Montgomery Township (part 1 of 5)

Montgomery Township

THIS township originally included the present territory and that of Bowling Green, both of which were taken from Grand Township. It was set off according to the following described boundaries, in December, 1831, which will appear from the following entry:

Monday, December 5, 1831. Ordered by the Board, That Township No. 5 south, of Range No. 13, and all the Virginia Military Land lying south of said Township 5, Range 13, within said county, be and the same is hereby set off as a new township, by the name of Montgomery.

Montgomery Township continued to include all of the above-described territory until the year 1838, when Bowling Green Township wa3 erected from that portion of it south of the Scioto River, which comprises all of the Virginia Military Lands mentioned in the foregoing entry. Thus Montgomery Township, after an existence of nearly seven years, as it was first organized, was divided and the southern division was given the name of Bowling Green, as appears from the following entry:

Monday, March 5, 1838. Commissioners met pursuant to the statute in such cases made and provided. Present: Charles Merriman, John Shunk and George Beckley. And whereupon, on petition of Thomas Parr and others, it is ordered that a new township to be called and named "Bowling Green," be and is hereby erected and set off as follows, to wit: Beginning at the southwest corner of the county of Marion, thence north to the south bank of the Scioto River; thence down said river with its meanderings until it intersects the range line dividing Ranges 13 and 14 in said county; thence south on the line of Green Camp Township to the line dividing Marion and Union Counties; thence westwardly on said line dividing said counties of Marion and Union, to the place of beginning.

During 1875, this township was divided by the County Commissioners into two election precincts, as follows: Beginning at the northeast corner of Montgomery Township, thence west along the north line ol said town snip to the northwest corner of Section 3, thence south along the section line on the west of Sections 3, 10, 15, 22 and 27, until it intersects the Scioto River; thence in a southeasterly direction with the river to the southeast corner of the township; thence north on the east line of the township to the place of beginning, to be known as the " East Precinct;" the western portion to be known as the " West Precinct. "

Early Settlement

The first white man to settle in what is now Montgomery Township was Daniel Marklev. He erected a cabin on the Scioto River, at the crossing of the Mechanicsburg and Upper Sandusky trail, on the old James Walker farm, about the year 1820. He was the only settler in this region for several years, and kept a sort of pioneer tavern for the accommodation of those who passed that way; it was then the only traveled trail for twenty -five or thirty miles either way on the Scioto. He resided here until in 1824, when he moved away. His cabin was destroyed by fire during the burning

Samuel Franklin effected the next settlement in the township. He came with his family from Fayette County, Ohio, in 1821, and "squatted" on the northeast quarter of Section 1, where he built a log cabin. He lived on this land, which was still in the possession of the Government, till 1823, when he was "entered out" by Col. William Cochran, who took up eighty acres, the land occupied by him. Franklin then removed to Salt Rock Township, and in 1831 returned to Montgomery and entered eighty acres on Section 2. His wife died on this farm, and in 1836-37, he went to Michigan.

Col. Cochran was born in the "Old Dominion," and about the time of the war of 1812, emigrated to Ohio, then the "far West," and settled in Ross County. In 1823, he moved with a large family to Marion County and settled on Section 1 of this township. A post office was established at his house, and consequently took the name of the worthy pioneer, which name it has ever since retained. The mail was carried from Marion to Bellefontaine on horseback, the mail carrier following the half beaten path of the Indians. Col. Cochran occupied his " entered " farm till about 1837 -38, when he went with his family to La Grange County, Ind., at which place he subsequently died. The Colonel was an excellent specimen of a pioneer, and could relate in a graphic manner many interesting frontier experiences of his own, and could crack a joke or tell a story with remarkable expertness. He was a great hunter, and many were the deer that he killed. He was a member of the church and was active in all its services. As a citizen and a neighbor, he was kind and obliging.

The next settlement was made in 1825, by Maj. William LaRue, the original founder and proprietor of La Rue Village. He located on land that a quarter of a century after became the site of a village, of which he was the founder. April 11, 1827, he entered from the Government seventythree and one-quarter acres, on which he had settled in 1825. The patent for this land was signed by John Quincy Adams.

W. Crandall came in 1824 and took up the west half of the southeast quarter, of Section 17. He came from Ross County and died some three or four years after, leaving a widow and three children - John, Jehu and Sallie - who remained in the forest of the township till 1837 or 1838, when they emigrated farther West. McMurray Johnson came in the same year and settled on the east half of the northeast quarter of Section 2, which land he entered. In 1831-32, he entered 160 acres more on Section 2. He died on his original entry in 1859, aged seventy-five years. He came to Montgomery Township from Worcester County, Md.

Isaac Berdine came into the township in 1827 from Big Island, where he had made a settlement three years previous. He came from Fayette County, Ohio, and his settlement in this township was on the south part of Section 2. He resided here till 1836, when he and family, accompanied by " Old Mother Neville," and two sons - William and Joshua - removed to Northern Indiana. Mrs. Neville and sons came from Fayette County, Ohio, in 1824, with Mr. Berdine and family.

February 22, 1827, Gardner Crandall entered at the Delaware Land Office eighty acres on Section 17. From early in 1827 to 1831, few, if any settlers came in the township. Most of those who effected settlements in the southwestern part of the county during this time, were made south of the Scioto River, in Bowling Green Township, which at that time formed a part of Montgomery Township. The next to settle in Montgomery Township proper, of whom we have any account, was William J. Virden, now the oldest surviving pioneer settler of the township. He emigrated to Warren County. Ohio, in 1827, and in January, 1831, to Marion County, settling within the forests of this township. July 31, following, he purchased from the Government the east half of the northwest quarter of Section I, where he now resides. In January, 1831, the following, with their families, constituted the band of pioneers that inhabited Montgomery Township, viz.: Col. William Cochran, Maj. William LaRue, William J. Virden, McMurray Johnson, Isaac Berdine, Mrs. Neville and Mrs. Crandall.

The next year William Bryan entered and settled on the southeast quarter of Section 8, which land a few years later he sold to Gen. James H. Godman. During the spring of this year (1882), a number of settlers came into the township and settled on the Scioto, north of La Rue. Among them were William Vesey, James Ramey, John Tucker and Jeremiah Jones. William Vesey built a tavern on the river bank, and shortly after W. Hopkins came along and put up for the night. The house was situated on a low spot of ground, and during the night the heavy rains swelled the river till it was out of its banks, and the next morning Mr. Hopkins bad to swim his horse back to the road. The same year, Moses Van Fleet. Allen Johnson, William and BeDJamin Little, J. T. Walker, William McNeal, Joseph Sturges, V. Dutton, Russell Carey, WT. W. Carey, Wingate Carey, J. Elland, these, with those previously mentioned, composed the settlements at this date. In 1833-34, the State road from Marion to Lima was constructed, and the territory along its route was rapidly settled up. Those who settled on the line of this road in this township were Albert Dudley, Asahel and

Louderback, Charles Coulter, Richard Carter, Joseph Prettyman, Alanson Virden, H. Hinkle, John Clark, Joseph Anderson, P. Harder, J. and C. Wallace and Isaac Owens. Robert and Sarah Gillespie settled in thistownship in 1832.

In June, 1832, Montgomery Township was organized, and comprised, in addition to its present territory, Bowling Green Township. *At this election, Almon Bryan, Jerry Jones and McMurray Johnson were chosen Trustees. Maj. La Rue, Clerk; and John Tucker, Superivsor. Money was scarce and there being no township fund, a Treasurer was not elected. Supervisor Tucker summoned his hands out in the fall and put in two days' work on the Montgomery & Grand Township line road, which was the only laid-out road in the township. On their return, they " cut out " a road from Bryan to the river settlements, a distance of four miles. At the Presiden tial election in the same fall (of 1832) seventeen voters were polled, which included the voters of the " Tymochtee Windfall " and Rush Creek settlements of Bowling Green. Of the votes cast fifteen were Democratic and two were Whig. At this election CoJ. Cochran was chosen the first Justice of the Peace, and William H. Davis was the second in the township.

The first marriage in the township was that of Almon Bryan, a brotherin-law of Maj. LaRue, to Miss Jane Cochran. It was celebrated in 1832, by Rev. David Dudley. The first white child that was born in the township was either Nancy Cochran or a child of Mr. Berdine.

W. Crandall was the first of the early settlers of the township that died. He located on Section 17. in 1824, where his death occurred about 1827 or 1828. He was buried on the west side of a ravine running through his farm.

First Improvements

Mills. - One of the greatest difficulties that the pioneers encountered in early days in Montgomery Township was to get bread material. Mills were far away and the roads were difficult to travel. West Liberty was one of the places where the early settlers went to mill. In order to reach that place, they had to go to Scott Town, thence west to Judge Wheeler's, at which place they struck the Bellefontaine road, which they there would take. On these trips, which required three or four days, they camped out wherever night overtook them. To avoid these difficult trips, Maj. La Rue bought a hand-mill, which was patronized and used by the whole neighborhood for several years. Wheat bread was seldom used, and was considered in those days a luxury. Hominy was one of the chief articles of food. It was made by burning a hollow place in the center of a green white- oak stump; then, after scraping out the charred surface, a spring-pole, after the style of an old-fashioned well-sweep, would be erected. A short pole would be tied to this, and at the lower end an iron wedge would be attached. After placing the corn in the stump, they would work the spring pole and the wedge would soon reduce the corn to a coarse meal or hominy. Such were some of the modes used by the pioneers to secure the necessary things for subsistence.

