Richland Township (part 5 of 5)

JOHN SCHIFFERLY, farmer, P. O. Beaver Dam, was born in Switzerland, May 26, 1819, and there received a common school education. His father, a farmer, immigrated to America in 1833, located in Wayne County, Ohio (having in his possession at that time only $23.90), and in 1836 settled on the farm where his son, John, now resides, in Richland Township, Allen (then Putnam) County, and here died in 1861. Our subject, the youngest in a family of three children, was raised in the woods, and followed clearing and farming in early life. He was married in 1848 to Christine Swartz, a native of Germany. Her father was a pioneer farmer of Hancock County, Ohio. To this union were born eleven children, eight now living: Gideon, married, and farming in Hancock County, Ohio; John W., a farmer, whose wife died in 1883, leaving one child ; Jacob D., married to a tinner in Beaver Dam; Mary, wife of J. E. Lugibihl ; Willie E., a tinner in Beaver Dam ; Frederick, at home; Sarah E., and Margaret E. Mrs. Schifferly is a member of the Methodist Episcopal] Church. Our subject, who now owne 152 acres of good land and a house worth $2,000, started with but forty acres of heavily timbered land, on which he built a cabin, and has by his own exertions accumulated a handsome competency.

JACKSON SHULL, house plasterer, P. O. Beaver Dam, a native of Ohio, was born November 25, 1826, son of Frederick Shull, who laid out the town of Beaver Dam. Our subject received a common school education, and at the age of eighteen learned the mason's trade, which he has made the business of his life. He was married March 27, 1856, tc Julia Ann Allison, of German-Irish descent, and who was born in 1832, in Allen County, Ohio, daughter of Alexander Allison, a pioneer farmer of this county. Their children are Cora, Zoe (deceased) and Lula. Mr. Shull is an independent thinker, well read, and posted on all the questions of the day. He is not a member of any church. He is owner of town property and a good farm of 159 acres adjoining Beaver Dam. He-was appointed postmaster of Beaver Dam in 1856, serving two years. Politically he is a Democrat.

JOSEPH SHULL, notary public, collector and justice of the peace, Beaver Dam, was born at Mount Eaton, Wayne Co., Ohio, July 4, 1833; son of Frederick and Catherine (Fackler) Shull, natives of Pennsylvania and of German descent. Frederick Shull, a soldier in the war of 1812, was by turns a hotel keeper, merchant, farmer and miller, and was among the pioneers of Allen County, Ohio; he laid out the town of Beaver Dam, and built the first flour-mill in the village; he had a family of fourteen children by his first wife and three by his second, Joseph being the eighth child by the first wife. The father died in Allen County in 1865. Our subject was reared on the farm and educated in the common schools. He worked in the mill until he was twenty years of age, when he attended schoo] in town for four months. Then he taught in the town and country schools for ten years. Three years of this period were spent in Illinois and three years in Beaver Dam. During the late war of the Rebellion he enlisted, in 1861, in the Highty-first Regiment Ohio Volunteer Infantry, and was discharged in 1862. He was married in 1863 to Mary J. Carlile, also a teacher, and a daughter of Hector Carlile, a farmer, and Elizabeth (Woods) Carlile, who were of English and Trish descent. Mr. and Mrs. Shull both taught school the first year after their marriage. Their children are H. F., C.E., H. J. and Cloyd. Mr. Shull has been an active business man. He carried on a dry goods store from 1859 to 1861, then engaged in the drug business, which he sold out in 1882, since when he has been notary public, collector and money loaner. In politics he is a Democrat.

GEORGE SOLOMON, carpenter, contractor and farmer of Beaver Dam, and trustee of Richland Township, was born in Wayne County, Ohio, February 8, 1828, youngest in the family of fourteen children of Paul and Catherine (Philipey) Solomon, natives of Pennsylvania, and of German descent. Paul Solomon, who was a farmer, came to Allen County, Ohio, in 1837, settling on the farm where our subject now lives. He died here in 1839, his widow in 1867. Our subject was reared on the farm, attended a district school, and at the age of eighteen learned the carpenter's trade, at which he has worked most of the time since. He was married, in 1860, to Catherine, daughter of Minor and Mary (Bemer) Loyd, who were natives of Maryland, and of German descent. Her father, a farmer by occupation, came here in 1840. To Mr. and Mrs. Solomon were born two children: James (now in Kansas) and George H.

Mrs. Solomon is a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church. Our subject is a Democrat in politics; has been a member of the school board of Richland Township several terms, end is now trustee of said township. In 1864, during the late civil war, he enlisted in the One Hundred and Fifty-first Ohio Volunteer Infantry, and served one hundred days. He is owner of a farm in Richland Township, this county.

MOSES STAGER, Bluffton, who is prominent among the representative farmers of Allen County, was born in the Keystone State, December 4, 1828. His parents, Frederick and Rebecca (Fensler) Stager, of German origin, were natives of Pennsylvania; they had a family of nine children, of whom Moses is fifth. His father, who was a farmer, never succeeding in gaining much of this world's goods. Our subject received but a limited education, and early in life learned the tailor's trade in Pennsylvania. After working for ten years with but average success, at his trade, he commenced farming, came to Ohio in 1856, and in 1860 to Allen County. Here he rented a farm for seven years, and then purchased it. He has been successful as a farmer, and now owns 187 acres of land, with good improvements and well-stocked. Mr. Stager was married, in 1800, to Miss Mary Ann Weichrich, daughter of German parents. Their children are John (married, and farming in this county), Emma (wife of Philip Carbauch), William (also engaged in farming in this county), David (at home), Mary Ellen (at home) and Sarah. Mr. Stager has served as township trustee and school director. Politically he is a Democrat.

