and a set of circular saws, and it now has the capacity for cutting eight thousand feet of lumber per day by putting on a sufficient force of men to run it steadily. He also manufactures lath, picket palings, etc. etc. He keeps constantly on hand for sale a large stock of lumber, including poplar, linn, ail kinds of hard wood lumber, plastering lath, pickets, wagon and buggy materials.

Mr. Maloney was born in Ireland June 20, 1819. In 1854 he came to America, and located in Summit County, Ohio, remained a few years, then in 1858 or 1859 he moved to Miami Comity, where he married Miss Elizalieth Ryan in 1856. They settled in Miami County, remained until in 1870, when they came to Shelby County, purchased and moved on the farm in Green Township where they are now living. They have a family of eight children, five sons and three daughters. Mr. Maloney has made farming his vocation. At present he owns several farms in Green Township, and is one of the most extensive farmers in the township.

a native of Ohio, was born in Miami County on the 26th day of February, 1 s30, where he passed his minority. November 20, 1852, he married Miss Elizabeth M., daughter of Thomas and Margaret Long, of Miami County. Mr. and Mrs. Branson settled in Miami County, and remained a few years. In 1858 they emigrated to Iowa, where the)' remained until in 1864, when they returned to Ohio, and in the spring of 1865 they came to Shelby County, and located in Green Township, where they now reside. They have a family of seven children, four sons nnd three daughters. Mr. Branson gave all of his attention to farming until 1875, when he engaged in nursery business, which now occupies the most of his time.

At this date, 1881, lie has about fifteen hundred trees, of all kinds and varieties of fruits, ready for market, about thirty-two thousand trees one year old, which he has grown since the freeze and destruction of fruit trees during the winter of 1880-81, and intends from this year on to make the raising of fruit trees his entire business. His varieties consist of about one hundred and three different kinds of apples, thirty of pears, fifteen of cherries, also a nice variety of plums, peaches, currants, gooseberries, grapes, blackberries, raspberries, strawberries, quinces, and, in fact, everything in the nursery line. They employ no agents, but give their commission to the men who buy and plant their trees. They can sell at half the price of travelling agents, furnishing better trees, fresh from the nursery suited to our climate aud soil.

Mr. Denman is a native of Miami Count)', Ohio, where he was born on the 5th day of January, 1823. He has made farming his avocation, and at present owns two good farms in Green Township. September 12, 1844, he married Miss Barbara E. Houser, of Miami County, Ohio, born Septemlier 20, 1826, and daughter of John and Margaret Houser.

Mr. and Mrs. Denman came to Shelby County on the 24th day of September, 1844, and settled iu Green Township, where they are now residing. They reared a family of four children, three sons and one daughter. Mr. Denman is a son of Joseph and Phebe Denman, and is of a family of ten children, he being the only one of the number that is now living.

deceased, was born in Berks County, Pennsylvania, March 25, 1799, and was brought to Ohio by his parents, John and Christina Redenbo, May, 1799, who located in Hamilton County, remained a few years, then, iu 1810 or 1811, came to Shelby County, and located in Orange Township. John Redenbo and his sou Jeremiah went from this county, and served about six mouths in the war of 1812. The subject of this sketch married Miss Elizabeth, daughter of Isaac and Elizabeth Robbins, born in Shelby County, Turtle Creek Township, April 1, 1805. Mr. and Mrs. Redenbo settled in Green Township in 18i9 or 1820, where they made improve- merits, and remained a few years, and in 1827 or 1828 lie sold his land, and purchased quarter of section 26, Green Township, on which he passed the remainder of his days. He died June 17, 1878. His companion is still living on the home farm at the age of seventy-six years. They reared a family of seven children, viz.. Catharine, Harriet, Andrew, Alfred, Sylvester, Robert J., and Lewis P. Robert J. and Catharine are now deceased.

deceased, was born in New Jersey on the 6th day of May, 1875. He was of English descent. He married Miss Alice Vorhess, a native of New Jersey, born April 9, 1793. They settled in their native State, remained until 1832, when they migrated to Ohio, and located in Shelby County, Green Township, where they passed the remainder of their days. Mr. Bird died August 6, 1847. Mrs. Bird died September 9, 1853. They reared a family of nine children, viz., John, Charity, Gilbert, Samuel, Anngeleta, Martha, James, Joseph, and Margaret. John, James, and Martha are deceased. The other six are all living in Shelby County except Margaret, who lives in Champaign County.

A son of the above-named Samuel Bird, deceased, was born in Ocean County, New Jersey, December 10, 1822, and came with his parents to Shelby County in 1832, as aforesaid. He married Miss Susannah Blakely, born in Franklin Township, Shelby County, Ohio, August 6, 1825, daughter of Robert and Eliza Blakely, who were among the early settlers of Franklin Township, this county. Mr. anil Mrs. Bird settled on his father's home farm, which he purchased shortly after the death of his father. He has filled the office of trustee of Green Township nearly all the time since 1852, and still holds the position. They reared a family of six children, five sons and one daughter; all are now living except one son, Levi J., who enlisted in Company K of the 12th O. V. C-, October, 1- 63, was taken prisoner on Clinch River, Virginia, December, 1864, and died in Libby prison February, 1865.

