Jefferson Township (part 1 of 2)

Jefferson Township

It was formed from German, June 10, 1805. Harding Township was formed at the same time, and included about all of the territory now within Preble County.

It was the custom for twenty years after the organization of the county, ind even to later years than that, to take care of orphans or poor children by 'binding them out" until they should become of age. The first record of indenture is that of Seni Culbertson, an orphan girl five years of age. Squire faithfully and cheerfully obey all lawful commands of her master, and to behave herself in a becoming manner. She was to be instructed in all necessary housework, cooking, washing, sewing and spinning; to be taught reading and writing, if capable of taking them up. She was to be found in boarding, lodging and suitable clothing. When she became eighteen years old, she was to receive a feather bed. and covering, a small spinning-wheel, a half dozen each of plates, knives and forks, and a set of tea ware.

Henry Culbertson, a brother of Seni, was the same summer apprenticed to a saddler of the town until he should be twenty -one years of age; was to be taught saddlery, and, if he be capable of taking them up, was to be taught; reading, writing and ciphering, and, at the end of his time, receive a new suit !; of clothes.

A colored girl brought here as a servant to live with the family of D. C. Cooper, on his farm south of town, is the first colored person known to have come to the Dayton settlement. She came here in 1803, and shortly after gavej birth to a boy child, which she named Harry Cooper. When the boy was twoj and a half years old, he was indentured to D. C. Cooper until he should arrive J at the age of twenty-one year's, Cooper agreeing to teach the boy the trade of tanning and milling, and, if he prove capable, he is to be taught reading and writing. He was to behave himself in a becoming manner, to have boarding, j lodging and clothing free, and at the age of twenty-one was to receive two new suits of clothes, a saddle and a second rate horse.

In December of the year 1805, the colored woman gave birth to a girl baby! - Poll - who, when she was nine months old, was bound to Christopher Curiner until she should be eighteen years old. She was to be taught to read, and all duties of housekeeping; was to have every-day clothes and a suit for Sunday, with board and lodging free. At the end of her time, she was to have a feather bed and bedding, plates, cups and saucers, and knives and forks for a common j table.

For each loaded wagon and team, 75 cents; for each empty wagon and | team, 50 cents; for each two-wheeled carriage, 37 \ cents; for each man and horse, 1 2 1 cents; for each foot person, 64 cents.

Lawyers and doctors, each, $3; taverns, in Dayton, $9; taverns on the road between Dayton and Franklin, $6; taverns at all other places, $5.

In the next year licenses were increased $1 each, and the ferry rates were also advanced. The Commissioners in June, 1805, advertised in the Cincin nati and Lexington (Ky.) papers for proposals for building a brick court house in Dayton. The place of holding courts was changed from Newcom's Tavern to McCollum's brick tavern for the fall term of 1805, and the courts were held there until the new court house was completed. The Commissioners paid $25 per annum rent.

The Brick Court House

The contract for building the brick court house was let February 3, 1806. The building was forty-two by thirty-eight feet; two stories high; jury-roomi above and court- room below; and, although not finished, was occupied the following winter. There were no locks on any of the doors for four years after ward. The only furniture in the court and jury rooms were a few three-legged stools and a bench. At first the juries were not furnished with seats, and ii was not until the year 1811 that tables were placed in the building; ther benches were provided for spectators. In 1815, a cupola was built on the courl, house, and in the fall of the next year a bell was hung.

It is difficult to fix the time that schools in the townships were first opened, a there is very little of record in reference to it. In Dayton, the first school held in September, 1799, in the block-house at the head of Main street. I the winter of 1804-05, cabin schools were in operation in Mad River, Washj;-ton and German Townships, and in Dayton. As the neighborhoods in other ts of the county grew stronger each winter, log schoolhouses were built, a l it is probable that, in 1810, there were ten such country schools in existence. - alts, as well as children, attended them, but the aggregate of attendance m not very large. These first log-cabin schoolhouses in the townships were p up in a few hours by the settlers of a neighborhood. The schools were all kit up by subscription; children whose parents were unable to pay, were adj ted free ; schoolmasters boarded around among the patrons of the school, a 1 their pay was small. The master was not always master; as a rule the o's were unruly; and by reason of the large reserve of "big brothers;" com- ; ations were often made to "bar out" the master, and sometimes even drive i l from the neighborhood. The good-natured master -who would begin his m by standing treat to cider or apples for the school was the popular kind, a: l was less liable to be " smoked " or "barred out." Children usually sup- >d themselves with books by trading produce of their own raising, furs of mals that they had trapped or shot, or rags that they had saved. Two or flee winters of schoolin' was considered enough, and even to secure that most he children had long, lonely walks through the woods, in cold, and wet and aw. However, school children were reasonably happy, and had good times, .most of school children do.

By act of Legislature, passed January 16, 1807, to take effect March 1, 1 *7, Miami County was erected, thus reducing the boundaries of Montgomery inty to the territory now within Montgomery and Preble Coimties. Town- Ip lines were adjusted to suit the new county lines. Washington Township (os were not changed. The territory now in Harrison Township, south and vitof Stillwater, had been added to Dayton Township, January 2. June 1, tl west line of the township was continued on up to the Miami County line, ;hat at that time Dayton Township included all of what is now Van Buren, Errison, Dayton, Mad River and Wayne Townships, and Butler, to the west 3 of the sixth range of townships, and in the southwest corner of the town- " P, west of the Miami River, fractional Sections 19, 20, 29 and 30, in Townsi? 1, Range 6; these sections were, in 1831, attached to Miami Township.

ndolph Township included what is now in Clay and Randolph, and east of 5 11 water to the sixth range of townships. German Township was what is now nthat township and east to the Miami River, and two tiers of sections that are av in Jackson Township. Jefferson Township included all of Jefferson, kson (except the two tiers of sections in German), Madison and Perry Town- 8 ps. Harding Township was the whole of Preble County.

September 8, 1807, Eaton Township was formed from Harding Township, 1' include all of the first and second ranges of townships between Butler and Mmi Counties. March 1, 1808, Preble County was erected.

Winding little paths, lines of communication between neighborhoods, had lened out to shady roads. At first the pioneers, without compass, had picked u" way to the nearest settlements around, wading through the rank weeds and tangled vines, swamps and long grass of the prairies. In this way wer the county roads located along the ridges, across the streams and through th woods, flanked by jungles of weeds and underbrush, thickets of vines and scru growth. In 1807, these roads were open in all directions through the count) From Dayton to Piqua, on both sides of the Miami ; up Stillwater to Greenvill< up AVolf Creek seven miles. A column of Gen. Wayne's army had, in 179i cut a trace through from below Eaton, to New Lexington, Preble County, an along on what has since been known as the the Old Sled Road, to Salem, Rai dolph Township, in this county; thence straight to Fort Greenville. From Dayto there were roads to Springfield, Xenia, Gunckel's mill, Lebanon and Franklii The river road had that year been opened from the ford, at the foot of Fourt street, in Dayton, down through the bottoms, to intersect the Franklin road ; Hole's Creek; a road had also been located from Hole's Creek, across the hill through the Shaker settlement to the Greene County line. From Hole's Statioi roads led to the mills up Bear Creek, and across to Gunckel's mill. From oj posite Franklin, a road followed up Twin Creek to Gunckel's mill, and on up New Lexington, in Preble County. The surplus products of the county wei hauled over these roads to the mills, or to the more central points, to be freigb ed to Cincinnati. The roads were narrow, but a single track, marked by tl deep ruts cut by loaded wagons, and were not much improved until 1839.

The wild strawberry was found on the uplands, and there were servic berries, May apples, blackberries, wild raspberries, prickly gooseberries, de\ berries, wild plums, wild grapes, haws, hackberries, wild cherries, papaws ai crab apples; hickorynuts, chincopins, walnuts, hazelnuts and butternuts. A pies, peaches, pears, plums and cherries were brought to the county about i the order named. Apples were grown in the county as early as 1803, but n in great quantity until in 1808, at which time there were good orchards |j every part of the county, except in Clay and Perry Townships. The best suits were found in budding on wild crab stocks. Silas Wharton had an ext-e sive nursery two and a half miles west of Waynesville, in 1818; he had apple pears, plums and cherries, and it was the first nursery in this part of the Stai' In the winter of 1823-24, Solomon, Hoover & Co. began selling apple- tre from their nurseries, two miles south of Milton, Union Township, Miami Count

Whisky And Whisky-Making

At one time, nearly every well-to-do farmer in the county had a little coj per still of his own, in which he made his "old rye," "apple-jack" and co:! whisky; many of them made from one to ten barrels each year for shipmei They kept whisky in their cabins for their own use, and to bid neighbors ai friends good cheer. Whenever they came along, the bottle and cup were ; ways handed around, the host drinking first. Morning bitters were popu then, as now, and the men usually took a dram before meals. Women treat . their visitors to whisky and sugar. Milk punch was a favorite with all. Whis was used with roots and herbs in making medicines, and was used as a preve ive as well as a cure. About all the facilities the county offered for advert j ing, was by telling all the neighbors, and requesting them to tell all of th neighbors, and everybody else.

Indian Summer

The first few days of disagreeable, cold weather in the fall, was known Squaw winter; after that the pleasant weather that came was known to Westej pioneers as Indian Summer - so called from the fact that the renewal of pier

; t days afforded the Indians further opportunity for depredations in the settments. The whites enjoyed perfect peace and freedom from such incursions though the winter. After the Indian Summer had passed, the hunting season i can, provisions were laid up for the next summer, so that the whole time i ght be given to farming.