HORACE W. STEARNS, grocer, Bluffton, was born at St. Mary's, Auglaize County, Ohio, December 19, 1848; son of Rufus and Sarah Ann (Carpenter) Stearns, natives of Ohio and Vermont, respectively, and of English descent. Rufus Stearns, who was a physician, a graduate of the Ohio Medical College, practiced for many years in Ohio; he reared a family of six children, of whom Horace W. is next to the youngest. Our subject received his education at St. Mary's graded schouis and Ada normal school, and at the age of eighteen began teaching school, an occupation he followed in four counties, Ohio, for thirteen years. During this time he was for two years in the grammar department of schools in Celina, Mercer County, one year as assistant superintendent of St. Mary's Union School, and lastly, in 1881, in Richland Township, this county. Mr. Stearns embarked in the grocery business at Bluffton in 1882. He has been twice married, on first occasion, in 1878, to Nettie Bruner, who bore him one child - Ada Lou; the mother died in 1880. Mr. Stearns' second marriage, in 1882, was with Hannah, daughter of of Robert Watkins, and to this union was born one child - Otis. Mr. Stearns is a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church. In polities he is a Republican.

REV. C. P. STEINER, farmer and minister, P. O. Cranberry, was born in Wayne County, Ohio, August 19, 1832, son of Peter D. and Fannie (Steiner) Steiner. His parents, natives of France, moved to Wayne County, Ohio, in 1824, and settled onafarm. His father, who was a minister of the Mennonite society (the family history shows that there has been a minister in the family for the past five generations), started in the world a poor boy and when he died, in 1854, owned 650

'acres of land. Our subject, wlio is the third in a family of eleven cbildren, came to this county'in 1855, and settled on the farm where he now resides. He was married, in 1855, to Magdalena Glosser, who was born in Virginia, of German parents, and died in 1856. Mr. Steiner then married, in 1861, Barbara, daughter of Rev. John Thut, and to this union were born Paulina, Meno S., Jennie, Nancy, Josiah, Surah, Aaron (deceased), Albert, Reuben and Elvina. They are members of the Mennonite Church. Mr. Steiner was ordained a minister of the American Mennonite Church in 1871. In polities he is a Prohibitionist.

H. C. STEINER, butcher, Bluffton, was born in Baton Rouge, La., April 24, 1850, son of John J. and Margaret (Klvetze) Steiner, natives of Switzerland, former of whom, a commission merchant and importer of foreign wines and liquors, became very wealthy. Our subject, the eldest of a family of four children, received a classiscal education in Switzerland, graduating from Neuchatel College in 1866. His father then sent him to England, where he studied the English language at college in the city of Hull, till his father's failure and death. In 1867 he came to New Orleans, La., where his uncle lived, intending to continue the study of the English language, but this uncle died the same year, of yellow fever, and H. C. was thus thrown on his own resources when but seventeen years of age. He then went to Canada, and there learned the butcher's trade in Toronto. Mr. Steiner was married, in 1878, to Estella, daughter of Theophilus Charpie, now farming in this county. Her parents were born in France. Mr. Steiner moved from Toronto to Buffalo, N. Y., where he worked at his trade till 1868, when he came to Allen County, Ohio, went into business on his own account, butchering and buying and shipping live stock, and has been successful, - financially. A Democrat in politics, he has been sent to county and State delegations, and has served as a member of the advisory committee of his party. He has served as, and is now, a member of the town council, and has been township trustee of Richland. He is a member of the I. O. O. F.

CHARLES F. STOCKLER, farmer, P. O. Bluffton, was born in Germany, October 13, 1834, only son of Joseph and Elizabeth (Brakel) Stockler. His father was a well-to-do farmer, and gave him good opportunities for obtaining an education in his native land. In 1854 our subject immigrated to America, and after remaining in New York a short time came to Franklin County, Ohio, thence moved to Champaign County, and was there married, in 1859, to Claracy Henkle, who bore him the following children: Albert E., Ida May (wife of Saint Boyd, a farmer), Emma (wife of Robert Hall), Elizabeth, Henry (deceased), Mollie, Frank, Nanie, Joseph and Ross. Mrs. Stockler is a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church. During the late civil war Mr. Stockler enlisted, in 1862, in Company G, One Hundred and Thirteenth Ohio Volunteer Infantry, and in 1864 re-enlisted in Company G, Fifty-fifth Kentucky Volunteer Infantry, serving as a non-commissioned officer. In 1869 he moved to this county and bought his present farm, where he has resided since 1870; the farm comprises fifty-five acres of good land, the result of his own exertions, and which he has greatly improved. Our subject is a F. & A. M.; in politics a Republican.

the former a farmer, a native of Pennsylvania, of Irish descent, came to this county in 1846; the latter was a native of New Jersey, of English lineage. Their family consisted of eight children. G. W., the third born, was reared on the farm on which he has spent the greater part of his life, receiving a common school education. He worked at saw-milling for a time, but farming and stock-raising has been his chief occupation. He was married April 25, 1868, to Isabella, daughter of Samuel Swearingen, a farmer of Allen County, and by her he has had six children, three now living: Samuel I. Frank and Laura E. Mr. Swany is a Democrat in politics.

