Miami Township (part 1 of 2)

Miami Township

Miami Township was formed from Washington Township. December 9, 29; the division line to commence at the point where the section line between -itions 3 and 9 intersects the south county line; thence with said section line tthe north boundary line of Washington Township; thence west to the Miami liver ; down the river to the county line, and along the county line to the place Oj beginning. March 7, 1831, fractional Sections 19, 20, 29, 30, in Township 1 Range 6, the southwest corner of Dayton Township, west of the Miami River,

- re attached to Miami Township; and at the same time, a large tract west of t| Miami, described as follows, was added to the new township: That part of rman Township included within the following boundaries: Beginning at the ' ami River, on the line between Montgomery and Butler Counties, at the south - nt comer of German Township; thence along the county line to the southwest C'uer of Section 28, Township 2, Range 5; thence north by the section line to tjp northwest corner of Section 4, Township 2, Range 5 ; thence east on the he between Jefferson and German Townships to the northeast corner of fractal Section 2, Township 2, Range 5; thence with the Miami River to the ; ice of beginning. August 21, 1841, Section 34 and fractional Sections 35 i d 36 were added from Jefferson Township. The first election in the new tvnshipwas held April 21, 1830; 219 votes were cast; William Sawyer was - icted justice of the Peace.

Miami Canal

The demand for puplic improvements resulted in the passage of a bill, in ibruary, 1825, authorizing the construction of the Ohio and Miami Canals.

^ the first week of April, 1827, the engineers began the survey, to locate the iami Canal from Mad River to Middletown. May 17, the Canal Commission- 'll in session at Dayton, opened 600 bids for construction contracts, and then made the awards by sections. The contractors near Dayton, and along the lin. generally, began work about June 1. Monday, September 3, excavation wa commenced at the basin between Second and Third streets, Dayton; and in th evening the event was celebrated by an artillery salute, which attracted a larg assembly of people to the commons.

Water was let into the canal from the mill-race near the corner of Fift and Wyandot streets, Dayton, Friday evening, September 26, 1828. Most of j leaked through the embankment along the river at the bluffs in Van Bure Township ; and a break was made in the embankment there November 24 Wednesday, December 17, the packet Alpha, with a party of Dayton ladies an gentlemen, made a trip to Hole's Creek. With another Dayton party, she mad her next trip to Miamisburg, Monday, the 22d, and returned to Dayton on Wee -nesday; and made a second trip to Miamisburg on Christmas Day, returnin Friday.

The water at that time was making slow progress toward Franklin. Tic canal was opened through to within four miles of Cincinnati, January 1829.

Work on the aqueducts over Mad River and the Miami commenced in 183! but construction north of Dayton was not pushed with vigor, for the canal w; not opened to Piqua until in 1837, and to Toledo in 1845.

The openin'g of the canal from Mad River south was the beginning of new era of prosperity and improvement in the county, also marked with an ii crease of trade in all the branches. The men who had lived in the log cabii had won a competence in the wilderness. Horses and other stock, so long on footing of social equality in cabin life, were to be shut up in the barn-yards, < turned into the fields to graze. Squatters had long before been crowds from the hills and valleys of the county. After a few years in the deadening evidences of comfort and thrift shone through the log heaps and corn patehc The county was dotted with comfortable farmhouses and clean little village The streams, large and small, were taxed to gather power to run the mills th occupied every "site." The aggregate value of taxable property in the coun in 1831 was 81,894,433; the total tax assessment for that year was 813,151.2

Schools were in successful operation in the townships after 1830, and wen, with but few exceptions, held in log houses. After 1835, the number of bud ings was increased, and in 1837 every neighborhood had its own school. Bridg were built and the roads improved, but not macadamized until after 1888.

In 1837, log, frame and brick taverns were doing a successful business different points along the Franklin and Staunton roads, and on the roads 1 Springfield, Xenia, Lebanon and Eaton. The brick tavern on Greencastle H in Dayton has been but recently torn down, to connect Summit street with G<j mantown street. Another brick building, formerly used as a tavern, stands the north side of West Third street, west of Summit street.

Dayton Township was divided into two election precincts, by act of t Legislature, March 12, 1839: all north of the Eaton road, Third street and t Springfield pike, to be the First Precinct, and elections held at the court, how all south of that line to be the Second Precinct, and elections held at Hou! tavern, Market street. The first county fair was held in the barn-yard, Swaynie's Hotel, in Dayton, October 17 and 18, 1839.

Jues ; Directors, John Treon, E. L. Jones, William Huff, William L. Smith ,j. C. P. Huber, of Miamisburg; Christian Taylor, of Germantown; and John jjbxiey, of Franklin. The bank ceased business in January, 1841.

The limits of the city of Dayton and Dayton Township were made one and ;h same by act of the Legislature, granting to Dayton the new charter to take -j ct March 8, 1841.

May 17, it was ordered that all that part of Dayton Township lying west rithe Great Miami River should be formed into a separate township, to be own as Harrison Township. It was ordered that the first election be held at T iuel Puterbaugh's blacksmith-shop, on the road leading from Dayton to Union. Midday, June 28, 1841, to elect the following officers, to serve until the next u ual election: Township Clerk, Treasurer, three Trustees, two Overseers of 1 Poor, three Fence Viewers and two Constables. The result of that election is Lot given; but at an election held at the same place September 11 following, select two Justices of the Peace, Cyrus Carpenter and David Clark were sited; 249 votes were cast.

May 28, 1841, it was ordered that all that part of Dayton Township lying a: of the west bank of the Great Miami River, and without the limits of the -j of Dayton, should constitute a township, to be called Mad River Township, fj) election was ordered to be held at John Cox's tavern, on the Xenia road, He 28. At the next election, held September 11, John Snodgrass and Auj tus 0. Miller were elected Justices of the Peace; 192 votes were cast.

- in Township 2, Range 6, and Section 4, Township 1 . Range 6, between the Mimi Rivers, were taken from Washington Township and attached to the new x nship, described as follows : Beginning at the southeast corner of Section 16, Ivnship 2, Range 6, between the Miami Rivers; thence west on the south lines : i;aid Sections 16, 22, 28, 34 and 4, to the southwest corner of said Section 4; Luce north along the west line of said Section 4 to the northwest corner of the aspion; thence west on the south lines of Sections 11 and 17 to the Great Miami fifer arid across the river to the west bank; thence up the west bank of the river the southwest corner of Dayton Township; thence across the river and east ang the south boundary line of Dayton Township to the southeast corner of fit township, and along the south lines of Sections 27, 21 and 15, Township - lange 7, to the Green County line; thence south along said line to the place ojbeginning. The election was ordered to be held at the schoolhouse in Distiit No. 11, July 10. At the election held September 11, 142 votes were cast, i. ac Douglass was elected Justice of the Peace.

Beavertown was surveyed March 18, 1873, by Joseph B. Johns, and platted i thirty- four lots, by the proprietors, John Gray, J. R. Sourbray, Michael Ryan, I" 1 Brown, Henry Rike, Hannah Hosier, Mary A. Zink, Richard H. Edwards.

The building of the National road by the Government created active interpl in the counties through which it was hoped that the road might be located; tj'Q the towns and townships made great efforts to secure favorable location of ^ne- Dayton people were especially interested; meetings were held and cnmittees were appointed, and every possible influence was brought to bear on the Locating Board and engineers. Having failed to secure a change of rjite, a special meeting of Council was held, at which the following resolution vs adopted:

Resolved, That the Mayor of this town, forward to Joseph H. Crane, Esq., our Rep resentative in Congress, whatever statistical information can be obtained, with regard ti the advantages possessed by this place, and other facts which it may be thought necessary to submit to the consideration of Congress ; to induce them to order a change in the routi of the National road, so that it may pass, from Springfield, through Dayton" and Eaton ti Richmond. Ind.

All of these efforts failed, and the route was fixed west from Springbok to Brandt, in Bethel Township, Miami County, crossing the Miami River inti this county at Tachnor, in Butler Township, thence continuing west throng] Vandalia, Harrisburg, Arlington and Bachman, in Butler, Randolph and Cl;*. 'Townships. Improvements so long needed were now begun on the country roads In February, 1833, three turnpike companies were chartered: Dayton& Covingtor Dayton, Centerville & Lebanon, Dayton & Springfield. The last-named compan intended to locate a road built through to Eaton and Richmond, but tho Dayla ,& Western Company was afterward formed to build the pike west of Daytoi

The roads were only partly graveled until after the McAdam invention then the pikes were built by chartered companies; and of late years all imperial roads in the county have been macadamized by the County Commissioners. Th Dayton, Centerville & Lebanon Company let the contracts for building that pit at Centerville, April 16, 1838, and work began at once.

The Dayton & Springfield Company opened books for stock subscription January 19, 1838, and the work was put under contract May 12. The road be was built to resemble the National road; bridges, toll-gates and stone culver! were constructed on the same style; mile-stones were made, similar to those o the National road; and the junction with that road was built to, as far as poi sible, mislead emigrants coming West. Snug brick taverns were built con- ei lent distances along the pike.

In May, 1837, a meeting was held at Dayton in the interest of building pike from Dayton up the old military road through Milton to Greenville, bi the project was abandoned; and, March 30, 1838, the Dayton & Covingtc Company began taking stock subscriptions, and soon after the contracts wei let.

The Great Miami Turnpike Company, to run from Dayton over the hills Carrollton, and on down the valley through Miamisburg, Franklin and Middlj town to its junction with the Cincinnati Pike at Sharon, was chartered in Marc 1837. Construction was commeneed in the summer of 1838.