Mr. Randolph was born in Clarke County, Ohio, July 13, 1826, and came with his parents, James B. F. and Rachel Randolph, to Miami County in 1838, who settled near Piqua, where young Randolph grew to manhood. November 27, 1850, he married Miss Sarah E. Bull, daughter of John and Eliza Bull. Miss Bull was born in Greene County, Ohio, September 3, 1829, and came to Shelby County with her parents in 1832, who settled in Orange Township, where they now reside. In 1853 Mr. and Mrs. Randolph settled on the farm in Green Township in section 29, where they are now living. They reared a family of eight sous, five of whom are yet at home with their parents. Mr. Randolph's first purchase of land was the northwest quarter of section 29, Green Township. He has made oilier purchases of land at different times, until he now owns about two hundred and eighty acres of land, all under a good state of cultivation. He has one of the finest brick dwellings in tiic township, which he erected in 187§, and is one among the leading farmers in Green Township.

His parents, James B. F. and Rachel Randolph, came to Shelby County in 1853, and settled in Turtle Creek Township, where Mr. Randolph died August 9, 1874, aged seventy-three years. Mrs. Randolph is still living in that township at the advanced age of eighty-nine years, and enjoying good health for one of her age.

deceased, a soldier of the Revolution, was born in Virginia on the 11th day of January, 1760. When but yet a boy of sixteen years he entered the army in the war of 1776, under the command of Gen. Greene, and was actively engaged in the battle of Guilford, and several other hardcontested battles. He also took an active part in several Indian raids after the close of the Revolution. Several years alter the close of the war he moved to Greene County, Ohio, with his wife and family, where his companion died. He was then married to Miss Sarah Roberts, by' whom lie had three children, viz., Rachel, Samuel R., and Eliza A In 1839 Mr. Woodward came with his family to Shelby County, and settled on the northwest quarter of section 13, Greene Township, where he died September 25, 1852, at the age of ninety-two years, eight months, and fourteen days. His companion died September 1, 1879, aged eighty -nine years, four months, and two days.

deceased, was born in Virginia in Novcmlier, 1798, and came to Ohio with his father when a small boy, and settled in Warren County, where young Botkin grew to manhood. He married Miss Elizabeth Locker, tln-n of Clarke County, Ohio. In 1827 or 1828 Mr. and Mrs. Botkin came to Shelby County, and settled in section 18, Green Township, where they passed the remainder of their days. Mrs. Botkin died in 1862.

Mr. Botkin died December 10, 1875. They reared a family of nine children, viz., Sarah, Eliza, Nancy, Lydia, Elizabeth, Amos, Emeline, Jemima, and Mary E. Sarah and Nancy are now dead. Mr. Botkin filled the office of treasurer of Green Township for several years, and also township trustee for a few years.

Mr. Sanders was born in Miami County, Ohio, Dec. 27, 1817. He is a son of Benjamin and Martha Sanders, who moved to Shelby County in 1819, located near Hardin, remained a few years, then removed to Miami County, where they both died. Young Sanders was placed by his father as an apprentice at the tailor trade, with Gabriel Hubbell, of Sidney, with whom he remained about five years. He then began working at the trade as a journeyman, and followed tailoring as his vocation, working in differnt cities and villages until 1848, when he retired from the business and has since made farming his avocation. March 18,

1847, he married Miss Rachel Rossell, of Miami County, Ohio, born in Piqua October 1, 1822, daughter of Elias and Mary Rossell. Mr. and Mrs. Sanders settled in Monroe, Butler County, Ohio, remained until

1848, when they came to Shelby County, purchased and located in Green Township, where they are now living. Mr. Sanders has been a successful farmer, and at this date, Dec. 5, 1881, owns a farm of 214 acres, a part of which is in sec. 28, and the remainder is in sec. 22, which is principally the result of his own hard labor aud good business tact. They reared two children, viz.: Volney B. and Orrilla F. Mr. and Mrs. Sanders have been members of the Spring Creek Christian Church since the time of .its organization in 1851. Mr. Sanders has been a member of Taylor Lodge, No. 322, I. 0. O. F., twenty years.

Mr. Haney is a native of Hamilton County, Ohio, where he was born on the 16th day of December, 1811. He was brought to Miami County in 1816 bv his parents, George and Elizabeth Haney, who located in the north part of Miami County, near the Shelby County line. Joseph Haney, the subject of this sketch, is the oldest of a family of twenty children, fourteen of whom are yet living. He is a carpenter by trade, in 1845 he turned his attention to farming, which he has since made his prinieipal avocation, but worked some at his trade. June 13, 1833, he married Miss Eva Livengood, of Montgomery County, Ohio, born Nov. 19, 1810. They settled in Miami County. In 1855 they came to Shelby County and setted on a part of the N. W. quarter of section 28, Green Township, where they are now living. They reared a family of eight children, five sons and three daughters. Two of the sons and one daughter are now dead. Their son, I'eter L. Haney, served as a private in Company E, 71st O V. I., from Oct. 27, 1861, until Oct. 10, 1863, when he was killed at Hartsville, Tenn. Ilis body was brought home for burial. Another son, Isaac It. Haney, enlisted in Company E, 110th O. V. I., Sept. 1862. and served until June 13, 1863, when he was wounded at Winchester, Va., and died June 27, 1863, from the effects of the wound. His body was also brought home for interment.

deceased, was born in Monmouth County, New Jersey, Nov. 15, 1794. He spent several years on the Atlantic as a sailor while a single man. In 1833 he turned his attention to farming, which he made his vocation during the remainder of his life. He died May 9, 1872. He was twice married; first, to Miss Mary O'Neal, of New Jersey, by whom he hail five children, two of whom are now living, viz., James and Elizabeth. His companion died. His second marriage was to Miss Rachel Clevenger, in ls26, of Monmouth County, N. J., born Sept. 11, 1806. They remained in New Jersey until 1833, when they moved to Shelhy County, Ohio, and settled in Green Township, where he made improvements and passed the remainder of his days. His companion, Mrs. Williams, is still living on the home farm. By his second marriage he had eight children, viz., Joseph, Harriet, Hannah, Emraor, Sarah J., William H., Mary E., and Thomas F. Joseph, Hannah, and Mary E. are now dead.

son of the above-named William B. Williams, deceased, was born in Green Township, Shelby County, Ohio, Aug. 16, 1841. On the 7th day of April, 1864, lie married Miss Mary A. Wiles, daughter of David and Catharine Wiles, born Jan. 31, 1842, in Green Township, Shelby County. Mr. and Mrs. Williams settled on a part of section 28, Green Township, remained until 1874, when they moved on his father's home farm, where they now reside. They have a family of nine children, seven sons and two daughters. He now owns his father's home farm, having purchased it a few years since.