ABRAHAM THUT, farmer, P. O. Bluffton, was born in Holmes County, Ohio, November 24, 1839, son of Rev. John and Christina (Bechtel) Thut, the former born in Switzerland, the latter in Pennsylvania,of German descent. Rev. John Thut, a carpenter and farmer, came from his native land to Holmes County, Ohio, when a young man, and was there married; then came to Allen County in 1847, settling on a farm in Richland Township; he was a Mennonite minister for many years,and died in 1867. Our subject, who is the fifth in a family of thirteen children, ten of whom grew to manhood and womanhood, was.reared on the farm, acquiring his education in the common school. He'is the owner of 100 acres of well-improved land. Mr. Thut was married in 1866, to Elizabeth, daughter of Peter Steiner, a native of Wayne County, Ohio, and of German descent. Their children are Reuben. Enos, Noah, Malinda, Mary Ann, Timothy, John and Elizabeth. Mr. and Mrs. Thut are members of the American Mennonite Church.

WILL A. TRIPLETT, artist, Bluffton, was born in Licking County, Ohio, March 26, 1860, son of Peter and Nancy (Conaway) Triplett. His father, of German descent, is also a native of Licking County, where he is engaged in farming; his mother, a native of Ireland, was brought to America when but achild. Our subject was reared on a farm, attending the district school and high school at Newark, Licking County, until eighteen years of age, when he learned the art of photography, an occupation he has since followed. He first opened a gallery in Plain City, Ohio, thence went to Troy, Ohio, but not finding a suitable room for his studio, he came to Bluffton in 1881, and opened his art gallery in a large, beautiful room in the Herr Block. Mr. Triplett is a fine artist, wonderfully attached to his profession, polite and courteous in his manner to his patrons, and sends out first-class work. He was married in 1880, to Miss Mabel Spooner, of Plain City, a daughter of Stephen Spooner, and of English descent. Their children are Morris and Ray. Mrs. Triplett is a member of the Methodist Church.

REV. J. V. UPDIKE, Bluffton, was born in Celina, Mercer County, Ohio, January 23, 1850, the only child of J. V. and Maria (Lincoln) Updike, natives of Ohio, former of whom, a merchant and farmer, died in 1849 (before J. V. was born). Our subject received his literary education in his native town, and early in life became a member of the Church of God, and when but eighteen years of age was licensed to preach the gospel. When twenty years of age he received u regular appointment to preach at West Unity, Williams Co., Ohio. Since then he has accomplished much Evangelistic work, and has occupied several prominent positions. In 1879, Mr. Updike severed his connection with the Church of God, being better satisfied with the tenets of the Disciples Church, and accepted a call at Bluffton, Ohio. Although our subject is still a young man, yet a record of his eventful life would fill a volume in itself. He has been the means of bringing 2,530) persons into the Church, and has baptised, by immersion, 2,000 of this number, and at one protracted meeting held in Findlay, the county seat of Hancock County, Ohio, he baptized 156 persons. Mr. Updike is editor of the Gospel Light, a monthly paper published at Bluffton, Ohio. He is grand lecturer of the mechanic's and laborer's society, and has taken an active part in the Sabbath-school work of this State. He was married, in 1870, to Anna E. Houts, and by this union has had the following children: Cora Etta, Emma Belle, Perry Otto and Harry Edgar (twins, the last named now deceased) and Farron Mercer. Mr. Updike's ministerial work is now in Bluffton and Beaver Dam, this county. Financially, he has been successful, owning a neat, substantial residence in Blaffton..

JESSE VERNON, retired merchant, Bluffton, was born in Knox County, Ohio, January 11, 1832, son of Aaron and Elizabeth (Lambert) Vernon, natives of Ohio, and of English and German descent, former a farmer by occupation. Our subject, the eldest in a family of nine children, received his education in the common schoolsof Knox County, Ohio. At the age of seventeen he learned the carpenter's trade, which he successfully followed, till the breaking out of the war of the Rebellion, when he enlisted, in 1862, in Company A, Twentieth Regiment, Ohio Volunteer Infantry. After participating in three engagements he was discharged, in 1863, on account of disability, caused by a gunshot wound in his left arm and side. He then came to Knox County, Ohio, bought a farm which he carried on tiJ] 1873, when he came to Bluffton, opened a store and here followed merchandising until the latter part of 1884, when he sold out. Mr. Vernon has been successful in business, and has accumulated an ample share of this world's goods. He was married, in 1852, to Sarah Brollier, a native of Pennsylvania and of English descent. They have two children: A. W., a baker by trade who lives in Bluffton; and Hester M., a graduate of the Bluffton High School, in which she is a teacher; she is also a music instructor. Her parents have taken great pride in their daughter's musical education, supplying her with firstclass teachers and a splendid piano. Mrs. Vernon and daughter are members of the Lutheran Church. Mr. Vernon, a Republican in politics, has taken an active interest in Bluffton affairs, serving many years as a member of the school board. He has filled other minor offices, and is now a member of the town council.