Hunting Anu Teapping

The forests were full of game - wolves, wild-cats, foxes, panthers, bears, c?r, wild turkeys, ducks, geese, rabbits, coons, possums and squirrels, and the r ers were stocked with fish. At the time Daniel Boone came to the Kentucky i ids, and when the white settlers began coming through the mountains to the ( do Valley, herds of buffalo and elk roamed the forests and prairies of Ten issee, Kentucky and all north of the Ohio Kiver to the Mississippi. In 1780, Hen Gen. Clark's expedition against the the Indian village on Mad River, f 'enteen miles above Dayton, had recrossed the Ohio River, being scarce of i jvisions, a buffalo was killed on Licking River. November 4, 1787, two were 1 led as they were swimming the Ohio River at the mouth of the Big Miami, bvember 18, several were killed above the Big Kanawha; a great many were i the Wabash Valley that same year and over in Kentucky. In 1788, in a let b written at Marietta, to a friend in Massachusetts, the writer says: "We

Capt. Imlay, who came West previous to the year 1793, in writing of the \ Id animals and game of the West, says: "The buffalo are mostly driven

( t of Kentucky. Some are still found on the Licking River, Big Sandy and 1 'een River. Deer abound in the extensive forests, but the elk confines itelf lastly to the hilly and uninhabited places. In the broken country, great num- ! r of grouse are found ; and the quail have followed the trail of the scattered i ain from the old settlements on the other side of the mountains, to the new ttlements in the West."

Buffalo and elk had entirely disappeared from the country east of the Wash, in 1795. Wolves, panthers and wild-cats were especially annoying to the i Hers. A reward was paid for every wolf scalp brought in, and in the seaus when these mischievous beasts were unusually numerous, additional bounty is offered to induce hunters to devote their whole time to the killing of the oesky varmints." They would attack and drive unarmed men into the trees; ten coming into the settlements in packs, driving women and children into e cabins, howling in great numbers through the Woods at night, prowling ound the cabins to eat vegetables growing in the gardens and destroying pigs id poultry. It was so annoying that the men would nightly shoot them through e cracks of the log cabins. After pigs were brought here, the pens were coved with heavy logs to keep out the wolves. Wild-cats were also numerous, d as daring as the wolves in their visits to the settlement, by night or day. anthers were more shy, but were very dangerous and of great strength, altough there were not so many of them. One that had killed a hog, and carad it through a deep snow into the woods, was pursued and killed. A settler ho had some land across the river from the head of Ludlow street, in Dayton, jarmg some disturbance among his hogs, crossed the river in a canoe. He und the hogs frightened and scattered, and, while searching for the cause, 'ard something fall, and found one of his hogs dead on the ground under a tree, from which it had been dropped by a large panther. The man id no gun, but stood eyeing the panther as it slowly descended the tree and leaked off into the woods.

Dressed in hunting-shirt, buckskin breeches, moccasins and coonskin cap; pupped with powder-horn, bullet-pouch and scalping- knife; armed with the long-barreled Hint-lock squirrel rifle, the hunter always found and killed abum ance of game. Deer were as plenty in the woods of the hills and valleys j those days as are the cattle in the fields of Montgomery County at this time.

Courage and daring were characteristic of the pioneer hunters, and th< took all risks incident to bear-hunting, never hesitating in the pursuit or v push the attack in any situation. And there was real sport, says the pionee to see clumsy bruin doggedly move off, or, when urged by the dogs, into lumbering gallop, suddenly face his enemy, erect himself in defense, thus co ering his own retreat to a favorite tree. If the tree was hollow, the bear cor be smoked out, or the hunter felled the tree, and killed him after the tumb! Sometimes to get at him, a smaller tree was felled against the larger one, whji the hunter, with gun slung to his shoulder, muzzle down, and knife between h teeth, would climb to the attack. A she bear with cubs was the most dangerou; Bears showed but little sagacity in avoiding traps, and could be taken in ai simply- arranged trap that was strong enough to hold them. In trapping then the pioneers built log pens, in shape like a roof, shelving inwardly from tl ground on the four sides; a carcass for bait was placed inside. The bear easi'i climbed the outside and entered through the hole left at the top for him. Oik inside he could neither get out or throw down the pen. Wolves and catamonn were caught in the same way.

A favorite method of hunting deer in the early days, was by canoe atnigl known then as " fire-hunting." A bright fire or torch was lighted at the be of the boat, the shooter would sit just .behind it, while the steersman slow] river to drink, and shelter themselves for the night under the bushes along tl bank; as the boat passed, the bright eyes of the deer would glisten in the bush from the light of the burning hickory bark, affording a good mark for the hunt man. When either deer or bear were killed, the carcass was gutted at once ai hung to a tree, to be taken to the settlement on a sled after the hunt.

Bear and deer drives were organized by stationing the hunters at short i tervals around a circle. A large tract of land could thus be surrounded. At signal from the Captain, the word was passed from man to man to begin the a vance to a common center. Tin horns and trumpets were sounded along tl line; often inclosing in the circle to the center a herd of deer, bears, tuike; and small game. An incessant fire from the line of hunters rapidly broug. down the flying deer, the bears as they dashed from side to side, skulkii wolves and wild-cats and turkeys from the tree-tops.

The tender, juicy flesh of the wild turkey, the skill and tact needed to 6u cessfully hunt them, was a temptation that the hunters would not resist. T! "call" was made from the small bone of a turkey's wing, and most huntc were experts in its use. After having a shot or two at a pack and scatterii them, the " call " was used to draw them to an ambush, shooting them as tin came within range. Turkeys being followed in the snow soon tire. The ku ter followed the tracks of a single turkey that would turn off to hide or re;1 After having killed his turkey the hunter took up the track of the flock aga until he saw that another had turned out to hide and squat. They were ofti1 shot from their roosts in the tree-tops in the early morning.

Turkey traps were square pens of light timber, a door at the side with spring catch; the string was stretched across the floor, covered with chaff ai; corn. In scratching, the string would be struck, and the door dropped belli] the turkeys. Other and smaller game were shot or trapped in any quanta One way of shooting wild ducks, geese and turtles, was to float down stream a canoe, or on a slab covered with brush. Roast coon, opossum and rabbit p were favorite dishes, the game for which was usually supplied by the boys, wl

Bass, catfish, pickerel, pike, eels, perch, suckers and sunfish, were caught abundantly from the rivers, by gigging, and in fish-boxes, traps, Bnares and nets. Great seines were used that would sweep the river from shore to shore.

Settlers, worthy men from the Eastern States, were constantly coming in vith their families, to locate on the farming lands. Cabins were put up in all lirections from the settlement, and the women, children and goods were tumbled into them. Good crops were produced throughout the valley; wheat was selling at 50 cents per bushel, and whisky at 37 J cents a gallon. There were aut few fences in kthe county, and, as a consequence, horses and cattle run at arge and often strayed away. Under the law, " strays " could be taken up, but immediately appraised, and notice, with description, filed with the Squire.

At the election that fall there were 564 votes cast in the county. Dayton Township, at the court house, 196; Washington Township, at the house of Richard Mason, 112; German Township, at Philip Gunckel's, 125; Randolph Township, at David Hoover's, 47; Jefferson Township, at John Yenimons, 84. Montgomery, Miami and Preble Counties comprised the Senatorial District. Montgomery and Preble, jointly, had two Representatives in the Lower House of the Legislature.

March 6, 1809, Madison Township was 'formed, and at the first election, held at the house of Martin Wybrichts, Andrew Hood was elected Justice of the Peace. He received 10 votes; Benjamin Lehman, 5; Robert Wilson, 2; total, 17. The town of Trotwood has not been platted.

The Militia

All free, able-bodied, white male citizens, between the ages of eighteen and forty-five years, were enrolled in the militia by company commandants, within whose company bounds such citizens resided. Each man was required to provide himself with a good musket, fusee, or rifle, bayonet, belt, knapsack, two spare flints, a pouch for twenty-four cartridges, or a powder-horn, a fourthpound of powder and twenty-four balls. Officers wore a sword or hanger. Exemptions from enrollment were preachers, Judges of courts, jail-keepers, customs and post officers, stage-drivers and ferry-men on mail routes. The State was divided into four divisions, with a Major General in command of each division. The First Division included the counties of Hamilton, Clermont, Warren, Butler, Greene, Montgomery, Miami and Champaign, formed in brigades as follows: Regiments, battalions and companies, of Hamilton and Clermont Counties formed the First Brigade ; Warren and Butler the Second Brigade ; Greene, Montgomery, Miami and Champaign the Third Brigade. A brigade consisted of from two to six regiments ; a regiment of two battalions; a battalion of from four to eight companies; a company of from forty to eighty men. Brigades were in command of Brigadier Generals; the regiments by Lieutenant Colonels; battalions by Majors; and companies by Captains. Company officers were elected by the enrolled men; Brigadier Generals, Lieutenant Colonels and Majors, were elected by company officers; Division Commanders were appointed by the Governor and Legislature. One company of artillery, or a troop of horse, was attached to each regiment. The grenadiers, or the rifle companies, were the flankers. Four company musters were required each year: battalion musters in April or May; and regimental musters in October. When in active service, the militia were subject to the rules and regulations of the United States Army. As the

State became more thickly settled, the number of regiments and brigades were increased. In 1809, the militia of Ohio was 15,000 strong, assigned to four divisions. Gen. John S. Gano, of Cincinnati, was in command of the First Division; Gen. Edmund Hunger, of Washington Township, this county was Brigadier General in command of the Fifth Brigade, First Division.

The United States was organizing the army as a precautionary measure in case of war with Great Britain. In all of the States militia laws were being adopted to meet the emergency, and State troops were offered to the Government.

