Jackson Township (part 6 of 7)

The physicians of the village previous to 1844 were Samuel Jones, Dr. Littlefield and David Watson. In 1844 Dr. Newton Sager (one of the quartet of medical practitioners who remained in the county since pioneer times), arrived; Dr. Howe in 1849; William Kyle, Jones, Broughton and Hollaway, came in between 1854 and 1864; Dr. Hill in 1869; Dr. Remage in 1871, Dr. Sager, Jr., in 1871, and Dr. A. S. Rudy in April, 1884.

Christian Church. - Among the original members of this society were Daniel Cloore and wife, William Akerman and wife, Nathan Hawk and wife, 5. G. Heath and wife, John Akerman and wife, J. L. B. Leatherman and wife, Solomon Binkley and wife, John Staley and wife, Joseph of this church were Michael Martz, the first preacher and organizer, Samuel Hardesty followed him, then William Gander, G. B. Garner, M. W. C. Rimer, H. H. Holverstott, 1880-83, and the present pastor Mr. Rimer. In 1860 the society erected their house of worship. This building'and lot are valued now at $2,000. The membership is seventy-five.

In 1851 the first quarterly meeting was beld. Lafayette Circuit was established in 1858. W. A. Baker, Chaplain Forty-sixth Ohio Infantry appointed in 1861, died August 25, 1862. During this year also the war and anti-war parties created much trouble within the church. In 1867 Liberty Chapel was made a regular appointment. The brick house of worship was erected during Mr. Miller's first term. In 1876 the brick house of worship at Salem was erected and dedicated June 4, that year.

The Lafayette Circuit comprises Liberty Chapel, Zion, Perry Chapel, Salem and Lafayette. The membership of the church at Lafayette is 42; of that at Liberty, 40; at Zion, 16; at Perry, 87, and at Salem, 60, or a total membership of 245.

Sugar Lodge 513, A. F. & A. M., Lafayette, was chartered October 18, 1876, with the following charter members: Samuel Knoble, M. C. Mumaugh, J. L. Maus, P. M. Hall, Newton Sager, J. W. Umbaugh, James Fookes, N. Sager, Jr., R. Mehaffey, W. H. McGinness, C. F. Neff, William Akerman.

Dexter Gilbert Post, No. 417, Lafayette, was chartered March 10, 1884, with W. E. Grubb, Commander; Harvey D. Parmenter, Adjutant; E. Bechtel, P. V.; William Hall, Senior Vice; F. Bechtel, D. Howeville, Asa Ransbottom, S. Flemming, W. B. Weyer, B. F. Aunspaugh, W. Sudith, C. Fisher, J. Tullis, E. Bowers, John Hall, W. A. Flemming, Thomas Shrider, and Thomas Tullis. The Post now numbers about forty members. The Post room is located in Mr. Mumaugh's house. The Post was named after Dexter Gilbert, one of the first soldiers of Allen County who fell in the War of 1861-65.

Miscellaneous

JOHN AKERMAN, farmer, P. O. Herring. The father of our subject, William Akerman, was born in Cumberland County, Penn., April 17, 1810, and came to Perry County, Ohio, with his parents when but five years of age. On arriving at maturity he removed to Morgan County, Ohio, where he lived till 1834 when he came to this county and entered 120 acres of wild land, placing the same under cultivation ; he also added other land, and at the time of his death owned 254 acres. He held several offices of trust in the township and tilled the office of county commissioner four full terms. He was a son of John and Nancy (Baird) Akerman of Pennsylvania. He was married May 9, 1833, to Miss Kezia Carroll, who was born in Morgan County, Ohio, May 17, 1814, daughter of Andrew and Letitia (Beech) Carroll, of Pennsylvania. They were parents of thirteen children : Samuel B., Nancy (deceased), John, William H. (deceased), Maria J., Andrew J. (deceased), James M. Mary S., David C. (deceased), Albert J., Newton, Letitia (deceased), and Kezia. Mr. Akerman had one brother, John, and two sisters, Maria and Jane. He died October 9, 1878. Mrs. Akerman had three sisters - Margaret, Sabina and Ruth. John Akerman, the subject of this sketch, was born May 12, 1838, in Allen County, Ohio, and has always been a farmer. Heenlisted in Company I, Forty-sixth Ohio Volunteer Infantry, and was under command of Gen. Sherman nearly four years taking part in all general engagements from Pittsburg Landing to the close of the war; was promoted to sergeant in May 18, 1863; first lieutenant in September, 1864, and had command of a company till mustered out. He was a charter member of Dexter Gilbert Post, No. 206 G. A. R.; is a member of Sager Lodge, F. & A. M., and of the P. of H. ; he a member of the Christian Church, and president of Northwestern Ohio Christian Conference. For four years Mr. Akerman was township trustee in Hardin County, where he lived from 1865 till 1872, andthe following nine years he lived in Paulding County, Ohio, where he improved a farm of forty acres; was trustee five years and justice of the peace three years, and land appraiser one year. Mr. Akerman married October 31, 1858, Sarah A., daughter of Christian and Eve (Stumbaugh) Fisher, born in Perry County, Ohio, September 15, 1840. To this union were born ten children : Norton, William N,. Emma M., Eugene, Charles H. (deceased), Loren E., John J. (deceased), Junetta, Newton and Cora. Our subject in politics is a Democrat.

SOLOMON H. ARNOLD, farmer and county infirmary director, P. O. Herring, was born in Tuscarawas County, Ohio, August 10, 1848; son of Hickman and Martha (Garree) Arnold; former, a son of Solomon and Barbara (Stonebrook) Arnold, early settlers of Tuscarawas County, Ohio, was born in 1820, died in 1848 (he was a captain in the Ohio National Guards in an early day); latter was born near Bridgeport, Ohio, and is still living. To them were born two children - Solomon H. aud Joseph. Our subject's mother's second husband is Samuel Fackler, by whom she has eight children: Philip H., Catharine, Isaac, Simon, Eva, Henderson, Samuel and Maggie. Our subject was reared on a farm and his educational advantages were limited to the common schools. He was but four years old when his father died and but ten when his mother again married. He remained at home until he attained his twentieth year, then commenced working at odd jobs. In 1853 his mother and step-father moved to this county, locating near Beaver Dam. The first real estate Mr. Arnold owned was 100 acres of wild Jand in Paulding County, Ohio, and he paid for the same by day-lahor. In 1864 he went to Bureau County, Ill, to work in a mill, but soon after enlisted in Company A, One Hundred and Thirty-sixth Illinois Volunteer Infantry with Capt. E. R. Virden, going into camp at Peoria. He was mustered into service June 6, and eventually his regiment relieved the One Hundred and Twenty-Second at Cairo. He took no part in active engagements, but was busily employed as clerk in the commissariat department and in transporting prisoners up and down the river. He received an honorable discharge in October 1864, and for a time worked at the carpenter's trade. January 25, 1866, Mr. Arnold married Miss Sarah Milliken, who was born in Richland County, Ohio, August 27, 1843, and to them were born six sons: Thomas, Ernest B., William, Joseph F., Carrie C. and Elsworth. Since his marriage our subject has followed the occupation of a farmer, and located in Jackson Township, in this county. In 1871 he sold out and purchased a farm of J. Wood, paying him the sum of $6,000. He erected in 1882 the first brick residence in this vicinity. He has dealt more or less extensively in stock in addition to his other farm interests. Mr. Arnold was a charter member of a grange which has since been removed and is now called Rattlesnake Grange. He is class-leader of the West Point Methodist Episcopal Church. Politically he is an'active Democrat. Having received the nomination, Mr. Arnold was elected county infirmary director at the fall election of 1883, and has since performed the duties of the office with honor to himself and to the full satisfaction of the people.

T. W. CORBET, Evangelical Lutheran minister, P. O. Herring, was born in Guernsey County, Ohio, January 12, 1819, eldest child of Peter and Elizabeth (Barber) Corbet, natives of England. Peter Corbet came to America about 1806, when eighteen years of age. His death _oceurred August 4, 1855; his wife died in the fall of 1839. Two of their ten children died young, and those who grew to maturity are Thomas W., Sarah A., Rachel R., Peter (an M. D.}, Adam, Joseph, Elizabeth and Rev. John B. At theage of twenty years our subject entered the Pennsylvania College at Gettysburg, where he finished a curriculum, graduating in 1844. Healso took a course in theology at Gettysburg Seminary, and soon after entered upon the duties of his chosen profession in his native county as pastor of the Evangelical Lutheran Church. He has labored as such in Perry, Van Wert, Hardin and Allen Counties, coming to the latter county in 1860 and locating in Lafayette, Jackson Township, where he has since resided, and where for twenty years he has filled the office of school director. His health having failed to such an extent as to cause his partial retirement from active life, he accepted the office of justice of the peace, to which he was elected in 1882, and the duties thereof he has filled with honor to himself and to the full satisfaction of the people. His first marriage occurred November 1, 1849, with Elizabeth C. Robins, who was born July 9, 1832, daughter of John and Mary Robins, natives of England, and early settlers of Guernsey County, Ohio, where Mrs. Corbet was born. To this union were burn six children: Emma C. (wife of M. Contris), William H. (treasurer of Van Wert County, Ohio), Mary K., Charles M., Ella A. and Edward H. Politically our subject is a Democrat.

