Jackson Township

Jackson Township

This township occupies the northeast corner of the county, and is one of the latest settlements within the county. The surface is level for the greater part, although some rolling land is found. The soil is fertile and very productive. Development is making rapid strides, and after a few more years drainage will be so far complete that the land will all be tillable. The northeast corner of the township is yet rather new and wild, but this is yielding up its rudeness to the sway of the axe and plow. Several small streams take their rise here, and separated by a dividing ridge crossing near the centre from west to east, the watershed is toward the northeast and southeast. Auglaize County borders the township on the north, Logan County on the east, Salem Township on the south, and Dinsmore and Franklin townships on the west.

This township is among the youngest, being the most remote from the earty settled portion of the county. So far as we have been able to ascertain, but one family, that of James McCormick, came here as early ns 1831, from Greene County, and entered land in section 34. The year 1832 shows no accessions, so far as we can learn, while the following year it appears Andrew Nogie came from Fairfield County and occupied land in section 30. Again, the year 1834 only shows the arrival of Thomas Cathcart, who came here in March from Montgomery County and entered land in the northwest corner of section 33. The next year it appears David Snider came from Montgomery County, and Wiljiam Johnston, who settled in section 20. In 1837 John W. Knight entered land in section 17, Jephtha M. Davis in section 4, Dudley Hughes, and William Babcock, the latter entering land in section 8. 1^1838 Jonathan Howell came from Clarke County and occupied a part of section 18, and in 1839 Samuel Brandeuberg came from Montgomery County and settled on section 22. In 1843 Christian Hawver, of Miami County, settled in northwest quarter of section 33; in 1845 Peter Hawver came from the same county and purchased 160 acres of the Mc-

Pherson survey, and about a year later George Hawver came from the same county and settled in the same survey. Aside from these classified settlers, it appears the following named persons settled in different parts of the township prior to 1»36, although the individual dates cannot be obtained with certainty: Mathew Vandine, Timothy Wale. Julius Wale, Moses Quick, Kimmer Hudson, Henry Roland, Lewis Bland, Reuben Clayton, and Wm. Dawdon. It further appears pretty conclusive that Jacob II. and David Babcock came here in 1840, and Luther L. Davis in 1837. Although these dates are all comparatively recent, they represent the infantile years of this township, and while they were not necessarily characterized by the same privations suffered in the older townships, they were yet years of distinctive toil and no inconsiderable penury. Vast drainage was necessary, and is yet incomplete, while heavy timber knew no bounds. It was real pioneer life with ail its incidents and most of its deprivations. Here, as elsewhere throughout the county, the pioneer knew how to work, and bravely encountered the elements while contending with the wilderness by which he was surrounded.

1840. Trustees, James McCormick, Newland Meranda, John C. Elliott. Clerk, John S. Randall. Treasurer, James Maxwell. Overseers of Poor, James McCormick and Wesley Noland.

The first mill in Jackson Township was erected about 1839 by Daniel Davis on the north half of the southeast quarter of section 3. It was known as the horse mill, on which he made wheat flour, buckwheat flour, and corn meal.

The second mill was a steam saw-mill erected in 1849 by Joel Babcock and sons on the ground now occupied by the Buirley mill in Jackson Centre, which was operated until December, 1868, when it was destroyed by fire. During the summer of 1869 there was another mill erected on the same ground by J. C., S. T., and Enos Babcock, containing a twenty-horse power engine, and a fifLy-two and twenty-eight-inch circular saws, which was operated by Babcock & Co. for several years, or until 1875, when it was purchased by R. F. Buirley, who has since operated it with success.

The McCord and Slusser saw-mill is located on the east half of the northeast quarter of section 33. It was erected in 1866 by McCord and Slusser, who operated it until 1881, when H. Munch purchased Mr. Slusser's interest, and the mill is now operated by McCord and Munch.

The Deerbaugh saw-mill is located in Jackson Centre, and is operated by the Deerbaugh Brothers, who manufacture all kinds of hard wood lumber. They also erected a handle factory near their saw-mill, during the summer of 1882.

was organized in April, 1851, by the Rev. George Spangler, at the house of Jacob Zorn, Sen., with about twenty-six members, viz., Jacob Zorn, Sen., and wife, Jacob Zorn, Jr., and wife, Jacob Metz, Sen., and wife, Philip Metz, Philip Kempfer, Sen., and wife, Mrs. Elizabeth Christler, Michael Elsass and wife, Jacob Bonnoront, Sen., and wife, Michael Keis and wife, John Iseman and wife, Jacob Iseman and wife, George Heintz, Sen., and wife, Nicholas Shearer and wife, and Michael Shearer and wife. On the 15th of April, 1851, the society purchased a lot containing one acre and nine rods in the northeast quarter of section 6, town. 7, range 7, on which they at once began the erection of a church building, which was a hewed log structure twenty-eight by twenty-four feet, and was completed some time in August of same year. Nicholas Shearer, John Iseman, and Jacob Zom were then appointed as trustees of the church. The log church served them for church purposes until the erection of their present brick church building, forty-two by twenty-eight feet, erected at a cost of about $1800, and dedicated in July, 1877, by the Rev. L. Serr, assisted by the Revs. Dingledge and Wend.

The ministers on the charge since the organization of the church have been Revs. Spangler King, Sounthouse, llisinger, Young, Bower, and Rev. L. Serr, who has been their pastor since 1875. Present trustees are Adam Kopfenstine, George Bonnoront, and Jacob Bonnoront. Present membership is about twenty-two families.

rods. Main Street runs north and south, and is ninety-one links wide. All other streets, lanes, and alleys are either parallel to or at right angles with Main Street. Ohio and High streets are each seventy-five links wide. North Lane is forty-five and a half links, and all alleys twenty-five links. The town was surveyed May 22, 1849.

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

The business and professional interests are represented as follows: Two general supply stores, by John Iseman and J. C. Elliott. One pump factory, erected in 1875, and since operated by J. C. Heintz. One steam saw-mill, erected in 18G3 by George Heintz, and now owned by Ailes &- Co. One hotel, owned and managed by N. B. Akers. One shoe shop, by Wm. Martz. One blacksmith and wagon shop, by Butchinhart and Heislon. One retail liquor store, by Michael Zwiebel. One school-house. Two churches, Lutheran and Methodist Episcopal ; and one resident physican, Dr. Foreman. The town, of course, took its w hole growth after 1849. At that time a few log cabins alone indicated the existence of the village. The first store was opened in a cabin, by one of the Mahurens, who sometimes carried his goods on foot from Port Jefferson. He was also the first post-master at Montra, and mailcarrier to Port Jefferson. For -four or five years he continued this business, as also that of cooperage and an ashery.

John Davis appears to have been the second merchant, and was succeeded by George Heintz. The first frame house was erected in 1854 by Eli Ailes. The town now contains about forty dwellings, and a population of about one hundred and fifty.

is located in Montra. The society was organized in 1860 by the Rev. Henry King, in the old storeroom in Montra now owned by John Iseman, and is used bj 7 him as a warehouse, with about sixteen members or families. They held their meetings in the old storeroom about two years, or until the erection of a frame church building, forty by thirty feet, at a cost of about $700, which was completed and dedicated some time during the autumn of 1862 by Rev. Labenstein, assisted by two other ministers. In this building they met and worshipped until it was destroyed by fire in 1874.

During the summer of 1875 the society erected their present frame building, fifty by forty feet, on the same ground where the old church stood, at a cost of $1800, which was dedicated in October, 1875, by the Rev. Lewis Serr, assisted by Revs. Dingledge and Wend.

The pastors in charge since the society was organized have been Revs. King, Greisley, Labenstein, Sutter, Dowmon, and Rev. L. Serr, who has been the pastor in charge since 1875, and is now in the eighth year of his pastoral labor in the neighborhood of Montra. The first trustees were George Heintz, John Linker, deceased, and Jacob Zorn. Present trustees are John Iseman, George Heintz, and George Richard. Elders are John Schaffer and Jacob Ambos. Deacons are William Martz and Jacob V. Zorn. Present membership is about thirty-three members or families.

