Marion Township (part 1 of 2)

South, Range 0 East

Mr. Harrison, in his paper on the settlement of Delphos, states that: ''About the year 1834, William Scott and William Brady opened the first road from the Auglaize Biver through the present site of Delphos to the Tillage of Van Wert It is stated that this road passed through what was then known as the ' ten-mile woods,' and that not a single cabin was seen in all that distance. It was a dreary and sickly region at that time. The great experiment of the introduction of slackwator navigation had been tried under the administration of Gh>v. De Witt Clinton in the Stat« of New York, and was gradually increasing its advocates in Ohio. As early as 1828 the United States gave to the State of Ohio certain lands, on the condition that the State would build a canal from Dayton to Defiance, on the Auglaize Biyer. These conditions were that the State should have all the even-numbered sections on the aboTe mentioned route for the construction of said canal. Some three routes were surveyed under the direction of Samuel Forrer, and immediately di^culty was experienced in ^fixing the precise location of the canaL Speculation was entered into, and the price of lands was greatly enhanced. Finally the present site was agreed upon, and in due time the work was commenced and -completed. These routes were surveyed in 1880, and the canal was completed about 1845. As soon as the location of the canal had been fully determined, there was quite a rush for lands. A number of Germans, who had settled in the neighborhood of old Fort .Jennings as early as 1834, at once discerned the rising of real estate in ^ what is now Marion Township. Ferdinand Bredeick immediately purchased a tract of land for himself and also another parcel of land for his brother, who was then in Germany. In this northwest part of Marion Township the following old settlers located : Ferdinand Bredeick, Theodore Wrocklage, Bernard Esch, John Bredeick, Conrad Loudeck, Oasper Oeise, Mathias Shroder, George Wilte, Conrad Wellman, Henry Lause, Henry Shroeder, Casper Mesker, Casper Luesmann, C. D. Geise M. Hemker, F. Beinemeyer, John Grothaus, D. Kariman, H. Linderman,and Mrs. Osenbach." In the foregoing record of land buyers, again in the history of Delphos, and lastly in the assessment roll for 1834, the names of the pioneers of this township are all given.

During the fall of 18^7 a school building was erected on Section 18, Washington Township, Van Wert Co., which was opened in the fall of that year with Miss Clarissa Gleason in charge. The following statistics for 1884 point out the advances made by the Marion Township Schools : The revenue for 1884 was $7,010. 19 ; expenditure, $6,733.81. There are thirteen school buildings, valued at $12,600; seventeen teachers are employed. The number of pupils enrolled ib 611. Just west of the county line, in Washington Township, Van Wert Co., is the Delphos Union School building. The building was erected in 1869, at a cost of oyer $30,000. In the following historical sketch of Delphos, a great deal relating to the settlement and progress of this township is to be found.

This village is favorably situated on the Miami and Erie Canal, above the confluence of that waterway with the Wabash and Erie Canal system. Here also is the center of the Toledo, Cincinnati & St. Louis Railway system, as well as an office of the main line of the Pennsylvania B. B. Flouring mills, lumber manufacturing establishments, banks, stores, churches, schools, hotels, railroad depots, canal freight house, lodge rooms, fire department buildings, livery stables, residences, are all here, many of the buildings claiming a commercial and architectural importance not excelled in Ohio. The telegraph system is an old institution, while the telephone, in all its shapes, is found here. In a word, many of the luxuries and all the conveniences which modem times suggest have been adopted by the citizens.

The people of Delphos have always paid much attention to educational matters. From pioneer times down to the present day, the school has formed a subject for their serious inquiry. A love of educational advancement forms one of the leading characteristics of the citizens. The school has been always fostered by theiti. It has been raised up from very humble beginnings, until now the system of both common and denominational schools here has won high encomiums from all conversant with it. The churches, too, serve to form an index to character. The buildings devoted to religious purposes are all substantial. In one instance - the Catholic Church - a building has been raised which ranks with the greatest church edifices in the Union. The literary, musical and benevolent societies are all well conducted, and the newspapers well edited.

It has been stated, with some show of authority, that Delphos could not have been settled without the aid of quinine. ' The air was so pois oned with malarial effluvia from swamps and marshes, that not only the pioneers, but also the very dogs of the settlement, suffered, intensely

The cholera epidemic entered Delphos in August, 1854 In September, Mrs. S. E. Brown and others, were swept away by this dreadfnl disease; nor did it cease its ravages this year. In 1855 Mr. Heitz and others were carried away.

The Miami & Erie Canal was opened in 1845. Ten years later the link in the Pennsylvania B. R, or the P., Ft. W. & G. £t. B. was in operation. The formal opening of the Toledo, Delphos & Indianapolis B. B. took place Jnly 4, 1875, while yet only eight miles of the road was completed. The train was made up of eight cars drawn by a 12-ton engine. The Delphos & Eokomo Narrow Gauge B. B., built in 1877; the Delphos, BlufEton & Franklin B. B. ; Toledo, Franklin & St. Louis B. B.; Toledo, Cincinnati & St. Louis B. B., Dayton, Covington & Toledo B. B.; Cincinnati & Northern B. B.; Dayton & S. W. B. B.; Toledo and Grand Bapids B. B., and Toledo & Maumee B. B., form what is now known as the Toledo, Cincinnati & St Louis B. B. system, embracing about 700 miles of three feet gauge track. The Bamsey Transfer is operated throughout the system. The railroad shops, built by the Consolidated Company at Delphos, toward the construction of which Delphos granted ten acres of land and a bonus of $30,000, were erected under the supervision of Bobert Martin, of Delphos.

John O. Bredeick platted the original town east of the county line in 1845. Ferd. Bredeick platted a tract on the west side in 1845, and the two towns, as surveyed by Elias Everett, were known as East and West Bredeick The Hollister, Bliss and Pettit Addition, known as Section 10, and next the village of Howard, platted for Samuel Forrer, followed close upon the enterprise of the Bredeick's. ^

Ferdinand Bredeick erected the first house on the village site, and the first frame house was erected by Henry Menckhans; Capi McCune built the first brick house.

In 1845, E. N. Morton built the first saw mill, and in 1847 he erected the first grist-mill. Miss Amelia Bredeick, now Mrs. Geo. Lang, was the first white child bom in the town.

^The first election for Delphos Tillage under the Act of Incorporation Febmary 7, 1851,took place March 8 of that year. Lester Bliss was elected Mayor; Smith Talbott, Recorder; N. White, E. N. Martin, J. P. Cowan, J. P. Murphy, and T. Wrocklage, elected Councilmen. Treas. F. J. Lye and Marshal E. N. Talbott were elected March 21, 1851. The corporation expenses for the year amounted to 180.67. In the following pages the roll of town o£Bcials from 1852 to 1884 is given, taken from abstracts of election made in 1878 by Otto J. Ostendorf , the present Becorder.

Councilmen of Delphos since 1852, - J. W. Philips, H. B. Brown, J. M. Barr, E. Timmons and S. B. Wolson in 1853; 0. G. Marshall, John Miller, T. Wrocklage, H. S. Hunter, S. F. Himmelright and J. Ostendorf, 1854; the same board was re-elected in 1855, L. Q. Wolson taking the place of T. Wrocklage; in 1856 Samuel Stutter, F. J. Lye, Henry Weible, J. S. Martin, and J. Ostendorf formed the Council; in 1857 Messrs. Stutter & Lye, Gabriel Lehman, H. B. Brown and T. Wrocklage were Councilmen - James Ostendorf took Mr. Brown's place on the board; J. C. Curtiss, Lester Bliss, T. Wrocklage, Q. W. Krutsoh and F. J. Lye were elected in 1858; in 1859 T. Wrocklage, S. F. Himmelright, D. Eelker, S. Stutter and H. B. Brown were elected: in 1860 the same board was re-elected with the exception of Mr. Himmelright; in 1861, H. D. Qlark, H. B. Brown, Theo. Wrocklage, S. F. Conklin^and H. J. Moennig were elected Councilmen; in 1862, G. W. Erutsch replaced S. F. Conkling, otherwise the Council remained as in 1861; John W. Feely, H. B. Brown, T. Wrocklage, S. F. Hinmielright and J. C. Curtiss were elected in 1863; in 1864 D. L. Williams and John Puchta replaced Messrs. Feeley and Curtiss on the board; in 1865 F. Kollsmith took the place of D. L. Williams; in 1866 Horace Bixby, C. A. Evans, D. Minnig, Hollis Hanson and Theo. Wrocklage were elected; John W. Feelj and S. F. Himmelright took the place of Hanson and Wrocklage in 1867; in 1868, F. Kollsmith, Bernard Esch, William Manning, H. J. Moennig and S, F. Himmekight formed the Councils; in 1869 C. F. Peters, F. W. Mannitig, S. F. Himmelright, Bernard Esch and H. J. Moennig were elected members of the Council.

In 1870 the village was redistricted, the number of wards reduced to four, and two Aldermen elected from each ward. Alexander Shenk, Henry Lindemann, John W. Feely and S. F. Himmelright were chosen for two years, and Herman Bicker, H. B. Brown, Henry Weible and David Minnig for one year. In 1871 Messrs. Bicker and Weible^ C. H Whittier and Ed. Finck were elected. Bicker refused to serve when Horace Bixby was appointed. In 1872 Alexander Shenk, Ed. King, Michael

Sommers, John Walsh, James Ostendorf, A. Tannahill and S. F. Himmelright were elected. In 1873, John W. Feelj, A. B. Bisk, J. Krift and William AUstaetter were elected. S. D. Chambers was appointed in October, vice Erift resigned. In 1874 Alex. Shenk, D. H. Tolan, John Walsh, Theo Wrocklage and Oliyer Emtsoh were chosen Gonncilmen. William Patton, 11 A. Ferguson, Ed. Finck and l^'rederick Eollsmith were elected in 1875. In 1876, W. G. Hankins, John Walsh. Theo. Wrocklage and Bobert Martin were chosen Ck)nncilmen. In 1877, Aaron Miller, John W. Feely, Adam Simons and August Boehmer were elected. During this year ihe expenditures of the village amounted to $7,129.20. The elections of 1878 resulted in the choice of H. P. Wagner, John Walsh, Peter Ealsch and James H. Clime for Councilmen. In 1879 Fred. Eollsmith, August Boehmer, Henry Weible, Aaron Miller were elected. In 1880, H. P. Wagner, John Walsh, 0. Tegenkamp and Wesley Balston.

In 1881 the Councilmen elected were F. Eollsmith, August Boehmer, H. Weible and Constantine Sharger. In 1882, Nicholas Fritch, Jacob Dientsberger, James Boehmer, Fred. Beyer. In 1888, J. H. Zimerle, F. J. Helmkamp, Theo. Wrocklage, Evan J. Williams. In 1884, F. J. Helmkamp, John Walsh, Joseph Hemme and John W. Evans.

