Hale Township (part 1 of 2)

Hale Township

meeting of the Commissioners early in 1835. The territory of which it is composed was formerly a part of Taylor Creek Township. It is about nine and one-half miles long from east to west and four miles wide from north to south, and contains thirty-eight square miles, or 24,320 acres. It is located, geographically, in the southeast corner of the county and bounded as follows: On the north by Buck and Dudley Townships, on the east by Dudley Township and Marion County, on the south by Union and Logan Counties, and on the west by Taylor Creek Township. It is composed entirely of Virginia military lands.

The old Indian trail spoken of in the history of Dudley Township passed through the northwest part of Hale Township, leading from the Indian towns in Logan County to their village at Upper Sandusky, and upon this route, Simon Kenton, while a prisoner of their tribe, was taken to Sandusky, and od their way passed through a small Indian village which was said to be the residence of the celebrated chief Logan, and this village, it is believed, was near what is known as " Grassy Point." It is said that when the first settlers came to this section they found a portion of ground at this place cleared of timber, having been cultivated, but which at that time was thickly covered with grass, and hence came its name, " Grassy Point." Another interesting point in the history of Hale Township was first brought to the knowledge of this community while constructing the Bellefontaine & Indiana Railroad through this township. This consisted of a " double mound," or burial place of some pre historic race, and is located nearly midway between Mount Victory and Ridgeway, which was opened for the purpose of obtaining gravel for ballasting a part of said road. But we only intend to allude here to this point of great interest as it will be found fully discussed of in the chapter upon the Mound-Builders, in the general history of the county.

Surface Streams, Soil, Timber, Roads, Etc

The surface of this township is considerably varied. Some of the southern and eastern portions, especially east of Panther Creek, is mostly level, except along the Wild Cat Creeks, where it is undulating, and in some few places slightly hilly. The western and northwestern portion is quite undulating, and some places on Panther and Wolf Creeks are really hilly.

The principal streams of the township all flow in a northeast course and are tributaries of the Scioto River. In the central-eastern portion of the township are the South and North Wild Cat, which take their rise near the south boundary line of the township and flow northeast into Dudley Township, where they unite and form one stream. The North Wild Cat flows through the south and east part of the village of Mount Victory. Panther Creek rises near Ridgeway by two branches, flowing in a northeast direction and converging into one stream near the center of the township, on the farm of E. S. Butler, thence, continuing its same general course, it flows into Dudley Township. A small stream called Lick Run enters the southwest corner of Hale Township and becomes a tributary of the West Branch of Panther Creek, emptying into the latter on the farm of Moses Kennedy. In the northwest part of the township is Wolf Run, which rises in the Ansley neighborhood, and flows northeast, passing Grassy Point, into Buck Township. These are all small streams, furnishing no water-power, but good water for stock. The soil of the greater portion of the township is of clay and loam formation, with a limestone gravel subsoil, very rich and productive, yet from its capacity to hold water it is naturally very wet and requires thorough draining to be easy of cultivation, and to bring out its full power of productiveness. It is excellent grass land, and hence a line country for stock. It also produces very large yields of corn, wheat and oats, the land that is well tiled and drained yielding probably as large an amount and as line a quality of grain as any township in the county. This township has labored under considerable disadvantage, through large tracts of land in the central and eastern parts of the township being owned by non-residents, which, of course, are but little improved, and hence produce but little; and not only this, but to some extent the improvement of surrounding farms, the building of pikes and the general progress of the country are hindered. This condition of things is also against the growth and prosperity of its towns and villages, limiting the trade and business of the merchants, and, in fact, is generally detrimental to the public good and welfare of the people.

This township was originally very heavily timbered, and the first settlers had hard and long continued labors to perform to bare it of its mighty forests and bring it into a condition for plowing and cultivation. The predominating varieties of timber were beech, ash, oak, elm, maple and hickory. Thousands of feet of beautiful lumber in the log were rolled into log heaps and burned to get them off of the land. But of late years, since the days of saw mills, great quantities of lumber have been sawed for home consumption and for shipping; and especially since rhe building of the railroad through there, lumber dealers have carried on quite an active trade.

One advantage this township possesses over the more northerly townships of this county is its abundant supply of gravel for building pikes and constructing good roads Although this township has as yet many bad roads, still it has several excellent pikes, viz., the Mount Victory & Kenton, the Kenton & Ridgeway, Mount Victory & Dudley Township and Mount Victory & Taylor Greek Townships pikes, besides some few cross and connecting pikes, now built and in process of construction. In addition to the tine pikes, this township has one good railroad - the Cleveland, Columbus, Cincinnati & Indianapolis. It was first incorporated, February 25, 1848, as the Bellefontaine & Indianapolis Railroad Company. The road was completed in 1852. This township subscribed $15,000 to the capital stock of the company. The road passes through the center of the township in a diagonal coarse, northeast and southwest, about seven and one half miles of the road being in this township. Situated as this township is, in the extreme southeast corner of the county and remote from the county seat or other railroads, this road has been of great value to the progress and business interests of the people.

The first settlers of this township, as well as in many other localities of the surrounding country, were terribly afflicted with milk sickness and malarial diseases; sometimes in the space of a few months whole families were stricken down with this fell destroyer, and death, which soon followed in many instances, was their greatest alleviation and blessing. These afflictions, in conjunction with the deprivations and hardships necessarily devolving upon them in the mighty forests of this wilderness, tried to the utmost the courage and fortitude of these brave pioneers, and the soul that is so dead to sympathy and reverence as not to cherish in fond remembrance these worthy sires, the benefits of whose labors and sufferings the rising genera-

The first settled portion of this township was its western part, near Grassy Point. This is probably to be accounted for, in part at least, from the fact that through this portion passed the old Indian trail, and along its course was cut out the first road through these unbroken forests by the soldiers in the war of 1812.

The first white man to locate here was Levi D. Tharp, who lived in a cabin in the west part of Hale Township, near Grassy Point, and although he owned no property, yet he resided here several years and then moved away. It is believed he settled here in 1828, and, in the spring of 1833, the first election in Taylor Creek Township was held at his cabin.

James Andrews was the first permanent settler who purchased land and located to stay, in October, 1829. He was born in Washington County, Penn., August 8, 1805. His parents were James and Anna Andrews, natives of New Jersey, of German descent. The grandfather, Robert Andrews, emigrated to America in an early day, while a young single man. He first stopped on Long Island, thence removed to New Jersey, where he married Heziah Blackford, an English lady. In 1794, he removed to Washington County, Penn., where he was one of the earliest settlers and where he died in 1811. He had four sons - Jam^s, Samuel, Lemuel and Robert - and two daughters - Nancy and Temperance. James, the eldest, was born June 12, 1769; he married in New Jersey and removed to Washington County with his father, where he resided till his death in June, 1820. Bis wife died December 23, 1843. Their children were John, born in 1796; Ruth and Deborah (twins), born in 1797, the latter died in infancy; Peter, born in 1799; William B., born in 1801; James, in 1805; Anna, in 1807; Robert, in 1812, and Peggy, in 1813. Of these, William died in 1850; John died in 1830 (in Hale Township), and Anna is also deceased. On May 21, 1881, the balance of the children all met in a family re-union at the old homestead in Pennsylvania, their ages ranging from sixty-five to eighty- four years, a rare circumstance. The old homestead place is still the residence of the youngest son, while the balance are all settled in the West. James, the pioneer of Hale Township, married Polly Hathaway, in his native county, October 25, 1827. Mr. Andrews opened out right in the woods and experienced the full force of pioneer life. In the organization of the civil and religious ministrations of this township, he has been a leading, active spirit. In the spring of 1831. at a log-rolling for Cyrus Dille, among those present being James and Lewis Andrews and Samuel Dille, at the conclusion, as they were all seated on a log, Cyrus Dille suddenly arose and proposed that as they had all witnessed the evil effects of intemperance, if those present would pledge themselves not to attend any more log-rollings or raisings where whisky was used, he would be one of them They all sprang to their feet in approval, and it is said all the parties have sacredly kept their pledge. This was the first temperance society formed in Hale Township, and probably in Hardin County. Mr. Andrews is now the only surviving one of that society. In February, 1832, he, with three others, constituted the first religious organization in Hale Township, and has been a devoted member ever since - a period of over half a century. In 1844, Mr. Andrews, with Cyrus Dille, Culberson, Elder and William Paxton, withdrew politically from the Whig party and established themselves firmly on abolition principles, believing and declaring slavery an evil and a curse to a free and Republican government and they all adhered strictly to these principles ever afterward, and although all have passed away from the stage of action, except Mr. Andrews, yet he has lived to see those principles triumph, and the terrible scourge of slavery swept from the face of our noble country. Mr. Andrews is the father of the following children - Milton, George, Henry, Anna, Mary Jane, and two who died in infancy; all are deceased except the two daughters. Mr, Andrews has lived a long life, devoted to the good of his country and the church, and the general character of the community, in which he lives, has, to a great degree, been molded and made what it is by his firm principles and those of his worthy cotemporaries.

John Andrews, brother of the above James Andrews, settled here about the same time or in the following winter. He married Miss Rhoda Jennings, but his life was short; he died in March, 1830.

Lewis Andrews, a cousin to the above, settled here on land now owned by William Rule, in 1830. He was married in Pennsylvania to Polly Concklin; she died, and he subsequently married Mrs. Margaret Osborn. He resided where he first settled a short time, and moved further down the creek, where he died. His children were Betsey, Isaac, Phebe, Samuel, Lavinia, Sarah Jane, Mary, Ann and Lewis.

Isaac Jennings and his son Cornelius, with their families, came here from Pennsylvania in the fall of 1829 and settled in the west part of Hale Township. But disease and sickness soon visited their families, several being taken away by death, and soon after the surviving ones moved away.

