Reily Township

Reily Township

December 7, 1807, on the meeting of James Blackbum, Matthew Richardson, and James Smith, commissioners, on a petition of some of the inhabitants of St. Clair Township, it was "ordered, December 8, 1807, that so much of the township of St. Clair as lies within the following boundaries, to wit : Beginning on the western boundary line of the county at the southwest corner of the fourth township in the iirst range; thence east with the township line to the southeast corner of the section numbered 32 of the fourth township in tiic second range; thence north with the sectional line to the north boundary line of the said fourth township in the said second range ; thence west with the township line to the western boundary line of the county aforesaid ; thence j south with the same to the place of beginning, - shall ! compose a township which shall be called and known by j the name of Reily Township." Election to he held at i the house of Henry Burget on the 2d day of January, j 1808, for electing township officers.

Source changes here: from A History and Biographical Cyclopædia of Butler County, Ohio : with Illustrations and Sketches of Its Representative Men and Pioneers, published 1882; 12,022 words in this source stream.

Reily Township

December 7, 1807, on the meeting of James Blackburn, Matthew Richardson, and James Smith, commissioners, on a petition of some of the inhabitants of St. Clair Township, it was ''ordered, December 8, 1807, that so much of the township of St. Clair as lies within the following boundaries, to wit: Beginning on the western boundary line of the county at the southwest corner of the fourth township in the first range; thence east with the township line to the southeast corner of the section numbered 32 of the fourth township in the second range; thence north with the sectional line to the north |. boundary line of the said fourth township in the said second range; thence west with the township line to the western boundary line of the county aforesaid; thence south with the same to the place of beginning, - shall compose a township which shall be called and known by the name of Reily Township." Election to be held at the house of Henry Burget on the 2d day of January, 1808, for electing township officers.

Retry Townsute lies north of Morgan, south of Oxford, west of Hanover, and east of the State of Indiana. It was organized in December, 1807. The township was named after J ohn Reily. It originally formed a part of St. Clair. Some of the first settlers in the township were named Allhand, Anthony, Baldwin, Burget, Baird, Burk, Clark, Chase, Conkling, Clem, DeCamp, Deneen, Housel, Halstead, Hancock, Jones, Lindley, Montgomery, Morris, Miller, Pierson, Ross, Sample, Thompson, Trimbley, Welliver, and Stevens.

The justices of the peace have been Ithamar White and William Mitchell in 1808; Ithamar White and John Burke in 1811; the same in 1813 and 1814; Daniel Trimbly in 1816; John Burke in 1817; Daniel Trimbly in 1819; John Burke from 1820-23; Daniel Trimbly again in 1824-25; John Burke in 1826; Daniel Allhands in 1828; John Burke in 1829; in 1831, Daniel Allhands; John Clark and John Johnson in 1832; in 1833, Samuel Port; in 1834, Amos Larison, and in 1835, Jacob Miller and David Lindley; in 1836, Isaac Clark; in 1888, Amos Larison and Jacob Miller; in 1839, Isaac Clark; Amos Larison in 1841, also Samuel Trimbly; 1842, Elias H. Gaston; in 1844, Alexander Ogle and W. P. Deneen; and in succeeding years, James B. Trimbly, Silas C. Stewart, Thomas W. Lawrence, P. J. B. Welliver, Thomas Smith, Joseph W. Frazee, William L. Lane, John W. Owens, G. W. Welliver, L. D. Hancock, L. C. Addison, and Alonzo Urmston. ~~. In 1844 there were nine school districts in the township and $1,206 annually collected for school purposes. The population in 1820 was fourteen hundred and fiftyone; in 1830, eighteen hundred and thirty-two; in 1840, seventeen hundred and fifty-eight. Reily post-office was the only one in the township in 1844.

Topography

Indian Creek passes through Reily Township from north-west to south-east. Its principal tributaries are Little Indian, which flows from the west, taking its rise in the neighborhood of Peoria. Chase's Run flows from the north, and takes its name from Valentine Chase, a pioneer in this part of the township. Mr. Chase entered the south-east quarter of Section 5, the same quarter on which the Indian Creek Baptist Church stands. Further east is Boone's Run, also am affluent of Indian Creek. This creek took its name from a distant relative of Daniel Boone, who settled in this region far back in the 20's. Reserve Run flows from the north through Sections 5'and 6, emptying into Indian Creek one-quarter of a mile below Reily. Indian Creek has a bottom some three-quarters of a mile in width, which is very fertile. These bottoms are very fine lands for raising corn. It was along this stream and its tributaries, in the opening of Indian Creek Valley to agriculture, that such fine crops were raised. The other streams named have no bottoms of any size. In the south-west corner of the township the lands are avell adapted to agricultural purposes. The soil is a dark, rather heavy loam, inclined to be wet. When drained it produces the best of crops. The north-east corner is broken somewhat, and not so well adapted to farming; the soil is clayish generally? In the vicinity of Ogleton and Woods' Stations the surface is flat, and the soil a dark loam, naturally wet. All kinds of timber abounded here when the first settlements were made. There has been a very great quantity of good timber destroyed, but there is still standing a sufficient forest for many years. This township, like Morgan and Hanover, was plentifully supplied with pea vines along the creek bottoms in early times. The undergrowth was mainly spice bushes. Many hooppoles were cut from the forests when still-houses were running their best. Flour barrels, as well as whisky barrels, commanded a good price in those days, and it is said ''a cooper-shop was kept going on every section."

The first white child buried in Reily Township was Thomas D., son of George and Nancy Allhands, who died March, 1803, and was buried in a grave-yard on Section 9, a few rods south-west of the center, on a farm now owned by Colonel William Stephens, one hundred and fifty yards due east from the house. In 1837 there were thirty-three graves here, two of them being colored people. But one tombstone was erected in this graveyard - an old sandstone, which now lies on the ground. This child was scalded to death by hot sugar water. There have been no burials here since 1837. The yard is now under a state of cultivation.

In 1807 there were but three or four houses from where the Miami was crossed at Venice and Brookville. From where James Stephens settled, in 1809, on the south-east quarter of Section 7, to Brookville, a distance of fourteen miles, there was not a single house. Andrew Lewis, below Reily, was the first settler below Stephens's and Venice for a number of years. During the years of 1808, 1809, and 1810 there were many families who came here from all sections. In 1834 there were three hundred and thirty-six voters in the township. There are now about four hundred voters, a very small gain in nearly fifty years.

line extended from New Orleans to Canada, and had enlisted in the business all grades of men. Blind stables were used to conceal stolen goods. One formerly stood on the west side of Indian Creek, about a mile below the Baptist Church, and was in a very secluded place. It could have been discovered only by mere accident. Horses were stolen, hidden here for a short time, and then taken off during the night to other stables, which had been previously notified of their coming. This kind of enterprise was carried on so extensively that the settlers finally broke up the gang, in 1815, by hanging a number of the leaders. ROADS.

One of the first and most prominent roads in the township led from Millville through what is now Bunker Hill, but then Dog Town, on to Reily, up the creek, and disappeared from the State in the south-west section of Oxford Township. This road was a great outlet to the counties along the State line, teamsters and drovers taking this route to Cincinnati. Hundreds of white-covered wagons made the trip to the Queen City on this road yearly, with the familiar four-horse team hauling whisky and flour. Hog driving began early in October and lasted until March. The growing of hogs was a lucrative business. Many a man made his fortune in raising corn, fattening hogs, and driving them to Cincinnati. The mast, which in those days never failed, greatly assisted in producing pork. Hogs were branded and turned loose in the woods to feed for months. They never became very fat, but were wild, many a narrow escape having been made from their ferocity. In driving to market two or three weeks were often consumed, men returning covered with mud and pockets filled with bank notes or silver. The road generally taken in early times was by the way of Layhigh.

Another road, described in Morgan Township, was called the post-road, leading from Lawrenceburg, Indiana, to Oxford, Ohio. It was of less importance, because leading to no large markets. Mails were carried over this route every fortnight, in a pair of saddle-bags thrown behind a horseman.

The county road from Hamilton to Oxford cut the north-east corner of the township, one fork taking the direction of Oxford from Stillwell's Corner, the other following the township line between Oxford and Reily Townships to the State line.

There was another road which followed the section line, one mile north of the south side of the township, as far east as the road leading from Sayres's saw-mill to the Layhigh road to Venice. This road was used a great deal by the people who lived along its route. During the last forty years there have been many changes.

the same site, is now running. This mill finally passed 'nto the hands of Elias Sayres, who also had a cardingmachine,' fulling-mill, and a machine for weaving and spinning. These establishments ran from 1825 to 1834.

One of the first blacksmiths at Bunker Hill was Henry Garver, who was here from 1825 to 1830. He was a man of considerable mechanical skill, and was well liked by his customers.

There was a grist-mill here, owned by John Kinsey, about 1820. The millwrights were James and Robert The mill stood on the south side of the road, a Two of the millers were Perry Orendorff and Mr. McFreely, who were hired by Kinsey. This was an undershot mill, which run for about fifteen years. Some of the other owners were John Scudder, Obadiah Welliver, and Samuel Haslet. A part of this mill is now standing.

A. school-house was erected in 1809 or 1810, in the northern or upper end of Bunker Hill, on the north side of the pike. Two of the teachers were Messrs. Noble and Harris. Some of the early settlers in Bunker Hill were Obadiah Welliver, who was here about 1810; Thomas Burke, here in 1808; John Israel and John Kinsey, later; James Deneen and Silas Anderson, both on the other side of the Universalist Church.

It is said that Bunker Hill was called Dog Town, because, when the place first began to assume the proportions of a village, a fierce dog-fight took place at Kinsey's mill, hence the result.