The first election for Directors of the Dayton & Western Pike Coinpai was held in May, 1839. Construction contracts were let July 8, the same yes

The Valley Pike, up the north side of Mad River, was chartered in Marc 1843, and the contract for the first twelve miles was let May 29. The pi, from Dayton to Germantown was built in 1847. The Wolf Creek Pike w chartered in May, 1844, and was built in 1 849. The Xenia Pike and the Pa ton & Wilmington Pike were built in 1849. The next year, the Salem Pike ;u the Brandt Pike were under way. Under the provisions of a law recent passed, the 140 miles of toll pikes in the county have been bought from t companies and made free pikes.

By Jacob Zimmek

IN the latter part of the year 1795, a surveying corps under the charge of Da iel C. Cooper, located a road through the dense forest up the east bank the Miami, from Fort Hamilton to the mouth of Mad River, and early in 171 the territory now embraced in this township began to be settled, as in ti year William Hole located on 150 acres of land in Section 25, east of t present town of Miamisburg. In the following winter his parents, Zackari and Phoebe (Clark) Hole, came from Virginia, accompanied by their farni and located on the same section as his son William. The children were follows: William, who married Ruth Crane; Daniel, who married Polly Deed Dr. John, a sketch of whom will be found in Washington Township; Zai ariah, who married Hannah Delay; Polly, who became the wife of David Yi zell; Sarah, who married a Mr. Eaton; Betsy, who became the wife of Jo Craig and Phoebe, who also married a man named Eaton. All were born : Virginia. In the summer of 1799, a block-house was erected on a part of Za< ariah Hole's land, around which was thrown a stockade for protection agai: the Indians, and this became known as " Hole's Station." It was soon rec< nized as a point of considerable importance, a kind of headquarters for all . vtj. came to this region while prospecting for or locating land. The elder H and wife died and were buried in the vicinity of the station, while the youn; members of the family subsequently removed to other portions of the com and State.

During the latter part of 1797, or early in 1798, Maj. George Ada: Anthony Chevalier, William Van Arsdale and James Drew settled in this ton ship. Of the two latter little is known, only that Drew lived at Hole's Stati ; and Van Ausdall with his family lived southwest of the mouth of Ho Creek. Maj. Adams entered a large tract of land in the present vicinity Carrollton along the bank of the Miami River. He played a prominent p in the war of 1812 in defense of the frontier settlements, and bore the sc of many battles. Previous to his settlement in this county, he had lived Butler County, from where he removed to Montgomei'y. Chevalier was a tive of France, one, of those intrepid bands of patriots who left their nat land under the leadership of the gallant Lafayette, to tight for American in pendence. He served throughout that struggle against English oppression, . at its triumphant close settled in Virginia, where he married Rachel Scot cousin of Gen. Winfield Scott; lived subsequently in Kentucky, and from tk came to this county. He settled at Hole's Station, from whence, after a years' residence, he removed to Section 1 5, and is yet well-remembered many old citizens.

In the early part of the year 1800, Col. William Dodds and family set in Section 21, near where the town of Carrollton is now located. He w | native of Pennsylvania, who there married Isabella McGrew, and toward; close of the eighteenth century came to Cincinnati, where he lived a few ye, thence to this township ; with him came his wife and seven children, v Joseph, who was killed in the war of 1812; William, John, James, Marga Polly and Catherine ; two were born subsequently, Thomas and Martha, the same time, his brother Joseph and family also located in this towns

)ol. Dodds and wife lived and died on the farm which they settled, leaving ,iany descendants who honor their memory. He was a man of vigorous mind, ho did much toward the speedy settlement of this portion of the Miami 'alley. Another of the pioneers was Alexander Nutz, of Pennsylvania, who nth his family located on Section 36, one mile south of " Hole's Station," in 800, and who is well remembered by old men now living in the township, who -ere small boys dining the war of 1812, and who vividly recollect that Mr. lutz had a good orchard as early as that struggle. In the fall of 1802, Willim Lamme with his wife and five children came from Kentucky, and settled a Section 9, in the northeast corner of the township. He erected the first rist-mill in this locality, in a narrow gorge between the hills on Hole's Creek, kick site was long ago abandoned, and a more suitable place selected, where is eldest son, David, built and operated a mill. He was also a native of Kenicky, and was about eighteen years old when his parents came to Montgomery ounty, and here on the 7th of August, 1804, he was married to Margaret odds, a daughter of Col. William Dodds, who is spoken of previously. She .as born in Pennsylvania, and came to this county with her parents. Of this lion were born two sons and eight daughters, only two of whom are living, z., William J. and Katy E. David Lamme was a Justice of the Peace for .any years, and in 1840 was elected to the Legislature ; he was one of the bmmissioners under whom the court house at Dayton was built, and died ugust 22, 1855, his wife dying December 28, 1868. In 1802, John Craig id family came to this township, and erected a log cabin on the site of the -esent residence of H. C. Hunt, on the Springboro road. The same year imuel Boltin, a Dunkard preacher, settled in Section 35, on the west bank of e Miami River. He was born in Philadelphia in 1767, and there married lizabeth Brown of that city, and about 1795 removed to Kentucky, and two later to Clermont County, Ohio, thence in 1802 to this county. He ought with him his wife and five children, viz., William, Mary, Jane, Sarah id Henry; after coming to this county, four others were born as follows: ewart, Annie, Samuel and Phcebe. Air. Boltin, besides preaching the Gospel, is one of the pioneer school teachers of this region of country, and died in >39, his wife surviving him a few years. Phoebe Makaiu, the widow of mes Makaiu, is the only one of his children now living, and Henry's three ns, Samuel, Cornelius and Henry, are the only members of the family me residing in Montgomery County.

Dining this year, or the year following, Alexander Scott and family, of entucky, settled northwest of the station, but subsequently sold out and wed to Indiana. In 1804, George Y. Stettler, wife and five sons - William, Tory, Daniel, George and Jacob - natives of Berks County, Penn., located one le southwest of "Hole's Station," where George V. died April 23, 1815. s son, Daniel, was born in Berks County, Penn., in June, 1773, and about 10 was married to Catherine Gehres, also a native of the Keystone State, 4 who came to Butler County, Ohio, with her family in 1805. She was born 1 1783, and had four children by her union with Mr. Stettler, only two, Philip d Hannah, now living. Daniel was in the war of 1812, and died in Miami ,'Wnship in June, 1853, his wife surviving him until November 27, 1863. It Is at the cabin of the Stettler's where one of the early churches was organ- 'd in 1806, which organization is yet in existence ; during .1804 came Jacob d John lingerer, who settled in Section 30; Andrew Small, who located a lie east of the lingerer's, and who was an old Revolutionary soldier, and CP °f the pioneer school teachers of the Aliami Valley; and James Pettigrew G William Long with their families, who settled southeast of the station; also - bias Whetsel, his wife, Catherine, with five sons and two daughters, came from North Carolina and settled in the vicinity of the Gebhart Church, wliei they had born to them after coming, one son and two daughters; Mary ai Catherine are now the only survivors of this large family.

It was in the spring or summer of 1804, that John Shupert, wife and si children, Christopher, Frederick, Jacob, Eva, Peggy and Tena, came fro Berks County, Penn., locating about one mile southwest of "Hole's Station, where he and wife lived until death. Christopher was married and had or son, John, when the family located here, the latter of whom is now residin in the township. In the same colony from Berks County, Penn., came Pet< Gebhart, wife and two children, John and Elizabeth, settling a short distant southwest of the station, where Peter died the same year. His son, John, no a very old man, is still a resident of Miami Township. Most of this colony fro: Berks County settled in German Township, and the record of their settlemei will be found under that heading. Henry and Mary Strader, natives of Norl Carolina, also came in 1804. Their son, Samson P., was born in Guilfoi County, N. C., in 1796; married Mary Benner in 1817, a native of Marylam born in 1796, and daughter of Jacob and Mary Benner, also early settle) of this township. They had five children.

In the fall of 1804 came one of those men who have done so much towar building up the moral interests of this valley, and who have molded and cry tallized its religious sentiment. His name was John Jacob La Rose, a mini ter of the Reformed Church, and a native of Lehigh County, Penn., born i February, 1755. His parents were John L. and Anna Iv. La Rose, natives < Germany, of French extraction, "who came to America about 1740. Early life, young La Rose manifested a deep interest in religious matters, which d> veloped with the passing years, and in the meantime he learned the tailor trade, which he followed for a livelihood. In September, 1776, he enlisted i the army of Washington, underwent the sufferings at Valley Forge, and pa: ticipated in the memorable battle of Trenton, N. J. , December 26 of thi year.

In 1777, his term of enlistment having expired, he went to North Carol na, finally settling in Guilford County, where about 1780 he married Mary 1 Gift, to whom were born five sons and three daughters, viz., Philip J., Lou V., Jacob, Daniel, John, Barbara, Elizabeth and Catherine. Here William 1 Rose followed tailoring, farming and teaching school, and in 1795 was license to preach the gospel by an Ecclesiastical Body of the Presbyterian Church, the) being no such body of the Reformed denomination nearer than Pennsylvani He had, however, acted in the capacity of a preacher of the Word long prev ous to receiving his licentiate, and for seven or eight year's subsequent: preached for the Reformed Church in Guilford County. In September, 180- he started with his family, in a four-horse wagon, for Ohio, arriving at " Hole Station " November 4, of that year, and immediately entered 160 acres of lap about one mile south east of that point, upon which he erected a log cabin, ai began his life in the valley of the Miami. In the early part of 1805, he r sumed his ministerial duties by preaching to the scattered pioneers, whorevi and whenever he could gather a few to listen to the Word, and thus he passe several years preaching and teaching throughout this region of country. I 1812, he removed to Highland County. Ohio, where his wife died in 1813, ai the following year he returned to this township, and made his home with h son-in-law, Emanuel Gebhart, who then resided on the " old homestead," whit Mr. La Rose had entered; he afterward lived with his children in Preb County, Ohio. On the 22d of May, 1820, he was examined and oi'dained by committee of minister's, appointed by the Synod of the Refoi'ined Church f that purpose, and until 1826 was engaged on missionary work in Ohio, Incl

; a and Kentucky. In that year, he retired from the practical duties of the i.nistry, although preaching occasionally until- 1830, after which he preached i more. He died (in the same house which he had erected forty years previc sly) November 17, 1844, in his ninetieth year, the last fourteen of which he id spent in happy retirement, such as writing articles upon religious subjects, iding, meditation and prayer. He inherited a healthy, vigorous body, with f trong vital force, possessing great tenacity of constitution and power of entrance, and was well adapted for pioneer work. Among his neighbors he bore t a name of "Peace Maker," and was recognized as a conscientious, thorough (ristian, a man whom all loved and respected. It was he who organized the ( bhart and Stettler Churches, in 1805 and 1806 respectively, and St. John's at ' rmantown in 1809. For this sketch of William La Rose, we are indebted to t> Rev. Isaac H. Reiter, D. D., who kindly furnished us with all the data and f ts as to Mr. La Rose's life and labors.