The Postmasters of Delphos were Amos Clutter, the first master, who had a little office on the west side of the canal He was succeeded by Andrew Linn, who served until May, 1858, when Winchton Bisley was appointed. On his death, in September, 1854, his wife, Mrs. Mary Bisley was appointed, and she held the office until September, 1879. J. H. Cowdin, the present postmaster, was commissioned in September, 1879. The office is still recognized as in Van Wert County.

Catholic Church, - The history of the church is identified with that of the settlement and progress of this division of the county. From printed and written reminiscences it appears that in December, 1845, thirty-six male members of the Catholic Church met in a log cabin and drew up ten articles of agreement, providing that each inhabitant of section 10, who wished to be a member of the Oatholio congregation, should work twenty-five days every year, doring the time a ohturdi building would be constructing, without pay or the expectation of pay; all those who could not or did not wish to work should pay $8 annually toward the work. At the beginning of each week the persons who yolunteered to work were notified by the Trustees. Father Bredeick came to give the work some plan. About the middle of January, 1846, J. M. Heitz, in contract with Trustees, entered on work; large trees were formed as pillars, then the smaller timbers had to be hewed out, and then the hand*made oak shingles, the latter at the pastor's expense. In 1850 the old church was only partially completed; but not until November 1, 1858, were the first services celebrated therein. In 1855 the master mechanic of this great pioneer building died of cholera. In 1855 the building was closed on all sides; in 1856 the main altar and pews were made; in 1862 the steeple, 150 feet high, was built Father Bredeick died August 19, 1858. There were eighty-nine different contributors of money and labor from 1846 to 1852. Each laborer gave 123 days, and each subscriber $5454. On March 81, 1879, the last services were held in the old church. A hall 110 feet long and 56 wide accommodated the people until the opening of the new church. Bev. Father Long, in his. history of the Catholic Church of Delphos, written in 1875, says: '*The first church established at Delphos was the Catholic, and its honored founder, Bev. John O. Bredeick, was the benevolent guardian of the spiritual and material in terests of the German settlers, who were pioneers in the inhospitable forests of Northwestern Ohio. In co-operation with Bev. Mr. Horseman, of Glandorf , who had preceded Mr. Bredeick, they planted firmly the institutions of Christianity and civilization. His church here was an ungainly one in architectural appearance, but yet of huge dimensions. No one except Father Bredeick could then foresee that the Catholic Churchgoing people would be sufficient to fill that edifice during a period of a generation or two at least. The good priest struggled to complete his temple of worship, but did not live to witness the realization of his hopes, having passed to his reward in the future world in 1858. He has only had two successors - Bev. F. Westerholt, and the zealous and untiring one, who now officiates, Bev. A. J. Hoeffel, whose priestly services were rendered for many years at Defiance, Ohio. As evidence that Father

Bredeick had not nnderestimated the future wants of his people, it is only neoeesary to state that over 300 families now worship in that clvurch^ equivalent to nearly 1,500 persons.

The project of building a new church took practical shape in 1878. Plans by S. W. Lane, of Cleyeland, were adopted by the building committee and councilmen, the former being Theodore Wrocklage, F. H. Heit2 and Herman Bicker. The councilmen were, Alex. Shenk, B. German, G. Oeise and J. Gerdeman. Contracts were awarded to Warner & Son for stone foundation; Francis H. Heitz, woodwork; S. J. Burkhart, Kenton brick and sawed stone; Joseph Derwort, tin, iron and copper;. Hull & Congers, roofing and slating, and Mr. Goeckinger, woodwork on spira On September 1, 1878, Mr. Heitz measured the ground, then the foundations were excavated, and on June 15, 1879, the comer stone was laid by Bishop Gilmore, assisted by Bev. Father Hoe£fel, Bev. J. F. Lang, and other ecclesiastics. The building was completed in 1880, and dedi« cated January 16, 1881, at a cost of about $60,000, equivalent, with gratuitous labor and material, to over $100,000. The length of the building is 192 feet; width of main aisle, 78 feet; width of transepts, 100 feet; height to apex of roof, 84 feet; height of tower, 222 feet; height of middle arch, 58 feet The roof is divided into over 100 arches, after the pure Gothic style. The tower clock cost about $2,- 000. The bells used are those of the old church - a chime of three bells purchased in 1863-64 Father Bredeick took no salary from 1844 to 1853; subsequently he took $150 per year. He willed lot 74, ten acres on Section 30, to the Sisters of Charity, on condition that they would wait on the sick, and take charge of the girls*^ school. The remainder of his real estate he bequeathed to the Catholic Church. Father Westerholt took charge in 1858; he added two altars, an organ, and new pewa Li 1867--68 the Sisters of Si Francis residence, on South Main street, was built at a cost of about $7,000. The threestory brick school was built in 1869-70, and the new residence for the sisters in 1872. When the town was burned, shortly after, the church and these buildings barely escaped destruction. In 1874 the Sisters of Notre Dame replaced the Sisters of St Francis. In 1866 the parish was divided, and that of Landeck formed. After Father Westerholt was called to Cleveland, Father Maesfranc, of Landeck, came and remained until February 2, 1868, whenBeY. A. J. Hoefifel was appointed. In 1875 a new organ was purchased. In 1860 St. Joseph's Union was organized on the soggestibn of Henry Hoerstman.

Methodist Episcopal Church was organized at the cabin of R. M. Pedicord, West Delphos, in 1846, with William Scott, John Miller and wife, and B. M. Pedicord and wife. Services were held at the houses of Pedicord and MilJer, subsequently in Amos Metcalf's cooper shop, and in 1848, in the woollen factory, erected by E. N. Martin that year. In 1850-51 a church building was erected on a lot donated by Samuel Pettit, of Piqua, a friend of E. N. Martin. After this building was in use for a quarter of a century, the idea of erecting a substantial bouse of worship, was entertained. The ladies soon inaugurated a means of making the idea practical, and by social meetings, and church fairs, they collected no less than $2,800 within the three years ending in December, 1878. Among the leaders in this enterprise were Mr. Wagner, Mrs. Williams, Mrs. Paugh, Mrs. Boebuck, and Mrs. Osboma In the spring of 1879, those ladies collected from the citizeos about 12,600, and with the two sums as the nucleus of a building fund, they embarked in the work of church building. A contract was sold to James H. Olime to build a house of worship according to plans by T. J. Tolan & Son, of Ft. Wayne. Work was commenced in August, 1879, and the building completed in March, 1830, under the supervision of Dr. H. P. Wagner. The pastors, who have served the church at Delphos, are John Graham, 1846; A. Albright, 1847; Alexander Harmount, 1848, circuit preachers. From 1850 to 1852, J. R Guiberson and J. F. Burkholder; 1852 to 1854. W. Taylor and G. Leese; 1854 to 1865, Jacob Feghtly; 1855 to 1856, John Fribly and A. B. Erebs; 1856 to 1858, Isaac Newton; 1858 to 1861, F. Merriott and G. W. Waters; 1861 to 1862, William Deal and J. Estell; 1862 to 1864, F. Plumb; 1864 to 1866, J. Mounts; 1866 to 1868, L. Herbert; 1868 to 1870, Jason Young; 1870 to 1873, A. J. Fish; 1873 to 1876, John Bates; 1876 to 1878, D. B. Ck)ok; 1878 to 1880, Solomon Lindsay.

New Vorx

bailding stands (Na 47), was donated by Rev. Father Bredeiok to the PresbTterian Society in Aogost, 1858, as a transfer from the Board of Education under the Legislative Act of March 14, 1859. {Vide History of Oatholic Ohurch.) The present church building was erected in 1869 at a cost of over $6,000. Of this sum the late C. C. Marshall collected $1,250. B. Skinner and wife, Andrew Lenn and wife, Thomas and James Oochran and wives, Thomas Chambers, Gabriel Lehman and wife, Swan Hunter and wife, and William Oochran, were the original members of the society. Mrs. Dr. Ooleman joined in 1872. The society was organized by Mr. Graham. In January, 1851, the ladies of the Presbyterian Ohurch organized a sewing circle. The sum realized from their work ($1,900) was devoted to the building of the ohurch and purchase of additional ground. During the war the woric of the society was suspended. Rev. Messrs. Johnson, Graham, Oameron, Elcook, Young, Scott and the preewit pastor, Sherard, have served the church since 1849. United Brethem (Marion Ohurch). This church, belonging to the lUida United Brethem Oirouit, comes down from the pioneer days of this portion of Allen Oounty. The originf^ members were S. P. Steman and wife, Samuel Moyer and wife, Mary M. Sherrick, Oatherine Beitz, Sarah Long, Mary Parker, Jacob Olapper, 03rruA Oonrad, H. J. Sherrick, John Bidenour, J. B. Oottner, Oaroline Oottner. The membership is eighty.

The Union School Building on the west side was erected in 1869 at a cost of $30,000. A still larger building is now considered necessary for the east side. Owing to the existence of the Oatholic schools at Delphos, little interest was taken in the common school system until 1867-68. This is proven by the fact that the School District failed to profit by a donation of land in 1852, and continued this carelessness for many years after, so that lot No. 47, donated in 1852 to the Board of Education by Bev. Father Bredeick of the Oatholic Ohurch, and by him to the Presbyterian Society in 1858, under legislative authority given in the Act of March 14, 1859.

Hope Lodge No, 214, A, F. d A. Af., was chartered October 28, 1851. In 1872, while the lodge was in the third story of Shenk & Lang's Block, the bnilding was destroyed, and with it the records of the lodge. E. B. Mathis served as W. M. from 1869 to 1877; 0. P. Washbnm from 1877 to 1879; Joseph Welch, 1879; 0. P. Washburn,^ 1880; Joseph Gowdin, 1881; Henry Davies, 1883-84; E. Mathis is Recorder. The lodge was reorganized under the new charter October 16, 1873, and now claims sixty-eight members.

Ohmoxy Lodge, I. O. O. F,, No. 201, was chartered May 16, 1854, with William Grist, D. Minnig, E. King, Sam Stater and O. W. Eratsch members. The lodge was instituted under dispensation June 10, 1852, with M. H. Gurtis, George L. Higgins, A. O. Howell, Sam Stutw and John Daubs members. The names of the Past Grands up to June, 1854, are M. H. Gurtis, George L. Higgins, A. O. Howell and W. H. Grist Since June, 1854, the following have served as N. G., L. B. Woolsoo, 1854; W. R. Ward, 1855, G. H. Hover and S. F. Himmelright, 1856; O. W. Eruisch and HoUis Fisher, 1857; O. Lehman, 1858; E. King, 1859; G. Oessner, and a F. Himmekight, 1860; O. P. Kramer and E. King, 1861; S. Himmelright and Mr. Bormuth, 1862; R King, 1863; S. F. Himmelright, 1864. For ten years succeeding 1864 the charter was held by the grand lodge until its restoration, August 20, 1874 Under the authority of the grand lodge William Grist was elected N. G. In December, 1874, George W. Erutsch, N. O. The chief officers of the lodge since 1875 are named as follows: Ed. King, 1875; R G. Jones and Wm. Lovekin, 1876; O. H. Krutsch and G. S. Davis, 1877; J. W. Evans and Evan Williams, 1878; William Grist and Simon Foster, 1879; J. W. Allen, 1880; G. P. Harter and E. T. Young, 1881; A. R. Lockard and A. E. Herminghuyser, 1882; a G. Boloson andG. W. Louthan in 1883; O. W. Louthan and Henry Valtz, 1884, with S. W. Murphy, Recorder. The number of members is 117.