The Governor of Ohio held 2,834 militia in readiness to move upon requisition of the National authorities, but a better understanding prevailed between the United States and Great Britain, and their services were not, at that tune, required.

Training days and the 4th of July were the big days for the militia; she only other times that they mustered was at the death of some revolutionary sol dier, or one of their comrades, to bury them with the honors of war.

Just before the war of 1812, regiments of Greene and Champaign Counties were formed into a brigade, with Gen. Benjamin Whiteman, of Greene County, in command. After the war, the number of divisions were increased; Montgomery, Preble, Greene, Clark, Miami, Darke and Champaign, formed the Fifth Division, Maj. Gen. Benjamin Whiteman commanding.

At the militia trainings in the townships, sometimes anvils wordd be used in firing a National salute; at other times, the proper number of large trees, each representing a State, were cut so that a few strokes of the ax would fell them, and thus, at intervals, the crash of the trees would form part of this novel National salute.

The first political County Convention was held at the court house in the evening of September 6, 1809. David Reed was chosen Moderator, and Benjamin Van Cleve, Clerk, of the convention. The following ticket was nominated: For Representatives, Joseph H. Crane, of Montgomery; David Purviance, of Preble; for Sheriff, Jerome Holt; for Coroner, David Squire; for Commis sioner, John Folkerth.

Opposition candidates for Sheriff and Commissioner were nominated by a convention held on the 9th. At the election there were 600 votes cast, and this entire ticket was elected.

The County Commissioners, on the 1st of January, 1810, formed Wayne Township, to include the four northern tiers of sections in the eighth range east of the Miami River, within this county, and the third tier of sections in the fifth range west of the Miami, excepting two western tiers of sections of the sam9 township. The first election for two Justices was ordered to be held at the house of Benjamin Van Cleve, on the Staunton road, Saturday, January^ 20. Twenty-one votes were cast at the election. James Miller and William Snodgrass were elected.

The number of mills in the county had increased in numbers, every avail- ; le mill site was occupied; flour, whisky, pork and grain, were shipped down lie river in flat-boats. Fish baskets and brush-dams so interfered with navigabn, that an efiort was made to have the channels of the Miami. Mad River i d Stillwater declared public highways. In 1811, mills, barns, still- houses id all outbuildings, other than dwellings, were exempted from taxation. A. tndard half bushel was ordered by the Commissioners, and, on the 28th of -me, James Wilson was appointed keeper of the measure, and was advertised be at his house, at Dayton, every Saturday, to measure and seal half-bushels.

The First Stone Jail

The contract for building a new jail was sold at public auction at the court rase, July 27, to James Thompson, at $2,147.91; the building to be 18x32 et, and built of rubble stone. The contractor was two years and a half in hiding it. In the meantime the county used a rented building for a jail. In icember, 1813, the jail was finished and, shortly afterward, was accepted. It as two stories high, of rubble stone, gable shingle roof running parallel with e street, the building standing at the edge of the sidewalk, in the rear of tkn urt house, on Third street; the entrance was from Third street into a hall at ran through the center of the building; the Sheriff's residence was the ist half of the building; the prison part was the east half. There were three 11s opening into the hall on the first floor, and three cells, or strong rooms, on e second floor; the rooms on the second floor were more comfortably furshed and less like prisons than those below; were used for women and others nfined for minor offenses; one of them was the debtor's cell, for, in early iys, men were imprisoned for debt; but where there was no special danger of 9 debtor running away, he might, upon giving bonds double the amount of the- >bt, be released by the court, on "prison bounds" or " limits;" that is, he could re at home, being allowed only to go to and come from work, to enable him support his family, and endeavor to pay the debt.

A person standing on the sidewalk could look through the barred window to the front cell below, and converse freely with the prisoners; the window as about two feet square; small articles could be easily passed through theirs. Back of this cell was the dungeon, and back of that was another cell, he walls and floors of the six cells were lined with a course of heavy oak-plank, -iven full of nails, then covered with a second course of heavy plank - a strong )x from which no prisoner escaped until they tried. One morning the Sheriff oke up to find that four of his prisoners had escaped during the night, by cutng through the floor and tunneling under the wall and up through the sidealk. There was at once a great clamor for a new jail. About 1834 or 1835. one-story building, of heavy cut stone, was erected in the yard to the rear of le jail. In it were four cells with stone floors and arched brick ceilings, his was used as the county jail for ten years, until the fall of the year 1845,. hen the stone jail, at the northwest corner of Main and Sixth street, was built.

The series of earthquakes which affected the whole of the Ohio V alley, and estroyed the town of New Madrid, thoroughly shook up Montgomery County 9ople and all of the Miami Yalley. The first shock was felt here between 2 ad 3 o'clock Monday morning, December 16, waking up all the people, many taving their houses in fright; horses and cattle were badly frightened, and lickens flew in alarm from their roosts in the trees. These shocks, although ,ot so severely, continued for two days. Then again, on Thursday, January 3, 1812, another shock, more severe than those of the month previous. Sev-

-eral slight shocks were felt within the next few days, the most severe of whicl was on the morning of the 27th; it shook the houses; articles hanging in thi stores were kept in motion for a minute. Just before 4 o'clock, Friday morn ing, February 7, two severe shocks in quick succession were heard and felt; thi usual rumbling noise was distinctly heard to precede and accompany both shocks The last shock was by far the most awful in duration and severity of any of thi previous ones. People, cattle and fowls, were again greatly alarmed. In thi -evening, two other shocks were felt.

Boone, Kenton, Logan and other brave, strong spirits, such as they, wen the men of influence in the earliest days of Western settlement. After ths ter ritory had been erected, Clark, St. Clair and Wayne, controlled affairs an({| brought peace and stability to the Government.

Van Cleve, Hamer, Newcom, Cooper, Hole, Gunckel, Edgar, Adame and Spinning were the leading men in the pioneer settlements and at thi! time of the organization of Montgomery County; and they were followed ii the control of affairs by Col. Robert Patterson, Judge Joseph H. Crane, Aaroi Baker, Henry Brown, Jonathan Harshman, Judge James Steele and H. G. Phil lips; and in later years, Rev. Thomas Winters, William Huffman, Judge Georg< B. Holt, John W. Van Cleve, John Turner, John Neff, Gen. R. C. Schenck, C L. Vallandigham, John Harries, William P. Huffman, Maj. W. D. Bickharo Valentine Winters, E. E. Barney and Judge D. A. Haynes.

War Times

The thrilling events of the war of 1812 so fully occupied the attention ant efforts of the community that it is difficult to separate military movements an< affairs of the county from the purely local history of the times. The ex posed positions of Preble, Darke and Miami Counties made Montgomery ai asylum for refugees. Prices for all farm products advanced, yet so many of thi farmers were called into the army that the bulk of surplus product was great! reduced. Lands sold very low; good farms up Stillwater were sold as low a $3 per acre; one tract of 6,500 acres, near Dayton, was offered at very lot rates. But, of course, after the war all real estate rapidly advanced in value

Very few improvements were made in the townships; roads were neglected except the military roads from Franklin to Staunton, through Dayton, the roa< south, to Lebanon, and the river road, from the foot of Fourth street, Dsytor to Alexandersville. These roads were kept in tolerable repair by the Quarter master's Department of the army. The County Treasurer's report for that yea shows $2,368.82§ collected in tax, and all paid out.

\ T a session of the Commissioners, held June 10, 1805, the township bearing the above name was formed from German Township, and embraced i; ollowing territory: Bounded by the Southwest Branch of the Miami and : a continuing west from the north boundary of the eighth range, between the i li River on the north; by the Miami River on the east; by the line runi j west between the fifth and sixth tier of sections in the township, beginn on the river between Sections 25 and 36, in the third township, fifth tb, and continuing west to the line between the third and fourth ranges (on ine of Harding Township); thence north with said line to the hrst-menn d line, eomprising an extensive tract of land, from which several other v, blips were afterward formed. The township assumed its present form ::st '21, 1841, and is the territory between Madison on the north, Harrison, iui and the Miami River, on the east, Miami and German Townships on the u , and Jackson on the west. The appellation was given it in honor of laas Jefferson, one of the signers of the Declaration of Independence and . Iiird President of the United States. It is well watered by the following ms: Big Bear Creek, flowing in a southeasterly direction, through the stm half of the township, from north to south; Little Bear Creek, crossing mithwest corner, and "Possum" Creek, flowing in a southern direction v, which makes a horseshoe-like curve in the southeastern corner of the 'vision. The township is traversed by improved pikes intersected by nuns dirt or summer roads, by means of which all points throughout the surging country can be reached. Of these, the most important are the Dayx Germantown, Dayton & Western and the Farmersville & Carrollton.

irst-named crosses the township diagonally, extending from the Soldiers' >4, in Section 1, in a southwestern direction, to the corner of Section 33,

> files from the Jackson Township line; the Dayton & Western crossing wnship from east to west, forming the dividing line between this and xion Township; the Farmersville & Carrollton crossing the southern part t township from west to east. The C. , H. & D. R. R. also passes through 1 utheastern corner of the subdivision, running parallel with the Great ai River. The surface of the country is varied, being, in general, rather 1% or undulating, and, in some places, quite hilly. The highest land of wnship is probably along the center of its northern part, which elevation,

b decreasing in height, extends some distance southward, from which the * m either side slopes eastward and westward to the limits of the township, eiills are principally confined to the region about Bear Creeks, while a " ful ralley stretches across the southern part of the subdivision, where is 11 quite a broad expanse of level country. The soil is very fertile, esdy in the rich bottom lands, and is well adapted for agricultural purposes, curing favorably in point of fertility with any of Montgomery County, the hiss of which with its yielding properties is hardly surpassed by any in ' tate. It has a variety of timber, such as sugar, hickory, walnut, ash, 'Unn, beech, etc., sugar greatly predominating, while but little beech is u. which is confined to the higher elevations, and in the lowlands are much ;!-ii id walnut. The staple productions are corn, wheat and tobacco, the lat- 1 kng raised, in great quantities, as is evidenced by the numerous sheds dotting the township, where it is prepared for the market. The people are dustrious and law-abiding, and, if we are to judge from the number of churc a religious community, and are mainly tillers of the soil, there beino- but town and village in the subdivision - Liberty and Gettersburg, the for situated in Section 9, near the center, and the latter on Big Bear Creek, in i tion 28, in the southern part of the township. The National Soldiers' Hi is located in this township, of which the people have great reasons to be pr< they having been so highly honored by the location of this important and neticent institution - a Natiqn's gift to her defenders, within their scop country, the natural beauty of whose lands furnished the grand site overlool the city of Dayton and the lovely Miami Yalley for miles around. It is only the largest and most flourishing institution of the kind in this country, one of the largest in the world. A full description of this will be given t where in this work. Also in this township is located the county infirmary the school section belonging to German Township.