WILLIAM CRAIG, farmer, P. O. Herring, was born in Fayette County, Penn., January 19, 1804; son of Joseph and Elenor (Sargent) Craig. Joseph Craig was a son of William and Martha (Lytle) Craig, born in New Jersey in July, 1776, killed by a falling tree in 1824. Elenor Craig died in 1812, leaving four children: Andrew, Wiliiam, Joseph and Richard, of whom William is the only survivor. Joseph Craig married, for his second wife, Susan (Coughenour) Bright, who died in about 1820, leaving two daughters: Sarah and Elenor. (Elenor is the wife of John Lilly, of Browusville, Penn., and mother of five children: William, Robert, Ira, John and Joseph). Sarah now lives with her brother William. Our subject received a limited education, and early in life served an apprenticeship to learn the chair-making and painting trades, which occupations he followed several years. He came to Adams County, Ohio, in 1822, from there removing to Highland County, and while here he entered land in 1835 in Allen County, and four years after removed to the same. He cleared about 100 acres of this land, and in 1868 came to the farm, which is still his home. Mr. Craig has retired in a measure from active life, although the management of his farm has been under his directions. He has also been quite an extensive stock grower. Mr. Craig was married in 1825 to Sarah Taylor, who died in 1840. She bore him one son who grew to maturity - Richard, a farmer in Iowa. (He married Mary McDougal, of Davenport, and by her has three children: William, Mary and Sarah.) In polities our subject has been a life-long Democrat. ~

THOMAS DOTSON, farmer, P.O. Herring, was born in Ross County, Ohio, March 20, 1836, son of Charles and Mary M. (Debenbaugh) Dotson, former a native of Pennsylvania, who in his younger days was a teamster, making nine trips over the Rocky Mountains, once with a drove of hogs. Although of a quiet nature he was a public-spirited man and took an active part in public improvements. He died July 4, 1862, aged fifty-eight years, seven months, eight days. His wife was born in Pennsylvania, reared in Fairfield County, Ohio, died January 28, 1847, aged thirty-seven years, eleven months. They had twelve children: Rufus, Catherine, Samuel, Daniel, Thomas, Hannah, Caroline, Stephen, Charles, Mary, Isaac and Sarah. Mary and Thomas are the only residents of Allen County at present. Our subject was but six years of age when his parents removed to this county, locating in Shawnee Township, where he grew to maturity. He obtained a common school education, and at the age of eighteen years entered upon his career in life as a farmer, which he has made the occupation of his life. From the date of his marriage till

1871, he rented a farm, but in that year purchased the property where he now lives. He has been a hard-working, energetic man, and as a result of hardships and exposure suffers more or less from inflammatory rheumatism, but his farm is carried on under his management by the assistance of his children. Having been early in life thrown upon his own resources, his property is the accumulation of years of labor, and the appearance of his farm denotes him to be a practical farmer. September 28, 1854, Mr. Dotson married Susanna Betz, who was born in Ross County in 1833, and came to this county in 1842. She was reared by Isaac Heffner, her mother having died while she was an infant. To our subject and wife were born eleven children: Caroline (deceased), Clara (wife of J. W. McClure), Isaac, Eliza, Stephen, Thomas, Mary, Albert, Katie, Jacob and Milly.

ISAAC DOTSON, farmer, P. O. Herring, was born in Shawnee Township, this county, July 31, 1859, son of Thomas and Susanna (Betz) Dotson. He received 4 common school education and entered upon his career in life as a farmer. He has resided on his present farm six years, and bears the reputation of being an enterprising young man, and is regarded as one of the rising young farmers-of Jackson Township. He makes no specialty other than the usual crops and stock. Mr. Dotson married, February 20, 1879, Miss Mellie May Shipley, who was born May 30, 1862. They have one child, Pearly Lewis Delino, born August 20, 1880. Mrs. Dotson is the only survivor of the five children of Benedict and Samantha (Durbin) Shipley, natives of Knox County, Ohio, and who came to this county in 1863. Mr. Shipley died August 19, 1880; his widow survives. Our subject is a consistent member of the German Reformed Church. In politics he is an active Democrat.

K. LINCOLN DURBIN, hardware merchant, Lafayette, was born in Knox County, Ohio, July 3, 1860, third in the family of ten children of Samuel and Rachel (Shipley) Durbin, natives of Knox County. Ohio, and now living in Auglaize Township, this county. Mr. Durbin was married September 21, 1882, to Miss Mary F. Cook, daughter of William H. Cook, and born in Putnam County, Ohio. November 27, 1861. Their only boy, Charles Elsworth, was born August 1, 1883. Our subject's earliest recollections are of Allen County, his parents having located in Auglaize Township in 1866. He finished his education at the Normal School at Ada, Ohio, and embarked upon his business career at Lafayette in June, 1882, purchasing the hardware stock of S. W. Merchant. By close attention to business, and through his courteous manner in attending to the wants of his customers, his trade steadily increased, necessitating an increase of stock, which he has made in proportion to the demand, his sales amounting to nearly $4,000 per year. In connection with his other stock Mr. Durbin also handles a line of agricultural implements. He and bis wife are connected with the Methodist Episcopal Church. Mr, Durbin is a member of the Council; politically he_is a Republican. bs

LEMUEL EVERSOULE, farmer and stock-raiser, P. O. Herring, was born in Perry County, Ohio, October 30, 182; son of Peter and Rebecca (Snyder) Eversole, natives of Perry County, Ohio. They were the parents of seven children who grew to maturity: Eliza, Catherine, Francis,

Nancy (deceased), Lemuel, Rebecca and Daniel. When our subject was but two years of age his parents removed to Blackswamp, in Sandusky County, Ohio, where they both died in 1835, within a month of each other. Our subject was thus early thrown on his own resources, and his educational advantages were necessarily Jimited to a few months each year in the common schools. At the death of his parents he returned to Perry County, and until he arrived at the age of seventeen years resided with his uncle, John Eversole. He then served as apprentice to the carpenter trade for three years, and received for his labors the sum of $30 and his clothes; three months after his time was out he went to California, and for about two years engaged in mining and constructing gold washers. Soon after his return Hast, in the spring of 1852, he purchased wild land in Allen County, Ohio, and during the winter of that year he worked for Mussey & Winn, of Lima, at cabinet-making. The following six years he worked at his trade in the eastern part of the county, and during this time sold his land and purchased the farm of 320 acres upon which he now resides, and on which he has made all the improvements, having placed it under a state of cultivation, making it second to none in this vicinity. He erected in 1872 a fine bank barn, and in 1875 a fine brick residence, among the first in the township. In May, 1864, our subject enlisted, and was appointed second corporal of Company A, One Hundred and Fifty-first Ohio National Guards in the 100 days' service with Capt. King, of Delphos. Mr. Eversole was married, July 8, 1855, to Miss Sarah Nash, born in Jackson Township, this county, July 11, 1837, daughter of Thomas and Rebecca (Akins) Nash, who were among the early settlers of the county, former deceased, latter now living at the advanced age of ninety-eight years. To the union of our subject and wife were born twelve children: George W., of Van Wert County, Ohio; Eliza J. (wife of L. B. Harrod), Frank J. (in California), John E., Charles A., Elva C., Daniel B., Nettie B., Lemuel N., Aura D., Ralph and an infant (deceased). While a resident of Perry County Mr. Eversole united with the I. O. O. F., and was one-of the charter members of the Order at Lima. He has been a consistent member of the Christian Church about three years; is one.of the present township trustees; is a school director. For several years he has been considered among the most extensive as well as successful stock-raisers of the neighborhood. In politics he has always been a stanch Republican.

JOSEPH FISHER, farmer, P. O. Herring, was born in Perry County, Ohio, August 3, 1828, son of Christian Fisher, who was born in Perry County, Ohio, and died August 22, 1863, aged sixty-six years. Christian Fisher came to Allen County in 1854, and held several offices of trust in this and Perry Counties. His widow, nee Eve Stombaugh, was born in Perry County, Ohio, April 12, 1810, and is still living. They were parents of eleven children: Levi, Joseph, Margaret, Elizabeth, Eve, Charles, Sarah, Hannah, Catherine, Franklin and Frederick. Five of the above are still living, Charles, Sarah and Joseph being residents of this county. Our subject received a common school education, and remained with his parents until after arriving at maturity. In 1854 he came to Allen County, and located upon the farm which is still his home, owner. Mr. Fisher owns ninety-one acres. He owned the first separator in this vicinity, and for twenty seasons followed threshing. He was also among the first to adopt the new agricultural implements, such as mowers, reapers, etc. Under Gen. Sherman he served his country nearly four years, having enlisted in Company I, Forty-sixth Ohio Veteran Volunteer Infantry. Our subject was married January 27, 1850, to Jemima Stockberger, of Perry County, born January 14, 1530, and to this union six children were born: Mary A. (wife of J. H. Umdaugh), Benjamin F., Almanary (wife of James W. King), Noah (deceased), Martha ElDora and Sarah. Mrs. Fisher is a daughter of George and Christine (Boyer) Stockberger, of Pennsylvania, who settled in Perry County, Ohio, in 1804; the father died in 1846, the mother in 1850. They were parents of thirteen children: Sarah, Elizabeth, John, Mary, Nancy, Susan, Catherine, Christine, Hannah, George, Solomon, Jemima and Joseph. Our subject is an active member of Dexter Gilbert Post, G. A. R., also of a grange; he has served as township trustee several terms; is a consistent member of the Lutheran Church. Politically be isa Democrat, and voted for Grover Cleveland and Thomas A. Hendricks.

HARRISON HEFFNER, farmer, P. O. Herring, was born in Ross County, Ohio, December 25, 1834. Isaac Heffner, the father of our subject, was prominent among the self-made men of this county. Commencing in life a poor man, with but a limited education, he eventually became one of the largest land owners of the county, and at the time of his death owned about 1,500 acres of land, nearly all of which he had improved. He was born in Pennsylvania, February 12, 1809, and when a child was taken by his parents to Ross County, Ohio, where he grew to maturity. In May, 1833, he married Mary May, born in 1807, daughter of John and Mary (Strouse) May, natives of Pennsylvania, and early settlers of Ross County. In about 1842 Isaac Heffner came with his family to this county, and here erected the first brick house built in Jackson Township, where he died May 30, 1884. He was a very public-spirited man, and much credit is due him for the present state of development Jackson Township has obtained. He was the founder of the church deeded to the Christian denomination, although for years a member of the German Reformed Church. _ Our subject has resided upon his present farm since 1863. He is one of the most extensive stock dealers in this vicinity, his herd consisting of thoroughbred shorthorns. He was married April 30, 1863, to Miss Mahaley Ice, who was born in Auglaize Township, this county, March 11, 1842, daughter of Samuel. and Mary (Shelenberger) Ice, natives of Pennsylvania, and who are among the early settlers of Auglaize Township, this county. To this union were born six children: Mary L., Charles E., Jennie A., Rison B., William G. and Harry H. Mr. Heffner has served the people of Jackson Township as trustee. He has for several years been identified with the Gertnan Reformed Church. In politics he is an active Democrat.

