Scott Township (part 1 of 2)

Territorial

TpROM the best authority obtainable, Scott Township was organized either lJ June 7, 8 or 9, 1824, one of the first three days of the first session of the County Commissioners after the organization of the county, although the entry of such organization has been entirely omitted from the record. But on June 10, 1824, a division into districts of the townships then organized was made for the purpose of collecting the county tax, and among the townships then mentioned was Scott. This township at its original organization comprised all of surveyed Township 4, Eange 16, and Township 4, Range 17. But in March, 1828, Tully Township was organized and took its territory from the eastern part of Scott, and was made to include more than one surveyed township, or thirty-six sections. At the June session in the same year, the Commissioners restored to Scott Township the east tier of sections, of surveyed Township 4, Range 16.

Thus the township remained until after the formation of Crawford Connty, when two tiers of sections from off the north part were placed within the limits of that county, and when the county of Wyandot was erected a similar portion was taken off of the remaining northern tier of townships, which made it necessary, as the Commissioners thought, to re-organize the fractional townships.

A few years later, the people of Scott Township desired to extend their boundaries further south and take into their territory one tier of sections off of the north side of Claridon, or rather, it seems a portion of the residents of that tier of sections of Claridon Township desired that so much of their territory as above named should be placed in Scott Township, as will appear from the following entry from the record:

March 7, 1848. j This day came Lawrence Buskirk and others, being a majority of the householders residing within the boundary of the portion of Claridon hereinafter named, and made application, by petition, for an alteration of the boundaries of the townships of Claridon and Scott as follows, to wit: To attach to said township of Scott, one tier of sections from off the north side of said township of Claridon, and it appearing to the satisfaction of the Commissioners that legal notice has been given and that all things appertaining to said application have been done in due form of law, it is ordered that the said one tier of sections from off the north side of said Claridon Township be and the same is hereby attached to the township of Scott.

For some reasons, which the records do not explain, in the following year another application by petition of similar import, asking that the very same territory be detached from Claridon Township and attached to Scott, was made and the prayer of the petitioners was granted, and the northern tier of sections was again attached to Scott, as appears from the following entry:

This day the Commissioners of Marion County met pursuant to the statute. Present: John Uncapher. Hiram Knowles and Lewis Topliff, Commissioners, and Lawrence Van Buskirk, County Auditor.

This day came Adam Hipsher, James Tight, and others, and presented their petition to the County Commissioners in the words and figures following, to wit :

Gentlemen - We, your petitioners,would humbly represent that Claridon Township is six miles wide from north to south, and that Scott Township is but four miles wide from north to south, and that we believe it would conduce to the public benefit if one tier of sections were set off of the north side of Claridon Township and attached to 1 said Scott Township. We, your petitioners, therefore pray your honors to attach one tier of sections from off the north side of said Claridon Township to said Scott Township, thereby making the said townships equal or nearly so, and we, your petitioners, as in duty bound, will ever pray, etc., etc., January 30, 1849.

And the said Commissioners being satisfied that said petition is signed by a majority of the householders residing within the boundaries of the proposed change or alteration, and it having been proven to them that notice of such intended application had been given by advertisements set up in three public places within the bounds of such proposed change or alteration, for the period of thirly days and more previous to this date, and it appearing necessary to said Board of Commissioners that the alterations as prayed for in said petition should be made, it is therefore ordered by said Board of Commissioners that so much of the territory of Claridon Township in the said County of Marion, as is included in Sections 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 and 6, in Township 5, south of base line in Range 16 east, be, and the same hereby is attached to and made a part of Scott Township.

Whereupon came Gany Clark, one of the householders residing upon said territory, and gave notice of his intention to appeal to the Court of Common Pleas.

The matter was duly appealed to the Court of Common Pleas and there reviewed by that tribunal, the Coniinissioners' proceedings reversed and the territory restored to Claridon Township. But the subject of the division of Claridon Township, for the purpose of augmenting or enlarging the territory of Scott was not permitted to rest long; for at the March session of the Commissioners in the year 1851, another effort was made to have the same territory set off to Scott Township, as will appear from the following entry taken from the record:

This day the Commissioners of Marion County met, pursuant to the statute. Present, Thomas Parr and Hiram Knowles, Commissioners, and E. Peters, Auditor of Marion County.

This day came S. C. Parcell, James Bell and others, and presented their petition to the County Commissioners, in the words and figures following:

We, the undersigned residents of Claridon Township, pray your honorable body that you will take one tier of sections from off the north side of Claridon Township, and attach it to Scott Township, which will make them of equal dimensions; Claridon Township is six miles square, and Scott Township is four by six miles only.

And the said Commissioners being satisfied that the said petition is sigued by a majority of householders residing within the boundaries of the proposed territory of land petitioned to be struck off from Claridon Township, and attached to Scott Township, and it having been proven to the satisfaction of the said Commissioners, hy the affidavit of James Parcell, George Boyles. Jr.. and James Osborn. that lawful notice has been given by advertising, in three different public places in said territory, proposed to be struck off and attached to said township, of the intention of said petitioners, for the period of thirty days and more previous to the presentation of this petition, and it appearing necessary, just and right to -aid Board of Commissioners that the alteration as prayed for in said petition should be made, it is therefore ordered, by the said Board of Commissioners, that so much of the territory of Claridon Township, in said County of Marion, as is included in Sections 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 and H. in Township 5, south of the base line in Range Hi east, be and the same is hereby attached to and made a part of Scott Township.

Whereupon came Gany Clark, James M. Briggs, two or the householders residing upon said territory, and gave notice of their intention to appeal the same to the Court of Common Pleas.

The appeal was duly taken, and upon review by the Common Pleas Court, the proceedings of the Commissioners were set aside and the territory restored again to Claridon Township, where it ever since has remained.

Topography

Scott Township is composed wholly of Congress lands, and was named in honor of Mr. Scott, one of the early settlers of this territory, he having located here with his family in 1821. It consists partially of prairie and partially of woodland, there being portions of the great Sandusky Plains within its borders. Its surface is gently rolling and soil fertile, and is well adapted to raising corn, wheat and oats, and it also comprises excel lent pasture land for the grazing of horses, shoep and cattle. The lands are reasonably well watered, there being numerous pools and springs and several creeks and runs. Among the latter, the Whetstone and Mud Run, which pass through the eastern portion of the township, are the largest.

In early days, the level portions of the township were covered with water. The tract of land now owned by James Lindsey was until a comparatively recent date covered with water, which some forty years ago was designated the "Green Sea" by a man bearing the name of John James. In many places, also, a growth of wild grass and a species of cane called maiden cane had sprung up, and were of a very luxuriant growth, often arising to a height of from fifteen to twenty feet, and of such strength and thickness as to prevent persons from passing through, except by following beaten paths.

The Early Settlement

Of this township, for the most part, was made by emigration from Knox County, and was not commenced until the year 1821. During that year, Nathan Parson, Henry Parcell, John Beckley, Martin McGowen, Constant Bowen and Josiah Packard, each with his family, located in the southeastern portion of the township near the Whetstone, and were soon joined by Solomon Wilkinson, Jason Gleason, Alanson, Phineas and Horatio Packard. Farther north on Muddy Run, in the autumn of the same year, another settlement was started, in which William Shaffer, Samuel Spurgeon and John Humphrey were among the first to "pitch their tent. " They were, however, soon joined by Jacob Stateler, Mr. Kline, John Johnson and their families. In the northern part of the township, near where Letimberville now stands, and yet to the westward, another settlement was started about the same time; and among the first families that located here were those of Capt. Benjamn Fickel, Moses Vansky, Isaac Foreacre and Mr. Scott, from the last of whom the township received its name. Daniel Walters came to this township in 1821. Each of the settlements constantly received new accessions, and in time grew and extended their limits until they finally became quite large and prosperous communities. Among the earlier accessions wore Adam Hipsher and family, who came here from Fairfield County, Ohio, in 1824. Also James Likens and his three sons, who came from the same county, and Seth Knowles and family, Samuel Hill with his family, and others. The last-mentioned families came in the year 1829.

John Hill, one of the sons of Samuel Hill, still lives on a farm located in Section 21 of this township, and is now fast approaching his four score years, he having been born in 1805. John Hill came to Scott Township with his father in 1829, but had visited the lands here the year previous and entered eighty acres of it in his own name, as he was then twenty -three years of age, and was already seeking a site and securing a location for his future habitation. He, hovever, came to this town ship with his father's family from Knox County in 1829. The goods and the family were moved across the county in a wagon; and it is related by John that when they reached the bank of the Middle Fork of the Whetstone the stream, on account of the recent rains, was so swollen that the embankments were overflown, and as there were no bridges across the streams in those days, they were compelled to wait until the waters subsided sufficiently to permit them to "ford" the stream. During this time, which was of three or four days' duration, the family took refuge in a deserted cabin. On the first evening of their delay occasioned by this impediment, and about the time the family had gotten into the deserted cabin and everything prepared for a brief stay in their temporary home, a horseman came dashing down the bridle path leading by the cabin, and coming to the river bank, was about to plunge into the stream with his horse: but the spirited animal refused to enter the deep water, and was frisking and shying under the urgent demands of the rider, when Mr. Hill, recognizing him as a Knox County neighbor, whose name was Hedington, accosted Jbim with, " What are you trying to do?" He replied very emphatically that he was determined to cross the stream, as his "sweetheart" lived beyond, and he was anxious to see her that very night. Mr. Hill soon discovered that the attempt of this reckless feat by the equestrian was occasioned by the " spirits " within him, for he was slightly intoxicated. After some importunity, Hedington was dissuaded from the dangerous trial of crossing the river until the water had somewhat subsided, and was offered the hospitality of the family at the cabin, that they temporarily occupied, which he gladly accepted; and. after being comfortably seated by a blazing tire for the evening, wishing, no doubt, to show his appreciation of the kindness extended to him, and desiring to reciprocate as far as was then in his power to do, he produced a well tilled whisky flask and offered Mr. Hill a drink, saying, " John, we must have something to drink. " Mr. Hill, who was then a good temperance man, as he now is. at first refused, but Hedington insisted, and fearing that an absolute refusal would give offense, Mr. Hill finally said, " Well, if we must drink, you are the oldest and should drink first." This Hedington did and gave the following rather humorous toast: "John, if this be war, may we never have peace; but have three engagements every day and a scrimmage between times. "

