Richland Township

Richland Township

This township was taken principally from Wayne, with sixteen sections from Greenville Township and four from Adams, and on its organization, September 8, 1820, was bounded as follows : Commencing at the north line of the county, on the line between Ranges 1 and 2, running thence south to the south line of Section 7, Township 12 north. Range 2 east ; thence east to the southwest corner of Section 11, Township 10 north, Range 3 east ; thence north to the count}' line ; thence along the north line of the county to the place of beginning. In March, 1829. all of Township 12, Range 2, belonging to Richland, was put into Greenville Township. In December, 1833. all the land bounded as follows was taken from Richland and erected into a new township, called Brown : Beginning at the northwest corner of Township 13, Range 2 ; thence south to the township line ; thence east to the east line of Section 35 ; thence north to the township line, and west to the phuc of beginning. Shortly afterward, that part of Townships 14 and 15 north, Range 2, lying directly north of the boundaries just given, was added to Brown Township, and in June, 1837, the township of York was formed from Richland, which was then reduced to its present proportions.

The topography of Richland present some salient points. The Stillwater, which rises in the northern part of Brown and the southern extreme of the township of Mississinawa, and tends to the southeast, across the lands of the former, takes a very circuitous course through Richland. It enters at almost the northwest corner of the township, and runs thence somewhat east of south of Beamsville, in the eastern part of Section 32, making many short bends in its course between those points. From Beamsville, it runs a mile southeast, then to the northeast a half-mile, then east again a mile, turns then abruptly to the north, then inclines to the northward, forms a bend, and flows southeast, into the lower end of Wayne Township.

The outlines of Richland are irregular. Along the tortuous course of the Stillwater, the surface is broken and in places hilly, with the usual fertile bottom lands. In other parts of the township, though there is an admixture of clay, it is blended with loam and under good treatment produces good crops. In general, the name - Richland - is no misnomer, and the overworked farms are exceptionally few.

The first settler in the township was Jacob Hartell, followed, nine months later, by David Riffle, with his two sons, Jacob and Solomon, and George Ward, who came in March, 1818. James Stephenson and George Plessinger came in 1819 - the latter from Pennsylvania. A short time later, came George Beam, Adam Coppess, Henry Stoll, Philip Plessinger, Peter Brewer and John Horney. John Miller came in 1822, and John Coppess, Sr., in 1824. We have thus some dozen pioneers left alone for a time, to occupy the lands of the future township. They received no accessions and lived along alone. The ague prevailed, and they withstood its chill and fever. The dreaded milk sickness ravaged the clearings, and they passed through the ordeal, to be thereafter known as the pioneers of the township. A number of 3'ears passed before any accessions were made to the population and those named were old settlers when the general migration, sweeping westward, deposited new settlers in the umbrageous forests of the country. Among these later comers were Daniel Warvel, from Warren County, Ohio, in 1834 ; E. Deming, from Connecticut, in 1836 ; D. L. Miller, in 1837 ; W. J. Warvel. in 1838 ; D. Hartzell came the same 3'ear, from Pennsylvania ; Philip Hartzell came in 1843; George H. Winbigler in 1845; Alfred Coppess in 1848; H. Kent, from Maryland, in 1849, and John E. Braden and S. D. Rush, a year or so afterward.

Germans and those of Germanic descent form the largest element in the population, nearly all of whom speak English. The next largest element is American. There are a few Irish families, but no French, although numerous persons of that nationality have settled in the; adjoining township of Wayne.

The first schoolhouse was built on the farm of John Coppess. right across the little stream opposite the Coppess graveyard. It was of logs, built on the pioneer plan, except the modern improvement of a small window with four panes of glass, located near the position occupied by the teacher; the other apertures were closed by greased paper. The fireplace was capacious enough for the most exacting.

This schoolhouse was erected probably about the year 1825. perhaps a year or so earlier. The first teacher in this structure was .John Wilkins. and his successor was Thomas Crawson. There are now seven districts in Richland. All the houses are iniilt of brick, and have been in use for the past ten years. They are commodious, well arranged and permanent, fully accommodating the ueeds of the community. The school building at Dawn cost nearly $1,800. It is two stories, and will seat 124 pupils. There is a like structure at Beamsville.

In the line of improvements for the aid of settlers in building, there was a horse-mill on Hartell's farm. In connection therewith, was a still-house, the two being operated by Jacob Hartell in 1837 and 1838. There was another mill on the Hathaway farm, one mile southwest of Beamsville. This was a water mill. used only in grinding corn, and had sandstone " grayheads " for buhrs.- This mill was the property of Thomas Hathaway. The next mill was built as a saw-mill and remodeled into a grist-mill, at what was called Johnson's Station. The town. Dawn, was then designated Eden. The last-named mill was run by steam, and in it was used the first stationary steam engine used in the township. In addition to these, there was the u Bloomer Mill," located at Bloomer Town, now called Stelvideo. This structure was raised about the same time as the Eden mill during the years 1853 and 1854.

The mill at Eden burned down while it was a saw-mill ; it was rebuilt as a lumber-mill, and, afterward, enlarged into a grist-mill. Upon the foundation and with the frame of the old mill the present new mill was constructed.

In the connection of enterprises which have exercised a helping and comfortgiving influence, it has ever been customary to preserve the names, when possible. of those who inaugurated or began them. For this reason, we may mention William (loodheart. as the pioneer mail carrier ; J. H. C. Dill, of Beamsville. as the earliest storekeeper, and Adam Coppess. as the first blacksmith, who erected his forge the year of his advent here. 1824.

The first sermon delivered in Richland Township was by John Childers. a minister of the Baptist denomination, in the house of James Stevenson, where Alfred Coppess now lives. The first church building was erected as a schoolhouse, and was purchased by the Methodist Episcopal society. It was located in the Coppess neighborhood on the farm of William Oliver. The next building used for worship was erected for that purpose by the members of a society of the United Brethren in the year 1842. It was built of logs at Beamsville on land donated by Fred. Beam. This house has been repaired and modernized, and is still standing.

Among the heaviest or largest farm owners in the township are B. F. Coppess who has 300 acres, Alfred Coppess. John E. Braden. John Coppess and David Hartell. Original entries were mostly in quarter and eighth sections. The general depth at which well water is found is thirt}- feet, but it varies from twelve to forty-five feet.

The Cleveland, Columbus, Cincinnati & Indianapolis Railroad crosses the north end of the township, and has a station known as Nevada, and the Pittsburgh, Cincinnati & St. Louis Railroad enters Richland about a mile west of the southeast corner and runs diagonally to a point three-fourths of a mile north of the southwest corner. Stelvideo, situated in the southern part of Section 9, is a station on this latter road.

From the earliest days along the years up to the present, the political opinion has been Democratic, and the party vote predominates by 100.

The following leading statistics from the report of 1879 show the capacity for production of the Richland farms. The entire number of acres owned is 12.- 426. of which 7.478 are tilled, 946 in pasture. 3.771 in woods and 231 in waste lands. The extent of wool-growing may be inferred by the clip of 1.244 pounds. Upon 1,927 acres. 36,891 bushels of wheat were raised ; 834 acres in oats produced 31.341 bushels and 2,718 acres of corn yielded heavily of the staple product. Rye, barley, flax and potatoes are pixxluced. Fifty-two acres in tobacco produced 69,390 pounds, and the dairy product was 33,502 pounds. Of sweets there were 2,745 gallons of sorghum sirup, 929 gallons of maple sirup, and from 113 hives. 1.227 pounds of honey. The orchards have not been neglected, and from 235 acres planted in trees, there was a yield of 5,776 bushels of apples, 45 of pears, and 35 of peaches.

The village of Dawn contains a population of about one hundred and fifty. The original plat was made by L. W. Johnson, and it was known by that name.

The site was established at the center of Section 20. in 1854, when the proprietor erected a saw-mill. The first addition to the village was made by Shelley, Birch and others. Afterward Uriah Winbigler, (). F. Davidson and James McFarland also laid off additions. The original proprietor was the first Postmaster, and James McFarland here erected the first forge.

There is a church at Dawn, built by the Methodists in 1872, on land donated by C. W. Demem. The business of the place supports three stores kept by J. W. Duckall, J. B. Wertz and James Woods. The first named is also a grain and produce dealer, the last named is Postmaster. J. F. Shoud is the proprietor of a large saw-mill with which he does an extensive business. Rush & Chirger operate a steam grist-mill. It has two stories, has four runs, and is propelled by a fortyhorse power engine. This mill stands on Section 20, and does both custom and job work. Its capacity is sixty barrels a day. 0. Davison erected a tile factory in the spring of 1877, on his lands just south of Dawn. Twenty kilns of 275 rods, assorted size, are burned annually, requiring 130 cords of wood. It is the only tile factory in the township. The drying shed is 120 feet long and a second shed of 60 feet in length is being built. The village of Beamsville is situated on the Stillwater at the center of the west side of Section 32, Range 3. and at the crossing of the Greenville and Dallas pikes. There is about 150 population. It was laid out by John Beam in 1837. The first house put up in the place was raised by the proprietor of the village and it is still standing. Additions to the original plat have been made by Messrs. Hartell, Earheart and Plessinger. The Stillwater Hotel, kept by Samuel Paulas, was built in 1834-35. It was primarily a single story, but several years having elapsed, a second story was added. The first landlord was named Stillwell. John C. Dill was storekeeper in the early day, and among physicians were Drs. Ford, Smith, Hoover, Hostetter, Peck and Tillman.

The first preacher at Beamsville was Rev. M. Wintermute. Baptist, who was succeeded by Rev. Seymour Craig. Rev. George Adams, Christian, came in 1848-49. The United Brethren Church was built some six years earlier than this later date. A township house was built here in 1874. The place contains two wagon-shops - one owned by J. Stagger, the other by William Price. There is also a cornet band of ten horns and two drums which enliven the evening hours with inspiriting music. This band was organized in March, 1879, and is led by William Loudom and Frank Plessinger.

