Thompson Township (part 1 of 16)

Thompson Township

Pioneers of Thompson Township. - Although this was one of the first divisions of the county to receive the honors of establishment from the commissioners of Sandusky, it was one of the last to receive a full quota of settlers. While the squatters of 1819-20 were actually on the ground prior to the land sales and for years afterward, yet the working pioneers did not come until 1829. In 1832-33 the influx of German pioneers gave a new impetus to agricultural life, and fi-om this dates the phenomenal progress which has marked this pastoral township for its own. In the following pages an effort is made to notice all the pioneers:

William Baker came here at an early date .... Francis Ball, a native of Germany, settled here in 1832 . . . .Reuben Bennehoff, an uncle of the popular recorder of the county, settled in Thompson Township in 1833, died February T), 1881, in his seventy-fourth year. Another branch of the Bennehoff family came about this time .... Philip Bowers, a Pennsylvanian, was here in 1 840 ....

George and Mary (Pearce) Bolin. natives of Virginia and Maryland, respectively, and parents of Enoch and James Bolin, came to this county in 1831, George Bolin having entered land in 1830. They both died in Thompson Township in far advanced life, the father in 1880, when ninety-one years old .... Harman Bolte, a native of Germany, maternal grandfather of Burtis M. Finch, was a pioneer .... John and Sarah (Boyer) Borger came in 1833-34 to Thompson Township; the former died in 1859, latter in 1879. Of their children, who came with them to Ohio, William resides here .... John Bunn, grandfather of Judge Bunn. of Tiffin, a native of Pennsylvania, came to Seneca County at an early period of its history, settling here .... Jacob and Elizabeth (Leiter) Bunn. came to Thompson Township in 1833 and settled on an entirely new farm. He died in 1878, aged seventy-six years. His widow is now in her seventy- eighth year.... John Burman, born in Ijancaster, Ohio, in 1818, came to Flat Eock in 18-t3.

Benjamin Clark and William Clark are names connected with the early history of the township (1820), but farther than this nothing authentic can be learned of them .... William Clemens, born in Pennsylvania in 1824, came with his parents to Adams Township, this county, in 1831; then in 1862 moved into Thompson Townshij). He was killed in the railroad accident at Ashtabula in 1S76....N. P. Colwell came to Thompson Township in 1831, settled in Republic in 1838, and was. for eleven years, clerk of Scipio Township, and justice of the peace for sixteen years. . . .William Cornell, referred to in the general history, was a pioneer.

John and Julia Ann (Royer) Decker, parents of Hon. Jacob Decker, of Bellevue, came from Wayne County, Ohio, to Thompson Township in 1830; John Decker died in 1854, his widow in 1875, in the eighty- seventh year of her age. . . .A. Dewald, a Pennsylvanian, is said to have settled here in 1831. .... John Dillingham, who died in Porter County September 20, 1861, settled at Bloomingville in the fire lands in 1813, and moved to Indiana in 1836. .... Solomon Dimick was among the pioneers, and is said to have been here as early as 1820.

John Glassner, a native of Prussia, came to Ohio, locating in Thompson Township in 1835; he died in 1863; his son John, born in Prussia in 1818, also came to Thompson Township at the same time .... George Good and Emanuel Good, natives of Pennsylvania, came in 1831 or 1832 .... Samuel Grimes, born in Vermont in 1786, married Mary Arnold, also a native of Vermont, born in 1792; they came to Ohio in 1823, residing some months in Thompson Township; then moved into Sandusky County, and in 1828 returned to this township; he died in 1868. his wife in 1858.

John Harpster, a native of Pennsylvania, entered eighty acres of land where Flat Rock Village now stands, in 1828, and is living at Clyde, Ohio. . . . David Harpster came with his parents to this county in 1828, settling on the site of Flat Rock .... Frederick Harpster, a native of Pennsylvania, came in 1830 from V^ ayne County, Ohio, to Flat Rock, and at one time owmed all the land now occiipied by that town. He died in 1874 .... Jefferson Hoover, a native of Ohio, was here in 1847 .... Joseph and Hannah Horner came to Thompson Township in 1835, where former earned on first tailor shop in vicinity of Flat Rock. They died in 1853. Squire Samuel Horner, their son, also came in 1835 .... John Heater and Ira Holmes are names connected with the *^arly days of Thompson Township.

vania in 1833. He died about 1852, bis widow in 1855. Their son, George, born in 1821, still resides in Thompson Township .... Isaac Kern, born in Pennsylvania, was brought by bis father, Jacob Kern, to Thompson Township in 1832. . . .Anthony Kern, born in Pennsylvania in 1813, came to Thompson Township with iiis parents, Peter and Rachel Kern, in 1831 .... Charles and Catherine Krupp came from Bavaria with theii' family, in 1833, direct to Thompson Township, Anthony Krupp being one of their sons.

William McCauley was one of the projectors of Thomsontown in 1840 and one of the old settlers. . . .Benjamin MuiTay was here at an early date. . . .Dr. Joseph Myers and Dr. Henry L. Harris w^ere physicians at Lewisville (Thompson Township) in 18-47.

Joseph Parmenter, at whose bouse the first election was held in 1820, was one of the fii-st actual settlers of the county .... Joseph Pbilo settled in Thompson Township at an early date. . . .The Pratt family and H. Purdy's family were also among the first settlers, coming here prior to the organization of 1820. . . .John W. Paine, born in 1820, came to Adams Township in 1829 with his parents, John and Sarah Paine. He died in 1882. His widow now resides at the family homestead.

G. AV. Reaham. an Ohioan, was here in 1839. . . .John Royer, a native of Pennsylvania, grandfather of the present mayor of Tiffin, settled in Thompson Township in 1829 .... John Royer, Jr. , born in Thompson Township, is a son of the famous pioneer, John Royer, and is said to have been the first child born to Pennsylvanian settlers in Thompson Township in 1831 .... Samuel Royei', a resident of the county for over fifty-seven years, died in his fiftyninth year, in August, 1 884 : be was the father of the estimable mayor of Tiffin, and a jjioneer of this township .... Isaac Royer came in 1829 . . . . Abram Romig, a Pennsylvanian, came here in 1832.

John and Magdalena Sherck came to Thompson Township in 1834 and removed to Michigan in 1868. Their son, Hon. Joseph Sherck, mayor of Bellevue, Ohio, was brought by hi.s parents here in 1834, moving to Bellevue in 1873 .... Abram Sherck, with Samuel Sherck and William McCauley, founded Tbompsontown in 1840 .... George Scbock.born in 1812 in Pennsylvania, and his wife, Racbael (Korner), also a native of Pennsylvania, born in 1816, came to Thompson Township in 1836, accompanied by their parents, George and Margaret (Siebei-t) Schock (now deceased), and Andrew and Sarah (Hendi-icks) Korner .... The famous hunter and trapper, Snow, is supposed to have been the first white resident of the township . . , . The Sponables, referred to in other pages, were early residents here. . . .Samuel and Sarah (Wilts) Stewart located on Section 2, Thompson Township, in 1829. In 1867 they moved into Flat Rock, where the former died in 1870; his widow now resides there. . . .Peter Stetler, a Pennsylvanian, came to the county in 1837.

James Underbill, David Underbill, Jasper Underbill and other members of that family were among the first permanent residents coming in December, 1819.

Levi Waggoner, a Pennsylvanian, came in 1831 . . . .Elias Weiker came from Pennsylvania to Thompson Township in 1833, with his parents, George and Siisanna Weiker (both deceased), and now resides in Bellevue .... Isaac

Weiker settled here in 1842. . . .John Weller settled here in 1844. . . .George AVetzell, a Pennsylvaniau, came in 1854.... John Welsh, James Whitmore, Nathan Whitney and William Whitney were all here about or at the time the township was organized .... The Wollenschlegels settled here at an early day. .... Daniel and Catharine Wonder, parents of George Wonder, were born in Pennsylvania and there married and lived until 1828; then moved to Wayne County, Ohio, and in 1830 to Thompson Townshij); thence to Wyandot County, where Mrs. Wonder died. Daniel AVonder, now ninety-four years of age, resides with his son George, in Big Spring Township.

Benevel Yarger, a native of Pennsylvania, father of George E. Yargei", of Fostoria, located at Flat Rock in 1851, and in 1801 moved to Carey, Ohio.

Isaac Lewis, the Bowmans, Kellys, Anthony and George Zahm, Peter Schoendorf, John Host, the Hein family, the ITmlors, Westrichs, Neises, Krupps, Kuhns. Knapps, Glassners, McCauleys and others were here prior to 1840, and shared with the pioneers, hitherto noticed, in their toils, their pleasures and their sorrows. Referring to the early settlement of this division of the county, the following testimony is taken from Stewart' s work, published in 1874: "The greater portion of the early settlement of Thompson Township consisted of people from Pennsylvania, and of immigrants direct from Germany ; a good substantial class of people, naturally inclined to improve the soil and to enrich the township and county by persevering industry and toil. In the southwestern i^ortion of the township, a large number of Germans formed a settlement. They belonged principally to the Roman Catholic Church, and established a nunnery, which has greatly i>i'Ospered, and has received many devout persons, professing the creed of the Church of Rome, within its portals. Here reside those eminent Christian women known as Sisters of Charity, a title they richly deserve for the real good which they do among the poor and needy. ' '

Thonijjsontoicn was surveyed November 12, 1840, by Jonas Hershberger for William McCauley, Abram Sharchand and Samuel Sherck, on the corners of Sections 14, 15, 22 and 23. The plat of Thompsontown was vacated in 1843 at the request of the original owners.

Leunsville was surveyed by Jonas Hershberger for Fred. Harpster, John Wingard. Jacob Connor and George Schoch, Jr.. January 21, 1841. George Schoch's addition to Lewisville was surveyed by G. H. Heming, April 5, 1853, the streets being a continuation of a parallel to streets in the original town. Homer & McCarty's addition to Lewisville on the east half, northeast quarter of Section 11, was surveyed April 6. 1856. by G. H. Heming.

A postofflce was established here under the name of Flat Rock Postoffice, and by this name Lewisville is generally known. The business circle of the village is made up as follows: R. B. Hickey, hardware; John M. Terwilliger, grocer; and William Shaffer vice J. M. Terwilliger, postmaster, in charge of the postoffice. At one time there was a station here on the " underground railway."

Reformed Church, of Thompson Township, was organized in 1830, and in 1832 a house of worship was erected on a lot donated by John Heater. This building gave place to a larger one in 1843, and this in turn to the present beautiful brick church of 1873. The original members were John Rover,

G82 History Of Seneca County

Wollensclilegel, Adam Good, Jacob Buiin, John Bunn. Sr. . John Bunn, Jr. , Hemy Biinn, Isaac Lewis, Henry Bowman, Rudolph Bowman and Henry Stetler. The first pastor was Rev. Stauch. The value of propertv is estimated at $7,000.