- on the west bank of the Miami in 1804, where Henry died the following ir. Their son, Peter, was but fifteen years old upon coming to this county.

bung been born in Berks County, Penn., September 7, 1789. Married I zabetli Heck, of Jefferson Township, October 8, 1812, who bore him ten ldren. Both spent their lives in this township.

In 1805, Valentine Gebhart and family came to this township from Berks Canty, Penn., and with his sons, Andrew, Philip and Daniel settled at Hole's Stahl and whose descendants are among the most respected citizens of Montgomery Canty. In the same year came John Gebhart, wife Chi-istine, and four chilin - Catherine, George, Jonathan and Elizabeth - from Berks County, Penn.,

- ling in Section 24, and after coming, had born to them Mary, Daniel, Gistine, Elias, Salome and Lydia. Mr. Gebhart died in 1842, in his sixty - hrth year, his wife surviving until 1870, dying in her ninetieth year. Jonatl-'n and Elias are the only survivors of eleven children. With John Gebhart cae his wife's parents, George and Margaret Gebhart, also two brothers- inh, George Gebhart with his wife, Elizabeth, and seven children, and Jacob Gphart and wife Salome. In 1806, Jacob and Catherine Baum, natives of dryland, who had been residing in Kentucky previous to this date, came to At is now Miami Township, and located north of Hole's Station on the east 'k of the Miami River. They brought with them nine children, viz. : Mari K., Mary, Elizabeth, John, George, Susan, Barbara, Jacob and Joseph; the -her died about 1808, and the father about 1830. Jacob, Jr., the only sui-- or of the family was born February 4, 1801, and is now eighty-one years

1 his days on earth must indeed be few. He was married to Elizabeth Cra- A who bore him three daughters - Margaret, Eliza and Mary, the eldest of is the only one living, she being the wife of John H. Schaffer, of Gerci Township, with whom Mr. Baum makes his home.

In 1809, Emanuel Gebhart, with his wife Elizabeth (who was a daughter The Rev. John Jacob La Rose) and family, from Pennsylvania, settled on d La Rose farm, and here spent their entire lives in the vicinity of Miamisshe dying December 26, 1867, aged eighty-three, and, January 22, 1868, i' husband followed her, and they now sleep side by side in their last earthly hijie. With Mr. Gebhart, came his son-in-law. Jacob Kercher, and wife Mar- Tpt, who bore him after coming to Ohio, two sons and eight daughters; the ' former and one of the daughters are yet living. Jacob died in 1855. and -nwite a few years later; he owned land east of "the Station," and Miamis- J1g was partly laid out by him on this land. At the same time that Jacob «f,e to Ohio, his brother John, who was single, also came and made this township his future home. The "Old Dominion" now responded to the ca for early settlers, sending in 1809 Peter Eagle, his wife Annie, and nine chi dren, who settled in Section 19, east of Miamisburg. The sons were Henr Jacob, George, Peter and David; the daughters were Polly, Eve, Betsv ai Sarah. Two were born subsequently, viz., John and Annie. Peter, Sr., di: in 1820, his widow marrying again and surviving him many years. Peter, J and David are yet living, the former of whom married Mary Whetsel fifty-ni: years ago, and they are now residing in Section 19, hale, hearty and happv the enjoyment of each other's society. John and Elizabeth Neibel, the form a native of Pennsylvania, and the latter of Virginia, came, with three childre to this township in October, 1810. Upon starting from Virginia they had fo children, but when a couple of days on the road, the wagon was upset and oi of the sons was killed. Mrs. Neibel died in May, 1847, and her husband December, 1855. Their son William, who was but five years old when tb came to Ohio, is residing on Section 8, and is one of the representative farm of the township. In 1811, William and Catherine (Sutphin) Conover, n tives of Monmouth County, N. J., with three children - Ida, Abraham ar Ann, located in Section 29, on the east bank of the Miami. They had born them in Ohio, Deborah, William, C. S. and Maria. William Conover and wi resided in this township all their lives, excepting a short period at an early d which they spent in Warren County. They were a successful and very wort! pioneer couple, and their children stand among the most respected people this county, intelligent, progressive and honest.

In this year came Drs. Peter and John Treon, from Berks County, Pent and located at " Hole's Station," and who afterward helped to lay out Miami burg in 1818. Dr. Peter died many years ago, but Dr. John is yet living and o of the oldest men in the county, being now close to his niDety-first year. The are few men of Montgomery County living or dead, who had a greater succe in life financially, than Dr. John Treon, and there never has been a physici; in this region of country, who did a more extensive business or traveled ov such a vast extent of country in the practice of his profession. He was bo in Berks County, Penn., March 25, 1791, studied medicine under his fath and in Philadelphia, and as stated came to this township in 1811 penniles He was married November 13, 1818, to Eve Weimer, who died May 20, 187 and was again married to Mrs. Elizabeth Black, who now watches over him his helpless old age

Peter Het.zel, wife Catherine, and family settled in Section 10, :n t northeast corner of the township in 1812, and David, his son, is now a re: dent of Miamisburg, and one of its best and most progressive old citizei In the same year came Philip Huiet and family, who built a grist-mill on t; Miami north of " Hole's Station,' ' and also Henry Yeazell and family, wi settled in the berid of the Miami, in Section 30, across the river from t! present town of Alexanderville. Another settler of this period was Geor Parsons, who with his family located in the Dodds' neighborhood, but no dou many came whose names cannot now be remembered, and those we have givi have been obtained by the greatest difficulty, yet some may be left out wl helped to civilize and develop this valley, but whose names or time of sett ment is lost to the historian of to-day.

On the 9th of December, 1829, it was ordered by the County Comm: sioners that Washington Township be divided, and a new township erected, be known by the name of Miami Township, the division line to commence < said county line, at the section line between Sections 3 and 9, and runnir jence north on said section line to the northern boundary line of said townpip, between Sections 4 and 10, the western boundary of said new township i> be the Miami River. On petition of sundry inhabiants of Dayton Township resented March 7, 1831, the Commissioners of Montgomery County attached Sections 19, 20, 29 and 30, in Township 1, Range 6, in the southest corner of Dayton Township, west of the Miami River to Miami Town - lip, and at the same time a portion of German Township was attached to the -;w township of Miami as follows: Beginning at the Miami River on the line itween Montgomery and Butler Counties, at the southeast corner of German pwnship, and running in a westerly direction on said line to the southwest rner of Section 28, Township 2, Range 5; thence north on the section line the northwest corner of Section 4, Township 2, Range 5; thence east on the he between Jefferson and German Townships, to the northeast corner of fracbnal Section 2, Township 2, Range 5 ; thence with the Miami River, to the place beginning. August 21, 1841, Section 34 and fractional Sections 35 and i, were attached from Jefferson and added to Miami Township. The present undaries of Miami Township are as follows: On the north by Yan Buren, irrison and Jefferson Townships; on the south by Warren County; on the <st by Washington Township, and on the west by German and Jefferson Towndps. The first election was held April 5, 1830, at the house of Charles Conijlly, a large frame tavern which stood on the northeast corner of Main and ny streets, in Miamisburg. This building was removed many years ago, d its site is occupied by the residence of Hon. Emanuel Shultz.

The judges of the election were John Neibel, Adam Shuey and Phillip idler. Clerks, John Conley and M. S. Blossom. The latter is the only survor.

The following officers were elected: Trustees, John Neibel, Fletcher Finland Benjamin Sayre; Clerks, Thomas Morton; Treasurer, Charles Connel- - Constable, Andrew Treon.

The early educational facilities here, were as elsewhere in frontier life, on aounfcof meager population to form satisfactory school districts, having a suffirnt number of pupils to justify the employment of competent teachers, will ^apparent. The teachers also, in many instances, were of a type that antiquity ukt have been proud of. Hence, the people of those days should have credit what was accomplished, and not charged with what was not done. The school was taught at the Gebhart Church, at an early day. It was not unthe enactment of the law of 1852, that this interest received a fresh impetus. l > Township Board of Education, consisting of the clerks of the school disrts, in a few years after the passage of the law, commenced to build new K ses in nearly every district. The log-cabin schoolhouse was abandoned,

The law of 1852 also provided for a higher grade of teachers, and a cor sequent advance of compensation. The County Board of Examiners had th effect to drop all the incompetents. The result was manifest in a few years Better teachers took the place of those who were formerly employed, and ac vance steps among the youth were the results, in a few years. Some opposi tion was manifested at first, on the part of parents, upon the proposed progrc* sive steps, but in a short time it subsided, until now, all join in urging th work.