The first mill in Montgomery Township was built at the " bend " of the river, now on Topliff's Second Addition to the village of La Rue, by Jacob Myers and Washington Armstrong, in the spring of 1835. Ifc was a water sawmill, and was run a few months, when a " corn cracker " was added. A dam was constructed across the river, which was about 110 feet long. It kept breaking, and the mill could not be used regularly. Mr. Armstrong sold his interest to John J. Johnson, and Myers & Johnson ran it till 1837, when it was purchased by Lewis Topliff, who a few months after abandoned it. About this time, Joseph Sturges and L. Ramouse began constructing a mill race at " Mud Bottom" on Section 36. The river at this place incloses about ten acres of ground, and the two bends of the river are but fifteen rods apart. Sturges & Ramouse abandoned the work and Daniel Longacre took it up and completed it, and purchased a part of Topliff's old "corn -mi II" at La Rue, which he erected at this place. It was covered with a shed of clapboards. In 1840, he built a water mill. 30x40 feet in size. It was used for several years as a place for political meetings, and in the celebrated campaign of 1840 was a rendezvous for political gatherings. This mill was run for a good many years. Lewis Topliff bought three acres of land of Maj. La "Rue, and in 1837 built a water grist and saw mill, completing it in 1838. This mill, which was a rude structure, was operated till 1845, when the grist department was torn away, and the saw mill, which had a " sash saw," was purchased by Samuel Simpson, who ran it till 1860.

In 1845, Topliff erected a largo two and-one-half -story mill adjoining the saw mill. It contained two run of buhrs and cost about $1,500. Shortly after the completion of the mill, a carding machine was added to the upper story, and was run in connection with the mill till 1851, when the building was abandoned. This mill was used as a place for religious worship by the early settlers. Lewis Topliff built, in 1852, a steam saw mill, near the site of his former mill, at a cost of S3, 000. It was framed by Hiram Mills, and in 1853 or 1854 a corn buhr was put in. B. F. Todd bought the mill and about two vears after sold it to Jack Keelen. It was destroyed bv fire in 1857 or 1858.

Tannery. - In 1839, Elias and Jonathan Myers built a tannery on the northeast quarter of Section 20, one and a half miles north of La Rue. The building cost $1,000, and was conducted by them until 1849. when Jonathan sold his interest to Elias, who ran it one year, and then the tools and apparatus were sold to J. J. Johnson, George Williams and Abram Rosebaum, -vho soon afterward abandoned it. In 1857 or 1858, Jonathan Myers bought tools again, and located a tannery on the southeast quarter of Section 16, with eight vats, and it was run until some time in 1861, when it was hnally abandoned.

Montgomery Township comprises Subdistricts No. 2, 3, 4. 5, 6 and 9, and Joint Districts No. 2, 7, 8 and 10, containing in all ten school - houses. The enumeration in 1882 gave as a result 134 male children of school age and 151 female children; total, 285.

Religious

Religious services were at first held in private houses and schoolhouses. The first preaching was by Elders Hatch and Dudley. The first protracted effort was conducted by the Methodists in Maj. LaRue's barn, in 1845, Mr. Armstrong being the leading preacher. A platform and pulpit were erected of rough boards, and of similar material were seats improvised upon the cleared floor. These would be tilled, principally by women, while the men and boys reclined upon the hay. All observed good order. Meetings were held day and night for three weeks, and with good results.

The Free- Will Baptists succeeded the Methodists with a protracted meeting in the same barn, which lasted one week, and was then removed to Mr. Topliff's mill, which was built in 1845. This was a strange place for meetings. In order to get into the mill, they laid a plank from the edge of the bank to the mill door, and it seemed rather unsafe. Here the same kind of seats were used as before. The pulpit platform was the elevation upon which the mill-stones were mounted. At this meeting the preachers were Rev. George Baker and his son, Rev. Oscar E. Baker, of Marion, and Rev. Kendall Higgins. A number were converted and joined the church.

After the close of the above-mentioned meeting and the carding season was over, Mr. Topliff moved the carding apparatus out of his mill, where meetings were held until the next carding season arrived. After this, school houses were used.

The first Sunday school in this neighborhood was organized in Bonner's Schoolhouse, by Peter Marsh, and was maintained during the summer for many years.

The " Montgomery" Methodist Episcopal Chm-ch was organized September 5, 1846, by Rev. S. J. Burgess, and J. Bunker, with seven members, among whom were S. Cook, Robert Hayward and Martha Hayward. Meetings were tirst held at J. Clark's and Father Hincklin's, conducted by S. Cook and Thomas Franklin. The tirst Class Leader was S. Cook, and Steward, T. D. McElhany. Meetings were held from house to house until 1849, when a church was built in the western part of the township, within a half mile of the county line, near the present site. Its size was 24x36, and cost $200. The present building, owned by the Methodists and United Brethren, was built in 1870, at a cost of $1,700. Present number of members, ninety-three; Class Leaders, J. King, Benjamin Kemper and Frank

Agricultural

Montgomery Township is highly favored with railroad facilities, there being two good railways traversing its whole length. The Cleveland, Cincinnati, Columbus & Indianapolis Railroad, formerly the Bellefontaine & Indiana, was completed through this township in 1852, and the town of La Rwe started; and the Chicago & Atlantic was put in operation about June 1, 1883, with a depot upon it within the limits of this township. Agosta is the second depot on the other road in this township, making a total of four depots for Montgomery. At La Rue Station alone, in 1882, there were received 6,671,410 pounds of freight, and 8,639,065 pounds forwarded: while passenger tickets to the amount of $6,189.57 were sold.

La Rue

La Rue was laid out June 3, 1851, by Maj. William La Rue, who owned 307 acres of land on the east bank of the Scioto River; most of this land he had taken up from the Government and had resided on it from 1825. In that year he erected on the site of Allinger & Quigley' s flouring mill a log cabin sixteen feet square. This was the first structure in the shape of a house on the site of the present village. Maj. La Rue occupied it about one year; then erected a hewed-log bouse on what is now Market street, and at tbe same time built a log house sixteen feet square adjoining, which was used till 1838, when it was destroyed by fire. The same day that it burned, he put up a frame barn, wbich was the first within the limits of the township. In 1845, he built a one-and-a-half-story frame residence near the site of the old log house, which stood till 1882, when it was moved to South street, and is still occupied. About the same time, Lewis Topliff erected a frame house of the same size, where Charles Allinger's residence now stands. When the original plat of La Rue was laid out, it contained ninety lots, described as follows: All the lots have sixty -six feet front, with 155 feet back, except those situated between Vine and Market streets, which have sixty feet front, with 155 feet back, excepting all the fractional lots situated along the railroad ground, which vary in their size.

Maj. William La Rue, the original owner of the site and founder of the village of La Rue, was of French Huguenot origin, the members of the family having fled from France into Holland to escape religious persecution just before the revocation of the edict of Nantes. The name is originally De la Rue. From Holland they came to America about the year 1670 to 1677. The first La Rue in a direct line of ancestry that can with certainty be named, is Abraham La Rue, the grandfather of Maj. La Rue, who lived first in New Jersey, moved to Loudoun County, Va., thence to North Carolina and finally to Greenbrier County, Va., where he died. Jacob La Rue, the father of Maj. La Rue, was born July 25, 1774, in Greenbrier County, Va. He started in company with another man. from Washington County, Ohio, where he resided, to visit his brother Peter, who lived in Livingston County, Ky., and was never heard of afterward, but was supposed to have been killed by the Indians or his companion.

Maj. William La Rue was born in Washington County, Ohio, December 22, 1799, and was married September 7, 1820, in Meigs County, Ohio, to Cynthia Brine. Mrs. Celinda Marsh, of La Rue, Marion County, is the only surviving child of this marriage. He first came to Marion County in the fall of 1823, and in the spring of 1825 he built a residence in the woods, on land now occupied by the village of La Rue. He entered about seventy acres of land, which quite exhausted his means, but he lived to be the possessor of many hundred acres, here and elsewhere, and to see a thriving village built upon what was once his forest farm. He died at La Rue, August 18, 1880, his wife having preceded him in November, 1857. He emigrated with his wife and daughter to this county in 1825, beginning pioneer life in real earnest, in a wilderness inhabited only by Indians, with only one family of whites within six miles. He laid out the village of La Rue June 1, 1851; he donated four lots for the use of the different churches, and otherwise took great pains for the improvement of the village. When a railroad was first talked of, he got up a subscription, headed it with $1,000, and gave the company the right of way, binding them, how ever, to make La Rue always a watering place, thereby causing all trains to make a stop at that point. He was a marked man in many respects, and greatly honored and esteemed.

The first bridge across the Scioto at this place was built in 1843, by the citizens of the neighborhood. It was built about 1843 to 1845. eight rods below the present Market street bridge, and was 100 feet long. It was an open structure and the abutments were made of logs and the pier of frame work. It was made by volunteer labor, and Maj. La Rue sawed the timber. There was not a dollar paid out for work. It stood about eight or ten years, and was taken away by a freshet.

The same year (1853). another open bridge was erected, four rods north of the first. An appropriation was made by the County Commissioners and the rest was made up by subscription. It was a frame bridge with hewed timber abutments and a bent. It was washed away, and the present one was built by the county in 18 - . It is a covered bridge. 110 feet long, and cost about $2,200. There is also a covered bridge across the river on High street.

Business

Roberts and was owned and run by Roberts, Patten & Gillespie till 1857, when it was sold to Edward Stoltz, and the subsequent year to Dr. Copeland. In the fall of 1865, it was purchased by William Bailey, who died before he moved into it. His family conducted it till 1868, and sold to Philip Loebrich, and from him it passed into the possession of B. W. Miller, who ran it till within the last year. It is now known as the National House.

In 1868, T. S. Miller, one of the pioneers of Montgomery Township, built the La Rue House on High street, and opened it to the public in the spring of 1870. He ran this hotel until 1875, when he sold it and two years later built the Commercial House, at a cost of $2,000. opening it in the fall of 1878.