ELIJAH HELSER, farmer, P. O. Herring, was born in Perry County, Ohio, October 20, 1815; son of John Helser, a farmer, born in Virginia, and died in Perry County, where he was an early settler, and whose wife, Mary (Reisen), was also a native of Virginia. They were the parents of nine children: William (deceased), John, Daniel (deceased), Catherine

(deceased), Elijah, George, Peter, Levi and Mary. The Helser family are of German extraction, and their ancestors were among the colonists who settled in Virginia. Our subject was educated in the old subscription schools, and reared a farmer. LEarly io life he learned the trades of carpenter and cabinet-maker, which he followed in his native county about fourteen years, saving enough of his earnings during the time to buy 240 acres of wild land in this county, where he removed with his family in 1854. He has placed his land under a high state of cultivation, and in 1860 erected a large frame barn, which at that time was the best in the township. In 1875 he erected the second brick residence in the township. Mr. Helser has been an extensive stock grower, and is one of the substantial farmers of the county. He was married in 1841 to Eliza, daughter of Peter and Rebecca (Snyder) Eversole, and to this union were born nine children: John W. (married to Milly A. Sivitz), James G. (married to Sarah Long), Lemuel L. (married to Esther Ashum), Daniel O. (married to Ella Grant), Sarah A. (wife of F. R. Thompson, an M. D. in Nebraska), Melvina, George E., Jennie F. and Peter F. (deceased). Our subject is a charter member of JacksonGrange. In politics he is a Democrat, voting first for Van Buren.

SOLOMON HUBER, farmer, P. O. Bluffton, was born in Richland Township, this county, October 24, 1851, eldest son of Jacob and Annie (Depler) Huber, former a native of Germany, latter of Swiss descent, early settlers of Richland Township (both now deceased). They were the parents of six children: Solomon, John (deceased), Matilda (deceased), William W., Jacob D., and John T. Our subject received a limited common school edusation, and commenced farming and stock-raising at the age of twenty-one, which he has since followed on the farm where he still resides. Mr Huber is a public'spirited man and takes an active part in public enterprises and improvements, and deserves much credit for what he has done toward assisting in the development of this part of the county. As a farmer and stock-raiser, his aim is to excel, and a fine residence, substantial barn and cattle sheds bear testimony of his enterprise. He is an extensive breeder of and dealer in extra pure Poland- China hogs. Our subject was married September 12, 1875, to Mary M., daughter of Benjamin Franklin, born in Jackson Township, this county, January 26, 1856. Their only child now living, William Henry Perry, was born June 7, 1876; those deceased are Annie E. and Matilda A. Mr. Huber since 1872 has been.a member of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church; politically he -is a leader in the Democratic party. He has served two terms as road supervisor, and two years as school director, an office he still holds as clerk; is a member of township school board. In manner Mr. Huber is very quiet and peaceable, aiming to be the friend of all. He is highly respected by all who know him intimately, and stands among the best citizens of the township or county.

SAMUEL KNOBLE, dealer in stoves and tinware, Lafayette, was born in Switzerland, July 27, 1830, son of Frederick and Anna (Zeiset) Knoble (both deceased). Of their nine children six are now living: Elizabeth, Ann, Susannah, Samuel, Mary and John. Those deceased are Frederick, Mary M. and an infant. In 1834 our subject's parents immigrated to America, and in 1835 located in Wayne County, Ohio, where he grew to maturity. In early life he served an apprenticeship to the trade of tinsmith. In 1860 he removed to Allen County. and for three years was engaged in business at Beaver Dam, and then removed his stock to Lafayette, this county. where he has since continued'his business. and in 1876 took his eldest son, Henry, into partnership. In connection with the regular stock of stoves and tinware they handle agricultural implements, and make a specialty of rooting and spouting. In 1861, Mr. Knoble enlisted as musician in the Highty-tirst Ohio Volunteer Infantry Band, serving one year. Mr. Knoble was married.in 1854, to Jane E. Chitester, who was born at Mount Eaton, Wayne County, Ohio, July 10, 1831, and their children are Henry, Sarah E. (wife of J. L. Heath) and John G. telegraph operator. Henry was born March 27, 1855, married March 16, 1882 to Jennie Gansel, who bore him one child, Goldie, born March 16, 1883. Several years since our subject became a member of the Lodge, F. & A. M. at Massillon, Ohio, and at its organization became a charter member of Sager Lodge, 513, of Lafayette. He is identified with the Lutheran Church; politicaliy he is a Democrat. He bas held the offices of township clerk and recorder of the corporation.

JOHN LONES, farmer, P. O. Herring, was born in Fairfield County, Ohio, October 18, 1815, son of John and Mary Magdalene (Strickler) Lones. John Lones, the father of our subject, was born in Shenandoah County, Va., and died about 1843, aged fifty-seven years. He was a farmer by occupation, an early settler of Fairfield County, Ohio. His wife, a native of Pennsylvania, died about 1860, aged seventy-four years. They were parents of ten children, of whom eight grew to maturity: Catharine, Elizabeth, Leonard, Sarah, Lydia, Rebecca, John and Rose Ann; only three of this family are now living. Our subject was reared on a farm and obtained his education in the old subseription schools. In 1838 he removed to this county, where he purchasedeighty acres of land at $1.25 per acre. and he still resides upon the same to which he has added 160 acres. The old log hut which he erected within three weeks after his arrival in the county, is still standing, and is occupied by his son Levi. The one in which he now lives was_ built in 1850. Mr. Lones was one of the six founders of the Lutheran Church. He belonged to the old time militia both in Franklin and Allen Counties in an early day. He was married, November 18, 1847, to Elizabeth Baker, who was born in Perry County, Ohio, January 9, 1814; she died January 4, 1884. She was the mother of twelve children: Samuel, Mary J., Nancy (deceased), William, Henry, Julia A. (deceased), Levi, Lucinda, Michael (deceased), Daniel (deceased), Susan and Aaron, all of whom except two grew to maturity. Our subject has been a life-long supporter of the Democratic party.

MOSES McCLURER. farmer, P. O. Herring, was born in Allen County, Ohio, December 1, 1826; sun of Samuel and Margaret (Watt) McCluer. Samuel McCluer was born November 17, 1793, in Harrison County, Ky., where he lived till the war of 1812, in which he served as private. After the war he removed to Champaign County. Ohio. where he married Margaret Watt, who was born July 6, 1500. Samuel McCluer was a very influential man, sober and upright, quick to decide right from wrong, choosing the former. He would willingly divide with those in need,

For many years previous to his death, which occurred December 29, 1876, he was an active member of the Methodist Episcopal Church. His first wife bore him twelve children: Sarah A., Nathaniel, Mary, Thomas, Moses, Elizabeth, Nancy, Cynthia, Margaret, Samuel, Robert and an infant. By his second wife - Elizabeth Patterson, born in 1824 - he had eleven children: John, Catherine, Isabel, James, Esther, Eliza, Joseph, Newton, Alexander, Benjamin and William. Eleven of his twenty-three children are still living, also his second wife. Our subject was the first white child born in this county, and at the time of his birth the nearest neighbor known to his parents was thirty miles distant. He remained with his parents until his twenty-third year, assisting in clearing a large tract of land, having always lived within three miles of his birth-place. His education was neglected, the object being at that time rather how to obtain food and raiment. Since arriving at manhood Mr. McCluer has obtained a fair education, enabling him to transact all kinds of business ; he was administrator to his father's estate. His first real estate consisted of forty acres of wild land, which he has improved, as well as the additional 224 acres which he has made at intervals. He also owns 108 acres in Bath Township, which joins the old home farm. Our subject was married July 23, 1848, to Miss Elizabeth Murray, who was born in Highland County, Ohio, February 8, 1831, daughter of John Murray. She died March 7, 1855, having borne her husband four children, only two of whom were named: Martha (deceased) and Margaret T. Mr. McCluer was married October 18, 1855, on the second occasion, to Elizabeth K. Greer, of Montgomery County, Ohio, born January 18, 1836, daughter of Joshua and Rebecca (Pierson) Greer, of Kentucky and New Jersey respectively (they located in Bath Township, Allen County, in 1841). Mrs. McCiuer is the mother of eight children: John M. (married to Clarissa Dotson), Isaac (married to Margaret Dotson), Rebecca (wife of J. Sweeter), Robert W. (married to Cora Bresler), Samuel L., Joshua G., Moses A. and Cynthia A. Mr. McCluer owes no man. He is consulted upon and takes an active interest in all public improvements and enterprises, and has always been liberal in the support of public institutions. He wasa Whig originally, but since its birth a member of the Republican party. He offered his services to his country during the war, but was not accepted on account of disability. For eight years he has been a consistent member of the Protestant Methodist Episcopal Church.

HARRISON MALTBIE, retired preacher, Lafayette, was born in Montgomery County, Ohio, December 5, 1807; son of Benjamin Maltbie. He was reared on a farm, and completed his education at Lane Seminary, Cincinnati, Ohio. He joined the Presbyterian Church in 1828, and changed his membership to the Methodist Episcopal Church in 1842; was licensed to preach in 1844; ordained a deacon in 1851 ; entered the traveling connection in 1853 ; ordained an elder in 1857. He traveled as circuit preacher for twenty years in Allen, Hardin, Logan, Auglaize, Shelby, Mercer, Van Wert, Putnam and Hancock Counties, Ohio. In 1834 he purchased his first land in Shawnee Township, Allen County, and removed to the same with his family in 1847, they remaining there during his absence, while engaged in his professional duties.