Whereas, We, the undersigned, owners of the poor of Miami Township, have receive information that there has lately come into the township, a certain poor and destitute w

The following persons were elected: John Neibel, Henry Gebhart and James Morto Trustees; Isaac Hoover, Constable; John Conley, Clerk; Peter Richard, Treasurer; J. \ Kothe and Lewis Hasselman, Overseers of the Poor; Gooding Hollaway, George Kiser ai Samuel D. Loree, Fence Viewers; Perry Pease, John Reeser, John Garrett, John Betso Jacob Benner, Thomas Dodds, William L. Smith, John Penrod, Henry Gebhart, laci Root and John Dodds, Supervisors.

The Miami River passes through this township from north to south, takii a southwesterly course. It is fed by many small branches, the most imperta of which are Hole's and Bear Creek, the former running across the northeat ern corner of the township, and emptying into the Miami on Section 15 took its name from the Hole family, who removed from the " Station in > early day, to land located on its banks. Big Bear Creek enters the townsh on Section 34, takes a southeast course, and empties into the Miami at t! north limits of Miamisburg.

The first llouring-mill in this township was erected by William Lamme, Hole's Creek, in a narrow gorge between the hills. This site has long sin been abandoned, and a mill built by his son, David, west of the old locatio and which is now in Washington Township. The next mill was that built i Philip Huiet in 1812, at " Hole's Station," an account of which is given t3 history of Miamisburg. Many mills have been erected in this township eiice that time, an account of which would be of little interest or worth to the neral reader.

Agriculture

Orchards were planted of the apple soon after clearings had been c med, mostly seedlings. Peaches yielded well. Wild plums and grapes i re plenty.

The cultivation of tobacco was introduced by Ralph Pomey, south of Carrion, about the year 1841. This article has become one of the chief p ducts, and has extended into neighboring counties. The product amounts Several thousand cases annually in the township.

The Great Mound

This is located on the upland about one mile southeast of Miamisburg. Is one of the largest in the Northern States. The one at Grave Creek, on the J o below Wheeling, being about equal in dimensions.

In 1869 a number of resident citizens formed a syndicate to explore it. .duly of that year they commenced operations, and sunk a shaft of live or iilfeet, in diameter from the top to two feet below the base.

At eight feet from the top, a human skeleton in a sitting posture, facing l| east, and directly west of the line of excavation, was discovered. A cover )f :lay several feet in thickness, and then a layer of ashes and charcoal, -eaed to have been the burial. A deposit of vegetable matter, bones of animals, wood and stone, were also found surrounding it.

At the depth of twenty-four feet, a triangular stone, planted perpendicuiaiy, about eight inches in the earth with the point upward, was discovered, oand it at an angle of about forty-five degrees and overlapping each other il the shingles up>on a roof, were placed stones averaging about a foot in 1 aeter, all rough, but of nearly uniform size, and similar to those quarried ahe neighboring: hills.

The work of sinking the shaft continued from day to day until a depth of sn-six feet was reached. This was down to two feet below the natural uace as surveyed, over twenty feet having been cut from the cone in former xorations, thus making the height eighty-four feet. It measures about pt hundred feet around the base. The elevation of the land at this point is v 150 feet above the Miami.

It had been determined to remove the skeleton before closing up the shaft, u apon close examination it was found in condition to render it impossible, n it was therefore abandoned.

The Miamisburg Bulletin published a series of articles at the time, in J ion to the subject, to which the curious reader is referred for a more i thy account of it.

This town contains a population of about 2,500, and is beautifully located a he east bank of the Miami River, from which it took its name. It was a m to early settlers, as " Hole's Station.' ' Rude paths led through the i;9,a forest to this point. The Red Man roamed at will in these days, and 1 animals and game of all sorts was in abundance. On the farm of E. Ttz, west of the Miami River, at the north end of town, an Indian camp a ooated in an early day, ,.nd on a cleared circular piece of ground, oppo- site Market street, on the west side of tlie river, the Indians held frequent semblies to perform the war dance. Miamisburg is well laid out, has bro well graded streets, good sidewalks, excellent drainage, and is surrounded a beautiful, well-improved country. Few towns of its size are so fortunate shipping facilities, for besides the canal, which has proven an inestimable bl< ing to business men, it has two railroads, viz., C., C., C. & I., and the G. & D. R. R. , both first-class roads, supplying every comfort and convenienc to their patrons. Miamisburg possesses good residences, business houses manufacturing establishments; it has a good town hall, an excellent pu school, and several handsome churches, all of which are due to the energy enterprise of its citizens It is claimed to be as healthy a town as any in Miami 'Valley, and its officials look well after its sanitary condition, thus j venting and checking disease. The people of Miamisburg have good reaso be proud of the prosperity of their town, for its growth, although not rapk marked by stability. The largest portion of the town is located upon the of an ancient earthwork. We assume the beginning near the north eni Main street, about sixty to eighty feet west, thence south, parallel with street, to a point about 150 yards soirth of the corporation line, the northeast across the canal about one-fourth mile, thence northwest to premises now owned by C. Weber, thence west to place of beginning. The bankment was of yellow clay, similar to that at other places, about six above the surface, and fifty feet at the base. At this time, scarcely any tr; of this work remains.

In February, 1818, the first town lots were platted and sold by Emiu Gebhart, Jacob Kercher and Drs. John and Peter Treon. A number of ] were added subsequently.

The first brick house was built in 1826, by Rev. Dechant, on nortL corner of Bridge and Water streets, now owned by M. S. Blossom. In 11 the bridge across the river on Bridge and Water streets, was built by Johns for a joint stock company, who collected tolls for many years.

Prior to the construction of this bridge, a ferry boat was in service, ov by John Yeazel; the location was at and opposite Ferry street. During water, the river was forded opposite Lock street.

A second river bridge was constructed adjoining the north end of tow: 1859, partly by subscription and partly by the county, no tolls being chap and about this time the lower one was transferred to the county, and also n free of tolls.

The town was incorporated February 11, 1832. The first election for t officers was held at the house of Jacob Winger (now the Washington Hoi May 7, of the same year. The following persons were duly elected, Gooding Hollaway, Mayor; Phillip Keller, Recorder; James Fisk, James J ton, C. Beck, John Burk and William Sawyer for Council. There were eig eight votes cast, the Mayor elected receiving all but two. J. A. Hartman a as Clerk. !

On May 21, the Mayor and Council met and proceeded to establish boundary lines of the corporation, which was done by taking territory onemile east from the river, and one mile north and south. On the same day, Council appointed John D. Mullison Marshal, and John Conley Treasurer.

At a meeting on July 2, C. & E. W. Madison presented a petitioi the Council, asking the privilege to burn their chips and shavings in the si opposite their shop. This was granted with the proviso to burn them in morning, and should any fire remain in the evening, it should be carefully tinguished.

reet. Ordinances were also passed during the year in relation to town plats, 'te firing of canon and small arms in the streets, fires, obstructions of streets, dewalks and alleys, show licenses, etc.

In 1833, ordinances were passed regulating the markets. Two additional arket ordinances were passed in 1835. The year following ordinances were issed to grade the streets.

In 1837, a gambling ordinance was passed. No more appeal' on record itil 1840, when a lengthy ordinance was passed in relation to burying -ounds.

In 1843, ordinances were passed prohibiting the selling of liquors without license, also an additional gambling ordinance. A fire engine, hook and dder having been purchased, companies were formed to take charge of the iparatus, and ordinances were passed in relation thereto.

Shipping And Traveling Facilities

Some years after the settlement of the country, about 1818, flat-boats were n from this place on the Miami River to the Ohio, thence to the Mississippi d New Orleans. The cargoes of these vessels consisted of flour, whisky, con, etc. The owner and crew, prior to the running of the steamboats, made e return trip on foot, occupying many weeks.

Common road wagons were also employed in carrying merchandise to and :>m Cincinnati prior to the construction of the Miami & Erie Canal; this is finished in 1829 from Cincinnati to Dayton. Canal packet boats carrying ssengers to the number of fifty or more, and freight boats, relieved the burden teaming on mud roads.

The Great Miami Turnpike from Dayton to Cincinnati is located on Main ceet, and was constructed in 1840. The completion of this road added a mber of daily stage and omnibus lines from Dayton to Cincinnati, and irtened the time very much between those points. The time of the canal i:cket boat requiring twenty to twenty-two hours, that of the stages five to six iurs.

In 1851, the Cincinnati. Hamilton & Dayton Railroad was completed from lyton to Cincinnati. Upon the opening of this road for travel, it was found 1 it the time was again cut down; competition therefor was useless; all the < lal packet boats, stage and omnibus lines were at once withdrawn. This i e of railroad is on the west side of the river, but a few hundred feet from U lower river bridge, where the depot is located.

The Cleveland, Columbus, Cincinnati & Indianapolis Railroad which is loved on the east side of the town, was completed in 1872. This line is on the i it side of the Miami, crossing the river twice between this place and Dayton.

Two turnpikes, one to Centerville, the other to Springboro, in Warren Unity, were constructed many years ago, by joint-stock companies, collecting ' 1, but have been made free some years since. The ordinary roads leading ' in the town are generally in good condition.

The first flouring-mill at this point was built by Philip Huiet on the i ami, in the north part of the town in 1812. This mill was run by various cners until 1872, when it was removed to its present site, by E. Magenheimer.

thin a year, it was bought by Shultz & Manning, and the water-power used t manufacture paper, and now remains unoccupied. Mr. Huiet had a contract 1 500 barrels of flour for the army in the year 1812. A large flouring-mill was built near the canal lock, soon after the completion of the canal, by Mad ison Bros., in 1829. This mill has, under various administrations, done <u)o service ever since. It is now owned and operated by M. Engleman.

A cotton mill was built on the east side of the canal, a short distanc above the flourmg-mill, by Cassady & Strong, in 1830, and was in successfu operation until 1852, when it was totally destroyed by tire. It was a frain building.