The iron bridge over the Stillwater, just south of town, was constructed during the summer of 1878, and cost $1,900, exclusive of masonry. Another iron bridge over the same stream, west of Beamsville, on the Dallas pike, cost $2,100, besides mason work, and was erected in 1875.

Stelvideo, located near the center of the south line of Section !i. Range .'!. Township 11 (the same being part of the boundary between Richland and Adams). is a small village, numbering 100 inhabitants. It was laid out in 1851. by Solomon Farmer, the present owner of 125 acres of land adjoining on the east* This person is now the oldest living resident of this vicinity, and one of the oldest in Richland. A few lots have been laid off since the original platting by George Hartell, Jr., but they are not in demand. Stelvideo is a station on the Pittsburgh, Cincinnati & St. Louis Railroad, surrounded by a fine farming country, well cultivated and profitably productive. The population is composed mainly of the owners of adjacent or adjoining farms. Its origin is thus denoted : About the time when the "Forty-niners" were en route, overland, to the gold fields of the far Pacific. .John Patterson determined to realize his expectations nearer home. He had inherited a large farm, located east of Stelvideo.. There being promise of quite a village here. .Mr. Patterson bought a number of Lots, erected a steam sawmill, a two-Story tavern, and induced the erection of several other buildings. These improvements were made in 1852 and 1853. Through correspondence with Alfred Brisbane, S. Andrews. Dr. Nichols and other noted Socialists. Stelvideo soon became a center for modern radicalism of all kinds, save and except "free love.'' Meantime, the dress-reform movement was being agitated by Amelia Bloomer and other ladies. The costume was generally adopted by the feminine population of this village. So many isms and ologies, so much amplitude in freedom and brevity in costume was obnoxious to the people resident in the neighborhood, who proceeded to make Patterson and his confreres desirous of going elsewhere. The Pluribus Unum Hotel was vacated, several houses partially completed were left unfinished, the saw-mill and other property was disposed of at a sacrifice, and Mr. Patterson and his followers moved to Berlin Heights, in Huron County, where quite a colony of modern Liberalists of various phases assembled. They published a weekly newspaper, and, for a time, attracted popular attention.

The first house put up in the immediate vicinity of Stelvideo was by Jacob Hartell. The first schoolhouse near by was a small log structure which stood about fifteen yards east of the present brick house, on the Solomon Farmer place. The first Postmaster was Aaron Frampton. It is stated by Peter Brewer, who is the second oldest resident, that in the early days, the residents here were accustomed to go about sixteen miles to mill, to where the present Coppock Mill stands. Sometimes the trip was extended to near Milton, and on occasion to Union, not far from Dayton. The present smithy here was built as a carpentershop in 1866, by Peter Farmer ; it was later used as a dwelling, and was finally, April 15, 1876, utilized by the present ''village blacksmith," D. W. Inman, of whom it may be said :

There are no churches at this place. Dr. Ligafoo is the local physician. He was preceded by B. F. Zeller and Dr. Morrison, who was among the first doctors in this part of the township.

Messrs. Coppess, Brewer & Bro. are grain-dealers at the railroad warehouse. Their annual purchases range from fifteen thousand to twenty-five thousand bushels of wheat and a smaller quantity of corn. The Brewer Bros, also have a store, located just northeast from the railroad crossing. One of the brothers, Jessner, is the Postmaster here, the other, John, is station agent. The speedy lapse of time will soon have made the record of these now active a worthy remembrance, and events are only as yet in a formative state, hence the descriptions of the present will be the history of the near future.

JAMES RAILEY, retired farmer and stock-raiser, Sec. 4 ; P. 0. Stelvidio . was born in Bedford Co., Penn., June 16, 1814; his father, William Bailey, was born in Pennsylvania June 20, 1776. and married Mary Imel ; she was born in Maryland June 20, 1782, and now resides in Preble Co., Ohio ; he died April 13, 1861. James, the subject of this sketch, moved to Darke Co. in the fall of 1839, and lived in Brown Township until he moved to where he now resides, in Richland Township, and has always followed his present avocation. He married Mary Ann

ALEXANDER B. BRANDON, farmer and stock-raiser. Sec. 27 ; P. O. Versailles ; was born in Wayne Township, Darke Co., Dec. 14, 1820 ; his father. James R..

was born in West Virginia April 14, 1792, and married Anna Hole, Sept. 15, 1818 ; she was born in Butler Co., Ohio, Jan. 22, 1798 ; he came to Darke Co. with his sister Elizabeth in 1818. Mrs. J. R. Brandon's father, Zachariah Hole, moved to this county the same year. Mrs. Anna (Hole) Brandon died near Hill Grove, in 1857, and J. R. Brandon died Feb. 24, 1876, in this township. Alexander, the subject of this sketch, has always worked hard to dig out a home for himself and family ; since 1846, he has cleared, almost lone-handed, upward of 60 acres of heavily timbered land ; by his untiring industry, aided by his good wife, he is blessed with a good home, and a favorable promise of comfort in their declining years. He married Anna Shafer, April 9, 1846, daughter of John Shafer (see Job M. Shaffer's biography in this work) ; she was born in Bedford Co., Penn, April 30. 1826; they have had ten children, viz.: John T., born March 24, 1847, and died while in the service of his country, at Cumberland, Aug. 22, 1864 ; Rilev M.. born March 18, 1849 ; Job S., born Aug. 25. 1851, and died Aug. 8, 1866 ; Dorothy A., born Jan. 29, 1854, and married Nathaniel Kershner ; Eugene, born Nov. 29, 1856 ; Aaron, April 20, 1859 ; James Oct. 9, 1861 ; Noah. Feb. 2, 1864 : Arthur M., born July 12, 1866, and Retha Belle, born April 7, 1872 ; he owns 212 acres of good land and a fine home.

JOHN E. BREADEN, farmer and stock-dealer, Sec. 34 ; P. 0. Greenville ; was born near Glendale, Hamilton Co., Ohio, June 17, 1828 ; his father, Jeremiah Breaden, was born in Ireland, and married Epenetus Sorter in New Jersey, where she was born ; both died in Springfield, Ohio. John E. Breaden, the subject of this sketch, learned the profession of druggist with his brother William, in Hamilton, Ohio ; their father was an educated physician, and practiced medicine and surgery during his lifetime. John E. came to Greenville in 1850, and engaged in the drug business on his own account for three years, then moved to Brown Township, and engaged in farming ; he returned to Greenville in 1862, and engaged in clerking for John Hufnagle, Esq., in his dry -goods store ; in March. 1865, he removed to the farm where he now resides. He married Anjumila Hufnagle May 29, 1851 ; she was born in Dauphin Co., Penn., May 19, 1832, and is a daughter of John Hufnagle, Esq., President of the Greenville Bank, also merchandising in Greenville. Mr. and Mrs. Breaden have had three children, viz.. John Edward, born July 28, 1852 ; he is an attorney at law in Greenville, and obtained his education mainly at the Chickering Institute, in Cincinnati, where he graduated in 1873 ; he read law with Calderwood & Cole, in Greenville, and was admitted to the bar in 1870 ; Maria Evie, born Feb. 8, 1854 (deceased) ; and Lillian Vincincia, born Dec. 30, 1861, now at "St. Mary of the Springs Convent.' near Columbus. Ohio, completing her education.

SAMUEL S. COLLINS, wagon-maker and farmer, Sec. 20 ; P. 0. Dawn : was born in Warren Co., Ohio, June 26, 1819, his father, Levi Collins, was born in Lewis Co., Va., in 1795, and married Elizabeth Snell in Warren Co. Ohio : they she died in Troy. Miami Co.. in 1830. The subject of this sketch served an apprenticeship of two years in Morristown, Ind., then returned to Miami Co.. Ohio, and made his first lumber wagon, and sold it for $5, not on account of the beauty of its workmanship : he followed the business twenty-five years, and has the reputation of doing first-class work ; he settled permanently where he now resides in 1855, and bought land in 1865 ; he erected for himself a good brick residence. Last September, he had the misfortune to lose his left arm by accident. He married Jane M. Cairns March 7, 1844 ; she was born in Ireland Aug. 14, 1818, and died in August 1850 ; they had four children, viz.. Jennet E., born April 23. 1845. deceased ; Laura L., born Oct. 3. 1846 ; she married John Lehman ; Albert M., born July 6, 1848, died May 3, 1872, and Geo. A., born July 10, 1850 ; his second marriage was with Mrs. Elizabeth McDowell, Nov. 27, 1851, widow of William McDowell, who died June 10, 1849, in Brown Co., Ohio : they had one daughter, Lucinda J., born Jan. 7, 1850, and died June 24, 1865 ; by this union they have had five children, viz., John W.. born Jan. 23, 1853, died Sept. 30, 1854 ; Charles F., born Oct. 11, 1856 ; Jason H., Sept. 12, 1859 ; Franklin E., Sept. 6. 1863, and Joseph C, Dec. 17, 1868. Mrs. Collins' father, Adam Ulery, was born in Prussia. Germany, March 24, 1787. and married Mary C. Witty in 1819 ; she was born in 1798 ; in 1811) hi- was drafted into the army, and served nine years under Napoleon. I, they came to Baltimore, Md., in 1820, in 1826 the family, consisting of himself wife and four children, and all their earthly effects in a one-horse wagon left Pennsylvania for a new home in Miami Co., Ohio ; his cash assets all told were $13. lie died March 7, 1876, and she died March 14. following, and at their decease they had accumulated a handsome fortune worth $15,000. Mr. and Mrs. Collins are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church ; he owns 366 acres bordering on the village of Dawn ; in politics, is a Republican.