Several persons of prominence in the history of the county were among the early settlers of this township. Among them may be mentioned Hon. John Rosencrans, now a resident of Bucyrus, Ohio, who has represented the county of Marion two years in the State Legislature, and served as Justice of the Peace in this township for thirty-one years consecutively. He has also served the county in the capacity of County Commissioner for six years, and here made an able and efficient officer, whose services were duly appreciated. Also Capt. Hiram Knowles. who came to this township with his parents, Seth and Mary Knowles. from New York State, in 1828, and who acquired his title by being chosen as the worthy commander of a rifle company organized in this township in the year 1835. Capt. Knowles has long been a inaD of some social and political influence, and has hold several township offices and had the honor of being the first constable of the township, having been appointed to that position by the Trustees. He has also held the office of Countv Commissioner.

Among the first teachers that swayed the scepter and ruled a portion of the urchins of this township and trained their " young ideas how to shoot," was Samuel Hill. He taught his first term during the winter of 1828, while his family was yet in Knox County.

After the construction of the Columbus & Sandusky Turnpike in 1828, many of the early settlers hauled their wheat and other grain to Sandusky City, it being the nearest market available. It usually required a week to make a trip, and the farmers made the most out of these trips possible by bringing loads of goods on their return to the merchants of Bucyrus and Marion. At Sandusky City, they also frequently secured their flour and meal, as there were no mills until 1834 nearer than Bucyrus, Mount Gilead and Mount Vernon. At that date, however, Mr. Langdon erected a horsepower grist mill at Letimberville, with a capacity for grinding ten bushels per day. A grist mill, even with this small capacity, put in operation in their midst, was hailed with delight by the people of Scott Township.

Tornado

In 1825, a tornado commenced in Scott Township and took a northeast course, extending beyond New Haven, making sad havoc in its track, which was about 100 rods wide, leaving nothing standing but an occasional stub, with top and limbs torn away. Old Jake Stateler's cabin stood fully in the track. He was there alone that day, and when he heard the roaring of the storm and saw the trees tumbling, he, with remarkable presence of mind, snatched up a puncheon from the floor and darted under; none too soon, for he had barely made good his retreat when the tornado struck his cabin and scattered it to the winds, leaving but three or four rounds of logs in their places.

The only effort at building a town in this township was the oue made in the northern part on Section 15, and it has by no means proven a success. Its founder, Marturen Lati rubra, no doubt had as bright dreams of its future greatness as had the founders of other towns that had been laid out in unpromising places which had grown and flourished until they became cities, for he was a Frenchman, with a characteristic Frenchman's imagination. He had purchased all of Section 15, and he laid out the town on the southern portion of it, in hopes, no doubt, of greatly enhancing the value of his property. But the growth of the place for the first few years was quite slow, and more recently the improvements have been scarcely perceptible.

It was laid out as early as 1832, and the first house bu'lt was occupied by Ross Arbuckle and his family, and they there kept a tavern for a number of years for the accommodation of the traveling public. Thomas Monnett, Esq., kept the first stock of goods brought to the place, and occupied a little frame building as a store room just south of where Esquire Rosencrans recently lived.

Farm Products For 1883

The Methodist Episcopal Church was first organized in this township as early, perhaps, as 1831, but their first church building was not erected until in 1837. It was then built at Letimberville, at a cost of $300, but this building was afterward sold, and in 1868, another church buildino- was erected in its place on the same site, at a cost of about $1,200. Among their early ministers was the Rev. "Wilson.

Christian Church. - As early as 1830 or 1831, Rev. Harrison Jones, of this denomination, preached in this township in the neighborhood of the Hipshers, near Caledonia; and January 12, 1840, a church was organized at Letimberville with about sixteen members. Jackson Dowliu», James Till and John and William Hill were the first officials. During the following spring, they erected a hewed- log church at an expense of $100 in Letimberville. Subsequently, this was replaced with a frame building 36x40 feet, at a cost of $1,000. Rev. Jackson Dowling ministered to this congregation from 1840 to 1854; then Michael Kiddle one vear; David Sharpies, 1856-57; Eake, 1858; John Stannard, 1859 to 1861; *Ebert, 1861 to 1863; William Hunt, 1864 to 1866; Alexander Reed, 1867-68; Eder Rumfield, 1869 to 1871. Present membership, thirty. Official members, Samuel Hill, Wesley Dowling, Charles Rano and Norman Brooks. Five ministers have been sent out into the world by this church.

Personal Sketches

Personal histories of some of the prominent settlers of Scott, both of the past and present, follow for a few pages, as a most essential part of the history of the township.

WILLIAM CLUTTER was bora in the State of New Jersey, July 27, 1798, this making him now eighty-five years of age. His father, Samuel Clutter', was a Jersey Dutchman," while his mother, Rebecca Clutter, was a " Jersey Yankee." His father was drafted for the Revolutionary war, but was exempted by a man offering to take his place for the paltry sum of .$100. His father also came to Washington County. Penn., in 1799, rearing a family of ten children, three of whom still survive. His death took place in Knox County, Ohio, where he moved in 1825. William Clutter obtained a limited education, and remained with his parents until aged twenty-seven years. The first six years of his married life he spent in Knox County, Ohio, but in 1831 he settled where he now lives, thus remaining for fifty-two years in the same locality and living in the same cabin. His marriage to Miss Edy McCown. daughter of Isaac and Mary McCown, of Virginia, took place in 1825. Eleven children crowned this union, two dying ; the surviving are Samuel ; Rachel, wife of Joseph Merriss ;

Jackson, deceased ; David, deceased ; Louisa, maiden lady ; William ; Lafayette, of Kansas ; Washington, and James M., of Illinois. Mr. C. has seen some hard times. In 1818, he was compelled to live on pumpkins and squashes; but he is worth at present $10,000. He is a generous pioneer, one of the few still remaining. He has been a member of the Disciple Church for forty years.

J. HARVEY COULTER is one of the solid men of Scott Township ; he was born in Huntington County, Penn., April 7, 1827, the son of Samuel and Sarah Coulter, who came to Crawford County, Ohio, in 1832, entering forty acres. They raised a family of thirteen children, of whom J. H. is the eldest, and nine of whom are living. Their father died, aged eighty years. Mr. Coulter, the subject of this sketch, having received a limited education, commenced life at fourteen, working at $7 per month, but he gave his father all his wages until his twenty-second year. His wife received from her father 160 acres of land, the eastern portion of the farm. In 1845, he added by purchase 140 acres more, and in 1866 he bought eighty acres in Crawford County, lying near. In the same year he built across the road a fine residence, costing $4,000. In 1880, he built the finest barn in Crawford County, costing $2,000. In 1879, he purchased a grist mill at Caledonia, for $10,000, with four run of stone ; he also has some other town property. He values all his possessions at $35,000. For thirty-five years he has followed threshing , he introduced the first thresher into the county ; in three seasons he turned out some 40,000 bushels of grain and seed. Mr. C. is forward in ever}7 public enterprise ; was identified with the grange from its inception ; has been Township Trustee many years, both in Tully and Scott Townships. Upon the formation of the Crawford County Mutual Fire Insurance Company, he became a member, and is now its Vice President. He and family are members of the M. E. Church, of which he is also Class-leader, and has also acted as Steward. In the time of the civil war, he offered his services to his countr}-, but he was declared physically disabled. December 31, 1 850, he married Mary A. Carmean, daughter of Matthew and Rachel Carmean, of Crawford County, Ohio, both of whom are living. The old gentleman, aged seventy-five years, has cleared some 200 acres of plain land in his day. Mr. Coulter has had fourteen children, three dying young. The living are Melissa, wife of Louis Speice ; Rachel, wife of J. W. Dowling ; William C., Mathew C., Sarah, wife of Samuel Hurr ; Samuel, Edwin, Sherman, Effie, Orpha and Edgar J.

ELI AS CRISSINGER is one of Scott's enterprising voung men, the son of William and Mary Crissinger, born August 11, 1853. His father died in the late war, so that Elias, at ten years of age, was left fatherless and penniless. He made his home among the neighbors - John and Hiram Lee, Philip Steinman, Franklin Swisher and Washington Kennedy four years. He was then eighteen, and he worked by the month until twent}T-one. October 20, 1874, he married Harriet L. Howser, daughter of Anthony and Eliza Howser, and they have had four children - Manifold R., Daisy V., William A. and Hudson R. His wife received from her parents forty-seven acres, and in 1882 they bought twenty acres more. In 1880, he built a $500 barn, and he has improved the old home considerably. In March, 1877, the contents of a shotgun were discharged into his left hand, completely destroying it. His townsmen have made him their Assessor for four successive years - one in Tully Township, before coming to Scott. Mr. and Mrs. Crissinger have been members of the M. E. Church since their mnrriage.