Jonathan Williams settled here a little later on land now owned by Mr. Butler. He came here from Logan County, but it is believed he never owned any land.

Four brothers - Amos, Cyrus, Abraham and Samuel Lille - sons of Isaac and Sarah Lille, of Washington County, Penn. , who had a family of fourteen children, and became residents of Richland County, Ohio, where the parents died, settled in Hale Township as follows: Cyrus came here in November, 1830, and located on and purchased the land upon which the village of Mount Victory is now built. He married Susan Blair, a native of Greene County, Penn., by whom he had the following children: Ezra, Blair, Leborah, Lavid, William, Cyrus, John, Isaac, Margaret J., Nolan P. and Susannah. Mr. Lille was one of the leading active men of that day, and in the civil affairs of the county and township filled many important offices, and was one of the first Commissioners of the county, and in September, 1833, was one of the grand jurors and foreman of the jury. Their session was held under some trees on the bank of the Scioto River, at which they returned seven indictments for selling liquor and were discharged. Mr. Lille was a man of more than ordinary ability, quick of thought and ready in action, kind and congenial as a neighbor and a most valued citizen. He died April 21, 1849, aged fifty-three years. His widow still survives and resides upon the old homestead at Mount Victory. Samuel, the youngest brother, came here a single man at the same time as Cyrus, and subsequently returned to Richland County and married Rachel Hall, and then settled on the place where Thomas McCall now lives; but resided here only a short time and removed to Iowa, where he died in 1881. They had but one child, a daughter - Mary. Abraham was the next of these brothers to settle in this township. He settled on the land now owned by Mr. A. Beard in 1834. He was married in Pennsylvania to Leborah Post. He remained a resident of this community through life, and died at his residence in Mount Victory, March 31, 1883, aged eighty-three

Asher, Wade, Emily, Isaac, Marion, Phebe, Jane and Stephen. Amos was the last of the four brothers to settle here. Soon after his brother Abram came here, he influenced Amos to come, and in 1834-35, he settled here on the Thomas McCall place, but remained only a few years and moved away, and died in Logan County August 3, 1845. His children were Martha Newton, Cephas, Sarah, Hannah, Amy Jane and Zenas.

Thomas Dunson, a native of Logan County, Ohio, settled on the place' where he still resides, in 1835. Here he opened out right in the woods, and has now a tine cultivated farm, with good buildings and improvements. Mr. Dunson is a quiet, unassuming man, a good neighbor and a worthy citizen. He was been twice married; first to Miss Beulah Tharp, of Logan County; she died April 19, 1856, aged fifty-four years. By her he had nine children - Lewis, Eliza, Nancy, Anna; Lenora, Joseph, Emanuel, Mary and Temperance. He married, for his second wife, Mary Haney, by whom he has two children - William and Jonathan.

Abner Snoddy, a native of Kentucky, became an early settler of Logan County, Ohio, where he married Hannah King. He served in that county as an Associate Judge for several years About 1840, he became a resident of Hale Township, settling in the southwest part on land now owned by E. S. Butler, where he resided till his death, which occurred October 9, 1865, aged eighty-two years. His wife died October 21, 1860, aged sixtyfive years. Mr. Snoddy was a prominent and useful citizen. He served as Treasurer for many years, and as Trustee and in other offices of trust and usefulness. His children were Jacob, John, William, Abner, David, George, James, Joseph, Hannah and Priscilla.

Harvey Buckmister was born in Stratford County, Vt., November 13, 1800. He emigrated to Tioga County, Penn. , where he married, and, in February, 1828, came to Hardin County and located in a cabin south of Judge P. Wheeler's farm, near the Scioto River, in Dudley Township. He drove stage five years over the old Sandusky road, which was then the chief route of travel from Cincinnati to Sandusky City. There were then but three cabins between Judge Wheeler's farm and Bellefontaine, the whole route being through a dense forest. In 1838, he removed to Hale Township and opened a hotel at Grassy Point, where he continued for three years; then he purchased a farm in Buck Township, where he carried on the hotel business for thirteen years. After some years' residence here, he sold fiis farm and removed to Kenton, where he now resides. On July 7, 1868, his wife was taken sick, and on July 14, just seven days after, she died, having been a faithful and devoted wife through forty years of married life, the greater portion of that time being spent in the wilds of this new country, sharing with her husband all the hardships and privations of pioneer life. She bore him three children. Mr. Buckmister is now eightythree years of age, and still quite sprightly and robust, and seems to enjoy life well.

Daniel Baldwin, a native of Tennessee, emigrated to Champaign County, Ohio, while a young single man, and there married Hannah Williams. Subsequently he removed to Logan County, and in April, 1835, came to this township and settled on land now owned by Charles Allen, where he resided thirty-six years, when he sold out and removed back to Logan County, where he died. He served as Associate Judge several years, and

Jonathan Marsh, a native of Maryland, emigrated to Ohio, a young, single man, first locating in Harrison County; thence he went to Fairfield County, where he married Eleanor Pugh; thence he removed to Champaign County, then to Logan County, and, about 1835, he came to Hale Township and settled northeast of Mount Victory, on land now owned by J.

where he died, February 12, 1869, aged sixty-eight years. His wife died February 23, 1858, aged fifty-six years. Mr. Jones' body was brought back to this county and interred at Mount Victory in the Dille Cemetery beside that of his wife. Their children were Ananias, Ezerias, Margaret, j, Daniel, Michael, Thomas, Isaiah, Martha, Louisa and Almira. Peter Marsh came here from near Tiffin, Ohio, and settled in the eastern part of this township a'oout 1842. He was a good citizen, and served as County Commissioner from 1859 to 1865, inclusive.

Among others who came here from 1835 to 1845, we mention Harrison Lake, Simon Schurtzer, Christopher Richardson, John Richardson, Barnet Richardson, John Robinson, Uriah Baldwin and C. Copp. :

Moses Kennedy was born in Adams County, Penn., in 1822; came to i Wyandot County in 1838, and, in 1842, married Nancy Kendrick. In 1844, he settled in this township at his present place of residence on Panther Creek. He has been an active citizen in promoting the growtli and im- j provements of this county, and has been closely identified with the civil and religious institutions thereof. He has filled most of the important offices of his township, has been serving as County Commissioner for i several years, and is one of the prominent and trustworthy citizens of Hale Township.

Thomas McCall was born in Washington County, Penn., December 10, I 1811, and is a son of William and Elizabeth McCall. The grandfather, John McCall, was one of the pioneers of said Washington County, and served as teamster, being pressed into the service of Braddock's army, and was with that General when he was defeated by the British and Indians. At this time, John McCall was a lad of sixteen years, and subsequently married Sarah Hutton. He settled on a farm about twenty miles from the place of Braddock's defeat, where he resided through life. He raised four sons - Thomas, Joseph, William and John, and four daughters - Ruth, Mary, Sarah and Elizabeth. Of these, William married Elizabeth Elliott and settled in his native county, where he resided till 1827. He removed to Portage County, Ohio, where he died about 1840, aged fifty-six years; subsequently his widow, with her family, removed to Logan County, where she died, aged sixty-six years. Thomas married Judith Bloomfield, a native of Crawford County, Penn., and, in January, 1842, settled in Hale Township on the place where he still lives and has resided for a period of forty-one years. At the time he settled here, there was not a settler or improvement on the road from Mount Victory to Kenton. Here he performed .a large share of pioneer work; has cleared over 150 acres right from the f heavy forests, and now owns 311 acres of good land, with good improvements. He started in life with very little capital, but by his own labor and industry has accumulated little by little, until now he is possessed of a com- j petency, and is one of the independent and reliable farmers of Hardin Coun- j ty, and a much esteemed and respected citizen. He is the father of fifteen

Moses Kennedy erected a saw mill on Panther Creek, just above where Lick Eun empties into it, about 1838 or 1840, which, it is said, was the first mill ever in Hale Township. This mill sawed the lumber for the first frame buildings of this neighborhood. Soon after, Mr. Kennedy attached a "corn cracker," which was the first mill for grinding corn in the township. This mill ran for several years, but as the steam mills came into use, his went out of use. Another early mill was erected by James Smith, on the South Branch of Panther Creek, about 1849, which continued to do business for about twelve or fourteen years. About 1864, F. W. Miller erected a steam saw-mill on his farm in the southeast part of the township, which continued to do quite a large business until about 1879, since which time it has remained out of use, There have been several portable mills in various portions of the township, located temporarily, and moved from one locality to another as demand required. In the villages of Eidgeway and Mount Victory there have been several mills erected, the history of which will be given respectively in the histories of those towns.

The first school^in this township was held in a cabin near James Andrews', which was opened December 1, 1839, by Enos Baldwin. Not more than two or three years later, a round- log house was built where the cattle pens are now located at Mount Victory, and the first teacher was either John Elder or Enos Baldwin. These were the real, rough, primitive schoolhouses, so often described in other pages of this work. From this time, as the settlements increased, more schools were established, and as the country improved, better buildings were erected for school purposes, and an abundance of wealth enabled them to have better teachers and more comfort and convenience, until the report of the Board of Education, in September, 1882, rendered to the Auditor of the county the following statistics: Total receipts for school purposes, |4,l83.22; total expenditures,

.^4,180.05; balance on hand September 1, 1882, $3.17; total number of subschool districts, 9; number of schoolhouses, 9; number of schoolrooms, 12; number of teachers necessary to supply the schools, 12; average wages paid per month, males, |36, females, $24; average number of weeks the schools were in session, 30; total valuation of school property, $10,000; total enrollment of scholars, boys, 257, girls, 202; total, 459.