REBECCA G. DAVISON, widow of Edwin R. Davison, deceased ; Sec. 24, P. 0. Ansonia. Edwin R. Davison was born in Greene Co., Ohio, Aug. 6. 1830 ; and died in Richland Township July 30, 1878, after several months of suffering with cancer. His father, Robert Davison, was born in Bourbon Co., Ky., April 8, 1798, and married Mary Stratton, March 26, 1829 ; she was born May 23, 1807, and died March 22, 1847 ; he now resides in York Township, Darke Co., with his daughter, Louisa Oliver ; he moved to Darke Co., in 1831 ; by trade was a tanner and currier ; he bought land in this township in 1830 and settled here, and engaged in farming, which he has ever since followed ; he now owns 117 acres of his original purchase, and other lands in Brown Township. He married the second time, Aug. 8, 1847, Mary Brown ; she died Aug. 16, 1865, leaving no issue ; but by his first union were seven children, viz., Edwin R., the subject of this sketch; Louisa, present wife of David Oliver ; Mary A. and Sarah A., twins ; Mary A. deceased ; she married James Deardoff, Sarah A. married Adam Coppess ; Oscar A., Amanda F., who married Isaac Deardoff ; Emily, married Irvin Warvel, both are deceased ; and Mortimer, deceased ; Edwin Davison, deceased, was raised a farmer, and always followed it ; he married Rebecca G. Warvel, Jan. 27, 1853 ; she was born in Rockingham Co., Va., May 4, 1832, is a daughter of John Warvel (See George H. Warvel's biography in this work. ) Mr. and Mrs. Davison have had six children, viz.: Sarah J., born June 28, 1853. she married Riley Brandon ; William H., born Sept. 4, 1855 ; Robert, Nov. 4, 1860 ; Iola M., Nov. 7, 1862 ; Luella, Jan. 17, 1866, died Oct. 4, 1867 ; Seymour, born Oct. 17, 1868. She owns 146 acres of land and a good home.

OSCAR, F. DAVISON, tile manufacturer at Nevada, Sec. 20 ; P. 0. Dawn ; born in Richland Township Oct. 16, 1837 ; his father, Robert, was born in Bourbon Co., Ky.. and married Mary Stratton, of Greene Co., Ohio, and moved to Darke Co. in 1829. The subject of this sketch was raised a farmer ; he engaged in merchandising during the year 1866, but sold out before he had been in business a, year, and returned to farming and dealing in live stock ; has been Township Assessor of personal property. Supervisor, Trustee, etc.; in 1877, he erected tile works, and now gives his attention to this business. He married Sirena Plessinger, daughter of David Plessinger, in March. 1861 ; she was born Jan. 28, 1838, and died Nov. 29, 1865, leaving no issue; his second marriage was celebrated with Sarah .lane Plessinger, daughter of G-eorge Plessinger, whose biography appears in this work, Feb. 20, 1868 ; she was born Dec. 20, 1847 : they have had five children, viz. . George R., born Jan. 4, 1869, died Sept. 19, following ; Tepa H, born Oct. 5. 1872: Mary (',.. July 8, 1874 : Claude E., Jan. 6, 1877. and Cora May, Oct. 21. 1878. lie owns 1 13 acres of land, two good houses and his tile works, which arc extensive.

JOHN W. DICK WALL, merchant and grain-dealer. Nevada; P. (). Dawn; was born in Montgomery Co.. Ohio. Sept, 27. 1840; his father. Win. Duckwall, was born in Virginia Aug. 15, 1808, and married Caroline Bruner ; she was born in Virginia Jan. 27. 1820 ; they moved to Montgomery Co., Ohio, where they now reside ; on his 70th birthday, the family had a very gratifying surprise, six sons and two daughters with their families, by pre-arrahgement, came together under the old roof-tree to congratulate the old people. John W., the subject of this sketch, at the age of 19 commenced teaching school ; this he continued up to 1878, though at times engaging in other business, receiving at Oberlin much of his education. In August. 1862, he enlisted in the 112th 0. V. I., which consolidated with the 63d Regiment, and served until the close of the war ; he participated in the battles of Resaca, Atlanta, Kenesaw Mountain, and many others ; on Sherman's march to the sea, he was never captured, or received a wound ; entered as Sergeant, and was Orderly Sergeant at the close, and was so familiar with the names of his company that, he could always call the roll without the " roster ; " he engaged in merchandising in this place in Ma}7, 1878, also in the grain business. He married Jennie Maxwell, July 15, 1869, daughter of Samuel and Jane M. (Furguson) Maxwell, who reside in Frederick Co., Md. ; she was born May 25, 1841 ; they have three children, viz.: Carrie J., born June 10, 1870 ; Samuel W., born Oct. 6, 1873, and Francis C, born May 14, 1876.

PHILLIP HARTZELL, farmer, stock-raiser, steam thrasher and corn-sheller, Sec. 36 ; P. 0. Beamsville ; was born in Adams Township, this County, May 23, 1843 ; his father, John J. Hartzell, was born in Pennsylvania Dec. 1, 1815, and married Nancy Westfall ; he died in September, 1852, and she died in 1865, in Richland Township ; they were among the earliest settlers of Darke Co. The subject of this sketch was raised a farmer ; in 1864, he traveled West, and followed teaming between Omaha, Neb., and Denver City, for about a year and a half ; then returned to where he resides, on the homestead of his father ; last year, he erected for himself a fine residence ; has only one brother, David, who lives in Rossville, Kan. Phillip Hartzell married Caroline Dill in October, 1868 ; she was born in Beamsville Sept. 14, 1851 ; her father, John H. C. Dill, was born in Germany, and came to this country in 1832 ; he married Martha C. Siegmunt, in 1834, in Butler Co., Ohio ; she died March 7. 1858. in this county. In Germany he learned harness-making, and followed it awhile in Trenton, Ohio ; afterward in Beamsville, where at the same time he kept a hotel, also engaged in merchandising ; he moved to Dallas and engaged in merchandising, but at the decease of his wife, was farming, but was in the mercantile business at the time of his death, in April, 1865. Mr. and Mrs. Hartzell have two children, viz., Rosetta, born Aug. 3, 1869, and Charles D., born May 22, 1875 ; he owns a fine farm of 115 acres, part of which was the homestead.

JESSE B. JOHN, farmer and stock-raiser, Sec. 20 ; P. 0. Dawn ; was born in Montgomeiy County, Ohio, March 2, 1833 ; his father, Jacob B. John, was born in Franklin County, Penn., May 7, 1789, and married Eleanor Phillips, of the same county ; she was born June 2, 1791 ; in the spring of 1810. moved to Montgomery County, Ohio ; he served in the war of 1812, and was honorably discharged ; afterward served two years as Captain of militia company ; moved to Darke County in 1837 ; there he served two years as Township Trustee, and was Justice of the Peace six \rears ; he died Feb. 19, 1868, and she died June 28, 1871, in this township ; the following extract from an obituary was published on the demise of Mrs. Elenor John, relict of David John, the grandmother and grandfather of the subject of this sketch, at her decease, June 22, 1848. aged 81 years 4 months and 12 days : " She was the second of a family of eight children of the Rev. Joseph Powell (Baptist), settled in Bedford County. Penn., being the only clergyman in those parts then ; solemnized 845 marriages up to 1804, the time of his death ; on the 25th of January, 1785, she married David John, of Little Cove, Franklin Co., Penn., and became the mother of thirteen children ; in the spring of 1810, they emigrated to Montgomery County, Ohio, where she died ; her husband died Nov. 10, 1812, leaving her in a new country, with the charge of a large family, to encounter the privations of such a situation as she best could : but being a woman hale and industrious and with a confiding trust in God, she was enabled to bring up her family respectably and to see them settled in life ; at the time of her death her children numbered thirteen, her grandchildren seventy -one, her great-grandchildren thirty-seven, making her descendants 121." Jesse B. John, with his parents, moved to Montgomery County, Ohio, in 1810, and to Darke County in 1837 ; he was raised a farmer and has always followed the business ; he has been Township Trustee, Supervisor, and eight years School Director. He married Abbie J. K:i\ lor Oct. 4, I860 ; she was born April 29, 1835, in Logan County, Ohio ; her father, Reuben Kaylor, was born Oct. 31, 1805, in Rockingham County, Va., and married Elizabeth Warvel ; she was born June 19, 1807, and died March 25, 1876, in Bellefontaine, Logan Co., Ohio, where he now resides. Mr. and Mrs. Jesse B. John have three children, viz., Bowen Wesley, born Aug. 4, 1861 ; Lillie Dale, June 29. 1864 ; and Willie Barnett, Sept. 3, 1868. Mr. John owns a farm of 80 acres, the old homestead ; his mother died with cancer after long and terrible siiflerinu;.

HENRY C. KESTER, tanner and stock- raiser, Sec. 30 ; P. O. Beamsville ; was born in Hesse Shaumburg, Germany, Oct. 12, 1826 ; his father, Henry F. Kester, was born in the same place June 16, 1800, and married Justina Meyer ; she was born in 1802 ; his father and mother were Frederick and Leonora (Meyer) Kester. Henry C., the subject of this sketch, landed in New York July 6, 1852. and arrived in Darke County July 14 following, with his parents ; his mother died Aug. 11, 1862, and his father is living with him on the farm, where the}' moved in the fall of 1852 on the banks of Stillwater Creek, near Beansville ; in 1849r Henry C. was drafted into the German army ; he served three years, but was granted a government passport to leave before his time expired ; he is Township Trustee, has been Supervisor, also School Director ; he had two sisters and one brother, viz. : Willmena, born Jan. 26, 1829 ; she married a Henry Kester ; Caroline married Louis Kuckenberg, and Ferdinand ; the last two are deceased. Henry C. married Christina W. C. Schulte July 16, 1851 ; she was born in the same place as himself Feb. 7, 1826. They have had eight children, viz. : Caroline W. C, born April 25, 1852. deceased ; Charlotte, born Aug. 3, 1855 ; Willmena. May 15. 1857 ; Christian H., Aug. 12, 1859 ; Henry F., March 2, 1861 ; Fredrick C. L.. Oct. 24, 1864 ; Harmon F., June 20, 1869, and a twin to Charlotte died unnamed. He owns a fine farm of 180 acres, where he resides.