Marion Encampment, No. 61, L O. O, F., when first instituted, met at Delphos, March 30, 1854, William Grist, HoUis Fisher. J. R. Murphy, L. B. Wolson, Gharlee McGune, G. H Hover, and others were members of this Gamp.

Frederika Lodge^ No, 147, Daughters of Rebekah, was chartered May 17, 1883, with GatheriDe J. Foster, Gelia Pegdon, Sarah J. Eiche» Frederika King, Aima G. Yoltz, Catherine Daniels, Adeline Blake» George W. Loathan, Eleanor M. Lonthan, S. W. Murphy, G. S. Dayis, William Grist, James Pegdon, Mary Toong and J. W. Evans. Mrs. Catherine Daniels is Noble Grand. The number of members is twentyfive.

Royal Arcanum was organized November 13, 1878. Dr. H. P. Wagner was elected P. R; E. R. Mathis, B., and 0. W. Bisley, Secretary. The annual election took place December 25, 1878, when K R Mathis was chosen Regent, and Henry Daviee, Secretary. The Regents since 1878: E R Mathis, 1879; E. W. Hastings, 1879; K F. Lloyd, 1881; A. 0. Almy, 1882-83. The Secretaries: D. S. Griffith, John Humphreys, C. W. Risley, 1879; H. L. Roebuck, 1881-82; William F. Klagee, 1888. The membership is seventy-three.

Reul Post,, No. 95, O. A, K, named after Gapi Reul, One Hundred and Eighteenth Ohio Infantry, who died at Delphos after the war, was organized July 12, 1881, with the following charter members: J. H. Cowdin, S. L. Feeley, F. Rouschart, Moses Strauss, A. Lichttentner, N. liichttentner, Oscar Wilson, William Devlin, D. J. Davis, M. K Blinn, J. F. Himmelright, P. F. Henry, Almond Ruggles, Oscar Ensien, William Wier and John Siedell. The first Gommander was D. J. Dayis, and Adjutant, J. H. Gowdin. The Gommanders since this time are named as foUovro: John Widmer, 1882-88; M. T. Long, 1883-84. The Adjutania were Henry Dickman, 1882; Benjamin Dunne, elected in 1882, has served since that time. The membership is seventy-six. The post uses the well- furnished hall of the Knights of Honor, pending the equipment of a new hall. The present officers of the post are: Gommander, M. T. Long; Senior Yice-Gommander, James M. Cochran; Junior Vice-Gommander, John Eisenbice; Surgeon, E. H. Wade; Ghaplain, A. Ruggles; Adjutant, Ben Dunn; Officer of the Day, John Widmer; Officer of the Ouard, O. W. Ludwig; Quartermaster, William Devlin; Sergeant-Major, George Stirritt; Quartermaster-Sergeant, W. A. Gordell.

Knights of Honor, Edith Lodge, No. 11787, was organized September 20, 1879, with forty charter members. The presiding officers since organisation are Frank Welsh, Benjamin Fisher, S. L. Feeley, Ang. Boehmer, C. F. Barter, and J. Pohlman. The secretaries are E. Y. Yonng,

De^hoe Fire Department was organized ander the name of the Washington Volunteer Fire Company, July 1, 1872. Of the original members one only, J. B Wahmhoff, is now connected with this volunteer department The members of the company in 1884 were C. F. Bauber, foreman; J. Bemme, assistant foreman; C. Schosker, assistant foreman; B. J. Weible, secretary; B J. Moennig, treasurer; 3. F. Dolt, foreman hose division; B. Bell, F. Brickner, EL J. Bergfield, B. W. Dalk, M. Cover, W. A. Fisher, O. Good, J. Garrity, P. George, J. George, A. C. Grothause, C. Geise, W. M. Baas, J. T. Bartwell, J. Berlihy, G. B. Bauber, W. J. Bockenberry, A. F. Lriok, F. B Landick, J. P. Laner, W. Lemkuhl, G. F. Lang, L. McCoUister, L. Metzger, F. A. Banshard, A. B. Buggies, J. Bisk, S. F. Shenk, D. Sudmoeller, B. Trentman, C. Uhlenhake, E. J. Williams, B. J. Wolfhorst, and J. B Wahmhoff with Mr. Wahmhoff chief of department The prizes carried off by this company are named as follows: Ohio State Banner, at Gallion, Ohio, in 1878; Northwestern Ohio State Banner, at Tan Wert, Ohio, 1874; a trumpet at Lima, Ohio, 1876; a trumpet at Tan Wert, Ohio, 1877; a trumpet at Delphos, Ohio, 1882; a United States flag at Delphos, Ohio, 1882; a money prize at Northwestern Ohio tournament, held at St Mary's Ohio, 1883, and a money prize at Sandusky, Ohio, in 1884 In the ccmtest for these prizes the Washington company have carried off prizes from thirty-nine different companie& The equipment comprises two steam engines, a pony hand engine, one hook and ladder and 2,200 feet of hose on f onr carts.

The J. W. Feely fiook and Ladder Company was organized under the name of the Star Company, was subsequently named the Independent Star Hook and Ladder Company, in August 1880, to the Star Hook and Ladder Company, and August 3, 1882, to the J. W. Feely Hook and Ladder Company. The iirst officers elected in June, 1880, were J. W. Feely, foreman; J. B. Stith, assistant; John Kaspar, second assistant; S. W. Archer, secretary; and Gustave Kolbe, treasurer. J. L. Herbert served as foreman until 1888, when he was succeeded by C. S. Pavis. The present foreman, F. H. Moennig, has served as secretary from 1881 to the present time. Theodore Stallkamp is assistant foreman. There are thirty-five members who pay their own expenses, the village paying for repairs.

The Delphos Band, known as the Citizens' Band, was organized September 25, 1882, with John White, leader; Louis Stephens, president, and also secretary and treasurer; Fred Bayer, director. The present officers are Henry Volz, leader; F. H. O. Moennig, drum major; and O. J. Ostendorf , Manager.^ There are fifteen members.

Ikdustbies, Bouls, Bto

The industry known as the curing of Slippery Elm bark was founded at Delphos in 1855, by Dr. J. W. Hunt. The trade in this bark may be said to have its headquarters at Delphos for many years. Ten years previous to this time Theodore Wrocklage and B. Esch established a potash and pearl-ash factory.

The Empire Excelsior Works, established by Charles Whittier, was purchased in 1878 by August Boehmer, who has been operator of them for the last eleven years. The factory gives employment to eight men. The machinery is valued at about $3,500. The capacity is about 1,000 tons per annum. The principal market is at Cincinnati.

Th<^ Delphos Elevator, bailt by W. F. Mills & Co., in 1879, has a capacity of 30,000 bushels. The original building was erected by Curtis & Bliss, about thirty years ago, on Canal Street and Pennsylvania Bailroad. The Narrow Ghiage Bailroad runs a track along the west sida

In 1870 a hub and spoke factory was established on the side of the canal, by A. B. Bisk and M. A. Ferguson. This industry was carried on where the Moennig hardware store now stands, until consolidated with the Ohio Wheel Company in 1872.

The Ohio Wheel Company, founded at Toledo in 1868, moved to Delphos in 1872. The Company was incorporated October 20, 1871, with W. P. Garrett, Ed Flickinger, Henry Flickinger, P. M. Ainslie and William Johnson, of Toledo, and Theo Wrocklage, M. A. Ferguson, D. L. Williams, J. M. C. Marble, Peter Phelan, S. D. Chambers, H. J. Moennig, A. B. Bisk, T. W. Brotherton, J. W. Hunt, L. Q. Boebuck, F. H. Stallkamp, F. Buettner, C. A. Evans and D. H. Tolan. At their Toledo works, buildings and machinery were valued at $40,000. The buildings were erected in in 1871-72, and opened in the fall of 1872. The estimated cost of buildings, $20,000, and machinery $45,000. The number of hands employed in January, 1873, was 82, the number at present, 80. The presidents have been Henry Flickinger 1868 to 1878, and J. M. C. Marble 1873 to 1885. Henry J. Trame has served as secretary from 1878 to present time. The value of annual products is about $120,000 ; the monthly pay roll is about $3,000.

The Union Flouring- Mill Company was organized under State law in 1872, with F. J. Lye, Peter Phelan, H. J. Moennig, H. J. Gerdeman, Theo Wrocklage, S. D. Chambers. In 18S0 the name was changed to the Eagle Mills.

The Eagle Mills were purchased in July, 1880, by ^lez. Shenk and George F. Lang, who have conducted this industry down to the present time. The machinery is valued at about $15,000, aDd the buildings about $10,000. The capacity is estimated at 125 barrels per day. The annual product is 25,000 barrels. The number of hands employed is ten.

Pittsburg Hoop & Stave Company was established in 1872, with G. Meyran, president ; Thomas A. Weger, superintendent; W. Steinmeyer, treasurer; and G. W. Hammer, secretary. The new company organized February 20, 1884, is presided over by J. Shaffer, with H Qoette, secretary and treasurer, and F. A. Weger, superintendent The value of machinery is $6,000, and of buildings $4,000. The value of annual product (estimated) is about $80,000; the number of men employed, 80.

The Stave Company, one of the great industries of Delphoe, was organized in }869, with J. M. 0. Marble, Theo Wrocklage, John Ostendorf and H. J. Trame, incorporators. Mr. Ostendorf presides over this Company, with C. P. Washburn, treasurer and secretary.

What has been said by Mr. Sutton in 1882 is doubly applicable to-day. He states: Within a radius of four miles of Delphos there are over thirty mills constantly employed iu cutting and preparing lumber for the market. Immense quantities of timber are annually conveyed to market by the railroads and canal. The enterprise and growth of Delphoe can be seen by the following list of business establishments : two steam saw-mills, two grist-mills, one paper-mill, one woollen-mill, one machine shop and foundry, one stirrup factory, two planing-mills, one handle factory, one excelsior works, one union stave factory, one hoop and stave factory, one Washington stave factory, one tight-barrel factory, one wheel factory, two brick yards, four livery stables, four hardware stores, four stove and tin stores, nine dry goods stores, four millinery establishments, four drug stores, twelve grocery and provision stores, thirty saloons, four butcher shops, three jewelry stores, two harness shops, two undertaking establishments, three furniture stores, four wagon shops, six blacksmith shops, six boot and shoe shops, seven baker shops, one tannery, one brewery, two banks, two newspapers, two warehouses, three elevators, six hotek, two public halls, one steam tire-engine, two handengines, hose carts, etc.