Abraham and James Thompson built a still-house on Philip's Fork, above Scipio one-half mile, in 1818, or about that time. In 1820 James Beard bought out the Thompson brothers, who were from Pennsylvania. This still-house was built of round logs, and was thirty by twenty feet; the capacity was one barrel per day. Corn was ground at neighboring mills on Dry Fork. Beard, as soon as he became owner of the site, erected a hewedlog house, forty-one by forty feet, one story high. He ground his corn by horse power. This still-house continued to run for about twenty-five years.

Mr. Shillings was the first blacksmith in the northwestern corner of the township in 1815. His shop was on a farm, which afterwards belonged to John Wehr, in the south-east quarter of Section 7. Shillings had a large family of girls and one son. He died at his place of business. 3

Elijah Vanness had a saw-mill on Indian Creek in 1836, on the north-west quarter of Section 5; Philetus Munson had another at the same time on the north-west quarter. On Section 9 George Allhands built a sawmill, which was sold, with a considerable portion of land, to Colonel William Stephens, who, with his large family, did an immense business for many years. John Burke had a mill on Indian Creek in 1825, on the north-west quarter of Section 22, where he ground corn and wheat. All of these mills have disappeared.

A very prominent tavern for hog-drivers was at John Wehr's, two and three-quarter miles above Reily, on the pike now, then on the old county road, in the south-east quarter of Section 7. Wilson V. Ragsdill was an old tavern-keeper on this road, near St. Charles, then the leading and most direct route to Cincinnati, but which, after leaving St. Charles, was known as the Trace road.

Union school was commenced in 1816 by the neighbors who lived in the north-western corner of the township, and who erected a hewed log house on a lot of two acres, donated by Maxwell Parkerson, in the south-east corner of section six. The Walker Chapel Church held many Of its first services here ; also the Indian Creek Baptist Church. Parkerson came here in 1806, from Virginia. Their teachers in early times were John Elliott, a pensioned Revolutionary soldier, from New York State ; Robert Riggs, of Maine; Alfred Chamberlain, of New York State, who '' was the best grammarian ever-in this part of the county;" Winson Lusk, of Virginia, and John Ferguson. Among the scholars were James, William, Levi, Andrew, and Lurene Stephens, children of James Stephens, a pioneer of 1809; Collin, William, Edward and John Forbes; Randall, Rebecca, and John Wesley; Maxwell Johnson; Eleazer, Rodney, Mayhew (who was named after his father), Franklin, James, Rebecca, and Malinda Donham. The old hewed log-house was used for thirty-five years. The. present brick building, schoo] district No. 3, is almost on the same site.

Religious Matters

The Bunker Hill Universalist Church was organized 'in- 1845 or 1846, with Elias Sayres, J. C. Welliver, Hiram and David Pearson, Samuel Garner, Sr., and brother William, John Creagmiles, Noah Sayers, George Garner, and several of the Rosses, for its first members. The land on which the church stands, as well as where the graveyard is, was owned by Alexander Deneen. The house was erected in 1857 by Elijah Ross, contractor. Before the church was built, meetings were held in a frame school-house, built in 1852, on the south side of the road, at the foot of the hill near the creek, at the junction of the St. Charles and Millville Roads. Among the preachers were the Revs. Messrs. Bruce, Wm. Curry, B. B. Bennett, who also supplied the Oxford Church ; William Brooks, of New York; W. Emmett, Mr. Biddle, who came from Dayton, Ohio; E. K. Brush, Mr. Grandy, Mr. Tucker, and others. The present minister is the Rey. J. P. McLean, of Hamilton.

The largest membership was reached in 1859, when there were one hundred and thirtyfour. This Church suffered gr atly on account of the war, many members taking up arms for their country. Preaching is had here the third Sabbath in every month.

Michael Bressler, born in Berks County Pennsylvania, May 26, 1792; died February 7, 1866. Susanna Bressler, born February 27, 1797; died April 5, 1866. Obadiah Welliver, born September 13, 1777; died September 15, 1839. Hannah Welliver, born October 3, 1780; died July 8, 1869. These two people were the parents of large and respectable posterity, many of whom still reside in this vicinity. Margaret Trembly, died April 23, 1864, aged 65 years, eight months, and 11 days. The Tremblys were also early members of this Church. Abraham Balser died June 6, 1858, aged 72 years. Elizabeth Balser died December 23, 1859, aged 72 years. Michael Burgett died June 22, 1857, aged 46 years and | day.

For a number of years a good Sunday-school has.been in successful operation at this place. The furniture of the church is quite modern, and every thing has the appearance of neatness and prosperity. The church is a frame, capable of seating three hundred people. These inscriptions are from a private yard, one mile above Reily, near the line which divides sections sixteen and seventeen, about ten rods south of the present pike, ten feet west of the section line:

In memory of Eleanor, wife of James Post, who departed this life December 17, 1841, aged 82 years and nine months. James Post died July 28, 1846, aged 86 years, 10 months and 28 days. Further up the pike, near the old road, below Walker Chapel half a mile, in a private ground among a clump of cedars are, John Wehr, a native of Som- érset County, Pennsylvania, who died January 25, 1853, aged 73 years, one month and 17 days. Sarah, wife of John Wehr, died May 12, 1866, in the 77th year of her age, Mr. Wehr was an early tavern-keeper.

The Washington Methodist Episcopal Church was organized in 1819, by Russel Bigelow, at a dwelling-house one-fourth of a mile south-west of the place where the church now stands. Charles Stewart was appointed class-leader, in which capacity he served for many years. He was a member of this Church at the time of his death, which occurred December 24, 1854, aged 73 years and 22 days. His body is in the graveyard at St. Charles, a village that was named in honor of this pioneer. The Rev. Benjamin Lawrence, who was one of the pioneer preachers, also sleeps in the same yard; died September 7, 1855, aged 74 years. For several years after its organization, the Church worshiped in the house where it was organized. It afterwards oceupied a log school-house in St. Charles, just west of where the cemetery is entered, on the same side of the road. In 1834, during the pastorate of the Rey. C. W. Swain and the Rev. J. Waterman, Washington Chapel was erected; dedicated the same year. The contractor was Levi Spark, who at that time had a saw mill a short distance below Scipio. The ground on which the church stands was given by Matthew Moorhead. There was a great deal of strife among the members of the society concerning the location of this house. Mr. Stewart proposed to give a building-site near St. Charles, but the proposition was disregarded, principally through the influence of Mr. Lawrence, and a local preacher by the name of Powers, who afterwards became a Mormon saint. There was a time when Washington was the strongest society on the circuit, but from lukewarmness, deaths, removals, and dissensions, it is now the weakest. During the late war the house became very much out of repair. In 1865 a new roof was put on it, and in 1868 the ceiling was replastered.

The Washington Sunday-school was organized as many as forty years ago. Samuel Stewart was one of the first superintendents. There were about forty scholars. Exercises consisted mainly in the recital of verses, which had been memorized, and for which the best scholar received a reward ; reading portions of Scripture in concert, and singing.

Some of the first members of the Church were Charles Stewart and wife, Jane and Matthew Moorhead, Nathaniel Meeker and wife, James Emerson and wife, Michael and Rachel Meeker, Benjamin and his wife Margaret Stites, Robert Bell, Aaron Powers, Jonathan Richmond and wife, the Rev. Mr. Lawrence and wife.

Sacred to the memory of David Bell, who departed this life July 18, 1834, in the 60th year of his age. Margaret, consort of David Bell, died July 10, 1834, in her 55th year. Emanuel Burget, died February 4, 1822, in the 46th year of his age. In memory of Dayid Williams, who departed this life April 22, 1821; aged 51. Thomas Faucett, died September 30, 1856; aged 56. Abigail, wife of Thomas Faucett, died September 15, 1847; aged 67. Lare, consort of John Fitzgerald, died September 3, 1839; aged 50. John Fitzgerald, died August 19, 1839; aged 48. Margaret, wife of Benjamin Stites, departed this life December 28, 1828; aged 23. Sacred to the memory of Esther, consort of Matthew Moorhead, who departed this life January 1, 1833; aged 48. Eleanor, wife of Garret Van Ausdall, departed this life December 15, 1844; aged 72. Jonathan Richmond, died July 17, 1835; aged 57. Barbara, wife of Jonathan Richmond, died June 8, 1851; aged 64. Both of these inscriptions are on the same tombstone. Esther, wife of Nathaniel Meeker, a Revolutionary soldier of 1776, died March 29, 1834; aged 74. Michael A. Thompson, died May 28, 1857; aged 59. Wilson V. Ragsdill, died May 4, 1853, in the 60th year of his age. Mary, wife of Wilson V. Ragsdill, died March 10, 1854; aged 50. Rachel C., wife of James Emerson, died January 17 1855; aged 61. John Keever, died August 4, 1863; aged 96. Lydia, wife of John Keever, died June 30, 1859, in the 78th year of her age. Daniel P. Inloes, died June 26, 1864; aged 70. Catharine, wife of Daniel P. Inloes, died November 12 1873; aged 74. Benjamin. Wynn, died May 15, 1876; cea 85. Nancy, wife of Benjamin Wynn, died June 29, 1879 aged 86. ;

The Walker Chapel Methodist Episcopal Church was organized as early as 1830 at the houses of the first members. About the same time this Church received a lot on which to build a house of worship. This lot ad- joined the one on which school-house No. 4 stands, one mile north-east of the present Church. Until 1844 or 1845 the society worshiped in the school-house. This lot was then sold, and the proceeds applied in payment of the lot on which the chapel now stands. This church was built in 1845, and dedicated by the Rev. George W. Walker, for whom the chapel was named. During the last three years of the civil war it enjoyed considerable prosperity. James T. Faucett and Henry Cubberly have contributed greatly to the advancement of this society. It is now next to Ebenezer in importance as an appointment on the circuit. George Allhands was one of the early class-leaders, and services were held on his farm as early as 1818, Dr. Andrew King and James Stephens were the principal originators of this society. James Stephens owned the land on which the church stands, and also where the graveyard now is. Among the early members were, Caleb Stephens, Elisha Landon, Jacob Hansel, William Anthony, Mr. Mack, and Micajah Anthony, with their wives. Aaron Powers was one of the first preachers.