He is now retired from active life, and become a supernumerary. Mr. Maltbie was married four times, first to Susannah Dowling, who bore him three children: Salas B., William F. and Margaret A.; second to Nancy J. Wilkinson, who bore him one son - Thomas A.; third to Emily J. Wilkinson, who bore him one child (deceased in infancy); and fourth, April 4, 1882, to Mrs. Ann Moore (maiden name Ann Lochead), born in Glasgow, Scotland, January 4, 1823 (she was thrice married, first to John Moore, second to Smith Moore, and by each of these had two children, all now deceased). Mr..Maltbie has spent about fifteen years of his life in the schoolroom as teacher; was county surveyor of Shelby County three years. '

ROBERT MEHAFFEY, real estate and stock dealer, Lafayette. Prominent among the self-made men of Allen County, is Robert Mehaffey, who was born in County Tyrone, Ireland, August 23, 1833. Until 1849 his life was spent upon a farm in his native land. In 1850 he arrived in America and took up his residence in Jackson Township, this county. His property at this time consisted of a sixpenny piece and a few articles in a valise. He attended school during the winter and labored during the summer, receiving as a compensation $6.00 per month. He came to Lafayette in 1852, and entered the employ of Dr. N. Sager, with whom he remained about seven years. He then purchased a stock of dry goods, and continued in business about eleven years, since when he has led a varied business career, dealing in real estate, farming, stock dealing, etc. Mr. Mehaffey waselected justice of the peaca and served as such six years. In 1869 he waselected as clerk of the court and performed the duties of that office two terms with honor. In January, 1875, he was elected president of the First National Bank, of Lima. Three years later he severed his connection with the bank, and for several years remained out of that line of business, but eventually re-entered the organization and became president of the Merchant's Bank, of Lima, which office he still retains. His real estate business is very extensive, as well as his live stock interests, having for about thirteen years been one of the largest dealers in short-horn cattle in the county. He filled the quota for men during the war of the Rebellion, and was instrumental in clearing the township from draft; was commissioned lieutenant-colonel of the state militia, under Gov. Tod. Mr. Mehaffey is a charter member of Sager Lodge, 513, F. & A. M., Lafayette. His brother, James, who accompanied him to America, died in St. Louis, about 1867. August 19, 1856, Mr. Mehaffey was united in marriage with Miss Mary E. Richardson, of Lima, who was born January 5, 1834. This union has been blessed with three children, William R. (with Moore Bros., Lima, Ohio), Edith Alice (wife of Dr. Hill, of Toledo, Ohio) and George Edgar, at home.

MICHAEL MURRAY, farmer, P. O., Beaver Dam, eldest son of John W. and Dorcas (Widmire) Murray, was born in Highland County, Ohio, November 24, 1826. After receiving a common school education he commenced farming, which has been the principal occupation of his life, and in which be has been very successful. Our subject was united in marriage November 6, 1851, with Miss Elizabeth Guthrie, who was born in Licking County. Ohio, March 17, 1838. Her death occurred February

11, 1881. This union was blessed with eleven children, Mary J., America A. (deceased), Emma S. (deceased), James B., Ellen, Sarah, John, Tabitha, Sydney, Lettie M. and an infant deceased. During the years 1863, 1864 our subject served as assessor of the township, and in 1866 was elected justice of the peace, which latter office he filled with honor to himself two successive terms. He is an active member of Liberty Grange and a consistent member of the Methodist Episcopal Church. Politically he is a Democrat.

JAMES W. MURRAY, farmer, P. O., Herring, was born on the farm which is still his home, August 18, 1838. His father, John W. Murray, was born in Pennsylvania in 1794, went to Highland County, Ohio, in 1807, came to this county in October, 1834, locating on Section 7, Jackson Township. He was a self-made man and very prominent in all public enterprises. He served as township trustee several times; although not in active service he was a volunteer in the war of 1812; his death occurred January 3, 1868. His wife, Dorcas (nee Widmire) Murray, was born in Virginia, March 20, 1808, and is still living. They had a family of ten children, Michael, SydnaJ., Elizabeth A. (deceased) John B., Robert R., James W., George W., William (deceased), and two infants deceased. Robert R. served three years in the Fourth Ohio Volunteer Cavalry, during the civil war. Our subject's education was limited to a few months each year in the common schools of the day, and farming has been the occupation of his life. He assisted in clearing the home farm, upon which he has made most of the modern improvements, in shape of buildings, ete. January 23, 1862, Mr. Murray married Miss Bridget C. Boyd, who was born in Tuscarawas County, Ohio, January 6, 1844, daughter of Robert and Catherine (Crager) Boyd, who came to this county in 1844, and are still living. By this union were born four children, James J.. Leonia F., Charlies KE. and Wilbur B. (latter deceased). Our subject served the township as assessor in 1874-75; he is an active member of Liberty Grange 686; for fifteen years he has been a consistent member of the Methodist Episcopal Church; in politics he is a Democrat.

SANFORD P. PHILLIPS, farmer, P. O. Bluffton, was born in Knox County, Ohio, April 17, 1547; son of James and Mary (Hughs) Phillips, natives of Knox County, Ohio, and Pennsylvania respectively, and residents of Richland Township, this county. They were parents of eight children: Levi, Allen, Nelson, Shannon, Sarah (wife of E. Huber), John, James and Sanford P. Our subject's education was limited to the common schools, and he has made farming the principal occupation of his life. He was brought to this county in 1852, and grew to maturity in Richland Township. He came to his present farm in 1871, cleared the same and placed it under a high state of cultivation. During the year 1882 he erected one of the finest dwellings in this part of the township. Mr. Phillips was married March 3, 1870, to Miss Mary Huber, daughter of William Huber, born in Richland Township, this county, January 20, 1850, and to this union have been born two children: William Arthur, born June 2, 1873, and James Archie, born January 20, 1879. Mr. and Mrs. Phillips also reared Sally Huber, a younger sister of Mrs. Phillips, who was born October 10, 1870. Mr. Phillips has for several years been

A. S. RUDY, physician and surgeon, Lafayette, was born in Auglaize Township, this county, December 5, 1855: son of Frederick and Mary (Staley) Rudy, natives of Miami County, Ohio, and who were among the early settlers of Allen County, former born December 4, 1809, still living in Auglaize Township; latter died in 1859, leaving seven children who grew to maturity: Jacob, Shepherd, Caroline (now deceased), Sylvester, Anna (now deceased), Albert and Alice. Our subject up to the age of nineteen years, was employed upon a farm and in attending the common schools of the neighborhood. During the fall of 1874 he attended the norma] schoo] at Ada, and taught school during the winter, his time being thus employed for several years, and about 1877 he became superintendent of the public schools at Westminster, Ohio, which position he held for a period of nine successive terms. He completed the scientific course at Ada, graduating in May 1881. Our subject had previously given bis attention to the reading of medicine, and continuing the same he attended his first course of lectures in the medical department of the Western Reserve University at Cleveland, Ohio. He entered the medical college of Ohio at Cincinnati, in September, 1883, graduating March 7, 1884. Having passed a very creditable examination he immediately entered on the practice of his profession at Lafayette, Ohio, where, through his thorough knowledge of and close attention to business, he has secured a practice justly due tu years of labor, showing that much confidence is placed in his skill as a physician and surgeon. During his practice the Doctor has not lost a patient, and has successfully treated severe cases of typhoid fever, congestion of the brain, etc. He became a member of Sager Lodge, No. 513, F.& A. M. in April 1880; was formerly member of an order of Sons of Temperance. Politically he is identified with the Republican party.

WILLIAM RUMBAUGH, farmer, P. O. Herring, was born in Bath Township, this county, July 9, 1834; son of William and Anna (Aldridge) Rumbaugh, of German and Scotch descent, respectively. William Rumbaugh, Sr., was born in Virginia, August 6, 1792, and moved to Greene County, Ohio, at an early date with his parents, and came to Allen County in 1828, moving his family three years later. During the war of 1812 he was in camp twelve days, but was not mustered in. He was an enterprising, kind-hearted, benevolent man. He lived to see his twelve children married, dying January 8, 1868. His widow, who was born in Pennsylvania, December 11, 1799, is still living. 'Their children were Jacob (deceased), Samuel (deceased), Mary, Benjamin, Elizabeth, Uriah (deceased), Lucinda, George, William, John, Anna (deceased), and Irena. Our subject remained upon the home farm until he was twentythree years of age. Soon after his marriage he turned his attention to learning the cooper trade, which fur twenty years was his chief eccupation. Three years he engaged in mercantile business, and four years owned and operated a grist-mill at Lafayette. Owing to ill-health he eventually returned to agricultural pursuits, and in March, 1878, moved on his present highly cultivated farm of 187 acres, where he makes buying and selling stock a specialty. February 22, 1857, Mr. Rumbaugh married Miss Anner O. Bryte, a native of Ashland, Ohio, born October 22, 1836, daughter of David Bryte, who was born in Fayette County, Penn., in December, i806, and whose parents a year later moved to Jefferson County, Ohio. He, David Bryte, followed teaching several years, and was twice sheriff of Richland County, Ohio. He was one of the first infirmary directors of Allen County, where he lived a few years. He was a zealous Christian and an ardent Democrat; at his death his loss was universally mourned. His first wife, nee Mary Van Ostrain, lived but a short time; his second wife, nee Wealthy Slocum, was a descendaut of Anthony Slocum, one of the forty-six original purchasers of the territory of Cohasset, now in Massachusetts. Mrs. Bryte was born in New York, January 16, 1816, and is still living, the mother of sevenchildren: Anna O., Eliza (deceased), Harriet, Hannah (deceased), Amanda, John (deceased), and Alice A. To the union of our subject and wife were born two children: Charies V. (a reporter for the Daily Republican of Lima), and Tully A. Mrs. Rumbaugh taught twenty-five terms in the common school and seven terms in the high school after her marriage. While in town our subject was for several years a member of the council and school board, and held other offices of trust. He enlisted in the 100 days' service in Company G. Fifty-first Ohio National Guards, and served for the term of his enlistment; he was at Fort Reno in defense of Washington. For many years he has been a zealous Christian and Sabbathschool worker. In politics he is a Republican.