This society was organized some time during the winter of 1864-65 in the Montra school-house by the Rev. D. B. Rinehart, assisted by Rev. Smith, with about eleven members, viz., Elijah Holmes and wife, Mrs. Mary Foster, Henrj 7 Carter and wife, Samuel J. Piles and wife, William Baker, Elizabeth Kah, Joab Glick and wife. They held their meetings in an old log building in Montra, which was purchased by the Rev. D. B. Rinehart, including one-fourth of an acre of ground, repaired the building, made it suitable for church purposes, and donated it to the society. In this they met and worshipped for several 3 7 ears, or until the erection End completion of their present church building in Montra, which was dedicated on the first Sunday in June, 1879, b 3 7 the Rev. Roberts, assisted by Rev. J. B. Findle 3 7 , then the minister in charge. Trustees of the church are Joab Glick, John Arnett, Joseph Staley, Martin Smith, C. C. Elliott, and Peter Young. Class leaders are John Arnett and Mar 3 - Foster. Present membership is about forty-five in numbers. Ministers on the charge have been Revs. Smith, Crowell, Bulle, Howeson, Moltbee, Jemeson, Omerod, Herbert, Whiting, Findley, Spicer, and Boggs, who is now their present pastor. The society belongs to the Bellefontaine Conference, and the Montra circuit.

is located near the centre of the north line of section 14, Jackson Township, one mile east of the village of Jackson Centre. The society was organized some time prior to the year 1838, with Andrew Holmes and wife, Lewis Bland and wife, Thomas McVay and wife, Henry Roland and wife, James Roland and wife, Philip Keith and wife, John Armstrong and wife, Mary Kertler, and a few others, as members of the organization. They met at the houses of the different members and had preaching occasionally, until about 1842 or '43, when they erected a log building near where their frame church now stands. Some of the ministers who preached for them at the residences of the members and in the log church, were Revs. W. Smith, Samuel Beaty, John Allbright, Brandenberry, Wilson, and others whose names cannot now be ascertained. About 1853 the 3 ' erected their present frame church, and it has since served them for church purposes. At this date, July, 18 -<2, they are making arrangements for the erection of a new church in Jackson Centre. The present membership is about sixty. Their present pastor is Rev. Sam'l Boggs. Class-leaders are Darius Click and Martin Frederick.

The location occupies part of sections 10 and 15 in the north part of the township. Here may be found two drygoods stores, owned by O. Cargill and G. E. Davis; two saw-mills, owned by R. Buirley and Dearbaugh and Brothers; one shoe shop, by Walter Carrier; one saddler shop, by James A. Hughes; one a little west of the town in connection with a tannery, operated by H. A. Smith; a blacksmith shop, by M. A. King; undertaking, wagon, and repair shop, by John Moodie; one physician, J. M. Carter; one church, Seventh Day Baptist; a Masonic lodge and post-office. The first post-master was E. P. Stout; the present is O. Cargill. Stout was also the first merchant in the town. The town now contains thirty-five dwellings, and a population of about one hundred and fifty.

was organized March 22, 1840, at the house of Solomon Sayrs, by Elder James Bailey, assisted by Elders Simeon Babcock and S. A. Davis, with about thirty members, viz., Luther L. Davis, Solomon Sayrs and wife, Emeline Sayrs, Dudley Hughes, Davis Loofborough and wife, Calvin Davis and wife, James M. Davis and wife, Uriah Davis and wife, James Davis and wife, John W. Knight and wife, Simeon Babcock, and some others whose names are not mentioned. They held their meetings at the houses of the different members alternately, making the house of Solomon Sujts their regular place for holding the quarterly meeting about two years, or until 1842, when the society erected a hewed log church building, near where the old frame church now stands west of Jackson Centre. Maxson Babcock and Jacob Maxson were appointed deacons of the church, Brooks Akers was the clerk, and Elder Simeon Babcock was the first minister in charge, and remained as such for over twenty years, when old age and feeble health compelled him to retire from the pulpit. The society met in the log church building for several .years, or until the erection and completion of the old frame church building one-fourth of a mile west of Jackson Centre, forty by thirty feet, which was dedicated in September, 1859, by Elder L., A. Davis, assisted by Elders S. Babcock, Benjamin Clement, and Elder Maxson, which has since served them as a place of worship.

In May, 1881, the society began the erection of a fine frame church building in Jackson Centre, forty-eight by thirty feet, which was completed at a cost of about $2000, and dedicated during the summer of

1882, which will stand as a monument to the organization for many years. The building committee on the new church consisted of Israel Davis, Moses Stout. Jacob II. Babcock, William B. Simpson, and William Hughes. The present trustees are William Simpson, Dudley Hughes, and Davis Babcock. William Simpson is the clerk. William Hughes, Jacob H. Babcock, and William Kennedy are the deacons. The elders or pastors since the organization have been Elder Simeon Babcock, Elder Hamilton Hull, Elder L A. Davis, Elder Benjamin Clement, Elder Simeon Babcock, Jr., Elder Maxson Babcock, Elder Varnum Hull, and Elder John L. Huffman is with them at present. The membership at this writing is about one hundred and eight members.

The McPherson section or grant lies wholly within this township. This tract comprises six hundred and forty acres, and was a special grant to James McPherson, as shown by the following item among the numerous grants provided for in the St. Marys treaty schedule, the conference having been held at St. Marys in 1818.

the Indians, and has ever since lived among them, one section of land, to contain 640 acres, in a square form, adjoining the northern or western line of the grant of 48 miles at Lewistown, at such place as he may think proper to locate the same."

The Lewistown reservation also extends from Logan County into this township. This tract contained forty-eight square miles, and was provided for like the McPherson grant, by the St. Marys treaty of 1818. The treaty schedule entry is as follows: -

" Grant to the Shawnees and Senecas at Lewistown . - To Quatawape or Captain Lewis, Shekaghkcle or Turtle, Skilowa or Robin, chiefs of the Shawnee tribe residing at Lewistown, and to Mesomeaor Civil John, Waukauwuxsheno or The White Man, Oquasheno or Joe, and Willaquasheno or When-you-are-tired-sit-down, chiefs of the Seneca tribes of Indians residing at Lewistown, and to their successors in office, chiefs of the said Shawnee and Seneca tribes, a tract of land containing 48 square miles, to begin at the intersection of the line run by Charles Roberts in 1812 from the source of the Little Miami River to the source of the Scioto River, in pursuance of instructions from the Commissioners appointed on the part of the U. S. to establish the western boundar 3 ' of the Va. Military Reservation with the Indian boundary line established by the Treat 3 r of Greenville in 1795 from the crossings above Fort Lawrence to Loramie's store, and to run from said intersection northerly with the first-mentioned line, and westward^' with the second-mentioned line so as to include the quantity ns nearly in a square form as practicable after excluding the section of land hereinafter granted to Nancy Stewart ."

A reference to the county map, which appears elsewhere in this volume, will show the boundaries of these reservations as far as said boundaries fall within the limits of this county.

Dr. J. M. Carter, a leading physician and public-spirited citizen of this county, is a native of Wayne County, Indiana, where he was bora August 5, 1839. During his years of infancy his father died, and when his mother remarried he found himself dominated by a step-father, who was exacting and abusive. Instead of enj(> 3 'ing the privileges of the average 3 'ouths of the land, he was required to labor without holida 3 ', and found himself denied all educational privileges, so that he attained the age of seventeen without the ability to either read or write. No longer willing to endure the harsh treatment of his step-father, lie abandoned home when seventeen, and commenced the struggle of life independent^' and unassisted, mnking something of a home with Joseph

C. Ratliff, near Richmond, Indiana. He devoted two years to work and attendance at school. In 1858 he entered White Water Acaden^', of Centreville, where he attended one 3 'ear, paying his wa 3 F by serving as janitor of the institution. In 1859 he went to Crawfordsville, and entered WabRsli College, where, without money or books with which to start, he worked his wa 3 ' through until the spring of 1861, when he enlisted in the Eleventh Indiana Zouave Regiment, under command of Col. Lewis Wallace. After three months' service he re-enlisted in the Fortyseventh Indiana Volunteer Infantry, under command of Col. James R. Slack, and served with his regiment something over two years, when he veteraned with his company and regiment, and served until finally discharged December 25, 1865, at Indianapolis, Indiana. During his veteran service he carried with him certain medical works, to the study of which he devoted all the time at his command. Alter leaving the army he went to Cincinnati, and pursued his medical studies under Prof. D.

D. Bramble, and graduated from the Cincinnati College of Medicine and Surgeiy in the class of 1868. in August of the same 3 r ear he came to this county, and locating at Jackson Centre commenced the practice of medicine. B 3 - attention to the details of the profession and bard stud 3 r , he has built up a large and lucrative practice, while by his interest in public affairs and local improvements he has won the respect and approval of a whole social community. He was married November 5, 1868, to Miss Mary C. Savage, of Centreville, Indiana. About a year since he completed an elegant residence at Jackson Centre, and has surrounded himself by all the comforts and many of the luxuries of life. Like in the case of all self-made men, being determined to rise in the world, no force could keep him down, and that determination is his chief characteristic to-day. Being a man of positive force, he knows no compromises, and if he exhibits a weakness at any time it will be on the side of over-enthusiasm. He has as yet known no such thing as failure in his undei takings, which are pushed forward with an unwavering faith and unfaltering purpose. This county will undoubtedly hear more of him hereafter, and have an opportunity to give its estimate of a hard-working, self-made, public-spirited citizen.