JOHN VON GUNTEN, manufacturer of brick, Bluffton, was born in Richland Township, this county, November 16, 1856, son of John and Anna (Snitter) Von Gunten, natives of Switzerland, and who were among the pioneers of Richland Township, this county, where they are still residing in comfortable circumstances, owning a well improved farm; they have eight children of whom John, Jr.,is the eldest. Our subject was reared on the farm, receiving a common school education. When nineteen years old he commenced the carpenter's trade, which he followed about four years, and then, work being slack, he learned brick-making of W. M. McInd- eley, working at it for about two years. In 1880, having accumulated enough money to start on his own account, he embarked in his present business, which is increasing every year,and in which he has been very prosperous. He now ownsseven acres of land in the corporation of Bluffton on which his brick-yard is located, and also his residence which cost him over $3,000. He makes on an average about 500,000 bricks annually, and caunot supply the large demands for his goods, which he ships to Lima, Findlay, and surrounding towns. In 188+ he sold 100,000 to one man alone, at Lima. He was married, December 22, 1881, to Catherine Pifer, a daughter of Jacob Pifer, a pioneer and prominent farmer of Hancock County, Ohio. To this union have been born two children: Orland and Tilman Grover. Mr. Von Gunten is a member of the Reformed Church, his wife of the Lutheran Church.

ROBERT WATKINS, retired farmer, Bluffton, was born in Wayne County, Ohio, September 6, 1820, son of Thomas and Susan (Miller) Watkins, natives of Ohio, the former of Irish and the latter of German descent. Thomas Watkins followed farming, and died in Hancock County, in 1865. Our subject, the fifth in a family of twelve children, received a district school education in Wayne County, Ohio, and has farmed all his life; was one of the pioneers of Hancock county, Ohio; has been very successful in al] his undertakings; is owner of a farm, though he is now living a retired life at Bluffton. Mr. Watkins has been twice married, on the first occasion, in 1841, toSusan Showaiter, who died in 1850, by whom he had four children, all now living: Rebecca, wife of James Rail, a farmer in Henry County,Ohio; William, Amos and Martin. All of these sons are married and engaged in farming. Our subject was again married, in 1851, this time to Mary Ann Benner, by whom he has five children now living: Jefferson J., married and farming; Lydia, wife of John Williams, a farmer; Susan V., wife of Gideon Clymer, a farmer in Hancock County, Ohio; Hannah, wife of Horace Stearns, a merchant of Bluffton; Clement, married and also farming. Mr. and Mrs. Watkins are members of the Christian Union Church, in which he has been an officer for twenty-three years, and is at present ruling elder. Mr. Watkins is a Democrat in politics,and has held most of the township offices.

I. R. WETHERILL, physician, Beaver Dam, was born in Hardin County, Ohio, January 21, 18538, son of John R. and Elizabeth (Gloyd) Wetherill, the former of whom, a farmer by occupation, a native of England, came to America when a young man; the latter was born in Virginia, and was of Scotch descent. Our subject was the eleventh born in a family of fourteen children, thirteen of whom grew to manhood and womanhood. He received his literary education in the Ohio Normal University, and studied medicine with Dr. R. Davenport of Ada, Ohio. He also took a thorough course at the College of Physicians and Surgeons in Baltimore, Md., 1879-80 and 1881, and the same year came to Beaver Dam, where he has since continued in active practice. He is a member of the Northwestern Medical Association. The doctor was married in 1874 to Susan, daughter of John Latimore, a prominent farmer of Hardin County, Ohio, who served as a soldier during the late Rebellion, and lost his life in the defense of his country. To our subject and wife were born Ova, Webb and Cliff. Mrs. Wetherill is a member of the Disciples Church. The doctor is a member of the I. 0.0. F. In polities he is a Republican..

WILLIAM WILSON, undertaker and justice of the peace, Bluffton, was born July 25, 1815, in Ballymena, County Antrim, Ireland, a son of James Wilson, a soap-boiler and chandler in Ireland. Our subject, the third in a family of five children, acquired his education in his native land, and there early began to learn the trade of carpentering and the undertaking business. In 1838 he came to America, remaining in New York until 1843, when he was joined by his brother and sister, and in 1847 the family came to Putnam County, Ohio. In 1849 our subject came to Allen County, settling at Bluffton (formerly Shannon), where he has since remained. Since coming to America he has worked mostly at his trade; was general workman for nine years in a large furniture store in New York City. When he came to Bluffton there were only seven families in the place, none of whom now reside here. Mr. Wilson was married in 1840, at Brooklyn, N. Y., to Miss Anna Eckles, and of the ten children born to this union only six are now living: Anna, James (married and conducting a stove and tinware store in Bluffton), William D. (a harness-maker, residing in Paulding County, Ohio), Martha (wife of Maurice S. Muma, a grocer of Bluffton, Ohio), John (married, residing in Bluffton), and Leonard (with his brother William). Mr. and Mrs. Wilson are members of the Presbyterian Church. In 1862 our subject was elected mayor of Bluffton, serving three years. He has been justice of the peace for eighteen years; is notary public; has been administrator of several estates, and has attended to a large amount of public business; he is noted for his exactness and honesty in'all business transactions. Mr. Wilson has commenced to write a history of his life for the benefit of his children.