ISAAC N. McFARLAND, carriage trimmer, carriage and wagon maker, blacksmithing and general repairing, under the firm name of McFarland & Bro.. Nevada ; P. 0. Dawn ; Sec. 20. * Was born in Richland Township, Nov. 7, 1849 ; is a son of James McFarland, whose biography appears in this work ; he learned his trade in Dayton, Ohio, mostly ; in 1871, engaged in business on his own account, in Versailles, Darke Co.; in 1876, he located where he now resides, and is now copartner with his brother, James A. He married Mary J. Bashiain March, 1872. in Darke Co.; she is a daughter of Joseph and Mary Ann Bashia ; her father was born in France and her mother in Indiana, and now reside near Versailles, in this county ; Mrs. McF. was born July 30, 1854 ; they have three children, viz.: Tracey <i . bom April 22, 1874 ; Rachel A., born Sept, 7, 1876, and Genevieve, born July 14. 1879. He is the leader of McFarland's Brass Band, of Dawn.

JAM ES MfFARLAND, blacksmith and wagon-maker, also general repairing ; Sec 20; P. O. Dawn. Was born in Greene Co., Ohio, May 8. 1822; his father,' Isaac McFarland. married Susanna Stephenson, May 29, 1817; she was born in Boone Co., Ky.. Nov. 18, 1798 ; he died in Greene Co., and she moved to Darke Co. in 1837 ; they had two sons, viz.. William, born in May, 1818, and James, the subject of this sketch ; William was always highly respected and honored for his generous, pious and gentlemanly qualities ; he died in September, 1874 ; lie served through the late rebellion in a regimental band. James, the subject of this sketch, was bound apprentice to the blacksmith's trade in Greenville, Darke Co., Ohio, at the age of 13. and served until he attained his majority, getting six months' schooling in the mean time ; he then moved to Beamsville and started business on his own account ; in 1844, he bought 80 acres, and in 1850, 80 more, where he now resides, and on which is a part of the village of Dawn (Nevada) ; he has been honored with all the offices of Richland Township, and is now Assessor of real estate ; Aug 25 1863 he was elected Colonel and commissioned by Gov. lod, ot the 6a Regiment O M., of Darke Co.; he holds this office, also that of Regimental Drum Maior which he has held thirty-five years ; he has in his possession a cavalry sword' an epaulet, and an English knife, owned and used by his grandfather James McFarland, during the Revolutionary war of 1776. He married Rachel John Jan 2, 1845 ; she was born Nov. 25, 1823, in Montgomery Co., Ohio ; they have had nine children, viz.: William, born April 6, 1846 ; Isaac N born Nov. 7, 1849 - Susan E.. born April 22, 1852, she married Charles Beadle ; James A born Julv 20 1854 ; one unnamed, born Sept. 8, 1856 ; Thomas H.; born Jan. 11, 1858 ; John C. born June 28, 1860 ; Jacob born Aug. 8, 1865, and Dora Belle born Sept 28 1867 Six of the boys and the father constitute the McFarland Brass Band. Mr. McFarland is a member of the order of A, F. & A. M., and has filled all the subordinate offices of his lodge.

AUGUSTUS W McNIGHT, farmer and stock-raiser, Sec. 19 ; P. O. Dawn. Was born in Bracken Co, Ky., March 20, 1817. His father, Alexander McNight married Sarah Lemon, of Pennsylvania ; he served as a private during the war ot 1812 - they moved to Cincinnati in 1830 ; he was a blacksmith and worked at his trade'there about a year ; the family, being too poor to hire a conveyance, walked all the way to Connersville, Ind, where they stayed until 1833, then moved to Butler Co' Ohio, but moved to Darke County and settled in 1835, where he died iu 1843 she died in 1846. in Van Buren Township ; they had managed by the time they came here to save enough money to buy 80 acres in the wilderness but that was all, and for years they had a hard struggle to gain a livelihood ; the first winter they lived in a little log cabin, the floor was the earth ; the woods were full of wild animals and game. The subject of this sketch killed a noble buck with his ax. one of a drove of twenty-seven ; at the age of 13, he got employment at five bushels of corn per month ; he worked out for wages until he was 22 for his parents- after that for himself; at the age of 26, he learned to make half-bushel measures, and made money enough to buy two lots in Sampson ; he sold them and bought 3 acres, improved, near the town ; he sold this in 1851, for $150 ; he then traded for 80 acres in Jay Co, Ind.; that he traded for 25 acres m Neave Township, this county ; that he sold, and bought 42 acres in Richland Township; this he sold for $1,300; he then bought 84 acres m Wayne Township ; sold this and bought 80 acres improved in the same township ; this he sold for $2,600 in 186d ; then he bought 70 acres in Neave Township, and paid $1,700 ; sold this the next year for $2 500 he then bought 102 acres improved, with a brick house, near Versailles ;' sold that in 1873 for $6,200 ; then he bought 40 acres improved m Adams Township ; sold that in 1877, and bought where he now resides and owns 126 acres of as fine farming land as lies in the county, and worth at least $8,000, all this from hard digging ; and he has raised and educated a large family, but he himself never learnedVread or write his own name, even, and he don't owe ; any man a dollar. He married Sarah Shevidecker, of Preble Co, Ohio, Sept. 16, 1841, where she was born in 1823 ; she died in Darke County in 1846 ; by this union were three children, viz.: Alfred, born July 4, 1842, and died Feb 21, 1862 ; Sarah born May 20, 1843 - she married Leonard Shoutz ; she died in Lllmois, and Catherine A born Feb. 8, 1845. His second marriage was with Susanna Nysonger, of Greene Co., Penn, Feb 2, 1848 ; she was born Sept. 29, 1826 ; by tins union were twelve children, three of whom died young - James A, bom Nov^ 1., 1848, deceased; Margaret E, born Oct. 7, 1850; Anna E Dec 4 1852 ; Mary J Sept 24 1855; Lydia, March 16, 1858 ; Lucinda, Oct. 12, 1860 ; Isabelle, May 20 1863 ; Evarilla M, Oct. 7, 1866, and John C, Oct, 11, 1871.

ROBERT A. MORRISON, M. D, Beamsville ; was born in Franklin Co, Penn March 28 1832 ; his father, Aaron Morrison, married Nancy McClintock ; she resides in Piqua, Miami Co, Ohio ; he died in Darke Co, Dr. R. A. Morrison read medicine in Covington, Ohio, and in Gettysburg, Ohio, and graduated in Cincinnati, in the Ohio Medical College, in 1850; commenced the practice of medicine in Gettysburg, this county, where he practiced five years; moved to Laura, .Miami Co.; remained there two years; he then returned to Gettysburg ;; moved to Horatio, 1866, and to Stelvidio in 1868; on the 11th of June, 1872, he was thrown accidentally from his sulky, receiving almost fatal injury, causing paraplegia of his left side, from which he has not. nor will he recover, though in full possession of mind and memory, and good practice, having the confidence of the community and fraternity, and is in full membership in the Darke County Medical Society. He married Sarah A. Shade. March 15, 1859, at New Harrison ; she was born Jan. 27. 1 S:i7 ; by this union were six children, three of whom are deceased ; the living are Mary Alice, Robert Sheridan and Jim ; his second marriage was with Sarah liartel, Aug. 21, 1879 ; she was born April 2, 1844 ; her father, Jacob Hartel. Jr.. was born in Pennsylvania Aug. 14, 1802, and married Elizabeth Curtner ; she was born -June 24, 1802 ; he died Oct. 2, 1873 ; his father, Jacob Hartel, Sr., was born Oct. 5, 1770, and his wife, Elizabeth (Snavely), was born Oct. 18, 1778; his second wife was Catherine Spade ; she was born June 6, 1702 ; his third wife was Susanna Cooley, born April 12. 1701. This family was among the earliest settlers of Richland Township. See George Plessinger's biography, which appears in this work

ELLEN PECK, widow of Charles L. Peck, M. D., deceased ; Sec. 32 ; P. (). Beamsville; he was born near Brighton, Aug. 25, 1837, and was a son of Lewis and Electa (Kelsey) Peck, who reside in Bloomfield, Conn.; Dr. Charles L. Peck, soon after he graduated, moved to Beamsville, Darke Co., and commenced the practice of medicine, which profession he followed with eminent success, and in all the walks of life, he was loved and esteemed for his gentlemanly deportment, kind and generous acts and energetic business enterprise, bj' which, in his short life, he accumulated and left to his devoted family a handsome competency ; he read medicine in Hartford, Conn., where he graduated May 11, 1857 ; besides his medical practice, he engaged in merchandising and farming ; he died Feb. 10, 1876, leaving for his family 200 acres of fine farming land, with good farm buildings, 40 acres of which are adjoining the village of Beamsville, wherein he also owned two dwellings ; he married Ellen Brown, Aug. 21, 1850 ; she was born in Brownhelm. Loraine Co., Ohio, Sept. 9, 1841 ; her father, Jeremiah Brown, was born in New- York State, and married Bridget R, McLaughlin, daughter of Robert and Ellen McLaughlin, who came from Pennsylvania in 1824 ; Jeremiah Brown died April 13, 1844 ; his widow, Ellen, married William Kelsey ; they reside in Richland Township; Mr. and Mrs. Dr. Peck have had three children by their union, viz.: Clifford Lewis, born Nov. 12, 1860 ; Rachael Edith, born June 19, 1865, and Franklin Orator. Nov. 16, 1871.