Charles Cone, born September 12, 1797, died October 12, 1847. He was killed by lightning on the above date about six o'clock in the morning. Charles H. Cone, Co. E., 69th Regiment, O. V. L., died May 3, 1863; aged 21. Rufus Cone, Co. E., 69th Regiment, O. V. I., died August 3, 1865; aged 27. Jane, wife of Harvey Miller, died August 24, 1847; aged 62. William Anthony, died November 18, 1839; aged 65. Fanny, wife of William Anthony, died March 13, 1835; aged 55. Another Anthony is John, who died February 27, 1870; aged 61. Julia Ann, wife of John Anthony, died January 2, 1851; aged 40. Henry C., son of John and Julia Ann Anthony, died April 9, 1863; aged 20. Hugh Rust, died April 16, 1876; aged 67. William Creagmile, died April 16, 1855; aged 68. Catharine S., wife og William Creagmile, died August 17, 1861; aged 56. Andrew King, a native of Ireland, departed this life March 9, 1860; aged 67. Joseph King, a native of Ireland, died January 26, 1858; in the 93d year of his age. Rebecca, wife of Joseph King, died January 2, 1864; aged 97. These two are the parents of a large posterity in this township. Grace, wife of Dr. Andrew King,

The Indian Creek Baptist Church was organized in 1810 three miles above Reily, at the house of John Morris or John Burks. The land on which the house stands, and the ground where the graveyard is, consisting of three acres, was bought of Valentine Chase for nine dollars. It is situated in the south-east quarter of Sec- The first house was log, erected in 1812. The deed for the land was made the same year. When this Church was organized there were twenty-two *members. Among them were Abraham Lee and wife, John Morris, Sen., John Durwese and wife, John Burke, Nicholas Jones, Jose Brady, Lot Abrams, and Abram Jones and wife. This Church was the result of a strong influence brought to bear upon the people by the Rev. Mr. Tyner, of Brookville, who preached here in 1809. Tyner was very illiterate. During the ministry of some of the early preachers the membership increased very fast. About one hundred accessions were made to the Church in eighteen months, under the preaching of Messrs. Tyner, Thomas, and Thompson. The most that united in one day were fourteen. Abraham, Thurston, and Sparks were pioneer ministers; the latter claimed 'that which a man loved was his God."

Benjamin Martin, who belonged to what was called the Two-seed Baptists, was a powerful preacher here in early times. Samuel Billings was another pioneer minister; so also was Moses Hornaday, from near Harrison, Hamilton County. Judas Shirk, Daniel Roberson, Mr. Oldham, Mr. Childers, Daniel Briant, Joseph Flynn, and John Brady were all men of character, who held services here when the society was in a flourishing condition. There have been other preachers here, men of all grades and ages, who lived in other localities and who made it convenient to be here on stated occasions.

Since 1860 there have been no regular services in the church, at which date the Reily Village Baptist Church was erected. The old hewed-log house was torn down about 1830, when the second church, a brick, thirty by fifty feet, took its place the same year. The Reily Church had twenty-two members in 1860: John Smith and wife, Joseph Brady, John Durwese and wife, Fanny Roll, Maria Roll, Almira Crubaugh, Rachel Barnum, and others. This point of worship has preaching with considerable regularity ; the Church is ministered to by the Rev. Mr. Bevis, of Kentucky.

__ Ephraim Tucker, died August 1, 1844; aged 74. Joseph Brady, who was an early member of the Church, died December 17, 1860; aged 80. Sarah, wife of Joseph Brady, died August 10, 1847; aged 62. Nicholas Jones, died April 24, 1853; aged 73. Mary, wife of Nicholas Jones, died September 29, 1855; aged 70. Mary Cole, died January 9, 1831; aged 99. Samuel Thurston, died March 238, 1823; aged 57. Hannah Thurston, died July 23, 1840; aged 68. Josiah Dungan, who was drowned in Indian Creek, June, 1821; aged 21. Philetus Munson, died February 26, 1854; aged 63. Rebecca, wife of Philetus Munson, died February 5, 1869; aged 76. Abraham Jones, born May 20, 1783; died July 2, 1863. Sarah, wife of Abraham Jones, died March 2, 1856; aged 66. Abraham Lee, died April 29, 1858; aged 79. Eunice, wife of Abraham Lee, died February 25, 1861; aged 78. David Wing, died November 17, 1857; aged 86. Marcy, wife of David Wing, died April 17, 1844; aged 75. Matthew Riggs, died February 25, 1836; aged 62. Mary, wife of Matthew Riggs, died March 14, 1865; aged 76. Susanna E., wife of James Urmston, born March 22, 1799; died August 7, 1837. Jonathan Urmston, died August 24, 1840; aged 50. Gideon Wilkinson, departed this life January 26, 1842; aged 70. Abigail, wife of Gideon Wilkinson, who departed this life December 30, 1842; aged 64. Thomas Boone, born August 21, 1759; died February 6, 1881. Mr. Boone was a relative

In the Indian Creek Cemetery there are, perhaps, one hundred and seventy-five burials, mostly in the northeast corner of the yard, on the high ground. The oldest grave in the ground is undoubtedly that of the Chase

Aupurn, better known, perhaps, as Gandertown, is located in the corners of Ross, Morgan, Reily, and Han-- over Townships. This village was never platted. It took. the latter name because, when the first citizens lived here, there were a great many geese raised, and it is said that, like Bunker Hill, a furious quarrel took place over some wild gander, who strayed from one farm-house to the other and disturbed the docility of the average goose. Of late years, however, the maps call the village Auburn, a name which is quite appropriate. There were some well-known citizens here in early times, as witness these: Maxwell Ross, in Hanover Township ; James Salisbury and James Bridge, in Reily Township ; James Salisbury and John Bloomfield, in Morgan Township; John B. Williams and Michael Bowerman, in Ross Township, - all land-owners. The first establishment of a public nature was an upright steam saw-mill, built by John W. Ownes about 1850. - The old mill was afterwards sold to James Williams, who moved it to Millville and converted it into a still-house. Mr. Ownes built the present pump-factory as a mill some ten years later. These mills stood in Reily Township, on a branch of Double Lick, of Indian Creek. Ownes is a native of Wales, a wheelwright by trade.

The first school-building in this vicinity was a log house in Morgan Township, two hundred yards from the corner, up the creek. Alexander Martin was one, if not the only, teacher here. He is now a man sixty-five years of age. Another school-house occupied a site on the corner, in the township of Hanover. This house was here in 1830; the school was taught by a woman. A school was once kept in Ross Township, in a log-house, taught by James Boyd.

Enoch Bond was the first storekeeper in the village, in a log-house on the Ross Township corner. Bond was from the Hast. The only store-house ever built on the south-west corner was owned by David Davis, twenty-five years ago. Daniel Clevinger, James Simmons, John Balser, Isaac Woods, William Pearson, John W. Ownes, David Rothermel, were all storekeepers in a house on the Ross Township corner, except Clevinger, who kept in the Bond property. od some thirty-five years ago, which is now standing. William Shultz carried on the saloon business, about: fifteen years ago, in the brick house where James McCloskey now lives. John Straub followed in the same house. James Bridge was the first blacksmith in Auburn, in an old log shop which stood on the Hanover Township

Thomas Applegate, on the same corner, but in a new shop. After Applegate there was William Roberts and Frederic Zillyox, the latter of whom is the present smith. Auburn has a population of about fifty souls.

Woops' Sration is a village of about one hundred people, named by Hiram Pierson, a man of many fine parts, after John Woods, the first president of the railroad. The place was never laid out. It is on the south-west corner of the north-west quarter of section twelve, and many years ago the locality was known as Rogersville.

David Jones entered the land on which the village stands. Jonas Jones, who assisted in locating the Hamilton Road to Brookville, was an early settler; so also was Jacob Swank, a Pennsylvania Dutchman. Isaac Lindley was here also quite early. William Coonce, from Pennsylvania, lived south of the village, half a mile. Mr. Clem, from Kentucky, lived close by in the north-west. John Hancock, from Kentucky, lived a short distance in the south-east. Hiram Pierson bought the land on which the village rests, in 1856, of Jonas Jones, son of David Jones. The railroad was built in 1858. 'The station was established as soon as the railroad was built. The first citizen in the town proper was Hiram Pierson, who was also the second storekeeper. L. D. Hancock was the first man who dealt out drygoods and groceries to this people. George Gardner followed Pierson; then Taylor Salisbury and Silas Baldwin, the latter of whom, with Gardner, is here at present. The first blacksmith was Jacob Lemmons, followed by Thomas Love, Thomas Applegate, and Henry Jones, the latter the present smith. zens in the village.

OGLETON is a station in section two. Its name came from Alexander Ogle, an early settler in this part of Reily. This place has no significance except as a shipping point.