United Brethren Chnrc}i,at Flat Rock, founded some years ago, has a small membership. The meeting-house cost $1,000 (vide history of Fostoria).

Zion Reformed Church, of Thompson Township, was organized in 1830. German Reformed Zion's Church was reorganized under State law, December 13, 1860. John Royer, Sr. , jDresided, with D. W. Kelley, secretary. Harrison Wilt, Levi Korner and Edward Kern were elected trustees.

St. Michael's Church dates its beginning back to 1833, when Rev. F. X. Tschenhens, C. S. S. R. , came to visit the few Catholic families then in this neighborhood, and repeated his visits for years until Fathers Alig and Malhebouf were appointed his successors. Very Rev. Sales Brunner came in 1844. In 1847-48 the first regular chiu'ch building was begun and completed, taking the place of the first log building. In 1883 the present Gothic building was commenced. This is one of the largest country churches in Ohio, and is built on the same plan as St. Joseph's Chm-ch at Tiifin. The congregation numbers about 400, the number of families belonging being seventy-one. Among the first members were the late John Adam Perhard Stein, Ch. Krupp, John Host, Hein, Leopold Kuhn, John AVestrich, A. Krupp, B. Ramschlag, William Glassner, John Glassner and Daniel Neis. Many, if not ail, of those pioneer members donated lands for chiu'ch. school and cemetery. The present congregation built the new church and school of their own means, under the direction of their building committee, Anthony Krupp, Peter Hepp, Ferd. Schoeffel, Jacob Gerber, Joe Dick, Balzer Layman, Michael and Gerber. The trustees are Anthony Gerhardstein, Joseph Greulich, Jacob Greulich and Anthony Ham. The church is in charge of the priests of the Order of the Most Precious Blood. This society was incorporated July 15, 1848, when Rev. Francis Maria Sales Brunner, Rev. Maria Anthony Meyer, and Rev. John Wittmer, were elected trustees. Rev. F. M. S. Brunner, superior, and Rev. M. A. Meyer, clerk. The locations named in acts of incorporation were Big Spring and Thompson Townships.

The first school in the township, known as District Xo. 7, was founded shortly after the arrival of the Bolin family, with Elisha Bolin, first teacher. He is now a resident of Wabash, Ind.

The election to decide the question of selling school lands. Section 10, Thompson Township, was held April 0, 1846. John Bunn, Jr. , John Heater and James Bolin were judges. The vote stood 127 for sale, and seven against. The record of sale of Section 10, Range 1 7, Township 3, which took place February 26, 1847, is as follows: Peter Stetler, east half of the southeast (piarter; Henry Engle, west half of the southeast quarter; John Heater, east half of the southwest quarter, and west half of the southwest quarter; Hemy Engle, west half of northwest quarter; John Royer, east half of the northwest quarter and west half of the northeast quarter; John Heater, Jr., east half of the northeast quarter. The sum realized from sale was $11,090.

The condition of the schools of Thompson Township on August 31, 1884, is given in the following statistics: Number of male pupils enrolled, 232; of females, 226; total, 458. Schoplhouses, 8; value of property, $12,000; uum-

Convent of the Sisters of the Most Precious Blood was founded here in 1844, when the sisters took charge of the schools that year, and established the orphanage, which institution was transferred to New Kiegel in 1859. To Rev. Sales Brunner the credit is given for establishing this convent here. His mother was the founder of this branch of the order, and the sisters, who came from Switzerland in 1844, left the mother house at Father Brunner' s request, to continue their good works of charity in the then wilds of noi-thwestern Ohio. The new buildings, commenced in 1883, were completed in 1885. The Convent of the Sisters of the Most Precious Blood, in Thompson Township, claimed liftynine sisters in 1847. The monastery of the same order in that township contained twenty-four members.

St. Michael's School, dating back to 1844. claims a large number of pupils. The building is a brick structm-e, containing two commodions school rooms.

St. Michael's Orphan Asylum was founded, in 1844, by Rev. Sales Brunner, with the Sisters of Charity, fi-om Switzerland. Europe, in charge. The orphans were transferred in 1859 to the larger house at New Riegel.

Ebenezer Orphan Asylum, of the Evangelical Association of North America, was incori^orated March 19. 1868, with George F. Spring, L. Schem-man, D. Strohman, Al:)ner Niebel and William Negele. trustees. This asylum is denominational and well conducted. Its location is just on the southern liorder of Flat Rock Village.

Gexeeal Statistics

The predial statistics of ThomiDson Township for 1884, are 6,610 acres of wheat; 1 acre of lye, 27 bushels; 24 acres of buckwheat, 145 bushels; 1,748 acres of oats, product about 78.624 bushels: 13 acres of barley: 2,366 acres of, corn, product (shelled) about 84.000 bushels; 697 acres of meadow, 855 tons of hay: 1,854 acres of clover. 2.387 tons of hay, 1,888 bushels of seed and 86 acres plowed under ; 1 92 acres of potatoes, yielding 20, 935 bushels ; 62, 600 pounds home made butter; 5 acres of sorghum joroduced 518 gallons of syrup; maple syrup, 10 gallons; 155 hives. 953 pounds of honey; 65,460 dozens of eggs; 1 vineyard. 150 pounds of grapes, 96 gallons of wine; 1 acre sweet potatoes, yielding 187 bushels; 454 acres of orchards, 3,080 bushels of apj)les, 103 of peaches, 122 of pears, 10 of cherries; acres of land owned and cultivated, 13,140; in pastm-e. 1,706; woodland, 2.539: waste land, 177; total acreage owned, 17,562; wool shorn in 1883. 3.567; milch cows, 595; dogs, 197: ^heep killed and injured, 9; animals died of disease. 135 hogs, 95 sheep. 23 cattle and 15 horses.

Chapter Xxviii

THIS township, including the southern part of the ''gore," was sm-- veyed into quarter sections in 1820, by Price J. Kellogg, and the lands offered for sale in 1821. Venice foiined a part of Thompson Township fi'om 1820 to 1829, when it was established a separate township and organized as such. The year of its organization the population was confined to families of the officers elected in 1829, and perhaps a few others named in the pioneer section of this chapter. In 1840 the census places the number of inhabitants at 1,222; in 1850, at 1,830; in 1860, at 2,013; in 1870. at 1,781, increased in 1880 to 2,231, and in 1885 to 2,600 (estimated). In 1880 Attica Village claimed a population of 663, which number has been added to considerably during the last five years. The name Venice was suggested by Johnson Ford to memorialize his home in Cayuga County, N. Y.

Honey Creek enters the county in fractional Section I'Q and flowing in a tortuous course west by north, through the old settlement of Caroline, leaves the township in Section 6. A few small creeks are found both north and south of Honey Creek.

The Columbus and Sandusky pike road runs diagonally through the township fi-om Attica Station, a mile north of the old village of Attica, through Caroline to Carrothers. The petition of Ezra Gilbert, presented to the county board in November, 1828, prayed for the establishment of a road beginning at the town line, two and one -half miles west of Attica, and running south by east so as to intersect the New Haven road, three and one- half miles east of Attica, near the line of Hiu'on County. The petition was granted, the line was at once siuweyed by David Risdon. and cut through or underbrushed by Ezra Gilbert, Johnson Ford and Samuel Halsted, within six days.

The Northwestern Ohio Railroad runs through the southwestern sections, while the Baltimore & Ohio Railroad passes across the extreme northeastern corners of fi-actional Section 6 and Section 1.

The lands are fertile, and the face of the cou.ntry just sufficiently rolling to confer on it a beauty and utility which could not belong to a level country.

Organic ctwf/ O^ciaZ.^This' township was established in 1829 (r/de Transactions of the Commissioners' Board, Chap. IV.), and the first election held June 13, that year. Thomas "West, Ezra Gilbert and Moses Smith were chosen trustees; Philip E. Bronson, clerk; James Halsted, treasurer; Hem-y Speaker. Elisha Fair, overseers of the poor; Cornelius Gilmore and Ezra Gilbert, fence viewers; and WaiTen Blakesly, constable.

From this date to 1854 the township shares with many other divisions of the county in the loss of old record books. Those old books alone could tell the story of each annual election, and to the fact of their being lost or destroyed, rather than to any carelessness on the part of the present township clerk, who made out the following list, or the historian, must be attributed the quarter century break in the official history. Many of the men referred to in the pioneer section of this chapter will be identified as sharing in the local

The officers of Venice for 1885-86 are David Holmes, William Kmg and John B. Wilhelm, trustees; James L. Couch, clerk; A. B. Brant, treasurer: J. T. Meyers, assessor; A. F. Lepper and Otto Blust. constables; James L. Couch and O. J. McPherson, justices of the peace.

Pioneers of Fenice. - Half a century and eight years have elapsed since the pioneer of American civilization looked into the wilderness of Venice Township, and called it his home. To Cornelius Gilmore, Johnson Ford, Samuel Halsted, the first road-makers, the first farmers, the first actual workers in the township, the special honors pertaining to pioneers are accorded. Although they first settled on the head waters of Honey Creek a full decade after the adventurous pioneers of Delaware County visited and settled on the Sandusky at Fort Ball, and eight vears after the Welchs settled on lower Honey Creek, the honors are still due^ for then the beautiful district, now called Venice, was a wilderness, unvisited by the pioneers of other parts of the county and indeed unheard of by them. In the following pages the writer has made an effort to group all the pioneers together, and speak of each so far as authentic accounts permit.

Jeremiah Carpenter and Charles D. and Emeline (Michener) Carpenter - former born in 1823, died in 1868, latter born in 1830, died in 18/3. parents of William A. Carpenter - were early settlers Samuel and Elizabeth (Wiloughby) Carson, natives of Pennsylvania, father of J. W. Carson, came to this county in 1835, and here died at advanced ages Robert Carson, grandfather of J. W. Carson, came to the county at an early date and

Stephen and Magdalena Dick came from Alsace, Germany (then France), to this country in 1830; lived twenty-two years in this and seventeen in Bloom

(Kerner) Falter, natives of Germany, came thence to Seneca County, in 1833: former died in 1842. J. B. Falter,' their son, also a native of Germany, born died in Venice Township), married Miss Elizabeth Houck, and they then came to Venice Township, where they both died, in 1872 .... Johnson Ford, born in Eensselaer Connty. N. Y. , June 9. 1790, came to Seneca County in 1828. fi-om Cayxiga County. N. Y.. and. purchasing 160 acres of land, where Attica Village now stands, entered on pioneer work in the wilderness. His neighbor. Corneliiis Gilmore. settled in the township the year before, and a few others came in 1829. Mr. Ford opened the first farm in Venice Township, clearing, plowing, and sowing the seed himself. His wife, Esther, died March 19, 1829, and her remains had to be carried to the Scipio Cemetery. Shortly after he revisited New York State, and there married a second time; returning with his bride to the wilderness. In 1833 or 1834 he was appointed superintendent of the Fnion Sunday-school, succeeding John Martain. and this position he held until 1858 or 1859: when the Presbyterian Church was organized in Octolier, 1833, he was ordained an elder. He and Ezra Gilbert suggested the name Attica for the present village in 1829, and the same year he gave the name of Venice to the township. For over half a century he has made the township his home and shared in every effort to develop it .... J. J. Friedley and his father, Ludwick Friedley, a Pennsylvanian, settled here in 1838, latter dying in 1871. Barbara (Link), wife of J. J. Friedley. born in Germany, came when two years old with her parents, who were among the first settlers of Seneca County. It is stated on other authority that this family came in 1833.