O. Cargill, the only merchant in Jackson Centre, was bom in Zanesville, Muskingum County, Ohio, May 25, 1833. In 1S55 he came to Salem Township, and worked at the cooper trade, which he had learned at Zanesville. Leaving Salem Township in i860 he went to Butler County, where he worked about two years at the same trade. About 1862 he came to Sidney, a little later to Salem Township, and in a few years moved back to Sidney. He then bought a farm near town, on which he lived until ls76, when he moved to Jackson Centre, and opened a general supply store. In this business he is still engaged, and doing a large and prosperous trade. In 1877 he was appointed post-master of the village, and still holds the appointment. On the upper floor of his store building the Masonic society has a hall, well fitted and furnished. While not directly doing a hotel business, the traveller in this section will find the Cargill House a proper stopping place. In 1860 Mr. Cargill married Rose Ann Colgan, of Dayton, Ohio. They have four children living, named Alien L., Llewellyn, Clara, and Grade.

is a farmer who settled in Shelby County in 1839. He was born in Maryland in 1782, and his wife in Virginia in 1795. Their children are Elizabeth, S. W., Samuel, Dorothea, Christena, Joel, Catharine, and Mary. His father was in the Revolutionary war, was wounded, and drew a pension after he had reached old age. He enlisted when quite a young man, and served through the war under Gen. Marion. Mr. Brandenburg hauled wheat to Dayton, and exchanged it lor salt. He died in 1845, aged sixty-three years.

son of James and Elizabeth Davis, was born in Virginia in 1810, and raised to farming. May 10, 1835, he married Jane, daughter of Richard and Mary Morris. Their children are Bianca, Augustus, Permetha, Clarissa, Israel, Calvin, Mary, Albert, Rozetta, Richard, and Edgar. His grandfather was in the Revolutionary war three years under Gen. Washington. His father and wife's father in the war of 1812. His sons, Augustus, Israel, and Calvin, were in the Rebellion. Augustus served lour years, and Israel and Calvin each two months. He owns one hundred and seventy acres of laud.

was born in Kentucky November, 1807 ; was brought up as a shoemaker. His father was in the Revolutionary war at the age of seventeen, and served seven years under Gen. Washington. He had three brothers in the war of 1812 under Gen. Harrison. He had one son in the war of 1861 who served three years. He came to Shelby County in 1836, and settled near Port Jefferson.

son of John and Elizabeth Foster, was born in 1822, and raised a farmer. In 1847 he married Mary, daughter of William and Ann Smith (she was born in 1826). Their children are Elizabeth, William S., Ann It., Mary B., Maria I\, Robert D., Alice G., Frances E., and John It.

son of Jacob and Barbara Iseman, was born November 28, 1825, in France. He is a general merchant and druggist. He married on April 6, 1848, Salome, daughter of George P. and Elizabeth Leninger. She was born July 8, 1829. The family of J. Iseman settled in Stark County in 1833. Has filled the office of post-master and township trustee. He placed a substitute in the Rebellion for three years - he being drafted could not leave his aged parents, to whom they looked for support. His father served seven years under Napoleon Bonaparte, and was in several battles.

was born in Clarke County, Ohio, October 6, 1812. He is a son of Thos. and Martha Elliott. In 1817 his parents moved to Jackson County, Ohio, remained until 1826, when they returned to Clarke County. Mr. Elliott remained on the farm with his parents until he arrived at the age of twenty-one years. His first business engagement was that of making shingles, which he followed for several years. On the 9th of August,- 1835, he married Miss Sarah Claton, then of Clarke County, but a native of Greene County, Ohio. In the autumn of 1836 Mr. and Mrs. Elliott came to Shelby County. He entered, made improvements, and settled on eighty acres of land in section 9, Jackson Township, on which lie lived, and followed farming as his vocation until September, 1869, when he moved to Montra, same township, where he is now residing. On the 16th of November, 1870, he engaged in the mercantile business in Montra, which he has since been conducting with success. He also owns a large farm in section 9, Jackson Township. By his union with Miss Claton he reared a family of nine children, viz., Thomas, Margaret, William C., Clark, Lewis, Druscilla, Martha, George W., and Sarah, all of whom are yet living except William C. and Margaret. William C. died at Meadow Bluff, Virginia, July 10, 1862, while serving in the late war. Mrs. Elliott died June 5, 1860.

On the 26th of October, 1862, Mr. Elliott married Mrs. Martha Patton, nee Stephenson, then of Logan Count}', Ohio, but a native of Clarke County, Ohio, where she was born August 9, 1826. By this union he has three children, viz., Angeline, Charles, and John. He served as justice of the peace of Jackson Township about eighteen years, and as commissioner of Shelby County twelve years.

son of John C. and Sarah Elliott, was born in Jackson Township, Shelby County, Ohio, two and a half miles northeast of Montra, on the 27th of October, 1842. He was brought up on a farm, and has made farming his principal avocation. January 15, 1868, he married Miss Jennie N. Staley, of Jackson Township, this county, who was born September 13, 1843, daughter of John and Catharine Staley, by whom he has two children, viz., Ada O. and Grace C. In 1870 he purchased and moved on the farm in section 19, one mile south of Montra, on which he is now residing. He .-erved as clerk of Jackson Township one term.

deceased, was born in Harrison County, Virginia, August 6, 1826. He was a son of William and Aseneth Babcock, who migrated to Ohio in 1830, and located in Clark County, remained until the beginning of the year 1837, when they came to Shelby County, and settled on section 8, Jackson Township, on which they passed the remainder of their days. Mr. William Babcock died in 1848. His companion, Aseneth Babcock, died a few years later. They reared a family of seven children, viz., Mary A., Simeon, Emily, Azariah, Enos, Anna, and Silas, only three of whom are now living, viz., Azariah, Enos, and Emily. Enos Babcock served in the war of 1861. Simeon Babcock, subject of this sketch, came to Shelby Count}' with his parents in 1837, as above mentioned. In 1844 he married Miss Amy Vanhorn, then of Logan County, Ohio, but a native of West Virginia, where she was born October 16, 1826. Mr. and Mrs. Babcock settled on his father's home farm in section 8, Jackson Township. In 1848 he purchased and moved on a farm one and one-half mile north of Jackson Centre, on which he died September 5, 1876. His companion is residing on the home farm north of Jackson Centre. They reared a family of seven children, viz., Joseph C., John A., Sabina S., Jesse M., Isadore, Wilber J., and Teresa V.

an old and esteemed citizen of Jackson Township, was born in Harrison County, Virginia, May 31, 1810. He came to Ohio in 1831, and located in Clarke County, where, on the 10th of May, 1835, he married Miss Jane Morris, who was born in Clarke County, Ohio, November 23, 1815. Mr. -and Mrs Davis came to Shelby County in 1837, entered, made improvements, and settled on the east half of the southeast quarter of section 17, Jackson Township, on which they have since resided. They reared a family of eleven children, viz., Bianca, Augustus A., Permetha, Clarissa, Israel L., Calvin W., Mary J., Albert R., Rosetta B., Richard W., and Edgar C. Three of the above-named children are now dead, viz., Permetha, Bianca, and Mary J. Augustus A., Israel L., and Calvin served in the war of' 1861.

was born in Jackson Township, this county, on the farm now owned by John Hughes, Feb 26, 1844. He is a son of Newland Meranda, a native of Virginia, where he was born Dec. 28, 1804. He migrated to Ohio, and located iu Clarke County, where, in 1827, he married Miss

Hannah Lowe, then of Clarke County, but a native of Virginia, born Feb. 14, D06. He came to Shelby County with his family in 1837, and located in Port Jefferson, remained until 1840, when they moved to Jackson Township and settled on section 22, on which Mr. Meranda died March 11, 1846, leaving a wife with seven children, viz., William, Druscilla, George, Samuel N., Jesse, John S., and Milton L., to mourn the loss of a husband and father, four of whom are now living, 'viz., Druscilla, George, John S. and Milton L. Four of the sons served in the war of 1861, viz., Samuel N., Jesse, John S., and Milton L. Jesse was killed in the battle of Arkansas Post. He was in the act of loading his gun, when a musket-ball struck him in the forehead, and killed him instantly. He was a brave soldier, and died at his post of duty.

Mrs. Meranda married William Hogan, October 7, 1857, and is yet residing in Jackson Township. Mr. Meranda was a carpenter by trade, which business he made his principal vocation through life. He filled the office of justice of the peace of Jackson Township for several years.