Eably Settlebs And Settlements

"Never," says an early writer, "since the golden age of poets, did Syren song of peace and of farming' reach so many ears, and gladden so rr hearts as after Wayne's treaty at Greenville in 1795. 'The Ohio,' as it called, seemed to be, literally, a land dowing with milk and lionov. farmer wrote home of a soil 'richer to appearance than can possibly be n by aid;' of plains and meadows without the labor of hands sufficient to sup'J millions of cattle summer and winter; of wheat lands that would vie with Island of Sicily; and of bogs from which might be gathered cranberries eaci to make tarts for all New England, while the lawyer said that as he rodel: circuit, his horse's legs were dyed to the knee with the juice of the wild stil berry. At that time the diseases and hardships of frontier life were not d upon; the administration of Washington had healed the divisions among States; the victory of Wayne had brought to terms the dreaded savages, as the dweller on the barren shore of the Atlantic remembered these things the wonderful facts, in addition, that the inland garden to which he was vited was crossed in every direction by streams even then counted on as afi| ing means for free commercial intercourse, and that it possessed besides nej 700 miles of river and lake coast, the inducements for emigration became strong to be resisted; the wagon was tinkered up at once, the harness pate | anew, and a few weeks found the fortune-seeker looking down fromi Chestnut ridge or Laurel Hill upon the far-reaching forests of the We Such glowing accounts were not without results, for so soon as the treat Greenville and the cessation of the Indiau war had removed the last obsi to the peopling of this extensive region, the active spirit of emigration strained during the years of hostilities, was now set free and the living col began its Westward movement with an impetus that was destined steadi increase till the whole vast area should be possessed and peopled. During year 1766, nearly 1,000 flat-boats passed Marietta laden with emigrant; their way to the more attractive regions of the Miami in the Southwest, beo-an the tide of emigration, the effects of which are before us. To att< giving much of the very early history of J efferson Township, compr: ang did originally much of the land of the county upon which settlers began sq: ting, many remaining permanently, as early as the close of the eighteenth tury, at this late day more than three-quarters of a century ago, when the band of pioneers came, and that generation having long since disappet would be impossible. However, after diligent research, we trust to be ab present many points connected with the early history of the township. ; e'ly pioneers settling in this township did not deviate from what has proved P o-eneral custom to have been, viz., to have sought elevated land along some seam or in the vicinity of a spring; this, as is apparent to the reader, was for aSwofold purpose, for we find that the earliest settlement of which any knowlre can be obtained along Big Bear Creek, in the vicinity of Liberty, where, aearly as the beginning of the century, amid the song's of birds, could be burd the ax of John Gripe, who, at that early day, actuated by a desire or 1, o-ing to better his condition, bade adieu to the regions of the Keystone Site, turning his face to the direction whither the " Star of Empire " takes i( way, determined to hew out for himself and family, from the wilderness of tl West, a home. Here his cabin was built, and, for years, with his better hi and little ones about him. this sturdy man began the task incumbent upon anew-comers to the West. At about the same time, from Virginia, came ; m Miller and one Gingerick - brothers -in daw - both effecting settlements whin the present limits of this subdivision. They, too, through the buoyancy lope, left the land of their childhood and friends dear, to try their fortune

Their families accompanied them, but of what they consisted we are unto to say. They effected settlements along Bear Creek. Among those come a. little later were George Hoffman and family. Hoffman came from off aurel Hill," eager to leave the land of chestnuts for a home in the Western ost, beneath whose boughs and shaded turf lie hidden untold wealth. He nisred a half-section of land east of Liberty, and at once, with the assistance of . inestimable wife, built in the forest primeval a rude shed, which served as a pile of abode for all until time and circumstances permitted of a change, ffman had been united in marriage with Fannie Enimert, and the union was Isedwith thirteen children - Barbara, Betsey, Susie, Jacob, John, Fannie,

Jacob Mullendore, a native of Virginia, settled on the present site of Toersburg in 1802, and there lived for many years. During the war of 4, he hauled flour to the soldiers al Greenville. In 1803, Michael Myers " od within the present limits of the township in question.

As early as the year 1804, Maryland responded to the call and sent forth Ihael Moyer, who settled in Section 27. We give the date from tax duplia of 1804, not otherwise being able to arrive at such period; that year he " taxed on 614 acres of land, located in the section above mentioned.

Michael Weaver, another of Pennsylvania's sons, emigrated to Ohio with Family in 1804, and located on Little Bear Creek, three miles north of fnisburg, where he lived and died. His son Peter, who was eleven years tovhen hia father came to this State, became a carpenter by trade and was a firal mechanic, being able to make almost anything from wood. He made ue a leading business of manufacturing wind-mills for many years, and r e and put up tee first one ever erected in Ohio, at that time being nineteen e>3 old. He was for sixty years or more a member of the Lutheran Church. k?as twice married, his second wife being Cassidiana Fisher, daughter of rlerick Fisher, who was also an early settler here, but came a few years 11 than the Weaver family. Mr. Weaver died July 20, 1879, aged Tty-six years, leaving his wife, who still survives at the age of eighty years, Q'! three children, viz., John, Henry P. arid Peter S. , the two first named by his first wife.

Jacob Weaver, who, on the 24th of October, 1786, was united in marriage wi Margaret Gebhart, both being natives of that State. Jacob entered a tract land on Little Bear Creek; their children were Henry, Michael, Jacob, Pet Philip, John S., Mary M., Margaret, Eva and William, of whom John ai Margaret are the only survivors.

Another, whose name we omitted above as belonging to the number, wl in the early days of the year 1800, reached the Miami and crossed its swell waters in search of a home, was Jacob Miller, " a very exemplary man, and o that played a conspicuous part in the early history of the township. At t time of his arrival in Ohio, the country was a dense forest, inhabited bynurn ous tribes of Indians. He was an Elder in the German Baptist Church, a: it is said of him that he frequently visited them in their wigwams, and wor sing and pray with them, which, together with his kind and friendly treatme toward them, led them to reverence, respect and protect him under all circui stances. They called him ' the good man the Great Spirit sent from the Eat He was born in Franklin County, Penn., in the year 1735; his parents ca; from Germany; he united with the church in early life and was set apart the ministry. He married young and moved to Franklin County, Va., int year 1765; he there labored in his official calling, and built up a large chur< which still remains to this day. He located in Sections 35 and 36, possessi 286 acres. He was the first Elder of the German Baptist persuasion to set west of that river; he labored assiduously in the cause of Christ, and, afte useful and well -spent life of fourscore years, he was summoned to meet God, whose cauae he had so long espoused, dying in the year 1815, in si; of the residence of Elder John Holler. He raised a very exemplary family children, some of whom became eminent ministers in the church."

We are of the opinion that the John Miller herein mentioned is of 1 1 family, as the oldest son of the venerable Elder bore that name; if so, he ml ried Phoebe McClure, raised a large family and died in Union City, Ind. 1 other children by name were Jacob, Tobias, Abraham, Isaac, Daniel, Samu Aaron, David, Mary, Eva and Anna.

Among those who came in the year 1805, were the Weavers, Stovers, Re ers, Crulls, Kripes and Kritzers; the latter, whose "head" was Andrew, e; grated from Pennsylvania; Crull (John) and Joseph Kripe settled in the vioj ity of Liberty. Jacob Flory was another settler of this year, and in vicinity just named. His wife was Mary Overhulser; they moved into C Township in 1817. The Rechers, consisting of Peter and Elizabeth Reel emigrated from Frederick County, Md., by means of a four-horse wag bringing with them six children, viz., Jacob, John, Mary, Peter, Joseph i Daniel. The following three were born in Jefferson Township; Eliae Fr erick and Louis. The mother's maiden name was Protzman. Recher bou land second -handed, purchasing 240 acres, lying in Main, about one mile M of Liberty, of John Miller. He became, before many years, a large la owner, possessing at one time over 1,100 acres. Joseph, who now resides the home place, is quite an old yet well-preserved man; was born in Fredei County, Md., in 1801. He married Catharine Staver, some lifty-odd y( ago, and has ever since lived as located. Peter Weaver, with his good w Elizabeth, whose maiden name was Heist, and with three children - Ja< Henry and John, came from Pennsylvania and settled on Bear Creek, enter;; Section 18, where the rude cabin was erected and pioneer life begun. Of children were here born unto them, by name, Peter, Abraham. Ester, Eliza! and Barbara. The boys all remained in this region and assisted in clear' much of the land in their several localities. Of the grandchildren of tijj venerable parents, Abraham, familiarly known as "Uncle Abe," though r

Lit,e an old man, having passed man's allotted years, is living on the old limestead, where, in the year 1808, light for the first time dawned upon his sion. He has for years been a close observer of the weather', and more re- ,'atly been connected with the Dayton Journal in preparing for it meteoro- >ical weather reports, and is sometimes styled the "Weather Prophet." He ills us that a decided change in the winters of now and then has taken place, wing " that when snow fell it usually remained all winter." Frederick Staver, rose parents, Adam and Fannie, with a number of children, settled in Jackfii Township, bought land of Mr. Gingerick, 240 acres, adjoining the Peter Jfccher tract, entered by Miller. He had quite a large family, as did most of 0 pioneers. His wife's name was Elizabeth, and the children, viz., Frederick, hn, Tobias, Casper, Daniel, William, Elias, Catharine, Elizabeth, Mariah,

; rah and Eebecca. Each succeeding year brought new-comers, and additional coins graced the hillsides of the dense wood, and the sound of the pioneer's was heard, and the smoke of his cabin chimney ascended from more than c| peaceful settlement, and little by little civilization was making good its , ranee.