NEWTON SAGER, physician, Lafayette, Ohio, born in Union County, Ohio, October 31, 1817, isa son of Henry and Lovina (Haines) Sager, natives of Virginia, who became early settlers of Union County, Ohio. Henry was a farmer and blacksmith, be died about 1838, aged forty-seven years. His widow's death occurred in 1879. Four of their eight children are now living. Newton Sager's early life was spent on a farm, he receiving the foundation of his subsequent education in the common schools, and when nineteen years of age, entered Oxford University where he received a literary education. He afterward read medicine in Pleasant Valley, Madison Co., Ohio, and graduated from the old Jefferson Medical University in 1843. He immediately entered upon the practice of his profession in Lafayette, Jackson Township, this county, where he has since resided. At that early date his ride extended many miles,the first settlements being scarce and practitioners correspondingly so. With the increase of population the call for his services also advanced and for months at a time he prescribed for as many as forty or fifty patients in a day, and could not possibly visit them oftener than once in two days. At times it was quite difficult to obtain supplies. This being a malarious district, quinine was in great demand, and the supply at one time both in Lima and Kenton having been exhausted, the doctor was obliged to goto Piquato purchase. As the demand for new remedies and drugs increased his stock eventually developed into a drug store, which he has managed for several years in connection with his professional duties. Hehas several times served the people as treasurer, and politically has for years been considered a leader ofthe Democratic party in this vicinity; he has always taken an active part in all public enterprises, especially those for the advancement of educational privi- leges; has been liberal also in the support of religious institutions, though not identified with any denomination. He joined the order of F. & A.M. at Lima, soon after the organization of the lodge at that place, and is a charter member of Sager Lodge at Lafayette, Ohio, which lodge he was instrumental in having established and which was named in his honor. The doctor came to this county a widower, having been previously married to Miss Hannah, daughter of Daniel Custard, of Lima, she died in 1840, leaving a daughter - Areneta, since deceased. The doctor was married, on the second occasion, to Miss Bethiah Gilbert, of Vermont, born in 1824. This union has been blessed with six children who grew to maturity: Newton Jr., Norvel (deceased), a graduate of Wesleyan University of Deleware, Annetta (wife of Wesley Biteman), Lovina (wife of D. Kinsley), Norton, a farmer, Mary Bell (wife of Geo. B. Muir). Perhaps no man has done more for the development of this part of Allen County than Dr. Sager, and to his efforts is due the locating, in a direct line, the Pittsburg, Ft. Wayne & Chicago Railroad from upper Sandusky to Lima.

NEWTON SAGER, Jr., physician, Lafayette, was born in Jackson Township, this county, December 18, 1847, son of N. Sager. From the high school of the county our subject passed a year of study in Baldwin University, at Berea, Ohio, and having previously read medicine with his father he took several courses of lectures at Ann Abbor, Mich., graduating in the medical department of Wooster University, at, Cleveland, Ohio, in 1871. He immediately entered upon the practice of his profession in his native place. where he has gaineda leading practice by a thorough knowledge of, and close attention to, business, and much confidence is placed in his skill as a physician and surgeon. © He is an enthusiastic entomologist, and having given a great deal of time to the study of this branch of natural history, has perhaps the choicest collection of specimens in northwestern Ohio. Dr. Sager was married, April 4, 1871, to Sarah M. Hughs, born December, 1, 1847, daughter of Hiram and Emily Hughs, of Knox County, Ohio, and to this union were born two children: Grace, born June 29, 1873, and Georgie, born, August 30, 1876. Our subject became a F. & A. M. in Ada, and was a charter member of Sager Lodge, 013, Lafayette. He has been treasurer of the township two years; is an active member of the Democratic party.

JACOB STEMPLE, farmer, P. O. Ada, Hardin County, was born in Carroll County, Ohio, July 28, 1826. Jacob Stemple, father of our subject. was a native of Virginia, born in 1792. He served in the war of 1812, under Gen. Harrison, and was captain of early militia companies of Carroll and Columbiana Counties, where he removed from Virginia in 1816; was also a justice of the peace several years. He died in 18d9. Eve Easterday, his wife, was born in Jefferson County, Ohio, in 1797; died in 1850. They were parents of eleven children: Catherine, Susan (deceased), Martin, David. Jacob, Louisa (deceased), Eve, Melancton (deceased), Levi, Barbara aud Milton (the latter served three years in the war of the Rebellion in the Hightieth Ohio Volunteer Infantry), and David, who is now a resident of Carroll County, Ohio, was in the LOU days' service Ohio National Guards, with our subject. Jacob Stemple, Jr., remained with his parents until he was twenty-five years of age, at which time he'entered on his career in life as a farmer. He came to this county in 1849, and located on land he had purchased from his father, to whom the land grant was made in 1835. He has improved a farm of 120 acres, having placed the same under a high state of cultivation. During the Rebellion, Mr. Stemple enlisted in Company G, and was soon transferred to Company A, One Hundred and Fifty-first Ohio National Guards, in 100 days' service, under command of Col. Marble, of Delphos, Ohio, with Capt. King, and was stationed at Fort Reno, in defence of Washington. Our subject was married, March 5, 1855, to Miss Mary Earnst, who was born in Carroll County, Ohio, May 21, 1885. She has borne him ten children: Elizabeth A. (wife of J. H. Smith), Luther M. (deceased), Milton A. (married to Jennie Shaw), John L., Margaret L. (wife of S. Snyder), Emma S., Clara A. (wife of F. Jennings), Sarah J., Mary L. and Jacob O. Mrs. Stemple is a daughter of Lazarus and Margaret (Harsh) Earnst, natives of Maryland and Pennsylvania respectively, early settlers of Carroll County, Ohio, parents of nine children: Hannah (deceased), Nancy, Daniel (deceased), Susan, Abraham, John (deceased), Elizabeth (deceased), Mary and Sarah (latter deceased). Mr. Stemple has been a consistent member of the Lutheran Church since 1843. In politics he was originally a Whig, but has been an adherent of the Republican party since its organization.

FRANKLIN URICH, merchant, Lafayette, was born in Mahoning County, Ohio, March 7, 1841, son of David and Ann (Eckenrode) Urich (former deceased), natives of Pennsylvania, and who were among the very early settlers of Mahoning County, Ohio. They had a family of ten children, of whom Franklin is the fifth. Until our subject was twelve years of age, his life was spent on a farm and in attending school. He then worked at the tailor's trade two years, then for three years was engaged in printing, and from that time until he arrived at maturity he followed farming. He then removed to Hardin County, and for two years was again engaged in tailoring. He next formed a partnership with Mr. Reese, of Ada, that county, to whom he sold his interest about eleven years later, and for three years was in the clothing business at the same place. He also spent two or three years in the grocery trade, after which he purchased a farm and turned his attention to agricultural pursuits. Tiring of this, he re-entered the dry goods business; came to Lafayette, this county, in 1875, and there gained a leading place in mercantile business. -Our subject was married, July 11, 1869, to Miss Mary E. Maguire, who was born near Maysville, Ky., December 11, 1847. They have two children: Bert and Clifford. Mrs. Urich is a daughter of Viers and Sarah (Cochrun) Maguire, early settlers of Allen County, Ohio, the former killed in the army, the latter still living. Mr. Urich was township clerk two years and mayor of the town one year and a half, and has been a member of the council. He has been a F. & A. M. several years. In politics he isa Democrat. He is a regular attendant of the Methodist Episcopal Church.

CHARLES WAMSLEY, proprietor of restaurant and confectionery, Lafayette, was born in Ottawa Township, this county, December 7, 155%, son of J. B. Wamsley, of Lima. He finished his education in a commercial course ai Duff's Commercial College in Allegheny City, Penn. Having served an apprenticeship to the jewelry trade, he embarked in business at Ada, Ohio, in 1877. Two years later he sold out, and for three years following was engaged in the boot and shoe business at the same place. He then removed to Lafayette, this county, where he has since been engaged in the restaurant and confectionery line. At the spring election of town officers he was elected mayor. Mr. Wamsley was married, May 28, 1882, to Miss Lulu, daughter of William Watt, born November 21, 1864, and to this union was born February 19, 1SS4, one daughter - Madge. Our subject has been a member of K. of H. about three years. In politics he is a Republican. ;

ROBERT WATT, farmer, P. O. Herring, was born in Champaign County, Ohio, November 16, 1827, and was brought to this county by his parents in 1829. Samuel! Watt, the father of our subject, was a native of Kentucky, and in 1812 became a resident of Champaign County, Ohio. While employed in digging a well he took cold, and became a cripple for the balance of his life, but although so conditioned he took an active part in military affairs during the Mexican war, and for years was captain of the Light Horse Guards in company with Capt. Stots, under command of Gen. Blackburn; he died in July, 1881, in Iowa, where for thirty years be had resided. His first wife Olive Walton, died about 1841; she was a native of Canada. They had eight children: Deborah, Harriet, Christina, Nancy, Thomas, James (deceased), Samuel (deceased) and Robert. By his second wife, nee Mary Greer, Mr. Watt had the following children: John, Samuel, Olive, Lydia, Sydney, Sarah Francis, all living. The earliest recollectious of our subject are of Allen County, and he has been active in keeping pace with the improvements which have taken place. His early life was employed in hard labor, and his education was necessarily limited. While a barefooted boy he drove a team of oxen, employed in hauling stone for the old court house. He is an energetic, enterprising farmer, and has placed his farm under the best of cultivation; the buildings are of the best, and all the surroundings denote thrift. He has reared a good many horses for market, in addition to raising crops, and for fifteen years he has been an extensive contractor, building pikes. Mr. Watt was married, March 29, 1848, to Miss Eye Staley, born in Pickaway County, Ohio, May 13, 1827, daughter of Jacob and Eunice Staley, of Virginia (former deceased), and who were parents of seven children: Elizabeth, Eve, Jemima, John, Eunice, Jacob and Hannah. To Mr. and Mrs. Watt have been born seven children: Olive (deceased), Samuel, James, Marion, William, Jacob, and an infant deceased. In politics our subject is a leading Jight in the Democratic

WILLIAM WATT, merchant, Lafayette, was born in Jackson Township, this county, April 4, 1839, son of William and Elizabeth (Hawk) Watt, early settlers of Allen County, Ohio; the former a native of Brown County, Ohio, and at one time judge of the court, Lima, died in October, 18388, aged forty years; the latter, born in Maysville, Ky., died November 14, 1883, aged eighty-nine years. They were the parents of ten children: John, Susannah, Mary, Sarah, Willis. Elspy, Margaret, Samnel, Eliza J. and William. Our subject remained upon the farm until sixteen years of age. when he entered the employ of Dr. N. Sager, with whom he remained nine'years. He was then employed by a Mr. Fisher till 1872, when he formed a partnership with J. W. Umbaugh, and the firm selling out in 1875, Mr. Watt has since conducted the business for his own account, his stock consisting of nearly everthing needed by the farming community. The better to accommodate his trade he erected in 1879, a large two-story frame building, with three store-rooms. He also erected, the year previous, a fine brick residence. During the Rebellion he enlisted in Company F, Fourth Ohio Volunteer Cavalry, in February, 1864, and remained in the service till the close of the war. Our subject was married, June 17, 1860, to Miss Sarah Cloore, born in Pickaway County, Ohio, January 7, 1838, daughter of Daniel and Thursa (Ewing) Cloore, both deceased. By this union were born five children: Walter, Lulu (wife of Charles Wamsley), Arthur, Pert and Harry. Mr. Watt has been a member of the Christian Church for several years. Politically he is identified with the Democratic party. He hasserved the township as clerk, and is the present treasurer. He has also held the position of freight, ticket and express agent of the Pittsburgh, Fort Wayne & Chicago Railroad fourteen years.