Stores. - The first store in La Rue was opened by Henry C. Seigler in the summer of 1851. It was situated on the river bank, on the site of Charles Quigley's blacksmith shop. He continued a short time and sold his stock, which consisted of dry goods and groceries, to Horace Roberts, who did business on the river bank and subsequently moved to High street, where he was engaged in trade ten years. In 1852, John B, and David Wyatt built the first store building on the site of C. Graceley's present hardware store. It was a building twenty-two feet front, by forty feet deep, and was rented by Wheeler Bros., merchants, who two years after admitted G. W. De Long as a partner, and the firm of Wheeler, De Long & Co. continued a number of years. Soon after Wheeler Bros, started in business, N. S. Banning erected a storehouse, 16x25 feet in size, on Lot No. 1. He carried on a mercantile business till 1863, when he sold out, married and moved on a farm. He died in La Rue September 21, 1873. The first brick store room in La Rue was built in 1870 by J. F. Firstenberger and was a two-story building with a front of twenty-two feet. It was subsequently purchased by C. Gracely & Bro. , who now own and occupy it.

In 1871, a substantial two-story brick block, seventy feet front by eightyfive deep, and containing three store rooms, was erected by Hopkins & Leonard, J. Copeland and M. L. Evans. During the summer of 1877, Hopkins & Leonard built a store room adjoining on the south, the F. & A. M. order building the upper story, which they use for a hall. Hopkins & Leonard have a double store, one room containing dry goods, groceries, etc., and the other clothing and the bank. They established the bank, which is a private institution, in 1876, and do a large deposit business. Messrs. Hopkins & Leonard were the leading merchants in the village till 1883, when Mr. Hopkins went out, and the firm was changed to Leonard, Rhodes & Co. In 1881, Mrs. Mary Henninger built a two-story brick business house adjoining C. Gracely & Bro. on the north. It is occupied by McCrary & Harraman, grocers. The next year, W. L. Marsh put up a twostory brick south of Hopkins & Leonard's, and is now occupied as a hardware store by E. Anderson & Co. The same year, J. W. Knapp erected a two-story storehouse on Lot No. 9, which he occupies as a grocery.

Carriage Factory, corner of Vine and Chestnut streets. George D. Delauder established this business September 1, 1872, in a small building that had been used for a stable in the alley just back of the present post office, and in 1873 moved his business to where it is now located. This industry is one of the most important in La Rue. In it is manufactured annually fifty buggies and wagons, giving employment to eight men the year round. The factory occupies three buildings. The wood, paint and trimming shop is two stories, 24x65 feet, blacksmith shop 20x40 feet, and a two-story building, 20x48, for a repository and finishing room. The business amounts to about $10,000 per annum.

La Rue Wood-Beading Works. - These works were established in 1868 by C. Bechtold, and in 1870 the present buildings were erected at a cost of $6,000. They are situated on Front street, and are 25x100 feet in size and two stories high. Mr. Bechtold came to La Rue in 1856 and ran a wagon shop till 1870, since which date he has devoted his attention to his present business. He employs live men the year round and manufactures shafts, felloes, buggy bows, buggy poles and other kinds of bent work. His work finds ready sale in the principal cities of the East, and some of it has reached Europe. The annual sales amount* to $10,000.

Warehouse. - A small warehouse was built on the site of the La Rue elevator by Horace Roberts. It was owned by two or three parties, and finally was purchased and enlarged by J. L. Franklin, who ran it from 1860 to 1872, at which time it passed into the possession of N. S. Banning, and subsequently into the hands of Ezra Anderson. It was destroyed by fire May 24, 1876.

La Rue Elevator Company. - This company was organized July 6, 1878, principally through the instrumentality of Messrs. Hopkins & Leonard. Twenty-four stockholders composed the organization as follows: Hopkins & Leonard, G. W. Virden, Robert Hay ward, A. Robinson, E. Gillespie, J. F. Marsh, E. Anderson and John Bain, Luke Lenox, W. R. Morris, Charles Blow, C. H. Topliff, M. S. Burdge, J. W. Thew & Bro. , J. A. Mouser, J. D. Guthery, John Jones, Elijah Rizor, T. P. Dodd, \Y. L. Robb, Charles Noyes, Thomas Ward, William La Rue and S. A. and W. E. Guthery. John Bain was chosen President, J. J. Hopkins, Secretray, and Luke Lenox. Treasurer. J. J. Hopkins, J. F. Marsh and J. A. Mouser were made Directors. The incorporated stock of this company was $3,000.

They erected a steam elevator, two stories high and 35x65 feet on the ground, which cost $3,000. It has a capacity of 12,000 bushels. It was first leased to Ramsey & Colton, and after nine months A. C. Ramsey, of this firm, leased and ran it till 1880, when S. H. White, of Upper Sandusky, rented it. In 1882, DeWolfe & Gregory took charge of it, which firm continued till June 20, 1883, when S. E. DeAVolfe became the sole lessee. This elevator does an annual business of $100,000. All the grain is shipped to Eastern markets, principally to Philadelphia and Baltimore. The present officers of this company are Isaac F. Guthery, President; J. J. Hopkins, Secretary, and Luke Lenox, Treasurer. Directors are John Jones, J.

The La Rue Mills were built by Ludlow & Elliott. The mills are two and a half stories high, and with the saw mill in connection, cost $7,000.

G. C. Allinger was employed as miller, who, February 7, 1866, bought out Ludlow's interest, and the firm of Elliott & Allinger continued one year, and Charles Quigley was admitted as a partner, changing the name to Elliott, Allinger & Co. This firm lasted till the spring of 1867. when Allinger & Quigley bought Elliott's interest. The mills have four run of buhrs, and have a capacity of twenty- four barrels per day. In 1880, the " new process" was added, and they manufacture custom and merchant flour of good quality.

The first drug store in La Rue was opened by Jones & Man ley, from Circleville, Ohio, in 1866. After changing hands several times, this store was destroyed by fire March 31, 1870. \Y. J. Campbell is the present druggist.

Leonard Rhodes & Co., merchants of La Rue, carry as large a stock as any store in Marion. They have two large stores, one devoted to dry goods and the other to the sale of ready-made clothing; their sales amount annu ally to $40,000 and upward, carrying from $20,000 to $25,000 stock. These gentlemen are deservedly popular.

The first undertaker in La Rue was Hiram Mills, who came in August, 1851; wont away in 1854; was here again from 1857 to 1863, and 1868 to the present time.

Shipping Cattle. - In 1875, Levi Nichols came from Buffalo, N. Y., for the purpose of buying cattle for the Buffalo market. Mr. J. F. Marsh became associated as a buyer, and within one year they bought and shipped to Baltimore $46,000 worth of cattle and all within a radius of ten miles of La Rue.

Altogether there are about sixty business establishments in La Rue, and the average standing of the men is high, doing as much business as any town of the same population in this part of the country. The annual commercial and manufacturing business is estimated at $350,000.

The first M. D. to locate in La Rue was a Dr. Wilkins, who came in 1848. He practiced here about three years and moved to Marseilles, but returned to La Rue in 1854. In 1856, he went to Chicago. He was a successful physician, atid was generally esteemed. Milton Patten came in 1850, and after four years of practice, went to Missouri and finally returned to Marion County and now follows his profession at Green Camp.

Dr. Olds was the next to locate here, coming in the fall of 1851, and in the following year went to Marion, where he died with the cholera in 1854

In 1850-51, Dr. Warner established himself here. He was an excellent physician. His efficient professional career was suddenly terminated by death from cholera during a business visit to Marion in 1854.

Dr. Joshua Copeland began the practice of medicine here May 31, 1852, and continued until October, 1882. Dr. P. W. Lee came in 1857 from Salem, Ohio. He practiced till 1861, when he entered the army as Second Lieutenant in the Eighty-second Begiment of Ohio Volunteers. He served one year and returned to La Rue, and a year or so later removed to Essex; thence to Salem, from which place he came.

La Rue Cemetery

This burial place was laid out in lots in the year 1857. It comprised about one acre of ground, which was purchased by subscription of John Bonner. It is situated on the west side of the Scioto, and affords a very appropriate place for the interment of the dead. The first burial was that of Mrs. Cynthia La Rue, which occurred November 10, 1857. Maj. La Rue, Lewis Topliff and many other pioneers of Montgomery, repose here. At a very early day a graveyard was started on Lot No. 68, and among those who sleep within its silent walls are William Little and wife, Moses Van Fleet and wife, George Johnson, Mrs. Elizabeth Brine, Almira C. Little (formerly Miss La Rue) and child, Lyman Little and wife, and other early settlers. It was finally abandoned and donated by Maj. La Rue as a site for the Baptist Church.

La Rue Fire Department

The fire department was organized in February, 1878, consisting of sixty-eight of the citizens of the town. C. Bechtold was elected Chief of the department. In January, previous to the organization, an engine was purchased of Ramsey & Co., of Seneca Falls, N. Y: The engine, hose carriage and 500 feet of hose were secured at a cost of $958. W. E. Parker was chosen Foreman of the engine company, and W. H. Hoke Foreman of the hose company. In 1878, W. E. Parker was elected Chief of the department, and has since served in that capacity. A frame engine house was erected in 1878 on Lot 63, at a cost of $360. The department enjoys the advantage of four large cisterns and three hydrants, which furnish water from the water tank of the Cleveland, Columbus, Cincinnati & Indianapolis Railroad.

Fires. - The fire department is very efficient. Since its organization, only one building has been consumed, namely, that of George Seibert, in January, 1883, entailing a loss of $1,000. The principal fires have been the following: April 1, 1870, a fire broke out in the drug store of Manley' & Campbell and consumed both it and the whole block of which it was a part; loss, $10,000. It was very windy at the time, and there was no fire department. July 7, following, a fire originated in Gregg's store on Lot 46, and spread from the hotel to the dwelling on Lot 45, covering the whole space now occupied by the brick block; loss, $5,000. In the fall of 1877. Anderson's elevator was burned; loss, $1,600.