C. Marble, T. Wrocklage, Peter Phelan, R. K. Lytle, H. J. Boehmer, B. Each, F. H. Stalkamp, and Henry P. Clark, Febraary 16, 1863, with L. G. Hoebnok, president, and J. M. C. Marble, cashier. The capital stock was placed at $100,000. On February 26, 1883, the bank was reorgan- ^ized under the aame Delphos National Bank, with Theo Wrocklage, president, and Joseph Boehmer, cashier. The capital stock is $60,000, and surplus $8,000.

The (Commercial Bank of Delphos was chartered under the Legislative act of February 26, 1853. It was organized as a State bank in 1877, and in 1880 the capital stock of $100,000 was reduced to $50,000.

The Phelan House, built in 1880 by J. F. MoShane, has been carried cm by John Boby since April 25, 1881. This is one of the best hotels in northwestern Ohio.

The Rose House was built in 1881 by A. B. Bisk. This house is located on the P. F. W. & C. R B., just west of the Union d^>ot It has been variously conducted.

Landeck Village

Landeck, Sections 3 and 10, Marion Township, is a small village in the midst of a rich agricultural district The business portion of Landeck lies north of Main Street. South are the lands of the Catholic Church, Sebastian Ley and J. Shaffer. The school and a steam saw-mill stand on the western limits.

Catholic Church. - About twenty families in and around Landeck asked and obtained permission of Bishop Bappe to erect a church under direction of Father Westerholt, then pastor in Delphos, and a frame one 40x60 feet was built on a lot donated by S. Ley. Father Maesfranex was appointed pastor in 1868. Rev. C. Seltzer succeeding him in 1869. The following year Bev. F. Brem was appointed his successor, and had charge eight years, when he went to Europe for his health, Bev. B. Neier -supplying his place during his absence. Bev. J. B. Heiland succeeded him April 20, 1878. During Father Seltzer's admizuBtration a neat pastoral residence was erected, and Father Brem bnilt a schoolboose and teacher's hoose. October 10, 1876, the hoose and contents were destroyed by fire. Father Brem, however, erected a more substantial residence of brick in 1877; a year later an addition of 20x44 feet was made to the church. The congregation now numbers about ninety-six families making a total of about 500 membera

The Pittsburgh, Fort Wayne & Chicago Baibroad passes through Marion Township from southeast to northwest; the Cleveland, Delphos k Si Louis Bailroad touches the most northwesterly sections on its way from Delphos into Putnam County, and the Toledo, Delphos & Indianapolis Bailroad runs due north and south. The postoffioes are Delphos, Landeck and Scott's Crossing.

Source changes here: from History of Allen County, Ohio, by Various, published 1885; 24,916 words in this source stream.

Marion Township

FREDERICK AMMAN, bakery and general groceries, Delphos, was born in Greene County, Ohio, in 1838, his father, George Amman, being a native of Baden, Germany. Our subject learned the baker's trade in Xenia, where he carried cn the business nine years. In the spring of 1868 he came here and established his business, and has been successfully connected with it since. He was married in 1860 at Kenton, Ohio, to Margaret Kautz, of that place, her father being a native of Saxony, Germany, and to this union have been born two sons and two daughters living: Alwinnie (widow of Adolf Eberantz, who has a little girl - Mianie), Frank Henry (a baker), Maggie and William.

JAMES BAXTER, farmer, P. O. Allentown, was born Septeraber 9, 1817, in Ross County, Ohio, son of Samuel-and Keziah (Cremean) Baxter, former born in Knox County, Ohio, son of John and Sarah Baxter, both foreigners. Samuel Baxter had eleven children, those living are James; Curtis, in Marion Township, this county; Smith, in German Township, this county; David, in Marion Township, this county; Eliza, wife of William Cochran, of Marion Township, this county. The family came to Amanda Township, this county, in 1827, where they endured all the trials and hardships of pioneer life. The father died about four years after his removal to this county. Our subject being the eldest, manfully assumed the responsibility left by his father in providing for the family and clearing the farm, and for this reason he received but littla education. At eighteen years of age he started out for himself, engaging in daily labor. He was married, April 20, 1837, to Melissa John, who was born January 10, 1820, in Ross County, Ohio, daughter of Griffith and Rachel (Miller) John, former a son of Abia and Martha John, born September 6, 1795, died February 20, 1856; latter a daughter of George and Sarah Miller, born September 13, 1802, died June 23, 1862. They were married February 20, 1817. To our subject and wife were born eleven children, four of whom died without issue. Samuel, the second child, was born April 16, 1839 (he was acorporal in Company I, Thirty-fourth Regiment, killed at Winchester, Va., in the battle between Gens. Sheridan and Early; he was married to Rachel Cremean, by whom he had three children). Those living are Griffith J., in Cotfey County, Kans.; Keziah, wife of William D. Poling, county auditor;. David E., in Amanda Township, this county; Levi, in Amanda Township, this county; Eliza (wife of Otis Fraunfelter), of Bath Township, this county, and Rachel, at home, unmarried. Mr. Baxter has held the office of township trustee for sixteen years and was for six years county infirmary director, arriving to these positions of honor by energy and close application to business. The family are members of the Cbristian Church, in which our subject was elder. He takes an active interest in the improvement of stock and farm products, and in the advancement of education and religion. He has lived to see a beantiful and productive cotintry developed from the once dense forest, and to see thirty-two grandchildren and four great-grandchildren around him.

FREDERICK BEYER, merchant tailor, Delphos, represents the business established here in 1857 by his father, Frank Beyer, who was born in Rockenberg, Hesse Darmstadt, Germany, January 21, 1816, where be learned his trade. In 1852 the latter came to America, and settled in Delphos, where he carried on an active business in his line till turning it over to his son. He married, in 1854 in Delphos, Mary Geiser, who was born in Mehlstadt, Germany, in 1818. Their only child, Frederick, was born here July 9, 1855, and after receiving a good school education, embarked in merchant tailoring business, which he successfully carries onin an artistic style. He was married May 20, 1880, to Louisa, daughter of the late Edward Koenig, of Delphos, a native of Saalfeld, Saxony, and educated in pottery work there, but identified with hotel business here. Mr. and Mrs. Beyer have a son and daughter, William and an infant not named. Our subject and wife are among the leaders in musical circles of Delphos, and he is director of the musical society. Our subject has been a cordial supporter of public and social matters, attending to the city's growth, and has served with ability in its councils.

COL. LESTER BLISS, breeder of fine cattle and hogs, P. O. Delphos, was born in Cooperstown, N. Y., August 17, 1817. His father, Dr. David Bliss, a native of Vermont, removed from Cooperstown in 1818, and settled in what is now Morrow County, Ohio, where he was well and favorably known as apioneer and a physician of repute. Col. Bliss obtained a liberal education at Fredericktown high school, and completed a good classical and literary education at Granville College. At twenty-one years of age he engaged in the study of law at Mt. Vernon, Ohio, under the tuition of Henry B. Curtis, Esq., and was admitted to the bar of Ohio at Marion in June, 1841. In August of the following year he located in Lima, where he carried on an active practice of law for severalyears. He served as prosecuting attorney for the county one term during this time, and subsequently declined a nomination for that office. Our subject married in Lima, in 1844, Miss Belinda Ann, daughter of the late Manuel Hover of Shawnee Township, this county, who departed this life in 1847, leaving two sons, David M., now a farmer and stock raiser of Marion Township, this county, and Lester Le Grand, who, after completing a fine commercial education, died at the age of twentyone years in Fort Scott, Kan. Our subject, on second occasion, married Mrs. Aldulia Kennedy, daughter of the late William Curtis, of Mt. Vernon, Ohio, by whum he had one son - Charles C., now a merchant druggist of Delphos. Again Col. Bliss was compelled to lay to rest his companion in life, and he subsequently married Harriet N., (sister of his first wife), with whom we find him happily associated. He removed to Delphos in 1850, and engaged extensively in manufacturing. While residing on the Van Wert side of the Miami & Erie Canal, which divides Delphos in halves, he was elected and served one term as county commissioner, of Van Wert County, and served as township trustee for a long series of years. In 1852 he waselected to represent Allen County in the Legislature, it being the first representation of the county under the new constitution. He has engaged actively in railway building, and during this time declined the nomination for lieut. governor of Ohio, but had the satisfaction of seeing his party coming through by an immense majority. In August, 1862, he volunteered his services in defense of the Union, and was commissioned first lieutenant and assigned to quartermaster's duty with the One Hundred and Eighteenth Obio Volunteer Infantry. In the early part of the following year he received honorable promotion as a field officer with the rank of major. In the spring of 1864 he was commissioned a lieutenantcolonel, and did active and honorable service untilhis resignation. After retiring from war service he engaged at farming and stock breeding, and has given his exclusive attention to it since. During his residence in Delphos he was activein the promotion and development of its interests, with which he still continues prominent. The Colonel is a stockholder and director of the Commercial Bank, and is interested in other industries. He served as the first mayor of the city and filled many other local official positions. Col. Bliss still retains the vigor and ambition of his youthful days, and will long be remembered in the history of this locality as one of its most reputable and persevering pioneers.

DAVID M. BLISS, farmer, P. O. Delphos, was born at Lima, Ohio, July 17, 1845; son of Col. Lester and Belinda (Hover) Bliss. From the high schools of the county, he entered the Ohio Wesleyan University, at Delaware, studying there two years. He spent some time reading law, with the intention of following the legal profession, but eventually engaged in mercantile business at Delphos, for a year and a half, then went to Sidney, Ohio, and edited the Sidney Journal for over a year, after which time he returned to this county, and turned his attention to farming and breeding shorthorn thorough-bred cattle, of the Lady Elizabeth stock. Mr. Bliss served the people as justice of the peace and township treasurer etc. He was married January 5, 1867, to Mary A. Lytle, who died nine months later without issue. She was a daughter of R. K. Lytle, of Delphos. Our subject's second marriage occurred September 20, 1869, with Alice J. Neel, who was born in Fairtield County, Ohio, September 10, 1845, and by this union were born five children: Lester L., born August 10, 1870; Neel V., born March 28, 1872; Charles M. and Morgan C. (twins), born September 11, 1876, died ininfancy; and Mary Aldulia, born November 15, 1875. Our subject is a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church. In politics, he is a Democrat.

Cuartes Buss, half-brother of our subject, was born in this connty, son of Col. Lester and Aldulia (Kennedy) Bliss. He read medicine with Dr. Wagner, of Delphos, three years, attending lectures in Bellevue Hospital College, N. Y., and graduating in Michigan, in 1874. He returned to Delphos, and, disliking the profession after a practice of four years, engaged in farming, and in February, 1853, entered into the drug business with J. W. Evans. He was married February 8, 1877, to Sophronia A. Herrick, a native of Mount Gilead, Ohio, daughter of Simeon Herrick. Charles Bliss is P. S. W., of F. & A. M., at Delphos.