JOHN W. DOWLING, a vigorous, enterprising young man, born Juty 15, 1853, in Illinois, whose parents, Joseph and Maria Dowling, were natives of Pennsylvania. At ten years of age, he came to live with John Hill, of this township, with whom he remained until twenty-three, when he was married.

November 28, 1876. to Miss Rachel Coulter, daughter of J. H. and Mary A. Coulter. They have one child, Elma. In 1881. he purchased forty-eight acres near the center of the township, paying $63 per acre. He is worth all of $4,000*. For the past five years, Mr. D. has been renting 220 acres of Madison Mounett, which, by industry and frugality, is paying him finely. Both himself and wife are exemplary Christians. He as an Elder of the Disciple Church.

ALEXANDER HILL is a rising young man of Scott Township, born September 16, 1847, and the son of Samuel and Jane Hill. His education was obtained at the common school. He remained with his father until his twentyfirst year, when he married, June 19, 1868, Miss Luvain Seckel, daughter of Joshua C. and Elizabeth Seckel, and they have had five children, three dying infants ; Delphus and Franklin survive. B37 the death of his wife's father in 1880, he came into the possession of ninety -eight acres of land in the southern part of the township, upon which he built in 1881 an elegant home, costing $2,000. He values his property at $7,000. He is a strong man, having scarcely ever seen a sick day. He barely escaped drowning when a youth, being a long time unconscious. Mr. Hill is a consistent Christian.

EDMON R. HILL, an enterprising young man and a native of this township, was born April 15, 1855. His parents, Ross and Caroline Hill, of Irish descent, came here about 1838. Upon arriving, they purchased forty acres, where their son now lives, and reared a famiby of five children, the father dying in 1868, aged forty-five years ; the mother is also deceased. Edmon's education was obtained in the common school, but at thirteen years of age he went to live with Henry Wright, with whom he remained until he was twenty-one. He inherited seventy-five acres from his father's estate, and his wife, Mrs. Hill, seventy-five acres from her father's estate. They value their present property at $10,000. He is improving and draining his farm, getting the best of stock. He has been quite a speculator, greatly to his advantage. March 6, 1879, he married Miss Laura Bell, daughter of James P. and Mary A. Bell. Their one child is Eva Ellen. He is a Granger, and his wife for several years has been a consistent member of the M. E. Church.

SAMUEL HILL is another of Scott's most worthy and estimable citizens, who lives in a beautiful residence upon the eastern border of the township. He is a native of Knox County, Ohio, and was born December 5, 1817. His father, Samuel J., came from Ireland about 1780, when sixteen years old. His mother. Margaret H., was a native of Penns}dvania. His parents reared a family of nine children ; they moved to Coshocton County, Ohio, 1808-10, thence to Knox County, Ohio, and arrived in Marion County, Scott Township, in 1829. The old gentleman died in 1850, aged eighty-six years. Samuel Hill lived with his father until his twenty-fifth year, when he married, December 29, 1842. Miss Ann J. Mitchell, daughter of John and Isabella Mitchell, of Crawford County, Ohio, who were of Irish descent ; during the j'ear they married they bought forty acres, lying west of their present residence, but subsequently sold that, and purchased, in 1865, where they now live, 320 acres, for $11,000. He built his house in 1878, costing $2,000. Three years later, he put up a good barn, worth $800. Mr. Hill is worth to-day $20,000. He has always been a hard worker, clearing in his day 150 acres of land. He has been Township Trustee three or four terms. He has been a prominent member of the Disciple Church, serving it in all official capacities. He is also connected with the Grange movement. Mr. and Mrs. Hill have had twelve children, two dying infants - Isabella, wife of Alvin Zuck; Alexander; Martha, wife of William Likins; Frank. John, Silas, Jennie. Emma, Hattie and A. D. He keeps the Durham thoroughbred stock.

ADAM HIPSHKR is one of the highly respected citizens of Scott Township, born January 1. 18(15. in Center County. Ponn.. and whose parents, Adam and Rhoda Hipsher, came to Fairfield County, Ohio, in 1819, thence to Scott in 1824. These people were among the earliest settlers. His grandfather, Lawrence, was born in Germany in 1740, and came to this country aged ten years. Our subject has always been a stout man. He recalls splitting 200 rails in one day, from the tree. When his people first moved to Scott Township there was but one bouse between their home and Bucyrus - Conrad Rhodes' - and none between them and Marion. At that time, Mr. Davis kept a hotel at Marion in a double log cabin. Milling was done at Frederick, Delaware and Mount Vernon. In 1832, Adam received from his father 151 acres, to which he added subsequently 111 acres, making in all 262 acres of fine plain land. Mr. Hipsher has cleared in his time some 125 acres. His marriage to Miss Samantha Gleason, daughter of Amasa and Lydia Gleason, occurred September 28, 1 828. Their children numbered nine - Matilda (deceased), wife of James Bell ; Lawrence; Minerva, wife of James Osborne; Louisa, wife of Samuel Guchenor ; Zaccheus W.; Mary, wife of Spencer Bales ; Francis (dead). Harriet, wife of Louis Osborne ; Huldah, wife of Harrison Kinnamon. In 1873, Mrs. Hipsher died, aged sixty-three years. Mr. Hipsher served as Town Trustee twenty five successive years. He has never been confined to his bed by sickness, except in 1850, when he was down with the typhoid fever. He is still rugged, and best of all, without an enemy in the world.

LEMMA HIPSHER is the son of Adam and Rhoda Hipsher, and was born December 30, 1822. He still lives upon the old homestead, where his father settled in 1824, thus living in the same house sixty years. His father died in 1861, aged eighty-two years ; his mother died in 1856, aged seventy-three years. Lemma Hipsher received from his father 129 acres, which he increased to 352 acres, 212 located in Iowa. He married, March 13, 1845, Miss Eliza A. Garberson, daughter of Job and Hannah Garberson, of Scott Township. Their children are three - Rhoda, wife of Alva Osborne ; Lucretia, wife of Cyrus Lee, and Andrew J. Mr. Hipsher is a quiet, inoffensive man, who has always led an exemplar}7 life.

URIAH HIPSHER was born December 9, 1813, and his parents, Adam and Rhoda Hipsher, were natives of Cumberland County, Penn. They came to Fairfield County, Ohio, as early as 1819, and pushed their way to Scott Township in 1824, entering at that time 160 acres of land, and subsequently, not later than 1830, 390 more. He secured during his life a deed of 700 acres. Adam and Rhoda Hipsher brought up five boys and one girl, all to become heads of families, and securing a good competence. The home of the Hipshers was frequented at that early day by the Indians. Uriah and brothers were well acquainted with John Standerton, Capt. Dowdy, Killbuck, Capt. Pipe, chiefs of the Delawares, Tom Lyons (said to be 165 years of age) and George Lyons, his son, who could talk fairly well in the English, French and Dutch languages. Gen. Crawford, who was burnt to death by the Indians, passed within ten feet of Adam's doorway. These Hipsher brothers' grandfather Lawrence, was in the French and Indian war. Their uncle Henry participated in the war of 1812 ; was reduced once to the extremity of eating horse-flesh. He helped also to defend Gen. Ross. Uriah Hipsher inherited from his father's estate 140 acres, to which he has added 120 more. He was seriously affected in 1840 from the effects of the measles, settling upon the lining of his lungs. A few years since he greatly injured his shoulder. His marriage, September 14, 1837, to Miss Eliza Garberson, has since been complemented with ten children, two dying infants, Isabella (dead), Lucetta (wife of Joseph Doyle), La Fayette, Emily (dead), Millis M., Milinda (wife of Curtis Foos), Salinda (wife of Nathan Foos), and Irvin W.

Z. W. HIPSHP]R, son of Adam Hipsher, was born in Scott Township March 10. 1839. Such education as he received he obtained in thfe common schools.

May 10, 1873, Mr. Hipsher married his present wife, Miss Frances Mason, daughter of John and Man' Mason, of Crawford Count}', Ohio. Her grandfather Lyons was one of the first settlers in Crawford County. They have had one child - John L. Mr. Hipsher received from his fattier eighty acres of land, to which his wife has added fort}' acres more by purchase in 1879. He completed a fine barn in 1881. He keeps good stock. He has been Town Trustee for the past ten years, and is an influential member of the Caledonia Lodge of the I. 0. 0. F., No. 299.

ANTHONY HOUSER is a native of Richland County, Ohio, where he was born August 28, 1819. His father Michael came from Maryland, while his mother, Christina, was from Pennsylvania. They moved to Richland County as early as 1817, settling upon a small farm near Mansfield, Ohio. Anthony Houser was one of ten children. He was apprenticed to a carpenter, Adam Bear, of Bucyrus, at sixteen years of age for five years. He married. April 22, 1841, Miss Eliza Wise, daughter of John Wise. They are the parents of ten children, four dying infants. The living are John C, Eliza A. (divorced wife of Michael Mathias), Catherine, Robert, Higley, Sarah (wife of Elliot Denman), Harriet (wife of Elias Crissinger), Malinda (wife of Jacob Spiece. He plied his trade for fifteen years after marriage, but he bought his present farm, then of 200 acres, about 1852, which he has increased by great industry to 800 acres. His property is valued at $50,000. His large brick house and substantial barn are the pride of the township, the former was built in 1866 for $5,000, the latter in 1881 for $1,500. He is improving his many acres yearly. He and family attend the German Presbyterian Church. They are both able to labor, though he has never fully recovered from serious injuries received by a runaway team in 1875.