Post Office

The post office at La Rue was established February 15, 1853, with George W. DeLong as Postmaster. The following is a list of Postmasters with date of appointment, viz.: Norton S. Banning, May 21, 1857; William C. De Long, August 29, 1861; John L. Frederick, December 12, 1864; John J. Hopkins, November 29, 1867; James H. Leonard, March 31, 1869; James M. Wood, July 25, 1881; William E. Parker, March 21, 1883. During the quarter ending June 30, 1883, about 7,000 letters and postal cards were mailed at this office, being at the rate of about 30,000 a year.

La Rue Schools

The first schoolhouse within the corporation of La Rue was a log structure, which was used till 1846, when a frame was erected on the east part of Maj. La Rue's farm, now on the south side of Market street. It was, some years after, destroyed, and a frame was erected on Lot 15. This was maintained as a district school till 1865, when it was organized as a Union school, Lewis Topliff. T. S. Miller and H. P. De Long constituting the Board of Directors. A two-story frame schoolhouse in the shape of a " T " was erected on High street, on the south end of Maj. La Rue's First Addi- tion. The building and grounds, which comprise three acres, cost $5,000. In 1882, a two-story frame building was erected on the southeast corner of the lot, and the lower room is occupied by the primary department.

Maj. La Rue donated a lot each to the Free-Will Baptist, Methodists Episcopal, Presbyterian and Catholic Churches, and gave $10 to each church in addition, thus exhibiting a very liberal spirit.

La Rue {formerly Montgomery) Free-Will Baptist Church. - This society, as before noted, was organized in Topliff's mill, November 29, 1845, by Rev. G. W. Baker, where meetings had been conducted for a week or two by Revs. G. W. and O. E. Baker, of Marion, and K. Higgins. The first members were K. F. and Amelia Higgins, Lewis and Susan Topliff, H. Mustain, Joseph and Sarah Anderson, Cornelia Barns, Patience Vesey, John Bonner, John and Mary King, and one other, numbering thirteen in all. The first Trustees were K. F. Higgins, John Bormer and Jonathan Myers; Lewis Topliff, Clerk. Meetings were held at Maj. La Rue's residence and barn, Topliff s mill, and then in meeting-houses. The first church building was erected in 1850, 24x46, on the site of their present church, at a <x>st of $800. The new church was erected in 1877, at a cost of $6,500. The pastors have been Revs. G. W. Baker, K. F. Higgins, S. H. Moon, S. D. Bates, D. D. Halsted, S. L. Collier, C. O. Parmenter, R. J. Poston, four years; B. F. Zell since 1878. There are now forty-seven members. Deacons, John Bonner and Samuel Hopkins.

Presbyterian Church. - In the history of Bowling Green Township, an account is given of the organization of this church in 1843. Their building was moved to La Rue in 1862, upon a lot given by Maj. La Rue for a Presbyterian Church, on High street. Here they worshiped until 1881. since which time they have held services in the Free -Will Baptist Church. The present membership is thirty-six. Thomas S. Miller and J. F. Marsh are the Ruling Elders.

Evans, I. N. Shepard, A. S. Thorn, W. H. Honnell, L. D. Smith, S. A. Hummer and A. B. Struthers. Of the original members, all are dead but Mrs. Gilmer, who is now eighty-two years of age, being born June 22, 1801, near West Union, Adams Co., Ohio, and came to this county in 1842.

Secret Societies

La Rue Lodge, No. 435, F. & A. M. - This was organized May 18, 1872. by -I. A. Rodgers and A. P. Cutting. The following were the first officers:

A. P. Cutting, W. M. ; S. A. Guthrie, S. W. ; Luke Lenox, J. W. ; J. H. Leonard, Secretary; Henry Thew, S. D ; G. F. Riley, J. L\; C. W. Knapp, Tiler. There is now a membership of sixty and the present officers are: Luke Lenox, W. M.; T. P. Dodd, 8. W.; W. L Marsh, J. W. ; G. C. Allinger, Treasurer; W. A. Rhodes, Secretary, A. J. Anderson, S. D. ; S. G. Long, J. D. ; J. Hazlett, Tiler; H. Thew and B. F. Stivers, Stewards.

Washington Camp, No. 46, P. O. S. of A. - This is a camp of the " Patriotic Order of the Sons of America," whose object is the inculcation of the American principles of political government.fijPreliminary meetings were held in M. B. Chase's law office December 14 and 27, now the hall of the camp, in the brick block, over C. F. Seffners & Bro.'s store. A dispensation was granted January 3, 1881, and a camp organized by Frederick Haberman and George L. Phelps, with the following membership: M.

C. Bireley, W. H. Cleveland, R. J. Myers, A. McCrary, E. Meek. C. Hill. B. A. Walters, C. H. Topliff, J. F. Keeler, F. E. English, Edward Stivers, George Long, F. Long, William Heybeck, C. N. Little, T. L. Leonard. Edward Mealey, N. A. Showen, F. C. Judd and J. D. Henkle. The officers were: T. L. Leonard, P. P.; M. B. Chase, P.; J. H. Hinkle, Y. P.; J. M. Hoffa, M. of F. & C. ; A. McCrary, Recording Secretary; F. E. English. Financial Secretary; W. H. Cleveland, Treasurer; F. C. Judd, Cond. ; Edward Mealey, I. G. ; E. Meek, O. G. ; Edward Stivers, Assistant Secretary; William Heybeck, R. Sent. ; Robert J. Meyers, L. Sent. ; J. A. Mouser. Chaplain; and M. B. Chase, J. M. Hoffa and H C. Bireley, Trustees.

Day Lodge, No. 328, I. 0. O. F. - Prior to organization, several preliminary meetings were held. Dispensation was received from the Grand Lodge early in the summer of 1857, when the members consisted of T. S. and H S. Miller, M. J. Burdge, Christ Mackley and William Mc- Claren. The lodge was organized August 31. 1857, by William Chidsey, in the carpenter shop of T. S. & H. S. Miller. The meetings are now held in their nicely furnished hall on the southwest corner of Market and High streets, Saturdav evenings. The first officers were: Christ Mackley, N. G. ; H. S. Miller, Y. G. ; M. J. Burdge, Secretary; William McClaren, Treasurer; T. S. Miller, R. S. N. G. Present number of mem-

Temperance

The first well defined temperance movement in La Rue was the organization of the Good Templars in 1865, Hiram Mills, W. C. T. It prospered until the winter of 1866, when the "Ohio Broadaxe," Rev. Chance, delivered a course of six lectures in the old Baptist Church. The lodge met every night and took in the new converts, from eight to fifteen; so that by the close of the week its numbers had increased from about thirty to nearly a hundred, among them nearly all the worst drinkers in the community. Then a hall was fixed up in costly style and the treasury depleted until the dues to the Grand Lodge could not be paid. It kept up meetings until the fall of 1867, when it underwent total extinction.

During the fall and winter of 1866-67, a joint-stock company was formed to enforce the laws, and with the aid of the Good Templars, some prosecutions were instituted, a few of which were sustained. But the cause of temperance from the legal standpoint went by fits and starts from that time onward. A lodge of the Sons of Temperance and a society auxiliary to the State Temperance Alliance have each existed here a short time.

Among the revivals was the " woman's crusade " of 1874, which did not result in a signal victory, although some liquor sellers were persuaded to discontinue their illegal business. After a time, a kind of moral suasion educational society was formed, which had a few ups and downs and then died; and now there is no so-called temperance society in La Rue, although the churches and some of the secret societies inculcate temperance, that is in the sense of total abstinence from intoxicating liquors. Prohibition and total abstinence sentiment is strong, and is thought by its friends to be on the increase.

Municipal Officers

Treasurers of the Village. - T. S. Miller was elected Treasurer at its incorporation and served till 1875, during which year William Seffner tilled the office. In 1876, T. S. Miller was re-elected, served one year and was succeeded by John J. Hopkins, who filled the office till 1881, when W. J. Campbell was elected, serving till 1883; then John A. Vanorsdall was elected, the present incumbent.

Col. William Cochran was born in old Virginia, and removed to Ross County, Ohio, thence to Montgomery Township in 1822. He lived here till 1837-38, and removed with his family to La Grange County, Ind. , and died there. Cochranton, named after Col. Cochran, was started first by Samuel Franklin, who built a log cabin. Col. Cochran came in 1822 and occupied it a short time, then built a frame, 18x20 feet in size. The post office was established previous to 1828, and Col. Cochran was appointed Postmaster, and served until he went West, keeping the post office at his house. Alexander Gillespie was then appointed and served two or three years. Frazier Gray, a Revolutionary soldier, succeeded him and served till his death, which occurred some ten years after.

Heman Scott came and bought 120 acres of Col. Cochran's farm and started a store in 18-44-45, and the place then took the name of Scott Town, while the post office retains the old name of Cochranton. In 1851, Mr. Scott went to Calif ornia; other merchants were subsequently Thomas Mahan, Allen De Long and W. C. De Long, for about four years: John Kennedy, three or four years; A. W. Buell and others. The present dry goods merchants are John Holstotter and John Grubb. Dr. Stroup is the physician and druggist. There are two blacksmith shops and one church building, occupied by the Methodists.