GEORGE PLESSINGER, farmer and stock-raiser, Sec. 22; P. O. Dawn; was born in Bedford Co., Penn., Dec. 15, 1815 ; his father, Philip, was born in Maryland, near Harper's Ferry, Feb. 18, 1784, and married Faith Fish ; she was born in New Jersey March 16, 1781 ; they moved to Montgomery Co., Ohio, in the fall of 1817. and to Darke Co. in March, 1820, and settled in Richland Township ; he died July 4, 1861 ; she died in January, 1860. The subject of this sketch came here with his parents ; when they came there were but three white settlers in the township, viz., James Stephenson, David Riffle and Jacob Hartle. Mr. Plessinger's family endured all the privations and hardships of frontier pioneer life for many years ; wild animals and game were numerous and troublesome ; Mr. Plessinger was a successful hunter ; killed but one bear, but hundreds of deer, wild turkeys, etc. He has had his share of township offices. He married Mary Harmon Nov. 1. 1842 ; she was born in May, 1821, in Adams Co., Penn., and came to Darke Co. with her uncle, Philip Hartzell. in 1836 ; they have had twelve children, viz.: Joseph IL, born Nov. 10, 1843, and died March' 1. 1849 ; Faith, born Sept. 20, 1845, married George H. Winbigler ; Sarah J., born Dec. 20. 1847, married Oscar Davison ; Emma, born Dec. 18, 1849, married Walter Snyder; Anna M.,

JOB M. SHAFER, farmer and stock-raiser, Sec. 27 ; P. 0. Versailles ; was born in Bedford Co., Penn., Sept. 4, 1830 ; his father, John Shafer, was born in the same county, July 17, 1802, and married Dorothy Mann Feb. 24, 1824, of the same count}' ; she was born Feb. 20, 1804 ; his father, Sickfrit Shafer, was born in Virginia, and married Mary Hess ; Mrs. John Shafer' s father, Jacob Mann, was born July 27, 1763, and married Dorothy Hill June 13, 1786 ; she was born May 2, 1761 ; Mr. Jacob Mann died Nov. 5, 1830 ; Dorothy, his wife, died Aug. 6, 1845; John Shafer moved to Darke Co. in 1837; they had five children, viz.: Anna, born April 30, 1826, married Alexander B. Brandon ; Mary, born June 9, 1828, died June 20, following ; Job M., the subject of this sketch ; Margaret, born Oct. 7, 1833 ; died Sept. 5, 1841, of the milk sickness, and Jacob, born Dec. 10, 1835, died Dec. 11, 1845. John, the father, resides where he first settled in Richland Township ; his wife died April 11, 1875. Job M., the subject of this sketch, has always followed farming on the old homestead, where he now resides ; he was elected Justice of the Peace in April, 1856, and served three years, and has been Township Trustee. He married Elizabeth Brandon March 20, 1851 ; she is the daughter of James R. Brandon, and was born in Darke Co. (see Alexander B. Brandon's biography in this work) Oct. 10, 1831 ; they have six children, viz.: Dennis, born Dec. 24, 1851 ; Margaret A, born March 11, 1855, married Cyrus White ; John C, born May 13, 1858 ; Allen W., born March 30, 1862 ; Mary, born March 24, 1866, and Bertha, born Jan. 31, 1872. He owns 263 acres of land and a good home.

DAVID J. STAHL, farmer, Sec. 34 ; P. 0. Versailles ; was born in Adams Township, Darke Co., Ohio, Nov. 17, 1850, and is a son of Jacob K. and Sarah (Limber) Stahl ; he was born in Pennsylvania in 1812, and died in Greenville Township in November, 1861 ; she resides with her daughter, Mrs. John C. Hill, in Newton, Miami Co., Ohio ; he came to Darke Co. among the early settlers, with his father, Henry Stahl, therefore the family is identified among the first settlers of the county ; he was noted for his enterprise and industry ; he accumulated a large property ; at his death he owned the grist and saw mills, with 40 acres of land in Coletown, a large landed property in Greenville, 266 acres in Adams Township, and the homestead farm, where the subject of this sketch resides, in Richland Township. David J. has always followed farming, and has resided in this county, except six years, during which he worked his mother's land in Miami Co., Ohio. He married Sarah Curtis Aug. 19, 1872 ; she was born near Fredericksburg, Miami Co., Ohio, July 16, 1850 ; her father, William Curtis, married Anna Feece ; she was born Jan. 7, 1832 ; they reside near Troy, Miami Co., Ohio. Mr. and Mrs. Stahl have three children, viz.: Leonia Belle, born Oct. 4, 1873 ; Daisy, born Dec. 6, 1875, and William Allen, born Oct. 14, 1877. He owns onehalf of the homestead, containing 235 acres - the first land his father settled on in this county of his own.

GEORGE H. WARVEL, farmer, Sec. 6 ; P. O. Beamsville ; was born in Rockingham Co., Va., July 27, 1829 ; his father, John Warvel, was born in the same county, May 29, 1798, and married Delilah Lepe, June 14, 1829 ; she also was born in the same place May 1 3, 1807, and resides with her son, the subject of this sketch ; they moved to this place in the fall of 1844 ; John Warvel died Jan. 31, 1866, and was always a strong, robust farmer up to a year or two before he died. The subject of this sketch has always pursued the avocation of farming, except for a short time he followed carpentering ; has been Trustee in this township, is a member of the order of A., F. & A. M. He married Mary Simes Nov. 6, 1856, daughter of Henry P. Simes, she was born Jan. 12, 1838, and died Aug. 17, 1865 ; by this union they had three children, viz.: William A., bom Sept. 2, 1857 ; two died in early infancy ; his second marriage was with Lizzie Hartzell, Nov. 22, 1866 ; she was daughter of George Eartzell, deceased, and born June 8, 1845, in this county, and died March 16, 1868, leaving no issue living ; his third marriage was with Susan M. Earhart, April 24, 1870 ; she was born Nov. 28, 1840, and was sister of his second wife, Lizzie; she died Feb. 10, 1875 ; by this union two children were born, viz.: Lilley Bell, born April 11, 1871, and died March 3, 1878, and John H., born May 4, 1872. Mr. Warvel owns 65 acres of land and a good home bordering Beamsville.

DANIEL WARVEL, farmer and stock-raiser, Sec. 32 : P. O. Beamsville ; was born in Warren Co.. Ohio, Sept. 5, 1834 ; his father, Christopher, was born in Rockingham Co., Ya., Feb. 27, 1796, and married Charlotte Lilly ; she was born in the same county June 4, 1799 ; he died March 18, 1851, and she died March 14, 1855 ; they are buried in the cemetery on the old homestead on Sec. 13, in this township ; they moved from Virginia to Warren Co., Ohio, and thence to Montgomery^ Co., and came to Darke Co. about 1839 ; when they endeavored to buy something to eat, on their arrival in Warren Co., tlie}^ offered the last $5 they possessed, and found it to be counterfeit, consequently they began life in Ohio with nothing ; when they got to Darke Co. they had sufficient to buy their first 160 acres in the woods ; they had nine children viz.: John H., William L., Sarah A., George C, Elizabeth, Mary, Adeline, deceased, Daniel and Margaret L. ; Sarah A. married D. R. Hathaway ; Elizabeth, Solomon Beam ; Mary, Daniel Hartzell ; Adeline, Andrew Coppess, and Margaret married Linas Hathaway. The subject of this sketch was raised a farmer, and remained at home with his parents until his mother's decease, he then made a trip to Virginia, and worked at farming and miscellaneous employment, for wages, by the month ; at the age of 21, he bought 40 acres, and began a home for himself ; has been honored with various township offices, was Township Clerk, Trustee, etc., was Justice of the Peace three years, and retired last spring. He married Catherine Ann Kay lor Jan. 1, 1856 ; she was born in Logan Co., Ohio, May 7, 1837 ; she died Feb. 3, 1857 ; they had one child, Joseph C, born Jan. 28, 1857 ; he is still living ; his second marriage was celebrated March 21, 1858, with Sarah Powell ; she was born in Monroe Co., Ohio, Jan. 27, 1836 ; they have five children, viz.: Mary A., born Dec. 18, 1858, she married Abraham Eley ; Lucy E., born May 9, 1860 ; Laban, Dec. 10, 1861 ; Amos A., June 11, 1864, and Clement L., July 20, 1873. Mr. Warvel owns a good home and 227 acres of land.

JOHN B. WERTS, merchant and Postmaster at Dawn, Sec. 20 ; was born in Preble Co., Ohio, June 20, 1848 ; his father, William Werts, was born in Preble Co., Ohio, Dec. 25, 1826, and married Lydia Willson, who was born in Darke Co., June 20, 1827 ; he moved to Darke Co. in 1855, and engaged in coopering in this township ; Mrs. Lydia Werts died Nov. 21, 1878. John B., the subject of this sketch, commenced clerking, with Creager Brothers, in Horatio, Darke Co., at the age of 10 years, which he followed until he moved to this place, in April 1873, where he engaged in business on his own account ; he was appointed Postmaster Sept. 30. 1875, he is also express agent ; he was Township Clerk six years in York Township. He married Mary J. Winbigler of Brock, this county, Oct 15, 1872 . they have one child. Minnie Claudia, born Nov. 15, 1874.

Washington Towship

PETER E. ARMSTRONG, farmer and stock-raiser, Sec. 10 ; P. 0. Hill Grove ; was born in Greenville Township, Darke Co., Ohio, Nov. 21, 1831, and is the son -of John and Jane (Elston) Armstrong ; at the age of 18, he was living in Jackson Township, this county ; about that time the first church edifice was built there - a little log house, b}r the Methodists ; his early education was obtained in a very poor log hut, of small dimensions, but from his father he obtained good sound knowledge, as he was an educated gentleman before he emigrated into the wilderness ; he was an attorney at law, and in this county was Associate Judge of the Common Pleas a number of years, and Justice of the Peace twenty-four years he was one of the most highly respected and prominent men of the county during his lifetime. The subject of this sketch, Peter E., is Treasurer of this township ; has assessed the chattel property of this township five years : a Trustee, etc. ; is a strong Union man, and a Republican. He married Catherine Henning July 25. 1851 ; she was born in Montgomery Co., Ohio, Nov. 22, 1830, and came to Darke Co. in her youth, with her parents, Jacob and Rebecca (Stiner) Henning ; they have four children, viz. : David, born Aug. 11, 1855 ; Sarah Jane, born Nov. 23, 1856 ; she married Andrew C. Rickel ; Hugh Lincoln, born June 15, 1860, and Mary Isabelle, born Nov. 29, 1867. Mr. Armstrong owns 148 acres, where he has resided twenty-four years ; this he has procured by his own unaided efforts and self-reliance ; himself and wife are members of the German Baptist Church.