Mr. Sturm was born in Clarke County, Ohio, Jan. 31, 1813, and was brought to Shelby County by his parents, Henry and Elizabeth Sturm, in 1814, who settled in what is now Green Township, where they made improvements, and passed the remainder of their days. They were, as near as can be ascertained, the first settlers in Green Township, their nearest neighbors being six miles distant, and their home was what we can justly call a home in the woods, with no one except the Indians near them, and they were everyday visitors, calling to ask some favor of the white man. They reared a family of twelve children, viz., Matthias, Margaret, Nicholas, Henry, Peter, William, Jacob, Frederick, Ephraim, Elizabeth, George, and John. Matthias, Nicholas, and Henry served in the war of 1812. All of the above-named children are now dead, except George and John, twin brothers. George is now living in Perry Township, Shelby County, and John is living on the home farm in Green Township. Mr. Sturm died June 14, 1832, aged seventy-five years. His companion departed this life April 3, 1840, aged eighty-five years. He had a wide reputation as an expert with his rifle, and was a successful hunter. Mr. John Sturm, the subject of this sketch, was reared a farmer, and spent his minority days on the farm, clearing, grubbing, and preparing the soil for cultivation. On the 30th day of July, 1834, he married Miss Rachel M. Barbee, by whom he reared six children, viz., Elias B., Julia A., John F., David I., Mary E., and Eliza J. Mr. and Mrs. Sturm settled on his father's home farm, where they have since resided.

Miss Barbee, wile of Mr. Sturm, was born in Butler County, Ohio, Aug. 28, 1817, and came to Shelby County with her parents, Elias and Mary Barbee, in 1834, who settled on the N. W. quarter of section 2, Green Township, where Mr. Barbee died Feb. 1, 1842. His companion died Oct. 17, 1871.

Mr. Prince, son of William and Sarah Prince, was born in Champaign County, Ohio, July 25, 1831, where he spent his boyhood days. May 5, 1859, he married Miss Mary Jones, of Champaign County, daughter of William H. and Rachel Jones. Mr. and Mrs. Prince settled in their native county, remained until Mnrch 13, 1865, when they came to Shelby County and settled in Green Township, where they are now residing. They have a family of five children, three sons anti two daughters. He filled the office of treasurer for Green Township one year. September 15, 1861, he enlisted in Company I, 42d O. V. I., as a private, and served as such one year; then, Oct. 19, 1862, he was commissioned First Lieutenant. and on the 1st day of January, 1863, he was promoted to the office of Captain of Company Ij 42d O. V. I., until Dec. 2, 1864, when he was mustered out of the service.

Mr. Hunt is a native of Butler County, Ohio, where he was bom on the 26th day of September, 1819, and came to Shelby County in 1836 with his parents, Ira and Mary Hunt, who settled in this township, where Ira Hunt died September 28, 1845. His companion survived hi in until August, 1855. Mr. Ira Hunt reared a family of eight children, viz., Justus T.j Ira F., Phebe D., Heman R., Eliza J., Nancy W., Mary E., and Rachel A.; four of whom are jet living, Justus T., Heman R., Nancy W., and Rachel A.

He was appointed by Treasurer McGrew as deputy treasurer of Shelby County. His duty was to visit each and every township in the county and collect the taxes, except Clinton Township, which office he filled one year. Heman It. Hunt, subject of this sketch, was reared on a farm, and has made farming his avocation through life. At this date he owns two good farms in Green Township. On the 26th day of September, 1844, he married Miss Ann Conover, of Warren County, Ohio, born November 13, 1819, and came to Shelby County with her parents, Timothy and Mary Conover, in 1835, who settled on a part of section 1, Green Township, where Dr. Leedom now lives, near New Palestine. Mr. II. settled on his father's farm in Green Township, where they are now residing. They reared two children, viz., Preston R. and Bruce S. Mr. Hunt filled the ofllce of trustee of Greeu Township for three years and treasurer one \"ear.

Mr. Wiles was born in Warren Countj", Ohio, November 23, 1815. He came to Miami Countj- in 1828 with his parents, James and Anna Wiles, who located in Spring Creek Township, where the subject of this sketch, David Wiles, passed his boyhood days. On the 15th day of March, 1838, he married Miss Catharine Bolseli, born in Miami County, Ohio, February 20, 1820. daughter of Samuel and Mary Bolseli.

Mr. and Mrs. Wiles settled in Miami County, remained until in 1844, when they came to Shelby County, made improvements, and settled on a part of the southeast quarter of section 29, Green Township, in 1845, where they now reside. They reared a family of six children, viz., James, Mary A., Celina J., Thomas B., John A., and Elvira E. Elvira E. died June 27, 1881. Mr. Wiles served as a member of the board of education of Green Township ten years, and constable of the township three years.