The Methodist Episcopal Church at this place was organized in the spring of 1868 at the schoolhouse, by John Sites (Seitz?), with eleven members, among whom were W. A. Butler, C. Postles, M. J. Webb, J. H. Mason, H. C. Mason, C. Sprague, S. Pixley, W. R. Hatfield, H. Brown, E. Brown and Jane Gray. The official members were W. A. Butler and J. H. Mason. For about three years the meetings were held in the schoolhouse, and since then in the church, which was erected in 1871, in size 32x 48, at a cost of $3,000. The pastors have been J. Parlett, 1868-69; C. Weaver, 1869-70; D. B. Rinehart, 1870-72; V. Staley, 1872-73; R. Hager, 1873-74; E. H. Cammann, 1874 to 1876; M. L. Senters, 1876-77; C. M. Birdsall, 1877-78; J. Williams, 1878 to 1880; P. T. Webster, 1880 to 1883. The present membership is sixty, and the official members are J. Clark, William Robinson, H. M. Virden, J. B. Virden, W. M. Davis and J. H. Mason. The ecclesiastical year begins and ends in September.

Salem Presbyterian Church. - Preliminary meetings of this denomination were held here previous to 1830, at the schoolhouse near J. McElvy's, by Rev. Barber; it was a missionary station. The church was first organized in 1843, at the Union Chiu-ch, two miles east of Scott Town, by Rev. A. C. Miller. It consisted of twelve members, viz. : John McElvy, Mary McElvy, Smith Frame, W. J. Virden, Sarah Virden, Ovington and Jane Day, Sarah Hewett, Harriet Wheeler, Mrs. Neff, Miss R. McElvy and Mrs. L. Frame. The first official members were John McElvy, Smith Frame and W. J. Virden. The Union Church building was erected about 1836; size, 30x40 feet. In this house the Presbyterian Church meets. The pastors have been Revs. Barber, Cratty, Miller, Braner, Templeton, Thorn, Smith, Lynn and Struthers. There are now probably about fourteen members. W. J. Virden is the Ruling Elder and is the only one of the original members now living here. Sunday school has been kept up most of the time.

Frame Cemetery

rods south of Scott Town, on the east side of the creek. Smith Frame at first donated one acre of ground for the purpose, and since then one acre has been added.

This place has also had the names of " Carey Station, " " Belfast " and " New Bloomington." Its oldest name is derived from that of two men, W. W. and Wingate Carey, who, in 1856, laid out the village. The former laid out the lots on the east side of Main street, south of the railroad, and the latter that portion lying east of Main street north of the railroad. At the same time Carey Darlington laid out the west side north of the railroad, and Armstrong M. Small wood the part south of the railroad west side of Main. The last named died May 20, 18 - , and Dr. A. W. Buell bought the property of the widow, cut the lots into different shapes and sizes, laid out other lots and lived here until 1880, when he went away.

Some years after the first platting of the village, each of ' the Careys made an addition, W. W. Carey donating a lot to the Methodist Episcopal Church. When the Bellefontaine & Indiana Railroad wa3 built through here there was but one house at the point, a log cabin, and W. W. Carey erected the first frame house, and also the first store and warehouse. The village was known as Carey until 18 - , when it was changed to New Bloomington, and in 1879 the station was changed to Belfast, while the post office continued as New Bloomington, until April 1, 1883, when both office and station were changed to Agosta.

The first dry goods and grocery store was opened by W. W. Carey and A. and George H. Smallwood, under the firm name of Carey & Smallwoods. In two or three years they sold out to George R. and AVingate L. Carey, who conducted business under the name of Carey Bros, one year, and then sold to Russel De Long and A. M. Smallwood. De Long soon sold his interest to Smallwood, who prosecuted the business until his death.

In 1871, James Elliott came from Marion and established a general store where the hotel now stands, and in February, 1872, sold out to T. R. Shinn, also from Marion. During the summer, he built the store room on the corner of Main and Buell streets, at a cost of $2,800, and commenced business in it in October, in the line of dry goods and clothing. In April, 1880, he sold out and bought the storehouse on the southwest corner of Main and Buell streets, where he sold groceries, queensware, boots and shoes. This building was erected in 1878 by Lewis Merriman, of Kenton, at a cost of $2,500. Mr. Merriman, and his son-in-law, David Roby, as the firm of Merriman & Roby, carried on mercantile business until the fall of 1879, and sold to John Byers, who, in turn, in A|jril, 1880, sold to T. R. Shinn. The latter, in April, 1883, sold to Bathard & Taft, of Mount Gilead, who bought both stores and still run them.

In 1875, B. B. Hathaway erected a two-story building and rented it to Anderson & Hite, who did business one year and sold their stock to T. R. Shinn, and soon after L. Merriman placed a stock under the charge of Uncapher Bros. The store was then occupied by La Rue & Roderick, who sold to T. J. Bish in the fall of 1882, the present merchant.

In 1879, the station house was built, at a cost of $1,000, of which $300 was donated by the village. The amount of business done at this station may be indicated by the following figures: During the first half of this year (1883), 790, 145 pounds of freight were received here, being an average of 131,691 pounds a month; and 1,776,587 pounds forwarded, or 296,098 pounds a month. During the year 1882, $2,012.43 worth of passenger tickets were sold.

Dr. W. S. Paul was the first physician in the place. Dr. S. B. Marshall has been practicing here a number of years, and in 1882, he opened a drug store. The first drug store here was started by William M. Reed.

The Methodist Episcopal Church has a membership here of 100. Rev. L. O. Cook is pastor. Their house of worship was erected in 1875, at a cost of $1,500.

Educational

The " New Bloomington Union School District" was organized in 1875. Two acres were purchased of Wingate Carey, Sr., and in 1876 a school building was erected, at a cost of $2, 500, and was furnished with the latest improved furniture at an expense of $1,000. At that time, the School Board comprised A. W. Buell, C. W. Powelson and A. W. Ward. Since their organization in 1876, there has been expended for the union schools an aggregate of $8,774.90, being an average of $1,253. 70 per year. The schools have an average attendance of 110. There are three departments. The Principals have been Hattie Hudson, 1876-77; J. Q. Codding, 1877-78; Frank Umphreys, 1878 to 1880; O. B. Zell, 1880-81; A. N. La Rue, 1881- 82; M. F. Dutton, 1882-83; C. R. Marshall, 1883; M. F. Dutton, 1883- 84.

Mayors Of New Bloomington, Now Agosta

The post office was established May 14, 1857. Following is a list of the Postmasters of Agosta, with the dates of their appointment: Armstrong M. Smallwood, June 28, 1864; William B. Smallwood, December 14, 1865; Abraham W. Buell, August 26, 1872. February 5, 1883, the name of the post office was changed to Agosta, and March 2 following, T. R. Shinn was appointed Postmaster.

In the following pages, many of the pioneers and prominent citizens of Montgomery are referred to. Each sketch has a direct bearing upon the history of the township, being in itself a record of a settler who aided in raising it from the wilderness state to its present prominent position among the divisions of Marion County:

(Bentz) Allinger, came with their family of seven children, including our subject, to the United States in 1847. The names of the children were as follows: Jacob, Christiana, Josephine, Christina, Gottlieb E., Gottlob C. and Catharine. They had one child, Mary, born in Ohio. The family, on their arrival, located on a farm near Sydney, Shelby Co., Ohio. The father died on this farm in 1878. His widow now resides with a daughter at Sydney. The subject of this sketch lived on a farm until thirteen years of age, since which time he has worked at the milling business. In November, 1865, he came to La Rue, and in February, I860, he bought a half interest in the La Rue Flouring Mill, with David Elliott as a partner, under the firm name of Elliott & Allinger. The same year, Charles Quigley was admitted as a partner, and the firm became Elliott, Al linger & Co. The last part of the year 1866, Elliott sold his interest to his partners, and the firm became Allinger & Quigley. Their grist mill has four run of stone, and a capacity for grinding 200 bushels of wheat and 180 bushels of corn every twenty four hours; they also operate a saw mill, and get out on an average 700,000 feet of lumber per annum; they employ, ir both establishments, five men the year around. An eighty - horse-power engine furnishes the power for running both establishments; they do general custom and milling business, and sell to the retail trade of the vicinity. Mr. Allinger enlisted in September, 1861, at Sydney, Ohio, in Company F, Twentieth Regiment Ohio Volunteer Infantry, and served three years and ten months, being mustered out at the close of the war at Louisville, Ky. , in July, 1865. He was then Orderly Sergeant of his company. He participated in about thirty battles, first at Ft. Donelson, under Grant, up to the siege of Vicksburg, and afterward was iu Sherman's army on its famous march to the sea. Mr. Allinger was married, in the fall of 1867, to Lydia J. Little, and they reside in La Rue Village. He is a Republican, and has served the village and township in various local offices, among which is that of Trustee, member of the School Board, Councilman, etc. He is also a member of the F. & A. M. and of the G. A. R.

DAVID AMRINE was born in Leesburg Township, Union Co., Ohio, May 28, 1853, the son of Henry and Margaret (Moore) Amrine, of German ancestry, and natives of the same county. They were the parents of three children - David, Frank and Melissa A., who died about 1866. David Amrine, having obtained a moderate education, remained with his father, farming, until the spring of 1883, when he entered the firm of Hastings & Co., at La Rue, Ohio. He is a respectable citizen, a member of the F. & A. M. order, and a Republican in politics.

EZRA ANDERSON, hardware merchant, is a native of Montgomery Township, a son of Joseph Anderson, and was born March 17, 1843. Mr. Anderson was reared to the life of a farmer, and was married, January 18, 1872, to Susan Baldwin, a daughter of James and Ellen Baldwin, of Bowling Green. In 1874. he came to La Rue, where he followed the business of buying and shipping grain for eighteen months, when his warehouse and all it contained was destroyed by fire, the total loss being $6,000, though $1,600 was his individual loss. After this, he was engaged in the wool business, in partnership with J. F. Marsh. August 1 of the same year, he lost his wife by death; she left two children - an infant, since deceased, and Sadie D. After the death of his wife, Mr. Anderson returned to his farm, where he remained till October, 1882, when he returned to La Rue and formed a partnership with William Marsh to carry on the hardware business, under the firm name of E. Anderson & Co. Thev have the largest store, and carry the heaviest stock of hardware goods kept in the village, averaging $10,000. Mr. Anderson was married again, April 26, 1883, to Ella M. Marsh, a daughter of J. F. Marsh, of La Hue. Mr. A. is a member of Day Lodge, No. 328, 1. O. O. F., and of the Richwood Encampment.