M. E. ZELLER, harness-maker, Bluffton, was born in Gilboa, Putnam Co.,Ohio, November 8, 1845, son of Andrew (a wagon-maker) and Catherine (Henderson) Zeller, natives of Germany and Pennsylvania, respectively, and who reared a family of five children. Our subject, who is next the youngest, received a common school education, and early learned the harness-maker's trade, which has been the business of his life. He is also an inventor, and has taken out patents on eight articles, all pertaining to harness, except one which is a carriage improvement. His inventions, which are all practical, will eventually come into general use, and he owns them all except one that he sold to a manufacturing company in Cleveland, Ohio. Mr. Zeller worked at his trade in Massillon, I1l., and in 1865 came to Bluffton where he also works at harness-making, and is engaged in manufacturing a spring bed (not his patent). He was married here in 1866, to Nancy, daughter of Joseph Reese, of Richland Township, this county, and their children are Charles P., Catherine, Winfred, Earl Scott, Jacob A. and Lillie May. Mr. and Mrs. Zeller are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church. Politically, he is a Democrat.

Source changes here: from History of Allen County, Ohio, and Representative Citizens, by Miller, Charles Christian, published 1906; 4,146 words in this source stream.

Richland Township

Was organized in 1835 under authority granted by the commissioners of Putnam County on the petition of David Miller and others. In February, 1848, on the organization of Auglaize, the southern tier of sections in township 1, range 8, was taken from Riley township, Putnam County, and attached to Richland, thus giving it an area of 42 square miles. The first justices of the peace elected in the township were Henry Shank and Daniel Goble. The election was held at the cabin of Henry Carter in 1836.

The head waters of Sugar Creek are found in this township, and here the streams known as Riley and Little Riley have their sources. There are remains of beaver dams found here and there. The soil is very fertile and well adapted to all kinds of crops.

The Lake Erie & Western Railroad and the Lima & Findlay traction line pass through Richland township in a southwesterly direction and the Ohio Northern cuts across the extreme northeast corner of the township.

Stone Quarries. - The stone quarries in the neighborhood of Bluffton are both numerous and valuable. The Bluffton Stone Company, which has important quarries where employment is given to from 20 to 30 men, had its origin in the firm of Amstutz & Son, composed of Johii Amstutz and his son, Wilhelm Albert Amstutz. Some three years ago the firm purely. sed four and a quarter acres of land, began to clear the property of underbrush and other obstructions and also to rdmove the subsoil overlying what is expected to be one of the finest beds of blue limestone to be found in this section of Ohio. The blue limestone found in the quarries thus opened up by Amstutz & Son contains more iron and cement than any other kind of stone in the Sate; the stone is also of a milch better quality and the strata have a total depth of over 400 feet. Thus it may be readily seen that it is practically inexhaustible, and is as hard as any limestone rock found anywhere. It will withstand a crushing strain of about 8,200 pounds per cubic inch. Mr. Amstutz' knowledge of the nature of the stone and its resisting qualities for concrete and highway purposes, acquired while acting as township and county road commissioner, were of great benefit to him in selecting the location of these blue limestone quarries. In July, 1905, Wilhelm A. Amstutz and his associates purchased John Amstutz' interests in the quarries and the Bluffton Stone Company, a stock concern, was organized, which is now operating the quarries.

John Amstutz, an extended sketch of whom appears in the biographical department of thiswork, is one of Richland township's best known citizens. He lives on his farm located about a mile west of Bluton. He has held many important offices of trust.

His father, also named John, was born in- Alsace, France, now in Germany, in 1811 and came to Allen County in 1835, purchasing a tract of 10 acres, where he built what is said to have been the first wagon-shop in this section of Ohio. It is also related that he made the first school globe ever constructed in the State. He was a well-read man and accumulated a very large private library for his time. He assisted in the organization of Richland township and was the first school director, there being only one district in the township at that time. His character was unimpeachable. He served as township treasurer some 20 years and administered the law as a justice of the peace for 27 years. He died at the age of 80 yearsand 1 1 months. On his 80th birthday, without the aid of glasses, he wrote the whole of the Lord's Prayer on a bit of paper that a silver dime would cover.

The Mennonites are quite numerous in Richland township, having come from Holmes County in 1848. John Thut was unanimously elected to the office of bishop of Richland township, October 6, 1857.

And Representative Citizens

The early settlers of Richland township came from a region cleared by their fathers so that they were little accustomed to the use of the ax. A tree was not then as now a mine of wealth but a nuisance to be rid of and these sturdy pioneers, with a will, set about their task of clearing the forest. David Miller, a shoemaker and a useful man, was very enthusiastic for the organization of the new town-

Schools. - The first schoolhouse was erected on Little Riley Creek. It was a log cabin and it is generally believed that the first teacher was Franklin Smith. At present the valuation of school property in Richland township outside of the villages is $15,000; in the village of Beaver Dam, $4,500; and in Bluffton, $30,000, making a total of $49,500. Richland township has a township superintendent of schools, F. S. Beard, who is assisted by the following corps of teachers : C. B. Lugibihl, E. M. Hochstetler, H. E. Huber, W. H. P. Huber, Bessie B. Begg, E. O. Lugibihl, D. J. Basinger, Katie Hager, W. E. Steiner, John Thut and Jacob Amstutz. This township is to be congratulated that its progressive spirit has enabled it to be one of the three townships in the county having an organized system of schools in the country with a township superintendent.

Beaver Dam

Was laid out in 1853 by Frederick Shull. According to Daniel Millikin, an old resident, the legend connected with the village is, that "originally the beavers that were found there by the Indians had built two dams, one east and the other west of the present site of the town, so as to cause the waters to become accumulated to enable them to use the flood for a sort of dam." The town is located between the ancient dams. The Lake Erie & Western Railroad and the Lima & Findlay traction line pass through the village.