(Rollands) Breese, former of whom died November 20, 1875, aged seventythree; latter September 28, 1852, aged forty-eight years. They came to America, landing at Philadelphia, and settled the same year on the farm, where the subject of this sketch now lives, there being only four acres, cleared out of the 160, and for which Richard Breese paid $100 cash. Here, before the father's death, they cleared about seventy acres, and endured the trials and hardships of pioneer life. Richard Breese was a man of prominence in his township, a deacon in the Congregational Church many years. He and his wife, were parents of seven children: Mary (wife of Joseph Watkins, in Sugar Creek Township, this county), Thomas, Ann (wife of John Morris, of Lima), Jane (wife of Evan Morgan, in Benton County, Ark.), Alice (single), Richard (deceased, leaving a family of three children in Delphos), Samuel R. (who enlisted in May, 1861, in Company H, Thirty-second Regiment, Ohio Volunteer Infantry, going out as the first lieutenant, he was killed in the Battle of Harper's Ferry, in August, 1862, and had his death not occurred, he would have been promoted to lieutenant colonel in a few days). Thomas Breese, the subject of this sketch, received a meager education; being the eldest son, his services were required in clearing up the farm. He was married September 6, 1561, to Martha Davis, a native of Montgomeryshire, Wales, born Septembor 10, 1842, daughter of Rev. James and Mary (Davis) Davis, who came to America in August, 1849, and settled in Cincinnati, Ohio, where the former preached for three years, in the Lawrence Street Congregational Church. They then came to Gomer. this county, in 1853, where Mr. Davis preached eight years, thence moved to New York State, remaining two years, thence to Radnor, Ohio, where he preached eight years. Rev. James Davis, was a son of Isaac and Sarah Davis; he died in April, 1873. His widow who is still living with Mr. Breese, is a daughter of Richard and Margaret (Davis) Davis. Rev. James Davis was the father of seven children, of whom three died without issue. Those who had families were Sarah (deceased wife of John Thomas, leaving family in Van Wert County, Ohio), Benjamin (deceased, leaving family in Crawford County, Kans.), James (a business man in Sandusky City, has a family of three children), William (a merchant in Keokuk, Towa, has a family of three children), and Martha (Mrs. Breese). Yo our subject and wife, have been born six children: Hmma, born* July 10, 1862; Samuel, born July 23, 1864; Mary (deceased at five years of age); James D., born January 31, 1874; Richard, born May 1, 1878, and Mary, born May 29, 1881. The lifeof Mr. Breese has been spent chiefly on the farm which he now occupies. He takes an active interest in all educational and religious matters. The family are members of the Congregationa] Church. In polities heis a Republican.

DAVID BRENNEMAN, farmer and stock-breeder, P. O. Elida, was born in Fairfield County, Ohio, November 28, 1840, son of Jacob and Caroline (Ogden) Brenneman, latter of whom was born in Hardy County, Va., July 12, 1819. Jacob Brenneman was a native of Rockingham County, Va., son of Abraham and Magdalena (Shank) Brenneman, natives of Pennsylvania, former born 1745, and died aged seventy years. Was twice married, and had in all sixteen children, the youngest of whom is the only survivor. Jacob was also twice married, first to Mary Beery, who was born November 20), 1802, and moved with her husband from Virginia to Fairfield County, Ohio, in 1828, where she died four years later. Her children were John L., born October 24, 1821, in Marion Township, this county; Abraham, born June 21, 1823, in Lancaster County, Ohio; Barbara, born June 7. 1824, wife of John Keller, in_ Branch County, Mich. ; Isaac, born September 25, 1825, in Adair County, Mo.; Elizabeth, and Joseph. Annie and Mary died young. Jacob Brenneman, by his second wife, Caroline (Oyden) Brenneman, had the following named children: Catharine, born March 8, 1838, widow of Abraham Friesuer (deceased), now wife of George Keckler, in Branch County, Mich.; David, born November 28, 1840, in Fairfield County, Ohio; Jacob R., born May 18, 1848, a druggist in Elida; Rebecca, born January 2, 1847, wife of Daniel F. Berry, in Branch Mich.; Sarah A., born November 10, 1849, wife of Thomas Wisher, in Van Wert County ; William F., born April 30, 1852, in Elida ; Noah E., born November 8, 1855, in Marion Township ; Charles B., born July 12, 1862, in Blanchard, IsabeJle Co., Mich. Jacob Brenneman died January 1, 1865, aged sixty-eight years, two months and twenty-five days. David Brenneman received very limited educational advantages, remaining with his father upon the farm until August 10, 1862, when he enlisted in Company A, One Hundred and Eighteenth Regiment Ohio Volunteer Infantry, in which he did valiant duty, participating in the siege of Knoxville, the battle of Resaca and Buzzard's Roost; under fire from Dalton to Atlanta, Ga.; at Salisbury, N. C., and in Sherman's march to the sea. He was discharged June 20, 1865, never having been off duty a single day, was neither sick nor wounded during the whole time, but always in the front rank. He was married, September 27, 1866, to Phebe A. Lutz, who was born in Fairfield County, Ohio, December 15, 1846, daughter of John and Sarah (Griffith) Lutz, former a native of Maryland, latter of Fairfield County. By her he had four children: Laura A., born October 10, 1867; Irwin E., born August 28, 1869; Sarah E., born July 19, 1871; Stephen A., born November 8, 1873. David Brenneman has a valuable farm of 165 acres, secured principally by his own efforts. He takes an active interest in the improvement of farm products, the advancemept of education and religion. He is a member of Mart Armstrong Post 202, G. A. R., at Lima. The family are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church.

B. J. BROTHERTON, mayor of Delphos, was born in Piqua, Miami Co., Ohio, June 24, 1850, son of Jasper Brotherton (carpenter), a native of Hamilton County, Ohio, his father, Abel Brotherton (farmer), having settled there from Pennsylvania at an early date, prior to the history of the State. The subject of our sketch, after receiving a good literary education in the Piqua High School, from which he graduated when nineteen years of age, entered the Denison University, vf Granville, Ohio, pursuing a classical course of study, subsequently taking up law under the able tuition of the Hon. J. F. McKinney, of McKinney Bros., attorneys, of Piqua. He was admitted to the bar of the State, August 29, 1872, and soon after came to Marion Township and engaged in the practice of his profession, with which he has been creditably connected since. He has taken an active interest in the development of the many industries of Delphos ;' is present member of the board of directors of Delpbos Gas Company ; a stockholder of the Delphos National Bank, as well as an active member of other interests. During the war he did honorable service as bugler of Company I, First Ohio Volunteer Cavalry. He married, in Warsaw, Ind., October 17, 1877, Miss Hattie L., daughter of James M. Laemon, a prominent pioneer merchant of that city, originally from Virginia. They have two daughters: Jennie W. and Mary Margaret. Mr. Brotherton isa member of the Baptist Church, Mrs. Brotherton of the Christian denomination.

JOHN C. CAMPBELL, physician and farmer, Landeck, was born in Belmont County, Ohio, May 14, 1827; son of Charles and Jane (Clung) Campbell, natives of Pennsylvania,-former deceased, latter still living. They were parents of three children: Charles, Ann and John C. Our subject received a common school education, and after completing a medical course at Starling Medical College, Columbus, Ohio, graduated in 1851, and entered on the practice of his profession in Perry County, Ohio, landing there September 10, same year, the memorial day of Perry's victory. Soon after, he removed to Spencerville, Ohio, where he practiced twenty-eight years, and then returned to Landeck in the fall of 1883. In addition to his professional duties the doctor owns and works «farm. Dr. Campbell was married in May, 1856, to Sarah J. Wells, who was born in Licking County, Ohio, in 1830, and by her has three children : Oral, Mary J. (wife of F. Fackler), and an infant, deceased. The doctor's success in life is due entirely to his own efforts. His practice has been successful, and he has experienced the hardships incident to the lives of all medical men in pioneer days. He aes the first mayor of Spencerville, also served the people as justice of the peace. He was formerly a member of the order of I. O. O. F. at Clear Cut. In politics he is an active member of the Democratic party.

SAMUEL D. CHAMBERS, ex-anditor of Allen County, Delphos, was born in Bolivar, Tuscarawas Co., Ohio, November 2, 1835; son of Thomas Chambers of Pennsylvania, and grandson of James Chambers who came from Ireland and settled in Pennsylvania. Samuel D. Chambers begau life as a molder when fifteen years old, but after a few years abandoned that trade and took up merchandising here as clerk, and at the expiration of six years' close application engaged as principal in the business. He has since enjoyed a prominent position in the mercantile interests of this city. Upon the organization of the Ohio Wheel Company's works here, he took an active part in that industry, and has since remained an able supporter of it. For many years he has been one of the directors of the Delphos National Bank; was also a member of the Commercial] Bank, with which he but recently severed his connection, and has assisted in many other enterprises of the city and locality. Upon the organization of the Toledo, Delphos & St. Louis Railroad, he assisted materially, and continued for many years an active member of its board of directors. Mr. Chambers married in Columbia City, Ind., in 1862, Miss Sarah J., daughter of W. W. Kepner, a pioneer merchant of that city. Their family consists of one son, William T., a student of the Pennsylvania Dental Institute of Philadelphia, Penn., and one daughter, Anna, a lady of tine literary and musical attainments, a graduate of Oxford Female Col- lege. The family are members of the Presbyterian Church. During the late war of the Rebellion our subject did active service as quartermaster of the One Hundred and Fifty-first Regiment, Ohio National Guards, from which he was honorably discharged. He has been an active F. & A. M. for many years, and is a member of the Shawnee Commandery at Lima. He has been a member of the city council for many years, and has filled its clerkship with ability. Mr. Chambers is an honest and conscientious Republican in politics, and has always served his party with great interest and zeal.