Rerty was laid out by Pierson Conkling, Joseph M. Conkling, and Samuel Gray, October 25, 1848. village was situated, when first platted, in the south-west and south-east corners of sections fifteen and sixteen. From its natural surroundings it has always been of considerable importance in the county and township. Many years before the town was platted, there gathered here many of the early settlers to cast their votes and receive their mail. In 1830 Lewis Enyart owned land in the south-west quarter of section fifteen, and the north-east quarter of section twenty-one. Section sixteen was set aside for school purposes, and until within the last forty years was not owned by any person in particular. An early land-holder on section twenty-two was Thomas Burke. As the village now is, it is mostly in sections twenty-one and twenty-two - principally the latter. The north-east quarter of section No. 17 was entered by John Morris, of Virginia, in 1799. He settled here in 1801 or 1802, where he died in July, 1840. Section No. 8, south-east quarter, was entered by a Mr. Crook. Another man by the name of Boyer settled here very early. He was a furniture maker by trade, and did much of the work for the settlers. James Stephens and Samuel Tucker built the stone house, known as the Morris homestead, in 1816 or 1817, which is now standing. Reily was begun on the east side of Indian Creek, where Colonel William Stephens cut the first timber in this vicinity preparatory to erecting cabins.

About this time David Dick built a grist and saw mill, where the present mill stands, and soon after added a carding machine. This mill, and the south-west quarter of section fifteen, was afterwards sold to Lewis Enyart who, about 1830, built a still-house, which stood a few rods north of the present post-office. Enyart rented his still-house to several persons, who divided the profits in proportion to the labor performed by each. In 1855 Enyart sold his mill to Sayres & Egnew; the still-house had in the meantime gone down. The mill passed from the above firm to William J. Salmon, who, in 1860, sold thirty-seven acres of land and the mill to J. P. Heidly and Thompson Gray, the latter coming into full possession in September, 1867. David Dick must have built this mill about 1810 or 1812, since which time it has been constantly running, though often receiving repairs. The flouring department is run by an overshot wheel ; the saw mill by an undershot wheel.

. Another early settler was Ferdinand Everhardt, who was here in 1837 as a wagon-maker in the 'house where S. P. Riker lives. He carried on his business here until a few years ago, when he died.

Felix Conkling was here in 1833 engaged in tanning, in the west end, in a house now occupied by John Watkins. A German followed Mr. Watkins in the same house, but did not do as large a business as his predecessor. This tannery ran for twenty odd years.

E. H. Gaston came here in the spring of 1838, walking from Cincinnati. He began business by clerking for his brother, A. L., in a store which he owned here at that time, remaining several years. Afterwards he opened a store for himself. He was then chosen a justice of the peace, which office he filled for twelve years; was elected county treasurer for two terms, and was a member of the Legislature. He died in February, 1876.

John Harper was here fifty years ago in a log-house in the upper end of Reily on the old road. He died in the West. His brothers, Joseph, Thomas, and James, were men of considerable note. The most interesting bit of history connected with them, is that they killed five half-breed Indians on Fall Creek, Indiana, about 1818.

Some of the Harpers had previously been massacred by the Indians, and they took this means of avenging their brethren. After the Indians were killed the civil authorities offered a reward for the capture of the Harpers, and one of the Ridges, who gave his assistance, but they fled to Virginia. Here they were taken prisoner, but in time gained their liberty.

John Burke was another early resident in this vicinity. He owned a grist-mill one mile below town, which he ran for several years. He died in Dunlapsville, Indiana.

M. B. and F. P. Applegate were here in 1849 as wagon and buggy makers. They stayed for ten or fifteen years. The former is dead; the latter lives near Greensburg, Indiana.

The Rey. A. B. Gilliland was a cabinet-maker here fifty years ago. He is now a resident of Dayton, Ohio, and is about ninety years of age. Gilliland was also one of the early residents of Venice, and was a pastor of the Bethel Presbyterian Church, living in the parsonage.

Many years before the village was laid out Samuel Davis kept tavern at the head of Main Street. Reily was then a great stopping-place for hog drivers, one of the most prominent being John Murphy, who lived near Harrisburg, Indiana. James Larison, a cooper by trade, kept tavern for five or six years, about 1844, where Henry Schwarm now lives. Samuel Davis, a_blacksmith, followed in the same house. B. Smith, Mr. Small, John W.. Fiske, Mr. Gilliland, John Dingfelder, W. O. Pierson, Charles Silverlake, and Frederic Horsfield, the latter of whom is here at present.

Harness-makers in Reily since 1840 have been, Mr. Barrot, on the corner near the bridge, John Linch, ~ Thomas H. Smith, yet a resident, and L. C. Addison, who came here in 1847, and who still works at his trade.

The oldest frame house in the village stands just: below Thompson Gray's residence, on the Millville Pike. It formerly stood on the south-west corner, opposite Addison's harness shop, and was built by Mr. Burke. A. L. Gaston built the store-house which stood by its side in 1835. Samuel Gray removed the building to another part of his lot, and now uses it for various purposes in his business. The belief is that the first log-house in Reily stood near the Gaston store property.

Early physicians who visited this part of the country came from Hamilton, Dr. Daniel Millikin and Dr. Greenleaf being among the number. Dr. Corey, of Millville, was a practitioner in this vicinity far back in the 20s and 80's. Dr. Andrew King, from Ireland, was the first practicing physician in the north-western corner of the township. He lived and died on a farm now owned by his son Samuel. Dr. Kerr was a resident of Reily forty years ago. He afterwards removed to the West. He was followed by Dr. Gilchrist (who studied medicine with Dr. James, of Indiana, above Scipio), who practiced here for fifteen years. Dr. Gilchrist removed to Oxford, where he died. Dr. Hamer came next; he went from here to New London and then to Venice. He is now a resident of Denver, Colorado, engaged as a real estate agent. Dr. James N. Roberson came here in 1866, since which time he has remained. He had for his partner J. W. Bell, a son of "Squire Bell, of Morgan Township, who, after remaining four years, removed to Minneapolis, Minnesota, in 1880. Dr. Dill is now with Dr. Roberson, who came here in 1881. Dr. Borger came here in 1876 from Prince William's Village, Carroll County, Indiana. Previous to locating in Reily he had practiced eight years. Dr. John Trembly, who lives two miles east of the village, was an early physician in this section. He now does. little with his profession except in very urgent cases. Reily has three resident physicians.

The mechanic arts in Reily have always been carried on successfully. In 1830 John Miller was here in a log blacksmith shop opposite the tavern. Samuel Davis was here in 1835 in a shop above the hotel on the side hill, which land he owned at that time. James Bridge carried on blacksmithing in 1840 near the Presbyterian Church. Thompson Gray took up his residence in Reily, - in May, 1843. He began as a blacksmith in a shop built by Davis on the bank of Indian Creek. He has now been here thirty-nine years. In the meantime there have been Hugh Roll, who learned his trade with Davis, George Huber, and William Sasher - the latter here in 1882.

A. L. Gaston was the first storekeeper in the village. His store was on the east side of Indian Creek one hundred yards above Dick's mill. He was here in 1828 or 1830. The frame house is now gone. Moses Burke carried on the same business at the Gaston store for two or three years. A. G. Smith was here from 1838-48 in a house where the tavern now stands. The old storehouse is now between the tavern and the stable. Gaston, Pierson & Clark were store-keepers here in the Smith property for some time; followed by Gaston & T. B. Smith. After Samuel Gray, on the corner near the bridge, came Amos Smith and Arthur Gray. The storekeepers at present are John A. Lesley, King Carson, N. Urmston & Son.

Saloon-keepers are Frank Horsfield and John Baker, the latter also having a meat-store. There are two shoemakers, John Gable and John Wunder. There is one tailor, J. W. Frazee; and one undertaker, S. P. Riker. A wood-working shop is kept by William Lutes. Two saw-mills are here, one kept by Van Ausdall, Wynescopp, Little & Bros., on the west side of the creek, and J. P. Heidley has another in connection with his gristmill. There is also a portable saw-mill below the schoolhouse owned by Deneen & Stiman.

upper end of the village, on a piece of land now in a Some remnants of the old house are yet to be seen. This house was there more than seventy. years ago; it was used for some time. The first schoolhouse in the village proper was erected in 1839, on land sold to the authorities by Pierson and Joseph M. Conkling and wives. The front part of the house was built first. It is brick, and stands opposite Frazee's tailorshop. After a number of years of use the house was found to be too small; hence, in 1860 or thereabouts, an addition was made to it. James B. King was a director at this time, and took much interest in the affair. King had previously been a member of the Legislature. On the 19th of November, 1877, school opened in the new building, which cost about three thousand dollars. The one acre of land, on part of which the house stands, was bought of Samuel Gray. There are two rooms in the new school-building. :

Some of the persons who haye taught school in Reily are: A. W. Mustin, Thomas W. Lawrence, the latter here in 1853; W. Burget, Joseph C. Snow, in 1857, who also was an excellent preceptor; W. Bartlow, Mr. Sheely, D. Bassett, Mr. Snow, in 1859, a brother of J. C. Snow; William Salmon, in 1854, who afterwards went to California, and who had Emily O. Cumback for assistant ; Alexander King in 1855; Doctor J. M. Trembly in 1857; F. A. Coleman in 1855; besides Mary Ann Howels, daughter of Rey. M. Howels; Lucretia Jones, and others.

Among the scholars of Thomas W. Lawrence, in 1853, were John Dingfellow, Albert, John, and Lafayette Sweatman, Alonzo Kerr, David Rees, James Oxley, Francis Gilliland, Hannah Little, Sarah E. Davis, Harriet Gaston, Lucy Smith, Mary Burke, and Martha King. In 1853 there was an enrollment of cighty-two scholars.

The Reily Presbyterian Church was organized in April, 1836, with thirty-six members. It was a scion from Bethel, the most powerful religious organization of its faith in this part of the county. The house, made of brick, in which the congregation now worship, was built in 1840. Forty-six, years after its organization the membership numbers one. hundred. Among the ministers have been A. B. Gilliland, J. S. Weaver, E. Howell, T. E. Hughes, C. H. Raymond, J. De Lamater, and D. H. Green. This Church, since its organization, has been in a prosperous state. There is a neat parsonage near the church. A good Sunday-school is maintained and well supported.