William Randolph, for several years. December 25, 1860, he married Miss Mary M. Platt, daughter of John and Dorcas Platt, born in Shelby County, Green Township, June 11, 1844. Mr. and Mrs. Randolph settled on her father's home farm, where they are now residing. Thej' have a family of five children, three sons and two daughters.

deceased, was born in Bourbon County, Kentucky, September 20, 1796, where he passed his minority daj"8. In 1831 he came to Ohio with his family, and located in Shelby County on the farm now owned by Silas Johnston, in section 20, Green Township, remained several years, and then moved on the farm in same section now owned by his son, Bobcrt N. Shaw, where he died December 12, 1864. Mr. Shaw was twice married, first to Miss Mary McKee, of Kentucky, by whom he had five children, viz., Mary, Elizabeth, Margaret, Robert N., and Thomas A. His companion died in 1832. His second marriage was with Sarah Parkes, nee Wair, in 1833, by whom he had seven children, John S., Sarah A., Martha M., William II., Louisa E., Frances H., and one died in infancy. Two of his sons, John S. and William H., served in the war of 1861.

Mr. Frazier, a son of George W. and Mary Frazier, was born in Green Township, Shelby County, Ohio, June 16, 1837. The early part of his life was spent as a workman at the stone and brick mason trade until in 1858, when he began teaching school, which he followed a few years. In 1862 he enlisted in Company C, 99lh O. V. I., and served as a private until Mnrch 24, 1865, when he was discharged from the service, and returned home. In February, 1873, lie engaged in the mercantile business in Plattsvilie, which he has since been conducting successfully. November 23, 1865, he married Miss Louisa Woodmancy, daughter of John Woodmancy, bj' whom he has five children, two sons and three daughters.

Mr. S. was born in Clarke County, Ohio, October 15, 1825. He is what we can call a self-educated man, acquiring the principal part of his education at home. On the first day of December, 1845, he came to Shelby Countj*, and began teaching school in Green Township, which he followed as his profession seventeen years, and has since that time given his attention to farming. In 1866 he was elected justice of the peace for Green Township, and has since that date filled the office satisfactorily to the citizens of the township. He has been re-elected six times, and his present term of office expires in 1883. He also filled the office of township clerk, his term of office beginning in 1859, and was re-elected until he served them as clerk seven j'ears. The last j'ear of his clerkship covered the first year of his term as justice of the peace. He discharged the duties of both one year. In 1850 he was assessor of Green Township. In 1880 lie acted as land appraiser of the township. March 8, 1859, he married Miss Mary Brelsford, then of Miami Countj-, Ohio. Miss Brelsford was born in Montgomery County, Ohio, Maj' 14, 1826, and came to Miami Countj" with her father, Samuel Brelsford, in 1834. Mr. and Mrs. Simes settled in the village of Plattsvilie, remained until March, 1862, when they moved on the farm where they are now residing. They have a family of four children, one son and three daughters.

retired farmer, was born in Somerset County, New Jersey, September 29, 1799, and came to Shelbj- County in March, 1831, purchased land in this township, and moved his family August 29, 1831, where he is now residing. March 29, 1826, he married Clarissa Meighen, born in Butler County, Ohio, October 9, 1806. By this union he reared a family of seven children, viz., Marj' A., William M., Abigail, David, Lucinda, Leah, and Eliza P. Lucinda and Eliza P. are now dead.

retired farmer, was born in Hamilton County, Ohio, March 27, 1807. He was reared on a farm. In 1877 he retired from business, and is now living a retired life. October 8, 1835, he married Miss Nancy C. Middleton, of Hamilton County, Ohio, liorn March 25, 1817, daughter of William and Rachel Middleton. In 1847 Mr. Hageman moved to Shelby County with his familj", and settled in this township, where they are now residing. Thej' reared a family of five children, viz., John II,, Rachel, David, William H., and George W. David is now dead. The other four are married, and living in Green Township.

deceased, was born in Monmouth County, New Jersey, April 15, 1807, where he grew to manhood. In 1831 he moved to Montgomery County, Ohio, remained two years, then, in 1833, he came to Shelby County, and located in Green Township, on section 29, where he made improvements, and passed the remainder of his life. He died August 19, 1880, aged seventy-three j'ears, four months, and four days. On the 6th day of March, 1834, he married Miss Dorcas Tuttle; who was born in Clarke County, Ohio, October 7, 1817, and was brought to Shelby County by her parents, Thnddeus and Mary Tuttle, in 1818. Mr. and Mrs. Platt moved on his land in Green Township, where she is now residing. They reared two children, Thomas T. and Mary M.

Mr. Platt was a citizen highly esteemed, possessing the confidence and respect of all his neighbors. He was a kind and indulgent parent and an affectionate husband, and greatly beloved by his family. He had been a member of the M. E. Church for forty years.

a son of the above-named John and Dorcas Platt, was born in Green Township, Shelby County, on the farm where he is now living, February 2d, 183(1. On the 30th day of April, 1860, lie married Miss Margaret Francis, of Shelby County, born in Sidney, December 5, 1837, daughter of Jonathan and Elizabeth Francis. By this union he has four children, two sons and two daughters.

deceased, a pioneer of Green Township, was born in Virginia November 8, 1790. He moved to Ohio in 1811, and located in Clarke County, where he married Miss Mary Ellsworth ; who was born in Virginia September 3, 1792, and came to Clarke County, Ohio, with her parents.

