Twin Township (part 1 of 3)

Twin Township

This township is bounded on the north by Harrison, on the east by Montgomery county, on the south by Lanier, and on the west by Washington township. It received its name at a very early -date, and is the namesake of the most important creek and valley in Preble county. It has a population of one thousand nine hundred and sixty-one, and an area of twenty-two thousand one hundred and thirty-five and sixteen one-hundredths acres of land, valued at thirty-three thousand four hundred dollars. Owing to its fortunate location on Twin creek, it is among the most productive agricultural regions in Preble county. Its diversity of surface and consequent variety of soil make the raising of crops of all kinds an easy matter. The more elevated portions of the township, known as clay upland country, afford excellent territory for the growing of wheat, oats and barley, while the lower areas in the valleys of the streams bordered with rich, moist soil, afford a choice field for the cultivation of corn and tobacco. The leading industry of these low-land areas is the growing of tobacco, which has proved itself to be the most paying crop that can be raised.

Physical Features

'The contour of the surface is wonderfully adapted to the wants of the resident farmer, as well as to the esthetic taste of the wandering poet. The philosopher, upon taking a birds-eye view of Twin township, would note two very important elements in the panorama before 'him. The bright sunlight in a clear sky would reveal to his poetic taste, wave after wave of beautifully diversified land, losing itself in the ''classic shades" of Twin valley, and rolling eastward, wave after wave, beyond the confines of the township. The practical glance would reveal the wealth as well as the splendor of the scene. The fertility of the soil would be noted, and character of the productions would stand out in relief; and the whole landscape, broken by streams and dotted with well cultivated farms, fringed with native forest.

The land naturally arranges itself about the valley of Twin creek, which flows through the center of the township. This valley is the deepest and broadest in the county, and, undoubtedly, the most important. It is the smoothest of the three principal valleys, and contains no bogs or swamps. The soil is black, and almost exclusively devoted to the cultivation of tobacco and corn. One of the most productive tobacco regions in the State ` is said to be along this valley. "Though comparatively broad it is not very wide, and varies in width from threequarters of a mile in the northern part of the township, to a mile and a half in the southern part. It is narrowest in section ten. Twin creek was named by the Indians long before the eye of the white man looked upon its rich valley.

The Indians, thoroughly acquainted with the country, observed that a little beyond the Indiana line there were two paralleF streams flowing southward, the one called Westwater, a very sluegish stream, and the other known as Wildwater, because of its rapidity, especially during a rise. They also noticed that the stream flowing south through Miami and Montgomery counties was very similar to the sluggish Westwater, and that its neighboring and parallel stream in Preble county corresponded in position and character with Whitewater. Correlating these four streams, they found that they had two pairs and two distinct characters of streams, and on this account called the Preble county stream by an Indian name which signified that it was the twin of Whitewater. This is the legend of the Pottawatomies, who once dwelt along the banks of Twin creek. 'The valley has always been considered one of nature's health resorts. The Indians desired no better watering place. Before the white settlements they congregated here in large numbers, and the last tribe which left Preble county, the Pottawatomies, spent their last night, April 30, .1805, near the beloved stream. As long as Twin valley was within the narrowing bounds of the Indian's freedom, he would, from time to time, come back, seeking the renewal of that health which he secured while a growing boy in Twin valley, and had lost in his later years in the miasmatic regions of the west. This valley was the Indian's Nile, and subsequent settlers have found it one of the healthiest spots in the State. The ague is a stranger in the neighborhood of Twin, except, perhaps, in the northern part of the valley, where the land is somewhat swampy. !

Four principal table lands control the drainage of the township, affording abundant supplies to Twin creek. That in the northwestern part, adjacent to Price's creek, in the vicinity of Brennersville, has a clay ridgy soil, with blue clay or "hard pan" almost touching the surface. The soil is a brown loam, somewhat rocky, but good when plowed. Of necessity this is a beech region, with a sprinkling of smooth bark hickory, and considerable numbers of sugar trees. Most of the gravel of the township is found in this part.

Land similar to this is found in the northern balf of the township, east of Twin, between that stream and Rape's run. The soil here and in the northeastern corner of the township is clay upland, and the forests abound in beech and oak timber, with some shell-bark hickory. More oak is found in the northeast corner than in any other part of the township.