JOSEPH ANDERSON, the father of Ezra, was a native of Pickaway County, Ohio. He came to Montgomery Township in 1833, and entered 120 acres, at $1.25 per acre, on Section 7. The county was then a wilderness, and he was obliged to cut his way through the forest from Scott Town for six miles, to make a road for his team to pass. He cleared most of this land, and at his death, which occurred March 15, 1860, owned 300 acres of land. His widow is still living, and resides at La Rue. They had a family of eleven children, six girls and five boys. Ezra Anderson is the only son now living.

MRS. SARAH ANDERSON, the widow of Joseph Anderson, a native of Pickaway County, Ohio, was born August 2, 1807; daughter of John and Patience (Mitten) Clark, of English and Irish ancestry respectively, and natives of the State of Delaware. This couple were the jDarents of twelve children, only five of whom survive, they are William, Robert, Sarah, Riley and Harriet Clark. The subject of this sketch was married, November 27, 1827, to John Anderson, son of John and Sarah Anderson, one of a family of eleven children, seven still living - Amanda H., Emily, Sarah A , Mary J., Patience R., Lettie E. and Ezra A. The names of the deceased are Amos, John, Joseph and La. Mrs. Anderson came to this county about 1830, and has recently moved from the old homestead, in whose door-yard she settled one half a century since. She is now a resident of La Rue, Ohio. Her daughter, Mary J., is living with hnr; her farm of 160 acres is under the efficient supervision of her son Ezra. Her husband departed this life in 1860. Mrs. Anderson is still strong intellectually, enjoys the respect of her neighbors, and is an exemplary member of the Christian Church.

JOHN BAIN was born in Dundee, Scotland, May 3, 1829, the son of Capt. John and Ann (Horn) Bain, who came to America in 1832, stopping two years in Marion, then six years in Grand Prairie Township, but finally permanently settled in Montgomery Township. They were blessed with seven children, three surviving - John, "William and Francis M. Christian, John. James and Ann are deceased. The father died in 1859, aged sixtysix years, the mother in 1876. aged seventy-four years. Our subject acquired his educational attainments in the very common schools of his early day, taking one academic term of John Cunningham. He then taught more or less for five years. In May, 1853, he married Eliza Scribner, daughter of Samuel and Almira (Clark) Scribner, of English descent, the former a native of New Hampshire and the latter of Connecticut. Mr. Scribner was born February 6, 1784, served in war of 1812, and died about 1878. and -his wife was born September 30, 1791, and died November 29, 1872. JVJr. and Mrs. Bain have nine children, all living - Flora A., born March 16, 1854; Milton H., September 8, 1855; Addison. May 2, 1857; Jeannette, June 5, 1861; Mary M., January 1, 1863; William F., December 25, 1864; John H., April 5, 1866; James W., January 27, 1870, and George S.s March 18, 1872. The mother, born July 12, 1833, died November 14. 1880. She was a loving mother and a devoted Christian. Mr. Bain married again, March 15, 1883, Mrs. Phebe (Rush) Robinson, widow of Loren L. Robinson, who lost his life in 1863 in the late civil war. Mr. B. began life with limited means; he has been devoting his entire attention to agricult- ure and stock-raising. He owns at present 365 acres of fine arable land, and is worth at least $18,000. He is a prominent farmer, an enthusiastic Republican, and for twenty-one consecutive years, he was magistrate of the township, Trustee a number of years, and Land Appraiser in 1800. He has held a license as local preacher for fifteen years. The portrait of Mr. Bain is given on another page of this volume.

WILLIAM BAIN, fourth son of Capt. John and Ann (Horn) Bain, is a native of Marion County, born September 5, 1837. He continues to reside upon the old homestead, where he was reared and educated. November 30, 1861, he enlisted in Company G, Eighty-second Regiment Ohio Volunteer Infantry, and participated in the following battles: McDowell. Chancellorsville (receiving here a slight wound), and Gettysburg; at this place he was taken prisoner, and marched to Stanton, W. Va., receiving at one time only a pint of flour for three days, which he prepared by boiling in a tin cup, or making in dough and roasting on a stick. He was finally transferred to Belle Isle, where, after remaining a week, he was wounded by a ball, shot through the body of a fellow soldier crossing the " dead line." He was then removed to Libby Prison Hospital, where, after a few days, he was exchanged upon parole. He rejoined his regiment November 15, 1863, and made that memorable march to the relief of Knoxville, Tenn. He re-enlisted January 1, 1864; was with his regiment in all the battles of the Atlanta campaign, gfing with " Sherman to the sea," engaging at Averysboro and Bentonville; he was honorably discharged at Louisville, Ky., July 24, 1865. During the summer of 1862, he was disabled from duty, through sickness. Returning home, he was married, November 19, 1868, to Margaret Carriher, born October 1, 1841, daughter of George and Maria (Foresman) Carriher, natives of Pennsylvania, but of German aad Irish ancestry respectively. Six children have been born to this marriage, five surviving - Eva M., born January 26. 1870; Maria A., October 27, 1876, dying March 23, 1872; MaryC., July 23, 1874; Nannie B., June 26, 1876; William G., June 22, 1879, and Nellie B., September 24, 1880. Our subject is a successful farmer, owning at present (1883) 310 acres of valuable land. He is a member of the I. O. O. F., of the G. A. R., and of the Republican pai tv.

CHRISTIAN BECHTOLD, proprietor of the wood -bending works, was born in Hesse-Darmstadt, Germany, July 9, 1835; he learned the wagon-maker's trade in Germany, and came to the United States in 1852, and located at Mt. Blanchard, in Hancock County, remaining there one winter; from thence he removed to Kenton, Hardin County, where he worked at his trade until 1866. In September of the latter year, he came to La Rue Village and opened a wagon-maker's and repair shop, which he continued until 1870, when he closed that business, since which date he has given his entire time and attention to his planing mill and wood-bending works, a business that he had established in 1868. In 1870, he built the large brick building in which this business is carried on. In this establishment is made the bent wood-work for buggy shafts, bows, poles, etc., and oth«r descriptions of bent work. The present year (1883) he is building a large frame addition to his factory. He employs five men the year round, and turns out on an average $10,000 worth of goods each year, which, when his improvements now in progress are completed, will doubtless be largely increased. Mr. Bechtold was married in December, 1854, in Kenton, Ohio, to Margaret , a native of Hesse-Cassel, Germany. They

Parker, of La Rue, and Lillie, who is living with her parents. Mr. Bechtold is a birth-right member of the Lutheran Church; has served the village in various positions, such as member of the Board of Councilmen, etc., and is one of the most enterprising citizens in the village.

JOHN C. BECHTOLD, sole proprietor of the wagon and carriage works at La Rue, Ohio, was born in Germany June 24, 1849, the son of George and Anna (Berzenser) Bechtold, who came to America in 1863, settling where our subject now resides. They were the parents of six children - Earhart (deceased), Christian, Henry, Susan, Mary and John C. J. C. obtained a practical education, and in his fifteenth year commenced to learn his trade, finishing it at Rochester, N. Y. , when ag^d nineteen years. April 8, 1875, he married at Kenton, Ohio, Mary Krabeill, daughter of Sigman and Lizzie (Peoffer) Krabeill, natives of Germany. Two children were added to this family - Maggie, born March 17, 1878, and "William, born January 17, 1881. Mr. Bechtold established himself in business in 1876, manufacturing both wagons and carriages at this place, giving employment at present to seven hands. His honest and faithful workmanship has given him an enviable reputation not only in this county, but in counties adjoining. Mrs. Bechtold belongs to the Lutheran Church, and he is a member of the F. & A. M., No. 463. In politics he is a Republican.

JACOB BERGER, first son of John P. and Annie Berger, was born in the " Fatherland " September 12, 1823, and came to America in 1852, stopping in New York City six years, engaged in the grocery and provision trade. He then moved to this county, Pleasant Township, purchasing a farm. In 1860, he went to New Bloomington. May 26, 1850, he married Barbara Roning, born February 14, 1830, a daughter of John Roning, and four children have been born to them, two living - Christena and Kate. Mr. Berger is an industrious citizen, having 145 acres of arable land, from which he retired in 1875, engaging in the hardware business at New Bloomington. In 187(J, h« sold this stock to Benjamin Severns. He is identified with the Democratic party, and, with his wife, with the German Reformed Church.

DAVID BIRCH, third son of Martin J. and Christian (Bain) Birch (see next sketch), was born July 18, 1853. He was married in his twentyfifth year to Emily A. Miller, daughter of Green and Caroline (Frederick) Miller. Two children have crowned this union - Vay W. (born September 3, 1878) and Bertha V. (born January 9, 1880). Mr. Birch obtained a good education, going one term to Delaware College, three to Lebanon Normal School and one to Valparaiso, Ind. He has established for himself quite a reputation as a teacher having taught in all twenty terms. He commenced in life with limited resources, but has inherited a small amount, and owns at present 120 acres. He is an energetic and well-to-do farmer; still teaches during the winter months, and is an enthusiastic Democrat.