In every new country, one of the earliest necessities is a burial place for the dead, and here it was no exception to that rule, for, in a very few months after the first settlers located in the west part of this township, sickness and death visited them and several of their number, from the infant to those of more mature years. The first one who died in Hale Township was a Mrs. Jennings, about the first of February, 1832. On the 4th of February, her oldest child died. On the 4th of March, of the same year, Isaac Jennings, the husband and father of the above, died; and on the 27th of the same month, his brother,

Cornelius Jennings, died. Oh, how ruthless was death to those two families! Only about four months previous to the death of the last mentioned, those families had entered this then wilderness with strong arms and radiant hopes, happy hearts, animated with the pleasant prospects of future homes and a competency, with the comforts and conveniences that such can produce. Alas, in so short a time four of the loved ones were consigned to their graves! Also in March of the same year (1830), John Andrews, a brother of the well-known old pioneer, James Andrews, died and was buried. These all passed away before any cemetery or burial place was estab lished, and were interred upon their own private lands, with probably now nothing to mark their quiet resting places. John Wolf is said to have made the first coffins. It is believed that the Eddy Cemetery was the first established burial place, and was first dedicated to use by the reception of the body of a child of James McConnel, about 1837, since which time, about one acre of ground was donated and set apart for this purpose, and in which many of the dead of this neighborhood have since been interred. j

The second burial ground established was the Dille Cemetery at Mount i Victory, which was donated for that purpose by Cyrus Dille, and the first 1 terred here was a Mr. Monjar, and the second, Christopher Richardson. | The latter died February 1, 1841, aged seventy five years. This cemetery * filled with the remains of the departed. Ridgeway Cemetery consists of | two and one-half acres of ground, situated about one and one-quarter miles f northeast of the town, on the South Branch of Panther Creek, and was do- j nated for the purpose by Samuel McCulloch about 1850, and for which, in ;

God," as a permanent burying ground. The last established cemetery is j located west of Mount Victory, on the south side of the pike, near the West i Branch of Panther Creek, and was purchased, in 1881, by the Township I Trustees, and duly fenced in and laid out into lots, walks and driveways, j as a public burial place for the township. This is centrally located, and | will doubtless become the general burial place of the township. The [ Ridgeway Cemetery above mentioned is beautifully located on an ele- i vated piece of ground, and is a very suitable and appropriate resting place } for the dead. !

Towns And Villages. '

Ridgeway is located on the Logan County line, near the southwest cor- | ner of the township, the extreme south part of the village lying in Logan | County; the latter is located in about the geographical center of the town- f ship, both villages being situated on the Cleveland, Columbus, Cincinnati ,

& Indianapolis Railroad. Ridgeway was surveyed and laid out into lots, streets and alleys by R. D. Millar, County Surveyor, for William Boggs i and Samuel McCulloch, proprietors. May 20, 1851. In August and September of the same year, an extension was made of outlots. On December i 7, 1858, on petition of forty-eight resident voters, the village was incorpo- | rated under the name of West Ridgeway. This village received its name in honor of the Ridgeway Company, from whom Samuel McCulloch purchased the land. When the town was laid out, there was one log cabin standing on the lot where Dr. Crow's residence now stands, which had been erected by Judge A. Snoddy. After the town was laid out, Gorham Bunker erected the first house, a small frame, which is now occupied by Alonzo Bailey. W. P. Hews opened the first store and Robert Stevenson the first hotel and first blacksmith shop in 1852. Dr. D. C. Wooley was the first physician. The post office was established in 1851 or 1852, with Michael Printz as Postmaster. The first imj)rovement, however, that was made in Ridgeway was the erection of a saw mill by William Callahan, on property" now owned by R. P. Lukens, in the west part of the town, just south of the railroad, Mr. Callahan purchased four acres of land from Samuel Mc- Culloch and erected the above mentioned mill in the spring of 1851, and soon after built himself a house. Subsequently he purchased three acres more of land adjoining his first purchases. This mill was run for several years and sawed all the lumber for the first houses of the town and vicinity, then went out of use. In 1859, Mr. Callahan purchased a saw mill which had been erected by Van Denser & Headly a short time previous. Soon after, Mr. Callahan put in two run of buhrs and machinery for a grist mill and took in a partner in the person of William R. Watson. This was a good mill and did good work. About 1868, Messrs. Campbell & Howe erected a third saw mill and a stave factory combined, which was located on the ground where the present saw mill stands, and Mr. Callahan went in as a partner. This mill and factory did a large business several years, but finally went out of use; subsequently the property was purchased by Jacob Rumer, who rebuilt the saw mill, which is still in use, and is doing a good business. The grist mill above mentioned is now owned by Charles Rush, and although it is now old and quite dilapidated, yet it still does some business. The public school was organized and a small frame house built for school purposes *in 1853. This was succeeded, in 1866-67, by a new union school brick building, consisting of iwo departments, which served the purpose until the increase of scholars demanded more room, and, in 1880, the present large and fine brick building was erected, containing four rooms, at a cost of about $5,000. The Board, of Education of West Ridgeway returned to the County Auditor the following report: Total receipts for school purposes, $2,451.06; total expenditures, $1,756; balance on hand September 1, 1882, $695.06; number of school rooms, 2; number of teachers employed, 2; average wages per month, male, $45, female, $25; number of weeks the schools were in session, 28; number of scholars enrolled, primary, boys, 28, girls, 26; high, boys, 15, girls, 24; total 93. The town now embraces the following businesses: Two general stores, one by R. McElhaney and one by Moffat & Fisher; one grocery, by John Limes; one hardware, by Sarah Davis; one drug store, by A. D. Bailey; one bakery, by James Lake; one saddlery and harness shop, by R. J. Williams; one millinery stofe, by Mrs. Davis; one livery, by C. M. Kennedy; four blacksmiths, M. Ormsby, John Printz, L. Stevenson and J. L. Rumer; and four physicians, Drs. E. B. Crow, R. Edwards, W. C. Hodges and J. H. Crow; also one hotel, by Mrs. Culbertson.

Mount Victory. - This town was surveyed and laid out by R. D. Millar, for Ezra Dille, August 23, 1851. In May, 1856, an addition of outlets was made by M. Converse. Abner Snoddy made an addition April 3, 1868, and on June 10, 1872, Peter S. Howe made an addition. The name of the town came in this manner: The land upon which the town was laid out belonged to the estate of Cyrus Dille, and was soon to be sold at administrator's sale. Samuel McCulloch had just laid out the town of Ridgeway, and for the interests oE that village, he desired to prevent the starting of another town here; therefore he made an effort at the public sale of said land to outbid all others, purchase the land and turn it into a pasture. But Ezra Dille was on the alert; he bid off the land and returned home rejoicing. He was met by Thomas McCall, who inquired who succeeded in buying the land? Mr. Dille replied, "We did," and Mr. McCall immediately exclaimed "Victory! Victory! its name shall be Mount Victory. " And the name was adopted by the proprietor of the town, and by that name it has ever since been known, Before the town was laid out, a cabin had been built on the ground where the Mount Victory Hotel now stands, by Thomas Manley. He moved away, and the cabin was occupied by Stephen Strickland; then Ezra Dille, the proprietor of the town, occupied it for a time. After the town was laid out, the first building erected was a small frame, built close by the above-mentioned cabin by Daniel Stone, which was occupied by Frank Seaman, who put in a small stock of goods, which was the first store for the new town; this was in the fall of 1851. In 1852, Seaman and Dille erected the long frame building, just south of the railroad, now occupied as a billiard room and a residence. In this building, Mr. Seaman and his brother George, put in a general stock of merchandise, and for several years carried quite an extensive trade. The next store was opened by David Ellis and Elihu Curl, and about this time (1858-54), the post office was established, with David Ellis as Postmaster. Russell & Elliott were the first blacksmiths. The first physician was Dr. Converse. The first hotel was kept by Jefferson Babcock, who was succeeded by Lewis Cowgill, and this was a part of the building now known as the Mount Victory Hotel. In 1852-53, Ezra Dille erected the large warehouse by the railrt)ad, which is now a warehouse and grist mill. The first child born in Mount Victory was Lafayette W. Dille, and the first born in the township was Blair Dille, in the spring of 1832. The first saw mill in the village was erected by Jeremiah Elliot, about 1851; it was run by steam power and sawed large quantities of ties for the railroad, whose track was then being laid through the place. He was succeeded in the ownership of the mill, about 1854, by Joseph and Eli James, who continued to run it many years, but it went into decay and out of use. The grist mill was erected in the warehouse, in 1881, by Carter & Howe. The present popula tion of the town is about 500, and has the following business interests now represented: Five general stores, Peter S. Howe, M. S. Elder & Co.,

Henry Williams, Shepherd Humphrey and J. W. Gregg; two groceries, William Bloomer (died in March, !1883'I, and Adam Allen; one drug store, 'R. L. Titsworth; one harness shop, Jefferson Boyd; oae dealer in agricultural implements, Smithston & Co. ; three boot and shoe shops, W. H. H. Fleck, T. B. Sampson and James McDonald; one wagon maker, Frank Schmidt; one livery, Rosebrook & Bro. ; three blacksmiths, S. T Reams, VVooley & Son and Gustavus Garwood; one grist mill and warehouse, Burke, Greathouse & Monegar; one saw mill and handle factory, Boyd Bros. &Co. ; one tile factory, Stewart Bros.; two millinery and fancy stores, M. C. Allen and Mrs. Euseba Overshiner; one hotel, L. M. Beebe; one attorney at law, Brice Williams; two physicians, Drs. D. H. Le Van and C. W. Morrow, and one veterinary surgeon, Dr. Robert Stewart. The schools of Mount Victory should, perhaps, receive a special notice. The first schoolhouse was a small frame, erected soon after the laying -out of the town, on a lot now owned by William Boyd. This was succeeded by a large frame building with two rooms, which is now occupied as a drug store. This house served for school purposes till 1875, when the present large and commodious brick house was erected, with four rooms, at a cost of |5,200. In 1876, through a desire of many citizens and some members of the Board of Directors, by earnest and diligent efforts of one or two of the Directors especially, the high school department of the school was made a township school, open and free to all in Hale Township. This gives a privilege to large and more advanced scholars throughout the township, which cannot but be appreciated more and more from year to year. The Board have also manifested great taste, and desire to render the school not only efficient and beneficial, but to make it " home- like" and pleasant for the scholars by grading the play grounds, setting out shade trees, and otherwise beautifying the premises.