ANDREW BICKEL, farmer and stock-raiser, Sec. 15 ; P. 0. Hill Grove ; was born in Brush Valley, Centre Co., Penn., Sept. 2, 1805 ; moved to Montgomery Co., Ohio, with his parents in 1811. His father, Andrew Bickel, was born in Pennsylvania, and married Catherine Gloss, born also in Pennsylvania ; he died in St. Joseph Co., Ind., in 1854, and she died here on Sec. 15 in 1858; he was drafted in the war of 1812, but hired a substitute. Andrew, the subject of this sketch, moved to this place, where he now resides, March 2, 1831, having entered 80 acres in August before ; he built his cabin of logs in the woods, without windows or doors, but in the fall he procured a plank, of which he made a door, using wooden pins for nails, being too poor to buy nails, or latch, or hinges, but his latch-string has always been out for a friend ; in 1838, he built a hewed-log house and weatherboarded it ; in this he still resides, a good, warm, substantial habitation ; he sold forty bushels of corn of his own raising for 25 cents a bushel, and every year since has had corn to sell ; and in the early days he never refused a neighbor a sack of corn whether he had the money or not ; in the first twelve years alone he cleared 50 acres ; after that his boys were old enough to help him, and thej" did. He married Nancy Moyer Ma}' 30, 1830 ; she was born in Rockingham Co., Va., Aug, 27, 1810. Mr. and Mrs. Bickel have had ten children, viz. : Henry, born Jan. 2. 1831 ; John, bom Feb. 23, 1832 ; William, born Oct. 10, 1833, died Nov. 22, 1853 : Catherine, born Feb. 9, 1839 ; Daniel, born Oct. 21. 1837 ; Sally, born Dec. 2, 1839. died March 30, 1843 ; Elizabeth, born Jan. 3. 1842 ; Abigail, born Jan. 19, 1844. died March 20, 1853 ; Mary, born April 25, 1847, died May 21, 1847, and Andrew, born June 15, 1852. Catherine married Henry Blocher ; Elizabeth married John J. Norris. Mr. Bickel is hale and hearty, and says at the age of 60 he could cut and split from the stump 200 rails, or cut and put up two cords of hard wood in a day. He voted for Andrew Jackson in 1832. He now owns the old homestead of 120 acres, where he resides.

DANIEL W. BICKEL, farmer and stock-raiser, Sec. 17 ; P. O. Hill Grove ; was born in Clermont Co., Ohio, Nov. 11, 1838, and is the eldest son of Tobias Bickel, of Sec. 18, Washington Township, who was born in Centre Co., Penn., May c. 1811, and married Elizabeth McAdams, of Hamilton Co., Ohio, in June, 1837 she was bora in that county Nov. 15, 1815. Tobias Bickel moved to where he now resides in 1848 : he followed teaming in Cincinnati until he was 25 years of age : he had no advantages for an education in his youth, but has given all his children good opportunities, which they have improved ; they have had eleven children, viz. : Daniel, Margaret. Hamilton A.. Sarah lv. deceased ; Catherine, deceased : John .1.. Nancy J., Joseph, Elijah. Stephen R., deceased, and Marcus P. Mr. T. Bickel has been a successful and thrifty farmer ever since he came to Darke Co.. and owns, free and clear. 240 acres, which he has redeemed from a wilderness of swamps, by open and blind ditching, as well as clearing of heavy timber. The subject of this sketch, at the age of 20. commenced teaching school, and followed it four years ; has been Assessor of the township for two years, and Clerk one year. He married Rebecca Chenoweth, daughter of John Chenoweth. deceased. of this township. Sept. 28, 18G1 ; she was born May 25, 1838. They have had three children, viz.: the first died unnamed ; John H., born Oct. 29, 1863, and Ira E., born Feb. 28, 1866. He owns a tine home and 15G acres of land : himself and wife are members of the Methodist Church.

HENRY M. BICKEL, farmer and stock-raiser, Sec. 8 ; P. 0. Hill Grove ; was born Jan. 2, 1831, in Montgomery County. Ohio, and came with his parents to Darke County in April following ; his father, Andrew Bickel, was born in Centre Count}', Penn., Sept. 2, 1805, and married Nancy Moj'er, who was born in Virginia Aug. 27, 1810 ; both, hale and hearty, are now living on the farm they bought in 1830, at that time in an unbroken wilderness, in Washington Township, though they experienced all the hardships and privations so well known to all the early settlers of this portion of Ohio, but now, instead of the wilderness, amid the most fertile and productive agricultural land of the State, Henry M., the subject of this sketch, has owned the farm (234 acres) where he lives twentj'-three years ; this also has he redeemed from wilderness and swamps to bountiful productiveness, being among, if not the very first man to £i blind tile," which is the making of the fine farms in Darke County ; now he is surrounded by abundance and comfort ; at 21 years, he was not worth a dollar, and possesses to-day the first silver dollar that he earned, by cutting eight cords of hardwood. June 12, 1856, he married Mary Crumrine ; she was born in Darke County July 8, 1839 ; they have had six children, viz., John C., Lucy C. (deceased), Mary A., Dora (deceased), Harrison C. and Henry I.

SAMUEL W. BLOCKER, farmer and stock-raiser, Sec. 23 ; P. O. Greenville ; is the youngest son of Samuel Blocher, of Washington Township, and was born in this township Oct. 20, 1845 ; was raised a farmer, and has continued to follow it successfully, and has just erected for himself one of the finest brick residences in this count}'. He married Catherine M. Glunt. daughter of Joseph Glunt, deceased ; they have three children, viz. : Ira. born July 22, 1873 ; Hugh, Feb. 12. 1876 ; and Myrtle, Aug. 6, 1878. Mr. B. owns 183 acres of fine farming land adjoining the homestead of his father.

THOMAS F. CHENOWETH. farmer and brickmason, Sec. 32 ; P. O. Darke ; was born in Franklin County, Ohio, July 17, 1808 ; his father, John Chenoweth, was bom in Virginia, and married Betsey Foster; she was born in Maryland July 16, 1788 ; he died in Tippecanoe County. Ind.. in 1865 ; she died in Darke Count}-, Ohio, in ISTCi ; the family moved to this section in February. 1818. (See biography of Jacob B. Chenoweth.) The subject of this sketch attended school with about an equal number of white and colored children, as the Clemens (colored) settlement was made soon after they moved here ; up to the age of 21, Mr. Chenoweth followed farming, then learned the brickmason's trade, which, with farming, he has ever since followed ; w:is elected Justice of the Peace in 1852. and served until 1879 (twenty-seven years). He married Christina Thomas Nov. 10, 1831 ; she was born in Anderson County. Tcnn., Feb. 1, 1810 ; her father. John Thomas, married Catherine Albright Oct. 31. I7!»it : she was born March 14. 1784 : both were born in North Carolina and died in Preble Comity, Ohio. Mr. and Mrs. Chenoweth have had the following children, viz., Lewis A., born Aug. 6, 1832, died April 4. 1836 ; John, born Nov. 19, 1833 ; Louisa, Dec. 16, 1835 ; Nelson T., Oct. 8, 1837; Emeline. Dec. 7, 1839, died Feb. 18. 1840 ; Catherine, born Jan. 13, 1S43 ; Joel T., Dec. 29, 1844 ; Mary Jane, Sept. 18, 1848 ; and Benjamin F.. Sept, 27. 1852 ; Louisa married Milton Jefferis, Catherine married Daniel Clapp. Mary Jane married George McClure. In the winter of 1830 and 1831, Mr. Chenoweth hauled with a four-horse team out of Greenville all the wheat that was marketed there at that time, i. e., two loads a day, twenty-five bushels to the load ; it was sold for 374; cents per bushel in merchandise. He owns a good farm of 160

JACOB B. CHENOWETH, farmer and stock-raiser, Sec. 17 ; P. 0. Hill Grove ; was born in Pike Co., Ohio, Ma}' 13, 1824, and came with his parents to Washington Township, where he now resides, in December. 1829 ; his father, John Chenoweth, was born in Pike Co., Ohio, Nov. 7, 1797, and is said to be the first white child born on the Scioto River in that county ; he married Mary E. Barger April 13, 1820 ; she was born in Virginia in 1797 ; her father, Jacob Barger, was born March 13, 1769, and married Susan Barger, who was born in Germany ; he died Sept. 7, 1822, and she died Oct. 24, 1845. Jacob B., the subject of this sketch, began life poor ; he worked for small wages, farming up to 1850 ; his limited education he procured here in a hut built of round logs, small and so low a big boy could barely stand upright ; in place of glass window-lights was greased white paper, through which only dim knowledge could be obtained. He married Sarah Wagemon Sept. 10, 1857 ; she was born in Darke Co., Sept. 8, 1837 ; her father, William Wagemon, was born in Pennsylvania, and married Mary Baker, of Virginia ; he died in Wabash Co., Ind.,in the winter of 1867 ; she died in Randolph Co., Lid., in March, 1876. Mr. and Mrs. Chenoweth have four children, viz.. John W., born Sept. 6, 1858; Mary A., Oct. 21, 1860 ; Flora J., March 30, 1863; and Ira 0., March 15, 1874. He owns 100 acres and a good home ; he has been Supervisor, Trustee, School Director, etc., but has never aspired to public office.