The southeast quarter of Twin township used to be very low and flat, and in early times it was frequently flooded with two feet of water. There was fall enough for the water, but the accumulations of fallen timber held it back. Since this timber has been cleared away and the land thoroughly drained, a rich agricultural region has been discovered with deep soil, black and durable, well supplied with beech, sugar, burr oak, considerable red oak, and but little white oak.

Opposite this part, in the southwest quarter, is found a slight ridge, which lies between, and for a time separates Twin creek from its important tributary, Banta's fork. Here the growth of sugar trees is the heaviest in the county, and the surface is ridgy. -

It is from these upland regions that Twin and its tributaries are supplied. Price's creek enters the township from the northwest at section six, and flows southwest through sections six, eight, sixteen, and in twenty-two, on the farm of James Banta, empties into Twin creek. Price's creek was originally called Cook's fork, after Jacob Cook, who first settled on it, on the farm of Jesse Royer, where the big spring is. Afterwards the stream took the name of Henry Price, who settled near it in Harrison township. In the southwestern corner is Banta's fork, named after Albert Banta, who was the first settler on the stream, where Jacob Peters afterwards settled. East of Twin creek, Rape's run from the northeast, and Leslie's run along the southern half of the eastern township line, are the only important streams.

In general the ridges of the upland country are on the line which distinctly tnarks the junction of the Clinton or yellow limestone with the blue limestone. The blue limestone beneath is impervious to water, and the Clinton stone, just overlapping, is porous, and covered with lines of fracture. Springs of water must, therefore, necessarily appear along the outcrop of the two formations. Investigation shows that springs do appear in this line, especially in the vicinity of Brennersville on Price's creek. On the farm of Jesse Royer, in section seventeen, there is a spring whose copions flow entitles it to the name Mammoth spiing, which gives rise to one of the branches When the proposed railroad was expected to be built through Brennersville the imaginary station received the name of Mammoth Spring. There is but little doubt this is the strongest spring of water in the county. Southeast of this parent spring, on the same farm is found nearly an acre of ground that fairly bubbles over with minor springs, giving source to another branch of Price's creek, and finding its way thither through the stone quarry of J. O. Deem. 'There are numerous other springs in this neighborhood. Beginning at the northwestern corner of the township we find the second mammoth spring on the farm of Jonathan Cotterman, and another one on the farm owned by E. Marker, both in section six. In section eight there are five strong springs - one in thé northwest quarter, three on the farm of Samuel Enoch, and one on Joel Smith's farm, Besides these there are other smaller springs. This line of springs marks a very productive country. Besides the limestone abounding in this region there is considerable sandstone. The sand, it must be understood, however, is lime sand.

Boulder Belt Settlement

a belt brought down by the glaciers of the north, and scattered from the northwest to the southeast through the county. These boulders are very numerous in the corner of Twin township where they abound. A few years ago on the farm of David Potterf, in section thirtythree, near West Alexandria, no less than twelve hundred boulders were counted, whose diameters exceeded two feet. There are many of these large stones under ground, This surface stone quarry, although it interferes with agricultural pursuits, has been very valuable in furnishing the solid foundations of buildings. Although an obstruction, these boulders must not be lightly esteemed. Every farm in this belt has on and beneath its surface thousands of perches of valuable building stone. The formation of these boulders may be best seen in stone walls which are made from them. The mechanics who can split and trim these boulders are in demand; and there is no more durable or attractive fence than one made of boulders. SETTLEMENT.

As in other townships, the majority of the settlers in this part of the county were southerners, from Kentucky, Virginia, Georgia, and North Carolina, with some from New Jersey and Pennsylvania.