Secket Societies

Grassy Point Grange, No. 165, was instituted November 16, 1872, by Deputy Swinnerton, of Marion County, Ohio, in the schoolhouse at Grassy Point, consisting of the following charter members: John Robinson, Ira

Baker, Munson Dille, Park Snodgrass, Alfred Snodgrass, George Frame, Rebecca Robinson, Rebecca Baker, Nancy Ann Dille, Mary Robinson, Thomas Dunson, Mary Dunson, Isaiah Brugler, Nancy Brugler, George McDonald and W. H. Baldwin, with John Robinson, M. and Ira Baker, O. The present membership is sixty-five, with officers as follows: Walter Baldwin, M. ; Brinton Peditt, O. ; John C. Johnson, Chap.; W. H. Baldwin, L. ; Daniel Baldwin, Secretary; and William Rule, Treasurer. Soon after its institution, they purchased the old schoolhouse property and erected an addition to said building, so that the house consists of three rooms - anteroom, hall and store room - at a cost of about $200.

Baldwin, N. G. ; Jacob Vasser, V. G. ; James Gardner, B. S ; J. D. Corwin, P. S. ; and T. G. Vasser, Treasurer. The meetings of the lodge are every Wednesday evening at Odd Fellows Hall, Bidgeway, Ohio.

The first sermon ever preached in Hale Township was by Thomas V. Green, a local preacher in the Methodist Episcopal Church, at the house of Lewis Andrews, in February, 1832, from the following text: Mark, xvi, 15th verse,

" Go preach the Gospel to every nation." The first hymn sung, " Jesus, the name high over all. " Second hymn, " How beauteous are their feet. " At this meeting a class was organized of the following four members : James Andrews and wife Mary, and Lewis Andrews and wife Mary. The first circuit preacher was Bev. Thomas Simms. This was then a part of the Bellefontaine Circuit. The first family Bible and hymn book were bought by James | Andrews, costing $4 - half a month's wages in that day. Preaching con- i tinned to be held at his house for about ten years, Lewis and James An- i drews serving as class leaders. Then meetings were held in the schoolhouse | till the organization of churches at Mount Victory and Bidgeway, when the j members here mostly united with those societies, and this organization j ceased.

The Methodist Episcopal Church of Ridgeway was first organized in the i schoolhouse, about 1851-52, and erected a frame church building in 1852- 53, which served as a place of worship till the summer of 1873, when they erected their present church edifice at a cost of about $2,500, and the house was dedicated to service in Deceoiber of the same year, Bev. Thomas Harvey Wilson preaching the dedicatory sermon. Some of the first ministers on this circuit were Bevs. William S. Morrow, D. D. Davidson and Mr. Day. Since 1856, they have been as follows: Bevs. Lemuel Herbert, A.

J. Frisbee, Joshua M. Longfellow, Samuel Boggs, H. J. Bigley, Hiram Shaffer, P. Webster, Leonard Bichards, David Binehart, L. O. Cook, Henry j Boyer, J. W. Morrisson, Caleb Hill, Mr. Douglass, V. Pond, William Shultz, J. S. G. Boeder, J. W. Whiting, T. J. Jagger, and John Parlett, who is the present pastor in charge. Class Leaders, Moses Kennedy, George Buie, William Burner, Charles Bush, and the present one now serving is Moses Kennedy. The present membership of the church is about thirty-six. A Sabbath school was organized at an early day, and has been kept in good prosperous condition most of the time. The average attendance at present is about forty-five, with Harper Willis as Superintendent.

After the organization of the society of Methodists ceased in the Andrews neighborhood, spoken of above, and about the same time the church at Bidgeway was organized, a class was formed at Mount Victory, some of whom were as follows; Dr. Blair and wife, Timothy Meers, Jonathan Jones, Mary Asbury and James Boyd. They held their meetings first in the schooliiouse, then in the United Brethren Church, till about 1858, when they purchased of Isaac W. Pennock the unfinished Baptist Church, which he had bought at Sheriff's sale, then completed and soon after duly dedicated for service. This house served the people until the erec tion of the present large and substantial brick church in 1879, at a cost of 13,100. The church now has a membership of 140, with B. W. Day as pastor, and W. I. Witcraft, E. A. Chapin, F. M. List, Elias Converse' j and George W. Wooley as Class Leaders. The Trustees are W. I. Witcraft,

! Elias Converse, E. A. Chapin, J. M. Boyd, Harris Williams, S. G. Humphrey and William Bloomer (the latter died in March, 1883). They have a large and flourishing Sabbath school, average attendance 125, with E. A. Chapin as Superintendent.

Baptist Church, Mount Victory. - About 1852 or 1853, Elder Lyons organized a Baptist society, some of whom were as follows : Thomas Garwood and wife, Joseph Elliott and wife, William McClerin and wife, and Artimacy Elliott. In 1857, they commenced to erect a frame church, but were unable to completely finish the building, and becomiog involved in debt, the house was finally sold at Sheriff's sale and purchased by I. W. Pennock, who sold it to the Methodists as above stated. From this time the society ceased to exist as an organization, and no church of that denomination has ever been organized here since.

United Brethren Church, Mount Victory, was organized at the schoolhouse, one-half mile south of the village, in January, 1852, by Rev. Henry Snell, consisting of the following members: John Garwood and wife,

Thomas Garwood and wife, William McCall and wife, George Seaman and wife, David Williams and wife, Samuel Jones and wife, Anninias Jones and wife, Joshua James and wife, Isaac Andrews and wife, Rachel Dille, Hopy Garwood, Jonathan Jones, E. C. Wright and wife, James Wright and wife, and others whose names are not now obtainable, to the number of fifty-five in all. They erected the present frame church building the following summer, so as to be occupied for services, and subsequently finished the fitting up, and the house was dedicated in the summer of 1855, Rev. John Hill preaching the dedicatory sermon. The church has been served by the following ministers: Revs. Henry Snell,

F. B. Hendricks, William Miller, James M. Ley, Thomas Downey, Hobert Wilgus, Mr. Bodey, Jacob Kiracoffe, Mr. Johnson. James Wilkison, R. Moore, J. H. Kiracoffe, Mr. Parthemore, and Mr. Montgomery, who is the present pastor. The first Class Leader was John Garwood, and Rev. Henry Snell is the present leader. In building the church, a great amount of work was done by the members without any charge, so that when the church was completed it had not cost, in actual money paid out, over $500. The church prospered for many years, and at one which is now all improved and has good farm buildings. He lived in Union County, Ohio, from .1852 to 1866, coming thence to Hardin Couuty, where he has since resided.

CHAKLES ANSLEY, farmer, P. O. Eidgeway, was born in Kentucky August 4, 1814. His parents, William and Mary Ansley, moved from their i native State, Maryland, to Kentucky, and from there emigrated to Ohio in I 1835, settling in Logan County, where they spent the remainder of their lives. They were interred in the Rush Creek Cemetery of that county. William Ansley pursued farming for his occupation. The subject of this, sketch was married, September 1, 18S6, to Mary, daughter of Charles and Eliza Spencer, the former deceased. She was boin in Maryland January 29, 1815, and is a member of the Christian Church. Mr. Anslev owned ninety acres of land in Logan County, Ohio, which he sold, coming to Hardin County in 1856 and settling in Hale Township, where he purchased 205 acres of land. He sold ninety-seven acres to his son, and has since added, and now owns 345 acres, most of which is improved. He also takes an interest in the breeding of cattle. To Mr. and Mrs. Ansley have been born six children, of' whom live are living, viz., James E., George W., Mary J., Charles T. and Lida E. ; Joan (deceased) was born June 18, 183?'

ALONZO D. BAILEY, druggist, Ridgeway, was born in Washington County, Ohio, June 6, 1844, and is a son of William B. and Mary BaUev. His father was a native of Virginia, born April 19, 1803, died in 1867; his mother, born in New Jersey April 25, 1808, died in 1875. They emigrated to Belmont County, Ohio, moving thence to Washington County, from there to Logan County, where they both died. Alonzo D., our subject, was mar ried, February 14, 1872, to Miss Colestia, daughter of Thomas and Eliza Stewart, both deceased. She was born in Logan County, Ohio, February 15, 1849. To Mr. and Mrs. Bailey have been born six childern, viz Daisey, Dean R., Claude S., Stewart W., Darel and Vance. Mr. Bailey learned the shoe-maker's trade, following it for several years, and in 1873 engaged in the drug business, owning the only drug store in Ridgeway, and has a good town and country trade. He has tilled the office of Treasurer of the village, and he and his family are well respected by the community in which they reside.