Cornelius Gilmore was the first settler and first blacksmith in Venice Township, having settled here in June, 1827. where O. J. McPherson's house now stands, on the south bank of Honey Creek. About 1832 Mr. Gilmore removed the Caroline postoffice, Avhen a new office was established at Attica .... The first road in the township, from a point two and a half miles west of Attica to the ;tiuron County line, was cut through in November, 1828. by Ezra Gilbert, Johnson Ford and Samuel Halsted. and a year later Ezra Gilbert erected his cabin where the Ford c'c Stranler hardware store of Attica's later days stands. Ezra Gilbert settled here in April. 1829. and was the first postmaster, and first settler on the site of Attica.

here in 1845 .... Samuel Harper, a soldier of the Eevolution. an Irishman, was bvu-ied in Sycamore Township in 1821 ... . Samuel Hawk was here in 1835 ... . George Heabler, Sr., a native of Pennsylvania, located in Venice Township in 1835, bringing his son George, of Attica and Tiffin .... George Herr came from Germany in 1852 .... John Hillis, a native of Ireland, came direct from his native land to Seneca County, settling in Venice Township in 1846, dying in 1875 .... John Holmes, born in Jefferson County. Ohio, in 1807. came here in an early day, and now resides with his son, David .... Samuel and Charles Hoyt settled here in 1854. Samuel died in 1872. Charles resides in AVyandot County. . . . J. AY. Huffman, born in Columbiana County. Ohio, in 183 <. was brought by his parents, Jacob and Catharine (Weaver) Huffman, to Venice

Pennsylvania, born in 1807, came to this county in 1834, settling on 560 acres of land on Section 7 of Venice Township, where he still resides .... Michael and Barbara (Free) Hull, parents of George F. Hull, were early settlers of this township, where Michael Hull now resides.

Thomas Kemi?, born in Pennsylvania in 1813, came with his parents, David and Sarah (^Yard) Kemp, to Venice Townshij) in an early day.... David J. Kelly was here in 1849.

Germany, came to this county in 1888, the former dying in 1841. Their son, J. W. Link, born on the ocean, when his parents wei'e on their way to America, resides in Venice Township John Lozier came in 1858.

J. McCai-ty and Daniel McCarty, natives of Ireland, settled here about 1832 or 1884.'. . .John and Elizabeth (Hannah) McClelland, natives of Pennsvlvania, settled here in 1836 James McKibben came here in June, 1830.

Switzerland, born in 1808, were early pioneers of the county. Mr. Meyers came in 1835, a comparatively poor young man, and at his death in 1884 he owned over 2,000 acres of land. . .'.Nathan Merriman settled in Venice in a native of Germanv, father of Paul Miller, immigrated to America in 1882; resided about four years in Medina County. Ohio, and then settled permanently in this county. He died in 1884 Maurice and Hannah (Davis)

Moore - former a native of New Jersey, born in 1 79 / ; latter a native of AVales, born in 1800 - came to the county in 'l834, settling in Venice Township. They

Fanny (Werder) Myers (or Meyers), natives of Switzerland, came to Ohio in 1829 and to this county in 1831. ' Their son. Henry F. Myers, also a native of

Meyers, "Tailor Meyers," as he was known to all, was born in village of Oberendengen. Switzerland, April 26, 1807; died at Attica in July, 1884. In 1835 he brought the hrst $5 in gold ever seen in Tiffin, and also purchased the first mowmg machine and the first grain drill in Venice Township. Five years after he came to Seneca County, on Jiily 11, 1840, he was married. After working six years for one man at his trade in Philadelphia, he left there on the 10th of July, 1835, and came by canal to Sandusky, Ohio, arriving on the 29th of the same month, and walked to Attica on the old turnpike, where he had previously ptirchased wild land. For six years after his arrival in Seneca County he'^ worked at his trade in Tiffin, after which he worked for five vears in the village of Attica, using his money thus earned for the improvement of his land.

Noble, natives of Germany, former born in 1822, latter in 1829, came the year they were married (1852) to Venice Township, and some time after moved to Reed Township, where Mr. Noble died in 1871.

Mrs. Cathrine Olds died at the residence of her son, Wallace Olds, three and one-half miles west of Attica, July 18, 18/8, aged seventy one years, five months and thirteen days. Mrs. Olds was one of the old pioneers of Seneca County, having resided here forty-two years.

Jeremiah Rex {vide Chapter V). . . .S. H. Ringle, an Ohioan, was here in 1882. . . .Stephen Rogers, a native of England, came to America in 1818, and to this county in 1837. John Rogers, a pioneer farmer of the county, born in

Jacob Schaaf, who came from Germany in 1829. is an old settler liere. . . . Sebastian Senn, a native of Switzerland, born in 1828, came in 1838 with his father, who settled on a farm in this county .... Samuel Shade, Sr. , born in 1800, purchased, in 1834. 300 acres of timber land in Venice Township; he came from Columbiana County. Ohio; died at Tiffin in 1872. Samuel Shade, his son, resides in Eden Township .... J. L. Shirey came fi-om Pennsylvania in 1844. . . .Christian Shuly. a native of Pennsylvania came in 1856. . . .Ludwig Shoup came fi-om Germany in 1854. . . .George Sillman. father of Mrs. Michael Kirchner, of Tiffin, came from Germany and settled in Venice Township about 1833. . . .Martin Smeltz. a native of Germany, was among the early settlers of this county .... John and Mary (Weaver) Smith, natives of Pennsylvania, parents of Martin Smith, of Venice Township, came to the county in 1838, and settled in this township, where Johii Smith died in 1882 .... Jacob and Catharine (Myers) Smith, natives of Switzerland, parents of Mrs. Norman Benham, of Scipio ToAvnship. came to America in 1827. and in course of time were early settlers of Venice Township .... Jeremiah Smith, born in Bedford County, Penn., February 18. 1818, came to Seneca Coiinty in 1834, and died here January 5, 1 885 .... Eli Snow, Cold Creek (see story of the Indian " 'Pumpkin' ' ). . . . .Henry Speaker, Jr.. settled here in 1829, and erected the first saw-mill in 1831. . . .Samuel and Hannah (Harper) Speaker, parents of Samuel Speaker, came in 1840; Samuel died in 1808. . . .Huckins Spencer, born in Maine, father of I. A. Spencer, of Venice Township, settled in this county in 1834. . . . Frederick Steigmeyer. a native of Switzerland, came from Pennsylvania to Seneca County in 1836 .... John Steigmeyer. father of Mrs. John B. Blum, was a native of Switzerland, born in 1811 : he settled, in 1835. two miles west of Attica, where he still resides .... Mai"tin and Elizabeth (Lang) Steinmetz, parents of Mrs. J. B. Falter, natives of Alsace, came to Seneca County about 1833.... M. C. Steinmetz, born in France in 1829. came with his parents, Martin and Elizabeth (Baltz) Steinmetz, fi'om France to America about 1831, and to Venice Township about 1837 .... James D. Stevenson, a native of Vermont, settled here in 1838, died in Michigan in 1865 .... John A. Stephenson, father of Prof. William H. Stephenson, of Attica, and a native of Pennsylvania, settled in Venice Township in 1831. . . .E. P. Sutton, known as "Pomeroy" Sutton, an old resident of Attica, died December 27, 1879, at New "Washington. . . .Lester Sutton came from New York State in 1852.

John Tompkins, a native of New York, came in 1835 .... Peter Trumpler, a native of Bavaria, was among the early settlers of the township .... John Trumpler was here in 1841.

Samuel Weaver, father of E. Weaver, of Attica, was born in Maryland in 1822, and came among the early settlers to this county; he died in 1863. . . . Martin S. Weaver, born in Pennsylvania in 1811. came here in 1833 .... Thomas West settled in Venice in October, 1828. . . . James Willoughby, who owned the northwest quarter of Section 34 in 1829, died in 1835 .... Jacob Wise, a Pennsylvanian. settled here in 1828. . . .Samuel Wise, a native, was here in 1837. . . . .John and Samuel Woolet settled here in 1829. . . .Christian and Hannah (Lehman) Worm came into the county from Germany in 1833.

Early Industries. - Henry Speaker's saw-mill was erected between Caroline and Attica in 1831. The i^ower was supplied by oxen. The first grist-mill and carding mill was established in 1832. This was simply a conversion of Speaker's old saw-mill. The Metcalf Steam Saw-Mill was erected in 1836 by Ebenezer and George Metcalf. close to the spot on which the Heabler Mill was afterward built. The tire of March, 1840, destroyed this building. The Kinnaman Steam Saw & Grist-Mills were erected at Caroline by Peter Kinnaman, and carried on until destroyed by fire. In 1857 Ephraim Groves' son was scalded to death, owing to the explosion of the boiler in this concern. The Steigmeyer Steam Saw-Mill was erected near the site of the Metcalf Mills, and a grist-mill added subsequently. This industry is now carried on by the Heablers.

The conspiracy of 1857 to defraud the people reached its zenith at Attica. Schuyler. Higley and Chandler were among the leaders of those fraudulent dealers. The counterfeiters were also busy at this time and had a den in this township.

The location of this village on Sections 10 and 3, Venice Township, at the crossing of the Tiffin and Sandusky roads, was selected in 1833 by William and Samuel Miller, and surveyed for them by David Kisdon. Four- years prior to this time Ezra Gilbert built a cabin in the center of what is now the village of Attica, where he kept a tavern and established a postoffice, winning for it from the department the name of his old home, Attica, N. Y. Thus the Millers had not to go to the trouble of selecting a name for their new town in the wilderness. Nathan Merriman's store was also established here, and within five years from the day of Gilbert's settlement the place grew fi*om out- logcabin to be a village of twenty dwellings and of a population bordering on 100. Johnson Ford erected his cabin in 1828. In 1831 the first fi-ame house in the township was erected by Jacob Newkirk in the business center of the village.

Attica was platted April 7, 1833, by David Risdon ior AVilliam and Samuel Miller. Miller A: Schuyler's addition of Hugh M. Ellis' lands was surveyed in January. 1S48. by H. B. Cain for John Miller and Marcus Schuyler. An addition to this addition was made at the same time for John L. LaMareaux, H. Chandler, Joseph Baughman, John Heckman, John Shuriff and D. K. Burg.