Henry Hepner, Isaac Miller, John Snepp and Jacob Diehl came in 1806. Lpner and wife (Mai'y Hyser) emigrated from Virginia; both were originally fm Pennsylvania, Lancaster County, where Henry was born in 1762. He ;ered 160 acres of land in the northeastern part of Jackson Township, borcij'ing on Jefferson, and built his first cabin, which was rude indeed, in the t/nship first spoken of. In the building of this a happy thought struck him, uch he took advantage of. A huge oak stood on the site located for his place

0 abode, and, in felling it, great care was exercised to leave the stump a certu height; this was properly dressed and the cabin raised over it; suffice to s, it was the table of that home for years, and, while it was not one of the Leered tables of to-day, it, nevertheless, was a substantial one, and must are worn an air of solidity that was charming - thus illustrative of the old lorism - "Necessity is the mother of invention." Mr. Hepner soon added his farm by pm'chasing a tract of land in Jefferson, adjoining that entered ' him. In a few years, he built again, and this time in Jefferson Township, tj parents accompanied them, they being natives of Germany. His father id in 1813. Henry was a blacksmith and a very ingenious kind of a man; ale his own knives and forks and proved a very useful and much-needed

He died, aged seventy-three, his wife living to be ninety-seven; they had 1 children - George, Polly, John, Sophia, Lydia and Diana, the two first and v last-mentioned being twins. His daughter, "Aunt Lydia" Shanefelt, a type of the pioneer women, is now residing on the homestead, where the (thful days of her childhood were passed, having seen the frosts of over diescore and ten winters. Isaac Miller and family, composed of his wife Labeth and several children, came with the Hepners from Virginia, and enefd a quarter-section of land on what is known as the Jacob Hoover place. f<o'b Diehl and family arrived this year from Pennsylvania and settled in the 'mity of Liberty, entering 160 acres in Section 7. John, Jacob, Jr., AbraaH> Nancy and Elizabeth are the children who were born to them in the Key- J e State, and came thither with them. The family here resided many 7t;-s, when they removed into Perry Township, where the father died, in b l, in his eighty-fifth year. By trade, he was a cabinet maker, and did pe an extensive business in making coffins for the pioneers. His son John was about seventeen years of age when they arrived in Montgomery Count He. later, married Susanna Miller, daughter of Isaac Miller above mentioned Mr. Miller served in the Revolutionary war. John Diehl was the father of te children, seven of whom are now living. He died August 26, 1874.

John and Margaret Snepp, with two children - Leonard and Eve - can from Lancaster County, Penn., and temporarily lived on the Joseph Rechi farm, but, in a few years, settled near Liberty, on the farm now owned 1 Simon Gebhart. on which now resides William Getter. In after years, tin were blessed with two more children - Sarah and John, the latter born in ISO! and now resides on a very tine tract of land near Gettersburg. As early 1798 could be seen one of Jefferson Township's pioneers in the person of Dav: Bowman, whose name will long be remembered in connection with the ear religious history of this section of Ohio, drifting, as it were, with his got wife and rudely constructed raft down tlip Ohio, on his way to the count] about the Little Miami River, whither he was going, to build a mill for parti who had preceded him. The mill was erected, and, Bowman, impressed \vi the country, remained, and, after living in the locality and milling sever years, removed to the neighborhood of Miamisburg and there lived sever years, thence to Jefferson Township, buying a quarter-section of land of Geor; Kunz, in the northwestern part of the subdivision. He was a minister of tl Gospel, belonging to the denomination called German Baptists. He was i struinental in establishing several churches west of the Great Miami and 1 bored faithfully for the cause of Christ. He was born uear Hagerstown, Me March 30, 1775, and, at the age of eighteen, went to Frankstown, Penn., ui learned the trade of a cabinet-maker. He was united in marriage with B; bara Bouser, and there were born to them six children - Ester, John, Pol! Katie, David and Betsy. He died April 20, 1860, and his wife February 1865, in her ninety-first year.

Andrew Noffsinger lived on land next to David Bowman, Sr. , John ai Dan Noffsinger living in the vicinity of the Noffsinger Church; all were o pioneers. In the year 1812 came, from Morrison Cove. Penn., Adam Sho and family, and settled where Jonas Shock now lives. The children wt Martin, Jacob, Daniel, Jonas, Adam, Catharine, Nancy, Barbara, Micha Lucy and Elizabeth.

About the year 1815, Daniel Neff, a Kentuckian, was added to the sett ment. His wife was a daughter of Peter Weaver. Mrs. Neff died in 18- and he in 1851. The following year came from Pennsylvania Jacob Harp a wife, Elizabeth Bowman. He served in the war of 1812. In 1818, Day1 Wertz and family settled on land to the south of Abram Weaver. Wertz hai! from Berks County, Penn., in the year 1812, but stopped a few years in W;| ren County. George and Catharine (Marker) Patten settled in the easte part of the township in the year 1819, having purchased 154 acres of land David Bowman. They were from the Middletown Valley, Frederick Coun Md. In 1820, came John Getter, from Pennsylvania. Thus is given a br sketch of some of the hardy sons of toil, who sacrificed the comforts oi no; and friends, and encountered the hardships and braved the dangers oi a fro ier life, converting the forests into the fine farms of the present and maki possible the high state of civilization and advancement attained.

Tho earliest denominations to effect church organizations in the towns! were the German Baptists, the Lutherans and German Reformed. These beg their labors at the same time the first ray of civilization illumined the gr forest. Elder Jacob Miller, a sketch of whose life is given above, was the fi j reach to the pioneers of this vicinity. Services were then held in the Ties, which were "God's first temples," and in each other's cabins, until after unhiding of schoolhouses and meeting-houses. The Rev. David Bowman also one of the very early German Baptist ministers, a colleague of Miller, h first meeting-house of the township was a union one, built jointly by the neran aud German Reformed people in the year 1812. It was constructed f ewed logs, one story high, with an extensive gallery, and was a model i'iture for the day, each of the male members hewing his share and hauli< ,hem to the site selected. This was known as Salem Church and stood in ! eastern part of Section 28. The organization of the Lutheran denomina-

0 was effected by the Rev. Mr. Dill, who was their first minister. Some of j; early families were the Snepps, the Gebliarts, the Stavers, the Weavers bpb's family), the Apples and the Heeters. Of the Reformed denomination el the Rechers and the Leichtys. Organized by the Rev. Thomas Winters.

1 lia^ in 1860. This stands a little south of the old site, and is likewise r story in height, with a gallery; has a spire and bell; the latter was cast at uduckeye Foundry, Cincinnati, costing $200. The church cost about $3,000.

Returning again to the German Baptists, of whom we can say but little their early church history, as no records are in existence, and those > lorn such details were familiar have taken their last sleep. However, we ujiafely say that as early as the year 1808, several societies were organized is section. About that time, Elder David Bowman effected the organizaoinow at the Bear Creek Church, and Elder Jacob Miller the one at the oer Church, formerly known as the Noffsinger Church. It would be well j jld that the Bear Creek Church is, perhaps, better known as the Bowman h'ch. The Bowmans, Diehls, Wolfs, Ullerys, Shiveleys and Metzgers were oil of the early families belonging to the Bowman society. Also the Wea- : . And to the other society, the Noffsingers, Huffmans and Claglors. The

0 nan society built their first church in the year 1838. It was of brick, but ul. and was replaced in about 1850 by the present building, which is likei- of brick, one story, having a basement, valued at $2,000. Preachers in district who serve the charge are Revs. Mr. Fitzgerald, Isaac Bright and B Bowman, Jr. ; membership about 100. The Miller society erected their ; church in about the year 1847, on ground donated by Eli and Samuel ojinger. This was a one-story brick, and was replaced by the present com-

1 ous one in 1871. It is a very substantial building, one story in height, I has a basement. It is constructed of brick and cost in the neighborhood

3,500. Elder George Holler is in charge; membership over 100. The I'Aards, as they are generally called, are frugal and industrious, and are also f in and good class of people, and, in demeanor, are very much like the "ids or Quakers. The German Reformed Chmch, called the "Mount Cart Church," located on Section 12, on the Dayton & Germantown pike, was .aized in 1853, by the Rev. David Winters, and the present brick edifice fed m 1873, at a cost of nearly $2,000. In the year 1853, a one-story i: church was built within a mile of this site by the organization in ques- ° which served them during the intervening years. Rev. Adam Hawker is n present pastor, and the membership is eighty. St. Peter's Evangelical i.eran Church was organized and the honse built in 1872. It is a oneo brick and cost $3,000. Prior to the year 1872, the members of this Tich worshiped at Providence Church, in Perry Township, but the distance ' Woe members in this locality being so far, and especially for the aged, for convenience" sake many withdrew and established the one named, which is catecl in the northern part of Section 5, on the Eaton pike. The present cumbent is Rev. C. H. Albrecht.