Reily Odd Fellows, Lodge No. 332, was instituted November 12, 1857, at St. Charles. Some of the charter members were John and Silas Stewart, brothers, and George W. Roberts. This lodge continued at St. Charles - until 1876 or 1877, when, on account of the inconvenience to members, it was brought to Reily. The society built a lodge here in 1876, and the next year it burned down. This haJl cost about seven hundred dollars, and was over Benjamin F, Sayres's store-room.

sioned by the fire the lodge bought the lot on which the store stood, and erected the present frame, costing about one thousand dollars. There are now about fifty active members. No. 332 was instituted by William Chidsey, of Cincinnati, now grand secretary of Ohio.

The Knights of Honor Lodge was instituted March 30, 1881, with the following members: B. F. Sayres, John Mansod, Doctor D. D. Borger, J. T. Little, J. N. Carson, J. A. Lasley, J. P. Van Ausdall, George Feighter, John Gable, H. E. Wynecopp, Frederic Horsfield, Henry Schwarm, Morris Hamer, George Huber, Walter DeCamp, W. G. Everson, William Thompson, W. G. Ragsdill, Amos CG. Vanlue, Calvin E. Deneen, A. W. Deneen, Noah §. Sayres, Gideon Stroud, William M. Sasher,'P. J. B. Welliver, John Vanness, Charles Urmston, J. W. Whitehill and J. T. Bartlow. Mr. B. F. Sayres met his death by accident November 15, 1881. Meetings are held in the Odd Fellows' hall the second and fourth Wednesdays of every month. The first officers of this lodge were Doctor D. D. Borger, P. D.; W. G. Everson, D.; Walter DeCamp, V. D.; W. J. Ragsdill, assistant Q.; J. P. Van Ausdall, representative ; P. J. V. Welliver, F. R.; F. Horsfield, treasurer. This society has thirty odd members, and is in a flourishing condition.

In early times the townships of Reily, Hanover, and Oxford - the uplands near the heads of the creeks - were covered by large ponds of water. There were hundreds of acres entirely useless, except that large quantities of wild geese and ducks made these grounds their resort. The excessive timber prevented the water from running off. There were immense thickets of wild gooseberry bushes, patches of briars which covered three or four acres, and plenty of wild currants. Above the Baptist Church, on Indian Creek one mile and a half, there were twenty acres of wild black currants, '' which were much better," so the old settlers say, ''than our common white currants." Crab apples abounded; also wild onions. Colonel William Stevens says an "' oak tree, seven feet in diameter, above his father's house, turned out fifteen 'coons at a single catch." Foxes, ground-hogs, opossums, and squirrels abounded. Game was always fat. Sugar making - was carried on very extensively by the settlers. Camps were opened wherever a good opportunity presented itself, regardless, in many cases, of its location. The general price for sugar previous to the war of 1812, was about three cents per pound. After the war, the price rose to twelve and a half cents per pound, many of the pioneers making handsome profits thereby. The last bear seen in Reily Township was in the north-east corner of section six, in 1809. In 1815 Brumfield Boone killed one of the largest panthers ever seen in Butler County, on a farm then owned by John Boone, his father. The farm is now owned by the Vanness heirs. The animal measured seven feet from tip to tip. People came from all directions to see it, and its skin was kept a good while in the neighborhood. There were dozens of cooper-shops in Reily Township at an early day. One of the oldest dwelling houses in Reily Township is on section four north of the road fifteen rods, running through the center of the section. It was built by David Wing, in 1810. It is now occupied and owned by Rodney Donham, who was born August 30, 1806, on the Island of "Martha's Vineyard, Massachusetts. He came with his father's family to the south side of section six, this township, in 1809, on the 22d of June.

Robert Moore was born in 1815, in Hanover Township, on section No. 22. He has engaged in carpentering most of his life, going from place to place throughout the county, erecting buildings. He is a man who owns considerable real estate and is a person of unblemished character. After 1837 he owned the mill which stood on Indian Creek, near where he lives. In 1861 this mill ceased to run.

Owen Davis, one of the pioneer settlers of Reily Township, took up his residence in the south-east quarter of section twenty, in 1811. For his wife he married Mary, daughter of John Smith, in Fayette County, Pennsylvania, June, 1807. Mrs. Davis was born December 27, 1789, in the same county where she married. This marriage resulted in a family of ten children: John, born 1808, in Fayette County, Pennsylvania - dead ; Rebecca, who married Samuel Davis, born 1810, died in Butler County ; Philip, born 1812, died in Indiana; Aaron, born 1814, died in this county; Owen, born 1816 - dead ;

Hannah, who married Henry Thompson, born 1819, and lives near Reily; Charles, born 1821, unmarried, and living in California; Mary J., who married Andrew Mann, born 1824, died in Butler County in 1850; Rhoda, who married Allen Larison, born 1827, died in this county; Ezra, born 1830, living near Reily. John Smith, Mrs. Davis's father, came to this county in 1816, and settled where the Davises now live in this township. He was an active soldier in the Revolution. Owen Davis, Sen., was in the war of 1812, his wife being left with four small children to care for in a cabin in the woods of the then thinly settled community. Charles Davis, one of the sons, was a soldier in the Mexican War.

Biographical Notes

Lewis Alexander was born in Washington County, Pennsylvania, May 29, 1811. His father, Andrew Alexander, was a native of Pennsylvania, and was there married to Sarah Montgomery in May, 1804. He came to Ohio, and settled on what is now the Sample farm, dying soon after. ae wife was left with four boys and three girls. She died in 1845. Of these children but two are living, Lewis Alexander and Mrs. Martha Tremley, wife of Amos Tremley. Mr, Alexander has always lived on a farm, with the exception of sixteen months, when he was engaged in the hardware business in Hamilton, in 1857 and 1858. He was married January 20, 1838, to Rachel Burk, daughter of Alexis and Mary Burk, who were among the pioneers of this township. They have had four children. William J. was a drugeist in Connersville, where he died in 1867; Henry T. was married in 1872 to Amanda Leffler, and lives at home, carrying on the farm for his father; Sarah S. was married in 1873 to Scott Roll, and lives in Hanover Township; and Amos T. died April 15, 1875, when sixteen years old. Mrs. Alexander died January 25, 1870. Mr. Alexander received his start working by the month at from $4 to $11. His first purchase was 35 acres at $30 per acre, and he has added to it by installments till he now owns 254 acres. He was brought up a Demoerat, but in 1842 joined the Whigs and afterwards the Republican party. His present home is half a mile west of Reily, where he moved in 1865. He has a handsome gold-headed cane, which was presented to him by his friends when he celebrated his sixty-ninth birthday.

John R. Bevis, son of James A. and Margaret (Ramsey) Bevis, was born near Cincinnati, December 23, 1837. At eighteen he entered Farmer's College, where he remained three years, when he engaged with his father in farming, carrying on a hotel, and running an omnibus. He was married June 16, 1864, to Martha A., daughter of Henry and Margaret (Jones) Lefton. They have three children - Edwin, Everett S., and Alma. Mrs. Bevis was born near New London, February 20, 1842. Mr. Bevis moved to Butler County in 1865, on his farm, which he had bought the year previous, and has followed farming ever since. He is a Master Mason of McMakin Lodge, No. 120, of Mount Pleasant, and is also a member of the Ancient Order of United Workmen.

Salem Clark, son of Isaac and Catherine Clark, was born in Butler County, February 26, 1818. His parents came to this county in 1810. He was married in 1841 to Susan Ragsdill, daughter of Wilson P. Rags- "dill. She was born in this county, November 28, 1823, They have had four children. Mary Louisa Beard was born December 22, 1841; Alfred, Septemher 4, 1844: William Edgar, March 6, 1849; Henry Wills, April 15, 1854. Mr. Clark is a farmer, and was born within one mile of where he now lives. Hig children, who are. all married, live near to him.

Samuel Garner was born in Rockbridge County, V ginia, in 1802, and came to this county with his parents, Henry and Catherine Garner, in 1806. He was united In marriage on the 19th of November, 1820, to Elizabeth Keever, daughter of John and Lydia Keever. She was born in Warren County, March 7, 1804, and came to this county with her parents in 1804. Mr. and Mrs.

Garner have had twelve children. Rebecca Dunwoody was born in April, 1821; William, May 30, 1822; Henry, December 17, 1823; John, June 12, 1826; Samuel, May 5, 1829; Elizabeth Rothermel, February 8, 1832 ; Lydia Descombes, November 10, 1834; Susan Ragsdill, March 24, 1836; Mary Everson, February 16, 1838; George, November 15, 1839; Andrew, September 26, 1842; Margaret Hauck, September 26, 1845. Mr. Garner settled in the woods, and saw many of the experiences of a backwoods life. His father was a soldier in the Revolution, as was also his wife's father. In the last war there were of his family Henry, John, Samuel, George, and Andrew in the service.