WILLIAM T. HUMMER is one of Scott's worthy men, and was born in Pickaway Count}-, Ohio. July 25, 1843, the oldest of a family of twelve children. His father's family moved to Marion County in 1859. The old gentleman is still living. William, having received a good commonschool education, married October 14, 1869, Martha Monnett, daughter of Thomas and Martha Monnett, of this township. They have no children. They rented farms till 1871, then purchased their present home, consisting of fifty well-tilled acres of land. He is a great admirer of good stock, keeping the Hambletonian and Clydesdale horses. Himself and wife have been members of the M. E. Church since youth, he holding a license to preach, which prerogative he exercises occasionally. He is also an official member of the K. of P., Calantha Lodge, No. 116. He met with a physical misfortune, when a boy, twice breaking his left leg. Mrs. Hummer has a local reputation as a physician and nurse.

THADDEUS C. KENNEDY was born June 29, 1838, in Richland County, Ohio, but his parents, John and Maria Kennedy, came to Scott in 1846, buying 400 acres, where T. C. Kennedy now lives. His father died in 1853. aged fiftyfive years, but his mother still lives, aged seventy-two years, hale and vigorous. July 25, 1860, he -married Miss Martha Walton, daughter of David and Louisa Walton. He enlisted in Company D, Eighty-second Regiment Ohio Volunteer Infantry, and served eighteen mouths. He was engaged in the battles of Cedar Creek, Cedar Mountain, Bull Run (second battle) and McDowell, under Gen. Sigel. He moved to his present home in 1874, farming 138 acres. Owing to poor health, Mr. K. has been engaged for many years in buying stock. His experience with horses has been disastrous to himself, having his ribs broken on both sides, also collar bone, and front teeth knocked out.

ROBERT KERR. This well-known pioneer of Marion County was born in Mifflin County, Penn., October 27, 1807, and is the son of James and Betsy i Arbuckle) Kerr. The grandparents on both sides were natives of Ireland.

named respectively James Kerr and William Arbuckle. Robert Kerr's father was a farmer, and migrated with his wife and family to Knox County, Ohio, in 1818. where he bought a farm of 1G0 acres in Clay Township. His wife Betsy died on this farm, aged forty-two years ; he subsequentl}' sold this farm to his son Robert, and moved to Licking County, Ohio, where he resided with his son-inhiw. Aquilla Barber, until his death, at the age of eighty-seven years. Robert Kerr remained with his parents until nineteen years of age, receiving scarcely any advantages for securing an education. He now began to learn the tanner's trade, at Martinsburg, Ohio, and completed his apprenticeship in two years and five months. At the end of this time, he hired out to drive hogs through to Baltimore. Md., at three shillings a day and board, excepting dinner, which he had to furnish himself, if he had any. On his return to Ohio, he found employment at general work around a saw-mill for several months, at $11 a month. While emplo3'ed in the following harvest, he was prostrated by a fever. This sickness, with the expenses attached to it, soon took the greater part of his earnings On his recovery, and for some time thereafter, he followed the business of clearing up land for different parties, at from $2.50 to $3 per acre. His part of the contract was complete when everything was cleared up within twelve inches of the ground ; 113 or more acres of land was cleared up by him in that manner. While clearing this land he cut 1,000 cords of wood and upward, at 20 cents per cord, and made many thousand rails at 50 cents a hundred. About this time, or a little before, he had bought two eighty-acre pieces of land, then in Scott Township. Marion County, but now in Crawford County ; for the first eighty acres he paid $100, and for the other $200. He was married, August 29, 1833, to Matilda Swaggert, a daughter of Daniel and Betsy (Coonrod) Swaggert, and at once commenced keeping house on his 160 acres of land. From this time he gave his attention to farming, clearing $100 cash the first year. About the third year on the farm he began handling stock, which turned out tolerably well. He now. with what mone}T he had made, purchased 360 acres of land in Scott Township for $1,500, on five years' time, at six per cent interest, payments to be made of $300 yearly. He stocked this land with sheep, and made enough money to meet his pa}Tments promptly as they fell due. He was then told by an old Pennsylvanian, one Stephen Ulery, that he could make more money by raising sheep than in anything else, and Mr. Kerr, acting upon his advice, bought quite a large number. The first year he sold his wool for 21^ cents per pound, the second for 22^- cents, the third crop at 29 cents, the fourth crop at 33^ cents, the fifth crop for 40 cents, the sixth for 50 cents, and the seventh crop at 80 cents a pound. The last season his receipts from the sale of wool and sheep amounted to $33,000. After this the price of wool declined to 50 cents, and kept going lower, and Mr. Kerr sold out all his sheep and quit the business. Up to 1876-77, his principal business had been handling sheep and stock, and he now owns (1883) a herd of 1,024 head of cattle in the Indian Territory, 1,059 acres of land in Crawford County, 443 acres in Wyandot County, and 2.573 acres in Marion County. He was one of the original stockholders of the Farmers' Bank of Marion, Ohio, and of the Nevada Deposit Hank, of Nevada, Obio, and now owns a large amount of stock in each ; he is also a stockholder in a bank at Winfield, Kan., which has but recently been established. He built, and still owns, the Kerr House at Marion, at a cost of $<i<U>00, and the Kerr House, at Nevada, at a cost of $18,000, both fine buildings and an ornament to the towns where the}' are located, and monuments that speak well for the enterprise of the builder. He has made various donations of considerable amounts, one of about $53,000 to Hiram College, and another of $23,000. to Bethany College, of Virginia, and various minor amounts to other institutions. He is the wealthiest citizen and largest landholder in this section of the country. He has 4,007 acres of valuable land, free of incum- brance. and other property, which, at a cash valuation, would amount to $600,000. This large property was acquired by fifty-four years of untiring energy, combined with excellent financial ability and strict integrity in all business transactions. He was formerly a member of the Disciple Church for many years ; but, for what he considered unchristian conduct of some of the members, he withdrew from that church, and has not been a member of any Christian denomination since. His wife, Matilda, died in February, 1859. By this marriage there were eleven children, six of whom are living, named Elizabeth, Sarah, Stephen, Mary. John and Amanda. Mr. Kerr was married the second time, in July, 1861, to Martha Williams, by whom there was one child - Addie. On New Year's Day, 1883, Mr. Kerr met with a serious accident at Caledonia, while walking down the street, which was very icy ; he slipped and fell, causing a fracture or dislocation of the hip joint on the left side, and has not been able to walk since (September, 1883), and has made his home at Nevada, Ohio. He lived for forty-four years on the place where he first commenced keeping house, but for the ten years previous to the accident above mentioned, had lived in a house erected on his land in Scott Township, a short distance from his old home. Barring his inability to walk, he is enjoying good health for a man of his years. He is now seventy -six. We give Mr. Kerr's portrait in this work.

CAPT. HIRAM KNOWLES was born in New York State January 16, 1811, and was the son of Seth and Mary Knowles, who came to Delaware County. Ohio, in 1816 ; thence to Knox County, Ohio, until 1828, when they came to Scott Township, settling upon the Kennedy farm, then consisting of 160 acres. They reared a family of eight children. The old gentleman died in 1864, aged seventy-seven years. Our subject has been a strong, healthy man all his life. He purchased eighty acres before marriage, but increased that number to 510 acres, being worth at one time $25,000. From his fortieth to his sixty-fifth year, he was known far and near as a stock speculator, having once $30,000 invested in a single drove. He served as Treasurer of the township twenty-five consecutive years, also as Constable for fifteen years. He was County Commissioner two terms. Has seen all of the wilds of a new country, besides the hardships attached thereto. Indians by the score, wild deer by the hundred, wolves by the score, and foxes and all other wild animals of a new country were plenty.

JAMES LIKINS is one of Scott's most venerable men, born March 11, 1803, in Fairfield County, and who came with his parents, James and Jane Likins, in 1828, to Marion County, settling on " Mud Run," where Samuel Hill resides at present. He remained with his parents until seventeen or eighteen years of age. He bought his present residence in 1830, from the Turnpike Company. It then consisted of 160 acres, to which he has since added 359 acres At one time he owned 897 acres, but he has given to his son 240 acres and to his daughter 108 acres. He still owns 549 acres. He values his estate at $40,000. He has ever been a very muscular man, clearing in his day 300 acres of plain land. He is still active, hearing and sight good, and was never confined to his bed until his seventieth year. He buys and breeds the best of stock. He has been a member of the M. E. Church for the past fifty years. His father, James, was a soldier of the war of 1812, and he (the father) helped to organize Scott Township. Mr. Likins was a Jackson Democrat, but voted for Lincoln. He married, in 1829, Catherine Black, who lived five years, bearing him three children, one living, Sylvester Likins. He married again, 1835, Frances Crow, who died in 1868. His present wife, the Widow Scales, he married in 1870. We present the portrait of Mr. Likins in this work.

JAMES LINDSAY was born June 25, 1814, in Center County, Penn., and his parents, John and Jeanette Lindsay, were natives of the same county. Hi9 parents came to Fairfield County, Ohio, as early as 1822. but moved to Marion

County about 1825. His mother was known far and near as Mother Lindsay, on account of her excellent qualities as a nurse in that early day. When these people moved here, there was one house at Caledonia, a double log cabin, and that without a tenant. Mr. Lindsay lived with his parents until he was twentyfour years of age. He did a great deal of rail-splitting, clearing and bridgebuilding in his younger days. January 5, 1839, he married Miss Hannah Monroe, daughter of Lemuel and Margaret Monroe, of Claridon Township. Ten children have been born to them, two dying in infancy. Their names are Elizabeth J. Ulsh. Margaret A., dead ; Jeanette, wife of Jacob Kurts ; John F.; Oliver N.; Mary O., wife of H. C. Henson ; Isadora ; and Zula, wife of G. G. Curtis. Mr. Lindsay first entered 120 acres in Van Wert County, but soon exchanged that for 120 acres near his present home, to which he has added many rich acres, owning now 347 acres, all clear of indebtedness, and he is at present worth some $20,000. He has cleared altogether 160 acres of forest land. Mr. L. worked in early days at 50 cents per day. He attended the Indian sale of ponies at Upper Sandusky in 1843.