Among the early schoolhouses in the township were the following, sta ing on the sites designated: One at the intersection of the Farmersville & ( mantown pikes, near Gettersburg, which was the first, as far as we have t able to learn, built in the township. School was held here as early as ISO 18 10, taught by a Mr. Brown. At a little later date, there was a school'll, on the Eli Ebberly farm, in which both German and English were ta'Ugh one Clinger. Another of the early schoolhouses stood on Section 18, on Peter Weaver place. One Oblinger, a Jew, was the teacher. Prior to building of this, he held school in a cabin, having been vacated by Peter AY. er. These schools were all sustained by subscription, there being then no o mode of supply. The first law enacted in Ohio making any provisions! public schools was in 1821, but nothing was accomplished, and, in 1825, a ther act was passed mandatory in its character, commanding the districtin each township. In 1838, provision was made for the building of dial schoolhouses. However, as numerous as were the laws on this subject, it a number of years before the cessation of subscription schools and the adop of rthe present public school system; and for years intervening between, schools were partially carried on by subscription, some public money b<j used. There are now eleven districts in the township, with as many substai } brick buildings, in which school is held from six to eight months each y The amount appropriated annually for school purposes is about $6,000. school property in the township is -valued at $16,000. The enrollment is I 913 scholars. The house in District No. 11, a one-story building, was ere in the summer of 1880, on ground purchased of Daniel Peffly, for $170, cost of $1,490; that in No. 10 was built in 1874, and cost about $3,000 Districts 2 and 4, the houses are two stories in height.

Early Enterprises

Big Bear Creek furnished excellent water privileges, which were taken vantage of and utilized by the pioneers. A carding and fulling machine j| in operation on this stream on the old Abraham Mullendore farm at a early day, but when and by whom built is lost to the memory of the few of old who are yet with us. The first saw and grist mills for the town: were built, the first about the year 1807 or 1808,. and the latter several y later, by Henry Weaver; they were located in Section 18, on Big Bear Or The water-wheel of the grist-mill was constructed by Martin Saylor. It one set of buhrs made of "gray-heads;" the bolt was turned by hand. r mills stood a long time and were afterward rebuilt by " Uncle Abe " Wes who was the miller for some time at the Weaver Mill. The saw-mil! is carried on, but the other is idle; Not long after the year 1810, John SO built a fulling-machine in connection with a mill on Bear Creek, at the pre site of the saw-mill at Gettersburg. As early as 1806, a Mr. Myers carnet a still-house in the vicinity of Gettersburg. Jacob Weaver was also eng; in distilling liquors. Jacob Mullendore carried on quite an extensive tan; in the days of the early pioneers, on Bear Creek, on the farm now occupier John Snepp, Jr. Here, either this man or his father erected a log cabin, w still stands, though it has long since been weather- boarded, and is prob the oldest house in the township. Henry Hepner, as we have before intirns; was the first blacksmith, and gave attention to the needs of the pioneers ltj line.

It was generally customary with the early settlers to inter their dead on i sir own land. This custom was observed for years, but in time it was given h to a certain extent, and land was set apart for burial purposes. There are i e of these grounds in the township. The largest and probably first was the : aveyard at the Lutheran and Reformed Church at Gettersburg. The ground v,s purchased by these people of a Mr. Brown for the purpose of a burying - pund and erecting a church. It was never regularly laid out into lots, and ;ywere at liberty to bury there. Several additions were made to this, the i est in the year 1878, when an acre of ground was purchased of George Milfor $400. This has been laid out into lots, which are sold as those in the neteries of the day. In the deed of the original tract, it was stipulated i it no lots were to be sold. Interments were made here before the erection ( the first church. The entire grounds are thrown together and include about to acres, neatly fenced. It is beautifully situated and will soon be classed as 05 of the handsomest cemeteries of the county. It is now dotted with fine numents, beneath whose columns and marble slabs sleep many of the piomrs. While strolling through this peaceful city of the dead, our attention vi attracted by the following epitaph, which, to our mind, seemed singular;

What is known as the Forney Graveyard, comprising about one-half acre ground, lying west of Liberty, is also one of the very early burying-grounds. b Nicholas yard, near that church, is second in size, and interments were bwise made there in early days. The remaining two, one at the United bthren Church, in Liberty, and the other south of that town, are small. Of 1 origin of these, we have been unable to derive any knowledge.

Towns And Villages

The little town of Liberty is situated near the center of the township, and tains a population of about 225. Although several cabins were clustered bl ut the site of the town for years prior to 1815, it was not laid out into town and platted until December of that year. The land was owned by Peter 3 her, and by him laid out. Why it was so named is buried in the past, but v e we permitted to offer a solution it would be that the word expressed to ! pioneers a sentiment most dear. They were lovers of freedom. Originally, be were seventy-two lots. A bachelor by the name of William Brown built l first of a cluster of cabins referred to and in it dwelt in lonely bliss, and i 'e opened the first store in the township. He was not contented to remain 'cfined to the trade of the neighborhood, and so occasionally went on a tour oeddling. This was about the year 1809. I

GEORGE W. BECKER, farmer, P. 0., Ellerton, was born in this township, March 25, 1836, ancl is a son of Henry and Susanna Becker, natives of Lancaster Co., Pa., who settled in Jefferson Township, about 1816, commencing life in a log cabin in the dense forest. They had a family of eleven children, eight of whom are now living, Henry dying in 1851, aged 63 years, a sincere adherent of the Lutheran Church. His wife was born Jan. 13, 1799; is still living and a member of the Reformed Church. George W. lived with his parents until his majority, and was married Jan. 8, 1860, to Sarah Kelsey, daughter of David and Margaret Kelsey, natives of Pennsylvania, who came to this township at an early day. Mrs. Becker was here born Feb. 4, 1840, and has bore Mr. Becker six sons and one daughter, as follows: RosaB., Valerius, William H., David E., Francis M., Seabury, and Jesse L. Mr. Becker is a member of the Lutheran and his wife of the United Brethren church. Franklin A. Stupp, who married their daughter Rosa B., was born May 13, 1859, and is a son of Isaac, and Leah Stupp, natives of Pennsylvania. He is a member of the Lutheran Church, and his wife of the Reformed denomination. Mr. Becker and family are among the worthy, law-abiding people of their community.

NOAH COLER, farmer, P. 0., Liberty, was born in Maryland in 1828, and is a son of Joseph and Elizabeth Coler, natives of the same State and of German English extraction (name formerly spelled Roller). Mr. Coler has one brother, C. A., and two sisters, Mrs. Susanna Collett (dec.), and Mrs. Jane C. Cotterman. They came to Jackson Township, Montgomery Co., Ohio, in 1833, where Joseph remained until his death, his widow yet surviving him. Noah grew to manhood on a farm, receiving his education in the neighborhood schools, and followed the vocation of school teaching for a time. He was married in Preble Co., Ohio, March 7, 1852, to Eliza A. Gregg, daughter of Silas and Susan Gregg, the former a native of Georgia, the latter of Preble Co., Ohio, of "which union ten children have been bom, viz., Elijah -J., Aaron, Jehu, Ezra E., Ira, Perry, (dec.) Emma, (dec.) Ida M., Etta, (dec.) and Christian, (dec). Mr. Coler has filled many minor offices of trust, and being a man of more than ordinary abilities, is recognized as one of the best representative farmers of Jefferson Township, as he is one of the most successful in the county. He is the owner of a fine farm of 320 acres in a high state of cultivation, and makes the breeding of thoroughbred stock a specialty, having now some fine specimens of Short Horn cattle and Poland China hogs on his farm. Mr. Coler is a progressive, enterprising citizen, who readily seaports every measure that he believes will be a benefit to the county "which has been his home for forty-eight years.

ELIJAH J. COLER, manufacturer, P. O., Liberty, was born in Jefferson Township, Montgomery Co., Ohio, July 16, 1853, and is the eldest son of Noah Coler, one of the leading farmers of this township, whose sketch appears in this work. He grew up on the homestead, remaining with his parents until of age, during which time he partially learned the art of working in wood, his mind ever leaning towards mechanical construction. In the fall of 1876 he invented a patent gate, receiving his patent in Jan. 1877, upon which he has since improved, until to-day it is recognized as one of the best, if not the best gate in the market. He manufactured this gate first at New Lebanon, but in 1880 removed to Liberty, where in the fall of 1881, he erected a commodious shop where all classes of general jobbing is done, besides the manufacture of his gate, two sorts of which he is making, viz. : ''Coler's Automatic" and "Coler's Duplex," the latter being the one most in demand, as it always opens from the horses and never freezes fast in cold weather, advantages that can be thoroughly appreciated by all who may have used a patent gate. He has manufactured hundreds of these gates, sending them throughout Ohio, Indiana, Illinois, Missouri and Kansas, also to the East, and everywhere they have given good satisfaction. Mr. Coler was married Feb. 3, 1881, to Laura E. Gifford, of Preble Co., Ohio, whose father is dead, but her mother is yet residing in that county. Mr. Coler's success is the result of his own efforts, having personally introduced his gate throughout those States mentioned, and his future may be justly udged from the past.