In the early days of settlement the land, which was owned by the 'Government, was sold in parcels of not less than a section, at two dollars per acre. Of course, many of the early settlers were unable to take so much land, and it became necessary for some one man to buy a section of land, and, after sub-dividing to suit the purchaser, sell it tosettlers; or a number of men would club together, appoint one of their number treasurer, and authorize him to buy a section of land. This was done by many of the early settlers of Twin township. This plan gave abundant opportunities for land sharks, but there is no instance of any fraud of this kind in Twin township. Among the first settlers who entered land in the township, were the Van Winkles, the Millers, and the Keslings, who came in 1804; and the Nisbits, Quinns, Bantas, Whitesells, Rapes, and Ozias, who came about The first permanent settlement in Twin township was made by Simeon Van Winkle. He was born in Georgia, June 5, 1768, and his wife, Phebe, was born in the same State, October 3, 1766. They emigrated to Kentucky, and in February, 1804, came to Ohio and entered section twenty-seven, on which the village of New Lexington now stands. 'They afterwards sold a portion of this land, and retained the northwestern corner, now known as the Ozias farm. They were parents of ten children, five boys and five girls. Mr. Van Winkle gave each of his sons eighty acres of land, upon which each one finally settled. David, the eldest, owned what is now the Copp farm. He lived there for several years, and went to Anderson, Indiana, where he died, in 1872. He is buried in the Baptist graveyard at New Lexington. John, who was active among the early members of the New Light church, used to live on the Solomon Meekley farm. He afterwards emigrated to Missouri, where he died. James, Robert, and Jesse followed David to Anderson, Indiana. Jesse is dead, but James is living in Anderson, Indiana, and Robert is living in that vicinity. Susan, now the widow Robinson, is living in West Alexandria. Louisa is living, and Phebe, Tirza, and Hannah are dead. The Van Winkles were very prominent in the early affairs of the township, in the commuity, and in the Baptist church, of which they were members. Simeon Van Winkle was one of the first township trustees. He donated the ground on which the Baptist church was built, and he and his wife were buried in the adjoining burying-ground. He died in 1831, aged sixty-three years. His wife nearly completed her centennial year, dying September r2, 1866, aged ninety-nine years, eleven months, and nine days. There is now none of the name living in Ohio. Frederick Miller was the next settler in Twin township. He was a native of Virginia, born in 1761. His wife, Elizabeth, was born in 1762. Mr. Miller was a soldier of the Revolution, having served under Washington, and was present at the surrender of Cornwallis, at Yorktown. He subsequently removed to what is now Anderson county, Tennessee. In the fall of 1803 he emigrated to Ohio with his family, which he left at Lebanon, Warren county, while he searched for a suitable location for his new home. In March, 1804, taking with him his daughter Abbie, aged thirteen, and his son, Jacob F., aged eleven, he left Lebanon, and brought a portion of his goods to the place he had chosen for the location of his wilderness home. The way was obstructed by the heavy timber, and the road had to be cut out as they advanced. After several days' weary travelling they arrived on the land whereon their new home was to be built. They built a pole shanty against a coffee-bean tree, which is still standing on the farm of the late James H. Curry, about one hundred yards east of the pike from Lexington to West Alexandria. After seeing that the children were comfortably fixed, Mr. Miller left them in charge of the camp, and returned to Lebanon for the remainder of his family and goods. The brave little guards were not molested by anything, although wild beasts and Indians were plenty at that time. Ra

Frederick and Elizabeth Miller had 'three sons and two daughters: Sarah, wife of Robert Davidson, died in July, 1880; Abbie lived in Indiana; Jacob F. lived near Lewisburgh, and was at one time county commissioner; he died in 1849; John died in West Alexandria, and Solomon, the only one living, emigrated to Elkhart county, Indiana, where he founded Millersburgh, of which he is at present the postmaster.

It was at the house of.Frederick Miller that the wounded soldier, Sergeant Henry Riddle, died, in 1813. Frederick Miller and family were among the original members of the old Lexington Presbyterian church.

Albert Banta settled on the Peters farm, at the crossing of the Eaton and Lexington road with the branch of Twin creek, that took his name, and is now known as Banta's fork.

Henry Kesling located on the land selected for him by Frederick Miller, where the farms of John Bare and George Sauer are, and the part of West Alexandria which is in Twin township. Mr. Kesling died about 1837, and is buried in the cemetery at West Alexandria.

In the year 1805 William Nisbit and his three sons, William, James L, and Thomas, emigrated from Kentucky to Ohio. William Nisbit, the father, was born in Pennsylvania in 1734, and afterwards emigrated to Kentucky. Histhreesons were born in Kentucky. William located on what 1s now the Trick farm, and for several years carried on the tanning business. His tannery was at the foot of the hill.

James I. located on theland on which New Lexington was afterwards built by him. In 1806 Judge Nisbit laid out the town which he designed for the county seat. He built the first house in Lexington, the first frame house on the turnpike, and the first brick house in the county, all on the same site. He kept the first store and was the first postmaster, and one of the first members of the old Presbyterian church. When the court of common pleas was established at Eaton he was made one of the associate judges. Of him it may be said that he was the soul of all the enterprise New Lexington ever had. He is buried at Lexington.