IRA W. BAKER (deceased) was born in Tioga County, N. V.^ October 19, 1820, His father, Joseph I. Baker, was a native of Massachusetts, his mother. Electa Baker, of Connecticut. In 1827, the parents moved to Indiana, locating in Lawrenceburg, and ten years after pressed forward to Champaign County, Ohio, and settled fourteen miles from Urbana. Mr Baker, the father of our subject, died in Ajuil, 1856, having been preceded by his wife in 1852. The subject of this sketch was united in marriao-e June 21, 1848, to Rebecca Monroe, who was born in Warren County, OhTo^ March 2, 1831, and is a daughter of George and Elizabeth Monroe, both deceased. Mr. Baker was a member of the Methodist Protestant Church which church the family still attend. His farm consisted of 102 acres of land, located in Hale Township, where the widow and family areresidiuo- The land is well improved and has good farm buildings on it. To Mr. aiid Mrs. Baker were born nine children, of whom seven are livincr, viz., Sarah (wife of Jonathan Fenstemaker), James, Eva, Ada (wife of Elroy Morvin) George W., Emma_M. and Burt. The two deceased were Oliver W'., born July 11, 1849, died July 12, 1851, and Olive J., born May 3, 1851,' died

Biographical Sketches

URIAH BALDWIN, farmer, P. O. Mount Victory, was born in Champaign County, Ohio, May 30, 1824, and is a son of Daniel and Hannah Baldwin. His father, a farmer by occupation, was born in Tennessee, and his mother in Ohio, in which State they were married, settling in Champaign County, thence coming to Hardin County in 1835. ]\frs. Baldwin died here October 8, 1847, and her husband subsequently married a Miss Steward and moved to Logan County, Ohio, where he died March 6, 1866, his widow following him January 17, 1883. The subject of this sketch chose farming for his occupation, and some years ago bought 122 acres of land, to which he has since added forty acres, and is now living on the farm. He was married, September 5, 1848, to Hannah L., daughter of Abner and Hannah Snoddy. She was born in Logan County, Ohio, Decern ber 5, 1827. This union has resulted in seven children, of whom five are living, viz., Joan (wife of A. T. Sponsler), Daniel, Abner, Dora Inez, Beulah and an infant (deceased). Mr. and Mrs. Baldwin also raised and educated an adopted daughter, who goes by the name of Nettie B. Baldwin. During the late war, Mr. Baldwin was in the 100-day service, in the One Hundred and Thirty-fifth Regiment Ohio Volunteer Infantry, and was in several skirmishes. He lived for six years in Ridgeway, and built the first house in the place, but since then has resided on his farm. He and his wife are members of the Methodist Church. He has filled the offices of Assessor and Trustee of Hale Township for three years each.

E. S. BUTLER, farmer and stock-raiser, P. O. Ridgeway, was born in Logan County, Ohio, October 11, 1838, and is a son of Benjamin and Eliza Butler. His parents are natives of Virginia, whence they moved to Logan County, Ohio, at an early day. His mother, who is living, is still a resident of that county. Our subject came to Hardin County in 1867, settling in Buck Township, removing from there, in 1880, to Hale Township. He was united in marriage, in 1861, to Miss Rachel Ansley, who was born August 16, 1842, and died December 19, 1880. He then - March 22, 1882 - married Miss Hattie Shaw. He is the father of three children by his first wife - Florence A. (wife of O. W. Dille), Henry H. and George E. His first wife was a member of the Christian Church. Mr. Butler is a member of the Masonic order. His farm consists of 500 acres of well- improved land, with good farm buildings - one of the best arranged farms in Hardin County for the raising and breeding of stock. Mr. Butler makes a specialty of short-horned cattle and Shropshire-Down sheep, importing his sheep from England and his cattle from Kentucky. He has met with good average success since coming to this county.

ELIAS CONVERSE, farmer, P. O. Mount Victory, was born in Madison County, Ohio, April 22, 1829. His parents, Silas and Betsey E. Converse, were natives of Vermont. His father emigrated to Ohio about 1815, , his mother some years after, making their permanent home in Madison | County. Mrs. Converse died in 1836, and her husband subsequently mar- i ried Diadoma Bowers, a native of Vermont. Mr. Converse was a farmer f by occupation, and died in 1880, followed by his widow in November of i 1882. The subject of this sketch was united in marriage, April 22, 1851, I to Miss Margaret E., daughter of Farrow Clemmons. She was a native of Ohio, born December 12, 1832, and died January 26, 1860. Mr. Converse married again, September 27, 1860, Miss Julia S., daughter of Harris and Julia Janes, born in Madison County, Ohio, January 1, 1839, Mr. and

Mis. Converse are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church. By his first marriage he had two children - Amy H. and Webster E. (deceased); the former is the wife of Thomas C. McCall. By his second union, Mr. Converse has had siK children (one deceased) - Estella U. (wife of William L. Bird), Ettie E., Ernest E., Nellie G. and Mable L. ; Body, deceased. Mr. Converse has always pursued the occupation of a farmer. He inherited forty acres of land in Madison County, Ohio, which he sold and bought 640 acres in Missouri. He subsequently purchased 100 acres in Hale Township, Hardin County, where he and his family reside. He came to this county in 1866 and has been generally successful. He is a member of the Masonic order, and has filled the offices of Trustee and Justice of the Peace in Madison County, and Trustee of Hale Township. He has been on the School Board here for eight consecutive years.

CHRISTIAN COPP, farmer, P. O. Ridgeway, was born on the James River, Botetourt Co., Va., March 9, 1809, and is a son of George and Christina Copp. His father died in Virginia when our subject was nine years of age, and his mother afterward married John Walker, who alsu died there. The widow subsequently came to Hardin County, where she remained for the rest of her life. Our subject emigrated from Virginia to Logan County, Ohio, and remained there for seven years, coming, in 1841, to Hardin County and settling on the farm where he resides. He purchased le54 acres, mostly woodland, with a small cabin thereon, and added from time to time, until he and his son now have 225 acres. They did own 265 acres, but sold forty of it. Our subject was united in marriage, October 28, 1830, to Julia Ann, daughter of Jacob and Christine (Beisher). She was born on the James River, Va., October 31, 1812. Her father died in Virginia, her mother in Hardin County, Ohio. To Mr. and Mrs. Copp have been born eleven children, of whom five are living, viz., Virginia, wife of Kemp Gaines; Mary, wife of N. R. Swallow; Ferdinand, married, May 25, 1876, to Eunice Haynes; Harriet, wife of John Swallow; and Samantha, wife of Michael Seedle. The deceased are Christena, Sarah, Martha, Alice, George and 'Julia Ann (wife of Smith Wallace). Mr. and Mrs. Copp are members of the Christian Church. He has held the office of Justice of the Peace and Trustee of the township for three years.

GEORGE W. CORWIN, farmer, P. O. Ridgeway, was born in Logan County, Ohio, July 10, 1831, and is a son of Dani,el and Nancy Corwin. His parents emigrated, in about 1827, from their native State to Pennsylvania, coming to Logan County, Ohio, where they lived until 1843, making a final move to Hardin County. Mrs. Corwin died in May, 1851, and, for his second wife, Mr. Corwin married Mary Ann Bruce, and removed to Missouri, where his wife died in 1882. He is still living, and has been engaged in farming through life. The subject of this sketch was married. May 3, 1852, to Rose J., daughter of James and Elizabeth Eddy, both deceased. She was born in Logan County, Ohio, May 7, 1833. Her father died January 12, 1857, followed by her mother March 26, 1868. Mr. and Mrs. Corwin are members of the Christian Church. They are the parents of nine children, of whom seven are living, viz., James H., Charles, Elizabeth S., George A., Jeannette, AnnaB. and Harley. The deceased are Leander, born January 1, 1866, died January 9, 1879, and an unnamed infant. When Mr. Corwin first started in life, he rented land, on which he farmed for six years and then purchased thirty-five acres of land where he resides, and to which he Has added until he now owns sixty-eight acres of improved land. In 1876, he engaged in the manufacture of tile, but has lately sold

E. B. CHOW, physician, Ridgeway, was born in Marion County, Ohio, April 30, 1834, and is a son of Philip and Catherine Crow, natives of Maryland. In 1833, his parents moved to Marion County, Ohio, where the father died a few years later, and the widow subsequently re-married and moved to Wyandot County, Ohio. She died there in 1874. The subject of this sketch is the only living member of a family of nine children. He was united in marriage, May 29, 1855, to Isabella, daughter of John Hudson, born in Marion County, Ohio, October 28, 1836. Mr. and Mrs. Crow are the parents of five children, four of whom survive, viz., Victoria, John H,, Ella M. and Philip M. The deceased was Callie M., born March 5, 1856, died August 19, 1859. The Doctor engaged in the practice of his profession in 1855, and has since continued it. He was Captain in the Forty-fifth Ohio Volunteer Infantry during the rebellion, enlisting in 1862, and was discharged in 1865. He was with Sherman and engaged in numerous battles and skirmishes. On his return from the service, he was elected Mayor of Ridgew^ay. Was re-elected for five consecutive terms.

AARON R. CURL, farmer, P. O. Mount Victory, was born in Logan County, Ohio, October 11, 1843, and is a son of Elihu and Margaret Curl, the former a native of Virginia, the latter of Logan County, Ohio. His parents were married in Logan County, whence they moved in 1851, coming to Mount Victory, where Elihu Curl was engaged in mercantile business. There were but two houses in the town, one of which was owned by him. He afterward moved to the farm adjoining the present one of our subject, where he died May 13, 1870, having been preceded by his wife October 29, 1869. The subject of this sketch was united in marriage, April 16, 1863, with Rachel, daughter of Conrad and Mary M. Curl. She was born in Logan County, Ohio, August 15, 1841. To this union have been born five children, of whom four are living, viz., Emory and Emma (twins), Joseph H. and Frank. The deceased was Ardella, who died at the age of two months. JMr. Curl pursues farming for his occupation, and owns 120 acres of improved land, the farm having originally consisted of fifty acres. He and his wife are members of the Christian Church.