An oil mill, of brick, was then built upon the site the same yoai by Cassady & Stewart. This was in successful operation until 1871, whe Michael Cassady died. The mill was continued in the interest of the hen and Mr. Stewart until 1874, when it was operated as a flouring-toill anti 1880, when it was sold to Weiser & Schupert, who occupy it as a grain ware house.

A distillery was erected in 1836, on the lot adjoining the Sycamore Cree culvert, on the west side of the canal, by Simon Huiet, who carried on tli business until 1842, 'when it was sold to M. D. Whitridge, who continued i until 1849, when it was changed to a tannery and continued until about 1861 then abandoned and the buildings taken down.

In 1835, Allen, Watson & Allen commenced the manufacture of grai separators on the northwest corner of Bridge and Canal streets. The powe employed was a one-horse tread wheel. This firm was changed in 1841, whe D. H. Hoover took the place of the Messrs. Allen, the linn being thereupor Watson & Hoover. This continued until 1855, when Mr. Watson retired Hoover continuing alone until 1859, when the firm was changed to D. E Hoover & Son. In 1848, the establishment was removed to the east side of tk canal, having purchased the shop of N. T. Beals. In 1866, the firm was agai changed to Hoover & Co., C. R. Allen assuming an interest. In 1870. th senior partner, David H. Hoover, died, and thereupon William Gamble became a partner. In 1878, C. R. Allen died, his interest, however, remaining i the firm. This establishment has grown to large proportions, from one to tw thousand mowers and reapers being turned out annually, giving employment t 125 men. Within a year or two, the manufacture of a patent twine bmdin reaper has been added, of which many hundreds will no doubt be bui annually, the demand at this time being greater 1880, a large three-story brick building, besides in buildings, were added and supplied with the most machinery, to facilitate the demand of this thriving business.

About 1834, a brass foundry was commenced near the canal lock, by I Altic. This was carried on a number of years, when he removed to BaytoD Ohio.

G. F. Ellis established a woolen factory at the lock about the same time He continued to do business for a number of years and then removed to Ten Haute, Ind.

In 1849, D. Bookwalter commenced the manufacture of buggies and cai riages on a limited scale, at the north end of Main and Water street In 1866, the property was partially destroyed by fire; his business, koweve: increased rapidly every year. In 1864, the business of manufacturing wheel spokes, hubs, and other carriage material was commenced, and the establisl ment removed to Canal Street. In 1871, a company was incorporated unde the firm name of Bookwalter, Brother & Co., consisting of D. Bookwalter,

Bookwalter, H. C. Hunt, A.. A. Hunt and Samuel Mitchell. A. A. Hunt led in 1880. A lax-ge amount of material is tinned out annually and shipped ) all points of the compass. There are fifty men employed.

The paper mill of Schultz & Manning was built in 1871, Mr. Lewis, of layton, Ohio, having an intei'est; he remained in the firm, however, but xe year, when he sold his interest to them. This mill employs fifty persons.

, is furnished with all the modern impi'ovements for manufacturing first-class ;ok and news paper. In 1879, afire destroyed the west end of the mill aDd achinery, but was immediately rebuilt; being fully covered by insurance, the iss was nominal. The power is obtained from the Miamisburg Hydraulic jompany, who have a fall of over twenty feet from the canal to the river at ds point. This firm latelymei'ged this mill into an incorporated company, insisting of Messrs. Shultz, Manning, Abel Hoovei', William Gamble, and )hn T. Bell, of Franklin.

The Ohio Paper Company is incorporated and consists of Weiser, Lewis, yons, May, Lyons and Albrecht. The mill was built in 1879, derives its >wer from the Miamisburg Hydraulic Company, is equipped with the most iproved machinery for making the best book and news paper, and employs venty operatives.

David Groby built a sash, blind and door factory on the east side of the nal, north of the Sycamore Creek canal culvert. The power is leased from ;|e Miamisburg Hydraulic Company. This mill has been in successful opera, i m and employs fifteen men.

The Hunter Cutlery Works were built a year prior, and were in operation til 1878. They have quit business and sold out their mill to the Ohio Paper bmpany, who have converted it into a pulp mill. In 1873, a mill for the jeparation of flax was removed from the west to the east side of the Miami ver, on the Hydraulic basin, and power leased from the company. This has len in operation since ; it was owned by X. Glossei-, since deceased.

In 1876, Theo. Siminton commenced the manufacture of buggies and carnges on East Market street. He turns out a number of new vehicles every yar, besides repair of vehicles ; he makes good work, and employs five men.

In 1855, H. Groby & Co., consisting of H. Groby, E. Shultz and Geoi'ge A. love, commenced a lumber yard, and carried on the business vexy largely i til 1866, when they sold out to Grove & Catrow.

The firm of J. Kauffman & Sons originated in that of D. and B. F. Book- 'i Iter and J. Kauffman, who commenced the manufacture of carriages and ggies on North Main and Water streets in the year 1869. In 1879, D. & B.

: Bookwalter sold their interest to J. Kauffman & Sons, who have continued 1 business since. About fifteen men ai'e employed. Reliable work is turned 0;i, and success has attended their efforts to please their customers.

The house of G. S. Hoff is a continuation of the finn of Hoff & Deckert, ",o, in 1839, commenced the business of selling dry goods and groceries on t corner of Main and Bridge streets. In 1847, this firm was dissolved, each

I the partners doing business on opposite corners of the above streets. In i'8, Milliam Hoff having built the block of business rooms on tk8 corner of -j|n and Market streets, removed his store to the corner room, the present h jit ion. In 1858, the present proprietor became a partner, the finn thereupon tinued without interruption. This house has been highly prosperous, bavin run a career of high commercial integrity for nearly a half century.

Samuel Deckert continued to do business for a number of years, acting as Postmaster in connection with his business, and removed to Springfield Ohio, some years ago.

James Schock commenced business as a tinner on South Main street ii 1834. The next year he removed to Bridge street, where he continued unti 1855, when he removed to the present location, corner Bridge and Watei streets. Mr. Schock worked up from small beginnings.

M. S. Blossom came to Miamisburg in 1827. He commenced busiaesi on North Main street in saddlery and harness making line, and continue! without interruption until 1873, when he visited California and was absen until 1875. This gentleman may be classed among the pioneers, as the town ant the country had made but little progress in improvements on his arrival. He ha been successful in business and is one of the few remaining of the past gener ation.

In 1845, G. W. Weaver commenced business on North Main street, am removed to Main and Market streets in 1854. The removal to the presen location (southeast corner of Main and Market streets) took place in 1861 His business consists as dealer in fancy and staple groceries, queenswan hardware, sewing machines, buggies, wagons, farming implements, robes and li\ ery supplies. Two large rooms and outbuildings are stacked with every articl in his line of business. A rare degree of prosperity has attended this house

David Wolf commenced business as a dealer in boots and shoes in 1852 is located on South Main street, and does a large business. Prior to that time he had been associated with H. Heckerman in the same business from 1844 t the above date.

Adam Shuey, twelve years ; Phillip Kellar, eight years ; William Brooki four years; George Perry, four years; Mrs. P. Keller, two years; D. Winebrenne two years; John Kiser, four years; S. Deckert, five years; J. Vogle, three yean Henry Boltin, twelve years.

Public Houses

The first public house or " tavern" was located on South Main and Lop streets - the old Daniel Gebhart House - as early as 1811. This location w; near the landing of flat-boats.

Charles Connelley succeeded Gebhart; was there a number of years and the removed to the corner of Main and Ferry streets, and kept public house thei until 1831, when he removed to the house now known as the Miami House; i 1833, he again removed to his old stand on the corner of Main and Fen streets, and there died. The Daniel Gebhart House has been used as a boar! ing house since then, but of late years very little business has been done ther

Jacob Winger was the proprietor of the Washington House for many yea after 1830; then sold toS. Zehring, and then to F. Gwinne, the present own(

In 1833, John Zimmer purchased the Miami House of Charles Counelk and it was occupied by him as a public house until 1840, when he sold out Jacob Zimmer. It was rented to Goode & Campbell for three years. In 181 Jacob Zimmer took possession, and remained until 1853, when it was aga leased to H. McCanby. A few years after this, it was sold to H. D. Bladl who continued until he died in 1868, and was then continued by the wide and enlarged in 1872 and 1873, and then rented to Charles Baum, who remain

The Valley House was built byN. Clark in 1856; was sold to F. Jacobus in 50, and in 1868 he retired from business and then leased it to D. Young, no remained a few years, and it is now leased to F. Schwartztrauber.

In October, 1839, "The Washington Social Library" was organized as a f iking concern. President, JohnTreon; Vice President, Ed. L. Jones; Directors, -lin Treon, Ed. L. Jones, William Hoff, William L. Smith and C. P. Huber, of Jamisburg, Christian Taylor, of Germantown and John Mooney, of Franklin.

I ceased to do business in January, 1841. In 1866, Henry Groby, E. Shultz a!l George V Grove organized a private banking house on Main street, under L name of H. Groby & Co., which continued without change until 1880,

The Reformed Church

The early settlers, except a few from Virginia and North Carolina, were ncipally from eastern Pennsylvania, and in a religious point of view, m stly the Reformed and the Lutheran Churches. Educational and religious a milages and privileges were then few, but these gradually improved as the imitation increased.

The history of the Reformed Church in this community dates back to lost the beginning of the present century, and the earliest congregations w;e generally organized in connection with the Lutherans. Among the ear- -st Reformed congregations organized in this region were the St. John's in D5, the Stettlers' in 1806, and that at Germantown in 1809, by the Rev. i in Jacob La Rose. The Reformed Church at Miamisburg was organized of ambers belonging to the St. John's and Settlers' congregations, in the spring >1820, and had no regular pastor for the first four years, but was served as a kjd of missionary point. When organized it numbered only about ten or Live members, all of whom are now dead. Zion Church, in Section 10, was ojanized in 1820 and has remained a "Union Church " from its organization

In 1818, the year of the first town plat of lots, a frame schoolhouse was " 11 and was used both for school purposes, and also as the first place of worship 'jown. The Reformed congregation worshiped in this house from 1820 to 1 13.