Samuel Landon was born on the farm where he now resides, June 16, 1818. His father, Elisha Landon, was born in Sussex County, New Jersey, May 25, 1772, and removed to Pennsylvania with his parents when four years old. He came from Pennsylvania with General Anthony Wayne, with whom he had enlisted for three years. Serving his time out, and being discharged at Greenville, Darke County, he went back to Cincinnati, where he married Sarah Herkless, and in 1808 moved to Reily Township, taking up a quarter of section eight, where he built a cabin in the woods. They had twelve children, Elizabeth, William, Daniel, Anna, Amy, Laban, Mary, Samuel, Jane, Sarah, James, and Elisha C., who all grew up. our only are now living, Daniel, Samuel, Amy, now Mrs. John Gandil, and Jane, now Mrs. John Blackford. Elisha was one of the first trustees of the township; he was of Welsh descent. His grandfather and five sons were in the Revolutionary war, being engaged in the battle of Brandywine. Mr. Landon died June 3, 1853. Samuel Landon has always resided on the farm where he now lives. His first teachers were John Elliott and Elvira Heazeltine. He has been twice married. On November 21, 1846, he was united to Ann Bates, daughter of Joel and Sarah (Conover) Bates. They had eleven children - Alexander, James H., Joel B.; Francis C., Newton, Sarah (deceased), Willard, Edgar, Rebecca Ann (deceased), Daniel, and Elvie. Mrs. Landon died September 20, 1879, and he was again married March 30, 1880. His second wife was Mrs. Amanda Brosius, widow of John Brosius, and daughter of David and Sarah Timberman. Mr. Landon was trustee for three years, about 1850, and has been president of 'the Millville, Reily, and Milton Turnpike for twenty years. He was one of the first members of the township school board, under the free school system, and has held the office of school director for some fifteen years. He is treasurer of the King and' Thompson free pike. He was overseer of Reily Grange No. 544, and succeeded to the office of Master by the death of the presiding officer. He is a member of Pomona Grange, of Butler County, and was its steward three years. f ley, who came to this county in 1810. He was married June 16, 1844, to Samantha Hand, daughter of Darby and Hannah Hand, who was born in this county July 29, 1825. Mr. and Mrs. Lindley have had four children. Isaac N. Lindley was born June 4, 1845; Mary A. Lindley was born December 4, 1846; Leroy W. Lindley was born October 19, 1848, and Ellis H. Lindley was born January 21, 1851. Mr. Lindley is a farmer and has never held any office. His grandfather, Isaac Lindley, was in the Revolutionary War.

Moses R. Pierson, bricklayer and plasterer, was born in Reily Township September 21, 1830. He is the son of Moses Pierson and Hannah Ross, both from New J ersey. He was married in Oxford September 11, 1851, to Cynthia A. Wilson, born May 2, 1855, daughter of Abner Wilson and Esther Smith, who were from Chambersburg, Pennsylvania. To this union have been born the following children: Mary O., Almira F., Hester Ida, Estella B., Phebe Jane, Lou Nellie G., David Lorain; and Elbert Nelson.

James N. Roberson, M. D., of Reily, was born in Carthage, Hamilton County, September 17, 1842. His father, Jonas Roberson, was born in New Jersey, emigrating to Ohio in 1804 with his parents, and settling on Duck Creek, near Cincinnati. He learned the plasterer's trade, which he followed till 1850, then being in mer; cantile and farming business until 1872, when he retired. He died May 11, 1874. He was postmaster of Reily for eight years, and preached as a local minister from 1870. He was the regular minister of the Baptist Church in Reily two years prior to his death. He was an earnest, zealous worker in the Church, and a truly Christian gentleman. He was married October 6, 1826, to Nancy Bryant, by whom he had six children, James being the only surviving one. The mother died March 16, 1870. Doctor Roberson attended Beach Grove Seminary, of Indiana, four years, and read medicine with Doctor Gilchrist, of Reily, three years. He was graduated at the Ohio Medical College, of Cincinnati, in 1862, at the age of twenty. In the Fall of 1862 he entered the service as assistant surgeon, being at first with the sanitary supply, and then in the army of the Cumberland. He resigned on account of ill health in 1863; in May of that year beginning practice at Fair Haven, Preble County. In 1864 he was assistant surgeon in the 156th Ohio National Guard, during its hundred-day service. In the Spring of 1865 he removed to his present location, where he has conducted a successful practice ever since. November 29, 1862, he married Mary Frazee, daughter of J. W. Frazee, and by her was the father of one child, Carrie Edna. His wife died November 28, 1866, and he married April 4, 1870, Lizzie Phillips, daughter of Joseph Phillips. They are the parents of two children, Edward P. and Georgie E. He is a Master Mason of Oxford Lodge, No. 67, and is also a member of St. Charles Lodge of Odd Fellows.

David Rothermel was born in Ross Township March 30, 1826. His father, Solomon Rothermel, came of an old Revolutionary stock. Solomon Rothermel's uncle, Joseph, fought in that memorable struggle, and died a prisoner of war. He was with Washington at Trenton. Mr. Rothermel was married February 26, 1857, in Morgan Township, to Mary Ann Martindell, born in-that township January 26, 1834. She is the daughter of Wilson Martindell and Nancy Martin. Both are living in Ilinois. Mr. and Mrs. Rothermel have had nine children. Mary C. was born November 29, 1857; Nancy M., September 11, 1859; Ann E., August 18, 1861; Flora B., September 16, 1863; Cervanida, July 31, 1865; Charles W., September 8, 1867; James J., April 14, 1870; Parmelia, June 16, 1872, and Nona, October 3, 1875. Charles W. Rothermel died October 10, 1868. Mr. Rothermel has been supervisor of his township for three terms, and is so this year, 1882. He is a butcher by trade, and followed that business for about ten years, in connection with farming, but now pays all of his attention to the farm. He has been a resident of Butler for fifty-five years. His mother was Christina Brosius. She is now dead, as is his father.

W. D. Salmon, the son of William and Martha J. Salmon, who were emigrants from Pennsylvania, was born in Hanover Township, August 15, 1831. On the 16th of February, 1853, he married Margaret J. Meeker, daughter of Mitchell and Margaret Meeker, who came to this portion of the world in 1803, from New Jersey. Mr. and Mrs. Salmon have four children, all girls. Charlotte A. Black was born October 26, 1855; Maggie J. Dorr, August 25, 1858, and Hattie Maud, April 12, 1865. Mr. Salmon is a farmer. His wife's father served in the Revolutionary War.

John H. Smith, deceased, was the son of Captain John and Rebecca (Griffin) Smith, and was born in Fayette County, Pennsylvania, July 28, 1808. Captain John Smith served in the Revolutionary war under Lafayette till its close. In 1816 he and his wife, with their seven children, emigrated to Ohio, and settled in Butler County, where he entered half a section of land in Section 20, and a quarter in Section 29. Captain John died in 1851, having held the office of township trustee for several years. His wife died in 1819. Of their children but one is now living, Mrs. Annie Mann. The others were Mary, Charles, Sarah, Rebecca, John H., and Amos G.. The life of John H. Smith was spent on the farm. He was twice married; first, to Sarah Lemon. To this union one child, Rebecca Ann, was born. She is now dead. His second wife was Sarah Jones, whom he married in 1848. She is the daughter of Nicholas and Mary (Farnsworth) Jones. Her father, who served in the war of 1812, died in 18538, and her mother in 1855. By this marriage they had seven children, John Q., Nicholas J:, Daniel W., Newton J., Charles F., are all married, except Newton J. Mr. Smith died June 18, 1881. He held the office of school director for many years. Mrs. Smith was born in the township in August, 1816. Her grandfather, Jonathan Jones, was a native of Pennsylvania, and married Keziah Harvy. In 1806, with pier eight children, they emigrated to Ohio, and settled in the north-east corner of Reily Township. None of the children are now living. Charles E. Smith was married, March 19, 1878, to Mary E. Van Sickle, daughter of John and Diana (Kiger) Van Sickle. They have two children.

John W. Smith was born in Reily Township, April 9, 1817. He is a son of Charles G. and Phebe (Bartlow) Smith. The land where he was born was originally entered by the grandfather, who gave it to Charles, who was married in 1816 in Indiana. He followed farming all his life, except five years that he was in the service of the government. Among other things, he burned the brick for the fort at Green Bay. He died October, 1834, but his wife is still living, aged eightyseven. John W. Smith has always followed farming, receiving his education in the district school. He was married June 15, 1837, to Catherine, daughter of Adam and Catherine (Thomas) Warfield, by whom twelve children have been borne him. They are Joseph B., Rebeeca Ann, now Mrs. George Lane, of Hamilton; Margaret, now Mrs. Oliver Bear, living in Indiana; James J., David L., Isabella, Harrison H., Phebe J., now Mrs. John Moorehead. Eveline, John, Mary, and Vallandigham are deceased. Mr. Smith has served forty-one years as a school director of his district. He is a member of Oxford Lodge of Masons. Mrs. Smith was born jn this county, and when four or five years old moved with her parents to Indiana. When she was fifteen she returned to this county and lived with her sister until her marriage. Mr. Smith has now 335 acres, which he still holds, besides giving some three hundred acres to his children.

Thomas H. Smith is the son of Thomas and Lucy Smith, who came to this county in 1816, and he was born in Fairfield Township, August 2, 1826. He is a farmer, and now has one of the finest residences in Reily 'Township. He was married on the Ist of February, 1851, to Sarah Ann Van Ness, daughter of Eliza and Rebecca Van Ness, who was born January 12, 1828, in Reily Township. He has been a notary public,

Abigail Stevens, who removed to this county in 1807. They are now both dead. He was married in 1825 to Cynthia Fisk, also a native of New York, and the daughter of Amos and Cynthia Fisk. this county in 1811. Mys, Stevens was born June 8, 1806. Three of their children are living, Dow was born August 15, was born July 7, 1827, and George Washington was born January 11, 1837. Benjamin F. Stevens, George Stevens, and Andrew Stevens were out in the war of the Rebellion. Mr. William Stevens himself went out as a volunteer, at the age of fifty-nine, and served two years, He was a colonel of a militia regiment for about eight years before the war. Notwithstanding his advanced age, his mind is still active, and his strength is still surprising. He has voted in the township for fifty-six years. He is a farmer.