JOHN DAVIS, merchant, Ridgeway, was born in Muskingum County, Ohio, December 21, 1822, and is a son of Joshua and Margaret Davis. His parents were natives of Harford County, Md., moving to Muskingum County, Ohio, in 1822, and remained there until 1860, moving thence to Logan County, where they lived some years. They finally came to Hardin County, and resided with our subject. Mr. Davis died in 1875, having been preceded by his wife in 1874. John Davis, our subject, came to Ridgeway, Ohio, in April, 1871, and engaged in the dry goods business for three years, and for four years in keeping a hotel, subsequently opening in the hardware business, which he has since followed. He has a good country patronage. He was united in marriage, September 25, 1845, with Sarah, daughter of Andrew and Jane Pierce, born in Muskingum County, Ohio, July 31, 1819. Her parents are both deceased. To Mr. and Mrs. Davis have been born two children - William P. and Margaret J. They have also reared an adopted child, who is now an industrious young man, and one who has a bright future before him. He is a millwright by trade. Mr. Davis is a member of the Masonic order, also of the I. O. O. F. He is one of the present Trustees oc Hale Township and a man of honest integrity. He and his family are beloved and respected by all who know them.

J. M. DILLE, deceased, was born in Richland County, Ohio^ September 12, 1827. His parents, Abraham and Debra Dille, were natives of Pennsylvania, where they were married, then moving to Ohio. Mrs, Dille died near Mount Victory, Ohio, and Mr. Dille afterward married Mrs. j Jones, n6e Garwood, and the two are now living in Mount Victory. Abraham Dille is one of the old pioneers and settlers of Hardin County. The subject of this sketch was a carpenter by trade. He first bought fifty acres of land, which he subsequently sold, purchasing the 135 acres of the farm where the widow and family reside. He also owned, with his son Lafay- , ntte, a half- interest in a tract of fifty acres. The land is all improved, and under a high state of cultivation. Mr. Dille was married, December 17,

: 1851, to Nancy A., daughter of James and Mary A. Smith, both deceased. She was born in Logan County, Ohio, July 31, 1833. Her parents moved to Hardin County November 29, 1843, settling near Mount Victory. To i Mr. and Mrs. Dille have been born ten children, nine of whom are living,

; viz., Lafayette AV., married, November 5, 1874, to Hattie E. Jones, the . : latter born November 3, 1854, and died February 8, 1878, the mother of one child - Jennie B. ; Clara J., at home; Oakland W., married, December 14, 1882, to Florence Butler; Mary E., wife of William Eddy; J. C. Ree- )' mont, Henry M., James M., Frank M. and Edith M. The deceased, Alber- } etti, was born in i860 and died October 21, 1862. Mrs. Dille is a member ! of the Methodist Church. By the decease of Mr. Dille, Hale Township lost } < a good citizen, and the family a kind husband and a loving parent.

CVRUS DILLE, farmer, P. O. Ridgeway, was born near Mount i Victory, Ohio, February 5, 1838. He is a son of Cyrus and Susan Dille, who emigrated to Ohio in 1825, settling in Richland County, coming thence to Hardin County in 1830. Mr. Dille was born in Washington County, Penn., June 6, 1796, and died April 21, 1849. His widow, who still survives, Avas born in Greene County, Penn., September 29, 1808. Mr. Dille was one of the first settlers of Hale Township, coming when there were not more than ten acres of land cleared. He first bought the whole of the Reese Hill survey, consisting of over 600 acres, for which he paid 50 cents an acre, and at the time of his decease had 100 acres cleared. He was a surveyor and farmer during his life. He was married, on November 11, 1828, and had a family of eleven children, two living, viz., our subject and Susanna Pennock. The subject of this sketch was united in marriage, August 16, 1862, with Margaret Hibbitts, who was born in Logan County, Ohio, September 26, 1840, and died March 6, 1868. Mr. Dille was again married, July 4, 1876, to Mary A. Williams^ a sister of his first wife. She was born in Logan County, Ohio, August 8, 1847, and is a daughter of Elijah and Massa Hibbitts, the former of whom is deceased. During the rebellion, our subject enlisted, in 1862, in the One Hundred and Twenty- ) first Ohio Volunteer Infantry, Company K, and was mustered out in 1865. j He has filled the office of Justice of the Peace in Nebraska for three years, j and that of Assessor in Hale Township for two years. He is occupied in i farming and owns 104J acres of land with good farm buildings. He is the 1 father of five children, two by his first marriage, three by the second, of j whom four are living, viz., Maud, Harry E., William R. and Minnie K.

JAMES EATON, farmer, P. O. Ridgeway, was born in Monroe County, Ohio, January 24, 1831, and is a son of Elijah and Jane Eaton. His parents were natives of Lancaster County, Penn., and emigrated to Monroe County, Ohio, proceeding to Morgan County, where they remained un- til the decease of the mother in 1834. The widower was subsequently united in marriage to Angelina Slay, and removed to Belmont County, Ohio, coming thence to Hardin County, where they are residing in Ridgeway. Elijah Eaton has reached the advanced age of eighty-two years The subject of this sketch was married, in 1851, to Emily, daughter of William B. and Mary Bailey. She was born in Guernsey County, Ohio, in 1829. To Mr. and Mrs. Eaton have been born live children, of whom one survives, Phineas A., who is married to Mary E. Baldwin. The deceased are Arista, Charles, Alberta J. and Alta J. During the war, Mr. Eaton enlisted in the Seventh Ohio Battery, December 7, 1861, and was discharged in August of 1862. He was in the battle ot Pittsburg Landing and several minor skirmishes. On his return home, he engaged in mercantile business for some years, but is now occupied in farming. In his youth he learned the blacksmith's trade. He owns fifty-five acres of improved land in Logan County, Ohio, also property in Ridgeway, and has all the comforts of life surrounding him. He has filled several offices in the village with credit to himself and his constituents, and is a man ever anxious to meet all his obligations.

HARVEA B. EDDY, farmer and stock-raiser, P. O. Ridgeway, was born in Hale Township, Hardin County, on the farm where the family now reside, January 1, 1841, and is a son of James and Elizabeth Eddy, who emigrated from their native State, Virginia, coming to Hardin County, Ohio, in 1835, where James Eddy died January J2, 1857, followed by his widow March 26, 1868. They were interred in the cemetery on the farm. Mr. Eddy was one of the old pioneer settlers, and most of the time was engaged in farming. The subject of this sketch was united in marriage, September 28, 1862, to Amanda A. , daughter of Robert and Mary Stephenson. She was born in Logan County, Ohio, September 12, 1842. Her father died September 10. 1881; but her mother is still living. To Mr. and Mrs, Eddy have been born five children, three living - Robert Ferdinand, born July 27, 1863; Stilla M,, born August 15, 1872, and Mollie D., born July 15, 1876. The deceased are William A., born January 26, 1867, died October 1, 1880, and Charlie R., born January 4, 1870, died October 6, 1880. Mr. Eddy has been generally successful since starting in life. His farm consists of 100 acres of well cultivated land, with good farm buildings, and besides farming is engaged in raising and selling stock. He has filled the office of School Director for two terms.

PHILIP M. PENT, deceased, was born in Fayette County, Ohio, in March, 1835. He was a son of James and Anna Fent, formerly residents of Fayette County, the latter of whom died about 1875, and is still survived by her husband, who is living at an advanced age. The subject of this sketch was united in marriage. May 27, 1858, with Sarah Allen, who was born in Fayette County, Ohio, December 10, 1835. Iter parents are both living, and reside in Fayette County. To this union were born eight children, of whom four are living, viz., Eliza B. M., Alice M., Sevilian Josephus and Sarah E. Tlie deceased were all infants. Mr. Fent acquired a good education, and pursued farming for his occupation. He owned 103 acres of land, which his widow afterward sold and purchased thirty-two acres, where she is now residing. Mr. Fent and his wife were members of the Methodist Church. He was a successful and industrious business man, and died January 13, 1881. By his demise the family lost a kind parent, and Hale Township an honest, upright citizen.

Hale Towns Hi

LEMUEL HAINES, farmer, P. O. Mount Victory, was born in Union County, Ohio, April 20, 1836. His father, Jonathan Haines, was born in Virginia in 1799, moviDg to Champaign County, Ohio, when about six years old. His mother, Lucretia Haines, was born in Ross County, Ohio, in 1806. They were married in Champaign County, Ohio, June 16, 1825, and moved to Union County, Ohio, about 1830. In 1855, they removed to Iowa, but only remained until 1857, when they returned to Ohio, coming^ to Hardin County. Jonathan Haines died at Mount Victory September 2, l87l: the widow survives him, and is still hale and hearty. The subject of this sketch was united in marriage, October 12, 1856, to Miss Sarah J., daughter of William and Jane McCoy, born in Guernsey County, Ohio,

' March 15, 1835. Her father was a native of Pennsylvania, born in 1810, died in 1872; he moved to Ohio with his parents when but one year old. Her mother was born in Guernsey County, Ohio, in 1814, and died in 1873. To Mr. and Mrs. Haines have been born two children, both deceased. They have raised William H. Wade, who has now been a member of the family since his eleventh year, and is now (1883) twenty years old. Mr. Haines has also taken into the family Pearl Hines, aged five years. During the rebellion, Mr. Haines enlisted in the One Hundred and Twenty-first Ohio Volunteer Infantry, Company K, August 12, 1862, and was discharged Sep- ' tember 24, 1863. He is occupied in farming, and owns fifty-three acres 1 of land, which he has improved and cultivated. He and his wife are mem- I bers of the Methodist Episcopal Church.

FREDERICK HARPEL, farmer, P. O. Mount Victory, was born in ' Carroll County, Ohio, March 20, 1835. His parents, Conrad and Mary i Magdalena Harpel, were natives of Pennsylvania, whence they emigrated, settling in Carroll County, Ohio. They remained here for about eight years, moving to Logan County, where Mr. Harpel died June 12, 1870,

' after which the family came to Hardin County, where Mrs. Harpel died July 8, 1877. The subject of this sketch was married, October 13, 1866, to Miss Margaret, daughter of James and Edith Raley, natives of Pennsylvania. She was born in Columbiana County, Ohio, June 9, 1842, and is a member of the Disciple Church. To Mr. and Mrs. Harpel have been born six children, three daughters and three sons, as follows: I. Della, born

' born November 28, 1875, and James Orvill, born May 25, 1878. Mr. Harpel commenced life as a farmer, renting land for about five years, after which he bought seventy -five acres of land of his present farm. The land is well improved and has good farm buildings on it.