JOSEPH COLE, Jr., retired farmer, Sec. 33; P.O. Darke; was born in Washington Township, Darke Co., Dec. 29, 1823 : at the age of 17, he began teaching school in the first schoolhouse erected in Washington Township, and followed teaching most of the time until he was 30 years old ; he built and managed a saw-mill about three years ; he went into merchandising in Coletown and followed it four years ; he since has followed dealing in live-stock and farming ; he has never been a political aspirant ; he is now Secretary of the Darke Count}* Pioneer Society. His father, Samuel Cole, was born in Sussex Co., N. J., July 3, 1787, and married Mary Elston, of the same county, in 1812 ; she was born Nov. 27, 1792 ; his father, Samuel Cole, was born on the Hudson River, near New York City, Nov. 5, 1751. He first married Janey Davis ; she was born Jul}* 2, 1755 ; his second wife was Anna Rider ; she was born Oct. 25, 1760 ; his father was David Cole, a descendant of the Coles who were among the first settlers of New York City or New Amsterdam ; Samuel Cole, the father of the subject of this sketch, moved to Washington Township in March, 1817 ; his father came the next year and died here Jan. 8, 1829 ; Samuel, father of Joseph, the subject of this sketch, died in Greenville Township, this county, Feb. 21, 1866 ; he was a farmer but taught the first school in Washington Township ; he was the first Justice of the Peace, and was Township Clerk in 1823; his widow Mary, died Aug. 10, 1831 ;they had eight children, viz.: William, born July 25, 1813, in New Jersey, died April 3. 1836 ; Asa. born July 26, 1815, in New Jersey, died May 29, 1857^ Jane, born April 20, 1817 ; the fir<=t white child born in Washington Township ; she married Leonard Wintermute. and now resides in Greenville Township ; Betsey, born March 23, 1819, died Feb. 6, 1872 ; she married George Fllston, deceased ; Samuel, born April 5, 1821 ; Joseph,

JAMES B. CREVISTON, school teacher, Sec. 4; P. O. Hill Grove; was born in Washington Township. Darke Co., Ohio, Jan. 17, 1820. His lather. Henry Creviston, was born in Bedford Co.. Penn., in February. 1780, and married Mary Burnham, of North Carolina ; they moved to Darke Co., Ohio, in 1808, and settled near Greenville ; he mainly followed farming, but was a noted hunter, as game was abundant and the country a dense forest; he was in the war of 1812, and acted as scout for Gen. William H. Harrison, from Ft. Greenville to Tippecanoe and other points in the Northwest, among the Indians ; he died in September, 1855 ; his wife survived him until Februar}-, 1805. James B. Creviston commenced teaching school at Hill Grove, wdiere he now resides, in 1840, and has continued up to this time, within the four adjoining districts, and is now the oldest native teacher in the county, and if not the first, he was the second, white child born in this township. In April, 1801, he enlisted in Co. 1, 11th 0. Y. I. ; went out as first Lieutenant, and on Sept. 9, following, was appointed Adjutant of the 40th Ohio Regiment under Col. Jonathan Cranor, and served until discharged, on account of inflammatory rheumatism ; he was commissioned Captain of Co. G. of the 193d Ohio Regiment of Infantry in February, 1805, and served until the surrender of all the rebel armies ; was mustered out in September, 1805. He married Maiy Older Aug. 29, 1849 ; she was born in this township Sept. 23, 1849 ; they have had four children, viz., Kate, born Jul}' 1, 1851 (she married Henry Cook) ; Bruce, born Sept. 20, 1859 (died Nov. 7, 1800) ; Johnny, born Oct. 18, 1807 (died Aug. 21, 1808) ; and Mary Agnes, born July 22, 1872. Himself and wife are members of the Presbyterian Church ; in politics, he is a Republican.

JOHN FLORY, farmer and stock-raiser. Sec. 9 ; P. O. Hill Grove ; was born in Palestine, Darke Co., Ohio, Oct. 21, 1841. His father, Daniel Flory, was born in Montgomery Co., Ohio May 13, 1817, and came with his parents to German Township, in Darke Co.. in his youth ; he learned the tinner's trade, and was the first, and for many years the only tinner in Washington Township, which was his principal business during life. He died on his homestead in Sec. 10, Washington Township. Nov. 4, 1873, where he owned 182 acres of land. He married Eliza Wise, of Darke Co., who died about 1849 ; by this marriage were six children, all of whom are now living. His second marriage was with Elizabeth Morgan, of Maryland, in December, 1851, by whom were nine children, three of whom only are living - John Flory learned the tinner's trade also, which he followed only for a short time, giving his attention mainly to farming ; he married Rebecca Friend Oct. 19, 1805 ; she was born in Darke Co., Ohio June 15, 1849; they have six children, viz., Rachel, born Oct. 30, 1867 ; Emma, born Nov. 13. 1870 ; Sirrilda, born July 20, 1872; Sarah, born May 20, 1874 ; Jesse, born Sept. 15, 1876, and Joseph E., born Aug. 5, 1878. He owns 73 acres of land ; Mr. and Mrs. Flory belong to the German Baptist Church, of which he is a Deacon.

ELIZABETH (CRUMRINE) GLUNT, widow of Joseph Glunt deceased, Sec. 17 ; P. 0. Union City, Ind. Her husband, Joseph Glunt, was born June 5, 1822, and departed this life May 1, 1878, after a lingering illness, which he bore with patience and Christian fortitude ; he had been a member of the German Baptist Church for seventeen years. They commenced life in a very poor little log hut, which now stands in the rear of the pleasant home, and is used as ;i stable. The gentlemen and ladies of to-day would hardly desire to make such a beginning, but from such beginnings have grown all the wealth and prosperity of this countiy. This hut was erected in the wilderness, but is now surrounded by beautiful and productive farms. Mr. Glunt. when married, had only a cow, two horses and a few farming tools, thus showing what untiring industry and indomitable will will accomplish. The farm consists of 427 acres of excellent land. Mr. Grlunt married Elizabeth Crumrine, daughter of Moses Crumrine, one of the earliest settlers of this county, June 7, 1849 ; she was born in Darke Co., Ohio, July 22, 1832 ; they have had five children, viz.: Catherine M., born March 21, 1850 ; she married Samuel W. Blocker ; Mary E., born Sept. 18, 1852 ; she married Samuel Mote ; Isaac N., born Sept. 18. 1856 ; Harrison, July 11, 1863, died Aug. 27. 1863. and Harvey M.. born Dec. 11, 1864.

FREDRICK HOUPT, retired farmer, Sec. 33 ; P. 0. Darke, Ohio ; was born in Lebanon Co., Penn., Aug. 10, 1814 ; his father, Fredrick Houpt, was born in Schivylkill Co., Penn. The subject of this sketch, at the age of 12, went to work on a farm and worked five years for his board and clothes ; he then learned the cooper's trade ; moved to Dayton, Ohio, in 1833, worked at farming in summer and in winter at his trade ; in the spring of 1846, he moved to where he now resides ; the first land he owned was 25 acres, which he bought in the wilderness in the eastern part of Darke County, for $275 ; he sold it for $1,000 in 1856. He married Sarah Wilds April 2. 1844 ; she was born in Ohio, Aug. 16, 1815, and died Feb. 7. 1879 ; they have had four children, viz.: a little boy, died unnamed ; John, born Feb. 16, 1849, died Nov. 5, 1869 ; David, born Nov. 4, 1851, and Sarah Ann, Dec. 27, 1854 ; she married Calvin Young ; David resides at home ; he married Almira Heck April 10, 1873 ; she was born in German Township, Darke Co., March 28, 1855, and died March 30, 1876 ; they had one boy, William F., born Nov. 19, 1873, died Feb. 6, 1875. His second marriage was with Phoebe Rodgers. Dec. 26. 1878 ; she was born in Washington Township April 21, 1858. Fredrick Houpt owns a good home and 623 acres of land, and other good houses and buildings.

SAMUEL HUFFER, farmer, Sec. 2 ; P. O. Hill Grove, Ohio ; who is a son of Jacob and Barbara (Bechtel) Hnffer ; was born in Mainland, Sept. 24, 1799 ; the father moved to Montgomery Co., Ohio, in the fall of 1830, and to Darke County in 1838, to Harrison Township ; in 1844, they moved to where a portion of the family now reside, in Sec. 2. Washington Township ; he died Feb. 15, 1873; his widow, Catherine, died Feb. 16, 1879; they had seven children, viz.: Aaron, born April 19. 1830 ; Jacob. Jan. 6, 1832, deceased ; Elizabeth, born Dec. 19, 1834, deceased; Samuel (the subject of this sketch), born March 31, 1836; Reuben, April 13, 1839 ; Magdalena, July 13, 1844 ; she married Jonathan Hart; and Malinda, born June 7. 1846 ; he followed farming during his lifetime ; two of his sons, Aaron and Samuel, and son-in-law, J. Hart, established a tile factory on the old homestead in 1874, where they are turning out large quantities of tiie of excellent quality. Aaron and Samuel remain unmarried and live in their paternal residence with Howard and Rebecca Hart, and own 200 acres of land which their father and his sons have converted from a wilderness to fine productive meadows and fields ; their first residence here cost, erected and covered. $6, which exhausted their exchequer ; in this they resided four years ; in 1852, the present home was built ; all the privations and hardships of pioneer life have been experienced b}r this family. Elizabeth Hurler married Ambrose Green, whose daughter, Rebecca A. (born June 19. 1858). married Charles H. Hart, born in Berks Co.. Penn.. July 11, 1855 ; they have one child. Mary Myrtle Hart, born July 1, 1879.

ISAAC KAUCHER, farmer and stock-raiser, Sec. 9 ; P. O. Hill Grove; was born in Patter's Township. Center Co.. Penn., Sept. 17, 1805 ; went with his parents to Montgomery Co., Ohio, in 1808 ; his father. Godfrey Kaucher, was born in Berks Co., Penn., Sept. 1, 1774, and married Christina Fay ; she was born in the same county Aug. 14. 177:! : he died Nov. 13. 1850. and she died April 13. 1855; both are buried on the old homestead. The family moved to Washington Township, Darke Co., in 1831 ; in his early days, Godfrey Kaucher followed milling, but, after he came here, farming. Isaac, the subject of this sketch, obtained only three months' schooling in his youth, and then in a German school ; previous to 1830, he followed distilling; ever sinew lias followed farming. Be married Welshes Miller Dec. 30, 1835; she was horn in Tompkins Co., X. V.. Feb. 29, 1820; they have five children, viz. : Margaret, born Oct. 23, 1836; she married Alfred Bliccard; Elizabeth, Aug. 3, 1838; Washington, Oct. 17. 1840; Sarah. .March 27, 1843; John. -Inly 14, 1845. -John, the youngest, resides with his parents, and married Sarah Emrich Sept. 6, 1868; she is deceased, leaving two children -Cora and Isaac. Mr. Kaucher owns '.)."> acres of land and a good home.