MARTIN JACKSON BIRCH, born October 17, 1824, is in the fiftyninth year of his age. He came into this (Montgomery) township, with his parents on the 15th day of February, 1835. Although a boy of ten years, he began his experience as a pioneer in the "big woods," as at that time there was scarcely a tree cut in the township. They were the ninth family to come in as "settlers." The first thing, then, in order (the household effects being unloaded by the roots of a beech tree), was to prepare a shanty to sleep in, which was done by cutting some poles and fixing them up beside a big log. No sooner was the shanty completed and all comfortably seated within, than nature tendered them a hearty welcome, in the form of a rain, which continued to pour down in torrents during the night. About a week later, they were ready to build a "cabin." They had cut small logs, and cleared away a small patch of brush, and now they procured a few men from around Scott Town, and carried the logs together, built a hut, and covered it with clapboards. During the winter season, they would clear as much ground as they could, and in the spring dig around among the roots with a hoe, plant a little corn, and attend it with the same implement. For the first year or two. they would go to the " plains " to work for corn, getting two bushels for a day's labor, and " tote " it home on their backs. Those who were wealthy enough to afford an old horse could take their corn to Big Island to the horse mill and get it ground for bread; those who had no horse, after carrying their hard earned grist home, must dig a hole out of a log, and pound the corn with a pestle until they could sift out some of the finest for meal, and use the rest for hominy. For meat they would take the gun and kill a deer, which was readily found at no great distance. The first thing to market was maple sugar and molasses. After sugar- making was over, the father and sons would each take a sack of sugar upon his back, walk to Marion. " sell out " for 6 to 9 cents per pound, and take pay in merchandise, at the merchant's own price, walk home again with another back-load, feeling thankful that they had done so well. Every man had free access to the woods for his stock, and as a natural consequence, every man had sotnn stock that was more or less wild. In autumn, a buyer would come to some central point and give out word that he would pay from 1 to 1| cents a pound for hogs on foot. Each man would deliver his hogs at some named point on the road, where they were weighed in the following manner: A pole about ten feet long was used as a pry over some object as a fulcrum. At the short end of the pole was tied a rope, in which were hooked a pair of large steelyards; at the other end was a man to " swing up " the hog and handle the pole. The breeching was then taken oft' the harness, the hogs were caught by two or three men. who would hook them up in the breeching, and in this manner the whole drove was weighed, one hog at a time. The weights were taken down when called out by the weighman, by a man with a pencil and paper. After all were weighed and paid for, it was the duty of every man (except those well on in years), to help take the drove to Scott Town, whence they made their final start for Philadelphia or Pittsburgh. In those days, to be an expert at driving hogs one must be strong, athletic and long-winded. When a hog got his " bristles up," and would not go in the right direction, he was caught and held by dogs, while a man sewed his eyes shut. After this, he was led back to the drove, and could not again be forced away. Cattle were driven over the mountains in large droves, wheat was hauled to Sandusky City in wagons, and sold at 55 to 75 cents per bushel. A man who had two wagonloads of wheat to sell was considered a big farmer. Schools were then unknown, consequently Mr. Birch, like others of his day, had but small opportunity of acquiring an education. However, he improved what little chance he had, by studying at night, after working hard all day in the clearing. He would carry home a load of shell bark hickory for light and fuel by which to study. By this means, in connection with a few terms of subscription school in after years, he obtained a sufficient education to teach a common school and to conduct business in after life. February 15, 1847, Mr. Birch was married to Christina Bain, who was born in Dundee, Scotland, May 8, 1822, and emigrated to Marion County with her parents, John and Anna Bain, in 1837, and died July 2, 186*), aged thirty-four years one month and twenty. nine days. By this union were George Mills Birch (born November 26, 1848, and died September 17, 1852, aged three years nine months and twenty-one days), Sandy Clark Birch (born January 18, 1852, died September 2, 1852, aged seven months and fourteen days), David Birch (bom July 18, 1858, is stiil living) and Sarepta Ann Birch (born December 20, 1854, died May 26, 1882, aged twenty-seven years five months and six days). After the death of his wife, Mr. Birch again married, and in March, 1878, with his family, including his wife, five daughters and two sons, removed to Jewell County, Kan., where he still lives in the fifty ninth year of his age. Such is a sketch only of a few of the trials and inconveniences of pioneer life in the early history of Montgomery Township, and, as with his township, so has it been with a large portion of the territory over which this history extends. How wide the difference between that and the present time! Industry and frugality on the part of the early settlers have wrought a great change, and, as a result, bow glorious the advantages of the present and future over those of the past. Our fathers have made the country what it is to-day. They have perfoimed the laborious task of clearing away the vast forests, and reducing the fields to a state of cultivation. They have borne the trials of the pioneer, that we, their children, may reap the rewards their labor has bought. As we raise our eyes from these pages to fall upon the few pioneers who still remain, and behold them bowed down with the laboi's they have performed, gray with the trials and cares of time, one by one dropping off to eternity, it is then we realize the great debt of gratitude we owe to them. It is then we read with grateful hearts and cherish this memento as a gift well suited to our wants. »

ELLIS W. BROWN was born in Grand Township September 24, 1852. the son of Hamilton and Ellen (Clifton) Brown, natives of Ireland and Ohio respectively. He came to America when aged seven, acquired a fair education, and married, March 16, 1882, Miss Eliza Yirden, daughter of William and Elizabeth (King) Virden, residents of Missouri. They, the latter, are the parents of six children - Eliza, Jackson, Marion, Collier. George and Emmett. Mr. Brown has been farming and rearing stock for some time, having, with his father, at present 750 head of sheep, and much other stock. He is an industrious citizen and a wide awake Democrat.

MARSHALL S. BLRDGE, first son of John H. and Margaret (Schooleyi Eurdge, was born August 19, 1845, at Columbia, N. J., at the village school of which place he was educated. He clerked in his father's store until his eighteenth year, when the family moved to Marion County, settling in Montgomery Township January 22, 1864. April 11, 1868, Mr. Burdge married Betty B. Yesey, daughter of James and Jane (Demoss) Vesey, and they have since had nine childien. viz , Farnie R., Lide N., Laura B., Sallie G., James V., Anna M., Avis C. , Margaret J. and Margaret Tope; the last three are deceased. Mr. Burdge began life with nothing but his innate energy, which has developed for him a valuable farm of 105 acres, and accumulated other property. He is a Democrat, and stands high in the estimation of the community.

W. J. CAMPBELL, druggist at La Rue. is a native of New York City, and was bora November 24. 1840. His father, Charles Campbell, was a native of Ireland, and died in New York City, leaving a widow and two children, John C. and W. J. The widow subsequently married William Campbell, a brother to her former husband, and the family moved to Ohio in March. 1852. They first settled on a farm in Grand Township; then moved to Montgomery Township, where Mr. Campbell died. There was one son by her second marriage, C. C. Campbell, who lives with bis mother at Marion, where she resides. W J. Campbell's drug store was established in 1866, by Jones & Manly, of Circleville, Ohio. Mr. Jones retained his interest but one year, and Mr. Manly conducted the business alone until 1869, when W. J. Campbell bought a one- third interest in the business. The firm was burnt out March 31, 1870, at a loss of .$2,500. They opened out in another room, and were burned out again July 8, 1870, at a loss of $2,000. The firm starte ! up again, and continued their business as before until February 13, 1873, when Mr. Campbell bought out Manly's interest, since which time the business has been owned and successfully conducted by W. J. Campbell. The brick building in which he keeps his store was built in 1871, by B. W. Miller, and is now owned by Mr. Campbell; he keeps a full line of drugs, medicines and fancy articles, and carefully compounds and fills prescriptions. Mr. Campbell is a highlyesteemed citizen of La Rue, and, although he lives in a Democratic township, he is a Republican, and has served two terms as its Treasurer and Clerk, and as Treasurer of the Village Corporation three years, Treasurer of the School Board three years, and member of the School Board four years. Mr. Campbell is a member of the La Rue Lodge No. 463, F. & A. M. He was married July 2, 1868, to Minerva D. Owens; they have one child. John C. Campbell, a brother of W. J., served in rhe war of the great rebellion on the Union side. He enlisted August 11, 1862, in Company D, Ninety-sixth Regiment Ohio Volunteer Infantry, and while in action at the battle of Baton Rouge, La., November 3, 1863, was wounded by a musket ball, which passed through the left lung; this wound caused his death, which occurred the next day, November 4, 1863.

JAMES CHURCH was born in Meigs County, Ohio, September 10, 1845, and is a son of Oliver and Mary (La Rue) Church, of English de scent, and natives of Maine and Ohio respectively. They came to the above county when our subject was six years of age. Having obtained a fair education, he married, September 17, 1868, Miss Lizzie Frazer, who was born November 2, 1844. She is a daughter of Thomas and Elizabeth (Hartle) Frazer, the former of Scotch and the latter of English ancestry, and natives of Ohio and Pennsylvania respectively; they were pioneers in Wyandot County. Mr. Frazer died July 14, 1851, aged fifty-one years; his widow died December 17, 1862, aged fifty-five years. They were the parents of nine children, six living - Sarah, Minerva, Susan, Thomas J., Lizzie and ElazineN. ; the deceased are Alfred, Addison and Adam. He was known in his day as a strong Whig. Mr. and Mrs. Church are the parents of three children - Mary E., born September 17, 1872; Eurie B. , born March 27, 1876; and Sidney R., born April 13, 1870, and died July 29, 1871. Oar subject has always been a farmer, and a resident of Montgomery Township since marriage, except three years spent in Kansas. He has 100 acres of excellent land, a comfortable home, erected in 1882 at a cost of $3,000, and good improvements generally. In 1882, he was elected Trustee of the township. He is a stanch Republican, and, with his wife, a member of the Presbyterian Church.