Robert Patterson, known as "Pat," and John Jackson, called "Jack," were sons of Judge Nisbit. Both became good physicians. Their history is given under the head

About this time Aaron Torrence, of Cincinnati, a large land speculator, bought land formerly owned by Thomas Nisbit, west of where Alexandria now stands. He was very much afraid that the Indians would destroy him, though at this time they were peaceable. He sat up nights and slept in the day time. After a time this manner of life became monotonous and he sold out and fearfully departed. Whether the Indians ever got him or not has not been ascertained.

Henry Whitesell was one of the earliest settlers in Twin township. He emigrated to Ohio from North Carolina at a very early day, and came to Twin township, locating on Banta's fork. He married Miss Strader, of North Carolina. He sold out before the War of 1812, and removed to Eaton, where he remained one year. Thence he moved north of Eaton, in Washington township and located on Seven Mile creek. He was a blacksmith by trade. In the War of 1812 he served faithfully in the company of Captain David E. Hendricks. Two of his sons were also in the war. Mr. Whitesell's sons, George, Adam and Tobias, are dead.

John Rape, sr., was born in France, and came to this country with General Lafayette. He served in the Re. volution nearly five years. After the close of the war he deserted from his command, and refused to return to France. He was so infatuated with Virginia that he concluded to remain there. In Loudoun county, Virginia, he married Eva Catharine, daughter of John Dickard. He subsequently settled in the Shenandoah valley, and in 1803 emigrated to Ohio. He came by wagon across the mountains to Wheeling, thence on a New Orleans flat-boat down the Ohio river to Cincinnati, and then by wagon to Warren county, Ohio. In 1805 hé emigrated to Preble county, settling in Twin township, on the spot of ground now occupied by his son, John. He was a natural mechanic, although he never learned a trade, and

The hewed log house which he built in 1811, is still standing, and is used by John Rape as a wash house. He died in 1831, at the age of eighty-six. His wife died in 1823. They raised a family of six children: Mary, widow of Frederick Wikle, in her eighty-seventh year; John, born October 17, 1797, and Jacob; the other three are dead. M

About the year 1748 John Quinn emigrated from the north of Ireland to the State of New Jersey. He married Miss Crooks, of New Jersey. "They have four sons, of whom John, Robert and James were born in New Jersey, and Joseph in Maryland. John died in Maryland.

In 1788 Robert Quinn was married to Elizabeth Lacey, who lived near the site of Washington city. Her father was General Lacey, of Revolutionary fame. The Laceys came from the Isle of Wight in 1699. s

Jane, who was born in Maryland, and married Phineas Hart. Robert Quinn lived for a short time in Virginia, and in the fall of 1789 moved to Georgia, Here were born: John in 1790; James in 1792; Robert in 1795; Margaret, who married Peter Aten, and now lives in Texas; Elizabeth, wife of Samuel P. Wilson, of Muncie, Indiana; Lacey, who died in infancy, and Mary Ann, who died about

In the year 1805 Robert Quinn, sr., emigrated to Ohio, and lived for two years near Germantown, Montgomery county. In 1807 he came with his family to Preble county, and settled in section thirty-one in Twin township.

John settled in Twin township, on the farm now owned by George Kline, and lived there till 1830, when he moved to Delaware county, Indiana, where he died in 1840.

James who settled near Brennersville, Twin township, left Preble county about the year 1837, and died on the road to Iowa, where his family still resides.

His son, John, married in 1831, Mary Ann Pottenger, who was born in Butler county in 1804. They lived during the most of their lives on the old home place on the Dayton pike.

In the War of 1812 he served in Captain Joseph E. Hawkins company. After the war he was made brigadier general in one of the early day military organizations. During the years 1831 and 1835 he served the county as sheriff. He represented Preble county in the general assembly of Ohio, in the sessions of 1837 and 1838, and at one time was a member/of the State board of equalization.

To Mr. and Mrs. John Quinn were born five sons - Thomas P., born July 6, 1832, graduated at Farmers college in 1853, and died in Eaton, of cholera, in 1854, while studying law; Robert W., born September 28, 1835, attended Farmers college at College Hill, Ohio, for three years, graduated at the Cincinnati Law school, practiced before the war in Cincinnati, and since 1867 has been practicing in Eaton. January ro, 1861, he married Josephine M. Palmer, of Cincinnati, by whom he has had two children, Edmund F. and Caroline B.