MICHAEL KAUCHER, farmer mid stock-raiser, Sec. 9 ; P. 0. Hill Grove ; was born in Montgomery Co., Ohio, A.ug. 13, 1813 ; has always followed farming: never attended any but a German school; his father, Godfrey Kaucher, was born in Berks Co., Penn., Sept. 1, 1774, and married Christina, Fay, who was born in the same county Aug. 14. 177)5 ; they moved to Montgomery Co.. Ohio, in 1808, and to Washington Township, Darke Co., in 1831 ; he died Nov. 13, 1850, and she died April 13, 1855 ; both are buried on the old homestead in Sec. 0 ; they had nine children, viz., Jacob (deceased). Hannah (deceased), Elizabeth (she married William Oswald), Abraham, Isaac, Joseph, Christina, Michael and Rebecca; the three last are living on the old homestead. In his early days. Michael was quite a hunter of wild game, which was very abundant; he has killed, probably, fifty deer, and great numbers of wild turkeys and smaller game ; he owns the old homestead, 91 acres, and a good home.

JAMES McNEIL, merchant, Justice of the Peace and Postmaster, Sec 34; residence. Darke; was born in Breckenridge Co.. Ky., Sept. 1 1835: moved to Darke Co.. Ohio, with his parents, in 1844 ; from 1856 to 1862, he followed school- teaching, then went into merchandising where lie now resides, in Sec. :!4 : in 1864, he volunteered for 100-days service in 152d 0. N. G. ; after rendering his faithful and loyal service to his country, through much tribulation, he was honorably discharged ; he returned to his home and resumed his business ; was appointed Postmaster April 9, 1875, and elected Justice of the Peace in April. 1879. He married Mary liarter Oct. 15, 1861 ; she was born in Darke Co., Ohio, April 6. 1843 ; they have had four children, viz.: William H., born March 23, 1862, died Feb. 6, 1868 ; Viola, June 14, 18G7 ; David R., Jan. 3, 1869; Linna May. Oct. 14, 1S73. David G. McNeil, father of the subject of this sketch, was born in Lancaster Co., Penn., in 1796, and his mother, Harriet (Lav) McNeil, in Fairfax Co.. Va.. .March 8. 1808.

JAMES X. MORRISON, Justice of the Peace and farmer, Sec. 4 ; P.O. Hill Grove, lie was born in Montgomery Co.. Ohio. July 28, 1834, and moved to Darke Co. with his parents in 1S41 ; his father, Nathaniel Morrison, was born in Virginia, and his mother, Catherine (Ludy) Morrison, in Maryland; they first settled iii Butler 'Township ; in 1863, James X. moved to Hill Grove and entered into general merchandising business ; sold out in the fall of 1865 and went into the live-stock business, which he followed two years, then went to farming and huckstering; at this time, in addition to his official duties, he gave his attention to farming; he was elected .Justice of the Peace in April. 1871; was appointed Postmaster at Hill Grove Feb. 2!!, 1S77. lie is a member of the church of United Brethren in Christ. Now 1. 1857, he was married to Amanda Nyswonger, daughter of Daniel Nyswonger. of Butler Township, this county, and lias had ten children, viz., Frank D. John H. M.. Laura A.. Floretta I*1., Charles Iv. Emma F. William G., James E. (deceased). Myrtle M. and George.

HENRY SNELL, retired farmer. Sec. 27; P. 0. Darke. He was born in Hamilton Co., Ohio, Jan. 14, 1812; his father. .John Snell, was horn in Hag town. >bi.. in 1782, and married Mary Shivery, of Pennsylvania ; they moved to Washington Township, Darke Co., June I. 1817, making the first wagon track on the wesl side of the second branch of Greenville Creek, from south of what is now Nashville to "Sharp Eye;" the country was nil wilderness, and ibr six months Mrs. Snell never saw the face n{' a white woman, but Indians were numerous, and wild game of every description ; deer were more plenty than sheep are to-day : the first schoolhouse bad yet to be built, and for man}' years the first elements of education were bard to obtain. The subject of this sketch cast his first vote in Washington Township for Andrew Jackson, but ever since has voted on the Republican side ; he began life with nothing, learned early the cooper's trade, and commenced the business on his own account in 1831 ; followed it about fourteen years, until his health failed him, then he went to buying and selling live stock and farming ; but for the last twenty years, he has rented out hisf arms and speculated in lands and houses. He married Mary Shively Sept. 11, 1836 ; she was born on Sec. 27. where they reside, Aug. 24, 1S18 ; they never had an}- children of their own, but have raised two sets, all of whom are doing well in business, and are well settled in independent circumstances ; Mr. Snell owns 438 acres, with good farmhouses and outbuildings.

DANIEL SNELL, retired farmer, Sec. 28 ; P. 0. Darke. He was born in Warren Co.. Ohio, March 1, 1809, and moved with his parents, John and Mary (Shively) Snell, to the place where they now reside, June 4, 1817 ; they at once erected a log house, 18x20 feet, of round logs, with mother earth for the fioor ; the following winter, twenty persons found cover and home in this hut, not very comfortably, either, especially after the old sow and her pigs were given quarters in one corner, to keep them from freezing ; four or five years later, they erected a more eligible house by adding another room ; Daniel Snell resides near the spot where they first settled. He married Maria Rush Nov. 8. 1834 ; she was born in a block-house or stockade on Mud Creek, three miles from Greenville, in this count}-. in May. 1813 ; her father and mother. Henry and Rachel (Creviston) Rush, came from Pennsylvania and settled on the Scioto River, and moved to Darke Co. in 1808 ; she died March 14. 1852 ; Mr. and Mrs. Snell have had six children, viz.: Mary E., born Sept. 4, 1835, married Randolph Harrison ; Thomas R.. born July 21, 1837, died March 5, 1852 ; Alonzo Y., born Feb. G. 1839, died March 9, 1872 : William H, born March 16, 1841, died in November, 1863; Rachel J., born Dec. 17, 1844, married William Moyer, and John R.. born Oct. IS, 1850 ; he married Margaret E. Wenger, youngest child of Elias and Catherine Wenger, Oct. 26, 1872 ; she was born in this township Dec. 19, 1850 ; they live in the old homestead, and have four children, viz.: Estella, born July 26,. 1873 ; Katie M.. born May 5. 1S75 : Walter W., born Nov. 21, 1876, and Jennie, born Feb. 17. 1878 ; they own the first farm her father bought and part of the first his grandfather bought in Darke Co. - 113 acres.

THOMAS E. TEAL, grocer, Sec. 4 ; P. O. Hill Grove ; was born in Wabash Co.. Ind., May 6, 1837, and moved to this township in 1858 ; was raised a farmer, but has followed the grocery business from the time he moved to this county ; is and has been four years County Coroner ; was Postmaster many years, and is nowacting deputy ; the office is and has been in his store about twelve years : has been School Director a number of years, also railroad and express agent : when a boy in Wabash Co.. Ind.. his nearest neighbors and playmates were Indians ; thus fresh in his memory are the recollections of border life, the games, sports, and turbulence of semi-civilization ; his father, Walter Teal, settled there, on Eel River, in 1836 ; he was born in Vermont Dec. 11, 1784, and married Rebecca Stephenson, of Fairfield Co., Ohio (where she was born Jan. 7. 1807) ; he died Dec. 11, 1844 - she March 23, 1S78. Thomas E. Teal married Ellen Crouse, of Darke Co., Ohio. Feb. 1, 1862 ; she died Jan. 8, 1864. leaving one daughter, Olive R. ; his second marriage was with Lucetta Heckerman. of the same place (Hill Grove) Feb. 27. 1868.

CAPT. JAMES M. WHITE, farmer and school-teacher ; P. O. Mt. Heron ; born in Paterson, N. J.. March 11, 182S : when quite young, he emigrated with his parents to Kentucky, and in 1840 came to Ohio and located, in Ross Co. and completed his education in the high school at Chillicothe, and the Academies at Lebanon and Delaware ; at 2<> years of age. lie engaged in school-teaching, which profession he followed until July. 1862, when he enlisted in the 91st O. A*. I. and went forward to battle for the Union ; he served through the campaign of Wes1 Virginia ; after which he served under Gen. Sheridan during the campaign of the Shenandoah Valley, and was mustered out of service as Captain of Co. F of the above regiment, al Cumberland, Md., in July, 1865, having served in the Union army three years ; he then returned to Ross Co. and followed farming and schoolteaching two years, and after a residence of five }Tears in Clinton Co. came to Darke Co. in 1872, purchased a farm in Washington Township, and has since devoted his attention to farming and school-teaching. In 1874, he organized the Mt. Heron National Guards, which formed a part of the 3d Regiment; was elected ( laptain, which office he held until 1879, when, on account of physical disability, he received an honorable discharge. In 1854, he was united in marriage with Rachel A., daughter of John Chenoweth, one of the early pioneers of Darke Co. ; they have five children now living, having lost three by death ; the living are Mary. Jane. Annie, Elizabeth and Thomas ; the deceased were Alice, Sarah and Lucina. JAMES M. WASSON, farmer. Sec. 7 ; P. 0. Union City, Ind. ; was born in Butler Co., Ohio, Jan. 19, 1811 ; came with his parents to Darke Co. in 1816. His father, David Wasson, married Flora Graham in Pennsylvania; both were natives of Ireland ; when they moved to Darke Co. there were very few whites here, but a great man}- friendly Indians ; the country a wilderness and swamps ; their currency, mostly hoop-poles and the skins and pelts of wild animals, which were abundant ; and Mr. J. M. Wasson, the subject of this sketch, became a great hunter; three large black bears and many a noble buck and doe, and smaller game too numerous to remember, have succumbed to his unerring rifle ; his first 40 acres he bought from the Government, and paid for it with the proceeds from furs and pelts of his own killing ; this land has never changed title, and he owns altogether 200 acres ; at the age of 25, he could neither read nor write, but began then to educate himself, and soon obtained sufficient for all ordinary business affairs. He married Christina Hover July 14, 1835 ; she was born in Pendleton Co., Va., March 14, 1816 ; they have had seven children, viz., Mary Ann, David F., deceased ; Luther N., deceased ; Peter C, Flora J. and Elizabeth A. Mr. and Mrs. Wasson are and have been members of the Presbyterian Church for forty years.