OLIVER CHURCH was born in Maine September 27, 1811, the son of William and Elizabeth (Daniels) Church, who were English people, and natives of the same State. They settled in Meigs County, Ohio, in 1817, and were the parents of nine children, three surviving - Joseph, Olive and Sarah. Clement, William, John, Alfred, Charles and Eliza are deceased. The father was born February 20, 1775, and died at Rutland, Ohio, May 25,

1821. The mother was born February 25, 1782, and died July 9, 1858. Our subject having acquired the rudiments of an education, engaged, when sixteen years of age, in the manufacture of flour and lumber, which he successfully followed for twelve years. He was married, March 13, 1834, to Mary La Rue, a sister of Maj. La Rue, the founder of La Rue Village, and daughter of Jacob and Sarah (Gardner) La Rue, of French and En glish ancestry, and natives of Suuth Carolina and Rhode Island, severally. Five children have been born to them, only two Jiving - Lyman R., born December G, 1834, and James, born September 10, 1845 ; Sarah E. was born January 5, 1837, and died August 22, 1837; Mary was born March 7, 1839, and died May 8, 1867, and Oliver P. was born October 7, 1842, and died July 13, 1862. He was a soldier in the late war, a member of Company G, Thirty-second Regiment Ohio Volunteer Infantry, and is supposed to have been buried in an unknown grave. Mr. and Mrs. Chwch continue to reside upon the old homestead, where they have lived for over a half century. They are estimable citizens, and consistent members of the Disciple Church.

DAVID M. CLARK is a native of Montgomery Township, born February 10, 1854, the son of John and Huldah (Messick) Clark, of Irish extraction, but natives of Ohio and Delaware respectively. Mr. Clark obtained a good education, finishing at Ridgeville, Ind., May 10, 1875. He married Lizzie Kneisley, daughter of John and Susan (McClain) Kneisley, the former of English, and the latter of Irish ancestry, but natives of Ohio. Two children have crowned, this marriage - Annie, born March 21, 1878, and AYiJliam J., born October 22, 1881. Our subject is a successful farmer, having a farm of 109 acres of carefully cultivated land. He estimates his property at $8,000. He is a highly respected citizen, a member of the I. O. O. F., of the Republican party, and, with his wife, of the Methodist Episcopal Church.

SUMNER CLEVELAND was born June 18, 1819, and is a son of Jedediah and Mary (Doolittle) Cleveland, of English extraction, and natives of Massachusetts and New York respectively, who came to Ohio in 1820. He died in Williams County, Ohio, in 1840; she survived until 1877. Our subject received his education in the district schools of Knox County, Ohio. He embarked in life for himself, when aged twenty-one. giving his mother and brothers much of his earnings. January 17, 1848, he married Mary Davis, born May 29, 1830, and a daughter of AVilliam and Mary (Johnson) Davis, also of English descent, and natives of Maryland and Delaware respectively. This family moved to Ohio in 1833, and raised twelve children, seven still living. William Davis died in 1848. Mr. and Mrs. Cleveland have been blessed with five children - "William H., born August 9, 1853; Charles C. May 20, 1855; Margaretta andMilletta (twins). March 2, 1859, and Lucina, died, aged seven months. Mr. C. began to learn the carpenter's trade when aged eighteen years, and plied it thirtyseven years. In 1852, however, he commenced farming, and has to-day (1883) a property worth $8,000. He met with <i serious aceident in 1866, by having his right arm crushed in a cane mill. He was a strong Unionist during the late war, and is a stanch Republican at present.

JOSHUA COPELAND, M. D.. the oldest physician at La line, was born December 27, 1S17, in Columbiana County, Ohio, near where the town of Columbiana was afterward laid out by his grandfather, Joshua Dixon, who moved from Pennsylvania to that locality, and entered land when the countv was almost an unbroken forest. His father. George Cope- laud, was horn in Loudon County, Va., December 22. 1790. His mother whs born in Penns}dvania on the same date. George Copeland was left a poor orphan boy at an early age, and came to Ohio with John McClun, with whom he lived until of age. He was married, March 6, 1814, to Rebecca Dixon, and settled in the woods near the present site of Columbiana. He lived there until old age, unfitted from further labor. He started without a dollar, and by industry and economy became the owner of 200 acres, which he sold, and moved to Columbiana, where he lived until the death of his wife in 1878. He then came to La Rue to live with his son, and has attained to the advanced age of ninety-three years. He is the father of four sons. Dr. Joshua Copeland, the subject of this notice, remained with his parents till of age, and assisted in clearing up the farm. He helped to build the log schoolhouse in which he received his education, except ten months that he spent at New Lisbon Seminary. At the a^e of twenty one, he began the study of medicine under the direction of G. S. Metzger, M. D., of Columbiana. He was without means, and able to attend but one course of lectures. He taught a three months' term of school each year while prosecuting his medical studies. In 1844, he settled up, and gave his note for what he owed ($200), went to Pittsburgh and bought a few books and an outfit of medicine, and located at Waterford, Knox County, Ohio, where he soon butlt up a good practice. September 19, 1847, he married Miss Lydia Waiters, daughter of Mahlin Walters. In the fall of 1848, Thomas H. Walters, his brother-in law, who was a young physician, desirpd a place to locate, and Dr. Copeland gave him his practice at Waterford, and removed and located at Rushsylvania, Logan County, wnere he had a large practice. During tne cholera epidemic of 1851, his wife and only child fell victims to the terrible disease and died. The fall of 1851, he sold his property to Dr. Fulton, and intended returning to Columbiana County. On his way, he stopped over night at La Lue, with Major William La Rue, the proprietor of the village." Liking the appearance of the place, he decided to locate, which he did the same spring. In Jul/ (1852), the dysentery raged with great fatality, and the Doctor having had considerable experience in the treatment of this disease, soon established a large and successful practice. The following year, he went to Cincinnati, and took a second course of lectures, graduating. He continued diligently to practice, seldom failing to respond to the call of either the rich or poor, until his health failed in 1857, when he admitted Dr. P. W. Lee into partnership. This business association continued until 1862, when Dr. Lee entered the army. Dr. Copeland continued active in the profession until 1881, when he retired. Dr. Copeland served as Justice of the Peace from 1866 to 1882, and since 1856 has been a Republican. Within that time he has never missed a Presidential election, and seldom, if ever, fails to vote at an annual election. July 1, 1856, he celebrated his second marriage, which resulted in three children - Laura May, born in February, 1867; Lincoln Grant, born in August, 1869, and Mary Alma, born in July, 1873. Dr. Copeland started in life with very limited means, but by his indomitable energy, industry and economy. has acquired a valuable competence. He is a man of decided convictions and opinions, and always acts upon his own judgment, regardless of what others may think. He has made a success of life, and now devotes his time to attending to his property and educating his children.

JAMES CROWLEY, senior member of the firm of Crowley & Wirley, of La Rue, Ohio, was born in Portland, Me., May 22, 1852, and is the son of Thomas and Mary (Carter) Crowley, natives of Ireland, who came to

America about 1851, stopping in Portland, Me., live years, but moved to La Rue in 1856. Their parents are still living, the father aged (1883) seventy years, the mother aged forty -five. Mr. Crowley having obtained a practical education, began to follow railroading when eighteen years old, which he continued until 1873, when he embarked in the mercantile business for himself, at La Rue, conducting a grocery store. He has since furnished an elegant room on High street for a billiard hall and saloon. His marriage to Miss Mar} New, daughter of Steven and Rachel (Seivert) New, occurred July 7, 1879. Her parents had four children - Rosa, Mary, Lucy and Celia. Mr. and Mrs. Crowley have two children - Claud, aged two years, and an infant son. Though he has been constantly behind the bar since early manhood, Mr. Crowley has never indulged in a single drink, or in a cigar, and keeps a quiet and peaceable saloon. Politically speaking, he is a Democrat.

SAMUEL DAY is the first son of Ovington and Jane (Clark) Day, the former of English and the latter of Irish descent, natives of Virginia and Ohio respectively. Mr. Day was born in Pendleton County, Va., January 28, 1794, and came with his parents to Ross County, Ohio, in 1805. He was a soldier of the war of 1812. He married the above-mentioned lady October 1, 1813. Of nine children born to them, five are living - Samuel, Elizabeth. James, Allen and Lovey. Martha, John M., Jane and William C. are deceased. This family were among the first settlers of Big Island Township. He was a liberal citizen, an enthusiastic Democrat, and a mem ber of the Presbyterian Chm*ch. His death occurred May 26, 1878, aged eighty-four years three months and twenty-eight days. She was born September 14, 1800, and died October 1, 1850. Our subject was married November 2, 1842, to Sarah A. Morris, daughter of John Morris, and two children have been born to this union - Damaris, born March 2. 1844, and Dallas, born May 5, 1845. Mr. Day obtained the rudiments of an education in the district schools. He commenced life in earnest, and so faithfully has he labored that he owns to-day (1883) 300 acres of well improved land, valued at $65 per acre. He is a prominent citizen; has been Trustee of the township a number of terms, and affiliates with the Democratic party.

HARRISON DEAL is a native of Salt Rock Township, where he was born February 3, 1843, the son of Washington and Caroline (Green) Deal, of German ancestry, and natives of Ohio. They came to Marion County in 1823. Mrs. Deal died June 25, 1854; Mr. Deal is living at the age of sixty-six years. Our subject married, March 10, 1866, Sarah Britton, born October 23, 1846, and a daughter of Benjamin G. and Susan M. (Cram) Britton, natives of Ohio and New York respectively. These people reared three children - William H, Sarah and Louis M. Mr. and Mrs. Deal are the parents of six children, five living - Cora J., born October 17, 1868; Penina L., October 26, 1870; Jalmah H., October 9, 1875; George W. Shira, January 26, 1881, and an infant son, James A. Garfield, born March 2, 1883. Minnie G. was born August 21, 1872, and died November 17, 1872. Mr. D. commenced life with nothing, but has 70 acres of valuable land. He is a good farmer and a sound Republican.