JOHN F. CLAPPER, farmer, P. O. Delphos, was born on the Roberts' farm in Sugar Creek Township, this county, near his present home, March 31, 1840; son of Andrew and Stasha (Schlegel) Clapper, natives ~ of Fairfield County, Ohio, former a son of Henry and Eleanor (Bussert) Clapper, latter a daughter of John Schlegel, a native of Maryland. Henry Clapper, who was a native of Pennsylvania, born near Hagerstown, Md., died July 24, 1860, aged eighty-four years; he was a millwright by trade, served in the war of 1812, moved to Fairfield County, Ohio; cleared up a farm and plied his trade unti] 1832, when he came to this county with his wife, three sons and three daughters, a part of the family remaining in Fairfield County. The father of our subject, who was one of the number who came to this county, died April 25, 188], aged seventy years; his wife died in November, 1851. They had thirteen children: Jacob, in Marion Township, tbis county; Mary A. (died, aged seventeen years), an infant (deceased), Hannah (deceased, aged twenty years), Margaret J. (wife of Curtis Leist, in Marion Township, this county; Nancy A. (deceased wife of John Conrad, leaving a son, Stephen T., in this county), John F., Joseph H., in Van Wert County, Ohio; William D. (deceased October 20, 1863, at Chattanooga, Tenn., of disease contracted in the United States service, while a member of Company E, Ninety-ninth Regiment, Ohio Volunteer Infantry), Elizabeth, (wife of Lewis Allen of Marion Township, this county), Rachel (wife of Isaac Conrad), Susan and Jemima, single. Andrew Clapper for his second wife, married Lovina Bechtel, a native of Pennsylvania, but an early settler in this county. By her he had eight children: Mary M., Vasta (wife of Benjamin Runyan, of Ft. Jennings), Sarah, Charles, Amos, Salena, William A. and Albert M. (last two twins). The subject of this sketch remained upon the farm with his father, and attended winter school until his marriage, May 29, 1861, with Sarah Stuckey, who was born on the farm where she now lives, June 2, 1843, daughter of Samuel H. and Mary (Peters) Stuckey, former one of the first settlers in Marion Township, this county, and a prominent man in official circles in the township. being one of its first officers. He entered the land upon which Mr. Clapper now lives, receiving his patent for eighty acres November 27, 1833, signed Andrew Jackson. Samuel H. Stuckey, who was a son of Christian and Mary M. (Harsh) Stuckey, natives of Maryland, but early settlers in Fairfield County, Ohio, was born September 27, 1806; he died April 25, 1876. His wife, Mary (Peters) Stuckey, was a native of Fairfield County, Ohio, born March 8, 1811, died October 1, 1876. She was a daughter of Daniel and Elizabeth (Nye) Peters, natives of Maryland, but early settlers of

Ohio. Samuel H. Stuckéy and his wife were parents of the following children: Levi, in Van Wert County,Ohio; Enos (deceased), Ezra, married (deceased): Elizabeth (deceased wife of Isaac Sthralem; she left one child, William L., in Lawrenceburg, Ind.), Mary M. (deceased wife of Henry Sherrick, of Marion Township; she left six children), Maria (wife of Henry Friesuner, of Marion Township, this county); Surah (wife of John F. Clapper); Daniel P. (deceased February 14, 1865, in South Carolina, while a member of Company D, Fifty-fourth Regiment, Ohio Volunteer Infantry, Seventeenth Army Corps), Christian, in Marion Township, this county; Lydia A. (deceased). To our subject and wife were born eight children: Minnie F. (died, aged three years, four months), William D., born May 27, 1866; Mary A., born September 14, 1868; Joseph C., born September 6, 1870; Lula A., born July 11, 1873; Elliott E., born September 19, 1875; Clara C., born November 6, 1877; Margaret J., born December 27, 1881. Mr. Clapper enlisted August 8, 1862, in Company E, Ninety-ninth Regiment, Ohio Volunteer Infantry, and was in twenty-eight battles with that regiment before its consolidation with the Fiftieth Regiment. He was a faithful soldier, good and true; was never sick nor wounded, and never off duty. He was discharged June 26, 1865. His brothers, Henry and Daniel, and brother-in-law, Léwis Allen, served with him in the same regiment. He is a member of the United Brethren Church, superintendent.of the Sabbath-school, and generally takes an active interest in educational matters.

JAMES COCHRUN, farmer and stock raiser, P. O. Delphos, was born in Ross County, Ohio, November 25, 1804, descended from a line of Scotch pioneers of that name in Virginia. He has a brother and two sisters living: John M., Catharine and Nancy. Mr. Cochrun came to this county in 1817. He married, in 1829, Miss Julia Ann, daughter of Andy Russell of Amanda Township, this county, who setiled there in 1817. He has one son, William M., living, by this marriage. His second marriage was in 1834 with Isabel, daughter of William Sunderland, who settled in Amanda Township in 1817. He has two sons and six daughters living by this marriage: Elizabeth, Julia Ann, Mary, James M., Ellen, Hattie, Nancy and Orlando, and lost a daughter and three sons, one of whom George W., died in Mellon Prison, Ga., after an honorable service in the Union Army. James M., the second son living. was married in 1870 to Ellen. daughter of Jacob Roush of Amanda Township, who bore him a daughter, Minnie Almerta, now living, and two sons, William S. and Edward, who are buried with their mother in the King cemetery here ; and in 1878 he married Catharine, daughter of Samuel Baxter, and by her he has one son and two daughters: Dora, Orlando Bertrue, and Viola. He did active and honorable service in Company B, McLaughlin's Squadron, Ohio Volunteer Cavalry, during the last two years of the war; is a member of Reul Post G. A. R. James Cochrun Sr., has been a member of the Presbyterian Church for thirty-five years, and an elder in it for many years. He is well and favorably known as one of the public-spirited pioneers of Allen County.

S. F. CONKLING, M. D., Delphos, was born in Cincinnati, Ohio, April 9, 1826, son of Isaac Conkling, who moved to that city from New Jersey and there settled at an early period of the city's history. Our subject graduated from Farmer's College in a literary course of study in 1847-48, and entered the Eclectic Medical College of Cincinnati, from which he graduated in 1851. He carried on a profitable medical practice in Reading, Hamilton Co., Ohio, for several years. In 1858 he came to Delphos and actively engaged in manufacturing business, with which he has continued for several years, retiring from it latterly to return to the practice of his profession. Dr. Conkling married in Butler County, Ohio, in 1851, Miss Margaret, daughter of Isaac King of that county, by whom he had a family of three sons and five daughters: Luella (wife of J. Abel, a merchant of Walton, Ill), Eva, Lillie, Frank K. (a farmer of Reno County, Kans.), Harry W. (of the Dutton House, Topeka, Kans.), Eddie P. (at home); Clarabell died November 26, 1875, Hattie died in August, 1880, and they are buried with their mother, who departed this life in 1867. The doctor was married on second occasion to Mrs. Ann Cowan, a daughter of J. S. Feeley, of Delphos, by whom he has two daughters, Minnie and Mollie, and had one son, Willie (deceased). Dr. Conkling has been one of the many active suppurters of Delphos interests. He has served in the city council; was commissioner of Van Wert County several years; member of the board of school directors and has held other }local official positions. He is a Royal Arch Mason and has been a F. & A. M. for many years.

CHARLES S. DAVIS, of the firm of Weger & Davis, manufacturers of all kinds of hoops, staves, headings and lumber, Delphos, was born in Oakville, Canada, November 10, 1844. At the age of fifteen he went to New York State, where he remained for several years. In 1869 he came to Delphos and engaged in his present business, and has since been actively connected with it here. He was married, in 1869, to Miss Mary Jane, daughter of G. W. Hall of this place. They have one son and two daughters: Jessie Belle, George Ray and Grace Rebecea. Mr. Davis is an active Mason and Odd Fellow and has held official positions in both societies here. He is also a member of the J. W. F. Hook and Ladder Company.

JOSEPH DERWORT, hardware, stoves and tinware merchant, Delphos, was born in Buffalo, N. Y., March 19, 1849, son of Marcus and Catharine (Reider) Derwort, former of whom was born April 25, 1822, in Sachsen, Weimar-Eisenach, Amt Grisa, Germany, and came to America August 17, 1889, latter born at Geismar, Germany, November 25, 1826. They were married October 8, -1844, and are still living in Delphos, this county. They had a family of thirteen children: Elizabeth; Elenor, died July 17, 1847; Joseph; Mary; John; Marcus, died November 21, 1865; Henry; Sophia; Rosalia; Francisca, died July 19, 1862; Anna; Theresia and Josephine. Our subject's education was limited to four years in the common schools. He came to this county with his parents, in 1860, and first worked at the cooper's trade with his father, then he learned the tinner's trade, and engaged in same line at Delphos, in 1870. His business has steadily increased, and he has added, in proportion to the demand, a complete line of hardware, stoves, etc., employing five men. He now occupies a two-story brick building and a large warehouse for surplus stock ; his success is the result of his own efforts. In 1872, having lost nearly all by fire, he had to commence again. Our subject was married

August 1, 1882, to Miss Annie Klier, who has borne him one son, Joseph, born November 23, 1883, and one daughter, Theresia, born May 11, 1885. He is a member of the Catholic Church ; politically a Democrat.

JACOB DIENSTBERGER, wagon and carriage-maker, Delphos, was born in. Baden, Germany, July 4, 1831, and learned the trade of blacksmith there. At eighteen he immigrated to this country and completed his trade at Norwich, Conn. In September, 1851, he came to Delphos, this county, followed his trade a short time, and then worked in the iron foundry. In April, 1860, he began business for himself as wagon and carriage-maker, and has accumulated a handsome competency. Mr. Dienstberger married here, in 1853, Miss Caroline, daughter of the late Christopher Gessner, a farmer of Washington Township, Van Wert County, and by this union are two sons and two daughters: Charles {blacksmith, with his father), Christopher (painter, with his father), Amelia (wife of Tobias Foster, a blacksmith of Spencerville), and Mary. Our subject has served in Delphos city council, and has filled other local official positions of honor and trust. He is interested considerably in the coal and iron trade, from which he derives a handsomerevenue. During the late Rebellion he did active service in Company I, Ohio Volunteer Infantry, from which he received an honorable discharge at the close of the war.

JONATHAN DILLSAVER, farmer and stock-breeder, P. O. Elida, was born in Fairfield County, Ohio, February 8, 1828, son of Simon and Elizabeth (Winstead) Dillsaver, former a native of Shenandoah County, Va. (he was in the war of 1812, died in 1880, aged about eighty-three years), latter a daughter of Griffin and Magdalene (Smith) Winstead. The Dillsaver and Smith families are of German, the Winsteads of English extraction. "Simon and Elizabeth Dillsaver had four children, who became heads of families: Nancy (deceased wife of Solomon Moyer, she left a family in Sugar Creek Township, this county), Jonathan, Mary A. (wife of Benjamin Sigman, living in Van Wert County, Ohio) ; Matilda, (wife of Jacob Nitler both deceased, leaving no family). Our subject came in 1834 to Sugar Creek Township, this county, with his parents, who entered land and experienced the trials of pioneer life in clearing up the country. Here he remained till 1860, when he came to his present home. He was married December 14, 1851, to Miss Melinda Shope, a native of German Towuship, this county, daughter of William and Elizabeth (Tester) Shope, early settlers of this county from Fairfield County, Ohio. By this marriage there were thirteen children: Elizabeth, William and Rachel, all deceased ; those living are: John, born Decem- 'ber 24, 1852, now in Delphos, Ohio; Matilda, born January 8, 1854 ; Rebecca, born June 26, 1856 (wife of John M. Garvey) ; Simon, born July 31, 1857; George, born November 19, 1858; Mary E., born April 18, 1860 (wife of Joseph Seitz), in Putnam County, Ohio ; Lucinda, born September 22, 1864 (wife of Charles Stemen), in Sugar Creek Township, this county; Amanda, born May 13, 1867; Susan, born May 20, 1868 ; Noah, born August 12, 1871. Mrs. Malinda Dillsaver was born February 27, 1831, and died November 23, 1873. Our subject then married July 30, 1874, Melinda E. Manker, who was born January 12, 1830. Mr. Dillsaver joined Company A, Thirty third Regiment, September 24,

1864, in which he served until June 8, 1865, when he was discharged at Camp Dennison. He was severely wounded in a skirmish near Gillsboro, March 16, 1865. The family are members of the Lutheran Church, in which he has been deacon and trustee.