John S. Meranda, subject of this sketch, passed his minority days on a farm. When he had attained the age of eighteen years, he began working at the carpenter trade, which business he followed as his vocation about three years, and the remainder of his time has been given to farming, which he has conducted with success, and now owns a farm of one hundred and twenty-nine acres, in section 14, Jackson Township, on which he has resided since October, 1873. He entered Company D, 51st O. V. I.. as a private in Sept. 1864, and served until June, 26, 1865, when he was discharged from the service.

On the 18th of June. 1868, he married Miss Sarah Maddux, of Jackson Township, who was born October 20, 1848, daughter of James and Elizabeth Maddux. By this union he has four children now living. - one son and three daughters, lie served as trustee of Jackson Township one year.

was born in Warren county, Ohio, Feb. 3. 1798. He married Miss Elizabeth Shaver, in 1818, then of Warren County, Ohio, but a native of Kentucky, by whom lie reared three children, viz., George, Sarah A., and Sidney. Two of these are now living, viz., Sarah A. and Sidney. In 1849 Mr. and Mrs. Hogan moved to hlielby County, purchased and settled on the farm in fractional section 36, Jackson Township, on which lie has since resided. His companion died September 7, 1856, aged 69 years, 2 months, and 6 days. On the 7th of October, 1857, he married Mrs. Hannah Meranda, nee Lowe, with whom he is now living. He has made farming his principal business through life.

deceased, was born in Maryland, in 17-5. He migrated to Ohio in 1814 and located in Montgomery County, where, on the 2d day of March, 1817, he married Miss Catharine Brenner, daughter of Lewis and Dorothy Brenner. Miss Brenner was born in Virginia, July 12, 1795, and came to Ohio with her parents in 1814, and settled in Montgomery County. Mr. and Mrs. Brandenburg settled on a farm in Montgomery County, remained until 1839, when they came to Shelly County, made improvements, and settled on the farm in Jackson Township, now owned by their son Lewis W. Brandenburg, where Mr. Brandenburg died in November, 1846. Mrs. Brandenburg remained on the farm in Jackson Township with her children, until they all grew to be men and women and were married. In 1866, she left the farm, and has, since that time, been making her home with her children. For the last ten years she has been staying with her son Joel Brandenburg in Franklin Township, where she is now residing at the advanced age of 87 years. In about 1859, she had the misfortune to lose her eyesight by a cataract, and has since been in darkness. She reared a family of eight children, viz., Elizabeth, Lewis W., Samuel, Dorothy A., Christina, Joel, Catharine, and Mary. Elizabeth, Samuel, and Dorothy are dead.

son of Samuel and Catharine Brandenburg, was born in Montgomery' County, Ohio, February 9, 1821, where his minority days were passed on a farm. In 1839, he came with his parents to Shelby County*, and settled on the farm, a part of which is now owned and occupied by him in Jackson Township. On the 6th of Decemlier, 1846, lie married Miss Mary R. Bnlieoek, daughter of William and Rebecca Babcock, who was born in Clarke County, Ohio, September 24, 1820, and came to Jackson Township, this county, in 1840. Mr. and Mrs. Brandenburgli settled in the southern part of Jackson Township, remained about two years, or until 1849, when they moved to Port Jefferson, where he engaged at the cooper trade, which he followed as his vocation until 1856, when they returned to Jackson Township, and settled on a part of the home farm, on which he has since resided, and conducted the business of farming with success. They have two children, viz., Lissette S. and Mary L. He has filled the ollice of township trustee for several years.

deceased, was born in Frederick County, Maryland, August 26, 1817, where he passed his minority days. . In 1837, he came to Ohio and located in Miami County, where, on the 1st of February', 1843, he married Miss Lucinda Hughes of Miami County, who was born August 1, 1819. Soon after marriage, Mr. and Mrs. Hawver came to Shelby County, purchased and settled on the farm in section 33, Jackson Township, now owned and occupied by his widow, Mrs. Lucinda Hawver, on which he died December 12, 1880, leaving a wife and two children, George W. and William, and many friends to mourn the loss of a kind husband, indulgent parent, and a good citizen. , retired farmer, was born near Bloomfield, Perry County, Pa., August 17, 1808. In 1830, he married Miss Mary Titler, of Cumberland County, Pa., who was born March 6, 1810. In April, 1831, Mr. and Mrs. McCord moved to Ohio and located in Montgomery County', remained about three years, or until August, 1834, when they came to Shelby County', entered, made improvements, and settled on a piece of land in section 33, Jackson Township, on which they have since resided. They reared a family of four children, viz., Elizabeth, Sarah, Uriah, and David. Elizabeth and David are now dead. Mr. McCord is, without doubt, the oldest settler now living in the township. When he came, he says, there were only three families in what is now Jackson Township, viz., James McCormick, Andrew Nogglc, and Thomas Cathcart.

deceased, was born in Montgomery County, Virginia, May 10, 1811. He moved to Ohio in 1831, and located in Clarke, where, on the 2d of June, 1835, he married Miss Maria A. Howell, daughter of Jonathan and Elizabeth Howell. Miss Howell was born in Harrison County, Virginia, June 7, 1817, and came to Clarke County with her parents in 1830. Mr. and Mrs. Akers settled in Clarke County, remained until in 1840, when they came to Shelby County and moved on the farm now owned by John Iseman, in section 19, Jackson Township. They owned and lived on three different farms in Jackson Township until in 1860, when they moved to Montra, where he died July 14, 1862. His companion survived him, and is residing in Montra. They reared a family of eight children, viz., Lewis, Elizabeth, Francis M., Jonathan, Mary L., Malinda, Napoleon B., and Amanda L., all of whom are yet living. Francis M. served nearly three years in the war of 1861.

deceased, was born in Virginia, now West Virginia, March 30, 1799. He married Miss Lydia Davis of Tyler County, Virginia. In 1831, Mr. and Mrs. Sayrs moved to Ohio and located in Clarke County, remained about five years, or until in 1836, when they came to Shelby County, entered, made improvements on section 17, Jackson Township, on which they lived many years. Mrs. Sayrs died February 7, 1865. He died August 16, 1881. They reared a family of three children, viz., Lewis, Granville, and Emeline. Lewis and Granville are now dead.

son of Benjamin and Anna Glick, was born in Fairfield County, Ohio, November 8, 1831, where his minority days were spent on a farm. In - April, 1852, he married Miss Ellen Ware, born in Fairfield County, Ohio, Decemlier 6, 1831, daughter of Conrad and Elizabeth Ware. In 1857, Mr. and Mrs. Glick came to Shelby County, purchased and settled on a farm in section 10, Jackson Township, on which they lived about five years, or until 1862, when he sold his farm in section 10, purchased and moved on the farm in section 16, same township, where they are now residing. They have a family of six children, viz , Joab C., Almiua J., Elmer E., Mary E., Ellen T., and Emery I). O. He filled the office of township treasurer of Jackson two years. He has made farming his principal vocation, and now owns a farm of two hundred and seventy-five acres of good land.

was born in Hessen, North Germany, October 3, 1843. He is a son of John Linker, who was born in Hessen, North Germany, in 1816. He married Miss Martha E. Krause in 1840, a native of Hessen, North German}', where she was born, January 4, 1823. Mr. and Mrs. Linker emigrated to America with a family of three children, landing in New York City ; from there they continued their journey westward until they reached Shelby Count} - , Ohio, and, in October, 1854, they located in Jackson Township, on the farm in section 18, near Montra, now owned and occupied by their son John Linker, where Mr. Linker died March 28, 1862. His companion still survives him, and is now making her home with her son John on the home farm near Montra. He served five years in the army while in his native country. He reared a family of five children, viz., John, Valentine, Felt, William, and Mary.

- John Linker, subject of this sketch, came to Shelby County with his parents in 1854, and has since been a resident of Jackson Township. He received a common German education while in his native country, and an English education after locating in this county, and can speak and write both the German and English languages. In the spring of 1874, he was elected trustee of Jackson Township, was re-elected twice, and served three successive terms. In the spring of 1877, he was elected treasurer of Jackson Township, was re-elected and served two successive terms. In October, 1879, he was elected commissioner of Shelby County, and is now Ailing the office with much honor to himself, and entire satisfaction to his constituents.