The following-named additions were made in 1873-74 and 1875: George Eingle's, October. 1873; David Ringle's, October, 1873; AYilliam King's, February, 1875: Finley Eingle's, December, 1874: Boyle & Bemenderf er' s, March, 1875. The additions to the village in Sections 3 and 10 were authorized by the commissioners, October 1, 1875. A petition to extend the limits of Attica corporation was presented to the county board by Lester Sutton, agent, May 26, 1880. The contest which ensued is of record.

Organic And Official

The first officers of Attica Village, elected April 0. 1850, were: John L. LaMoreaux, mayor; Samuel Miller, clerk; William Eininger, treasurer; S. E. Mai-tin, marshal; Samuel Crobaugh. D. K. Burg. Benjamin Kelly, John Heckman and John Eingle, councilmen; Samuel Miller. M. E. Moltz. John Lay. Eben. Metcalf. Orlando Miller and James H. Brisco, members of board of education. The mayors of Attica since that time are named as follows : William Miller, 1851; William Eininger, 1852-55; P. Kinnaman. 1855; E. H. Blodgett. 1856-57; W. Eininger. 1858; P. Kinnaman, 1859; W. Eininger. 1860; J. E. Buckingham and E.H. Blodgett. 1861; E. H. Blodgett. 1862 ; W. Eininger, 1865; W. M. Miller. 1866; H. M. Chandler (vacancy). 1866, and elected l8()7-68; H. J. Ford. 1S69; J. C. Meyers, 1870-74; J. 18/4 (died that year); James L. Couch. 1874-76, re-elected in 18(6; and William Harman, the present mayor.

The names of those who have been elected and served as councilmen since 1852, are as follows: John Miller, H. B. Cain, Samuel Crobaugh, "William Eininger, I. A. Childs, William Miller, B. Patterson, John Shade, G. W. Moltz, James Hull, J. D. Harford, John Wolf, William McManigal, Leonard Buts or Brets, P. Kinnaman, Samuel Ernest, A. P. Philo, S. A. Ringle, Levi Rice, T. T. Cook, William Smith, George Heablei-, John Engelhart, Henry Heabler, J. Q. Holmes, J. D. Meyers, John Heabler, J. W. Leonard, John Foster, J. W. Hall, Hiram Eoyco, George Ringle, Jacob Ebersole, M. R. Moltz. J. M. Silcox, Thomas Neeley, Samuel Bemenderfer, James L. Couch, William King, J. R. Strandler, David Sanford, Ed. Bemenderfer, J. F. Lebold, F. H. Steigmeyer, A. B. Brant, David Hea):)ler, Simeon Decker, J. L. Friedley, T. K. Crane, H. S. Seavolt, Jacob Engelhai-t and D. T. Heabler.

Business Interests

The first postoffice at Attica was opened in 1832, with Ezra Gilbert, postmaster; the owner of the first tavern there. In 1833, Nathan Merriman, of Bucyrus, opened the first store. W. M. Miller was postmaster at this point for years. Levi J. Todd is the present postmaster.

The business circle of Attica in 1884-85 comprised the following: Bemenderfer & Co. , sash, door and blind factory ; Heabler Bros. , floiu'ing-mills ; Hall & Meyers, iron founders; George Keller, brick and tile-makers; Libe & Bui'get, carriage-makers; Armatage & Wurts, J. R. Strandler, hardware; David S. Jackson, saw-mill; J. W. Walker, furniture and undertaker; ^Y. Smith, furniture; George Sherman, harness; Friedly Bros., Rininger & Silcox, George H. Hamilton, Leonard Sachs, Myers & Keller, F. H. Steigmeyer, merchants; T. K. Crane, jeweler; J. M. Teeples, milliner; Engelhart & Kiear, blacksmiths; David Heabler, boots and shoes; R. T. Hearson, J. F. Lebold, di'uggists; J. Reid, C. Schottler, tailors; N. S. VanHorne, baker; J. M. Rice, painter; Jacob Courtwright, livery; William King, cooper; George Kupp, meat market; David Ayres, W. Schoff*, hotels; Adolf Hassler, billiards; A. Kappas, F. Uhle, Joseph Myers, saloons; James L. Couch, O. J. McPherson, justices of the peace; William Harman, dentist; M. H. Mills, H. G. Blaine, A. W. Knight, Alfi-ed Force; J. K. Buckingham, C. L. Jones, physicians; Lester Sutton, attorney, banker, etc. ; Dr. H. G. Blaine, George Stoner, editors Attica Journal.

The old buildings which occupied the site of the William Rininger building, were destroyed by fire in 1853. In 1856 another fire swept away the old William Miller Hotel, northwest corner of Main and Tifiin Streets, then conducted by H. M. Chandler. Subsequently the Chandler Block was erected on the spot.

The first sermon in Venice Township was delivered by the Presbyterian preacher of Melmore about 1830, and a Union Sabbath-school was organized early in 1833, by Agent Patty, of which Martain was chosen superintendent.

The Presbyterian Society was organized in October, 1833, with thirteen members, by E. Conger and E. Judson, of Hm-on Presbytery. John Holmes and Johnson Ford w^ere the first elders.

Baptist Church of Attica was organized July 17, 1841, with the following members: Nathan Childs, Adam Philo, Russell AVindruson, Leonard Gipson, Thomas Rundell, Eliza Childs, Electa Philo, Hannah Windruson, Huda Gipson and Nancy Randell, all of whom have gone to join the chiu-ch above. The pastors of the church have been A. Abbott. E. Goodnow, V. R. Wall, Elder L. Mack, F. Freeman, A. C. Lockhart, E. W. Clark, J. Hawker, Reason Lockhart, Robert Lockhart. J. L. Wiley, Frank Lyon, A. Buell, T. Dyall, and E. W. Lyon. The secretaries of the society were R. H. Blodgett, H. P. Philo, L. L. Gipson and John Riddle. The last named has served twenty years. The membership is fifty-nine, and the value of church property is $3,000.

United Brethren Society was organized in 1855 by Rev. M. Bulger, with the following named members: William Seed, Heniy Hershiser and wife, ]Mrs. Miller and Mrs. Huddlestone. The pastors of the church, since its organization, are named as follows: Revs. M. Bulger, S. Jacoby, S. Altman, - Ogden, J. F. Seller, S. Foster, William Nevill, "William Mathers, J. Aumiller, W. W. McCurdy, Klingle, O. H. Ramsey, C. L. Bevington and W. A. Keesy, the present incumbent. The society is building a new brick church on the lot where the old church stands on Eden Street.

UniversaUst Church of Attica was organized December 20, 1860. April 26, 1800, a number of citizens of Attica and vicinity, met to consider the means for building a Universalist Chui'ch, when a vote in favor of the enterprise was carried. William Rininger, Mark E. Crow, and Samuel Crobaugh were elected trustees; John Childs, secretary. Individual subscriptions were ordered to be divided into shares of $5 each, and each share was entitled to a vote. Samuel Crobaugh presented his interest, valued at |60. to the church May 2, 1861. Among the original members, besides those named above, were Parthena Crow, Miranda Crow, Maria Crow. Mary Metcalf , Naomi Pruden, Harrison Hathaway, Lodency and Louisa Childs. The pastors have been Rev. E. R. Wood, six months; H. R. Nye, twenty-four months; J. W. Henley, eighteen months; J. F. Rice, six months; N. A. Saxton, six months; A. J. Seitz, twenty-four months; G. R. Brown, eighteen months, and J. F. Rice, the present pastor, twelve years. The secretaries of the society have been H. Hathaway, J. H. Boyle. Maria and Allie Boyle, Martha Silcox, Anna Meyers, Arvilla Green, J. N. Lee, W. T. Meyers, F. H. Steigmeyer. Nettie Couch, and L. J. Todd. The house of worship was erected in 1860. The membershiiJ is ninety.

Methodist Protestant Church was organized at Attica early in 1866. The names of original members are William McPherson and wife, Maiirice Moore and wife, Mrs. George Ringle, Mrs. David Ringle. Mary Bennet, Mrs. Lester Sutton, Mrs. Elizabeth Day, and Mrs. Vahnluah Williams. The names of pastors are given as follows: Mary Ann Steinbaugh, H. J. Bradford, James Williams, W. S. Cairns, J. H. Gray, L. Boman, The present pastor is D. C. Coburn. The number of members is placed at 105, and the value of property at $4,000.

Attica Mission of the Methodist Church, at Reed, was reorganized in 1872, and James Williams. Adolph Sallieres and Hiram Boyd were elected trustees November 30, 1872.

The English Lutherans organized in 1838. and in 1840-41, erected the Union Church, afterward controlled by the United Brethren. This chiu'ch was sold for debt, purchased by Johnson Ford and used as a Union Church for years.

^Evangelical Lutheran Congregation, originally consisted of German Lutheran and German Reformed members who settled here between 1830 and 1840. Rev. Conrad, Lutheran minister then residing at Tiffin, held the first services in 1835-37 in private houses. In 1839 Rev. Kra ise also of Tiffin (Lutheran) was called and preached every four* weeks for about sis years. In 184'2 diu'ing his stay here the first church was built, a log structui-e to the east of Caroline. In 1843 a complete organization was effected and a constitution adopted, and the church was known as the German Evangelical Lutheran and Reformed Congregation. Rev. Krause's successor was Rev. Robert Graetz (now of St. Mary's, Ohio), 1845-5'5. In December, 1855, Rev. W. Schmogrow (deceased), then of New Washington, was called. In the spring of 1857 dissatisfaction having arisen on the part of the Reformed on account of Lutheran practice at the Lord's Supper, a sej^aration took place, both parties organizing separately. The Lutheran portion organized in the fall of the same year in accordance with the laws of the State as the "German Evangelical Lutheran Bethlehem Congregation of Caroline, Ohio, " and adopted its own constitution. Its officers then were Conrad Lebold and Valentine Roehring, elders; Martin Smeltz and Jeremiah Smith, deacons; John Springer, Daniel Schaf and Jacob Faber, trustees. The constitution is still the constitution of the congregation. The pastors following Rev. Schmogrow were Rev. Paul Mueller (now at AVichita Kas.); Rev. Carl Schmidt (now at Hubbard, Ohio); Rev. Buechenstein, Rev. W. Braunwarth, Rev. A. C. Ulrich (now at Norwalk, Ohio); Rev. Kramer (now at Castle Garden, New York); Rev. J. Krieger (now at Arlington, Ohio);fi-om May, 1883, to May, 1884, Rev. H. G. Suiter (now at Bellevue, Ohio), and since June, 1884, Rev. Carl Ackermann. In 1870 the present church was built at a cost of perhaps $2, 500. This spring a new parsonage was secured, costing $1,200. The German language was always the meilium used in preaching iintil Rev. Suiter was called, since which time German and English have been used alternately. At present the congregation numbers about eighty communicant members. Mr. Leonard Sachs is the present secretary of the congregation.

English Reforitied Church, at Carrothers, was founded some years ago. This chui'ch at Caroline claims a membership of 100 and a large chiu'ch building. The Sunday-school of the church at Carrothers was organized in April, 1885. with the following named officers: superintendent, G. S. McKee; assistant superintendent, P. H. Buchman; secretary, Ida McClelland; treasurer, Katie Goetize.