In 1818 Mr. and Mrs. Tuttle came to Shelby County, and settled in Green Township, where they made improvements, and lived many years. Mr. Tuttle died August 1, 1852. His companion survived him until October, 1852. They reared a family of nine children, viz., Thomas, Charity, Dorcas, Polly', J. B., John E., Phebe C., David S., and Sylvanus. Only four of the number are now living, Thomas, Polly, David, and Dorcas. Mr. Tuttle was a soldier of the war of 1812. He filled the office of treasurer of Green Township about five years.

deceased, was born in Clermont County, Ohio, October 14, 1811. He migrated to Miami County, where he married Mary A. Bobbins September 1, 1831. They settled in Miami County, remained until September, 1846, when they came to Shelby County, where Mr. Co vault died December 18, 1867. Mrs. Covault is living on the home farm. They reared a family of ten children, six sons and four daughters. One of the sous, Eisbery G., served about three years in the war of 1861.

Mr. Verdier was born in Clarke County, Ohio, October 2, 1808. His education is what could be obtained in the common schools of his youth, and by close application to his studies at home. In 1828 he began teaching school, which he made a profession about ten years. April 25, 1839, he married Miss Lucinda Leffel, of Clarke County, Ohio, born in 1821. Shortly after marriage they came to Shelby County, and settled on the farm in Green Township, where he is now living. They reared four children, William I., Elizabeth K., George W., and Pauline J. William I. served in the war of 1861. Mrs. Verdier died in 1852.

Mr. Verdier then married Miss Sarah E. Hand in 1869, of Miami County, born November 17, 1843, by whom he has six children, one son and five daughters.

After his settlement in this count}' he gave his attention to farming, and now owns a farm of 240 acres in Green Township. He taught two terms of school in Green Township soon after coming to the county. He also taught vocal music at different school-houses' for several years. He filled the office of treasurer of Green Township three years. He is esteemed and respected by all who know him.

Mr. Johnson, a son of John and Eliza Johnson, was born in Bucks County, Pa., September 10, 1820. His education is what could lie obtained in the common schools of his youth. October 17, 1844, he married Miss Catharine Green, of New Jersey, born April 7, 1824, daughter of James B. and Catharine Green.

Mr. and Mrs. Johnson settled in his native count}', remained four years, then in 1848 they moved to Mercer, New Jersey, and from thence they moved to Ohio in 1851, and located in Shelby County, where they now reside.

Mr. Sober, a son of George and Elizabeth Suber, was born in Miami County, Ohio, July 9, 1832. He received a common school education. March 26, 1866, he married Miss Sarah A. Earhart, of Miami County, born June 19, 1839, daughter of David and Catharine Earhart. Mr. and Mrs. Suber settled in their native county, remained seven years, then in March, 1873, they came to Shelby County, purchased and moved on the farm in section 11, Green Township, where they are now living. They have a family of three children, one son and two daughters.

Mr. Conroy was born in Hampshire County, Virginia, May 21, 1802. He is a son of Edward and Jemima Conroy, who moved from Virginia to Ohio in or about 1805, and located in Pickaway County, remained until 1817, when they moved to Champaign County, located one year, or long enough to raise one crop, and from there they came to Shelby County in the fall of 1818, and settled on the northeast quarter of section 10, Green Township, on which they made improvements, and passed the remainder of their days. Mr. Conroy died February 8, 1842. II is companion died October 6, 1851. They reared a family of six children, viz., Isaac, Catharine, Nancy, Edward, Elizabeth, and Samuel. All are now dead except Edward, the subject of this sketch, who is now living on the old home farm in Green Township. December 23, 1835, he married Miss Kebecca Scorf, of Greene County, Ohio, by whom he had four children, Isaac N., Mary C., George W., and Martha E. His companion died in 1851. He then married Mrs. Frances Rock, McFarland, December 24, 1853, who lived with him until November 10, 1881, when she was taken from him by death, leaving him to fight the battles of life alone in his old days. He is enjoying good health for one of his years, honored and esteemed by all of his acquaintances, and commonly known as Uncle Ed Conroy.

In Berkeley County, West Va., on the 30th day of Nov. 1824, Mr. Crouse was born. His parents were Michael and Elizabeth Crouse, who came to Shelby County in 1850, and settled in Green Township, where they died several years since. Joseph H. Crouse is of German descent on his father's side, and of English extraction on his mother's. He received a common school education. In 1845 he came to Ohio and located in Greene County, remained until 1847, when he came to Shelby County and stopped in Green Township. Feb. 22, 1851, he married Miss Mary J. Cltrisman, daughter of David and Leanali Chrisman. Miss Chrisman was born in Hamilton County, Ohio, Feb. 29, 1828, and came to Shelby County with her parents in 1844, who settled in Green Township.

Mr. nnd Mrs. Crouse settled on a farm in Green Township after living on rented farms for several years, or until 1860, when he purchased a part of the N. W. quarter of section 17, on which they moved in 1861, nnd remained three years. Then in 1864 he sold his land in section 17, purchased and moved on the farm in section 24, near Plattsville, where they are now residing. He has made farming his principal occupation, and at present owns a farm of 62£ acres of good land and under a good state of cultivation.

son of T. C. and Rachel Woolley, was born in Shelby County, Green Township, Jan. 9, 1854. In 1861 he began making his home with Edward Conroy, with whom he has since been living. Jan. 13, 1878, he married Miss Lizzie R. Neal, daughter of Daniel D. and Eliza Neal. They moved into the house with Mr. Conroy, where they are now living.