On the 29th of July, 1866, he married Miss Paulina Kriger, then of Fort Wayne, Indiana, but a native of Hessen, Germany, where she was born December 10, 1846, and came to America in 1865. By this union he has a family of five children, viz., John, Louisa, Matilda, George, and Albert.

son of John and Artemete Fry, was born in Licking County, Ohio, September 30, 1836. He moved to Morrow County, Ohio, in 1854, with his parents, where, on the 12th of January, 1858, he married Miss Lydia Stonestreet, who was born in Morrow County, November 10, 1837. In November, 1861, Mr. and Mrs. Fry came to Shelby County and located in Salem Township, remained about one year, then moved to Jackson Township, remained about one year, then he purchased and moved on a farm three miles southwest of Botkins, Ifinsmore Township, on which they lived until in February, 1879, when they returned to Jackson Township, purchased and moved on the farm in section 29, on which they are now living. They have a family of ten children, two sons and eight daughters. He has made farming his vocation, and now owns a good farm of eighty acres on which he resides.

was born in Jackson Township, Shelby Count}', January 24, 1839. He is a son of James and Elizabeth McCormick, who were the first settlers in what is now Jackson Township. His minority days were spent on the farm with his parents. He has made farming his principal vocation, and now owns a farm of one hundred and thirty-five acres in section 13, on which he has resided since 1872. He has filled the office of treasurer of Jackson Township five years, and is now occupying that position, in October, 1861, be enlisted in Company K, 57 0. V. I., served about seventeen mouths, and was discharged from the service in April, 1863, on account of disability. On the 2d of November, 1863, he married Miss Elizabeth Hawver, daughter of Daniel and Elizabeth Ilawver. Miss Ilawver was born in Miami County, Ohio, January 25, 1839, and came to Jackson Township, this county, in 1856.

deceased, was born in Loudon County, Virginia, June 24, 1788. He married Miss Elizabeth Maxson, of Harrison Count}", Virginia, where she was born November 4, 1793. In 1831, Mr. and Mrs. Howell migrated to Ohio and located in Clarke County, remained until in 1838, when they came to Shelby County, purchased and settled on a part of the N. E. Q. of section 18, Jackson Township, on which they lived until in 1864 or '5, when he purchased and moved on a farm near Jackson centre, on which he died July 27, 1870, aged 82 years, 2 months, and 3 days. His companion survived him until January 31, 1881, when she died at Montra. Mr. Howell served in the war of 1812, and received a land warrant for his services. He reared a family of thirteen children, seven of whom are yet living, viz., Mary L., Maria A., Simeon M., Amos R. W., Benjamin F., Rachel M., and Pleasant E., all of whom are now citizens of Shelby County except Rachel M., whose is living in Illinois.

was born in Alsace, France, August 16, 1831. His father, Jacob Bonnoront, deceased, was born in Alsace, France, October 13, 1807. In 1830 he married Miss Catharine Madder, who was born in Alsace, France, January 4, 1802. Mr. and Mrs. Bonnoront with one child emigrated to America in 1840, and located in Stark County, Ohio, remained until the autumn of 1842, when they came to Shelby County, and located in Green Township near New Palestine, remained until March, 1843, when they moved to Jackson Township, purchased land in section 7, where Mr. Bonnoront passed the remainder of his days. He died January 18, 1882. His companion is still surviving him, and is residing on the home farm with her son, Jacob Bonnoront, at the advanced age of eighty years. He reared two children, Jacob and George. George Bonnoront died August 14, 1861. Jacob Bonnoront, subject of this sketch, has made farming his vocation, and now owns the home farm in section 7 ; also eighty acres of good land, same section, on which he is conducting the business of farming with success. On the 3d of February, 1853, be married Miss Elizabeth Bierliue, then of Auglaize County, Ohio, born in New Orleans June 19, 1834, daughter of Nicholas and Catharine Bierline. He has a family of ten children, six sons and four daughters. He filled the office of trustee of Jackson Township about four years.

deceased, was born in Alsace, France, in 1796. He married Miss Cath. arine Elsass, in 1818, who was born in Alsace, France, in 1799. Mrand Mrs. Metz, with six children, emigrated to America in 1840, and located in Stark County, Ohio, remained until 1849, when they came to Shelby County, purchased and settled on the west half of section 34, Jackson Township, joining on the Auglaize County line, on which they lived until 1862, when they moved on the farm in section 5 with their son Jacob, with whom they made their home until death took them away. Mr. Metz died February 26, 1864. His companion died January 16, 1879. He made farming his vocation. He reared a family of six children, viz., Philip, Christian, Catharine, Sophia, Elizabeth, and Jacob.

son of the above-named Jacob and Catharine Metz, was born in Alsace, France, in April, 1839, and came to Shelby County with his parents in 1849, as aforesaid, and has since been a resident of Jackson Township. On the 25th of December, 1861, he married Miss Catharine Gross, who was born in Auglaize County, Ohio, December 15, 1842. They settled on the farm in section 5. Jackson Township, on which they have since resided. He has made farming his vocation, and now owns a farm of four hundred and forty acres, on which he is conducting the business with success. He has a family of ten children, six sons and four daughters.

was born in Jackson Township, Shelby County, March 20, 1838. He is a son of Reuben and Elizabeth Claton, who came from Green County, Ohio, to Shelby County in 1835. entered, made improvements, and settled on a part of section 26, Jackson Township, on which they lived many years. Mrs. Claton died March 4, 1851. Mr. Claton remained on the farm until 1875, when he moved to Port Jefferson, where he died in 1879. He reared a family of ten children, viz., William, Anna, Jesse, John, Susan, David, George, Henry N., Lewis, and Mary, three of whom are now dead, viz., William, David, and Lewis. David died in the war of 1861. Henry N. served about three months in the late war

Henry N. Claton, subject of this sketch, was reared on a farm, and has made farming his principal vocation. On the 4th of May, 1862, he married Miss Lucy Stewart, then of Salem Township, this county, daughter of Thomas Stewart, born in Logan County, Ohio, July 4, 1841. Mr. and Mrs. Claton settled on the farm in section 27, Jackson Township, where they have since resided. They have a family of four children, viz., Carriliie I., Francis M., Reuben N., and Minnice E. In March, 1865, he enlisted in Company D, 191st O. V. I., and was discharged June 6, 1865.

was born at Northampton, Clarke County, Ohio, January 2, 1843. His father, Morris W. Littlejohn, was born in Berkley County, Virginia, April 30, 1813. He came to Ohio in April, 1834, and located in Clarke County, where, on the 10th of November, 1839, he married Miss Sarah Sutton, then of Clarke County, but a native of Greene County, Ohio, born January 4, 1813. Mr. and Mrs. L., with a family of four children, came to Shelby County in 1849, and located in Port Jefferson, remained about two years, then moved back to Clarke County. Two years later, or in 1853, they returned to this county, and again settled in Port Jefferson. On the 17th of September, 1856, they moved to Jackson Township, and settled on a farm in section 16, and remained about two years. In 1858 they moved on a farm in section 22, now owned and occupied by his widow, Mrs. Sarah Littlejohn, on which Mr. Littlejohn died August 9, 1874. He reared a family of five children, viz., George W., Mary A., Margaret J., Florence A., and Marion O.

George W. Littlejphn, subject of this sketch, came to Jackson Township with his parents in 1856, as aforesaid. August 9, 1862, he enlisted in Company I, 110th O. V. 1., served until October 2, 1865, when he was discharged from the service, and returned to his home in Jackson Township. While engaged in the battle of Winchester, Virginia, on the 14th of June, 1863, he was wounded by a Millie ball striking him on the left arm near the elbow, which rendered his arm nearly useless for some time. He also received a flesh wound across the stomach in the same battle, and now draws a pension on account of injuries received in that battle. On the 3d of January, 1867, he married Miss Emily A. Smith, then of Jackson Township, but a native of Champaign County, Ohio, born February 3, 1845, daughter of John H. and Elizabeth Smith. By this union he has a family of eight children, four sons and four daughters. He has made farming his vocation, and now owns a farm of ninetysix acres in section 27, Jackson Township, on which he has resided since 1876. He filled the office of trustee of Jackson Township four years.