There are four teachers in the Beaver Dam schools, viz. : J. L. Steiner, superintendent and principal of the High School; E. A. Miller, in charge of the grammar department; Erna E. Conrad, in charge of the intermediate department; and Helen Huber, in charge of the primary department. The schools have an enrollment of 18 1 pupils. C. Frank Troxel is president, and J. W. Manges is clerk of the Board of Education.

The village has two physicians : Drs. J. B. Haines and T. H. Goodwin, both of the regular school, the former locating here in January, 1896, and succeeding Dr. Jesse G. Honnell, deceased, and the latter taking up his practice 'here about 12 years ago. Tbe village lias three lodges, namely: I. O. O. F., organized in 1879; Daughters of Rebekah, organized in 1903; and Modern Woodmen of America, organized in the fall of 1896. All are prosperous.

Beaver Dam has two churches. The Methodist Episcopal Church, which has a membership of 138, was organized over 40 years ago. The present brick church edifice was erected in the years 1869 and 1870. The church was in the Bluff ton charge until September 29, "1905, when it was made into a separate charge with the Rockport congregation. The church 'notv has a resident pastor, Rev. H. W. Hodge, a graduate of the Ohio Wesleyan University. The Church of Christ has a membership of about 100. There has been no resident pastor 'during the past year; Rev. Frank Custer, of Lima, has had charge of the congregation. Both churches are active and progressive in their religious work and prosperous in their financial matters.

- people who feel proud of the town in which they reside and have never had reason to feel otherwise. Situated in the northeast corner of Allen County, in Richland township, and adjoining Hancock County, on the east half a mile to the nearest county line and one and one half miles to the county line of Putnam County on the north, it is what might be called a tricounty village. Situated between Riley and Little Riley creeks, Nature has gifted it with as fine a location as could be wished for. Its industrial and commercial advantages are excellent, its railway facilities are good, having a junction of two roads - the Lake Erie & Western and the Northern Ohio railways.

Bluffton is situated on what might almost be called an island. Riley Creek, which waters the northwestern corner of the county, has its main source on the north border of Hog Creek marsh, with tributary feeders between Beaver Dam and Bluffton, emptying into the Blanchard River. Riley Creek, like a silver thread woven into a fabric of green, evolved from summer's sun and dews, winds its way among fertile valleys, reflecting in its pellucid bosom the comfortable homes of a happy and contented people.

The name "Bluffton" was first suggested by Jacob Mosier and others, who had moved here from Bluffton, Indiana. The postoffice was first called "Croghan," in honor of Col. George Croghan, who so ably and heroically defended Fort Stephenson, July 31, 1813, when he was yet in the 21st year of his age. The village was first called "Shannon" after Wilson Shannon, who was afterward Governor of Ohio, from 1842 to 1844.

The first settler was Joseph Deford, who built a log cabin here in 1833. He also built a log grist-mill on Riley Creek about tbe same date. On July 4th, of the same year, Joseph Jones purchased a tract of land from the government, a part of which is now the High School ground. The first merchant and postmaster of the place was D. L. Goble, who sold goods in a room in his dwelling located where the house of Mrs. J. H. Eaton now stands. It is said that the turn in the road by tbe cemetery was made in this early day for the purpose of leading directly to his store.

The town when first platted, in 1838. had 19 lots, and was laid out by Joseph Deford. At that time the place was named "Shannon.'' Maj. Edson Goit was the second merchant of the place. In 1841 he located in what is now the northeastern end of the town, on Main street. In 1850 Shannon was composed of 12 families. There being another place called "Shannon" in the State, the citizens decided by ballot, on August 17, 1861, to incorporate the place and call it "Bluffton." J. S. Powell was elected first mayor, and E. Id. Edsal, the first clerk. In 1872 the Lake Erie & Louisville (now the Lake Erie & Western) was completed through the town, connecting it with the outside world by rail, and built a station on Cherry street. Before this railroad was built to Bluffton, the exports and imports of the place had to be carted by wagon to and from neighboring towns. This new impetus to the already thriving little village gave the citizens renewed energy.

In 1873 A. G. Kibler, Steiner Brothers, Lambert & Vernon and J. H. Eaton built the Commercial Block, which still stands. This movement marked the beginning of the change of business location from the lower end of the town to its present position.

Industries began to turn their attention to the southern end of Main street, where soon thereafter many of the present handsome business houses were built, notably the drug-store building of Andrew Hauenstein, the E. Jones furniture store block, built by E. Garau in 1878, and the Centennial Block, erected in 1876.

Realizing that another railroad, leadingeast and west, would be to the advantage of the town, the citizens very liberally contributed, and by so doing were enabled to secure in 1883 the Cleveland, Delphos & St. Louis Railway (now known as the Northern Ohio). An electric railway passes directly through Main street, starting from Toledo and ending in Cincinnati, thus making Bluffton a railroad center.

The census of the village in 1880 showed Bluffton to be a place of 1,290 inhabitants, while that of 1890 gave it 1,500 and in 1900 it was over 1,800. The town now claims a population of about 2,500 inhabitants.