SS. Peter and Paul Church, of Attica, is modern in organization, but old in its membership. Previous to the year 1882, the few Catholics living in and around Attica, having no house of worshii^ of their own, attended the nearest Catholic Church for religious services. At a social meeting in the spring of 1882 the first steps toward the organization of the SS. Peter and Paul congregation were taken. The question o'f building a Catholic Church at Attica was then eagerly discussed by John and Frederick Steigmeyer and Sebastian Senn, three of the oldest and most respected settlers of Attica: J. B. Blum, F. X. Snyder and Krupp Bros. The result was a subscription of $1,000 for buying a suitable place for the intended church. Soon the work commenced and October 29, 1882, the church was dedicated to divine service. July 17, 1882, Rev. A. Huthmacher was appointed first pastor of the newly organized congregation but no religious service was held before October 29, 1882, the day of dedication. The present membership comprises twenty-five families; the original number was six families. The value of the property is placed at $4,000.

The first death in the township was that of Esther, wife of Jonathan Ford, who died March 19, 1829. She was biu'ied in the Scipio Cemetery. Samuel Halsted's child, who died shortly after, was interred in a field near the pike road, while Philip Muck's child was interred on the "Ford Farm," where Johnson Ford donated and cleared a small cemetery.

Myers Cemetery Association was organized August 27, 1868, with Dr. J. C. Meyers, H. F. Myers, George W. Meyers, J. D. Meyers, D. Zimmerman. David Smith, D. C. Meyers, Abram Meyers and H. A. Meyers.

Venice Lodge No. 197, I. O. O. F. was chartered April 30, 1852, and elected trustees under the act of May 1, 1852, January 16, 1855. Jacob Wise, Cyrus King and Michael R. Moltz were chosen trustees, and John L. Lamareaux. clerk. The names of original members are Isaiah Fredrick, M. R. Moltz, David Bennett, "W. H. Cronkite, William Croxton, George W. Moltz. J. L. Kinnaman, J. P. Kinnaman, Solomon Gambee. The roll of Past Grands embraces the following names: J. L. Kinnaman, David Bennett, Isaiah Fredrick, George W. Moltz, W. Sourwine, Leonard Butts. W. V. B. Ames, A. S. Wickwire, Samuel Wise, C. Link. R. Willoughby, I. Barrick, Samuel Heabler, Thomas Neelev, Jacob Wise, J. R. Strandler, J. W. Simj^son. A. Stout, Charles Schottler, W. King, E. W. Fink, M. R. Moltz, J. L. Couch. D. A. Boyle, CjTus King, J. L. LaMareaux, H. F. Myers, J. C. Meyers, L. A. Ringle, James Sowerwine, Jacob Decker, George Heabler, J. D. Meyers, H. Royce, Lester Sutton, J. A. Silencer, D. Y. Fink, Solomon Gambee, Mathias Doughertv, William Harman, W. Olds, W. Green, D. J. Xeikirk, J. T. Meyers, H. A. Meyers, David Heabler, W. O. Heabler, G. H. Rice, W. T. Meyers, G. F. Drake^ S. S. Lepard, J. C. Moore, J. Schottler, S. A. Willoughby, Fremont Wickwire. Howard Price, Charles Weidner and George Engelhart. J. W. Walker is secretary, and J. T. Meyers, to whom the wi'iter is indebted for this sketch, is the recording secretary. The number of members is seventy, and value of lodge i^roperty, $8,000.

Attica Lodge No. 367, F. & A. M. was organized years ago. The greater number of names given in the history of the Odd Fellows' lodge are identified with this old Masonic circle. J. R. Strandler was Worshipful Master in 1878, Lester W. Sutton in 1879-85. W. Harman has served as secretary for some years. G. W. Friedley is the present secretary.

Attica Division No. 239, S. of T. , consisting of twenty members, reorganized January 21, 1853, and elected Johnson Ford, William McCauley and George W. Culver, trustees, and John L. LaMareaux, clerk.

Venice Toicnship Farmers'' Club, an old and useful organization, elected the following named ofiicers in January, 1885: Wesley Hatton, president; David German, vice-president; Bert Rice, secretary: H. Hathaway, treasurer.

Rice & Creglow Post No. 112, G. A. R., w^as organized under charter July 31, 1881, with the following members: William Harman, Thomas Neelev, P. M. Hershiser, D. J. Neikirk, W. M. Miller, W. H. H. Miller, George E. Pruden, John H. Carpenter, F. M. Kelly, John Lebold. S. S. Seiple. James Pangburn, George H. Rice, J. F. Fink, J. C. Moore. H. A. Libe. John Hodge. Isaac Lepard, S. T. Groves, C. Sheely, Daniel Hubble, William Luce, S. C. Gates, Jacob Wise, John Sherwood, Jacob Decker, W. H. Stevenson, Daniel Carpenter, D. Y. Fink and J. T. Williams. The post was named in honor of Stephen Rice and Joseph Creglow, who were killed at Winchester. They en- listed at Attica on the same day and were killed the same day. The Commanders were William Harman, 1881-83; D. J. Neikirk, 1883-85. J. H. Carpenter, Adjutant.

Review

The village of Attica in itself presents an index to the township. Main Street is well built up in the business district, and claims some large businesslike mercantile houses, while, north and south, a wide boulevard extends, bordered by the neat cottage homes and substantial residences of the citizens. This street, in its extent and general appearance, compares very favorably with the residence streets of large cities. It is fast building up, and will undoubtedly continue to spread out until the village of Attica Station and old Attica are united by one well built up thoroughfare. The churches, schools, newspaper press, secret and benevolent societies, literary and art societies, and all the evidences of an advanced state in culture and wealth are found here, conferring on this southeastern village of the county an impress of Seneca's growth in all that contributes to i^ublic well being.

Small Villages

Carrothers was laid out on Sections 3'2 and 33, August 21, 1873, by John Newman, surveyor, for James Carrothers. The business interests are represented by the following: Gr. S. McKee, Martin Phillips, Jacob Buchman, general stores; H. Einsel, grain and seed; A. Kerchner, boots and shoes; W. H. Mowery, produce; A. Snyder, blacksmith; E. Albaugh, lumber; O. Blust, saw-mill; Carson & Friedly, John Dellinger, stock dealers; Jacob Durr, wagon-maker; Huser & Knecht, tile factory; J. B. Falter, breeder of fine stock; P. Regula, hotel; H. A. Brick, saloon; J. J. Deck, physician; G. S. McKee, postmaster; Henry V. Trumpler, agent Pennsylvania Railroad Company.

The town of Caroline was projected and surveyed by James Kilbourne for Hector and Byron Kilbourne and Cornelius Gilmore February 28, 1828, on Sections 10 and 15. There is also on record a survey of the village, alleged to have been made in June, 1837. and protracted by L. E. Holtz in 1858 for James Kilbourne, Jr. The name was conferred in honor of Caroline, daughter of Cornelius Gilmore.

The first settler near Caroline was Cornelius Gilmore in 1827. Before the close of 1830 he built the first house in the village, and within the following ten years the population increased to twenty-seven. When Gilmore located at Caroline there were only fifteen families in Venice Township.

From 1830 to the present time the school system has been a cherished one in Venice Township. In the year mentioned a school building, a very primitive concern in material, architectui'e and course of study, was erected at Attica. Ten years later the ' 'Brick Schoolhouse' ' was erected on the site of the present schoolhouse, which continued in use until 1857, when Levi Rice completed a more pretentious house at a cost of $1,328.42.

The Attica Grammar School was instituted under authority, given in the legislative act of March 4, 1851, which empowered the school board to levy a tax of 2 mills on the dollar for the support of this school. The vote on the sale of school land, Section 18, Venice Township, was recorded April 2, 1849, by Henry Smith, S. WooUett and Samuel Bemenderfer, judges of election, and November 3, 1849, the sale of Section 18 in fi-actional Township No. 1, north. Range 18, was effected. William F. Leonard purchased the east half of the southwest quarter, and Andrew P. Smith the west half of the southwest

The schools of Attica presented the following statistics at the close of the school year of 1884: Local tax, $1,986. 54; total revenue, .$3,575.82; expenditures, $'2.4'26. 31; one school building valued at $13,000; five teachers, average salaries, $67, $56 and $33, munber of male pupils. 106, of female pupils, 107. of whom 16 are pupils in the high school.

The condition of the schools of Venice Township at the close of the school year of 1884, is shown in the following statistics: Local tax. $4,224.63; total revenue. $7,917.28; expenditures; $5,234.06; schoolhouses, 13; value of property, $13,000; number of teachers, 27; average salary, $37 and $23; number of male pupils em-olled. 217: of female pupils, 185; total enrollment. 402.

Gkxeral Statistics

So much has been wi-itten in the general history relating to men and events connected with this division of the county, nothing remains for this chapter save a plain, matter-of-fact statement of its settlement and organization, of its pioneers and material progress. The professional men. the politicians, the soldiers of Venice have all been withdi-awn. as it were, from these pages to aid in making up the fom- chapters of the general history devoted to these subjects. There are other evidences of the princii^le. - "Robbing Peter to pay Paul," to be found here; but withal, the writer is confident that the transfer of such names and events to the general history will be found api-)roiiriate, insomuch that such transfer is justified by the generality of the subject or its special adaptation to the chapter wherein it finds mention.

Biographical Sketches

ROBERT M. BARTLETT, lumber dealer. P. O. Green Spring. The paternal grandparents of the subject of this sketch were Samuel and Elizabeth (Rating) Bartlett, natives of Maine, who came to Ohio during the war of 1812, and in 18'2G settled in this county, where they died. Their son. Oliver L. Bartlett (the father of Robert M.). was born in Hamilton County, Ohio, in 1819, and was mamed, in Seneca County, in 1844-, to Hannah E. AVarner, who was born in 1826, in Berkley County. Va. (Her parents were natives of Virginia, where her father died, his widow and family coming to Seneca County, Ohio, about 1833, and here Mrs. Warner died at the age of seventy-eight years.) Oliver L. Bartlett began farm life in this county, where he improved many acres of land. In 1844 he removed to Sandusky County, Ohio. There he continued farming, reading law in leisure hours, and in a few years he commenced the practice of law in his neighborhood. In 1860 he was admitted to the bar, and in 1862 he moved to Green Spring, Ohio, where he opened a law office. He acquired a large practice in the courts of Lucas. Sandusky and Seneca Counties, and continued in the practice of law until his death, which occui-red in 1882. His son. Robert M. Bartlett, subject of this sketch, was born October 9, 1847, in Sandusky County, Ohio. Early in life he learned the carpenter's trade, which he followed for several years. In 1882 he entered into partnership with C. R. Smith, and purchased the sash, door and blind factory in Green Spring. Ohio, which he still continues to operate in connection with a large lumber yard, etc. He was married, August 27, 1875, to Miss Mary Franks, a native of this county, and this union has been blessed with three children: Harry, Bert and Fred. Mr. Bartlett has three sisters and two brothers. He is a raan of business ability, and active in public improvements and enterprises; was mayor for one term.