1841. His minority days were spent on a farm, and he has made farming his principal vocation through life. On the 18th of August, 1861 , he enlisted in Company B, 20th O. V. I., served until Sept. 8, 1862, when he was discharged from the service on account of disability, and returned to his home in Shelby County. Dec. 2, 1863, he was elected and commissioned as Captain of Company F, 2d regiment of 6hio militia, and served as such until the disorganization of the company. On the 3d of Nov. 1864, he married Miss Sarah C. Erven, daughter of James and Lueretia Erven, who was born in the State of Indiana Dec. 21, 1841, and came to Shelby County with her parents in 1849. Mr. and Mrs. Staley settled on the farm in section 31, Jackson Township, where they have since resided. They have a family of eight children, four sons and four daughters. In the spring of 1881 he was elected as one of the trustees of Jackson Township, was re-elected in April, 1882, and is now filling the office. Jan. 13, 1877, he was licensed and approved as a preacher of the gospel in the United Brethren Church, and after four years of hard study and close application to his books, he was ordained a minister of the gospel in the U. B. Church, and is now eligible to election of an elder in the church.

was born in Green County, O., March 31, 1834. He is a son of Robert and Maria Moodie. When he was yet a small child his parents moved to Logan County, O., remained a short time, then moved to Sidney, Shelby County, where they lived about four years, then removed to Logan County and located in Quincy, remained until 1849, when they moved to Bloomfield Township, same county, and located on a piece of land near the Shelby County line. In 1855 they' moved to Jackson Township and located one mile south of Jackson Centre, remained one year, or until 1856, when they moved to the village of Jackson Centre, where they passed the remainder of their days. Mrs Moodie died in the early part of the year 1857, and Mr. Moodie in the latter part of the same year. He was a carpenter and millwright by trade, which he made his principal vocation through life. He reared a family of nine children, eight of whom are now living, viz., Sarah, Peter M., Jane, Samuel, Christena, Maria, Robert, and John. Peter and Samuel served in the war of 1861.

John Moodie, subject of this sketch, began working at the carpenter and millwright trade with his father when about fourteen years of age, and when at the age of twenty'-one years he commenced carding on the business of carpentering and millwrighting, which business he has since conducted with success in Shelby and Logan counties. He has been a citizen of Jackson Township, this county, since 1855. In the fall of 1870 he was elected as one of the justices of the peace for Jackson Township, has been re-elected each«te'rm, and is now serving on the last year of his fourth term, having been re-elected three times in a township that the opposite political part3' has a large majorit3' of the votes cast. He filled the office of township treasurer one year. He has been twice married - first on the 18th of March, 1858, to Elizabeth Claton, who was born in Jackson Township, this county, March 7, 1838, daughter of John H. and Phebe Claton. By this union he had one child, Mary A. Moodie. His companion died Feb. 21, 1860. On the 27th of April, 1865, he married Elvira Maxwell, who was born in Salem Township, Shelby County, May 20, 1836, daughter of Edley r Maxwell, by whom he has three children, viz., Effy L., George W., and Grace M. Effy L. is now dead. Mr. Moodie is now carrying on the business of undertaking and a general repair shop at Jackson Centre, in connection with his trade.

1842, and located in Franklin Township. He was one of a family of fifteen children. He made farming his principal vocation until 1868, when he sold his farm, moved to Montra, where he, in company with E. P. and B. F. Ailes, engaged in the sawmill business, in 'which he continued manufacturing and dealing in all kinds of hardwood lumber until the time of his death. In the spring of 1872 he was elected justice of the peace of Jackson Township, which position he was holding when death took him away. He filled the office of township trustee for Jackson two terms, and assessor three terms. On the 22d of April, 1852, he married Miss Melissa J. Young, daughter of Philip and Keziah Young, born in Franklin Township, this county, May 25, 1835. Mr. and Mrs. Ailes settled in Franklin Township, remained until 1864, when they moved to Jackson Township. They lived on two different farms until 1868, when they sold their farm and moved to Montra, where Mrs. Ailes now resides. Mr. Ailes died March 19, 1882, leaving a wife and three childreu, viz., Hiram P., John F., and Ethan D., to mourn the loss of a husband and father. He was a good citizen, and highly esteemed by all who knew him.

was born in Fairfield County, O., on the 11th of April, 1825. He is a son of Benjamin and Anna Glick. On the 28th of February, 1847, he married Miss Mary, daughter of Jacob Woodring, of Fairfield County, where she was born in 1828. Mr. and Mrs Glick came to Shelby County in March, 1848, purchased, made improvements, and settled on the farm in section 5, Jackson Township, on which he has since resided, and made farming his vocation, which he has conducted successfully, and now owns a farm of two hundred acres of good land. His companion died April 10, 1869, leaving him with a family of eight children, viz., Sevilla, Lewis B , Levi M., Enon U., John P., Delila J., Sarah S., and L3'dia M., all of whom are yet living, and are citizens of Shelby County. On the 9th of September, 1869, he married Mrs. Drtiscilla Bland, nee Meranda, then of this county, but a native of Clarke County, Ohio, where she was born April 20, 1830, and came to this county with her parents, Newland and Hannah Meranda, who settled in Port Jefferson, remained until 1840, when they came to Jackson Township and settled on a farm two miles south of Jackson Centre. B3' this union Mr. Glick has one child, Edmond J. Glick.

son of Joab and Mary Glick, was born in Jackson Township, this count3', October 18, 1849. He was reared on a farm, and has made farming his vocation, except about five years, duriug which time he was working at the carpenter trade. On the 5th of December, 1872, he married Miss Samantha A. Bland, of Jackson Township, where she was born Jnl3' 20, 1854, daughter of Rolla and Druscilla Bland. By this union he has three children, Alvin II., Mary D., and Rolla J. He is now living on his father's home farm, on which he is conducting the business of farming.

deceased, was born in England October 29, 1815. He emigrated to America in 1843, and located in Clarke County, Ohio. In September, 1847, he married Miss Maty Smith, then of Champaign Count3', Ohio, but a native of England, where she was born July 28, 1826. Mr. and Mrs. Foster settled in Champaign Count3\ remained until 1864, when they came to Shelby County, purchased and settled on a farm of one hundred and sixt3 - acres, one mile northeast of Montra, in sections 7 and 8, Jackson Township, on which Mr. Foster died September 8, 1873, leaving his wife and eight children, viz., Elizabeth I., William S., Anna K., Mary B., Maria P., Alice J., Frances E., and John R., to mount the loss of a husband and father. Mrs. Foster remained ,011 the farm until Februar3', 1874, when she moved to Montra, where she now resides. Two of the children, Maty B. and Maria P., are now dead. Mr. Foster made farming his principal vocation through life.

deceased, was born in Clarke County, Ohio, in 1827. He was reared on a farm, and made farming his vocation through life. In 1845 he came with his mother, Elizabeth Baker (his father being dead), to Shelby County, and located on the farm in section 30, Jackson Township, now owned and occupied by his son, W. C. Baker, on which he passed the remainder of his days. In 1846 lie married Miss Margaret Critten, then of Shelby County, but a native of Virginia, where she was born in October, 1826, and came to Shelby County with her parents in 1837. By this union he reared a famil3' of four children, viz., William C., Mary E., Francis M , and John II. Mr. Baker died November 7, 1872. His companion survived him until January 2, 1882.

eldest son of Jefferson and Margaret Baker, was born July 22, 1847, in Jackson Township, on the farm in section 30, where he now resides. His education was received in the common schools of Jackson Township, and by close application to his books at home, he is what we might call a self-educated man. In 1868 he began teaching school, which he followed as his vocation in connection with farming. Teaching in the winter and farming during the summer months until 1881, when he retired from teaching, and has since then given all of his time to farming, which he is conducting with success, and now owns the old home farm of one hundred and twenty' acres in section 30, on which he resides. In 1878 he was elected clerk of Jackson Township, which office he filled until April, 1882. March 31, 1872, he married Miss Mary C. Thompson, by whom he had one child, viz., Allen Baker. His companion died November 23, 1875. On the 8th of April, 1876, he married Eureka Smith, by whom he had two children, Nora and Milton.