SIMON DILLSAVER, farmer, P.O. Delphos, son of Jonathan and Melinda (Shope) Dillsaver, was born in Sugar Creek Township, this county, July 31,1857. Heremained on farm with his parents until after arriving at. maturity, receiving a common school education, and entered on his career in life as afarmer. Although young in years, Mr. Dillsaver is considered one of the most enterprising young farmers of the township. He makes no specialties other than general farming and stock breeding. He was married, November 15, 1879, to Mary E. Ridenour, who was born in Marion Township, this county, May 1, 1862, daughter of Alex and Ann (Hover) Ridevour, natives of Fairfield County, Ohio, and early settlers of this county, and to this union was born, July 30, 1881, one daughter - Rhoda Bell. Mr. Dillsaver is a consistent member of the Lutheran Chureh. In politics he is a stanch Democrat.

DAVID W. DITTO, farmer and bee keeper, P. O. Delphos, was born November 16, 1846, in Brown County, Ohio, son of William W. Ditto, also a native of Brown County, Ohio, born October 23, 1823, died May 13, 1884, and Mahala (Brown) Ditto, born August 12, 1822, in Brown County Ohio, and still living. They were parents of eight children: Melviua, wife of J. Irick; Rebecca (deceased); David W; William H. (deceased); Caroline (deceased); Benjamin D. (deceased); Emily wife of S. D. Crites and Samuel F. The paternal grandparents of our subject were Richard and Rebecca (Dunham) Ditto, former a native of North Carolina, latter of Brown County, Ohio. His maternal grandfather was William Brown of New Jersey, and one of the earliest settlers of Brown County, Ohio. ln 1849 our subject's parents moved to this county, locating on section 9, Mariou Township, and there David W. Ditto grew to maturity, his earliest recollections being of pioneer scenes and industries. From the common schools he entered the normal school at Lebanon, Ohio, and has taught five terms of school in connection with his farming interests. He is now one of the most extensive bee keepers in the section, and in this line he has been successful. He is also interested in breeding graded stock. Mr Ditto came to his present farm in 1871, and has since erected a substantial residence and barn. The appearance of his farm denotes him to be an enterprising man and a practical farmer. During the war he was a member of Company A, Thirty-third Ohio National Guards. Mr. Ditto's marriage occurred December 25, 1870, with Elizabeth Burkholder, who was born February 12, 1851, and died August 22, 1872: Her son, Charles Albert, died at same date aged four months and twentyfive days. Our subject married, on second occasion, September 18, 1873, Miss Florence B. Harris, who was born in Hamilton County, Ohio, January 7, 1849. She is the mother of four children: Clifford, born November 12, 1874, died twelve days later; Theodore Walter, born November 25, 1875; Raymond C., born July 19, 1880; Edith Ethel, born April 28, 1883. Mrs Ditto is a daughter of Calvin and Edith (Dunn) Harris, early settlers of Amanda Township, this county. Mr. Ditto is a F. & A. M., a member of Marion Grange. He is a member of the Meth-

MARION TOWNSHIP. 629 odist Episcopal Church, taking an active part in the sabbath school. Politically he is identified with the Republican party.

SAMUEL F. DITTO, farmer, P. O. Delphos, was born February 16, 1858, on the homestead farm, where he still resides; son of William W. and Mahala (Brown) Ditto. He received his education in the common and high schools of the county, was brought up a farmer and has followed agriculture all through life, in connection with which he takes a practical interest. in graded stock. Mr. Ditto was married, December 27, 1879, to Miss Sarah Isabel Strayer, who was born September 27, 1858, in Amanda Township, this county, daughter of Samuel K., and Sarah A. (Elliker) Strayer, early settlers of Amanda Township. To our subject and wife have been born three children: Zelmer, born May 1, 1880, died August 23, 1880; Jeanetta, born October 22, 1881; Wilmer, born November 11, 1883. Mr. Ditto is a consistent member of the Methodist Episcopal Church. Politically he is a Republican.

THOMAS B. EDWARDS, dealer in general groceries, etc., Delphos, was born in Jackson County, Ohio, February 4, 1855. His father, the late Benjamin Edwards, farmer of that county, settled there from Wales about 1840. The subject of our sketch received a good common school education in his native county, and for a time engaged in farming, but on April 22, 1877, he took up merchandising here, with Jones & Griffith, and in March of the following year assumed entire control of the business, has: by dint of able management secured a very lucrative trade, and has already amassed a nice competence although a young man, amid old-established competitors. Mr. Edwards married in Delphos, in 1879, Lucy Ann, daughter of the late John Morrow of Indiana. She was reared and educated in this city and is a lady of good literary and musical attainments. They have two sons and oue daughter: Robert Thomas, Edna May and an infant (unnamed). Mr. Edwards is one of the progressive men of Delphos, an able supporter of its interests. He is a member of the K. of P. andof the R. A.

WILLIAM H. ELWER, farmer and stock-raiser, was born in Hamilton County, Ohio, Fébruary 20, 1840, son of William Elwer who was born and reared in Westphalia, Prussia, and who came to America and to Hamilton County, Ohio, when a young man, and September 29, 1853, to Marion Township, this county; his children are William H. and Joseph. Our subject was married in 1867 to Miss Mary Ann Recker, daughter of Andrew Recker, a pioneer farmer of Putnam County, Ohio, anative of Hanover, Germany; and to this union have been born two sons and four daughters: Kate, Frederick, Christena, Mary, Rosa and Andrew. Mr. and Mrs. Elwer are members of the Catholic Church. He has been an active worker. Has served on school board two years and has filled other official positions.

JOSEPH ESCH, proprietor of restaurant, billiard room and saloon, Delphos, was born August 27, 1856, son of Bernard and Mary (Heckman) Esch. He clerked for his father until the latter's removal to Kansas, and in 1877 he embarked in his present enterprise. October 16, 1879, he was married to Miss Kate Kroft, born in Dayton, Ohio, February 14, 1856, by whom he has a daughter - Niona, born July 22, 1880. _Politieally Mr. Esch is a Democrat. He is a member of the Catholic Church.

The father of our subject was born January 1, 1821, near Osnabruck, Germany, where he lived till 1842, when he came to America with Theo Wrocklage, locating at Fort Jennings. A year later he assisted in building the tirst log-cabin at Delphos. In 1844 Esch & Wrocklage, formed a partnership and erected an ashery, and in the following year opened a general store, continuing in business till 1855. He was amember of the town council several years, was one of the original movers in the organization of the First National Bank, and for several years was one of its board of directors. He was elected county commissioner in 1870, and being re-elected served in that office six years, making one of the most efficient and capable commissioners the county ever had, and through his exertions a system of road improvements was inaugurated, the benefits of which are now enjoyed by almost every section of the county. His death occurred June 3, 1884, at Dexter, Kansas. In 1847 Mr. Bernard Esch married Mary Heckman, who died in 1857, leaving to his care three children: Henry (agent for the Cincinnati, Hamilton & Dayton Railroad at Middletown, Ohio), Annie (widow of Lehm Kahl), and Joseph. His second marriage occurred in 1859, with Catharine Karst, who survives him. By this union were born six children: Bernard, Lewis, Theodore, Alexander, Frank and John.

RICHARD EVANS, farmer and stock-dealer, P.O. Delphos, was born in Montgomeryshire, North Wales, September 4, 1817, and immigrated to America in 1840, settling in Butler County, Ohio. In 1852 he came to this county and settled on his present farm, paying $1,860 for 160 acres uncleared land, of which he has cleared 135 acres. His parents were Evan and Mary (Jones) Evans, who died in Wales. (Evan Evans was a son of John and Mary Evans who were married at the ages of nineteen and seventeen years, respectively, and lived together nntil they were aged, respectively, one hundred and three and one hundred and one, a period of eighty-four years of married life). They were parents of nine children: John, who died without issue; Lewis, living with family in Montgomeryshire, Wales; Evan, died in London, single; Mary, died young; Edward, died, leaving a family in Wales; Elizabeth, died young; Richard, and Margaret, deceased wife of Edward Evans, leaving one daughter and son residing in Allen County. Mr. Evans received but twelve days' schooling during his life-time, but having a natural love for live stock he hired out as a herd in Wales, and turned his attention to the study of the habits and diseases of stock, thus arriving at a considerable degree of prominence as a veterinary surgeon and dealer and shipper in stock. He has, in connection with his other business, been engaged in the manufacture of brick for thirty-five years. Mr. Evans was thrice married, his first and second wife bearing him children who all died young. His third marriage was with Mary Jones, who was born March 20, 1827, on Paddy's Run in Butler County, Ohio, from which place her father, John R. Jones, came to what is now Gomer, this county, in 1834, being one of the first and most prominent settlers of that place. To our subject and wife have been born ten children, eight of whom died in infancy. The surviving two are now living with their parents: Margaret J. (wife of John W. Humphreys) and Francis (who married Elizabeth J. Howells, by whom he hid one child). Mr. Evans is an enterpris-

MARION TOWNSHIP. 631 ing man, and takes an, active interest in all educational and religious matters. With his family he is a member of the Congregational Church.