ENOCH BOLIN, farmer, P. O. Clyde, Sandusky County, was born in Wayne County, Ohio, May 2, 1826, and is a son of George and Mary (Pearce) Bolin, natives of Virginia and Maryland respectively, and who were married in Columbiana County, Ohio, moving to Wayne County, and fi-om there to this county in 1832; they"died in Thompson Township, this county, at the ages of ninety and eighty-seven years respectively. George Bolin was drafted in 1812, and served six months in the war of that time. Of their family of ten children seven are now living. Enoch Bolin purchased his land in Adams Township, this county, in 1853, and has resided upon it ever since. He was married, September 14, 1851, to Miss Polly Kestler, of Adams Township, this county, a native of Pennsylvania, and a daughter of Henry and Elizabeth Kestler, who settled in this county about 1833; they had eleven children, of whom only two survive. To Mr. and Mrs. Bolin has been born one daughter, Amanda J. , now the wife of Jacob "Wagner, wlio resides upon and operates the farm owned by Mr. Bolin. Mr. and Mrs. Wagner have one daughter named Delia Rebecca.

GEORGE R. BOSW'ORTH, retired farmer, P. O. Green Spring, one of the early and highly respected pioneer citizens of Adams Township, Seneca Co., Ohio, was born in Chelsea, Orange Co., Vt., April 4, 1800, son of Nathaniel and Mary (Ranney) Boswoi-th, the former born in Rhode Island April 12, 1753, the latter in Connecticut, June 24, 1757; they married in Chatham, Conn., and there remained until after the Revolutionary war. Nathaniel Bosworth enlisted in the first regiment that was organized under Gen. George Washington, serving his country eight years, and was in the last regiment when it was disbanded; four years of his time he served as commissary for Washington' s family. He was captured by the British three times, and the last time was placed on board a British prison ship; he and four others deserted fi-om the ship, and, venturing to swim across the North River, three of the party reached the shore, but the other two were less fortunate and sank beneath the waters. After the war Mr. N. Bosworth returned to his wife and children at Chatham, and remained there some years ; thence he moved to Lebanon. N. H. , where he and his family resided nine years, then moved to Chelsea. Vt. , and in 1800 to Berlin, Vt., where the parents spent their remaining days; the mother died August 11, 1841, and the father, March 11, 1844; they were the parents of eleven children, only two of whom survive: Florella Richardson (aged ninety-five years) and George R. The subject of this sketch, in 1824, went from, Berlin to Albany, Vt., where he was united in marriage, November 5, 1827, with Lucy Delano, born May 25, 1808, in New Hampshire, daughter of Moses and Lydia (Baker) Delano. 'both deceased. To oiu- subject and wife were born seven children: Lillis and William Franklin, living, and Solon. Sidney, Orpha, Mary and Frederick, deceased. August 9, 1834, Mr. Bosworth and family came to Adams Township, this county, and settled on the farm where he now resides. Mrs. Bosworth departed this life Avigust 5, 1 849, and Mr. Bosworth was afterward united in marriage, January 10, 1850, with Adaline Franklin, born April 20. 1810, in Herkimer County, N. Y.. daughter of Daniel and Ruth (Rounds) Franldin, both deceased, Mr. and Mrs. Bosworth have acted the part of parents toward Emma Childs, taking her when eight years of age, and rearing her to womanhood. Mr. Bosworth is a carpenter by trade, but has been engaged most of his life in farming.

DR. J. L. BROWN, Green Spring, was born in Onondaga County, N. Y. , and is a son of Charles and Anna (Phelps) Brown, of New England birth and descendants of Plymouth colonists. His grandfather. Gen. John Brown, was a distinguished soldier of the Revolutionary war; his father served in the war of 1812, and the Doctor himself was in the late war of the Rebellion. His father and mother went to New York with their parents when but children, and were there reared and married. In 1832 they removed thence to Ashtabula County, Ohio. Both are now deceased. Dr. Brown is the youngest of a family of six children. The father being a teacher by pi-ofession, each of his childi-en, under his instruction, received their first educational training. The Doctor attended school at the Jefferson Academy until he was eleven years old, then continued his studies at Austinburg Institute, in Ashtabula County, working for his board with the family of a dairyman, where, night and morning, he milked seven cows and drove them to pasture a distance of two and one-half miles, studying at nights by the light of a bark fire. At the age of twelve, at the request of his mother, he was taken into the family of Rev. Mr. Austin, a Presbyterian minister, there to be educated for the ministrv of that denomination, and he remained about one year. At the age of thirteen he entered a drng store for a term of five years. When fifteen years old he taught his first term, thus aiding himself in furthering the great object of his life, the practice of medicine. At the age of eighteen he attended his first course of medical lectm-es. At twenty the Doctor was united in marriage with Miss Mary Mclntyre, and soon after marriage he came to Fort Seneca, Seneca Co. . Ohio, and there began the practice of medicine, with a fortune of $1.70 as the sum of his worldly possessions. He continued practice in Fort Seneca for eight years, and in the fall of 1859 removed to Green Spring. The following winter he graduated from the Cleveland Medical College, and pm-sued his profession until the winter of 1862-63, when he enlisted as a volunteer surgeon in the One Hundred and Sixteenth Ohio Volunteer Infantry stationed at Winchester, Va. , where he continued until June 17, 1863, when he was taken prisoner at the battle of Winchester, Gen. Milroy being in command. The Doctor was then sent to Richmond with other prisoners, and confined in the historical prison "Castle Thunder," under grave charges preferred by the rebels. These charges not being sustained, after nineteen days of dungeon life, he was removed to Libby prison and put on equal footing with other prisoners of war. Here he was kept seven months and twenty-two days. At the expiration of this time he was exchanged, and returned to his regiment in Virginia, where he was appointed post-surgeon, having to report monthly to Washington the sanitary condition of all hospitals fi'om Martinsburg. Va. , to Hai-per's Ferry. This arduous duty Dr. Brown performed until the troops were all returned fi-om these points to Richmond and vicinity. He then returned to his home and family at Green Spring, and soon after recommenced his profession. Previous to the war he was a pronounced anti-slavery man. With his father and his brother, the late Hon. O. P. Brown, he made addresses throughout a large portion of this State, urging the people to vote and work for the fi'eedom of the slave. As a ' 'boy orator' ' the Doctor gained a wide reputation, nor did his work consist in talk alone, for while the celebrated "underground railroad' ' was in operation he assisted many a poor negro to gain his liberty. The Doctor is a firm supporter of the principles of the Republican party.

DR. i>. PROCTOR CAMPBELL, Green Spring, is a native of Hampton, N. H., and son of David and Betsey (Godfrey) Campbell. Our subject remained at home giving considerable time to educational matters under the direction of the Shaker Society at Canterbury, N. H. , and under the private instruction of Prof. A. J. Goss, M. A. , of Epsom, N. H. , devoting the latter part of his home life to teaching. In 1864 he began the study of medicine under the instructions of many of the most prominent physicians of the Eastern States, including Dr. Dio Lewis, and others of equal note. He continued his studies until 187-1, when he began the practice of his profession in Dubuque, Iowa. He afterward attended the Medical University at New York, and in 1877 graduated at the Cincinnati College of Medicine and Surgery, Cincinnati, Ohio. In 1881 he came to Green Spring. Ohio, where he has built up a large practice which occupies his daily attention. He was married. May 23, 1878, in Bedford, N. H. . to Miss Alice E. Watrous, a native of Green Spring, Ohio, and daughter of James A. and Hannah F. (Carpenter) Watrous, who were originally fi'om New London, Conn. , their native place. They came to Ohio in 1831, settling first in Huron County, and a few years later moved to Green Spring, where they died, Mrs. Watrous in May. 1882. and Mr. Watrous in December, 1884. To Dr. and Mrs. Campbell has been born one child, Gracie T.

EDWIN W. CROCKETT, farmer. P. O. Clyde, Sandusky County, was born in Adams Township, this coimty. June 7, 1857, and is a son of Josiah and Harriet (Beymer) Crockett, who came to Ohio with their parents and to this county in an early day. They were married in this county and were the parents of six children: Estella, Edwin AV., Elbert R., James, Arthur B. and Walter, all living. Their father was killed September 1, 1879, by the falling of a large stone which he was undermining, and his widow is now a resident of Clyde. Edwin W. Crockett, the subject of this sketch, was married, September 25, 1879, to Miss Hattie Niles, a native of Sandusky County, Ohio, born August 13, 1860, daughter of Claudius and Elizabeth (Jackson) Niles, who were early settlers in Sandusky County, Ohio, where Mr. Niles died (his widow is now wife of George Lee, of that county). The union of INIr. and IVIrs Edwin W. Crockett has been blessed with two childi'en: Earle, born October 12 1882, and Ethel, born June 16, 1884.

JAMES CROCKETT (deceased) was born in Lincoln County, Me. , in February, 1798. He served in the war of 1812, also was one of the crew on a privateer which made several prizes. In 1817 he came to Muskingum County, Ohio, remaining one year, then returned to his native State and followed the sea until he was thirty years of age. when he came to Ohio the second time, locating in Seneca County, where he lived until his death, which occurred October, 1875. He was married in 1823 to Mary P. Haskell, daughter of Josiah Haskell, a soldier of the Revolution, at the age of twenty-four years. and they had a family of eleven children : George, Almira, Josiah, Nathaniel and Edwin, born in the State of Maine; Knott, Edward, Amanda, Charles. Celia and Marion E. , born in the State of Ohio. George died in Henry County, this State, leaving a family of four childi-en: Malcolm, Alice, Ernest and Knott. Almira (Reid) is living in Henry County, this State; has a family of six children : Mary, Knott, Willie, Charles, Edwin and Agnes. Josiah was killed by a rock (he was trying to bury) falling upon him: left a family of six children: Estella, Edwin W., Elbert R.. James. Arthur B. and Walter. Edwin was wounded at the battle of Cedar Creek, Shenandoah Valley, survived and is now living in Saline County, Mo. ; has a family of six children (Thomas, his eldest son, having recently died): Josiah, Dee, Minie, James. Edward and Angus. Knott was killed at the Battle of Franklin, Tenn. Amanda (Reid) is living in Henry County, Ohio, and has a family of four children: Charles, Angus. Grace and Thomas. Charles was killed at the battle of the Wilderness. Celia (Pulasky) is living in Henry County, Ohio, and has a family of five children: Edward. Marion E., George. Mary and Belle. Marion (Engler) is living in this county, and has a family of five children: Celia, Bert, Grace, Nettie and one not named. James and 'Mary P. Crockett, remained in Lincoln County, Me-., until 1828, when they came to Ohio, and settled in Adams Township, this county. He died in October, 1875, aged seventy-seven years, his wife having departed this life in May of same year, aged seventy-two years. In politics the familv are all Republican.