Amos Tremley, son of Daniel and Mary Tremley, was born in this county June 8, 1811. His parents moved here in 1808. He was married March 6, 1834, to Martha, daughter of Andrew and Sarah Alexander, who was born in Butler County February 6, 1811. They have had five children. Daniel A. was born April 21, 1835; Sarah Elizabeth Lemon, August 8, 1837; Jacob, November 1, 1839; Cynthia A. Lasher, January 15, 1846, and Rebecca A., December 21, 1853. Jacob is dead. Mr. Tremley is the oldest man living in the township, born there. His father was in the war of 1812, and his sons, Daniel A. and Jacob, were in the late war.

Samuel Urmston, who was born in Pennsylvania, came to Ohio with his parents in 1806, and settled near Cincinnati. He soon after moved to this county, serving "in the war of 1812. At the conclusion he received a and-warrant for his services, which he afterwards sold, moving back to Hamilton County about the year 1827; but again coming to Butler County, in 1851, he located near the present Woods' Station, living there till 1869, when he removed to Millville, where he died in August, 1871. He married Keziah Hall, and had by her nine children, of whom eight are now living. Nelson Urmston was the fifth child, and was born in this county November 12, 1822. In the fall of 1848 he began selling goods in Hamilton County, which he continued till 1850, when he sold out. In the Spring of 1851 he returned to Butler County, where he opened a store at Woods' Station, continuing there till 1852, when he moved to Millville. In 1870 he returned to Reily, where he keeps a general stock of merchandise. On the 4th of April, 1850, he was married to Rachel Hunt, to whom one child was born, Mrs. G. W. Meats. Mrs. Urmston died November 6, 1851, and he was married on the 3d of February, 1853, to Sarah Flint, daughter of the Rey. Joseph H. Flint. He has four children by the second wife. Theyare Alice (Mrs. Andrew Morris), Nelson A., Joseph, and Jesse Andrew. N elson Augustus is a partner with his father in the store, having been admitted in 1876. He was married February 18, 1879, to Margaret KE. Blacker, daughter of James Hi. and Sarah Blacker.

at the battle of Brandywine. His father was John G. Urmston, and his mother's name was Mary. They came to this county at an early period, the mother in 1822. The father once filled the position of judge. Mandeville T. Urmston was married on the first of July, 1841, to Rebecea Hand, daughter of Darby and Hannah Hand, who came to this county in 1814. She was born on the 17th of September, 1823.

John F. Ward, son of Hugh and Sawa Ward, one of the oldest persons in the township of Reily. He was born in Morris County, New Jersey, on the 17th of June, 1817. His parents were also natives of that State, and his father was a soldier in the war of 1812. Mr. Ward came to Reily in June, 1849, and was married on the 9th of the same month to Amanda Hideley, daughter of Henry Hideley. Mr. Ward is a painter and artist, and has a fine reputation in his calling. He has established a fine cemetery a little west of Reily. He is a man of enterprise, and is well situated.

P. J. B. Welliver lives on the Millville, Reily, and Milton Turnpike, three miles south-east of Reily Village. He was born in the house in which he now resides, October 31, 1817, and is the son of Obadiah and Hannah (Johnston) Welliver. He was a native of Pennsyl- . vania, and she of New Jersey, being married in Pennsylvania in 1796, and coming to Ohio in a wagon in 1810. He entered a quarter where his son now lives, dying in 1839. His wife lived till 1865. There were nine children in the family, of whom but two are now living, P. J. B. Welliver and Mrs. Samuel Jobe. He has always resided on the farm, with the exception of about a year he spent in a store at Brownsville, Indiana. His early education was derived from the district school, attending the private school of Aaron Powers one year. He was married November 30, 1837, to Elizabeth M., daughter of James and Rachel (Mills) Everson. She was born September 25, 1817. They have had nine children - Emma, Cynthia Ann, Susan K., Minerva, Sarah 8. (dead), Alfred J., James E., Lockey J., and Nannie H.' (dead). Mr. Welliver served as justice of the peace of Reily Township for nine successive years, beginning about 1855, and one term of three years since the war. He was a Master Mason of the Oxford Lodge, but has taken out his withdrawal card. He is a member of Union Lodge, No. 2400, of the Knights of Honor

Their children are all married. Emma is now Mrs. Henry Garner; Cynthia, Mrs. George Clark ; Susan, Mrs. G. W. Garner; Minerva, Mrs. W. H. H. Pierson; Lockey, Mrs. James R. Van Ness. Mr. Welliver is a Democrat.

Gideon Wilkinson was born January 5, 1815, on the farm where he now lives, in a log cabin, which stood near his present residence, which was among the first erected in this part of the township. His father, Gideon Wilkinson, was a native of Northumberland County, Pennsylvania, and emigrated to Ohio in 1806. He stopped on the Little Miami River, on what is called Round Bottom, and raised one crop of corn. The next year he purchased Jand in Reily of Jonathan Govalt, who had entered the farm, but was not able to pay for it. His first dwelling consisted of four forks set into the ground in the shape of a square, with a bark roof, and three sides of bark and brush. At the front a sheet was hung up for a door. He lived in this one season, from Spring till Fall, until he could erect a more substantial cabin. He was

Source changes here: from Centennial History of Butler County, Ohio, by Bert S. Bartlow, W. H. Todhunter, Stephen D. Cone, Joseph J. Pater, Frederick Schneider, and Others, published 1905; 2,766 words in this source stream.

Reily Township

December 7, 1807, on the meeting of James Blackburn, Matthew Richardson and James Smith, commissioners, on a petition of some of the inhabitants of St. Clair township, it was "ordered, December 8, 1807, that so much of the township of St. Clair as lies within the following boundaries, to wit: Beginning on the western boundary line of the county at the southwest comer of the fourth township in the first range; thence east with the township line to the southeast comer of the section numbered 32 of the fourth township in the second range: thence north with the sectional line to the north boundary line of the said fourth township in the said second range; thence west with the township line to the western boundary line of the county aforesaid; thence south with the same to the place of beginning, - shall compose a township which shall be called and known by the name of Reily township." Election to be held at the house of Henry Burget on the 2d day of January, 1808, for electing township officers.

Reily township was created out of the territory of St. Clair on December 8, 1807. The action creating the township was taken by the county commissioners, James Blackburn, Matthew Richardson and James Smith, upon receipt of a petition of some inhabitants of St. Clair township. The township of Reily, as originally formed, included two tiers of sections on the ea$t that now form a part of Hanover township, the same having been deducted from Reily township in 1811, when Hanover was formed. Reily township was named after John Reily, the first clerk of court of Butler county. Among the first settlers of Reily township were George Allhand, William Anthony, John Boothe, James Beard, Thomas Burke, Joseph Bradley, Isaac Clark, Valentine Chase, Jonathan Covalt, Robert Denny, James Deneen, John Fye, Owen Davis, Henry Garner, John Israel, Jonathan Jones, Joseph King, Elisha Landon, Robert Luse, Isaac Lindley, William Mitchell, John

James Stevens, John Smith, Daniel Tremley, Ithamar White, Gideon Wilkinson, John Wehr, David Wing and Obadiah Welliver. Others who settled here a little later were of the name Baldwin, Burget, Beard, Gem, De Camp, Gray, Hancock, Montgomery, Miller, Pierson, Ross, Sample, Everson, Vanness, Hand, Port and Larison. The population in 1820 was 1,451 ; in 1830, 1,832; in 1840, 1,758; in 1890, 1,244; in 1900, 1,113.

The principal stream is Indian creek, which passes through the township from northwest to southeast. Its principal tributaries are Little Indian, Reserve run, Chase's run and Boon's run. The Indian creek bottom lands are famed for their fertility. The township is rolling, and is generally well adapted to farming. It is provided with well-improved roads and has about thirty miles of good turnpikes. One of the first roads laid out in the township was the Indian Creek road, which led through the Indian Creek valley from Millville via

Centennial History Of

Bunker Hill and Reily to Indiana. In the early days this was one of the popular routes to Cincinnati from the Indiana border. Another road was the old Oxford post-road, leading from Lawrenceburg via Harrison, New Haven, Okeana, Reily to Oxford. The

New Jersey settled north of Bunker Hill and a school was opened. It was called Jerseytown, and the school district still retains the name. In 1816 a union school was opened in the northwest part of the township. Maxwell Parkerson, a settler who came from Virginia in 1806, donated two acres of land in the southeast corner of secmails were carried over this route every two weeks by a man on horseback. The county road from Oxford to Hamilton cut the northeast corner of the township, one fork taking the direction of Oxford from Stillwell's comer, the other following the township line between Oxford and Reily townships to the state line.

In the early days milling was a very important industry along Indian creek, which then furnished an abundance of power. As early as 1808 Robert Denney built an undershot saw mill at Bunker Hill. A grist mill was built by John Kinsey near the saw mill of Mr. Denney. Later the mill passed into the hands of Obadiah Welliver and still later it was conducted by Elias Sayers. About 1810 or 1812 David Dick built a grist mill near where the present mill structure is located in the town of Reily. In 1830 Lewis Enyart came in possession of the mill property by purchase. In 1855 he sold the mill to Sayers and Agnew. Later the property passed into the possession of William J. Salmon who, in i860, sold the mill and thirty-seven acres of land to J. P. Hidley and Thompson Gray. Later Hidley became absolute owner and conducted the mill until his death a few years ago. The mill had been repaired many times, and until recent years was very profitable.

The first school house in the township was erected in 1809. It was a log house and stood in the valley near Bunker Hill. A little later a community of immigrants from tion 6, and the community built thereon a log school house which continued in use until about 1840. The present brick building, in school district No. 3, is almost on the same site. Some of the early teachers of this school were John Elliott, Robert Riggs, Alfred Chamberlain, Winson Lusk and John Ferguson.