The Press. - The Bluffton Times was the first newspaper, making its appearance in July, 1872, with P. R. Bailey as its editor and proprietor. It did not continue long under this management, and in 1873 was published by Clark & Davis. Later Mr. Davis became sole owner and changed the name to Bluffton

Standard. The plant soon moved away, and Bluffton was six months without a paper, when N. W. Cunningham (now cashier of the Commercial Bank) came here from Lima, and established the Bluffton News, which is still published under the same name. In 1900 B. F. Biery, the present proprietor, purchased the plant. The Bluffton News was always for Bluffton, first, last and at all times, and is an organ of which the town, whose interest it has done much to advance, is justly proud. In 1898 the Bluffton Leader was established by C. D. Amstutz, and is at present oumed and edited by E. B. Betzner, who issues a very creditable and newsy paper.

The Methodist Episcopal Church has a membership of 180; Rev. R. J. Beard is the pastor. He has also a charge at Pleasant Hill, Richland township.

The Swiss Mennonite Church, embracing St. John's and Ebenezer congregations as well as the one of Bluffton, has a total membership of 640; Rev. J. B. Baer is pastor. These latter congregations were presided over until very recently by the aged and highly respected Bishop John Moser.

Church work in the different churches is actively and zealously carried on in the various departments. More especially is this true as it relates to woman's work. The mission- ary societies of the different church organizations are unceasing in their efforts to promote the spread of the Gospel, while the efforts being made in other branches of Christian work are especially sincere. The Young People's societies of Bluffton are strong numerically, and exert a wholesome influence in the community.

Banks. - Bluffton has two good banks which furnish banking facilities of the very highest character. The older of the two, the Commercial & Savings Company, was founded in the year 1887 as a private bank by Frank Scott. In 1893 N. W. Cunningham purchased a half interest and the name, Commercial Bank, was continued until June 3, 1902, when the bank was incorporated under the laws of the State of Ohio. It commenced business under its present name as a State bank on July 1, 1902, Mr. Scott at that time being president and Mr. Cunningham, cashier. The bank has a capital stock of $60,000, of which $30,000 has been paid. There are over 40 stockholders, all living in or near Bluffton.

The First National Bank was incorporated as a national bank in November, 1900, with a capital stock of $25,000. The bank does a general business covering all branches pertaining to banking industry. It has a savings department in which there are over 500 depositors. The Braceline Block was recently purchased and remodeled and equipped for banking purposes. It is a handsome two-story brick structure on Main street. Simon Herr is president, L. S. Dukes, vice-president and John Bixel, cashier. A great deal of the Bank's business is drawn from Putman and Hancock counties as well as Allen.

Public Improvements. - Perhaps the best feature of the town of Bluffton is its substantial public improvements, such as excellent drainage, and sanitary conditions, good macadamized streets and stone sidewalks. It has a splendid system of water-works, and an electric light plant, which are fully equal to the demand.

Bluffton Lodge, No. 432, F. & A. M., and Bluffton Lodge, No. 371, I. O. O. F. The former lodge was chartered October 20, 1869, with the following members: E. W. Greene,

S. S. Yoder, John Goble, John Meyer, Jacob Moser, J. J. Ferrall, Jesse G. Honnell, John Eaton and James J. Crawford. The first officers were: E. W. Greene, W. M. ; S. S.

Yoder, S. W. ; and John Goble, J. W. The officers for 1906 are as follows: H. O. Frederick, W. M. ; J. L. Doty, S. W. ; and C. G. Coburn, J. W. The number of members in 1884 was 35; now (1906) there are about 50 members. The lodge has an excellent lodge room. Bluffton Lodge, No. 371, I. O. O. F., was chartered May 18, 1863, the charter members being J. S. Powell, A. J. Conrad,. Jacob Moser, R. H. Cox and Joseph B. Hall. The officers for 1906 are as follows : Sheldon Dearth, N. G. ; C. R. Swank, V. G. ; Gid. Schaenblin, secretary; A. Hauenstein, financial secretary ; and Noah Basinger, treasurer. The lodge has had a steady growth. In 1884 there were about 28 members, now there are 124. In addition to the Masons and Odd Fellows there are also the following lodges ; Modern Woodmen of America, A. L. Baumgartner, secretary; Knights of Pythias, W. H. Fuller, secretary; Knights of the Maccabees, L. J. Miller, secretary; Ladies of the Maccabees, Mrs. Biery, secretary; Bluffton Lodge No. 193, Royal Arcanum, Noah Basinger, secretary; Tribe of Ben Hur, Otis Goble, secretary; Protected Home Circle, Dr. Hughson, secretary; and Robert Hamilton Post, No. 262, G. A. R.

Business Interests. - In the line of manufactures, the town is favored with a diversified and substantial line of industry, which is both permanent and substantial. Their promoters are public-spirited and valuable citizens. Bluffton may also claim the proud distinction of being the original home of the cream separator business of the United States, as the original patents were secured here. There are three companies in Bluffton engaged in the manufacture of cream separators, namely: the Sanitary, the Bluffton and the Arras industry is that of the Bluffton Turned Goods Company, which produces hardwood handles for all kinds of tools. There are 2 machine shops, 2 planing mills, 1 flouring mill, one fork company, two stone companies (the Buckeye and the Bluffton stone companies), the Triplett Meter Company and the Bluffton Cement Block Company. These are the leading manufacturing establishments of the place. There are also 1 monument concern, 4 wagon and blacksmiths and 1 plumbing and steam-fitting establishment. In addition to the two hotels, Hotel Russell and the American House, the town also has three restaurants. There are three dry goods stores, 2 clothing, boot and shoe stores, 2 notion stores, 1 ladies' furnishings establishment, 3 millinery establishments, 5 groceries, 2 bakeries, 2 meat markets, 2 drug-stores, 2 furniture stores, 2 hardware stores, 2 dealers in harness and buggies, 3 livery stables, 1 feed barn, 2 hay dealers, 2 horse dealers, 2 live-stock dealers, 2 poultry dealers, 2 grain dealers, 4 coal dealers, 1 automobile dealer and 1 undertaker. The town has 2 telephone companies - the Bluffton Telephone Company and the Farmers' Mutual Telephone Company.