John W. Quinn was born July 25, 1838, lived on the farm most of his life, and enlisted in the company of Colonel Harris, in the fall of 1861, and died at Monterey, Virginia, in 1862.

James L. Quinn was born September 21, 1844, and after attending the Miami university at Oxford for one year, graduated first at Bartlett's Commercial school, in Cincinnati, and afterwards at the Miami Medical college, in Cincinnati. In' 1873 he married Elizabeth, daughter of Joseph Quinn, by whom he has had three children - Charlotta M., Ruth Eleanor, and John William.

Samuel Quinn, born February 5, 1844, attended Farmers college one year, and graduated at the Ciucinnati Law school about 1870. He is practicing in Cincinnati.

James Quinn, the brother of General John Quinn, was born in 1792, lived in Washington township for a while, afterwards settling in Twin township, just east of his father's farm. In 1817 he married Sarah Glines, by whom he had seven children: John Lacey, of Eaton; Eliza Ann, married George Irvin, and lives in Randolph county, Indiana; Robert M.,lives in Eaton; James Harvey, lives in Illinois; William D., who for several years was clerk of the county of Preble; Joseph, who died when a young man; and Sarah, the wife of Sylvester Irvin, of Randolph county, Indiana.

Colonel Robert Quinn is the son of old Robert Quinn, who settled in Twin township. He was born February, 1795. His wife was Sarah Wasson, by whom he has had two children: Joseph W. lives near his father, in Washington township, and Nancy Jane is the wife of D. Chrisman, of Indiana. Everybody knows ** Uncle Bobby" Quinn. He well remembers the "cold Friday" of 180-, which was spent by the Quinn family in open camp. For many years he was an honest tiller of the soil. He also worked at the blacksmith trade. He was an active soldier in the War of 1812. He now resides on the Lexington road just north of Eaton, in Washington township.

John Ozias, and his sons, Jacob, John, and Peter, came to Ohio from the State of North Carolina as early as 1803 or 1804. After living for about a year in Warren county, the family removed to what is now Twin township, where the father purchased a tract of land two miles square on Twin creek, in sections three and ten. He settled east of the creek, near the middle of this tract, where W. W. Geer, now lives, and his three sons around him. Jacob, born in 1775, married Susannah Christman, and located where Jacob Riley now lives. He died in 1849, from the result of an accident by a horse. of land. His widow survived him many years, and died at the age of seventy-eight. Their family consisted of four sons and four daughters, two of whom are deceased. 'The names of the survivors and their places of residence are as follows: Jesse, Mrs. John Beem, and Thomas, in Iowa; Mrs. Unger in Dayton; Eli and Mrs. George Werhley in this township. Eli, born in 1810, married Elizabeth Wikle, and resides in section ten.

John Ozias, the second of the three brothers mentioned, was married in Montgomery county, to Elizabeth Higgins, and died in 'Twin township in 1869, at the age of eighty-nine years and eleven months. His wife died in 1847. Five of their nine children are still living, namely: Mrs. Phebe Weakly, in Peru, Indiana; J. W., Mrs David Kumler, and William in Harrison - township, and Susan, wife of George TT. Potterf, in Lanier township.

Peter Ozias settled where his grandson, Washington, now lives, and died there. Jacob, his son, who lived on the old Ozias homestead, was born in North Carolina in 1797, and was married in 1823 to Sarah Potterf, who was born in 1790. They died in 1867 and 1879, respectively. They left surviving them seven children, who are all still living, as follows: Mrs. Elizabeth Rohr in Montgomery county; .Anderson and Joseph in Missouri; Washington;

Mrs. Eliza Moots; Mrs. W. W. Geer and Wesley in this township. Washington was married first to Nancy Gregg, and, after her death, to his present wife, whose maiden name was Elizabeth Shafer. Wesley was married to Elizabeth Jane, daughter of Christian Markey, and now resides on the old Van Winkle place.

John Hart, sr., emigrated from Augusta county, Virginia, to Preble county, Ohio, in 1808. He settled near what is now Brennersville, on the farm now owned by Jesse Royer. He lived there some ten years and then moved on to Price's creek, and in 1849 removed to Carroll county, Indiana, where he died in 1856. He was born in Pennsylvania in 1773, and moved; when young, to Augusta county, Virginia, where he was, subsequently, married to Elizabeth Sellers. His wife died in Twin township,and he was afterwards married twice. He was one of the pioneer preachers of the Dunker church in this county, and faithfully followed the calling for many years. He assisted in organizing the first Dunker society in Twin township. He was a tailor by trade, and worked at it, as was then the fashion, from house to house. His children were - William, John, Jacob, Samuel, Isaac, Benjamin, Nancy, Elizabeth, Phebe, and Sarah. Of these, John, Isaac, Benjamin, and Elizabeth are now living.