_ JOHN C. WINGATE, farmer, P. O. Herring, was born in Carroll County, Ohio, March 28, 1819. Isaac B. Wingate, his father, was born in Delaware, aud was an early settler of Carroll County, Ohio, coming to this county in 1848. He was a carriage-maker by trade, but in later days afarmer. Hoe served in the war of 1812 asa private; died in 1870, aged seventy-seven years. His wife, nee Ursela Crist, died August 28, 1849, aged fifty years. Their children were John C., Nicholas, Eliza, Susannah, Delila, Martha, Cyrus, Aaron, Samuel, Isaac B., and an infant deceased. Our subject obtained a limited education, and when nineteen years of age commenced working as a hired hand. In 1855 he purchased his first real estate in Allen County, consisting of seventy-five acres of wild land, which, by much labor and diligence, he has converted into afinefarm. Hewasa private in the Ohio National Guards, during the war of the Rebellion, but was not called into activeservice. February 20, 1840, Mr. Wingate married Miss Lucinda Alford, who was born in Jefferson County, Ohio, December 6, 1823, daughter of George and Mary (Tope) Alford, early settlers of Jefferson County, Ohio, natives of Maryland. To this union have been born seven children: Lemuel, born December 18, 1840, died in hospital at Nashville, Tenn., February 10, 1863; Elizabeth, wife of Isaac Bowers, born January 11, 1848; Melissa, wife of J. Beach, born April 21, 1845; Isaac, born July 22, 1847; Susan, wife of William Clark, born September 17, 1849; Mary E., widow of J. Larue, born December 15, 1853, and Joseph S., born April 23, 1858. For a period of over forty years our subject has been a consistent member of the Methodist Episcopal Church, and an active sabbath-school worker. Politically he was once a Democrat, but joined the Know-Nothing party, and since its day has been a stanch Republican.

Source changes here: from History of Allen County, Ohio, and Representative Citizens, by Miller, Charles Christian, published 1906; 8,240 words in this source stream.

Jackson Township

This township was organized by the commissioners' board June 6, 1831. It is a large tract of very valuable land - one of the richest in Allen County. The first survey was somewhat larger than the present township. Originally it included all of township 3 south, range 8 east, the eastern half of township 3 south, range 7 east, and the northern tier of sections of township 4 south, range 8 east, and contin- -uation of that line in range 7. But in December, 1833, Auglaize and Perry townships claimed their sections, and the next year, December, 1834, Bath claimed her eastern sections, and the township was then organized as a congressional township under her original name, Jackson.

The soil is a rich variety, from light sand and gravel to heavy clay. The township has a large number of beautiful creeks and small streams, all flowing into the Ottawa River. The soil is under excellent cultivation and the farmers are progressive and highly educated in the arts of agriculture. In their midst is a thriving grange, the largest in the county, with a commodious hall and all the conveniences for entertaining large gatherings. A first-class lecture course is maintained here each year, during the winter months.

The roads are all graveled, and carefully repaired as needed. In fact the roads of this township are noted throughout the county. The Pittsburg, Fort Wayne & Chicago Railway passes through the township, and furnishes ample shipping and transportation facilities. In a very short time the township will have an excellent electric line. For many years the stone quarries have been extensively worked and many thousands of dollars added to the general wealth of the township.

And Representative Citizens

Pioneers. - The pioneers of this township were very early upon the ground. We find that Jacob Hawk in 1827 purchased the first parcel of land within the present limits of the township, and began life in the wilderness. Along with him as pioneers came the following sturdy sons of toil and hewers of fortune, whose names are found on the list of taxpayers in this township in 1834 (which was the first assessment roll) : Alex. Allison, Matthew Allison, Jacob Bresler, George Balsinger, George Barber, . Hector Carlisle, John Claybaugh, James Carter, Chauncey Curtiss, Jacob Elder, Eyre Edgecomb, Urich Edgecomb, Jeremiah Evans, Jethro Fisher, Silas Faurot, Jacob Hawk, John Hall, Anthony Hall, Richard Hall, Joseph Hall, James Hall, James W. Hall, John Jamieson, Samuel Jamieson, Elijah Jones, Samuel McCafferty-, Benjamin Meek, Joseph Mash, Samuel McClure, Moses McClure, George May, William Neeley, Elizabeth Neeley, Thomas Nash, Silas Osman, Enos Paulin, Samuel Patterson, James Prosser, John Robinson, William Rumbaugh, David Rumbaugh, William Reese, William Roberts, J. Rumbaugh, James Rumbaugh, William Rains, John Staley, Jacob Staley, Peter Staley. Jr., Melchoir Staley, Peter Staley, Robert Snodgrass, David Sasseton, Lemuel Tucker, William Watt, James Watt, Adam White, Tobias Wood, Samuel Watt, Joseph G. Walton, Daniel Woollett, Abram Ward, William Ward, John B. Walton, Joseph Ward, Philip Woollett and George White.

Schools. - For the honor of being the first school teacher of Jackson township there are two claimants. The first of these. Thomas Hull, is said to have taught in a schoolhouse in section 24 in 1833.

Opposed to this is the statement of Mrs. Nancy Ann (Vincent) Cunningham, that she presided over the first school (District No. 6) in 1838 and in 1839 taught school in a deserted cabin east of the present village of La- Fayette. She further states that her father's (YVilliam Vincent) house was generally used for religious meetings, there being neither school nor church buildings in the township in 1837 nor even for some years later.

And Community By Mrs. Mary E. Mehaffey

Dr. N. Sager was among the early settlers of LaFayette, and practiced medicine for many years, and until his son, Dr. Newton Sager, Jr., succeeded him. In the early days he was considered a fine physician, and had an extensive practice for miles around, traveling through dense forests and over rough roads. He was a man of few words, kind, gentle and refined in every movement, and no gossip, in . the sick room or out of it, ever escaped his lips.

The Doctor owned a large general store, and the patronage was from far and near. This general store was carried on by worthy young men of the community, who afterward were prominent in business circles for their industry, integrity and moral worth. Outside of the general store, Dr. Sager carried on an ashery, where the early settlers found a ready market for the ashes gathered from the log' heaps of oak, walnut and other valuable timbers. The field ashes brought two cents a bushel in trade, and the house ashes brought three cents a bushel. From these ashes large quantities of black salts, pearl ash and soda were manufactured by leaching, burning, grinding, mixing and the application of a process known only to the employees in the factory. The products above-named were sent to market in New York City, and were started on their way by being hauled to Forest, Ohio, to be shipped from there on the Mad River Railroad to Sandusky City, and thence, on Lake Erie, to their destination. Dr. Sager took the same route to the city to lay in his spring and winter goods. Robert Mehaffey, a young man not yet out of his teens, from County Tyrone, Ireland, had charge of the ashery, and was one of the general-utility men working in the interests of Dr. Sager's affairs. In after years, by economy, industry and good habits, he established for himself quite a name in the affairs of home, county and State. Also at this date a young man, Jacob Grubb, utilized some of the forces that ran the ashery, and managed a carding machine, which brought forth, from the woo! of the black and white sheep, black and white rolls, which the mothers and wives spun and wove into blankets and clothing for the household.

Mary E. Richardson, in June, 1851, taught school in District No. 5, one and one-half miles from the "cross-roads" village of LaFayette. Forty-two pupils were enrolled, of whom 21 were Halls. There being so many of the same name, they had, for convenience' sake, to be designated as "William," "Devil Bill ' and "Little Bill;" "Big Joe," "Little Joe" and "Monkey Joe." The Akermans came next in point of numbers. Henry Akerman, one of the pupils, was the father of Prof. E. C. Akerman, who is now superintendent of the Bluffton schools, and who was recently elected to the auditorship of Allen County.

The boys of the school were fond of athletic sports, such as climbing the tallest forest trees and indulging in other harmless amusements, which were beneficial to their physical and mental development. The schoolhouse that Miss Richardson occupied was built of logs, and the article of agreement with the Board of Education at the time it was built was, that it

Article of agreement made & entered into this 23rd day of May, 1851, by & between Miss Mary E. Richardson, School Teacher, and we the undersigned householders of School District No. five Jackson Township, the Said Miss Richardson Doth hereby agree to teach School in said district for the term of three months for the sum of twenty dollars & boarding to take up school at nine o'clock A. M. & dismiss at four o'clock P. M., allowing reasonable time for exercise term to commence on Monday the 2nd June next, and the undersigned agree to furnish said teacher a house wherein to teach & fuel, board her and pay her at the expiration of said term the said twenty dollars; we further agree to pay in proportion to the number of scholars by us subscribed and sent to said school Respectively & further we hereby authorize constitute & appoint Thomas H. Young, Peter Staley & Wm. Akerman to collect & pay over to said Teacher her hire as aforesaid:

The most difficult task at that time was: going about among the patrons of the school, as the teacher had to "board around." The latch-string was always out and the teacher received the kindest treatment, but the difficulty was in going through the dense forests, with only a little, narrow, marked-out path, with snakes frequently crossing it and all kinds of insects flying about ; yet by the wayside were flowers which brought one in touch with Nature, and God's handiwork so Divine, that difficulties were lost sight of.

lie highways, with just enough of the old landmarks still remaining to make things beautiful and picturesque, some of the old spots of beauty that time has not effaced ; when we note our railroad, and soon-to-be traction line paralleling it and all other facilities of travel through the village of LaFayette, and our public improvements, such as commodious schoolhouses and churches, beautiful homes on the old hunting grounds of the Indians, we are led to exclaim what great things have come to pass, through human energy and industry, in our village and community !