Schools. - Prior to 1844 the children of Shannon went to school in a round-log schoolhouse situated a short distance east of the arch bridge on the cemetery road. The building was burned to the ground in this same year. Soon after, a hewed-log schoolhouse was built upon the old site and stood there until 1852 when it also was destroyed by fire. Samuel Thompson and Dr. Silas Ewing, who still reside at Bluffton, were teachers in this school.

The district known as Richland Township Sub-Division No. r was now divided by vote of the people. The north half, Bluffton, erected a frame building at the intersection of what is now Riley street and Lawn avenue. It is believed that the first teacher of this school was Eleanor Young. She was followed by Mary Ann Young, Daniel Beardsley, Henry Shank, Abel F. Jennings and William Anderson. For a period of nine or ten years school was conducted in this building until the growth and enterprise of the village made a change necessary, not only for the accommodation of pupils, but in the character of the school to be maintained.

In 1861, or the year following, the Township Board of Education, under the Akron school law, struck off Bluffton and its immediate vicinity into the "Bluffton Special School District." That ample opportunity might be given to the youth of the community to obtain an education, a two-story frame building now occupied as a business room on Main street, was erected in front of the present Jackson Street School. Among the teachers in this building were : Edward Ballard, Burr

In 1875 the qualified electors almost unanimously bonded the district for $10,000, the result of which was the erection, but not the entire completion, of the Jackson Street School, at a cost of $10,225. No records of the Bluffton public schools prior to this year are in existence and, therefore, the facts that have already been set down in this article are the personal recollections of some of the longest established citizens of the place. In October, 1877, a high school grade, consisting of three years, was established. To this course was added Latin in 1879. In 1898 it again became necessary to provide for the increased number of pupils and the Lawn Avenue School was erected at a cost of about $6,000. The high school course of study has been modified and strengthened from time to time; on April 7, 1904, the present course of four years was adopted.

"Bluffton Special School District," established more than 40 years ago, is no longer such in name, the legislative enactment of 1904 having changed it to "Bluffton Village School District."

The president of the Board of Education is John W. Mitchell, who has held the position since 1903. The superintendents since 1875 have been the following: E. L. E.

Edwin Clyde Akerman was born June 2, 1864, on a farm in Allen County, near Lafayette, his parents being William Henry and Mary Jane (Ransbottom) Akerman. He began to teach in his 17th year and in 1887 became principal of the Bluffton High School, resigning four years later to complete a college course at the Ohio Normal University at Ada, where he was graduated with honors in 1892. The same year he received a high school life certificate and was elected to the superintendency of the Elida public schools. In 1897 he once more took charge of the Bluffton High School. Three years later he was elected superintendent of the Bluffton schools. On November 8, 1905, he was elected county auditor on the Democratic ticket. He will perform the duties of this office with marked distinction. In the biographical department of this book is given a fuller account of the life of Mr. Akerman than space allows here.

The number of pupils enrolled in the Bluffton Special School District in 1884 was 402; in 1904, 510. In 1884 seven teachers were employed; in 1904-05, 13 teachers constituted the teaching force, as follows : Edwin C. Akerman, superintendent; F. S. Beard, Genevieve Hanna, Metta Kohli, Irma Gobei, Lulu Steiner, James Allison, Clyde Waltz, Ida Basinger, Edith McPeak, Zoe Bentley, Mary Owens and Sibyl Cluse. F. S. Beard was elected township superintendent for the school year of 1905-06.

Central Mennonite College. - The Mennonites have established in Bluffton a college which is an ornament to the town as well as being an institution of unusual advantage to the citizens. It was founded by the Middle District Conference of the Mennonites of North America. The corner-stone of the college was laid June 19, 1900, and the building was dedicated in the following October. The school was formally opened in November of that year with an enrollment of 20 students. The management of the college is vested in a

The college building, a view of which appears elsewhere in this work, is situated on a 10-acre tract of land, located in a natural grove on the west side of the village near Blanchard avenue. The grounds are located on the highest point of land within the corporation. The structure is 97 by 71 feet in ground dimensions and consists of two stories and a basement.

The departments of work are : An academy, a junior college (consisting of the first two years of college work), a Bible school, a commercial school and a school of music. The present faculty consists of Noah Calvin Hirschy, A. B., D. B., president of the college and instructor in Greek and Biblical languages and literatures; Daniel F. Jantzen, instructor in German and English ; Edmund J. Hirschler, A. B., instructor in mathematics and physics; Eva M. Hinman, A. B., instructor in Latin and history; Guy C. Latchaw, Ph. B., M. B., instructor in piano, voice and harmony ; Isaiah B. Beeshy, M. C. S., business manager and principal of the commercial school ; and Adolph E. Mehl, teacher of commercial branches.