Mr. Middleton, a son of William and Rachel Middleton, was born in Hamilton County, Ohio, Jan. 29, 1814. He is a blacksmith by trade, and followed that business for eight years. In 1845 he turned his attention to farming, and has since that date made farming his avocation, and now owns a farm of 133 acres. December 5, 1838, he married Miss Lydia Graham, daughter of James and Mary E. Graham. Miss Graham was born in Lancaster County, Pa., Aug. 14, 1818, and moved to Hamilton County, Ohio, with her father in 1823, her mother being dead.

Mr. and Mrs. Middleton settled in Hamilton County, remained until April 3, 1853, when they came to Shelby County and settled on the farm in Green Township, where they have since resided. They reared a family of eight children, viz., Lucinda H., James B., Mary J., David, Elizabeth, Lewis N., Alice B., and William L., all of whom are now living.

deceased, was born in Virginia Feb. 28, 1792. He migrated to Ohio with his father and located in Hamilton County, where he married Miss Leanah Stoneshaffer. In 1844 Mr. and Mrs. Chrisman came to Shelby County and settled on section 13, where they made improvements and passed the remainder of their days. Mr. Chrisman died July 24, 1866. His companion survived him until Dec. 5, 1870. They reared a family of ten children, viz., Martha A., Alfred, Emeline, Mary A., Eliza, Anna M., Rosanna, Sarah M., Harriet, and David A., four of whom are now dead - Emeline, Sarah M., Martha A., and Anna M.

On the 29th day of July, 1811, in Frederick County, Maryland, Mr. Shank was born. In 1825 he, in company with his father, Christian Shank, migrated to Ohio and located in Montgomery County, where the subject of this sketch married Miss Catharine Woolet March 8, 1832, daughter of Philip and Mary Woolet. Mias Woolet was born in Fairfield County, Ohio, Feb. 12. 1808, and migrated to Montgomery County, Ohio, with her brother in 1826. Mr. and Mrs. Shank settled in Montgomery County, remained until 1856, when they came to Shelby County, purchased and moved on the farm in' section 4, Green Township, now owned by his widow, Mrs. Shank, and their two sons, Joseph M. and Henry M., where Mr. Shank diet! September 3, 1881.

was born in Miami County, Ohio, January 24, 1835. He came to Shelby County in 1861, and made his home with Jeremiah Layman, of Orange Township, two years, Aug. 18, 1863. He married Mrs. Aim£e H. Silver, nie Layman, daughter of Jereminh and Mary Layman, born in Hamilton County, Ohio, Dec. 1, 1831, who came to Shelby County with her parents in 1839 and located in Orange Township. Mr. and Mrs. Brelsford settled in Green Township on a part of the south half of section 23, where they are now residing. They have a family of five children, four sons and one daughter.

was born in Clarke County, Ohio, Nov. 8, 1838. He went to Greene County, Ohio, when yet a small boy, and made his home with Jonathan S. Cost. In 1850 Mr. Cost removed to Champaign County, Ohio, taking young Ulrick with him, where he grew to manhood. He received his education at the Westerville College, where he attended about three years. Aug. 4, 1862, he enlisted in Company A, 95th O. V. I., and served until the war closed, and was discharged from the service at Louisville, Ky., Aug. 14, 1865, and returned home. He was engaged in the following named battles: Jackson, Miss., May 14, 1863; Siege of Vicksburg, Miss., from May 18 to June 22, 1863; Siege of Jackson, Miss., from July 10 until the 18th, 1863, and passed through these hard contested battles without receiving a wound. In the fall of 1865 he engaged in teaching school, which he followed as his profession about five years, and then turned his attention to farming, and since 1870 he has made farming his principal business. Jan. 1. 1867, he married Miss Susannah Wilkison, of Champaign County, Ohio, daughter of Asahel and Mary Wilkison. Mr. and Mrs. Ulrick settled on her father's home farm in Champaign County, remained until 1869. when he purchased and moved on the farm in Green Township, Mielby County, where they are now residing. They have one child, a daughter.

deceased, was born in Maryland July 27, 1807. He migrated to Greene County, Ohio, when yet a small boy, where he grew to manhood He married Miss Julia A. Snider, of Greene County, Ohio, born Jan. 9, 1808. They settled in Greene County, remained until 1832, when they came to Shelby County and settled on section 17, Green Township, where he followed farming as his avocation and passed the remainder of his days. His companion died Jan. 15, 1880, and he died Jan. 20, 1880. They reared a family of thirteen children, viz., John, Elizabeth, Ghaspcr, Jonathan, Jacob, Sarah E., Rebecca, Marj', Theresa F., William, Almeda, Julia A., and Laura B., eight of whom are yet living, three sons and five daughters.

son of the above named William, was born in Greene Count}', Ohio, July 13, 1832, and was brought to Shelby County by his parents when a small child, where he passed his minority days. May 17, 1857, he married Miss Samantha Bodle, born Jan. 15, 1830, daughter of William and Mary Bodle. Mr. and Mrs. Niswanger have resided in Shelby County since their marriage, excepting about two years, during which time they were in Miami County, Ohio, and Madison County, Indiana. They have five children, two sons and three daughters. He served three years in the war of 1861. He enlisted in Company K, 20th O. V. I., Aug. 28, 1862, and was discharged at Washington May 30, 1865.

deceased, was born in Greene County, Ohio, March 11, 1811. He made farming his avocation through life. In 1835 or 1836 he came to Shelby County, and entered the northwest quarter of section 11, Green Township. In 1837 he married Miss Nancy Garbry, then of Miami County, Ohio. Miss Garbry was born in Pennsylvania, October 14, 1812, and came to Miami County with her purents when a small girl.