EDWARD CROCKETT, farmer, P. O., Green Spring, was born in Pleasant Township, this county. November 22, 1833, son of James and Mary P. (Haskell) Crockett. He was married, Septemer 13, 1858, to Miss E. J. Brown, daughter of Elijah and Catharine Brown, of Scipio Township, this county, former of whom was a native of Frederick County, Md. , latter of Perry County. Ohio; they came to this county in 1842, and reared a family of eight children, of whom six are now living. "Mr. Brown died in 1885; his widow still resides in Scipio Township. Mr. and Mrs. Crockett are the parents of ten children - Adell, Henry, Charles (deceased), Nellie. Frank, Theodore (deceased). Mabell, Catharine, Elijah and Alice.

HENRY A. DETERMAN, farmer, P. O. Green Spring, was born in Adams Township, this county, December 25, 1851, son of Herman H. and Mary E. (Beinedick) Determan, natives of Germany, where they were married September 24, 1838, near Western Kapplen. They came to this country in 1834, and settled upon the land where the father still resides, and which he has improved with his own hands. Harman H. Determan reared a family of eight children, of whom four are now living, and all married: George, Samuel, Catherine E. and Heniy A. Our subject, w^ho is the youngest, was married. August 27, 1874, to Miss Mary A. Kistler. of Adams Township, this county, where she was born August 27, 185f), daughter of Joseph and Catherine (ShawbeiTy) Kistler, early settlers in this county, where they still reside. Mr. and Mrs. Determan have one daughter, Dora A. Our subject has purchased eighty-four acres of good land, which he is improving in many ways. Mr. Determan is a member of the German Reformed Chiu'ch. and Mrs. Determan of the Lutheran Chiu'ch. In politics he is a Democrat.

WARREN DROWN, farmer, P. O. Green Spring, is a native of New Hampshire, born in 1814. He w^ent with his parents, Solomon and Fanny (Dennis) Drown, in 1815 to New York State, in 1832 to Pennsylvania, and in 183*J came to this county, where his parents both died; they had a large family of childi'en. Warren Drown has given his attention to general agricultiu-e and has made many valuable improvements on his farm of ninety acres, which was originally nearly covered with forest. He was married in 1844 and is the father of two daughters: Elizabeth and Emma, former the wife of James Reed, of Huron County, Ohio, and the mother of three children: Jessie, Freddie and Warren. Emma is still with her parents.

DAVID W. DUDROW, farmer, P. O. Green Spring, is a native of Frederick County, Md. , born October 25, 1825. son of David and Elizabeth (Hines) Dudrow, also natives of Maryland, of German descent. Of their family only three survive: Mary, Philip H. and David W. The subject of this sketch came to this county in 1845, settling in Adams Township, where he purchased and improved a large farm, upon which he still resides. He was married. January 8, 1853, to Mary J. Rule, of Adams Township, this county, where she was born November 3, 1834. Her parents, Daniel and Jane (Groscrost) Rule, were about the first settlers in this county. To Mr. and Mrs. Dudi'ow have ])een born eight children, four of whom are yet living: Byron, practicing law, in partnership with H. R. Finefi'ock, at Fremont, Ohio, has twice been elected city solicitor of Fremont; William, who owns and cultivates a large farm, at Green Spring, in Adams Township ; Fred and Mary J. , latter attending Baldwin University, at Berea, Ohio. The deceased are John, Alice, Daniel and David, the two latter being twins. Mr. Dudrow has nearly 450 acres of land, which he and his son, Fred, operate, giving considerable attention to stock-raising, merino sheep, etc.

G. W. EARHART. proi)rietor of the city bakery and fancy grocery, choice cigars, tobacco and confectionery. Green Spring, was born in Lancaster, Fairfield Co., Ohio, April 16, 1845, where he obtained a common school education, and learned the trade of baker and confectioner. In 186(3 he moved to Toledo, Ohio, where he resided ten years. In 1876 he came to Green Spring and started in the bakery and confectionery business, and by close attention to business he was soon enabled to enlarge the same, and in 1881 he erected, as a monument to his industry and enterprise, a two-story brick block containing two store-rooms, both of which he now occupies: he is now considered one of the leading business men of the town in which he resides. He has been elected, and served two terms as treasurer of Adams

Township, this county; served two terms in the village council; served six years as a member of the school board, two years as the treasui'er, and one year as the president of the board. He was a charter member of Clyde Lodge No. 126, K. of P. ; he is a member of Clyde Lodge No. 989. K. of H. ; he was a charter member of Potter Post No. 105, G. A. R., of Green Spring, and served as commander of same in 1888. He enlisterd during the Rebellion in Company C, One Hundred and Ninety-eighth Ohio Volunteer Infantry, for a term of one year, and was discharged fi-om the service. May 8, 1865, by reason of close of the war. Politically he is a Republican. He was married, in 1866, to Mary C. Hill, of Lancaster, Ohio. She was born in 1841, and is the mother of five children: Falenia T., Lulu, Martin D., May E. and George W.

H. J. ERNSBERGER, Green Spring, was born in Richland County, Ohio, in 1832. He began active life as a school teacher, and afterward went into business at Mansfield. Subsequently he removed to a farm, where he remained until 1884, when he went into partnership with M. F. Van Buskirk, of Green Spring, in the publication of the Times (vide page 327).

CHARLES D. HOLTZ, farmer, P. O. Green Spring, was born in Pleasant Township, this county, January 31, 1846, son of Jacob P. and Susannah (Huss) Holtz, early settlers of and still residing in Pleasant Township, this county. Our subject was married, October 9, 1872, to Miss Mary (Lillis) Smith, of Green Spring, Ohio, where she was born June 20, 1854, daughter of Samuel H. and Charlotte (Van Syckel) Smith, natives of New Jersey and who now reside in Green Spring, Ohio. Mr. Holtz is the father of three children: Grace, born March 15, 1874; Nellie, born September 11, 1877; Jessie, born August 24, 1883; all living. Mr. Holtz purchased land in Adams Township, this county, which he has improved in various ways and where he follows general farming. In politics he is Republican.

CLAY HOLTZ, farmer, P. O. Green Spring, is a native of Pleasant Township, this county, born December 11, 1841. the second son of William and Catharine M. (Cramer) Holtz, early settlers in this county, where they resided until the death of the former in 1862; Mrs. Holtz still resides there. Our subject enlisted October 9, 1861. in Company H, Fifty-fifty Regiment Ohio Volunteer Infantry, serving three years. He is now a member of Potter Post, 105, G. A. R., Green Spring, Ohio. Mr. Holtz was married February 28, 1868, to Miss Dora M. Egbert, of Clinton Township, her native place, a daughter of Jeremiah and Lucy (Rule) Egbert, early settlers in this coiinty. To the union of Mr. and Mrs. Holtz have been born seven children: Harry, Alice, William, Catharine, Susan, Lottie and Lucy, all living. Mr. Holtz is a medium farmer and operates over 300 acres of land, on which he has made many valuable improvements. He has a fine large brick house and large barn. He is a member of the I. O. O. F. of Green Spring; in politics he is a Republican.

J. C. KANNEY, grocer, Green Spring, was born in Reed Township, Seneca Co., Ohio, FebriTary 12, 1855, son of Jacob and Mary (Reiner) Kanney, of Seneca County, Ohio, who were early settlers in the county and are still living in Reed Township. They are the parents of eleven children: Alford, Charles, Katie, John, Francis (deceased), Anthony (deceased), Jacob (deceased)^ Elydeth (deceased), Francis 2d, Anthony 2d and Michael. Until he arrived at the age of twelve years the life of our subject was passed upon a farm. After receiving a common school education he commenced clerking in West Lodi, and in 1871 came to Green Spring. In April, 1881, he embarked in the grocery business, and by close attention to business and the com-teous manner in which he attends to the wants of his many customers, he has gained a leading and successful trade. He is an active F. & A. M. ; politically a stanch Republican; is

MONEOE KISTLER. farmer, P. O. Clyde, Sandusky County, is a native of Lancaster County, Penn. . born November 7, 1830, and is a son of John T. and Eve (Brish) Kistler, who came to this county in 1833 and settled in Adams Township, where they reared a family of three children: Polly, Sarah and Monroe. John T. Kistler died July 14, 1870, aged sixty-six years, and his widow. January 8, 1878. at the age of seventy-two. Our subject was married, September 11, 1849, to Catharine Setzler. of Adams Township, this county, a native of Germany, born March 7, 1830, daughter of Heniy and Elizabeth (Swan) Setzler, who came to America in 1834, settling first in Hiu-on County, Ohio, where they remained fourteen years, and then moved to this county, where they died, former in 18G1, aged sixty-six years, latter in 1866, aged seventy-one years. They were the parents of six children, of whom John, Lena, "Elizabeth and Catharine are living, and George and Philip are deceased. Mr. and Mrs. Kistler are the parents of ten childien; those living are John M., Hemy. Lena. George, Monroe. Nathan. Franklin and Anna; Philip and Augustus are deceased. Mr. Kistler has improved many acres of land in this county, and has served his township in several of its oflices. He and his wife are prominent members of the Lutheran Chiu-ch, of which Church his entire family are also members. Mr. Kistler has given all his attention to- general agriculture. He has owned several hundi-ed acres of land, most of which he has distributed among his childi-en. and still has 220 acres. In politics, Mr. Kistler is a Democrat.

JOHN M. LEE, farmer. P. O. Green Spring, was born in Fayette County, Iowa, March 25, 1856, son of David and Mary A. (Miller) Lee, and natives of Pennsylvania and New York States, respectively. They came with their parents to this country in a very early day, and were man-ied in this county, but in 1854 moved to' Iowa, where they remained until 1866, in which year they returned to Seneca County, where David Lee died August 14, 1883; his widow resides in Adams Township, this county. They were the parents of eight childi-en: Lydia A.. Homer. John M., Rosa. Arthur H.. Harkness C., Nellie and Stella.' all living. John M. Lee was maiTied, February 24, 1876, to Miss Emma S. Prentice, of Erie County, Ohio, born April 29. 1 857, daughter of Nelson E. and Emily (Wadsworth) Prentice, who were among the first settlers in Erie County, Ohio. They had six children: Emma S., Kate C, Nelson D., May E.. Maggie W. and' Nettie S. The union of Mr. and Mrs. Lee has been blessed with one son. Harry H., born April 5. 1877. Mr. Lee began farming for himself, when married, and now has eighty-eight acres of land, which he has well improved. He and his wife are members of the Christian Union Church. In politics, Mr. Lee is a stanch Republican,

JAMES McINTIRE, farmer, P. O. Green Spring, was born in Wayne County, Ohio, in 1825, a son of Smith and Catharine (Larkins) Mclntire, both deceased, who came to this county in 1832, parents of ten childi-en, six of whom are still living. Oui' subject was married, in 1850, to Miss Catharine Myers, daughter of John and Elizabeth (Ryne) Myers, early settlers in this county and Adams Township, and to this union have been born seven children, four of whom are now living. His wife dying in 1865, Mr. Mclntire then married, in 1867, Miss Wealthy Scott, of Sandusky County, Ohio, daughter of William and Susan (Blnbaker) Scott. This marriage has resulted in the birth of three childi-en, two of whom survive. Mr. Mclntire has served in some of the township o£(ices in Adams Township; in politics he is a Democrat.