C. A. EVANS, M. D., Delphos, was born in Hillsboro, Ohio, July 29, 1828, and comes of a people who have furnished a fair share of medical talent in the West, several of whom are reputable practitioners, dating, on the paternal side, their coming to this country about 1775, locating in Kentucky, and their advent in Ohio about 1802. On the maternal side, the Duckwalls came from the Rhine Provinces in connection with Methodist mission work here, early in the eighteenth century. The subject of this sketch began the study of medicine at nineteen years of age, and at twenty-two graduated from the Ohio Medical College of Cincinnati, in the class of 1849-50. In June of 1850 he came to Delphos, and has since been successfully identified with the practice of medicine here. He was married, April 4, 1855, in Columbia City, Ind., to Miss Katie Ensler, a highly educated lady, and an ardent worker in church and social interests. Upon the organization of the T. C. & St. L. Railway, Dr. Evans took up railway work with; that corporation, with which he was actively.identified till it ceased to be a Delphos enterprise. Heorganized the Delphos & Kokomo Railway, and remained its president till 1878. In the following year he organized a railway to Kokomo, Ind., (D. B. & F. Ry.), and was chosen its President. In 1880 he organized the Cleveland, Delphos & St. Louis Railway, serving as President till 1881, when he resigned and accepted the Vice-Presidency of the Construction Company. He has also been connected with the establishment of other lines. During the last year he has attended quietly to his professional practice. The Doctor served the city as mayor four successive terms, and has filled other civic official positions,

JOHN W. EVANS, druggist and bookseller, Delphos, one of the most worthy and enterprising men of the city, was born May 21, 1847, among the mines in Jackson County, Ohio; son of William and Jane (vans) Evans, natives of Aberystwyth, Wales, and who came early to America. They had seven children: two died early in life; D. W., a farmer and stock-dealer in Venedocia, Ohio; Jane, wife of D. E. Evans, a merchant in Venedocia, Ohio; John W.; William, farming in Van Wert County, Ohio; and Thomas, who died aged twenty-three years. The father was killed while at work at Cambria Furnace, in Jackson County, Ohio, the subject of this sketch being then but seven years of age. The mother was afterward married to Isaac Jones, of Jackson County, Ohio, where she died. Mr. vans received the chief part of his education by the time he reached his twelfth year, attending but two terms afterward, as at that age he was engaged in hauling ore, iron, coal etc., at the mines and furnaces. Upon starting out for himself at sixteen years of age he received 313 from his stepfather, and this he was compelled to use for necessary clothing and traveling expenses to Cincinnati, Ohio, where he arrived penniless. He secured work, however, on gun-boats which were being built at that place, and here, by industry and application, he soon commanded the confidence of his employers and the highest praise for his labor. He first came to Van Wert County, Ohio, in the fall of 1863, and returned to Jackson County, where he worked until the following fall, when he again came to Van Wert County, and taught school during the winters, continuing his work at the same time. In the fall of 1567 Mr. Evans was married, and thea engaged in farming and teaching for seven years. He next became a partner in the drug and book tirm of Eysenbach & Co., in which he continued two years. when Mr. Eysenbach retired and the firm became Evans & Evans. Early in 1553 another change occurred, and the firm became Evans & Bliss, as at present. Mr. Evans is engaged with his brother-in-law, Hugh Evans, in the real estate business. His wife, Elizabeth, was a daughter of Richard E. and Mary (Jones) Evans, who were natives of Llanbrynmair, Wales, and who first settled in Franklin County, Ohio, thence moved to Van Wert County, Ohio. By her he has five children: Richard J., Jane, John H. V., Irvin Blaine and Viola Ann. While a resident of Van Wert County Mr. Evans was township trustee, and was commissioned justice of the peace under Gov. Noyes. Since his residence in Delphos he has been a member of the city council several years. He is P. G. and treasurer of Okonoxy Lodge, I. O. O. F., No. 201, also collector of Delphos Coun. cil No. 200 Royal Arcanum.

HUGH W. EVANS, druggist, Palace Drug Store, Delphos. was born in Brown Township, Franklin Co., Ohio, in 1553; son of Richard E. and Mary (Jones) Evans, former a native of Wales, a farmer by occupation, and a resident of Van Wert County, Ohio; latter, also a native of Wales, died in 1880. They were parents of eight children: Richard M., Elizabeth, Jane, Catherine, David H., John R., Mary A. and Hugh W. Until he was fourteen years of age, the life of our subject was spent on a farm. He then came to Delphos and engaged in a drug store, in order to learn the business. In 1875 he became a member of the firm of Eysenbach & Co., which three or four years later became Evans & Evans, remaining so till 1883, when the firm dissolved, and our subject formed a new partnership with F. G. Beckman. Mr. Evans has been a member of the American Pharmaceutical Association since September, 1851, and his knowledge of the Welsh, in addition to the English language, is an advantage in his business, whilst his many years experience justly entitle him to the confidence of the people. Our subject was married, March 20, 1883, to Miss Annie Robinson, by whom he has one son - Robinson Blaine, born March 15, 1884. In politics Mr. Evans is a leader and a stanch advecate of the principles of the Republican party. He is an active member of Hope Lodge, F. & A. M.

WENDEL EYSENBACH, professor of music and inventor of astronomical instruments, Delphos, was born in Eberstadt, near Darmstadt, Germany, April 29, 1810, and was reared on a farm. At seventeen he attended the Seminary of Friedberg, and graduated from that institution as public teacher at the age of twenty. After acting for awhile as private instructor, he received appointment as public teacher, and was very reputably connected with that profession in his native Jand for many years. He was, however, inpeached (during the troubles of the Revolution in 1848) for his very ontspoken liberal sentiments, and upon trial was sentenced, but embarked for this country with his family, in 1551, and settled in Delphos. He had married, in 1838, Miss Margaret Schilling, by whom he had four sons and a daughter born in Germany: Louis, a farmer in Marion Township; Henry P., a prominent merchant

MARION TOWNSHIP. 633 and manufacturer in Delphos; William, proprietor of billiard hall and saloon in Delphos; Theodore, a merchant in Spencerville ; Mary, widow of George Schilling, of Delphos; and Lina (born in Delphos), now the wife of John Vetter, hardware merchant, in Delphos. Since coming to this country Mr. Eysenbach has applied himself successfully in different business pursuits, and beside accumulating a nice competence, has educated his family well and has lived to see them prosperously connected. For several years he has been well known in the county and elsewhere as an able music-teacher. During the last four years he has applied himself to inventing and perfecting astronomical apparatus, which is his pride, and his workshop amply attests to his close observation and industry.

LOUIS EYSENBACH, farmer and stock-breeder, Delphos, was born May 22, 1841, in Hessen-Darmstadt, Germany; and came to America with his parents at ten years of age. He received the advantages of the German schools until leaving the " Fatherland," and also some instruction in the schools of Delphos, this county. Heremained with his father on the farm until July 26, 1862, when heenlisted in Company A, Ninetyninth Regiment, under Capt. William C. Scott; starting from Camp Lima, he went through the Kentucky, Tennessee and Atlanta campaigns, thence was transferred to North Carolina, where he wound up his military career, and was discharged at Camp Dennison, Ohio. He participated in the battles of Stone River, Ringold, Chickamauga, and at Lookout Mountain, where the colors of the brave Ninety-ninth waved over two of the enemy's forts. He was also at Mission Ridge, Pigeon Mountain and Nashville. The regiment having by this time suffered heavy losses, the remnant was consolidated with the Fiftieth Regiment. Mr. Hysenbach never was off duty during the whole time, was never in the hospital and never wounded, excepting a bruise in the shoulder by a ball at Stone River, not sufficient to relieve him from duty. He was mustered out of service in July, 1865, and returned home and engaged in general farming and stock raising at his present place. He was married, August 17, 1869, to Minnie Winkleman, born in Mecklenburg, Germany, December a 1844, daughter of William and Earnestine (Mueller) Winkleman, former a native of Strelitz.latter a daughter of Theodore and Fredrica (Tack) Mueller. But two of their children survive, Mrs. Eysenbach and Eliza, who is in Cincinnati. Mrs. Eysenbach, after immigrating with her parents in 1854, losing her mother one week after reaching this country, lived in Cincinnati until 1856, and after changing places of residence several times in Ohio and Indiana, went with her father to Minnesota in 1857, where they were some of the founders of New Ulm. Living there among the Sioux Indians, her father was at one time offered thirty ponies for her by an Indian chief, but being refused, he tried to capture her afterward, when the Indian outbreak occurred at that place in July, 1862. On this occasion the whole family had a very narrow escape, having their house burned and losing all other property. They returned to Cincinnati where Mrs. Hisenbach completed her education, and engaged in teaching public school until her marriage in 1869. To Mr. Eysenbach and wife were born nine children: Gretchen, born June 24, 1870; Earnest, born September 13, 1872; Ella, born March 26, 1874; Ida, born December 23,

1875; Oscar, born August 15, 1877; Wendell, born August 15, 1879; Louis, born July 8, 1881; Dora, born September 2, 1883, and Juliania, born January 17, 1885. Our subject was the first to introduce into Allen County the famous Holstein cattle of which he has a small, but fine herd. HENRY P. EYSENBACH, druggist, Delphos, was born in Odernheim, Germany, December 12, 1843. His father, Wendel Eysenbach, a teacher, in 1851 came to this country with a family of four sons and one daughter, viz.: Mary (now widow of George Schilling), Louis, a farmer, Henry P., William, a merchant, all of Delphos; Theodore, a merchant of Spencereille; Lina, born here, wife of John Vetter, a hardware dealer of Delphos. The subject of this sketch spent his early life upon the farm taken by his father in Marion Townshipin 1851. After receiving a good education he entered the drug business at the age of eighteen, and has by dint of able business tact secured for himself a handsome competence. He has been an active promoter and stockholder in many of the important interests of the city, chief among which may be mentioned the Delphos Paper Company, of which he is president, and the Delphos Woolen Company, as well as many others, providing, in the aggregate, support to about 100 people. Mr. Eysenbach has been ever ready to uphold all measures tending toward the growth of the city and locality. He is a member of the city council and school board, and has filled other local official positions. During the late war of the Rebellion he did active service in Company A, One Hundred and Fifty-first Regiment Ohio National Guards. He married in Delphos, in 1867, Miss Augusta, daughter of the Rev. Frederick Altstatter, late of Delphos. She was born in Koenig, Germany, in 1848, and reared and educated in Marion Township, this county, having come to this country in the same ship as her future husband. Mr. and Mrs. EHysenbach have one son and two daughters living: Clara, Lina and Gustav; their eldest daughter, Louisa, died aged fifteen vears and is buried in the city cemetery. The family are supporters of the German Reformed Church, but Mr. Eysenbach has always contributed liberally to all denominations. EDWARD FINCKH, proprietor of restaurant and saloon, Delphos, was born in Wurttemberg, Germany, June 20, 1841; son of Augustus and Theodora (Zimerle) Finckh, also natives of Wurttemberg, where they died. Augustus Finckh was stadtpfleger at Ellwanger, Wurttemberg. Our subject came to America at the age of twelve years, with his uncle, Joseph Zimerle, and the first two years after his arrival in this country worked in a bakery and brewery; then clerked for Wrocklage & Co. nine years, and afterward was engaged in butchering with Lawrence Deubler. In 1864 Mr. Finckh was married to Anna Worner, who was born May 12, 1843, in Wurttemberg, Germany, coming to Delphos, this county, at seven yearsof age. To this union have been born eight children: Annie, Edward (in drug business in Delphos, Ohio,), Adolph (preparing for the priesthood at Notre Dame College, South Bend, Ind.), Josephine, Alexander, Flora, Joseph and Albert. August 31, 1864, Mr. Finckh commenced the wholesale liquor business, in which he remained until 1870, and then engaged in brewing in Delphos, and also Van Wert, Van Wert Co., Ohio, until 1874, when he embarked in his present enterprise. Mr. Finckh started out in life a poor boy, having received but a meager edu-

MARION TOWNSHIP. 635 cation, but by energy and application he has surmounted many obstacles, and has succeeded in taking his place among the first in his line in the city of Delphos. He was a member of the city council several terms, He is active in politics and educational matters. The family are meinbers of the Catholic Church.