JOSEPH MASON is a solid and substantial citizen, born in West Torrington, England. February 28, 1817, with Robert and Mary Mason as parents. His mother died the year Joseph was twenty -one. His father brought him and his brother to the old Mason farm in Crawford Count}-, Ohio, in 1840, where his father died in 1874, aged eighty-two or eighty-three years, owning 330 acres. February 28, 1842, Mr. Mason married Miss Sarah Towers, daughter of Thomas and Nancy Towers. Their children are Mary, wife of Samuel Weir ; Louisa, wife of John Mathews ; Helen, wife of James Noblet ; Isaac, who married P. L. Lucas, daughter of A. Lucas ; Ann, wife of Thomas W. Monnett ; Harry, who married A. Clutter, daughter of Samuel Clutter ; Thomas, who married M. Lucas, daughter of A. Lucas ; Elizabeth, wife of Oliver Lindsay ; Jane, deceased, and Lydia, wife of W. M. Coulter. In 1847, Mr. Mason purchased his present home of 120 acres, to which he has added 240 acres ; he also owns 22 acres in Tully Township and 140 acres in Claridon Township. He is a stanch Democrat. Is Township Treasurer, also Infirmary Director of the county, and has held many minor offices. His farm was crossed by Gen. Crawford upon his way to attack the Indians. His estate is not less than $35,000 at present. The character of his fields and the quality of his fences declare him to be one of the neatest farmers in Marion County. His blooded stock speaks well for his. enterprise. He believes in tile and uses it advantageously.

MRS. MARY MILLER is the widow of James Miller, and was born December 21, 1818, in Clinton County, Penn. Her parents came to Scott Town- Rhip from Fairfield Count\r, Ohio, with the Hipsher family in 1823. Her father's father was a Revolutionary soldier. She married James Miller, son of Thomas H. and Sarah Miller, April 14, 1840. Their children are Eliza, Isabel (wife of Nelson Myers), Thomas L. and Jones J., who married, January 12, 1882, Mary A. Stagle, and who cares for the home place to-day. Seven months after their marriage. Mr. and Mrs. M. moved upon their 240-acre farm, to which in subsequent years they added many acres, owning at one time 700 acres. Notwithstanding his vast estate, he became badly involved through sickness and giving bail in law suits, mid a year or two before his death he made an assignment. He died aged seventy-nine }ears, known and regarded as an honest man. His life was insured slightly, so that Mrs. M., with the forty acres presented her by her lather, has a competency. Mrs. M. has been a member of the Universal - ist Church for the past twentj' years.

T. S. MILLER was born September 24, 1828. in Pennsylvania. His parents were Thomas II. and Sarah Miller, the father coming from London, Eng He came to America with a brother while both were youths. When Thomas S. was only six weeks old. his parents started for Ohio, stopping in Scott Town- ship in 1828. entering 800 acres. The father died in 1842, leaving an estate of $12,000. The mother died Januar}- 25, 1879, aged ninety-six years. Mr. Miller lived with his parents during their lives. He married, March 6, 1860, Miss Ann Clathart, daughter of Christian Clathart, originally from Germany. Their children are three - Melville P., Flora B. and Ida L. He received from his father forty acres of plain land and forty acres of timber, to which he has added 105 acres, also owns thirty-four acres in Tully Township. In all. he possesses 230 acres, valued at $15,000 to $20,000. Mr. M. has seen many sick daj's, but is still vigorous. He is identified with the Grangers, being a member of Lodge No. 1080 at Letimberville.

ABRAHAM MONNETT (deceased). Few of the pioneer settlers of Marion County ever rose to a position of such prominence as a citizen and a man of sterling worth and business ability as that attained by the honored and highly esteemed subject of this sketch. Mr. Abraham Monnett. He was a descendant of Mr. Abraham Monnett, who with his family moved from Virginia to Ohio in the year 1800, settling near the village of Chillicothe, Ohio. His family consisted of Isaac, Thomas, Margaret, Jeremiah (father of our subject). John. William Osborn and Elizabeth. Jeremiah Monnett returned to Virginia, where he married Miss Alice Slagle. They settled near Cumberland, on the Potomac River, residing there until 1814. He then, with his family, consisting of his wife and five small children, one of whom was the subject of this memoir, removed to Ohio, settling in Pickaway County. Their trip was attended with many difficulties, and probably would not have been undertaken but for the timely assistance of a Widow Jones, who accompanied them to this State. Upon arriving at the above destination, Mr. Monnett had only $5 in money, his team and a small supply of household goods. He was a regularly ordained minister of the M. E. Church, and a resident of that county until 1835, when he removed to Crawford County, locating four and a haff miles south of Bucyrus, living there until his death, in September of 1863. Mr. Abraham Monnett was born on the 12th of October, 1811, in the Old Dominion, near the Maryland line. He passed his life in the place of his nativity until he removed with his parents to Ohio. In that early day of the settlement of Pickaway County, but limited opportunities were afforded him for obtaining an education. Always active, energetic and decisive in character, he had, before leaving the above county with his father in 1835, exercised a potent influence in local matters ; and while residing there, he joined a company of militia and became its First Lieutenant. His commission for the office was signed by George McArthur. Soon after coming to Marion County, he purchased forty acres of land in Scott Township, and about that time he became a member of the Marion County Militia, and succeeded to the First Lieutenantcy again. In June of 1836, he returned to Pickaway County, and, on the 9th of that month, married Miss Catherine Brougher, who had been an orphan from her fourth year, and by whom he received $2,500, the proceeds of a sale of land of which she was the heir. This, with the exception of $120 given him by his father, was the only means received by him, and the only part of his extensive fortune not acquired by his individual energy, industry and economy. Shortly after his marriage, Mr. Monnett took up his residence in Scott township. In 1838, he commenced handling cattle, bringing them often from Illinois, the drive requiring sometimes thirty-five days. Later in life, he assisted in the organization of the Marion County banking institution, in which he continued to hold an interest, and of* which he was President from June, 1864, until his death. He was also President of the Farmers' Bank at Marion, and at the head of the Crawford County Bank of Bucyrus, where he spent most of the time during the last years of his life. Mr. Monnett owned at one time in Marion and Crawford Counties 11,000 acres of choice land. Truly, this was a princely fortune for one to accumulate, whose earlv life was environed by the vicissitudes incidental to pioneer life, and whose school was located two and a half miles from his father's residence. Mr. Monnett was not only successful in financial affairs, but in the rearing of a family of twelve children to honorable manhood and womanhood. They are situated as follows: Ephraim B., farmer, of Dallas Township, Crawford County; Martha, wife of G. H. Wright, of Marion ; Oliver, farmer, of Dallas Township, Crawford County ; John T., of Grand Prairie Township ; Alcy, wife of James Malcolm, of Bucyrus; Augustus, farmer, of Bucyrus Township, Crawford County; Marvin J., farmer and stock-dealer, of Dallas Township, Crawford County ; Mary J., wife of George Hull, banker at Findley, Ohio ; Madison W., Teller in Crawford County Bank of Bucyrus ; Nelson, on the homestead in Scott Township ; Amina J., wife of Calvin Tobias, Bucyrus ; and Kate, wife of Lewis Ross, farmer, of Dallas Township, Crawford County. Mrs. Monnett died February 8, 1875, and May 30, 1877, Mr. Monnett was again married. The name of this wife was Mrs. Jane Johnston, daughter of Samuel Ludwig. In his early manhood, Mr. Monnett was identified with the Whig party, but since the formation of the Republican party he cast his vote and influence for its support. His first Presidential vote was for J. Q. Adams. Mr. Monnett was a man of unbounded public enterprises, and no movement either of a public or private character was ever presented to him but what it received his cordial and generous support. He was liberal to a marked degree, and no man in Marion County gave more to religious, educational and benevolent enterprises than Mr. Monnett. He aided by contribution to build the majority of the Methodist Episcopal Churches in the county. This was the church of his choice, and he held a membership relation with it from the time he was eighteen years of age. In 1850, he bestowed a large sum on the Female Seminary of Delaware, and, in 1853, to the Ohio Wesleyan University at that place. Mr. Monnett's life was one of usefulness and success equaled by very few. He was a man of uncompromising honor and integrity, and enjoyed the respect and esteem of all who knew him. He departed the scenes of this life March 7, 1881, leaving a large estate and a name that was pure and free from any stain.

JOSEPHUS MONNETT is one of Marion County's substantial young men. November 28, 1846, he was born to Thomas and Hannah Monnett, who came to Scott Township from Licking County, Ohio, about 1830. His father was a Marylander, who owned 400 acres at his death, which occurred in 1859, aged fifty years. Josephus' education was obtained wholly in the common school. He came into possession of 100 acres from his father's estate, purchasing his sister's share for $800. He purchased his present place, consisting of 100 acres, in 1880. He also has 200 acres in the western part of the township, and 300 acres in the eastern part, upon Sections 26 and 23 - in all 660 acres, valued at $40,000. His beautiful home was built before he obtained it, at a cost of $3,000. A new barn stands near the house. He is farming upon an extensive scale, raising this year. 1883, seventy acres of corn and forty acres of wheat; tiles 300 or 400 acres annually. He keeps good stock, has 400 sheep - a small number for him - and is a Granger of six years' standing. He is Clerk of Board of Education of the township, while he and wife have been members of the Methodist Church since 3011th - twenty-one years - he acting in all capacities. December 28, 1871, he married Miss Malinda Carmean, daughter of Curtis Carmean. They have had six children - Hattie, Ollie, Charley (deceased), Oscar (deceased), Nettie and the baby. The baby's name is Ada Edith.