DR. ARCHIBALD R. McKELLAR, physician and surgeon, Green Spring, was born in Elgin County, Ontario, in 1850. His father, Malcom McKellar emigrated from Scotland in 1838, and was one of the pioneer settlers of Elgin County, Ontario. Dr. A. R. McKellar was the youngest of eight children - six sons and two daughters. After receiving a common school education, he taught school in the surrounding districts for two or three years. He then further promoted his education by attending the Provincial Normal School at Toronto, passing his examinations with honor. He again resumed the profession of teaching, and taught in several rural districts until he was appointed assistant high school master of the Smith's Falls High School (one of the most efficient schools in the Province of Ontario), at a very liberal salary. He subsequently filled the position of high master in the Hawkesbury School, having an average daily attendance of 600 pupils; but in 1873, at the earnest solicitation of the people of Smith's Falls, he again assumed the position of high master of the high school in that place. Having turned his attention to the study of medicine, he entered the Ann Arbor University in the fall of 1875, and at the end of the session he attended the summer course of lectures in the College of Medicine and Surgery of Cincinnati, graduating with honor in the summer. The following fall, to thoroughly complete his medical education, he attended a session of the College of Physicians and Surgeons, New York, and was one of the six students who passed the most successful examination. He first settled in Detroit, Mich. , and from there moved to Green Spring, Ohio, in July, 1877, where he has since remained, and has met with ample success in his profession. The Doctor is a member of the Seneca County, State of Ohio, and American Medical Associations; is a member of the Orange. Masonic and I. O. O. F. societies. He is nominally a member of the Presbyterian Church. While in Canada he was a stanch Reformer, and since he became an American he is eqiially as strong a Republican. In the year 1877 he was married to Catharine Morwood, who was born near the village of St. John, Province of Quebec. She removed to the Province of Ontario, in 1 850, with her mother, three brothers and three sisters. The Doctor and his wife have two boys, both healthy and strong, their names being Archibald and Neil. Dr. McKellar has a remunerative practice, and is destined to be a permanent and prominent resident of Green Spring.

DANIEL METZGER, farmer, P. O. Republic, is a native of Pickaway County, Ohio, liorn August 15, 1818, son of Henry and Catharine (Wise) Metzger, natives of Union County, Penn. , and who were married in Pickaway County, Ohio, and moved to this county in October, 1833; they were the parents of four children: Elizabeth, Mary A., Harriet and Daniel. Henry Metzger was born February 8, 1797, died March 4, 1868; his widow was born August 14, 1794, died May 9, 1880. The father of oru- subject was one of the first to enter land in this county, and he improved many acres with his own hands and the assistance of his only son, Daniel. He was a noted military man, having drilled several companies of home guards. He was an ardent advocate of the principles of the Democratic party, and was a member of the Lutheran Church. Daniel Metzger, the subject of this sketch, bought his first land in Adams Township in 1841, to which, by industry and economy, he has added until he now has 210 acres, most of which he has improved in various ways. He has been twice married; first to Miss Sarah Whiteman, August 31, 1838, by whom he has had four children: Catharine, Henrietta, Harriet A. and Henry V, , all living and married. Henry V. has six childi-en : Harriet A., the widow of John Bowman, has one son; Henrietta, the wife of Otha H. Hull, has four children, and Catharine, the wife of Samuel Bowers, has three children. The two latter families live in Henry County, Ohio, and the two former reside in Adams Townshij), this county. Mr. Metzger's first wife died April 10, 1850. She was a native of Columbia County, Penn. , born September 18, 1819, a daughter of Daniel and Susan (Coleman) AVhiteman, who came from Pennsylvania to Seneca CoiTuty, Ohio, in a very early day; both are now dead. Mr. Metzger's second maniage took place June 22, 1851, with Miss Catharine Bowerman, of Adams Township, this county, a native of Seneca County, N. Y., born November 13. 1822, a daughter of Jacob and Mary (Ritter) Bowerman, natives of Pennsylvania, and who married in Seneca County, N. Y. , coming to Seneca County, Ohio, in 1829. They had twelve childi-en, of whom nine are still living. The father died August 16, 1876, aged eighty-one years; the mother died in February, 1877, aged seventy-eight vears. Mr. Bowerman was a noted hunter in his day, and for several years gained a livelihood by hunting. By his second marriage Mr. Metzger is the father of five children, the sole survivor of whom, Mary J. , is now the wife of Samuel Weller. and has three children. ]VIr. Metzger is an active Democratic politician; has served in many of the township offices; has been justice of the peace for nine years, and is now filling the ofiice of infirmary director of this coxTuty.

JOHN C. IVIETZGER, farmer, P. O. Green Spring, is a native of Adams Township, this county, born December 4, 1838, son of Samuel and Rebecca (Heltzel) Metzger, natives of Union County, Penn. , and Hardy County, Va. (now West Virginia), respectively, and of German descent. They were maiTied in Pickaway County, Ohio, in 1836, and same year came to this county and purchased land in Adams Township. They reared a family of five childi-en: Henry H. , John C, Sarah A., Jacob and Lavina E., all living except Sarah A. , who died in April, 1877. Samuel Metzger remained in this county until 1880, then removed to Sandusky County, Ohio, where he now resides. John C. Metzger was married, March 29, 1860, to Miss Sarah Miller, of Clinton Township, this county, a native of Scipio Township, this county, born January 2, 1841, daughter of Daniel and Anna (Bergstresser) Miller, natives of New York State, and among the first to settle in this county, where Mr. Miller still lives; Mrs. Miller died in 1845. To Mr. and Mrs. Metzger have been born three childi-en : Alwilda. now the wife of Isaac Dillman, of Adams Township. Gertrude and Samuel. Mr. Metzger removed to Steuben County, Ind., in 1862. but returned to his native county in 1869. He has served his township in several of its offices, and is an advocate of the princij)les of the Democratic party.

JACOB J. MILLER, farmer, P. O. Green Spring, is a native of Yates County, N. Y., born FebriTary 21, 1829, and came with his parents, in 1838, to this county where he was reared a farmer. His parents Daniel and Anna (Bergstresser) Miller, came fi'om New York State to this county in 1838. They have reared a family of eight children: Jacob J., Mary A., Peter, Barbara, Catharine, Sarah, Angeline and Martin. The mother dying, March 24, 1849, aged forty-four years, the father then manied, in 1851, Mrs. Sarah Reeber, and now resides in Clinton Township, this county. At the age of sixteen years our subject began learning the cooper's trade, which he followed for twenty-six years, with the exception of two years spent in mining in California, which, together with his trade, was quite profitable to him, financially; hence he was prepared to pay for the land he had purchased in Adams Township, this county, in 1857, and, by industry and economy, he has since added to the same until he now has 164 acres, which he has improved in various ways. In 1870 he erected a fine brick residence, at a cost of over $3, 000. Mr. Miller was mar- ried March 29, 1855, to Miss Sarah Robenalt, a native of Clinton Township, this county, born September 1, 1837, daughter of Solomon and Catharine (Powell) Robenalt, natives of Pennsylvania, who married in Fairfield County, Ohio, and came to this county about 1888; they had a family of thirteen children, of whom eleven are now "living : Mary, Elizabeth, Lavina, Catharine, Christena," Sarah, Barbara J., Andi-ew J., George, Solomon and William. The deceased are John and Peter. The father of this family died in June, 1860, aged sixty-five years. The mother died December 25, 1881, aged eighty years. To Mr. and Mrs. Jacob J. Miller have been born ten children, of whom six are vet living: Ida J., Daniel L., Almarinda, Mary B., Minda A. and J. P. The deceased are Warren P., Delia A., Noble A. and an infant twin brother of Minda A. Ida J. is now the wife of A. R. Young, a furniture dealer in Green Spring, Ohio. Mr. and Mrs. Miller are members of the Reformed Church. He has served in several of the township ofiices. In politics he is a Democrat.

OSCAR MYERS, farmer, P. O. Green Spring, was born October 9, 1856, in Adams Township, this county, son of John and Elizabeth A. (Ryne) Myers, natives of Virginia and Pennsylvania respectively, and who were married in this county; they had two children : Catharine (deceased) and Oscar. The mother died January 24, 1885; the father is now seventy-seven years old; he was a very industrious man through life, having accumulated considerable land and other property, most of which he has already given to his son Oscar, who is a worthy young man. In politics both father and son are Democratic from principle. Our subject was married December 5, 1876, to Emma Gibbons, born in Adams Township, this county. March 28, 1857, daughter of William and Jane (Stilwell) Gibbons, natives of Pennsylvania and New York, respectively, coming to this county about 1853, where they still reside; they reared a family of one son and two daughters: Almerinda, John and Emma. Mr. and Mrs. Oscar Myers have two children: Frank and Cecil. Mr. Myers was reared a farmer, an occupation he still follows, devoting his spare time to operating a steam factory he has on his farm, where he manufactures bee hives and various articles of wooden ware. He also has a feed-mill, for grinding corn etc.

JAMES PAINE (deceased) was born in Pickaway Coimty, Ohio, June 2, 1818; son of John and Sarah (Lawrence) Paine. He was reared on a farm, received a common school education and entered upon his course in life as a teacher in common schools. In 1832 his parents moved to Seneca County, Ohio, and located in Adams Township, and here our subject turned his attention to farming and soon became one of the practical and successful farmers of the township. He was active in public affairs, and took an interest in all efforts for the advancement and good of the community in which he lived. He was especially interested in religious and educational affairs, was an ardent advocate of the principles of the Democratic party, and for many years served the people in various offices of the township. Mr. Paine was first married, January 25, 1842, to Maria Ann Kline, who died July 25, 1854. She was the mother of six children: George, John, Sarah, Melvina, Samantha and William. Mr. Paine' s second marriage was, March 8, 1855, with Mrs. Flora (Ellis) Cramer, who was born in Vermont, August 13, 1832. She was the widow of James Cramer, who, in life, was a mechanic in Castalia, Ohio, where he was well and favorably kno^V7i for many years. By him she had one child, James, who died in infancy. This second" u'nion was' blessed with three children: Clementine, James aiid Florence. Mr. Paine died May 4, 1876, and the following year his widow moved to Clyde, Ohio, where she remained about eighteen months, and then came to Green Spring, this county, where, in 1883, she erected the fine residence in which she now lives. She has with her a grandchild. May (daughter of James E. Paine, Jr. ), whose mother is deceased.