Mr. and Mrs. Gray settled on his land in Green Township, on which he made improvements, and lived until 1859, when he purchased land in section 12, same township, where he died March 11, 1875. His companion is stilt surviving him, and is now residing in Miami County. They reared a family of five chlidren, three of whom are now living. One of his sons, William G., served three years in the war of 1861.

common school education. He was reared on a farm, and made farming and dealing in stock his avocation through life. On the 5th day of April, I860, he married Miss Anna E. Seely, of Miami County, Ohio, who was born February 1, 1844, and came with her parents, Rockwell H. and Salinda Seely, to Shelby County, and located in New Palestine.

Mr. and Mrs Dorsey settled on a part of his father's home farm in section 4, Green Township, remained until 1867, when he sold his interest in the home farm, and purchased a farm in section 13, Green Township, on which he moved with his family, and passed the remainder of his days. He died July 17, 1873. The farm is now owned by his heirs - his widow and children. He was considered one of Green Township's wide-awake and leading business men.

was bom in what is now Green Township, Shelby County, Ohio, September 28, 1817. He is a son of Ezekiel Sargeant, who was a native of Pennsylvania, and came to Ohio in 1800, and located in Adams County, where he married Miss Jane Lochard, of that county.

Mr. and Mrs. Sargeant settled in Adams County, remained a few years, then moved to Clarke County, located a short lime, and from thence they came to Shelby County in 1816, and settled in a part of section 6, Green Township, on which they made improvements, and lived about seventeen years, or until 1833, when they removed to Champaign County, where they passed the remainder of their days. They reared a family of eleven children, Elizabeth, Margaret, Martha, Eli, John, Philip, Richard, Ezekiel, William, Jane, and Andrew .1. Only four of the abovenamed children are now living, viz., John, Ezekiel, William, and Andrew J. John Sargeant, the subject of this sketch, is the only one of the family that is now living in Ohio; the others are in the Western States. He is a carpenter by trade, and that in connection with farming has been his vocation through life. He has owned several farms in Shelby and Champaign counties, and at this time he owns a good farm of 140 acres in Champaign County. He has been twice married; first, on the 12th day of September, 1840, to Miss Mary A. Woolley, by whom he reared two children, Ezekiel and Elbe. His companion died in August, 1864. He then married Mrs. Hannah Manning, nee. Graham, in December, 1865, by whom he had three children, two of whom are now living, one son and one daughter. Mr. Sargeant settled in Champaign County alter marriage, remained until the spring of 1873, when he moved to New Palestine, where he is now residing, respected and honored by all that know him. All his life has been spent in the vicinity of New Palestine.

Mr. Leedom was born in Bucks County, Pa., November 13, 1817. He was educated in the Philadelphia schools. In 1837 he began the study of medicine in his native county. He attended the Jefferson Medical College of Philadelphia, and in 1839 he moved to Ohio, and located in Champaign County, where he commenced the practice of medicine under the direction of and with Dr. A. K. Roots, of St. Paris, with whom he remained about two years, or until 1841, when he associated himself with his brother, Dr. S. K. Leedom, of Quincy, Logan County, Ohio, for one year. Then in 1842 he came to Shelby County, and located near New Palestine, where he has since been engaged in the profession of medicine, and is known for many miles around as a successful practitioner. On the 4th day of February, 1839, he married Miss Mary Johnson, of Bucks County, Pa., born April 23, 1819, daughter of John and Eliza Johnson. By this union he has five children, viz., Caroline E., John J., Mary J., Samuel K , and Elwood G. Mr. Leedom owns a good farm in Green Township near New Palestine, on which he is residing and conducting the business of farming in connection with his profession, and is considered as among Green Township's most enterprising and leading business men, always in favor of any improvement that is beneficial to the community at large in which he lives.

deceased, was bom near Elkhart Mills, Maryland, February 3, 1786. He was taken to Virginia in 1790 by his parents, Charles and Elizabeth Dorsey, where he passed his minority days. In 1810 he came to Ohio with his parents, and located in Champaign County. He served his country in the war of 1812, and was discharged from the service after the war closed near Columbus, Ohio, and returned to his home in Champaign County. In 1861 he received a warrant, calling for 160 acres of land, from the Government, as a recompense for his service during that war. About 1816 or 1817 he came to Shelby County yet a single man, entered, made improvements, and settled on the northwest quarter of section 4, Green Township, a part of which is now owned by his son, Isaac C. Dorsey, where he spent the remainder of his days as a farmer. In 1822 he married Miss Catharine Conroy, daughter of Edward and Jemima Conroy. Miss Conroy was born in Virginia May 14, 1799, and came to Shelby County with her parents in 1818, who settled in Green Township. Mr. and Mrs. Dorsey settled on his land, where they lived many years, and reared a family of eight children, viz., Eliza-

Mr. Dorsey served as justice of the peace of Green Township several years. He also filled the office of township trustee for Green Township about twenty-six years. He always took an active part in tiie advancement of education, and was one among the leaders in pushing forward the educational interest of the township. He was also an active member of church, and his house was a home for all the ministers of the Gospel that chanced to pass through the neighborhood. He was a good citizen, having the confidence and esteem of all that knew him, a kind and indulgent parent, and an affectionate husband. He died November 11, 1867, aged eighty-one years, nine months, and eight days. His companion survived him until October 11, 1878, when she died at the age of seventy-nine years, four months, and twenty-nine days.

son of the above, was born in Green Township, Shelby County, Ohio, July 17, 1833. On the 2d day of May, 1858, he married Miss Isabella, daughter of Jacob Evelsisor, of Champaign County. They settled on a part of his father's home farm, where they have since resided. They have a family of eight children, six sons and two daughters. He has filled the office of trustee for Green Township about twelve years; also acted as township assessor one year.