M. H. MONNETT is beyond question the richest man in Scott Township. He is a twin brother of Madison Monnett, and they were born August 8, 1851. He is the son of Abraham and Catherine Monnett (see sketch of Abraham Monnett). Mr. M. H. Monnett, having obtained a common school education, married,

October 27, 1874, Miss Ella Carmean, a daughter of Curtis and Harriet Carmean, of Ross County, Ohio. The name of their one child is Arthur A. Monnett. He bought his present home in 1878, consisting then of eighty acres, but he owns at present 560 acres of fine " plain land;" 160 acres lie south of the road, and 320 acres north; the latter is a mile in length, and a half mile in width. He also has an eighty-acre lot in Crawford County, through which the Scioto flows. In addition to this, he owns twenty-one city lots in Toledo. He has a large bank account, and at the least estimate he is worth $44,000. Upon his plains graze (1883) 120 head of cattle, many of them of the Kentucky grade. This season he is building a $7,500 residence, to be finished with all the modern improvements.

JOHN RICE was born April 28, 1822, in Canaan Township, Morrow Co., Ohio. His parents, Jacob and Lydia Rice, were natives of Pennsylvania, but came to Fairfield County. Ohio, when they were some fifteen or sixteen vears of age. They moved to Caiman Township in 1821. They raised a large family of thirteen children. John's great-grandfather was a commissioned officer in the Revolutionary war; his grandfather, Michael Rice, and his father did duty in the war of 1812. When quite young, he and his brother purchased ninety acres of land near their father's place, and upon this Mr. and Mrs. R. made their home the first ten years of their married life. In 1867, they bougiit their present residence, consisting of 110 acres; in all, they own 405 acres, controlling large tracts in Claridon and Canaan Townships. He is worth at present some $25,000, having begun with nothing. His marriage to Miss Sarah Bennett, daughter of Rev. Bennett, of the Methodist Episcopal Church, took place October 13, 1857. They have had six children, two dying in infancy. The survivors are Simeon B., a junior at Buchtel College, Ohio ; Ella, wife of William Weir, Ida and Cora. Mr. Rice stands well as an Odd Fellow and Mason. His membership of the former is at Caledonia, in Lodge No. 299; also a member of the Olive Lodge, No. 447, of the Masons of the same place.

MADISON ROBERTS is a young farmer, born January 28, 1855, in Illinois, whose parents are Wesley and Elsie Roberts, of Crawford County. He married, February 17, 1876, Miss Emma Kenuedy, daughter of W. K. Kennedy, of Tully Township. The names of their children are Brauche, Irvin, Wesley and Riene Esma. The past few years Mr. Roberts has been renting 160 acres belonging to his father. He has obtained considerable property, and is on his wav to prosperity.

THOMAS M. ROBINSON was born in Franklin Couuty, Ohio, July 30. 1845. the son of Joseph and Mary Robinson, from Virginia and New York respectively. His grandfather, John H. Robinson, was a soldier in the Revolution. His parents came to Marion County in the spring of 1861, the father running a tan-yard at Letimberville. He died in 1881. aged seventy-eight years. The mother still survives. Thomas M., having obtained a fair education from the common schools, enlisted in defense of his country in 1862, in Company I, Ninety-fifth Regiment Ohio Volunteer Infantry. At the battle of Richmond, Ky., he was captured, and paroled the following day. He first married Mary Cramer, living with her seven years, having one child, Anne. He married again. July 4, 1878, Miss Lovina Walton, a daughter of David and Louisa Walton. He has a residence at Letimberville. which he purchased in 1881. He is a tanner by trade, hut can turn his hand to anything, such as carpentering, shearing sheep, etc. He has sheared as high as fifty-eight sheep in a day. He is an enthusiastic member of the G-. A. R.

HON. JOHN ROSENCRANS. Ksq., now a resident of Bucyrus, Ohio, was for thirty-five years an honored and prominent citizen of Scott Township, Marion County. He was born August 14, 1808, at Nanticoke. Hanover Township, Luzerne Co.. Penn.. where he lived until nine years of age, at which time bis parents, John and Olive (Downing) Rosencrans, with their famiLy, moved to Newport Township, Luzerne County, Penn. In that township he lived until he was thirty-nine years old. The Rosencrans family were originally from Holland, and emigrated to America at an early period, as John Rosencrans, the grandfather of John, was a soldier in the Revolutionary war. The father of our subject was for many years a school teacher, but during the latter years of his life was a farmer in Newport Township, Luzerne County, Penn., where be died in 1845, aged about seventy years. His wife died at the same place several years afterward ; she was aged about ninety years ; her maiden name was Olive Downing, and her birthplace was in Connecticut and was reared at Wilksbarre, Penn. John Rosencrans, the subject of this biographical notice, was reai'ed to the life of a farmer, and during his minority received the advantages of a good common school education ; when nineteen years of age, he taught a summer school for two terms, and for the next nine years taught school each winter. He was married when in his twenty-second year to Margaret Fairchild, who was born May 14, 1811, and was a daughter of Solomon and Elizabeth (Lutsey) Fairchild, all of Newport Township, Luzerne Co., Penn The spring he was married he bought land, and during his subsequent residence in Pennsylvania was always interested to a greater or less extent in farming, and in buying and selling of farming lands ; at both businesses he was uniformly successful. When he was twent3T-eight years of age, there were six school directors to be elected, and Mr. Rosencrans was a candidate ; the one receiving the highest number of votes was to hold office for six years, and those receiving a lesser number were to hold office from two to four years, according to the number of votes received by each. Esquire Rosencrans received the highest number of votes, and was in consequence elected School Director of Newport Township for six years. About this time a post office was established at his house in Newport, and named Painesville : he was appointed Postmaster, serving as such six years. When twenty-nine years of age, he was elected Auditor of Luzerne County, and upon the expiration of his term of three years as Auditor, which office he had filled with great satisfaction to the citizens of the county, he was elected and served as County Commissioner. While a resident of that county, he also served in many minor official positions, such as Township Assessor, Land Appraiser, etc. In 1847. he exchanged his home iu Newport Township, Penn., for 100 acres of land on the southwest quarter, Section 14, Scott Township, Marion County, and the same year came here to live with his wife and eight children, named as follows: Mary, Ann, George W., William, Elizabeth 0., John, Ellen and Emily (twins), Solomon F. ; two others, Margaret P. and Tacy. were born in Scott Township. On his arrival in Scott Township, he commenced improving his property, and was soon recognized by the citizens as one of the leading men of the township in all its affairs, a position that he maintained throughout his long residence in that locality. The autumn succeeding his settlement in the township, he was elected Justice of the Peace, and received his commission next spring. This office he filled with such impartiality and good judgment that he was continued in the position b}' the unanimous votes of the people for thirty-three years, and, what is unprecedented, only one case was ever carried up to a superior court that came before his court. He also served on the School Board of Scott Township thirty-five years, as Assessor and Land Appraiser two terms each, Clerk of the Township four years, as County Commissioner of Marion County six }'ears, and as member of the Ohio House of Representatives two years. He was also Postmaster at Letimberville during President Taylor's administration. Since Esquire Rosencrans first purchased land in Scott Township, he lias increased his landed possessions to 802 acres in that township, 640 acres in McLean County. 111., and forty acres in Missouri. In the spring of

1882, he retired from business and moved to Bucyrus, Ohio, and now resides in a neat residence on the south end of* Sandusky avenue. He is a Democrat in politics, and although a believer in the Christian religion, never was a mem-, her of an\r church. He is one of those large-hearted, generous men, characteristic of the old-time pioneer and gentleman. He is still hale and vigorous, and while the writer was at his house, August 14, 1883, his children and grandchildren began gathering in quite unexpectedly to him in honor of his seventy - fifth birthday. As an honored pioneer of Marion Count}', we present the portrait of Mr. Rosencrans in this work.

S. F. ROSENCRANS is the son of John and Margaret Rosencrans, who were born in Pennsylvania and emigrated from that State. S. F. was one of twelve children. In 1847. his parents came to Scott Township, settling on the "old Young farm," consisting of 100 acres, which they increased in subsequent years to 800 acres. The old people still live in Bucyrus (see Hon. Rosencrans' sketch). The subject of this sketch married in February of 1872 Miss Amanda Lee, daughter of Sarah A. Lee, and their three children are Rosa, Flora and John. Mrs. Rosencrans died in 1876; he continued a widower two years, marrying then Mrs. Mary Fairchilds, Daniel Fairchild's widow. One child has been born to them - Emma May. Mr. Rosencrans owns eighty acres of land in Arkansas. He has been renting his father's farm of 505 acres for the past few years, paying $1,100 annually. He is an extensive fanner, raising large fields of corn annually. He has been Township Trustee, and is a member of the K. of P. and of Calanthe Lodge, No. 116.

ANDREW. SECKEL is a native of Scott Township, born November 17, 1841, the son of Joshua and Elizabeth Seckel, who came from Pennsylvania about 1830, settling at Letimberville. They were the parents of six children. The father died in 1879, aged sixty-three years, and the mother was sixty-one years of age at the time of her death. They left an estate of $40,000. Our subject having received a common school education, married, October 4, 1862, Mary Hutchenson, a daughter of Rev. J. H. Hutchenson of the Indiana Methodist Episcopal Church. Eleven children have been born to them, seven surviving - Charles H., Bertha B., Cora E., James H., Katie L., Minnie M. and Lo B. Mr. Seckel received from his father's estate 115 acres of good land. He owns also eighteen acres near Caledonia. He is quite an extensive grain raiser. In

1882, from the same number of acres, 760 bushels. Our subject was severely wounded in his seventeenth year by an ax being struck into his spine, in consequence of which he was an invalid many months.