Mr. Iseman was born in Germany, on the banks of the Rhine River, November 28, 1825. When he had attained the age of seven years, or in the beginning of the year 1833, his parents, Jacob and Barbara Ise- man, emigrated to America with their family, and located in Stark County, Ohio, where the subject of this sketch grew to manhood. On the 6th of April, 1848, he married Miss Salome Leinger, of Stark County, Ohio, born July 9, 1830. Mr. and Mrs. Isemau, in company with his parents, came to this county in 1849, purchased, and moved on the farm in section 19, Jackson Township, near Montra, now owned by John Iseman, subject of this sketch, where his mother, Barbara Iseman, died in August, 1869. His father, Jacob Iseman, died in Montra in October, 187,5. Mr. Iseman conducted the business of farming as his vocation until January, 1867, when he engaged in the mercantile business in Montra, which he has since been conducting with success, dealing in drygoods, groceries, hardware, boots, shoes, hats, caps, notions, drugs, etc. etc. In the fall of 1868 he rented his farm, and moved his family to Montra, where they are now residing. In the spring of 1868 he was appointed post-muster, and has since filled the position.

was born in Germany, October 8, 1842. He is a son of Henry and Anna Kauffeld. His mother died when he was but five years of age. When he had attained the age of twelve years, or in 1854, he came with his father to America, landing in New York City. They continued their journey westward until they reached Shelby County, Ohio, and located in Jackson Township, and have since been citizens of the township. He served about nine months in the war of 1861. On the 9th of May, 1865, he married Miss Elizabeth Corn, then of Jackson Township, but a native of Auglaize County, Ohio, born September 9, 1845. Mr. and Mrs. Kauffeld settled on the farm in section 8, on which they have since resided. They have a family of eight children, two sons and six daughters. He has made farming his principal vocation, and now owns a good farm of eighty acres. He served as one of the trustees of Jackson Township two years, and assessor of the township two years. His father is still living at the advanced age of seventy-nine years, and is making his home with him on the farm.

son of Nicholas and Elizabeth Gross, was born in Germany December 18, 1818 When he had attained the age of nine years, or in 1827, his parents emigrated to America, and located in Stark County, Ohio, where young Gross grew to manhood on a farm. In 1841 he married Miss Catharine Rinehart, a native of Germany'. Soon after his marriage he moved to Auglaize County, Ohio, and settled on a farm four miles southeast of St. Johns in Clay Township, remained until 1850, when he came to Shelby County, and settled near Plattsviile in Green Township, remained about two years, or until 1852, when he came to Jackson Township, purchased, and settled on the farm in section 33, on which he now resides. He has made farming his principal vocation through life, and now owns a farm of three hundred and seventy acres of good land in Jackson Township, on which he is conducting the business of farming with success, and is classed among the leading farmers in the county. He reared a family of eleven children, viz., Elizabeth, Christian, Abraham, Caroline, Sophia, Samuel, Magdalena, Sarah, Daniel, Catharine, and Solomon, all of whom are yet living except Abraham, who died in 1862. His son Christian served in the war of 1861. His companion died in February, 1869. On the 18th of June, 1869, he married Mrs. Elizabeth Gross nee Lininger, a native of Germany, where she was born Jauuary 20, 1819, with whom he is now living.

deceased, was born in Alsace, France, February 26, 1819. He married Miss Magdalena Munch of Alsace, France, who was born on the lltli of October, 1818. In the autumn of 1847, Mr. and Mrs. Heintz, with three children, emigrated to America, and located in Clay Township, Auglaize County, Ohio, remained one year, or until 1848, when they came to this county, entered, made improvements, and settled on a part of section 32, Jackson Township, on which they resided about four years, or until 1852, when he sold his land in section 32, purchased and moved on a farm in section 18, near Montra, on which he passed the remainder of his days. His companion died August 10, 1854, leaving him with a family of five children, viz., Magdalena, George, Catharine, Philip C., and Jacob C., ail of whom are yet living. On the 12th of February, 1855, he married Miss Martha Bowers, a native of Bavaria, Germany, where she was born August 30, 1826, and emigrated to America in 1853, and located in Cincinnati. By this union he had four children, viz., Christens, William, Mary, and John. He died March 24, 1866, leaving a wife, nine children, and many friends to mourn the loss of a kind husband, an indulgent parent, and a good citizen. He was a tailor by trade, which he made his vocation while in his native country. He followed tailoring in connection with farming for a few years after coming to this county, but, soon after his settlement, near Montra, he engaged in the mercantile trade, which he conducted until 1861, when he retired from the mercantile trade and engaged in the sawmill business, which he conducted, manufacturing and dealing in lumber until the time of his death, in 1866.

Mr. Heintz was born in Jackson Township, near Montra, September 9, 1853. He is a son of George and Magdalena Heintz (deceased). His minority days were spent on a farm until twenty years of age, or 1873, when he engaged as a clerk in a dry-woods store at. Anna Station, where he remained until the beginning of the year 1875, when he went to Wapakoneta, where he engaged in the manufacturing of pumps in company with his brother, Philip C. Heintz, with whom he remained as a partner in the business about nine months, or until December, 1875, when he purchased his brother's interest in the shop, and at once moved his tools and stock to Montra, where he has since been conducting the business with success, manufacturing and selling from $1200 to $1500 worth of pumps each year. He has an extensive trade in Shelby, Auglaize, Logan, Clarke, and Champaign counties, through which he travels with his wagon every summer. He also does an extensive business in boring wells, for which he has all the machinery necessary for the business. On the 11th of October, 1877, he married Miss Sarah E. Towler, of Champaign County, Ohio, daughter of John and Jane Towler. By this union he has three children, viz., Anna A., Ada M., and George C.

was born in Butler County, Ohio, December 23, 1841. When ho had attained the age of seven years, or in 1848, his parents, William ami Susan McVay, came to Shelby County, and settled on the farm in section 29, Jackson Township, now owned and occupied by Daniel McVay, on which they passed the remainder of their days. Mr. McVay died February 11, 1864, aged 63 years, 1 month, and 5 days. Mrs. McVay died February 11, 1869, aged 64 j'ears, 9 months, and 11 days. They reared a family of eight children, viz., John, William, Mary A., Nancy C., Sarah J., Margaret E., Amanda, and Daniel, four of whom are yet living, viz., William, Mary A., Margaret E., and Daniel.

Daniel McVay, subject of this sketch, was reared on a farm, and he has made farming, in connection with dealing in horses, his vocation, which he has conducted with success, and now owns his father's homefarm, on which he resides. On the 4th of June, 1864, he married Miss Clara C. , daughter of Luther L. and Jane Davis Miss Davis was bom in Jackson Township, this county, September 17, 1841. By this union he has two children, viz., William A. and Ada J. He filled the office of trustee of Jackson Township two years.

Mr. Hughes was born in Jackson Township, Shelbv County, April 4, 1849. His minority days were spent on a farm. In 1871, he purchased a half interest in the saddler and harness shop of Hardin Smith, a short distance west of Jackson Centre. He also began as an apprentice at the trade under the instruction of his partner, Hardin Smith, with whom he remained as a partner until 1875, when he sold his interest in the shop to his partner, and soon after began carrying on the business in Jackson Centre, where he has since been conducting the saddler and harness business with success, his being the first and the onlj f shop ever established in the village. On the 2d of May, 1870, he married Miss Thatima E., daughter of Jacob H. and Elizabeth Babcock, by whom he has three children, two sons and one daughter.

was born in Clinton Township, Shelby County, March 28, 1856. He is a son of Michael and Catharine King. In April, 187', he began working at the blacksmith trade with Newton Epler, and, after serving as an apprentice about two years and a half, or until August, 1880, he went to Pontiac, Orange Township, this county, where he carried on the business of blacksmithing until March, 1881, when he returned to Jackson Centre and became the successor of his old employer, Newton Epler, in the business of blacksmith and general repairing, where he has since been conducting the business with success. On the 11th of November, 1880, he married Miss Melinda R. Holm, of Clinton Township, this county, daughter of Lewis Ilohn.

was born in Frederick County, Maryland, December 4, 1820. He is a son of Daniel and Elizabeth Hawver. He came to Shelby County in September, 1849, and located in Jackson Township, on the northwest quarter of the McPherson survey, on which he has since resided. He now owns a good farm, one among the best farms in the township. He has been twice married, first to Elizabeth McCord, then of Jackson Township, but a native of Montgomery County, Ohio, daughter of Benjamin and Mary McCord. His companion died in 18 - . His second marriage was to Mary R. Warefelt, daughter of John and Lydia Warefelt, then of Shelby County. By this union he has three children, viz., Minnie V. A., John F. W., and William D. A.

deceased, an old and esteemed citizen of Jackson Township, was horn in Frederick County, Md., in 1823. He was a son of Daniel and Elizabeth Hawver. He settled in Shelby County in 1849, on the McPherson sec tion, on which he passed the remainder of his days. In 1853 he married Mrs. Rebecca Stralham, nee Snyder, who was born in Maryland in 1*30, daughter of Datfid and Mary Slider. By this union lie had three children, viz , John H., Mollie M., and David 6., two of whom are now living, viz., Mollie M. and David 0. Mr. Hawver died, leaving a wife and two children to mourn the loss of a husband and father. He served as a member of the school board of Jackson Township for several years. He was a warm friend to education, and always did all in his power for its advancement. He was esteemed and highly respected by all who knew of him. He made farming his principal avocation through life. At the time of his death he owned a good farm of about 130 acres, which has since been divided between his two children. By his death Jackson Township lost one of its leading and best citizens.

Source changes here: from History of Shelby County, Ohio, and Representative Citizens, by Hitchcock, Almon Baldwin Carrington, published 1913; 1,732 words in this source stream.