Biographical Sketches

JOHN H. ECK, farmer, P. 0., Ellerton, is the son of Elias and Rachel (Weaver) Eck, he a native of Maryland, she of this county. They were the parents of eight children, five sons and three daughters, viz., Amanda (dec.) Sarah A., John H., Horace, Charles 0., Willis A., George W., Rachel E. The subject of this sketch was horn in this county, June 7, 1851, and lived at home until his majority, working upon the farm and attending school during the winter. For three years after his majority, he worked at the carpenter trade. Aug. 26, 1875, he was united in marriage with Mary E. Getter, horn Sept 1, 1854, the only child of George W. and Catharine (Marker) Getter, of this township. By this union they have been blessed with one son, Walter I., born Dec. 31, 1878. Mr. Eck has a very pleasant home on section 28, where he now resides.

JOHN W. FITZGERALD, Minister, P. 0., Liberty. The subject of this sketch was bom in Scott County, Kentucky, A. D. 1839. His grand-father, Jesse Fitzgerald, was a nephew of Lord Fitzgerald, of Ireland, and two great uncles of John W. Fitzgerald bore a conspicuous part in the early struggles of American independence. They were with Washington and Lafayette at the surrender of Cornwallis. John M. Fitzgerald, son of Jesse Fitzgerald, was born in Fayette Co., Ky., and at the age of 25 he wTas united in marriage to Mary S. Smallwood, grand-daughter of Dr. Thomas E. Bond, medical purveyor in the Continental Army. The result of this union was twelve children, of which John W. Fitzgerald was the second. John received his early training in the State of Kentucky. In the year 1853 his father migrated to the State of Virginia. Having a large family, he was unable to give proper attention to the education of his children, | but John, through his own energy and perseverance, was able to take one course at the Buchanan Normal School, at the close of which the civil war broke out, and as everything in that part of the State was thrown into confusion, it being the line of i military operations, John was unable to pursue his studies any further. During this second great struggle for liberty, John wras not idle, but took part in the great panorama of the day, and was a greater part of the time on special detail caring ' for and gathering up the wounded of both armies. At the close of the war he ' returned home. Was united in marriage to Missouri A. Bond, November 23, 1860, and they connected themselves with the German Baptists, in the year 1867. He was called to the ministry in June, 1869, was advanced to the second degree of the ministry in the State of West Virginia on the 6th day of October 1870, and continued to labor with success in that State until the year 1875, when he moved his family to Franklin Co., Ky., in which State he labored as a missionary until the year 1877. In March of that year he settled in Darke Co., Ohio, and labored with the brethren of Darke County until the 25th of March, 1880, when he loca ted j in Jefferson Township, Montgomery County, and is at present preaching in what is known as the Bear Creek Church.

GEORGE GETTER, deceased, was the son of John and Mary M. (Lambert) Getter, natives of Lancaster Co. Pa., who about 1818 came to this township, from the Keystone State, where they lived and died. They were the parents of eight children, viz., John, George, Jacob, Polly, Anna, all of whom are dead, and Louisa, Sallie and William are living. Our subject was born in Lancaster Co., Pa., Feb. 3, 1805, and lived at home until his marriage with Mary E. Wertz, March 14, 1828. She was the daughter of Daniel and Sarah (Weimer) Wertz, natives of Pennsylvania, and was born in Warren Co., Ohio, Aug. 25, 1808. Her parents had a family of fourteen children, thirteen of whom raised families, and one son died unmarried. The names are as follows: Anthony, Catherine, Nancy, Sarah, John, Jacob, all c!ec. and Daniel, Jerome, Caroline, Elizabeth, Harriet, Rachel, Lavina and Mary E., who are living. To George and Mary E. Getter were born thirteen children, viz., John G., Daniel (dec.) George W., (dec.) William W., Sarah, Jacob, Joseph L., Peter T., (dec.) Mary E., Samuel, Perry P., (dec.) Henry B., and Albert T., all of whom lived to be married and have families. Mr. Getter began life in very limited circumstances, not having a table, chair or even a knife, fork or spoon in their little log cabin, all of which they borrowed until able to buy the same from their scanty earnings, but by constant toil and rigid savings they finally secured a comfortable home ere his death, July 5, 1875, owning 160 acres of good land in Section 22. Mr. Getter was Township Treasurer for twelve years, Infirmary Director for six years, and held many minor positions, all of which he filled with credit and satisfaction. He was a faithful member of the Lutheran Church for about 57 years, to which his widow has also belonged for more than half a century. Mrs. Getter fives in the old homestead, enjoying the blessings of this fife, with a bright hope in the one to come, and has the consolation of seeing her children, grand-children and great-grand-children settled around her and respected members of society.

JOHN N. GETTER, farmer, P. 0., Liberty. This gentleman is a descendant of one of the pioneer families of Jefferson Township, and here first saw the fight Sept. 14, 1836. He is a son of John and Eve Getter, natives of the Keystone State, and lived with his parents until Ins marriage, May 8, 1856, to Phoebe A. Schenck, daughter of Ward and Anna Schenck, of Clear Creek Township, Warren Co., Ohio. Soon after this event he bought the farm of 80 acres upon which he has since made his home. This marriage was blest by eleven children, five of whom died in infancy and six yet surviving, viz., Clement L., Florence, Y., Arthur E., Emma A., Ida B., and John C. Mr. and Mrs. Getter are members of the Lutheran Church, and respected, worthy citizens.

ISAAC HAINES, P. 0., Dayton, Superintendent of the County Infirmary, was born in Lancaster Co., Pa., Nov. 19, 1827, and is a son of Allen and Nancy (Lemmon) Haines, he a native of Pennsylvania, and she of Ireland, who came to Montgomery Co., Ohio, in 1828, where both resided until death. Our subject grew up on the farm, receiving his education in the district schools. He was married Aug. 17, 1848, to Barbara A. Teeter, a native of Ohio, born Dec. 17, 1829, and daughter of Jacob and Elizabeth (Dunston) Teeter, natives of Virginia, who settled in this county in 1832, where her mother died, her father yet residing here. To Isaac and Barbara A. Haines seven children have been born, as follows: Elizabeth A., Daniel W., (dec.) Sarah C., Birdie, (dec.) Walter, Emma, (dec.) and Clarence E. Mr. Haines followed farming all his life, and in Jan., 1879, he was appointed by the Directors, Superintendent of the County Infirmary, which official position of trust and confidence he is still holding. Politically he is a staunch Democrat, believing firmly in the rock-ribbed principles of Jeffersonian democracy. He was trustee of Madison Township six years. He and wife are members of the Christian Church, and he belongs to the I. 0. 0. F. Mr. Haines is an intelligent, well read farmer, and is thoroughly competent of filling the position he now holds, with credit to himself and satisfaction to the directors and citizens of Montgomery County.

JOHN HISER, farmer, P. 0., Dayton, is a son of John and Barbara Hiser, and was born Aug. 9, 1811 lived at home until his marriage, Oct. 21, 1832, to Mary Caylor, daughter of Daniel and Mary Caylor, of Jefferson Township. Her mother was born in North Carolina, Dec. 28, 1792, is in possession of her mental faculties, and bids fair to five a number of years yet. She was twice married. Her first husband died March 23, 1838, and four years after she was married to Samuel Noffsinger, who lived about nine years, thus again leaving her a widow. She is a member of the German Baptist Church, and is spending her last days happily with her daughter, Mrs. Hiser, which is the old homestead. Mr. and Mrs. Hiser are the parents of two children, Mrs. David Hatterman, of this township, being the surviving one, and both are members of the German Reformed Church.

JOHN H. LINEBAUGH, wagon-maker, P. 0., Ellerton. John H. Linebaugh, the subject of this sketch, was born in the village of Myersville, Frederick Co., Md., in the year 1837, Nov. 26. He spent his early life with his parents, Jonathan and Catherine Shank Linebaugh. Mr. Linebaugh is of German extraction. The vocation -followed by our subject while with his father, was farming. In his boyhood he gained a fair common-school educa- tion, while living at home. But not feeling satisfied to stop there, attended Dickinson College of Carlisle, Pa., thinking of graduating himself. But at the breaking-out of the Rebellion changed somewhat his collegiate course, and his school days there came to an end. In the spring of 1863 Mr. Linebaugh came to this county, a single man in search of his fortune, locating in Jefferson Township, whefe he married Margaret J. Patten, daughter of Samuel and Margaret Patten, residents of this county. The fruits of their union are as follows: Charles F., John Edward, Loiza Alice, Elcie Jane, Henry Mason and Thomas Patten, all living but Charles Franklin, John Edward and Loiza Alice. After marriage Mr. Linebaugh moved to Indiana, to make his home and follow teaching, but not finding matters just as expected came back to Ohio and located at Liberty, teaching1 their school six months, after which time he moved to Gfettersburg and lived on a place then owned by Mr. Snepp, while building his house, the present home, Mr. Linebaugh's present vocation being farming, wagon-making and undertaking. He was elected to the office of Magistrate in the summer of 1869, and has held that position ever since, discharging his duties with ability and alacrity. In politics a Democrat and a warm supporter of Democratic principles ; also an active member in the Reform Church, as also is his wife. Mr. Linebaugh began life with nothing, but has been quite prosperous in all his business interests. He is a man largely known in his locality, being a good neighbor, a kind husband and father, wholesome in all his habits and a man highly respected throughout the county.