NATHANIEL OSCAR HATCHER, deceased, was born in Perry Township, Logan Co., Ohio, November 28, 1842. He was a son of Daniel and H. Hatcher, both natives of Virginia, who first settled in Logan County, Ohio, where Daniel Hatcher died. The widow subsequently came to Hardin County, and lived with our subject until her decease in 1861. The subject of this sketch was married, October 8, 1858, to Elizabeth, daughter of Conrad and May Harpel; she was born in Carroll County, Ohio, March 4, 1832. This union resulted in six children, of whom five are living, viz., John F. (who remains at home and takes care of the farm), Mary J. (wife of John Dunson), George H., Emma L., Harry O. and Elva, an infant (deceased). In 1862, Mr. Hatcher volunteered in the One Hundred and Twenty-first Ohio Volunteer Infantry, serving to the close of the war. He, as well as his widow, belonged to the Christian Church. He filled the office

Z. M. HIATT, farmer, P. O. Mount Victory, was born in Wayne County Ind., August 5, 1827, and is a son of Jesse and Mahala Hiatt, both natives of Virginia. His parents were married in Indiana in 1824, and settled in Logan County, Ohio, where Mr. Hiatt built the first business house in Pickereltown. The latter, who has reached his eighty-second year, still resides there, and was left a widower in 1872. The subject of this sketch came to Hardin County October 28, 1861. He had learned the trade of tanner, and bought the farm in Hale Township, where the family reside, and started a tannery in 1865. The buildings were subsequently destroyed by a tornado, but he has never rebuilt and has since followed farming. He carried on the tanning business for fifteen years. He was married, September 18, 1854, to Josephine, daughter of Thomas and Mary James. She was born in East Liberty, Logan Co., Ohio, October 11, 1832, and died May 19, 1881. To this union were born two children - Wilbur j G. and Maryetta. Mr. Hiatt is a member of the Christian Church, and his deceased wife was also a member of that church. He has been a member of the Masonic order for thirty- two years, and has filled the office of Justice of the Peace for three years. j

PETER S. HOWE, merchant. Mount Victory, was born in Athens t County, Ohio, October 1, 1822, and is a son of Sylvanus and Abigail Howe. | His father died in Wyandot County, Ohio, in 1875, having been preceded by his wife in Athens County in 1862. The subject of this sketch was ! married, in May, 1854, to Rachel P. Owen. She was born in Athens I County, Ohio, July 14, 1828. To this union four children have been born j - Albert E., Mary E. (wife of Thomas B. Samson), Abigail K. (wife of C. | E. I'arry) and Maud. Mr. Howe has been engaged in banking and mer- i chandising all his life, and at present owns one of the leading dry goods ( stores in Mount Victory. He has been a member of the Independent Order | of Odd Fellows for thirty-five years, and has filled the office of Treasurer of Hale Township for twelve years. I

S. G. HUMPHREYS, merchant. Mount Victory, was born in Union i County, Ohio, October 13, 1829. His parents, Jacob and Margaret Hum- i phreys, were natives of Pennsylvania, whence they emigrated, settling in | Logan County, Ohio. Mrs. Humphreys died in Union County, Ohio, in Janu- j ary, 1833, and her husband died while in the service of his country, December |l 22, 1861. He was First Lieutenant of the Seventeenth Ohio Volunteer Infan- ! try. Company C, and died in Somerset, Ky. Prior to the war, he had been en- ' gaged in farming. The subject of this sketch was married, April 7, 1853, | to Elizabeth, daughter of Lemuel and Mary A. Titsworth. She was born 1. in Champaign County, Ohio, August 1, 1832. Her father died near West [ Mansfield, Ohio, but her mother is still living and resides with our subject. | Mrs. Humphreys is a member of the Methodist Church. Mr. Humphreys | and his wife are the parents of three children - Mary A., wife of A. L. i Sullivan; Frank, a practicing physician and holding a position in the Day- J ton Asylum, and Macy, at home with his parents. Mr. Humphreys first f learned the trade of a wool carder, then followed farming for a time, and is i now engaged in mercantile business in Mount Victory, Ohio. He has lived | there for twenty-four years, during seventeen of which be has kept a store.

He owns a general store and has good patronage. During the rebellion, he I engaged in the hundred-day service in the One Hundred and Thirty-fifth i Ohio Volunteer Infantry, Company H, under Col. Leg. He moved with !

. his family to Mount Victory, when the town was in its infancy. He has i tilled the office of Assessor, Trustee, and is at present in the position of < Township Treasurer of Hale Township, *

PHILIP G. JOHNSON, farmer, P. O. Mount Victory, was born in ! Eushsylvania, Logan Co., Ohio, August 19, 1848, His parents are Henry 1 G. and Martha Johnson, the former a native of Kentucky, the latter of ( i Logan County, Ohio, in which latter place they were married, coming i I thence to Hardin County, where they are now residents of Buck Township.

( Both have nearly reached their seventieth year. They are the parents of ; nine children, four sons and five daughters, viz., Isabella S., Sarilla, Vic- I tori a, Mary' E., Paulina, Jacob R., Robert H., Philip G. and Henry O. j' The subject of this sketch acquired a good common school education, and s for his occupation chose farming. For one year he rented land, and then I bought his present farm of fifty-two acres of well-cultivated land. He was married, February 29, 1872, to Rebecca, daughter of Elihu and Hopy Winder. She was born in Hale Township, Hardin County, September 18,

I 1854, To this union there have been burn two children - Mertie M., born i February 1, 1873, and Lester A., born February 13, 1875. Mr. Johnson !, and his wife are members of the Christian Church. Since starting iu life, i MOSES KENNEDY, farmer, P. O. Mount Victory, was born in Adams County, Penn., October 12, 1822, and is a son of John and Margaret Kennedy. His parents emigrated to Ohio in 1838, settling in Wyi andot County. The subject of this sketch was united in marriage, April 28, 1842, with Nancy, daughter of James and Hannah Kendrick, born I April 9, 1818. Our subject movad, with his. wife and family, to Hale ' Township in 1844, and settled on the farm he now occupies. The land was then covered with woods, but he cleared a tract, on which he erected a rude cabin, and then proceeded to the erection of a saw mill. He built the mill on Panther Creek, which stream runs through his lands, and ran the mill by water for twenty years, sawing all the lumber needed in the comi munity. A pair of buhrs were attached, which ground all the meal needed. Mr. Kennedy is a millwright by trade, and built his own mill as i well as others in the township. He owns 145 acres of land in Hale Township, all well improved, with good farm buildings on same. He has had a family of eleven children, nine of whom are still living. He has passed through all the hardships incident to pioneer life, and his conduct has been such as to gain the respect and confidence of his neighbors and friends. He was nominated and elected County Commissioner, although at the time, on account of sickness, he was unable to canvass and mingle with his friends.

D. H. LEVAN, physician. Mount Victory, was born in Pennsylvania December 27, 1844, and is a son of W. S. and Sarah Levan. His father still resides in Pennsylvania, but his mother died in March of 1859, at the age of thirty-two years. Our subject was united in marriage, in July, 1865, to Fianna, daughter of Martin Sammel, born in August, 1847. The Doctor and his wife moved to Logan County, Ohio, in 1866, and engaged in the I practice of his profession for four years, coming thence to Mount Victory,

I Ohio, where he has since lived. The Doctor owned property in West Mans- I field, Ohio, which he sold, and in Mount Victory has built a plea^*ant, com- I fortable home. He also owns property in Ada, Ohio, besides having an I interest in the Garwood farm, one of the oldest in Hardin County. Mrs.

Masonic order. They are the parents of two children - Elwood W. S., born - February 8. 1871, and a daughter, who died at an early age. Our subject, i since starting in life, has been successful both in his business and as a phy- | sician. j

WILLIAM E. McCALL, farmer, P. O. Mount Victory, was born in I Westmoreland County, Penn., in April of 1826. He is a son of William ! and Elizabeth McCall, natives of Pennsylvania, who moved to Portage County, Ohio, in April, 182^, remaining there until the decease of our subject's father, in October, 1840. The family removed to Logan County in 1841, where Mrs. McCall departed this life in North Greenfield in 1851. The subject of this sketch came to Hardin County in 1843, residing for awhile with his brother Thomas. He was married, January 2, 1851, to Miss Charlotte, daughter of John C. and Bachel Garwood, both deceased.

To this union have been born eight children, of whom five survive, viz., Thomas F., Emma J., Elnora, John and William. Albert, Matilda and Eachel, deceased. Albert died at the age of one year and eight months, from the fall of a gate, being instantly killed; the others died of diphtheria, one week apart, Matilda at the age of six years, and Bachel at three years. Mr. McCall has been engaged in farming all his life, and at the present time owns seventy-two acres of well-improved land, on which the j faimly reside. He and his wife are members of the United Brethren | Church. I

BOBEBT McELHENEY, merchant, Bidgeway, was born in Ireland | December 29, 1843. He is a son of James and Annie McElheney, who ; lived and died in Ireland, the former departing this life in 1859, the latter f in 1875. Our subject was united in marriage, May 2, 1877, to Miss Currilia A., daughter of Michael E. and Sarah Dugan. She was born in Franklin County, Ohio, February 20, 1855; her father is deceased, but her mother still survives. Mr. and Mrs. McElheney are the parents of three children - Anna, born April 29, 1878; William J.,born August 23, 1880, and an unnamed infant, born March'll, 1883. Mr. McElheney came » to America when about seventeen years of age, and engaged as a farm hand, j Through his perseverance and energy, he succeeded in accumulating an j amount sufficient to engage in mercantile business, and accordingly opened ' in Bidgeway, Ohio, in 1873, and has thus continued ever since. He has the oldest established store in the village, and is well patronized by the town and county. He bought his business house in 1879, and since then some town lots, on which he has erected a fine residence. He is a member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, and has the respect and confidence of the community where he resides.