In 1830, a brick church edifice, thirty-eight by forty-six feet, with gal- P and belfry, was erected, but for want of means it was not fully compled until in the spring of 1833, and was then dedicated with appropriate N gious services, May 12. The total cost of this structure was $3,200. The gregation worshiped in this church until November, 1862.

During this time, the congregation was served by different pastors and ale more or less progress, being joint owners with the Lutherans of the pjperty, and occupied the church on alternate Sundays.

A. constitution of the Union Church, consisting of the Evangelical Li theran and German Reformed Churches,* was adopted August 7, 1830. T! corner-stone was laid on the safne day. The purport of the articles of tl constitution was for the joint occupancy by these congregations of the hou about to be erected.

The first formal action in regard to the new house of worship of this co gregation was had May 14, 1860, a subscription was commenced and aboi $5,000 subscribed in a short time.

The congregation dissolved the joint occupancy with the Evangelic Lutheran congregation, July 28, 1860, by an act of incorporation, according to tl laws of the State. They sold their interest to the Evangelical Lutheran coi gregation January 12. 1861, for about $600. Rev. I. H. Reiter preached t) last sermon in the old house to the congregation November 18: 1862.

A lot for the place of the erection of the church edifice was purehasi from Dr. John Treon, for $300, and deeded to the Trustees March 16, 186

A contract for the superstructure complete was made with Beaver & Bu of Dayton, Ohio, January 22, 1862. The corner-stone was laid Jane 2 1862, and the building completed January 1, 1863, at a cost of about $11, 00(J

The Evangelical Lutheran Church

The first congregation of the above church, at Miamisburg, was organiz A. D. 1821, by Rev. John C. Dill, who came to Ohio at an early day, and f sisted in the organization of the first Lutheran Synod in this State in 1818. 1 had charge of the Miamisburg congregation from its organization until 1 death, August 24, 1824. From this date until January 1, 1826, the congreg tion was without a regular pastor, when Rev. C. H. D. Heincke accepted a c; from it.

The place of worship was a frame building, located west of the old grav yard, adjoining the M. & E. Canal. It was built where the canal is locate and was used jointly with the German Reformed Congregation, and was al used as a schoolhouse. When the canal was excavated, this housewasjno ' east a short distance. It is still in existence, and is located on South -'-jOCUi street, near the large tobacco warehouse, now owned by S. Luventhal & Co.

Rev. C. IT. D. Heincke was born in the Kingdom of Hanover Decembj 15, 1793, and emigrated to America in 1817, arriving in the city of Baltina) after a voyage of two months, and soon after came to Ohio. He had receiv*

* By a formal action of the Synod of the Reformed Church of the United Stites of America, a few yea*0 was agreed that the word ' Germ in " be dropped, the title therefore being, the " Reformed Church in t 1

In the fall of 1820, Mr. Heincke, having sustained a creditable examinaim before the Lutheran Synod of Ohio, he received authority to preach the ospel, being received into the ministry without a dissenting voice. He served lie congregation from 1826 to July 10, 1859. a period of thirty-three years.

The present pastor of the congregation, Rev. C. Albrecht, a graduate of lb Lutheran Theological Seminary, of Columbus, Ohio, took charge April 1, '80. Thus it will be seen that this congregation had but three pastors in a ,'riod of fifty-four years.

In 1880, this congregation, jointly with the German Reformed Congregan, laid the corner-stone of a brick edifice, thirty-eight by forty-six feet, with dlery and belfry. This was completed and dedicated in 1833, and occupied P site of the present church.

The corner stone of the present building was laid August 30, 1861, but was i completed until August, 1864. Its dimensions are fifty by eighty-eight A. The Sunday school rooms, in the basement, are conveniently arranged. '\ e audience room is finished in good style, tastefully frescoed, and supplied vh a fine organ. Total cost, about $20,000. The congregation numbers over f ir hundred.

Saint John's, after the erection of the new building in 1862, ceased to be a Union Church," the Lutherans remaining and the Reformed members goir to other points for worship. The Rev. W. A. Bowman has charge of the Ifcheran Congregation at this and Zion Church, each having about 125 mernb|s.

Grace Evangelical Lutheran Church

The society known as the Grace Evangelical Lutheran Church of Carf1 ton bought and remodeled a schoolhouse into a place of worship in 1876, til same being dedicated by the Rev. W. A. Bowman, July 23 of that yer, who also organized this congregation, Charles Miller, Jacob Geiger ait John Peiffer, being the first Trustees. The pastor has received about ynty-five members since he organized the church, and the property is valued a about $2, 000. As previously stated, Mr. Bowman also has charge of Zion ai. St. John's congregations, but resides at Carrollton, where he has about tiv members.

United Brethren

This congregation is small. Their house of worship is located on the tier of Main and Lock streets, Miamisburg, opposite the Catholic Church. T s organization dates back a number of years, but has no resident pastor, bei attended from Dayton.

The Methodist Episcopal Church

A congregation of this church was organized at Miamisburg in 1834. The ij ministers who visited the town were the Revs. J. P. Durbin and A. Brown. Tii former was quite a young man, and had just entered the Methodist Semi- 17; he became an eminent minister, and was the first " Missionary Secretary" 'Ihe Methodist Episcopal Church.

as near as can be ascertained, is as follows: Revs. Finley, Walker, Mala} Baker, Latta, Owen, Ser'geant. Merrick, Callett, Dillon, Neff, Hartley, Thornj son. Quarry, Kenedy, Tibbats, Beall, Schultz, Dustin, Davis, Mason and Glen ans.

The organization have received several bequests from deceased members amounting to $3,600. D. H. Hoover, $2,600; and Mrs. J. S. Huber, $1,000 The former also bequeathed $2,600 to the Methodist Episcopal Missionar Society.

The Methodist Episcopal Church of Carrollton, was organized about 1845: at Alexandersville, and a lot was bought whereon to build a church, but the i< cation was subsequently changed to Carrollton, where, in the fall of 1847, ian was purchased from Horace and Perry Pease, upon which a building was ereci ed the following year. The first Trustees were James McGrow, John F. Prugl Isaiah Allen, Albert Marlatt and James Bowles. They have now a flourishin society, with the Rev. Mr. Dille in charge.

The Presbyterian Church of Carrollton erected a building in 1846, whic was dedicated by the Rev. William C. Anderson, of Dayton, and the churc organized April 26, 1847. The building cost about $1,500, and the fir Trustees were Thomas Dodds, Julias S. Taylor, Jonathan K. Brice, Joseph! Dryden and Wilson Lamme. The pastors who have had charge of this churc are as follows: J. B. Morton, J. C. Mahon, John Bellville, Gilbert Haire, Sau uel Ramsey, F. M. Wood, G. W. Hays, Samuel Findley, Rev. Mr. Atkins ar G. E. Gowdy, the latter of whom is now in charge, with a membership of aboi forty, including many of the best citizens in this vicinity.

The Catholic Church

For more than thirty-live years after the first settlement at " Hole's Station there were no members of this church who located permanently in this vici; ity, but in 1834 Michael Meyers and family settled at Miamisburg, and m: be called the pioneer Catholics of the present congregation. In 1840, M Swisler and family came, and four years later Nicholas Meyer, a brother the former one mentioned, and who is yet a resident of Miamisburg. 1 1845, George Shoup and family located here, and in June, 1847, Geor; Becker, with his family, concluded to make Miamisburg their home, and w followed in the fall of the same year by Peter Hart and family, and Jol Kuhn and family. In 1848 came Richard Wilhelm and Andrew Engebrau with their families ; also a few others whose names cannot now be remembers but as far as we can learn, all were Germans, whose faith was taught them the dear old Fatherland, and although a few may have grown lukewarm in tl faith and recreant to the church of their fathers, the vast majority have r mained firm and true to the teachings of Catholicism, and their love for t mother church has grown with the passing years. The first Catholics who .si tied in Miamisburg had to go to Dayton to attend divine worship, and it w not until 1851 that they had service in their own town, but in that year t Rev. Henry Damian Juncker, of Dayton, celebrated mass at the houses Peter Hart and Mr. Swisler. Father Juncker became Bishop of Alton, 111 , 1857, and died in 1868. From this time the Catholics of Miamisburg h| services at irregular intervals at the houses of members, Fathers Schiif aj Menge being among those priests who visited this point. In the fall of 185 Michael P. Cassilly, a zealous Irish Catholic, of Cincinnati, donated to tj Bishop a two-storied brick house and large lot, between Main and Old stree for the use of the Catholics of Miamisburg and vicinity. This building vs ted up for a church and pastor's residence, by Michael Meyers, at his own j;pense, the chapel being in the second story, and was dedicated to the worlip of God, and the first mass celebrated in it by Father Juncker, in the fall 1852, receiving the name of " St. Michael's Church."