Rev. Corbet, whose parents were natives of England, came to our village in i860 to accept a call to St. Paul's Evangelical Lutheran Church, in the vicinity of LaFayette. He was a graduate of Wittenberg College, Pennsylvania, and has also taken a course in the theological seminary at Wittenberg. Mr. Corbett was pastor of the church for 20 years. He was also a member of the School Board for an equal number of years and was well fitted for the prominent positions he held.

In March, 1868, the village of LaFayette was incorporated, with M. C. Mumaugh as mayor. Afterward Mr. Mumaugh was nominated by the Republican party in his Congressional district for Congress. LaFayette Rosecrans, a member of the first Council, was a nephew of General Rosecrans, and often talked with his most intimate friends concerning the leading characteristics of his uncle, in his home, civil and military life. A prominent family, by the name of Lybrand, lived on a farm near the village of LaFayette, and were known far and wide in intelligent social and religious circles. They had one beautiful daughter, and several interesting sons. Samuel Lybrand, the eldest son, was also a member of the first Council, and was a fine business man and a Christian gentleman. The Lybrands later on moved to Delaware, Ohio, to educate their daughter and their younger sons in the Ohio Wesleyan University. Archibald Lybrand, one of the older sons, was elected to Congress from that congressional district.

lives of the great are the heritage of the ages." In 1850 they moved to Lima. In 1853 Robert Mehaffey attended school in Lima, and boarded with Mr. and Mrs. Fulton. In the spring of that year the Fultons concluded to move to Iowa. Mr.- Fulton went on ahead, to arrange for the family's coming, and as Robert Mehaffey was going to Mount Pleasant, Iowa, he accompanied Mrs. Fulton and the children, by ' way of Toledo, to Chicago, where he carried across the city to the Rock Island Depot the little son Charles, who wore a little brown cloak, fastened with a button under the chin. After their departure, Robert Mehaffey left on the Burlington Railroad for Mt. Pleasant. Later on the Fultons moved to Oregon, and their son Charles, who wore the brown cloak, was elected United States Senator. The Senator has three brothers - two lawyers and one physician - and a sister who married a banker.

The history of Lafayette and vicinity would not be complete unless mention was made of Prof. Simon D. Fess, who in his boyhood days worked for his board and clothes at the home of Joseph Fisher, and attended the winter school in the Fisher district, near the village. Professor Fess made his way through the Ohio Normal University at Ada with honors, and was for many years a professor in the same institution. While in the university, he was identified with church work, and with every good movement to raise the standard of right living. During these years he was establishing for himself a great name in the educational, literary and religious world.

Professor Fess has, many times, delivered addresses in LaFayette, on various topics, but never did he appear before an audience here, that he did not attribute his great success in life to the fatherly care of the late Joseph Fisher. He is now editor of " World's Events" magazine.

It is said by our railroad agent that there is more travel to and from LaFayette, than from any town of its size cn route from Pittsburg to Chicago. The postmaster and the postal service men say that there is more reading matter taken at LaFayette, than at any other town of its size on the railroad route mentioned above, and it is said that the school library con-

LaFayette and community contributed many men to the military service of Ohio, and we now have, on one of our village avenues, a fine monument to our heroic dead who served in the War of the Rebellion.

Our benevolent organizations - the Masons, Eastern Star, Odd Fellows, and Rebekahs - have each a very large membership, with fine headquarters of their own, and their works of benevolence are worthy of commendation.

In the early history of the churches, the circuit rider had large parishes. He was a welcome guest in the log-cabin homes and in the log schoolhouses, where he preached the Gospel to the people who came from miles around to hear him. Now, the same Gospel is preached in beautiful, commodious and modern churches. Credit should be given to the ladies' aid societies, through whose untiring energy and zeal means have been secured to repair, refurnish, and beautify the interiors of churches. This coming summer, the Lutherans are contemplating building a church on a lot centrally located, and the Ladies' Aid Society of that church will contribute many dollars toward the church and its furnishing.

Next summer a new High School Building will be erected on the site of the present building, and, from the plans specified, it is apparent that it will add greatly to the attractiveness of LaFayette, and will be a credit to the special school district.

Forty-five years ago a society of the Sons of Temperance was organized in our village, and during its stay it greatly educated public sentiment against the liquor traffic. It was succeeded by the Murphy movement, and later on by the Good Templars. Each organization strengthened and expanded the gospel of total abstinence from all intoxicating liquors. Then came the "Temperance Crusade" in Ohio, begun on December 23, 1873. 1,1 Hillsboro, with a power of baptism from on high, that brought into existence, from the burning timbers of the crusade, the Woman's Christian Temperance Union, proclaiming, with its banners unfurled to the breeze, that the saloon was doomed. In Feburary) 1874, the Christian women of La- Fayette caught the crusade spirit ; the pastors of the churches and the Christian laymen stood with and back of them in their Christian endeavor, and helped them to make arrangement for the holy warfare. Each day for weeks they met at the churches for a prayer service, and from there went by twos to visit the saloons and the tavern where spirituous liquors were kept. They knelt around the curbstones, on the pavement and on the doorsills; and on one of those cold wintry days, after a season of prayer and song, the keeper of the tavern invited the Crusaders in; weeping like a child, he asked forgiveness for his discourteous treatment of them, and helped the beloved women of God to pour out into the street kegs of brandy, whiskey, and wine. The next day the regular saloon-keepers surrendered. The days before their surrender there were solemn processions, "Not a drum was heard, not a funeral note;" but after the surrender all was joyous ii>| the streets, in the homes and in the churches; bells were rung, drums were beaten, and the voices of the people sang aloud the praises of Him through whom the victory was gained. In a few days it will be 32 years since the saloons of LaFayette surrendered, and they were the first in the county. To keep this crusade spirit intact, the first Woman's Christian Temperance Union was organized in the county, and to-day the "White Ribboners" of LaFayette are in touch with the county. State, national, and world work, which has led on, not to triumphs, but to sacrifices from which they "shrink not, neither do they falter." The old Crusaders are the women who taught their sons and daughters the truths of total abstinence; to reverence truth and virtue in manhood and womanhood. Happy indeed is the village where there are still remaining some of the old crusade mothers, such as Mrs. Bethia Sager and Mrs. Caroline Crane, aged respectively 86 and S3 years, who can be counted in the civic make-up as being interested in the purity of the homes and Christian citizenship, together with all other members of the Woman's Christian Temperance Union, which has so definitely divided the people into ranks, either for or against the liquor traffic. The VV. C. T. U. of LaFayette belongs to that great army that

Forming the northwestern division of the county, is bounded on the north by Putnam and on the west by Van Wert County. It has an area of 42 square miles.

The Auglaize River enters the township in its southwest quarter, flows north and leaves the county in section 21, town 2 south, range 5 east. The river at this point is an important stream, running between steep banks in some places and through broad bottom lands in other places. In the valley of the Auglaize the surface is much broken, yet exceedingly fertile.

The lands of the township are admirably adapted to agriculture. For many years the early settlers were content with their small clearings. At present many large farms mark the progress of this district.

The township of Marion, as originally constituted, was set off from the north end of Amanda township in December, 1833, by the commissioners of Allen County acting on a petition presented to them that year by the settlers in township 3 south, range 5 east. When the counties of this district were redistricted in 1848, the south half of the original township of Marion was added to the north half of Amanda under the name "Amanda," while the south half of township 2 south, range 5 east, was taken from Jennings township in Putnam County, added to the north half of original township 3 south, range 5 east, and set off under the name "Marion." At the same time six sections were taken from the northeast part of the original town of Jennings, in Van Wert County (township 3 south, range 4 east), and added to the reorganized town of Marion, giving this township an area of 42 square miles, and making it coextensive in area with the

Pioneers. - The following is a list of the first taxpayers of Marion township, in 1834: Barnabus Coon, Benjamin Cochran, William Cochran, Daniel Ivnoop, Isaac Knoop, Samuel Moore, Samuel Miller, Jacob Miller, Jesse Miller, Samuel Mannion, Sylvester Woollery, Norman Washburn and John Waggoner. Lands were valued at $220 and personal property at $672, yielding a tax of $9.81. In 1843 butter was 43 cts. per pound ; wheat 40 cts. per bushel; corn, 12 cts. per bushel; cows $8.00 per head; horses $40. Wages for men 25 cts, per day, except during the harvest when they received 50 cts. Corn bread was baked on a board before a fire made of logs and was the principal article of food. The year 1843 was the coldest ever experienced in this country. Henry Moennig came to Delphos in 1848 and built himself a log cabin on what is now the Methodist Church property. He selected a spot where stood a large stump, which he could use as a table, and built his cabin around it.

Schools. - There were 13 teachers in Marion township in 1904-05, outside of the two special districts, Delphos and Landeck, as follows: James I. Peltier, Cora Burkholder, S.

T. J. Ludwig, C. C. Ludwig, Iva Lutz, L. Earl Ludwig, C. A. Morris, Dwight Judkins, E. E. Zuercher and Clara Landisk. The valuation of the school property of the country schools is $6,000; of Delphos, $80,000; and of Landeck, $4,500. The enrollment of pupils in Marion township is 488 ; in Delphos, 765 ; in Landeck, 155, making a total attendance in the township of 1,408.