eldest son of the above-named John and Catharine Dorsey, was born in Green Township, Shelby County, Ohio, Jan. 11, 1825. He was reared on a farm, and has made farming his principal avocation. May 20, 1849, he married Miss Margaret J. Dodson, of Champaign County, born Sept. 2, 1826. daughter of Elijah aud Elizabeth Dodson. By this marriage he had two children, Edward C. and John E. Mrs. Dorsey died Oct. 25, 1862. He then married Miss Sarah A. Shaw, March 28, 1863, daughter of William and Sarah Shaw, born June, 1839, with whom he lived until May 9, 1864, when she died. On the 28th day of July, 1864, he married Anna M., daughter of Samuel and Hannah R. Mathers, born in Sidney, Shelby County', Ohio, July 6, 1836, by whom he has two children, Samuel M. and Charles M. March 28, 1854, Mr. Dorsey settled on a farm in section 5, Green Township, where he has since resided. He filled the office of trustee of Green Township one term.

Mr. Princehouse was born in Green Township, Shelby County, Ohio, Dec. 31, 1831. His father, Henry Princehouse, was born in Virginia about 1797. He married Miss Winaford Griffin. In 1819 he came to Shelby County and located in Green Township. His first permanent settlement in the township was on the N. E. quarter of section 7, now known as the Van Demark farm. In 1833 he purchased of R. C. Cunningham a part of the S. E. quarter of section 7, on which he made improvements, moved his family, and passed the remainder of his days, jlis companion died in 1869. He died Nov. 1 , 1869. He reared a family of twelve children, only four of whom are now living, viz., John T., Peter, Jacob, and Samuel. Peter Princehouse, the subject of this sketch, married Marv A. Harvey Feb. 20, 1850. They settled on his father's home farm, where they are now living. They have three children, viz., Henry N., Samuel, and Harvey G. Mir. Princehouse has made farming his avocation through life.

Mr. Cunningham was born in Butler County, Ohio, May 16, 1798. He was taken to Greene County, Ohio, by iiis parents about 1800, where he passed his boyhood days. Sept. 4, 1817, he married Miss Margaret A. Berryhill, of Greene County. They settled in Greene County, remained two years or until September, 1819, when they came to Shelby County, made improvements, and settled on the S. E. quarter of section 7, Green Township, on which he has since resided, having lived on the one farm sixty-two years. His companion died Aug. 3, 1878, aged 81 years, 3 mos. and 4 days. He is still living, and enjoying good health for one of his years. They reared a family of ten children, viz., James, Elizabeth, Sarah, John, Margaret A., Martha, Mary, Ellen, Nancy, and Andrew. Four of the number are now dead, viz., Elizabeth, Sarah, Mary, and Andrew. Andrew Cunningham served about six months in the war of 1861. Ellen is still at home, taking care of her aged father in his feeble days.

was born in Butler County, Ohio, Sept. 4, 1809. He was brought up on a farm, and followed farming as his avocation through life. In Jan. 1830 he married Miss Zilpha A. Hunt, daughter of Nathan and Zilpha Hunt, born in New York State April 20, 1820. Mr. and Mrs. Rolfe settled in Butler County, remained eight years or until Dec. 1838, when they migrated to Shelby County and located on the land which now comprises the well improved farm owned by their son Nathan F. Rolfe, in the N. E.

quarter of section 12, Green Township. They reared two children, Nathan F. and Rachel A. Rachel A. is now dead. Mrs. Rolfe died March 27, 1869. Mr. Rolfe died Dec. 27, 1869.

Nathan F. Rolfe, the subject of this sketch, is now living on the home farm and following farming as Iris vocation. May 27, 1862, he married Miss Eliza J. Woolley, daughter of Thomas C. and Mary Woolley, by whom he has seven children, five sons anti two daughters.

was born in Brown County, Ohio, January 2, 1830, and came to Shelby County with his parents. Robert and Isabella Laughlin, in the fall of 1839, and settled near New Palestine. In 1840 Mr. R. Laughlin purchased and moved on a farm near Plattsville, where he passed the remainder of his day's. He reared a family of eleven children, six of whom are yet living, viz., William, John C. C., David, Joseph S., Elizabeth, and Nancy A. John C. C. Laughlin has made farming his vocation, and at this date owns a farm of 120 acres in Champaign County, near the Shelby County line. Dec. 3, 1854, he married Miss Sarah A. Clark, daughter of William and Jemima Clark. Miss Clark was born in Montgomery County, Ohio, Oct 2, 1834, and came to Shelby County with her parents in 1838 and settled in Green Township. By this union he had two children, viz., William R. and Jemima I. Mr. and Mrs. Laughlin are now residing in New Palestine. They have lived on five different farms since their marriage, all of which were in Shelby County. He filled the office of trustee of Green Township about four years.

a son of Henry and Matilda Develvis, was born in Warren County, Ohio, April 15, 1839. He received a common school education. In 1848 he came to Shelby County with his father and located near New Palestine, where his father died in 1851. In 1853 young Develvis went to Miami County, remained a few years or until 1858, when he returned to Shelby County and located in Orange Township, remained about ten years, until 1868, when he moved out of the township. He lived in several different places until March, 1876, when he moved to New Palestine and engaged in the mercantile business, dealing in groceries, provisions, boots, shoes, etc. etc., which he has since been conducting successfully. In March, 1878, he received the appointment of post-master, which position he is now filling. January 1, 1865, he married Miss Martha Nagle, of Greene County, Ohio, (laughter of George and Jane Nagle, by whom he has two children, one son and one daughter.