Different priests came from time to time to minister to the spiritual ants of the Catholics of Miamisburg, Father Mauclire, a native of France, king charge in 1861 and remaining until 1873, in which year the fii'st resist pastor was stationed here in the person of the Rev. Anton Leitnir, a nave of Tyrol, Austria, who performed the first baptism for this congregation, jmuary 18, 1873. He remained until June, 1877, when he was succeeded by e Kev. JohnF. Kalenberg, who was born in Westphalia, Prussia, August 26, 139, receiving his primary education in the schools and from the clergy of s native place. In the spring of 1854, he entered the Gymnasium of Pader- |>rn, where he remained five years, graduating in the fall of 1859 with first mors. He immediately entered the Theological and Philosophical Academy Paderborn, where he remained until the spring of 1862, when he came to nerica and finished his studies at Mt. St. Mary's of the West. He was orlined by the Right Rev. John B. Purcell, in the spring of 1863, and after a ort stay at Reading, Ohio, took charge of missions in Gallia, Meigs and Athens mnties, residing at Pomeroy, where he established the Sisters' School of the icred Heart. When Father Kalenberg entered upon his duties at Pomeroy,, p found about thirty pupils in the school, but left it with over 200, and in a osperous condition. He also finished and had the pleasure of having dedited to God's service, St. J ohn's Church, of Athens County ; also beautified id enlarged the churches at Pomeroy and Gallipolis, Ohio, in all of which aces he had flourishing schools. In the spring of 1870, he took charge of e congregations at Greenville, Darke County, and New Paris, Preble County, iio, completing and paying for the church already commenced in the latter ace ; tearing down the old church at Greenville, he erected a handsome edie and furnished it with a splendid pipe organ, and there remained until pointed to the charges of Miamisburg and Franklin. At the latter city, the urch was deeply in debt and the building in a dilapidated condition, but in ss than four years, under the energy and wise financial administration of Tther Kalenberg, the debt was paid off, the building remodeled, and to-day e congregation is in a flourishing condition. Comparatively little had been >ne by former pastors toward the material interests of the Miamisburg conegation, owing, perhaps to the scarcity of funds, although all were zealous en in the cause of Christ and His church. Dissatisfied with the poor church commodation at this point. Father Kalenberg, in 1880, concluded to erect I edifice to the honor and glory of God in which his people could assist divine service in a more fitting manner. He immediately began the work; e corner-stone was laid June 6, 1880, by the Rigid Rev. Bishop Elder, of ncinnati, who also dedicated the building to the service of the Most High, dy 10, 1881, giving it the name, " Immaculate Conception. "

The structure is of Roman architecture, thirty-six by seventy-five feet in ie, built of brick with stone trimmings and has stained glass windows. The terior is handsomely decorated, the frescoeing having b en done by William dian, of Cincinnati, and the paintings by John Schmitt, of Coving-ton, Ky.

I' the summit of the nave over the altar is a beautiful representation of the uuaculate Conception; on either side of the nave St. Joseph and St. Anthony, d at the altar end of the church facing the people are two scenes representing r Savior as the good Shepherd and Christ giving the keys of his church to j; Peter. The building has cost up to the present $4, 500, and Father Kalenberg tends furnishing the church with a furnace and other necessaries which will run the cost to about $5,000. All of this he has done by his own untirini energy, being the architect, overseer, and financier of the whole undertakin from the beginning. His congregation, although at first fearful of the risl have stood nobly by him and are now proud of the beautiful Temple of God which stands as a monument testifying to the zeal of their worthy Pastor i spreading the Gospel and building up Christ's Kingdom on earth. Theckurc will seat about 400, is well furnished with nice pews, choir gallery, andorgai and in fact is one of the most beautiful little church edifices in the dioces; The congregation numbers about seventy-five families, most of whom are liber; supporters of their church and pastor, as well as worthy communicants. Tk property is worth about $10,000 and comp'aratively free from debt, which fad speak louder than would mere praise of the pastor and his congregation. I reviewing the history of Catholicism in Miamisburg, we are forcibly struck b its steady growth ; and the progress it has made since the first mass was cel ebrated at this point, in 1851, may be truly likened to the Gospel parable of tb mustard seed.

Education

The first schoolhouse erected within the corporate limits was locate directly west of the graveyard next to Grove & Catrow's lumber yard, o ground now occupied by the Miami & Erie Canal. This was built in the ye; 1818, and was used jointly as a schoolhouse and place of worship by the Ge: man Reformed congregation.

When the canal was dug the State removed the building eastward out c the way, and it was afterward removed south on Locust street, west side, wher it yet remains. It is a frame building.

The third schoolhouse was built in 1834 on North Canal street, west sidt It has been taken down to give place for a dwelling house. It was also c brick, and was used a number of years as a cooper shop by Samuel Dubbs.

In 1848, a meeting of citizens was held in the house on Canal street ne< Bridge, for the purpose of voting yea or nay on a proposition to tax the tow $2, 500 for the erection of a new schoolhouse east of the canal, on Mark street. This was carried, nearly unanimously. The town was then organize into one school district, and the following year a substantial two-storv brie house was built on a large lot. In 1867, the district was re-organized by tl election of a new school board, who, step by step, made advancements in tb management and efficiency of the school. A high school department has bee added.

The Press

The first newspaper published in the town was the Gridiron , edited an printed by John Anderson, of Dayton. It was a small folio with an engravin in the title representing a human skeleton on a gridiron. Few copies of tl sheet are yet in existence and none are now accessible to obtain dates.

Anderson was a stirring writer, and attracted considerable attention in tl community by the personal nature of his articles. There was nothing howeve warrant or sustain his enterprise, and it was suspended. Subsequently an iisuccessful attempt was made to revive the Gridiron, and the following anuncement was issued :

For The

" By the united and hrm patronage promised to me, by friend and enemy - leel half inclined to think I can justify myself, and ROAST to some profit my former, of some sixteen years past, to the contrary notwithstanding, is my idea, that there is 'something stale in Denmark' - and would needs ROILING.

"My time spent in the kitchen, for years back, will enable me to serve up me SAVORY DISHES. I have now numbered my twenty-fifth year as Master of the Quizzical Society of Ohio - also my tenth year as High Rest of the Anarogeon Phalanx. The aid of both societies at any time are ; my service. The fact is, the whole field is my own, and ' needs must when 1e Devil drives,' so 'twould be well to keep up good fences.

"We will print in a fine medium sheet - Price, Two Dollars per annum - - e Dollar in advance, the balance at the end of six months. We will furnish ndry legislative proceedings - also some pood Congressional smart things."

The Miamisburg Union

The establishment of this paper was the second journalistic venture and is published in 1856 by Isaac Pepper. The office was located on second floor of nat is now known as Weaver's Building, in public square. The Union was nix oolumn folio, neatly printed, and politically, intensely Democratic. Mr. upper was assisted by three sons, who were practical printers : the office was pplied with a large assortment of type and material, and the paper was iierally patronized by merchants of Miamisburg and Dayton. The paper adually weakened financially, however, and finally the establishment was wed away.

The Miamisburg Bulletin

This paper was established in 1867, by Blossom Bros. The members of '0 firm are A. H. Blossom, C. E. Blossom and Miles Blossom, sons of M. S. -ossom, Esq., one of the few pioneer citizens of the town yet living at this 'iting. The Blossom Brothers were bom and reared in Miamisburg, and der their supervision the Bulletin, now in its fifteenth volume, under one unagement, has grown from a half-sheet of twenty-four by thirty-six to its esent proportions.

The Bulletin is an independent, local newspaper, and recognized author - ' on tobacco, being the oldest tobacco journal of the State, published in the nterof the extensive seed-leaf -producing district of the Miami Valley. The 1 uipment of the mechanical department of the Bulletin is first-class, afford - g a wide range of execution in artistic letter-press and general job printing, eluding stereotyping. The establishment is lighted with gas and the ma- 1 mery is driven by a powerful gas engine, burning crude petroleum.

The Miamisbukg News

The News is one of the institutions of Miamisburg and vicinity, whic has achieved gratifying success since its inception and inauguration. Th News is published by the Miamisburg Publishing Company organized am incorporated in March, 1880. Charles E. Kinder, formerly connected wit the Putnam County Sentinel , has been editor and manager since its publica tion. Mr. Kinder is the son of the late John E. Kinder, and is a desceudan of one of the oldest pioneer families of the valley. The paper is an eight-col umn folio, with a fair advertising patronage, and a constantly increasing sut scription list. The News has a reputation as a good and faithful local newspaper, and is closely identified with all the best interests of Miamisburg an the Miami Yalley. The tobacco-growing interests are always represented i its columns by quotations and reports. The News is Democratic in politici and while being devoted to the advancement of the Democratic party an principles, it is ever willing to accord to others the same freedom of opinio it asks for itself. This paper is now entering upon the third year of its exisl ence, and has, by the industry of its editor, attained a fair standing among tb county papers of the Miami Yalley.

This town was platted in April, 1815, by John Taylor ; population, 12( One dry goods and grocery store, one box factory, one public house and bo< and shoe shop comprise the industries of the town. The inhabitants ar mostly engaged in the cultivation of tobacco.

An extensive earthwork, similar to those that are found in this part of th State, adjoins the town. The group comprises three separate and distim works, and although they are characterized by a state of singular incomplete ness, it does not appear probable that a union of the three was contemplate The assumption would be more clearly comprehended by an accurate deliuei tion of the works, but, in the absence of this, the following description wi convey a tolerably clear conception as to their form and magnitude : j

I. The circle commences on the bank of the Miami River, at a pointnear ti northern limits of the village, the wall bears off obliquely, in a northeast directioi curving gracefully to the right, meeting all the points of the compass in i circuit to its abrupt termination (which is several hundred yards from tl river), where it bears northwest. The entire length of this wall is 3,987 fee diameter of the circle is 1,950 feet. There are live gateways, and probab! a sixth occurred where the pike cuts it. These openings are at irregular di tances.

II. The square is situated south of the great circle, separated by a spa< of about 200 yards. Its sides, which are equal, measure 1,150 feet, ii closing an area of thirty-one acres. Midway in each wall there is a gap, an' where completed, in each corner. The walls are not in line with the cardin points, and a large vacant space on the southwest corner indicates the abru] arrest of the converging walls.