SAMUEL WEIR is one of Marion County's most enterprising men, hailing directly from the Emerald Isle, County Donegal, where he was born in 1827. His parents were Samuel and Nancy Weir. He was obliged to work extremely hard from his earliest youth, but when only earning $15 in six months, he accumulated $175, and started for America at twenty years of age. He stopped in Philadelphia for several years, sending mone}' to his mother for her support and subsequent passage to America. About 1857, he came to Caledonia with $91, and worked four years as foreman for Moses Kerr. June 13, 1861, he married Miss Mary Mason, daughter of Joseph and Sarah Mason, one son blessing this union - William J. In 1866, he bought his present residence, consisting then of 100 acres, costing $55 per acre, to which he has added eighty-three acres. His property is valued to-day at $15,000. with a house costing $2,000. He is improving and draining his farm by burying tile annually. He keeps the best of stock.

Source changes here: from The History of Marion County Ohio, by Various, published 1883; 11,836 words in this source stream.

Territorial

ROM the best authority obtainable, Scott Township was organized either ' June 7, 8 or 9, 1824, one of the first three days of the first session of the County Commissioners after the organization of the county, although the entry of such organization has been entirely omitted from the record. But on June 10, 1824, a division into districts of the townships then organized was made for the purpose of collecting the county tax, and among the townships then mentioned was Scott. This township at its original organization comprised all of surveyed Township 4, Range 16, and Township 4, Range 17. But in March, 1828, Tully Township: was organized and took its territory from the eastern part of Scott, and was made to include more than one surveyed township, or thirty-six sections. At the June session in the same year, the Commissioners restored to Scott Township the east tier of. sections, of surveyed Township 4, Range 16.

Thus the township remained until after the formation of Crawford County, when two tiers of sections from off the north part were placed within the limits of that county, and when the county of Wyandot was erected a similar portion was taken off of the remaining northern tier of townships, which made it necessary, as the Commissioners thought, to re-organize the fractional townships.

A few years later, the people of Scott Township desired to extend their boundaries further south and take into their territory one tier of sections off of the north side of Claridon, or rather, it seems a portion of the residents of that tier of sections of Claridon Township desired that sv much of their territory as above named should be placed in Scott Township, as will appear from the following entry from the record:

This day came Lawrence Buskirk and others, being a majority of the householders residing within the boundary of the portion of Claridon hereinafter named, and made application, by petition, for an alteration of the boundaries of the townships of Claridon and Scott as follows, to wit: To attach to said township of Scott, one tier of sections from off the north side of said township of Claridon, and it appearing to the satisfaction of the Commissioners that legal notice has been given and that all things appertaining to said application have been done in due form of law, it is ordered that the said one tier of sections from off the north side of said Claridon Township be and the same is hereby attached to the township of Scott.

John Uncapher

For some reasons, which the records do not explain, in the following year another application by petition of similar import, asking that the very same territory be detached from Claridon Township and attached to Scott, was made and the prayer of the petitioners was granted, 'and the northern tier of sections was again attached to Scott, as appears from the following entry:

Marion County, Onro, March 5, 1849. This day the Commissioners of Marion County met pursuant to the statute. Present: John Uncapher, Hiram Knowles and Lewis Topliff, Commissioners, and Lawrence Van Buskirk, County Auditor. This day came Adam Hipsher, James Tight, and others, and presented their petition to the County Commissioners in the words and figures following, to wit :

Gentlemen - We, your petitioners, would humbly represent that Claridon Township is six miles wide from north to south, and that Scott Township is but four miles wide from north to south, and that we believe it would conduce to the public benefit if one tier of sections were set off of the north side of Claridon Township and attached to said Scott Township. We, your petitioners, therefore pray your honors to attach one tier of sections from off the north side of said Claridon Township to said Scott Township, thereby making the said townships equal or nearly so, and we, your petitioners, as in duty bound, will ever pray, etc., etc., January 30, 1849.

And the said Commissioners being satisfied that said petition is signed by a majority of the householders residing within the boundaries of the proposed change or alteration, and it having been proven to them that notice of such intended application had been given by advertisements set up'in three public places within the bounds of such próposed change or alteration, for the period of thirty days and more previous to this date, and it appearing necessary to said Board of Commissioners that the alterations as prayed for in said petition should be made, it is therefore ordered by said Board of Commissioners that so much of the territory of Claridon Township in the said County of Marion, as is included in Sections 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 and 6, in Township 5, south of base line in Range 16 east, be, and the same hereby is attached to and made a part of Scott Township.

Whereupon came Gany Clark, one of the householders residing upon said territory, and gave notice of his intention to appeal to the Court of Common Pleas.

The matter was duly appealed to the Court of Common Pleas and there reviewed by that tribunal, the Commissioners' proceedings reversed and the territory restored to Claridon Township. But the subject of the division of Claridon Township, for the purpose of augmenting or enlarging the terri. tory of Scott was not permitted to rest long; for at the March session of the Commissioners in the year 1851, another effort was made to have the same territory set off to Scott Township, as will appear from the following entry taken from the record:

This day the Commissioners of Marion County met, pursuant to the statute. Present, Thomas Parr and Hiram Knowles, Commissioners, and E. Peters, Auditor of Marion County. _ f d

This day came S. C. Parcell, James Bell and others, and presented their petition to the County Commissioners, in the words and figures following:

We, the undersigned residents of Claridon Township, pray your honorable body that you will take one tier of sections from off the north side of Claridon Township, and attach it to Scott Township, which will make them of equal dimensions; Claridon. Township is six miles square, and Scott Township is four by six miles only.

And the said Commissioners being satisfied that the said petition is signed by a majority of householders residing within the boundaries of the proposed territory of land petitioned to be struck off from Claridon Township, and. attached to Scott Township, and it having been proven to the satisfaction of the said Commissioners, by the affidavit of. James Parcell, George Boyles, Jr., and James Osborn, that lawful notice has been given by advertising, in three different public places in said territory, proposed to be struck off and attached to said township, of the intention of said petitioners, for the period of thirty days and more previous to the presentation of this petition, and it appearing necessary, just and right to said Board of Commissioners that the alteration as prayed for in said petition should be made, it is therefore ordered, by the said Board of Commissioners, that so much of the territory of Claridon Township, in said County of Marion, as is included in Sections 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 and 6, in Township A south of the base line in Range 16 cast, be and the same is hercby attached to an made a part of Scott Township.

Whereupon came Gany Clark, James M. Briggs, two of the householders residing ge said territory, and gave notice of their intention to appeal the same to the Court of Common Pleas.

"The appeal was duly taken, and upon review by the Common Pleas Court, the proceedings of the Commissioners were set aside and the territory restored again to Claridon Township, where it ever since has remained.

Topography

Scott Township is composed wholly of Congress lands, and was named in honor of Mr. Scott, one of the early settlers of this territory, he having located here with his family in 1821. It consists partially of prairie and partially of woodland, there being portions of the great Sandusky Plains within its borders. Its surface is gently rolling and soil fertile, and is

-well adapted to raising corn, wheat and outs, and it also comprises excel. lent pasture land for the grazing of horses, sheep and cattle. The lands are reasonably well watered, there being numerous pools and springs and several creeks and runs. Among the latter, the Whetstone and Mud Run, which pass through the eastern portion of the township, are the largest.

In early days, the level portions of the township were covered with water. The tract of land now owned by James Lindsey was until a comparatively recent date covered with water, which some forty years ago was designated the "Green Sea" by a man bearing the name of Jobn James. In many places, also, a growth of wild grass and a species of cane called maiden cane had sprung up, and were of avery luxuriant growth, often arising to-a height of from fifteen to twenty feet, and of such strength and thickness as to prevent persons from passing through, except by following beaten paths.

The Early Settlement

Of this township, for the most part, was made by emigration from Knox County, and was not commenced until the year 1821. During that year, Nathan Parson, Henry Parcell, John Beckley, Martin McGowen, Constant Bowen and Josiah Packard, each with his family, located in the southeastern portion of the township near the Whetstone, and were soon joined by Solomon Wilkinson, Jason Gleason, Alanson, Phineas and Horatio Packard. Farther north on Muddy Run, in the autumn of the same year, another settlement was started, in which William Shaffer, Samuel Spurgeon and John Humphrey were among the first to "pitch their tent." They were, however, soon joined by Jacob Stateler, Mr. Kline, John Johnson and their families. In the northern part of the township, near where Letimberville now stands, and yet to the westward, another settlement was started about the same time: and among the first families that located here were those of Capt. Benjamn Fickel, Moses Vansky, Isaac Foreacre and Mr. Scott, from the last of whom the township received its name. Daniel Walters came to this township in 1821. ^ Each of the settlements constantly received new accessions, and in time grew and extended their limits until they finally became quite large and prosperous communities. Among the earlier accessions were Adam Hipsher and family, who came here from Fairfield County, Ohio, in 1824. Also James Likens and his three sons, who came from the same county, and Seth Knowles and family, Samuel