LEMUEL PENNOCK, farmer, P. O. Mount Victory, was born in Stark County, Ohio, September 15, 1842. His parents, Isaac W. and Ann E. Pennock, are both living, and reside in Mount Victory, Ohio. Our subject was married, November 15, 1866, to Miss Susan, daughter of Cyrus and Susan Dille, born in Hale Township, Hardin Co., Ohio, July 22, 1849. j Her parents were natives of Pennsylvania, emigrating to Ohio in 1828, coming to Hardin County in 1830, and settling in Hale Township, on the f farm where Mrs. Dille and our subject now reside. Mr. Dille was born January 6, 1796, and died April 21, 1849. His widow, who still survives him, was born September ^ 29, 1808. They were married on November 11, i 1828. Our subject was, by occapation, an engineer, until 1867, when he i took up farming. He inherited sixty acres of land, part of which he has j sold, adding some land adjoining, and now owns forty- five acres near

AL ANSON PERRY, farmer, P. O. Mount Victory, was born in Franklin County, Ohio, June 6, 1827, and is a son of Alanson and Sarah Perry, the former a native of New York, the latter of Vermont. His father was a farmer, and came to Ohio in 1811, soon after entering in the war that followed. He was married in Franklin County, Ohio, coming thence to Hardin County, where he died, and his widow subsequently moved to Champaign County, where she departed this life in March, 1870. The subject of this sketch was united in marriage, February 27, 1857, with Sarah, daughter of Samuel and Elizabt^th Galbraith, and a native of Pennsylvania, born Decembjpr 23, 1832. Her parents died in Franklin County, Ohio, the father in 1850 and the mother in 1870. They were members of the Presbyterian Church, and their daughter, Mrs. Perry, of the Methodist Church. Mr. Perry first started in life as a farmer, and, after renting land for some years, bought 192 acres of his present farm, to which he has since added sixty-five acres, most of the farm being well improved. His family consists of six children, viz., Horace, Flora and Cora (twins), Marion, Elizabeth and Arthur. Mr. Perry has filled the office of Township Trustee for two years.

WASHINGTON RICHARDSON, farmer, P. O. Mount Victory, was born in Champaign County, Ohio, March 15, 1826. His father, Barnet Richardson, was born in Grayson County, Va, May 13, 1797, and his mother in Martinsburg, W. Va., October 14, 1800. His father came to Ohio in 1806, his mother in 1810, settling in Champaign County, where they were married, coming thence to Hardin County in 1835. They settled in Hale Township, where the father died January 20, 1867, and the widow February 4, 1882. They were the parents of thirteen children, nine of whom are living, six residing in this county, two in Logan County, and one in Union County, Ohio. At the time of his decease, Mr. Barnet Richardson owned 183 acres of land, which was all a wilderness when purchased, but it is now well improved and is a valuable farm. Our subject now resides on tlie old l^ome farm, of which he owns six shares. He is a man of whom all speak well, and whose word is as good as his note. Like his deceased father, he is energetic and persevering, and is constaotiy engaged in improving his farm.

JOHN ROBINSON, deceased, was born in Champaign County, Ohio, May 30, 1816, and was a son of John and Levina Robinson, the former a native of North Carolina, the latter of Virginia. His parents came to Ohio in 1811, locating in Highland County, and removing to Champaign County in 1812, where they remained for some years after the mother's decease in 1824. Mr. Robinson was again married, in 1828, to Jane Gillen, who died in 1841. He came to Hardin County in 1847, where he died in 1860. He had eight children, all by the first marriage, of whom only three are living. The subject of this sketch was the youngest child, and was united in marriage, October 24, 1846, to Mary Ann Gray. She was born August 29, 1826, and died August 11, 1852. Our subject formed a second union, solemnized December 25, 1854, with Amy Jane Jones, who died May 27, 1863. For his third wife Mr. Robinson married, January 24, 1865, Mary I., daughter of George and Nancy Rule. She was born April 10, 1836, and is a member of the Methodist Church. Mr. Robinson was the father of six children, three by his first marriage and three by the second, of whom only two survive - Mary J., wife of Walter Baldwin, and Chase.

The deceased all died at an early age. Mr. Robinson was a member of the | Grange. He had filled the office of Justice of the Peace for three years; Assessor for five years; Trustee for seven years, and was School Director for twenty-one years. He pursued farming all his life, and owned 110 acres of well cultivated land at the time of his death, which occurred August 5, 1883. His age was sixty-seven years two months and six days. He was as sue- i cessful as men of his stamp usually are, who start out in life with nothing j but brains and energy. |

M. J. ROBINSON, farmer, P. O. Ridgeway, was born in Hale Town- I ship, on the farm where he now resides, September 8, 1852, and is a son of Silas and Rebecca Robinson. His father was born in Champaign Couny, Ohio, and moved to this county, where he died in 1864. The | widow is still living, and resides in her native place. She was born I in Logan County, Ohio. They were the parents of five children, viz., our subject, the oldest, William H., Levine, Jane, Harriet M. and Albert. The subject of this sketch was united in marriage, December 25, 1873, to Sarenia, daughter of Nicholas Archer, born in Logan County, Ohio, May 4, 1855. To this union have been born four children - Orla E., Oscar H., Blanche and Florence A. Mr. Robinson and his wife are members of the | Methodist Church, He inherited thirty acres of the farm on which he re- l sides, to which he subsequent!}^ added thirty more, and now has a fine, well- | cultivated farm. j

JACOB A. RUMER, lumberman, Ridgeway, was born in Virginia | April 15, 1853. His parents, John S. and Edith E. Rumer, were natives of ; Virginia, whence they emigrated, coming to Ohio in 1855, and settling in j Fayette County; from there they came to Hardin County, where the father i died May 15, 1875. Mrs. Rumer is still living, and resides in Ridgeway, ; Ohio. They were the parents of nine children, of whom eight survive, all residing in Hardin County, and all married, except three who are living in , the residence of J. A. Rumer, with their mother. The subject of this sketch I engaged in the lumber business in April of 1879, under the firm name of f Koplin & Rumer. On June 27, 1881, he bought out his partner and has f since continued alone in the business. He owns a large saw mill and the | lots surrounding, and employs a force of about thirty hands. He also ! owns two nice pieces of property in Ridgeway, besides 195 acres of land | near Mount Victory, and on April 10, 1883, he opened a store for hardware j and agricultural implements. He is a member of the Knights of Pythias ! and of the I. O. O. F. Mr. Rumer is an enterprising and active young | business man of Ridgeway. - [

SIMON SCHERTZER, farmer, P. O. Mount Victory, was born in | Wayne County, Ohio, February 21, 1839, and is a son of Emanuel and Eve I Schertzer, natives of Pennsylvania. His parents emigrated to Ohio about | 1825, thence moving to Stark County, thence removing to Wayne 1 County, thence to Ross County and from there to Franklin Coun- | ty, finally coming t(» Hardin County, where they permanently settled, j Mr. Schertzer died in 1844, followed by his widow in 1869. He was ! a farmer and shoe-maker by occupation. The subject of this sketch f was united in marriage, November 19, 1868, to Miss Bell, daughter of j George and Maria Carriher. She was born in Indiana June 8, 1843. j To this union have been born five children (one deceased) - Bunt L., Roy * W., Ernest and Zulu L. Clara died at the age of seven months. When | Mr. Schertzer first started out in life, he engaged in farming, which he has | always followed, and is now the owner of 127 acres of well improved land.

In 1861, lie enlisted in the Thirty-first Ohio Volunteer Infantry, Company F, and was mustered out on July 21, 1865. He was engaged in the battles of Mill Spring, Stone River, Chickamauga, Corinth, siege of Atlanta and Mission Ridge, besides a number of minor engagements.

JACOB SIEGr, farmer and Justice of the Peace, Ridgeway, was born in Hale Township, Hardin Co., Ohio, September 2, 1843, and is a son of Jonathan and Lydia (Hopkins) Sieg. His father was born in Angusta County, Va., May 8, 1815, and came with his parents to Ohio in 1828, settling in Logan County. His schooling had been received in the subscription schools of Virginia, but he acquired a fair education from studying nights by the light of hickory bark. He commenced teaching when nineteen years of age, and taught for seventeen winters, working on a farm in the summer. He was married, on January 12, 1837 In 1843, he was elected Justice of the Peace, served for six years, , and for six years from 1846 served as County Commissioner. Pie was engaged in merchandising in 1852, and continued for five years. His first vote was cast for Van Buren. He voted the regular Democratic ticket until 1864, when he voted for Lincoln, and once before - in 1848 - when ho voted for John C. Fremont. In 1861, he was elected to the House by a union of both parties, and in 1863 was re-elected in opposition to an old personal and political friend. His only three sons were in the army, two of whom were disabled for life - Robert, the eldest, while in West Virginia, took deliberate aim at Col. Crogan, of the rebel army, and killed him. Mr. Sieg, when relating his merited act of recording his vote in favor of the ratification of the constitutional amendment, said it was one of the proudest deeds of his life. He departed this life P^ebruary 9, 1868; his widow is still living, and resides with her son Jacob. Jacob was united in mairiage, October 27, 1875, to Victoria, daughter of E. B. and Isabella Crow, whose sketch is given in this work. To this union two children have been born - Frank S. and Carrie B. Jacob Sieg has filled the office of Justice of the Peace for nearly eight years, is also serving in the capacity of Mayor of the village of Ridgeway. He has been - engaged in farming, owns land adjoining and property in Ridgeway.