III. The nondescript commences at a point about 200 yards north-west of tl square. It starts out in a nearly due-east direction, tending toward the south, | gradually curves to the right, to the point of intersection with the pike, whore bears off north-northeast, forming thus a large arc of a circle, with a diameh of 875 feet, thence bearing east northeast by an abrupt curve to the right, i course is parallel with the turnpike a distance of 120 yards to the southei limits of the village, thence north -northeast by another direct line of 100 yarc to the canal, thence north-west by an abrupt curve to the left, it crosses tl i nal at right angles, but suddenly curves to the right, with a tendency toward ne northeast where it abruptly terminates between the canal and river.

The entire length of this wall is about 700 yards. Two hillocks appear to idicate the contemplated direction of this member of the group. The serpent, iis probable, was here intended to be represented.

It is deeply to be regretted that so little interest has hitherto been mani bted in the preservation of the grand old monuments of a forgotten race. As 4se walls, with the exception of an inconsiderable deposit of soil, are conucted of pure clay, the temptation to utilize it in the manufacture of brick v.s irresistible; hence the interesting vestiges have been defaced, and in some stances wholly obliterated, and, apparently, with as little compunction as >ugh they had been ordinary diluvial deposits.

( e of the family (S. H. Binkley) has devoted much time to the collection of sicimens of prehistoric races. A rare collection may be seen on the premises.

I 0. E. Blossom, with interesting results. In one explored by himself, on the f m of Jonas George, one and a half miles west of Alexanderville, valuable specens of crania, implements of bone and horn chei't, arrow heads and a perfor

Soon after the completion of the Miami & Erie Canal from Cincinnati tofyton, this town became an important shipping point. Large quantities of pduce were received and forwarded annually to Cincinnati. An area extendu eastward as far as the Little Miami River, and even beyond, were drawn to tl point of shipment. The Little Miami Railroad on its completion cut off t.p trade.

A large business in dry goods and clothing was done here forty or fifty v rs ago. This trade, however, has been diverted into other channels.

This town was laid out April 27, 1830, by Moses Smith, Alexander times and H. G. Phillips. Additions have been made since then. The Aami & Erie Canal affords extensive water power at this place, there being ') locks. A large flouring-mill and distillery was established here about 1)5, by H. & P. Pease, and continued until 1864, when the establishment was light out by the Messrs. Turner, who continued the business until 1872, when ly sold out to G. H. Friend, who converted the property into paper mills, njaufacturing a heavy paper of straw and other material for roffing, siding, etc.

This village and Alexanderville form one school district, and in 1876 » t a fine house half way between the towns. The educational facilities being afthat could be desired.

j' This town was laid out April 19, 1831 by Yincens Antonides. Population, '4 - It lies west of the Miami, opposite Miamisburg. Owing to the location l)( ig liable to overflow by the river, about half of the lots have been vacated.

In the first settlement of the Miami Valley, the pioneers buried their dea in any convenient spot which they fancied, as a last resting-place for the: loved ones, but such graves, in most cases, were afterward either removed t some regular graveyard or lost in oblivion; yet, here and there a grave ma be seen in a corner, or out-of-the-way place, containing the bones of roid sturdy pioneer, who braved the dangers of frontier life to make a home for bin self and family ; or, perhaps it is that of the loved wife and prattling babs who cheered him with loving words or smiles.

The oldest regular cemeteries in Miami Township are the one at Gebha Church, in Section 19, east of Miamisburg, and that at the Stettler Chore) in Section 1 5, southwest of the town, both of which were begun as early i 1805, and are yet in a fair state of preservation. About 1815, a cemetery w; opened on land donated for that purpose by Jacob Kerch er, and which w: afterward incorporated within the city limits. The exact date of the fir burial in this graveyard it is impossible now to learn, but one old head-stoi bears the date of 1820, and pioneers yet living tell us that it was at least fr years previous to this when the first grave was opened at this point. One < the early churches was built here and afterward removed, upon the opei ing of the canal. A stone wall surrounds this cemetery, but the ground bea a general appearance of neglect and abandonment, and although strenuoi efforts have been made to remove it, they have not, as yet, been successful ai bodies are sometimes interred there. In 1820, upon the organization of Zi< Church, a cemetery was also laid off, the land being donated by Peter Betz and Henry Diehl, and is located in Section 10, in the northeast corner of tl township.

The cemetery at Carrollton was the next in order of time, and was begi many years before its organization under the State laws, which occurn May 25, 1859. It was called the '' Carrollton Cemetery Association," ai the incorporators were Julius S. Taylor, Moses Smith, Alfred Peat James Dodds, James M. Dewey, Perry Pease, Squier Yeazel, Nic olas Prets, Samuel H. Binkley, George Pease and W. W. Clark. T ground was platted by John Beaver, and the first Trustees were Mot Smith, George Pease, James Dodds, Nicholas Prets, E. D. Andrews, Jo) Yeazel and Samuel H. Binkley. The President was George Pease ; Clei Julius S. Taylor, and Treasurer, Moses Smith, the latter being subsequenl appointed Superintendent of the grounds, which are now nicely fenced a decorated, with ornamental trees and shrubs.

The Council of Miamisburg passed an ordinance, February 3, 1840, tl the ground pm-chased by the corporation, in the eastern part of the town, laid out into three divisions, which were to be platted in blocks and lots i burial purposes, one division being designated as the Potter's Field. A sext was to be appointed yearly, who was to look after the ground, attend to burials, and keep a record of the same. This cemetery contains about ft acres, and is yet used by lot owners.

In 1856, the "Miamisburg Cedar Grove Cemetery" was organized un< the laws of Ohio, and seven acres of land purchased from Mrs. Conley |j being a part of the Jacob Kercher estate. It was fenced, platted and plant with trees, and, when purchased, was believed to be well adapted for agrai yard, but a few years subsequently it was discovered that the ground, jj places, was wet and therefore unfit for burial purposes. Lot owners been; dissatisfied, and, upon the organization of the new cemetery, the ground v sold and most of the bodies removed, there being but a few now remaini

Irg and vicinity for the purpose of taking subscriptions toward the purdase of ground for a cemetery, which they deemed a necessity, a number of uom subscribed liberally. Pursuant to a previous understanding, the folding members of the proposed Cemetery Association met at the Town Hall, ivember 20, 1863: Dr. John Treon, Jacob Zimmer, William Goudy, David htzel, Louis Keifer, G. W. Weaver, Henry Brehrn, John Leiss, Lewis Mease 1 H. Gilbert ; and the meeting organized by appointing William Goudy,

(. airman, and Lewis Mease, Secretary. The subscriptions entered into at the f mer meeting were accepted, and the committee reported that they had cont cted with C. Shuester and Valentine Benner for cemetery ground, which ] rchase, on motion of Jacob Zimmer, was accepted. At this meeting, notice v s given for the election of Trustees and Clerk of said association at an early cy as practicable, and December 19, 1863, the following gentlemen were cted Trustees : Michael Cassady, Lewis Mease, Jacob Zimmer, Dr. John

Jeon and D. B. Neibel ; and for Clerk, William Goudy. The cemetery was oned the " Miamisburg Cemetery Association," and was so placed on record b the Recorder of Montgomery County. At a meeting held January 9, 1864, icles of association and by-laws for the government of the same were pros'ted and adopted. January 20, the Board of Trustees met and appointed -bob Zimmer President of the Board, and David Hetzel, Treasurer; and Febrtry 6, the board employed L. G. Perry to survey and plat the cemetery, lie first sale of lots was made March 16, 1864, Col. George Reiser being the a tioneer. The ground was nicely fenced, bridges built, roads graded and g veled, trees planted, and the cemetery generally beautified. In 1873, a reding vault was built, and two additions have been made to the original purcljse, which had a residence that has been utilized for a Sexton's house. The |i sent officers are Jacob Zimmer, John Buehner, David Hetzel, Henry Goby and Daniel Bookwalter, Trustees; Jacob Zimmer, President; S. H. Hger, Treasurer, and B. F. Hecker, Clerk.

In the fall of 1877, the Catholic Church of Miamisburg, through Father 'venberg, purchased two acres of land a quarter of a mile northeast of town, -v ch they had fenced and platted. It was consecrated by the Rev. Charles Uge, a Passionist Father, and has since been used by the Catholics of this Jnity as their burial ground. Its entire cost was about $500. It is well 1 ated with shade and ornamental trees, and has many neat monuments '-'king the graves of those who are asleep in the Lord.

seven of whom are now living - Bline, Henry, Anna, Louisa, Virginia, Ollie and Lizza. On the 4th of October, 1880, death came and took from them their youngest son, Ambrose, who was at the time of his death eight years eight months and twenty-nine days old, having been born January 5, 1872. His death was a severe blow to his aged parents, he being the child of their old age, and his little grave will be often moistened with tears until they meet in the bright hereafter. Mr. Wagoman was educated in the common schools of Clay Township, then being supported by subscription, and which were of the most primitive kind.

DAVID WORM AN, farmer, P. 0. Center. David VVorman, Sr., was born in Frederick County, Md., in 1775. He married Mrs. Mary Slong, a daughter of Mr. Boyer, about the year 1804, and settled in VanBuren Township in 1805. The farm on which they located is about two miles south of the corporation line of Dayton. They were the parents of six children, two sons and four daughters, four of whom are still living - Solomon, Mary, Lida and David. The subject of this memoir was born March 5, 1818, in Dayton Township (now Van Buren). He married Miss Susan Kemp, May 16, 1844. She was born October 20, 1827, in Butler County, Ohio, and was a daughter of John Kemp, who was born in Berks County, Penn., in 1779, and one of the first to settle in Butler County. Mr. and Mrs. Worman are the parents of eight children, seven of whom still survive - Alwilda, Mary, Elizabeth, Lenia, Rebecca, John, David and Hamilton. Mr. Worman was educated in the common schools of the early day. In politics, Mr. Worman is a Republican.