John Hill, one of the sons of Samuel Hill, still lives on a farm located in Section 21 of this township, and is now fast approaching his fourscore years, he having been born in 1805. John Hill came to Scott Township with his father in 1829, but had visited the lands here the year previous and entered eighty acres of it in his own name, as he was then twenty-three years of age, and was already seeking a site and securing a location for his future habitation. He, hovever, came to this township with his father's family from Knox County in 1829. The goods and the family were moved across the county in a wagon; and it is related by John that when they reached the bank of the Middle Fork of the Whetstone the stream, on account of the recent rains, was so swollen that the embankments were overflown, and as there were no bridges across the streams in those days, they were compelled to wait until the waters subsided sufficiently to permit them to "ford" the stream. During this time, which was of three or four days' duration, the family took refuge in a deserted cabin. On the first evening of their delay occasioned by this impediment, and about the time the family had gotten into the deserted cabin and everything prepared for a brief stay in their temporary home, a horseman came dashing down the bridle path leading by the cabin, and coming to the river bank, was about to plunge into the stream with his horse; but the spirited animal refused to enter the deep water, and was frisking and shying under the urgent demands of the rider, when Mr. Hill, recognizing him as a Knox' County neighbor, whose name was Hedington, accosted {him with, " What are you trying to do?" He replied very emphatically that he was determined to cross the stream, as his "sweetheart" lived beyond, and he was anxious to see her that very night. Mr. Hill soon discovered that the attempt of this reckless feat by the equestrian was occasioned by the "spirits" within him. for he was slightly intoxicated. After some importunity, Hedington was dissuaded from the dangerous trial of crossing the river until the water had somewhat subsided, and was offered the hospitality of the family at the cabin, that they temporarily occupied, which he gladly accepted; and, after being comfortably seated by a blazing fire for the evening, wishing, no doubt, to show his appreciation of the kindness extended to him, and desiring to reciprocate as far as was then in his power to do, he produced a well filled whisky flask and offered Mr. Hill a drink, saying, "John, we must have something to drink." Mr. Hill, who was then a good temperance man, as he now is, at first refused, but Hedington insisted, and fearing that an absolute refusal would give offense, Mr. Hill finally said, " Well, if we must drink, you are the oldest and should drink first." This Hedington did and gave the following rather humorous toast: "John, if this be war, may we never have peace; but have three engagements every day and a serimmage between times."

Several persons of prominence in the history of the county, were among the early settlers of this township. Among them may be mentioned Hon. John Rosencrans, now a resident of Bucyrus, Ohio, who has represented the county of Marion two years in the State Legislature, and served as Justice of the Peace in this township for thirty-one years consecutively. He has also served the county in the capacity of County Commissioner for six years, and here made an able and efficient officer, wbose services were duly appreciated. Also Capt. Hiram Knowles, who came to this township with his parente, Seth and Mary Knowles, from New York State, in 1828, and who aequired his title by being chosen as the worthy commander of a rifle company organized in this township in the year 1835. Capt. Knowles has long been a man of some social and political influence, and has held several township offices and had the honor of being the first constable of the township, having been appointed to that position by the Trustees. He has also held the office of County Commissioner.

Among the first teachers that swayed the scepter and ruled a portion of the urchins of this township and trained their "young ideas how to shoot," was Samuel Hill. He taught his first term during the winter of 1828, while his family was yet in Knox County.

After the construction of the Columbus & Sandusky Turnpike in 1828, many of the early settlers hauled their wheat and other grain to Sandusky City, it being the nearest market available. It usually required a week to make a trip, and the farmers made the most out of these trips possible by bringing loads of goods on their return to the merchants of Bucyrus and Marion. At Sandusky City, they also frequently secured their flour and meal, as there were no mills until 1834 nearer than Bucyrus, Mount Gilead and Mount Vernon. At that date, however, Mr. Langdon erected a horse-power grist mill at Letimberville, with a capacity for grinding ten bushels per day. A grist mill, even with this small capacity, put in operation in their midst, was hailed with delight by the people of Scott Township.

Tornado

In 1825, a tornado commenced in Scott Township and took a northeast course, extending beyond New Haven, making sad havoc in its track, which was about 100 rods wide, leaving nothing standing but an occasional stub, with top and limbs torn away. Old Jake Stateler's cabin stood fully in the track. He was there alone that day, and when he heard the roaring of the storm and saw the trees tumbling, he, with remarkable presence of' mind, snatched up a puncheon from the floor and darted under; none too soon, for he had barely made good his retreat when the tornado struck his cabin and scattered it to the winds, leaving but three or four rounds of logs in their places.

The only effort at building a town in 'this township was the one made in the northern part on Section 15, and it has by no means proven a success. Its founder, Marturen Latimbra, no doubt had as bright dreams of its future greatness as had the founders of other towns that had been laid out in unpromising places which had grown and flourished until they became cities. for he was a Frenchman, with a characteristic Frenchman's imagination. He had purchased all of Section 15, and he laid out the town on the southern portion of it, in hopes, no doubt, of greatly enhancing the value of his property. But the growth of the place for the first few years was quite slow, and more recently the improvements have been scarcely perceptible.

It was laid out as early as 1832, and the first house built was occupied by Ross Arbuckle and his family. and they there kept a tavern for a number of years for the accommodation of the traveling publie. Tbomas Monnett, Esq., kept the first stock of goods brought to the place, and occupied a little frame building as a store room just south of where Esquire Rosenerans recently lived.

The Methodist Episcopal Church was first organized in this township as early, perhaps, as 1831, but their first church building was not erected until in 1837. It was then built at Letimberville, at a cost of $300, but this building was afterward sold, and in 1868, another church building was erected in its place on the same site, at a cost of about $1,200. Among their early ministers was the Rev. Wilson.

Christian Church. - As early as 1830 or 1831, Rey. Harrison Jones, of this denomination, preached in this township in the neighborhood of the Hipshers, near Caledonia; and January 12,71840, a church was organized at Letimberville with about sixteen members. Jackson Dowling, James Till and John and William Hill were the first officials. During the following spring, they erected a hewed-log church at an expense of $100 in Letimberville. Subsequently, this was replaced with a frame building, 36x40 feet, at a cost of $1,000. Rev. Jackson Dowling ministered to this congregation from 1840 to 1854; then Michael Kiddle one year; David Sharples, 1856-57; Kake, 1858; John Stannard, 1859 to 1861; Ebert, 1861 to 1863; William Hunt, 1864 to 1866; Alexander Reed, 1867-68; Eder Rumitield, 1869 to 1871. Present membership, thirty. Official members, Samuel Hill, Wesley Dowling, Charles Rano and Norman Brooks. Five ministers have been sent out into the world by this church.

Personal Sketches

Personal histories of some of the prominent settlers of Scott, both of the past and present, follow for a few pages, as a most essential part of the history of the township.

WILLIAM CLUTTER was born in the State of New Jersey, July 27, 1798, this making him now eighty-five years of age. His father, Samuel Clutter, was a "Jersey Dutchman," while his mother, Rebecca Clutter, was a "Jersey Yankee." His father was drafted for the Revolutionary war, but was exempted by a man offering to take his place for the paltry sum of $100. His father also came to Washington County, Penn., in 1799, rearing a family of ten children, three of whom still survive. His death took place in Knox County, Ohio, where he moved in 1825. William Clutter obtained a limited education, and of his married life he spent in Knox County, Ohio, but in 1831 he settled where he now lives, thus remaining for fifty-two years in the same locality and living in the same cabin. His marriage to Miss Edy McCown, daughter of Isaac and Mary McCown, of Virginia, took place in 1825. Eleven children crowned this union, two dying ; the surviving are Samuel; Rachel. wife of Joseph Merriss ;

Jackson, deceased; David, deceased; Louisa, maiden lady ; William ; Lafayette, of Kansas; Washington, and James M., of Illinois. Mr. C. has seen some hard times. In 1818, he was compelled to live on pumpkins and squashes; but he is worth at present $10,000. He is a generous pioneer, one of the few still remaining. He has been a member of the Disciple Church for forty years. : J. HARVEY COULTER is one of the solid men of Scott Township; he was born in Huntington County, Penn., April 7, 1827, the son of Samuel and Sarah Coulter, who came to Crawford County, Ohio, in 1832, entering forty acres. They raised a family of thirteen children, of whom J. H. is the eldest, and nine of whom are living. Their father died, aged eighty years. Mr. Coulter, the subject of this sketch, having received a limited education, commenced life at fourteen, working at $7 per month, but he gave his father all his wages until his twenty-second year. His wife received from her father 160 acres of 'land, the eastern portion of the farm. In 1845, he added by purchase 140 acres more, and in 1866 he bought eighty acres in Crawford County, lying near. In the same year he built across the road a fine residence, costing $4,000. In 1880, he built the finest barn in Crawford County, costing $2,000. In 1879, he purchased a grist mill at Caledonia, for $10,000, with four run of stone; he also has some other town property. He values all his possessions at $35,000. For thirty-five years he has followed threshing ; he introduced the first thresher into the county ; in three seasons he turned out some 40,000 bushels of grain and seed. Mr. C. is forward in every public enterprise ; was identified with the grange from its inception; has been Township Trustee many vears, both in Tully and Scott Townships. Upon the formation of the Crawford County Mutual Fire Insurance Company, he became a member, and is now its Vice President. He and family are members of the M. E. Church, of which he is also Class-leader, and has also acted as Steward. In the time of the civil war, he offered his services to his country, but he was declared physically disabled. December 31,1850, he married Mary A. Carmean, daughter of Matthew and Rachel Carmean, of Crawford County, Ohio, both of whom are living. The old gentleman, aged seventy-five years, has cleared some 200 acres of plain land in his day. Mr. Coulter has had fourteen children, three dying young. The living are Melissa, wife of Louis Speice; Rachel, wife of J. W. Dowling ; William C., Mathew C., Sarah, wife of Samuel Hurr; Samuel, Edwin, Sherman, Effie, Orpha and Edgar J.