The earliest church organization was the Indian Creek Baptist church. It was organized in 1810 at the home of John Morris. Occasional services in that neighborhood had been held earlier. After the church was organized services were conducted for a short time at the Union school house, but in 1812 a log church building was erected on land purchased of Valentine Chase. Three acres were purchased for nine dollars and a portion of it was set apart for grave-yard purposes. The church, whic was organized with twenty-two members, grew very rapidly under the preaching of Elder Tyner, the first pastor, who preached in this vicinity as early as 1809. The membership increased about one hundred in a period of eighteen months. Other early pastors of the church were Elders Thomas, Thompson and Sparks, and those in later years were Benjamin Martin, Samuel 1 lings, Moses Hornaday, Judas Shirk, Daniel Briant, Joseph Flinn, John Brady, Jonas Roberson and Abraham Thurston. In 1830 the old hewed log house was tom down, an a brick structure, thirty by fifty feet, erected. In i860 the church was abandoned for regular services and the Reily Village Baptist church was established and a frame church building erected. The society in recent years has dwindled to a few members, though it holds regular monthly services.

The Washington Methodist Episcopal church was organized in 1819 by Russel Biglow at his residence in Morgan township. For several years the church members worshiped at the home of Mr. Biglow, but later services were held in the log school house in St. Charles, just west of where the present church building is located. In 1834 Washington chapel was erected on ground donated by Matthew Moorehead. The building was constructed of brick and stood about half a mile east of the present church on the opposite side of the road. Rev. Benjamin Lawrence was one of the pioneer preachers, and after his death, which occurred September 7, 1855, his remains were laid to rest in the cemetery at St. Charles. Another of the early preachers was Rev. Aaron Powers, who afterward became a Mormon elder. During the Civil war the church was neglected and became very much out of repair, but in 1868 it received attention, and was replastered and repainted. In 1886 a handsome new church edifice was built adjoining the cemetery in St. Charles. The lot on which it stands was donated by Samuel Fye. Rev. Dr. Joyce, now Bishop Joyce, preached the dedicatory sermon. The Washington charge is one of the most prosperous on the Venice circuit.

The Walker Chapel Methodist Episcopal church was organized about 1830. Services were held in the neighborhood by the Methodists as early as 1818 at the home of George Allhands. Dr. Andrew King and James Stephens were the principal originators of the society. About the time the church was organized it received a lot adjoining the one on which the school house, in district No. 3, stands for church purposes. Until 1845 society worshiped in the school house, when the lot belonging to the church was sold and the proceeds applied in payment of the lot on which the chapel now stands. This lot, including the graveyard adjoining, was purchased of James Stephens. The church was erected in 1845 an^ was dedicated by Rev. George W. Walker, for whom the chapel was named. In 1895 the old church was torn down and a new one built. The Walker charge is connected with Union, at McGonigles. Among its pastors in recent years have been Revs. Shannon, Shively, Hershey, Stabler and Dyer.

The Bunker Hill Universalist church was organized in 1845 or 1846. The land on which the church stands, as well as where the graveyard is, was donated by Alexander Deneen. The church edifice was built in 1857. Prior to the building of the church, the congregation worshiped in a school house that stood at the foot of the hill near the present residence of County Commissioner Jacob Conrad. The Universalists were formerly quite numerous at Bunker Hill, but in recent years many of them have died or moved away and of late regular services have not been held.

The Reily Presbyterian church was organized in April, 1836, with thirty-six members. Its organizers were originally members of Bethel church near Millville. The membership of the church now numbers about a hundred. The house of worship, which is a brick structure, was built in 1840. The church has been remodeled several times, and though an old building, it still affords very comfortable accommodations for the society. Among the pastors have been Revs. Gfilland, Weaver, Howell, Hughes, Raymond, DeLamater, Green, Engstrom, Grandstaff, Olmstead, Raber, Hale and Scott.

The principal village, Reily, has a population of about three hundred. It was laid out by Pierson Conklin, Joseph M. Conklin and Samuel Gray, October 25, 1848. Years before the town was platted it was a place of considerable importance to the township, for here the people did their trading, cast their votes and received their mail. Reily was a postoffice as early as 1825. The town in those days stood on the east side of Indian creek in section 15. Now it is mostly in sections 21 and 22. The early settlers and land owners hereabouts were Lewis Enyart and Thomas Burke. One of the first settlers in Reily was a Mr. Boyer, who was a furnituremaker by trade. About 1812 David Dick built a grist mill, and later added a carding mill. Ferdinand Everhardt was a wagonmaker here as early as 1837. The residence of S. P. Riker was originally Mr. Everhardt's shop. Felix Conklin conducted a tannery near the west end of the village from 1833 *or several years. He was succeeded by John Watkins. Elias Gaston located here in 1833, and afterwards engaged in the mercantile business. His brother, A. L. Gaston, was the first store keeper. His store stood on the east side of Indian creek, one hundred yards above the mill. Later Moses Burk conducted a store in the room vacated by Gaston. In 1835 A. L. Gaston built the store house which stood near the residence of Samuel Gray and which was subsequently removed to another part of the Gray lot, and converted into a carriage house. After A. L. Gaston came Elias Gaston, Samuel Gray, Amos Smith and Arthur Gray, all of whom kept store in this building. In 1838-43 A. G. Smith kept store on the site of the Hosfield tavern. Later Gaston, Pierson and Gark were store keepers here and were succeeded by Gaston and T. B. Smith. The merchants, after 1880, were John A. Lesley, King Carson and Nelson Urmston and still later Charles Wagner, Duncan & Hidley and O. W. Dyer. Those engaged at present in the store business are H. L. Roll, who located here about 1887, Hiram Heard and Charles Bess. M. B. and F. P. Applegate were wagon and carriage manufacturers here as early as 1849. Later Wm. Lutz and S. P. Riker came. The latter now does repair work only, and devotes his attention chiefly to the undertaking business, in which he is asociated with his son. Riker & Son undertakers, have an extensive patronage in this locality.

The first tavern keeper here was James Larison, who was succeeded by Samuel Davis, who kept tavern in the house occupied by the late Henry Schwarm. Later taveni keepers were T. B. Smith, John W. Fiske, John Duigfelder, W. O. Pierson, Charles Silverlake and Frederick Hosfield.

Mr. Barrot worked at the saddlery trade here in 1840. Later Thomas Smith and John Luich came. L. C. Addison kept a harness shop here from 1847 t° J°^n

John Miller, who came in 1830. Samuel Davis located here in 1835. James Bridge came in 1840, and Thompson Gray in 1843. Later blacksmiths have been Hugh Roll, Milton Sasher, Elmore Gray, George Huber, William Huber and Harry Grissom.

The first school house in this vicinity stood near the residence of Elias Ross, and west of the pike leading to Riofrio. This house was built about 1810. In 1839 a brick school house was built on the site of the township house. In i860 an addition was made to it. Some of the teachers who taught here were Captain Mustin, Thomas Lawrence, J. C. Snow, William Salmon, Alexander King, Dr. J. M. Trembly, F. A. Coleman, Emily O. Cumback, Lucretia Jones, D. Bassett, William Gwaltney, John R. Clark and James T. Bartlow. In 1877 a new school house was erected at a cost of $3,000 on an acre lot purchased of Samuel Gray. The house, which is a two-story brick structure, is still in use.

Bunker Hill

Bunker Hill was never platted, but it has been a postoffice since 1852, except for a period of a few years before 1876, when the office was abandoned. Stores have been opened here at various times, but have never proven profitable. In the early settlement of the township several mills were operated in this vicinity. The place is notable as the birth-place of "Lucky" Baldwin, the California multi-millionaire.

Woods' Station is a small village near the northeast corner of the township. It is a station on the C., H., I. division of the Cincinnati, Hamilton & Dayton Railroad, and was named after John Woods, the first president of the railroad. The land on which the station stands was originally settled by Jonathan Jones. The railroad was built in 1858, and the town' dates from that time. The first citizen was Hiram Pierson. L. D. Hancock was the first store keeper. Others who have kept store here are Hiram Pierson, Taylor Salisbury, Silas Baldwin, Charles Urmston, Ed Simpson and George Gardner. The latter has been located here as station agent and store keeper for over thirty years.

St. Charles

St. Charles, in recent years, has lost much of its importance as a village. The older inhabitants have nearly all died or moved away. There is a church, school and jjostoffice located here. The town was named after Charles Stewart, an early and a pious resident of the community.

Peoria

Peoria is a small village located three miles west of Reily on the state line between Ohio and Indiana. The early settlers hereabouts were named Armstrong, Applegate, Anthony, Baird, Smith, Fort, Wood, Lackey, Luse, Reese, Conn, Matthews, Montgomery, Heard and McClellan. The town was organized about sixty-five or seventy years ago. It was originally called Ingleside, and was formerly the seat of a famous school, or academy, founded by Prof. Wm. Rust in the early 'fifties. Early store keepers were James Fye and George Boyd. Later W. R. Jenkins conducted a store here for nearly a quarter of a century. John Smith carried on wagonmaking here before and after the Civil war. Blacksmiths who worked here were Thomas Applegate, James Rowe, Henry Spangler, John Addison, Sidney Pyle, Knoles Barbin and others. The town now has a store, postoffice and hotel on the Indiana side, and a blacksmith shop, a saw mill and a grain elevator on the Ohio side. The Chicago, Cincinnati & Louisville Railroad maintains a telegraph station here, and

Newkirk is a station and shipping point on the Chicago, Cincinnati & Louisville Railroad, located in section 32, but has not attained to much importance.