Village of Landeck. - This is a small village located on sections 3 and 10, township 3 south, range 4 east. It is a local center of trade. The Catholic Church of St. John the Baptist, which is the chief point of interest of the town, is one of the finest in the county. The movement to organize a church at Landeck was begun in 1866, the father of the movement being Peter Gengler, a zealous member of the

Catholic Church. He soon interested others, and a frame building was erected on a lot donated by Sebastian Ley, under the direction of Rev. F. Westerholt, who came to Landeck at stated seasons from Delphos. , At that time Landeck had about 40 Catholic residents. Father Maesfranc was appointed pastor in 1868. In the following year Rev. C. Seltzer became the regular pastor; he was succeeded by Rev. F. Brem and he in turn by Rev. J. B. Heiland. Rev. Dominic Zinsmayer, the present incumbent, was the next regular pastor of the church after Father Heiland. Father Zinsmayer, who assumed charge of the church on September 15, 1894, at once set about the erection of a new church, which has cost nearly $40,000. It is constructed of brick with stone trimmings in the Gothic style of the 13th century. The steeple is 150 feet high. The interior of the church, a view of which is shown on another page of this work, is architecturally beautiful and is adorned with rare works of art of Scriptural design. The church has a seating capacity of 750. It has been conceded that this church and its very fine furnishings has not an equal outside of the large cities. The windows in particular, gifts from different members of the congregation, are most beautiful. The present church edifice was dedicated July 31, 1904, by Bishop Hartsman, of Cleveland. The corner-stone was laid in 1902. In 1877 the parochial residence was built, replacing the former one destroyed by fire. A new brick schoolhouse has recently been built to accommodate 52 pupils - this is but one of the four schools that the parish supports. The congregation includes 115 families at present.

The city of Delphos or "Section Ten," as it was formerly called, is located in the counties of Allen and Van Wert, the Miami and Erie Canal forming the dividing line. In 1828 the United States government gave to the State of Ohio, on condition that it would build a canal from Dayton to Defiance on the Auglaize River, all the even-numbered sections of land along the proposed route. Under the direction of Samuel Forver, three different routes were surveyed, one along the Auglaize, the one adopted, and one three miles west of the one adopted. The present location was agreed upon after some difficulty and immediately there was a rush for lands. Some of the early pioneers were Josiah Clawson, Judge Cochran, William Scott, John McGill and Benjamin Cochran. From the German settlement near old Fort Jennings came Ferdinand Bredeick who purchased land for himself and also for his brother, John Otto Bredeick, who was yet in the fatherland. Theodore Wrocklage, Bernard Esch, Conrad Loudeck, Casper Geise,. Mathias Schroeder, George Wilte, Conrad Wellman, Henry Lanse, Henry Schroeder, Caspar Mesker, Caspar Luesmann, C. D. Geise, M. Hemker, F. Reinemeyer, John Grothaus, D. Kariman, H. Linderman and Mrs. Osenbach were early settlers in the northwest part of Marion township.

The first road through Delphos was opened by William Scott and William Brady and passed through the "Ten Mile Woods" as it was then called. Between Scott's farm and Van Wert there was not then a single dwelling.

Ferdinand Bredeick laid out the portion of the town which was known as "West Bredeick;" in 1845, and in the same year his brother, Rev. John Otto Bredeick, platted East Bredeick. Following these, plats belonging to Hollister and Samuel Forver were surveyed and the former given the name "Section Ten," and the latter the name "Howard." The first meeting to consider the advisability of consolidating the villages into one, and giving it a name was in 1850, at which time the contention for naming the town ensued, the owner of each tract wanting it to bear the name of his division. It was finally agreed to adopt the name "Delphos," which was proposed by Father Bredeick in remembrance of Delphos in Greece, which he had visited during his travels in that country.

direct from the Kingdom of Hanover and upon his arrival here his first care was the spiritual welfare of his flock. In 1844 he erected at his own expense a one-ancl-a-half story log house, which served as a chapel and also as a residence for himself. Later, in 1846, the log chapel was enlarged' and used temporarily for a church, also serving as the first school house, a Mr. Minkhouse being the teacher. He gave newcomers every possible encouragement, selling land very low and giving purchasers their own time to pay for it. Before his death he donated much land to different persons for city use, giving with the rest a number of lots for a park site and to the Presbyterians a lot on Jefferson street, which was afterwards exchanged for the lot on which the Presbyterian Church now stands, allowing the Protestants still to retain the original lot for the schoolhouse. At his death he willed lot No. 74 and 10 acres in section 30 to the Sisters of Charity, and bequeathing the remainder of his estate to the Catholic Church.

The growth of Delphos was very rapid until the year 1854, when it was visited by the cholera which very nearly depopulated it. When the Pittsburg, Ft. Wayne & Chicago Railway was built in 1854, the town gradually resumed its former enterprise and prosperity.

The first house built in Section Ten stood -on the canal bank just south of Second street in Van Wert County. In this house the first Catholic religious services were held and in it the first white child of the town, Amelia Bredeick (now Mrs. George F. Lang) was born. The altar used for church purposes was an old bureau, which is a valued possession of Mrs. Lang and which was exhibited at the Catholic Church Jubilee, the 50th anniversary, which was celebrated September 12, 1894.

The first election for Delphos took place March 3, 1851, with the following election of officers : Lester Bliss, mayor; Smith Talbot, recorder; N. White, J. P. Cowan, J. P. Murphy and T. Wrocklage, councilmen.

roads where the timber had been scarcely cut, its growth from 1845 to ^54 seems remarkable. At this early date all the provisions and merchandise were brought from Piqua. Some of the settlers would start from Delphos on Sunday evening to purchase supplies and would occupy a week in making the trip of 85 miles. In 1846 F. J. Lye and family came here from Tiffin in a wagon as far as the Auglaize, where they were rowed across the river with their household goods, continuing their journey to Delphos over what was known as the corduroy road. They drove to within a few feet of Main street where the wagon became fast in the mud and the family were carried one by one to a little hut directly back of where the City Building now stands. A family by the name of Daub was in possession of it, but all lived together until a dwelling place was built for the Lyes. In 1843 the contract was let for digging the Miami and Erie Canal. The place was completely covered with woods, the only places of shelter being the canal shanties. The first canal-boat to pass through Delphos was the "Marshall," owned by Kirk, Lawton & Company, of Piqua, and was freighted with peltries and hides for Toledo. This was on the 4th of July, 1845. The first passenger packet arrived here from Toledo in 1846, bringing Governor-elect Bebb this far on his trip east. The people turned out to meet him en masse, going as far as the stone lock, one mile north of town, and taking a number of extra horses with them to attach to the boat in order that they might bring this their first passenger packet into town in good style, as well as show attention and honor to their prospective Governor.

It has been stated that Delphos could not have been settled without the aid of whiskey and quinine. The air was so poisoned with malarial effluvia from the swamps and marshes, that not only the pioneers but the dogs of the settlement suffered intensely with fever and ague. Quinine was in general use up to the period when the location lost its name of "Section Ten."

Bope & Ley started a store in 1846, corner of Main and Second streets. In the same year Hollister & Bliss opened up a large establishment in a building on the lot now occupied by Kundert Brothers' livery barn and there the boats stopped to load and unload, that of course being the central point of interest at that time.

Churches. - The Church of St. John the Evangelist, generally known as St. John's Catholic Church, had its beginning, in 1844, through the self-sacrifice and pious zeal of Rev. John Otto Bredeick. The one-and-a-half story log house he built at his own expense in this year served at first as a chapel and also as a residence for himself. Two years later the chapel was enlarged and was used temporarily as a church, serving also as the town's first schoolhouse. This building, which stood on the site of Roth's meat market on Main street, was destroyed in 1872 by the conflagration of that year, which swept away so many old landmarks in Delphos.

From 1844 to 1855 Father Bredeick served the congregation absolutely without salary, and from the latter year to his lamented death, which occurred in August, 1858, took only $150 a year.

In December, 1845, a meeting of the male members of the Catholic congregation was held and a constitution of 10 articles was drawn up by which every Catholic inhabitant of Section Ten was bound to work 25 days each year on the new church or contribute $8 annually until the completion of the building. This church was finished far enough to admit of holding services in it in 1854 and the first regular sermon preached there was on All Saints' Day, November 1st of that year.

In 1858 Rev. F. Westerholt succeeded Father Bredeick. He was later called to Cleveland and until the appointment of Rev. Aloysius I. Hoeffel, Father Maesfranc of Landeck officiated, Father Hoeffel taking charge February 2, 1868.

In 1867-68 a residence for the Sisters of St. Francis was built at a cost of $7,000. Between 1869 and 1872 a new residence for the Sisters and a three-story brick school were built. The church and these barely escaped destruction in the conflagration of 1872.

In the year 1878 the project of building a new Catholic Church took shape and an edifice which ranks with the greatest church buildings in the Union was the result. On June 15, 1879, the corner-stone was laid by Bishop Gilmore, assisted by Revs. A. I. Hoeffel, J. F. Lang and other ecclesiastics. The building was completed in 1880 and dedicated January 16, 1881, at a cost of $60,000 and the gratuitous labor and material, which amounted to something like $40,000. The length of the structure is 192 feet; width of nave, 78 feet; width of transept, 100 feet; height to apex of roof, 84 feet; height of tower, 222 feet; height of middle arch, 58 feet. The roof is divided into over 100 arches, after the pure Gothic style. The seating capacity is 1,600. The tower clock cost about $2,000.

In 1894 the three bells now in use were presented to the church by Father Hoeffel. These bells bear the names of the three priests who have given earnest service to this church - Fathers Breideick, Westerholt and Hoeffel.

In 1889 a new Sisters' school was built at a cost of $11,000. The church, which has now a membership of 400 families, continues to be in charge of Father Hoeffel, under whose guidance for the past 37 years its material and spiritual growth has been remarkable.

The Presbyterian Chuch was organized in May, 1851, by Rev. Graham. The meeting was held in a building that fronted on the canal just south of the middle bridge, where the Commercial Bank now stands. They organized at the same time a Union Sunday-school. One year later Rev. Elcock was sent here to preach, and was paid partly by the presbytery and partly by the congregation. The places of worship in early days were various. There are some who can remember going to school and attending church in a small one-story brick building on the lot now owned and occupied by Dr. Mauk as a residence. The upper story of the old woolen mill just west of the Courant office was used for the same purpose.

Prayer meetings were held at the residence of different members. Mr. Forver, the surveyor of the canal, presented the Presbyterian congregation with the lot now occupied by the Redisbo family, directly west of Dr. Mauk's residence on Fourth street ; this lot with the original one donated by Father Bredeick was sold and the proceeds applied to the purchase of the present lot. The Presbyterian Church was dedicated February 8, 1869. Rev. A. O. Raber is the present pastor.