LEVI P. MEDLAR, farmer, P. 0., Dayton, is the son of Samuel and Mary (Staver) Medlar, he a native of Berks Co., Pa., and emigrated to this county 1832; she born in this comity. They were the parents of eight children, five sons and three daughters, viz: Levi P., of this sketch, Hiram, Elizabeth, Alvin L., Benton I., Daniel W., Clara A. and Amelia M. The subject of this sketch was born May 23, 1848, and lived with his parents until his majority. Sept. 26, 187 .J he was united in marriage with Susan E. Huffman, born May 23, 1852, daughter of John and Elizabeth (Fink) Huffman, natives of Lebanon Co., Pa., who emigrated to this county about 1835. He died 1859, she surviving him. Since his marriage our subject has purchased a home in Sec. 4. By this union they have had three children, two living - a son and a daughter - viz: Luther E., born Feb. 22, 1878; Laura May, born May 23, 1880. He is a member of the Reformed and she of the Lutheran Church.

CORNELIUS MICHAEL, farmer and manufacturer of sorghum syrup, P. 0., Dayton, is a son of John and Charlotte Michael, natives of Frederick Co., Md., who came to this township in 1836, and settled upon the farm where he yet resides. He began life in Ohio a poor man, but by well directed effort he has accumulated a large property, being now considered one of the wealthiest men of his township. They have had nine children; eight now survive. The subject of this sketch was born May 10, 1830, and came to this county with his parents, with whom he lived until 25 years of age, his schooling being little. He was married Aug. 12, 1855, to Sophia Crouder, daughter of Jacob and Rachel Crouder, of German Township, this county, who was born May 9, 1838. Of this union ten children have been given them, viz: John W., Noah E., Jacob A., George W., Emanuel (deceased) Seabery F., Laura M., Ora E., Edward L. and Clara S. Mr. Michael, wife and eldest son are members of the United Brethren Church. For the three years following his marriage Mr. Michael worked by the day and on rented land, after which he rented farms for five years; at the expiration of this time he bought 12j acres of land near Carrollton Station, upon which he built a factory for the manufacture of sorghum syrup, and continued this business successfully at that point for six years, when he sold out and bought the farm of 120 acres, where he has since resided. Beside running his farm he still manufactures sorghum, and, having the latest and best-improved machinery, produces a superior article of syrup. Mr. Michael deserves praise for the steady success he has made in life, having by his

GEORGE MILLER, blacksmith and farmer, P. 0., EllertOn, was horn in Germany, Dec. 23, 1831, and is a son of G. and Catherine (Straub) Miller, who were the parents of seven children, four now living, viz: Henry, George, Catherine and Conrad. Our subject emigrated to the United States in March, 1852, and engaged in farm work in Delaware, and the following May went to New York, possessing a capital of about $50, and there worked on a farm about six months, then came west to Circleville, Ohio, where he. served a three years apprenticeship at the blacksmith trade, afterwards working about one year as a journeyman for the same firm. He then came to Dayton, Ohio, worked three months in a carriage shop and the following three years was employed in the Union carshops, from where he went to Germantown, this county; remained there one year, working at his trade; thence to Simsbury, where he commenced in business for himself, which he prosecuted about nine years ; then came to Gettersburg and purchased the comfortable residence where he now lives. Here he continued the blacksmithing business for about ten years, since which time he has devoted his attention principally to the raising of tobacco, and has been very successful. He was married in 1855 to Mary A. Schaffer, of Dayton, daughter of the Rev. Absalom Schaffer, who was Pastor of the Evangelical Lutheran Church of Dayton for many years. Mrs. Miller was bom in 1832, and had four children by this union, viz ; David, Isaiah, Clara and Sarah M. The mother dying Aug. 25, 1871, Mr. Miller married for his second wife Mrs. Anna Beck, daughter of -John Getter, who died March 25, 1879 without issue. In religious belief Mr. Miller is a Lutheran, as were his parents before him; yet he is a man of liberal Hews, devoid of narrow-mindedness, and is much respected by friends and neighbors.

ABSALOM NICHOLAS, (deceased) was born in this township, upon the farm where his widow now lives, Aug. 16, 1828, and was a son of Abraham and Mary Nicholas, prioneers of Montgomery Co., Ohio. Our subject grew to maturity on the old homestead and, like all pioneer children, received his education in the school of his district. He was married June 5, 1851, to Mary A. Rowlands, a native of AVales, who came to this country with her parents, Rowland and Elizabeth Rowlands, when she was a small child. To Absalom and Mary A. Nicholas seven children were born, five of whom are living - Elizabeth -J. (wife of Peter Little, of Dayton), Joseprir L., Catherine E. (wife of Franklin Puterbaugh, of Harrison Township)), Abraham R. and Laura V. Mr. Nicholas was much respiected and was often offered official position in his township), but declined on account of poor health. He died Sept. 22, 1871, a faithful member of the United Brethren Church, to which denomination his widow and three of the children also belong, and one daughter adheres to the Baptist Church.

HENRY RECHER, retired farmer, P. 0., Liberty. The grandparents of this well-to-do farmer were Peter and Elizabeth (Protzman) Recher, natives, respectively, of Pennsylvania and Maryland, vdio came to Jefferson Township, Montgomery Co., Ohio, in 1805, settling on Little Bear Creek, where they passed the balance of their days. They raised a family of eight boys and twro girls, viz : Peter, Joseph, Jacob, Daniel, Frederick, John, Elias, Lewis, Lica and Susan, one of the daughters being the first wife of the Rev. David Winters, and all of the sons marrying but Jacob. Of the above Joseph, Peter and Lewis, with their wives, are living, also the wives of Daniel and Frederick. The father of our subject was Daniel, who was but two years old when his parents came to this county, and here he grew to manhood amidst the primitive woods and frontier scenes of the Miami Valley, growing up pure, rugged and free like the giant-trees surrounding his cabin home. Up)on reaching his maturity he was married to Mary Magdalene Appde , daughter of Henry Appde, who came from Pennsylvania, with his wife and family, died. Henry Apple was the father of six hoys and seven girls, viz: John, Henry, George, Elias, Enoch, Daniel, Margaret, Catherine, Elizabeth, Eaf, Mary Magdalen, Barbara and Lena, of which the following are living: Elias, Enoch, Daniel, Margaret, Catherine, Eaf, Mary Magdalen and Lena, all of whom were married and temperate, respected people. To Daniel and Mary Magdalen Recher were born three children, viz; Henry, Phillip, (who died in infancy) and Lydia (the wife of C. Becker, of Dayton). Our subject was born upon the old homestead in Jefferson Township, July 22, 1834; grew up under the parental roof, and attended the district-school of his neighborhood, where he received a limited education, but, possessing a large store of good common sense, he has been moderately successful in life, for which he is very thankful to the great Ruler who watches over all. He was married Jan. 11, 1855,' to Nancy Kelsey, daughter of David and Margaret (Nicholas) Kelsey, natives of Ohio, who are now spending their last days with Mrs. Recher, lie being in his 79tli and his wife in her 73d year. Mrs. Recher was the eldest daughter in a family of seven children, viz: James K. (deceased), Nancy, Rachel (deceased), Sarah, Juliann, Lydia A. and William, the living being married and having families. Mrs. Recher was horn May 17, 1836, and has had one daughter by this union, Laura E., born Aug. 23, 1856, who married Enos Michael eight years ago, to whom she has borne one son, Clarence E. Mr. Reclier's father died fifteen years ago, and his mother is now living with her daughter, Mrs. Becker. Our subject, after marriage, settled on the farm where he now resides, most of which he cleared, also quarrying stone, burning lime and making sorghum molasses, the latter of which he manufactured on a large scale. Beginning with one horse for grinding cane, and boiling the juice in the old fashioned way, he soon changed this for the more modern steam engine, finally using a forty-horse power engine, and boiling by steam. After this he began buying logs and running a saw-mill, in all of which he displayed the same energy, honesty and success. He operated the first | steam thresher in the township, also the first circle clips saw-mill; bought and sold i a great deal of land, but in all his dealings no man could ever say that they did not receive every cent the contract called for. Politically, Mr. Recher is a Democrat, and since his 18th year has been a devoted member of the Lutheran Church, || his Avife joining the United Brethren soon after marriage, to which church her son-in-law and wife also belong. Mr. Recher is ever anxious to further the interests of Christianity, and his time and money are always ready to assist and encourage J God's needy poor. Every benevolent purpose finds in him a warm friend and earnest supporter, and the temperance cause has no more determined advocate | and defender. He is a good neighbor, a fond father, a provident husband and an earnest Christian, whose whole desire is to try and serve the Lord by every means in Ins power.

JAMES A. RIDENOUR, Minister, P. 0. Ellerton. The subject of this sketch, Elder James A. Ridenour, was born July 12, A. D. 1840, in Portland 'Township, Preston County, W. Va. His parents' names were Jacob and Mary. He was raised a farmer; his parents being poor and school facilities not being what they are now, he enjoyed but a limited education. In June, 1861, he entered the min ! istry in the German Baptist Church, having been a member of that denomination since his sixteenth year. On the 12th of September, 1861, he was united in marriage with Mary E. Bucklew, of the same county and State aforesaid-. In the spring of 1863, he, with his wife, moved to Selbysport, Garrett County, Mary- | land, and in the spring of 1864 they removed back again to West Virginia, locating in the bounds of the Sandy Creek congregation, some twenty-five miles from 1 the place of his birth. For this congregation he preached sixteen years. In the spring of 1880, he, with his wife and nine children, removed to Montgomery j County, Ohio, locating on the Germantown pike, three miles west of Dayton, lor J one year, and in the spring of 1881 he moved five miles further west to his little farm near Gettersburg, in Jefferson Township, where lib still resides, and at! present preaches for three congregations, the one in which he lives, in Montgomery

County, one in Greene County and one in Preble County. He has at this time ten children - six sons and four daughters, nine are living and one is dead. The names of the living in the order of their ages are: James Q., Nancy E., John