Jackson Township

Jackson township, which is bordered on the north by Auglaize county, on the east by Logan county, has Salem township on its south and Dinsmore and Franklin townships on its western boundaries. IPs general settlement was more recent than many of the other townships, although, in 1912, it may lay just claim to being one of the most important. While the land was originally heavily timbered, the soil proved very fertile and all agricultural activities have prospered.

Early Settlers

In 183 1 James McCormick, traveling from Green county, found desirable land in what is now Jackson township and entered a tract in section 34 There are no other recorded transactions in land until 1833, when Andrev Nogle, of Fairfield county, settled in section 30. In the following yeai another pioneer, Thomas Cathcart, of Montgomery county, made an entrj of land in section 33; and from the same county, in 1835, came David Snidei and William Johnston. In 1837 the homesteaders were John W. Knight, Jeptha M. Davis, Dudley Hughes and William Babcock, and in 1838-1839, Jonathan Howell and Samuel Brandenberg. There is no further record of permanent settlers until 1843, when Christian Hawver of Miami county, located in section 33. Two years later, Philip Hawver, of the same county, bought 160 acres of the McPherson grant, and in the following year a member of the same family, George Hawver, also settled here. Other early settlers whose date of location cannot be definitely stated were Mathew Vandine, Timothy Wale, Julius Wale, Moses Quick, Kimmer Hudson, Henry Roland, Lewis Bland, Reuben Clayton and William Dawdon. It is probable that Luther L. Davis came about 1837 and that Jacob H. and David Babcock may have come in 1840. The McPherson section of grant above alluded to, comprises 640 acres lying entirely within Jackson township and was a special grant to James McPherson by the St. Mary's treaty of 1818.

Mills - Perhaps no industry in a pioneer region is mbre necessary than that of milling and where water could be utilized there was always some man enterprising enough to build a mill ; even when no fall in a stream was sufficient, a horse mill was frequently built. The first mill in Jackson township - one of the latter character - was erected by Daniel Davis, in 1839. being located on the north half of the southwest quarter of section 3. Ten years later Joel Babcock erected a steam saw mill in what is now the town of Jackson Center, but it was destroyed by fire in 1868. In the following year the Babcocks erected another mill on the same site and operated it until 1875, when it was purchased by R. F. Buirley, who continued its operation. In 1866 the firm of McCod & Slusser built a saw mill, in section 33, operated it until 1 881, the firm becoming McCord & Munch. For many years the Dearbaugh operated a saw mill and also a handle factory at Jackson Center, the latter being erected during the summer of 1882. Among present or recent industries are a cane mill, which has been operated for three years by William Hughes; also the mill and grain elevator of L. Kraft, who purchased it from William Ludwig. This, one of the most extensive business concerns of the township, was destroyed by a fire, in December, 1912, the loss was estimated at $15,000.

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Jackson township has several important business centers. The village of Montra, with a present population of 160, was surveyed May 22, 1849, and is situated in the north half of the southeast quarter of section 18, town. 7, range 7 east. At first the village houses were constructed of logs and the first store was in a log building, conducted by a Mr. Mahuren, who was also postmaster and he not only carried the mail to Port Jefferson but also carried the greater part of his store stock, making his trips on foot. He evidently was a man of considerable enterprise, as he also conducted an ashery and a cooper shop. The village has several thriving industries at the present time, including the grocery and restaurant of Daniel Collins and the establishment of ]. C. Heintz, devoted to pumps, steel tanks and wind-engines.

Jackson Center

The situation of Jackson Center is in the north part of the township, in sections 10 and 15, consists of twenty-four lots and the plat was recorded May 4, 1835. The first postmaster was E. P. Stout, who was also the first merchant. There has always been a considerable amount of business done here, among the present industries being the following: The Richmond Auto Company, automobiles and supplies; R. S. Heinler, hardware; J. B. Zehner, drugs ; Chas. M. Lambert, musical goods and bicycles ; Dearbaugh & Moodie, general merchandise; L. H. Sollman, bakery and restaurant; Mrs. G. A. Swickard, millinery, and the mill interests already mentioned. Dr. L. M. Babcock has a well appointed dental office here. There is also a good newspaper published here - The Jdckson Center News, proprietor, J. G. Sailor, a fuller account of which can be found in the chapter on the Press of Shelby county. For mention of the First National Bank of Jackson Center see, chapter on Banks and Banking.

Education both secular and religious has been a leading interest with the people of Jackson township and intelligence and good citizenship prevail. The more important educational statistics of the township may be found in the chapter on Education.

Jackson Center Seventh Day Baptist church was organized March 22, 1840. at the house of Solomon Sayrs, by Elder James Bailey, assisted by Elders Simeon Babcock and S. A. Davis, with about thirty members, viz., Luther L. Davis, Solomon Sayrs and wife, Emeline Sayrs, Dudley Hughes, Davis Loofborough and wife, Calvin Davis and wife, James M. Davis and wife, Uriah Davis and wife, James Davis and wife, John W. Knight and wife, Simeon Babcock, and some others whose names are not mentioned. They held their meetings at the houses of the different members alternately, making the house of Solomon Sayrs their regular place for .holding the quarterly meeting about two years, or until 1842, when the society erected a hewed log church building west of Jackson Center. _Maxson Babcock and Jacob Maxson were appointed deacons of the church, Brooks Akers was the clerk, and Eled Simeon Babcock was the first minister in charge, and remained as such for over twenty years. The society met in the log church building for several years, or until the erection and completion of the old frame church building one-fourth of a mile west of Jackson Center, which was dedicated in September, 1859, by Elder L. A. Davis, assisted by Elders S. Babcock, Benjamin Clement, and Elder Maxson. In May, 1881, the society began the erection of a fine frame church building in Jackson Center 48 by 30 feet, which was completed at a cost of about $2,000, and dedicated during the summer of 1882. The present pastor is Rev. E. L. Lewis.

St. Jacob's Lutheran church was organized in April, 1851, its original membership being Jacob Zorn, Sr., Jacob Zorn, Jr., Jacob Metz, Sr., Philip Metz, Philip Kempfer, Sr., Michael Elsass, Jacob Nonnoront, Michael Keis, Sr., Nicholas Shearer, Michael Shearer, and their wives, together with John Iseman and wife, Jacob Iseman and wife, George Heinz and wife, and Mrs. Elizabeth Christler. Nicholas Shearer, John Iseman and Jacob Zorn were the first church trustees. Under the direction of Rev. George Spangler, the company purchased a little over one acre of land in the northeast quarter of section 6, town. 7, range 7, on which a hewed log structure was built and this continued to be used as a meeting place until in 1877 when a commodious brick church building was put up. The church has maintained its organization up to the present time. Rev. Mr. Pfluger, of Botkins, is now serving as pastor.

St. Emanuel's Lutheran Church - The Lutherans at Montra united in i860 and a society was organized by Rev. Henry King. They were earnest people who were willing to meet for worship in an old storeroom until a proper church edifice could be completed, which was accomplished in the fall of 1862. Services were held here until the building was destroyed by fire in 1874, the membership having increased and during the summer of 1875 the new church building was erected on the old site. Many gifted preachers and zealous Christians have ministered to this congregation since then. The present pastor is Rev. B. F. Mittler.

Montra Methodist Episcopal Church - The Methodist faith was professed by some of the earliest settlers at Montra, but they had no special church organization until in the winter of 1864-65, when Elijah Holmes and wife, Mrs. Mary Foster, Henry Carter and wife, Samuel J. Piles and wife, William Baker, Elizabeth Kah and Joab Click and wife, under the direction of Revs. Rinehart and Smith, became a recognized religious body. The society worshiped for several years in an old log building in the town but were able to dedicate a new structure in June, 1879. the minister then in charge being Rev. J. B. Findley. Rev. B. F. Smith, of Jackson Center, is now serving the congregation.

Pleasant Hill Methodist Episcopal Church - This church, located one mile east of Jackson Center, was organized some time prior' to 1838. The earliest class included Andrew Holmes and wife, Lewis Bland and wife, Thomas

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McVay and wife, Henry and James Roland and their wives, Philip Keith and wife, John Armstrong and wife, Mary Kertler and others. The first meetings were held in private houses, but by 1843 a 1°& structure was put up, which was supplanted in 1853 by a frame edifice. The latter continued to be the church home until the erection of a much more pretentious one in 1882, at which time the membership numbered some sixty families, with missionary and other organizations. This society, however, disbanded some time ago and is no longer in existence.

Justices Of The Peace

The list of justices of the peace that have served in Jackson township from 1836 until 1910 will show that representative men here have held this important position:

Fraternal Organizations

Jackson township has several flourishing fraternal organizations. Lodge No. 736, Odd Fellows at Jackson Center, has about' one hundred members. Granite Camp No. 15573, at Jackson Center has an active membership of thirty-one.