John Hart, now residing in West Alexandria, was born August 30, 18or, in Augusta county, Virginia, and was married to Catharine Brower in 1827, who was born in 1804. They first settled in Twin township on Price's creek, on a part of the farm his father had purchased, and moved into West Alexandria in 1880. Isaac Hart resides in Elkhart, Indiana, and Benjamin in Huntington county, same State. Elizabeth (Martin) lives in Darke county, Ohio. Samuel Hart (deceased) resided in Twin township, where he died in 1866, aged sixty-one years. His wife, Ari Ann, died in 1873, aged sixty-two. She was the daughter of Daniel Sayler, an early settler of Gratis township.

John Vance emigrated to Montgomery county, Ohio, from Somerset county, Pennsylvania, in the year 1807. Two years after (in 1809), he came to Preble, and settled in what is now Harrison township, and resided there until his death, which occurred at the age of a little over seventy, in 1845. His wife died shortly afterwards. They had a family of eleven children, but only four of them are now living. Jacob, the oldest, was born in 1803, and, in 1827, was united in marriage to Elizabeth Judy, and settled where he now lives, commencing in the woods. His wife died in 1870, and Mr. Vance still occupies his farm, his son Isaac, and family, living with him.

Philip Wikle settled in Dayton, Ohio, in 1808, having emigrated from Virginia. In 1809 he removed to Twin township, and settled where his grandson, Lewis Wikle, now lives, in section fifteen. He died there seven years afterward. He was the father of eight children, of whom Frederick occupied the old homestead after his father's death. He and his brother George, who were both natural mechanics, erected for Daniel Miller, a flouring mill, on Wolf creek, in Montgomery county. Frederick was born in Berkeley county, Virginia, in 1788, and was married, in 1816, to Mary, daughter of Jacob Rape. She was born 1792, and is now living with her son Lewis, her husband having died in November, 1866. She has five children now living, viz: Lewis, now aged sixty, in this township on the old homestead; William, in Indiana; Alfred and Elizabeth, wife of Eli Ozias, also in this township; and Jackson, in Alabama.

` Nicholas Coleman was born in Somerset county, Pennsylvania, in the year 1789. He removed from that State to Ohio, about the year 1810 with his family, then consisting of his wife, and one child. He began in the woods, where his son, John, now lives, cleared up a farm, and died there. His wife survived him several years. Her maiden name was Anna Mary Vance. They had three children, as follows: Catharine, Salome, and John. Catharine became the wife of Daniel Diefenbaugh; Solome married William Hapner. Both of the daughters are deceased. John Coleman was born where he now lives, in Twin township, in 1815, and has occupied the place settled by his father, *or sixty-five consecutive years. He was married, in 1839, to Tryphene Diefenbaugh, and has five children living, and one dead.

Lewis Utz was bcrn in Virginia, about the year 1792, and died in Twin township, Preble county, in 1822. About the year 1810, he married Elizabeth House, who was born in Virginia in 1790, and died in Euphemia, in 1872. Six children were born him, four of whom are now living, namely: Nancy, Mary Ann, Susan, and William. Mr. Utz came to Preble county, in the year 1810, and settled on the farm in Twin township, where his son, William, now resides. William Utz was born in Twin township, in 1822. In 1843 he married Catharine Hubler, born in Pennsylvania, in 1822. Fourteen children were born to them, nine of whom are now living. This son, Lewis, served for three years, during the war of the Rebellion, in the Ninety-third Ohio volunteer infantry.

in the year 1805. He first settled in Gasper township, where he lived until 1811, when he removedto Twin township, and lived here until his death in 1838. Samuel Enoch, son of Isaac, is sull living in Twin township at an advanced age. He was born in Butler county, Ohio, in 1798, married, in 1817, Eliza Hewitt, whose father, Israel Hewitt, was among the first settlers on Seven Mile creek above Eaton.

Jacob Bare moved to Preble county, Ohio, from Warren county in 1816, and settled in Twin township, at the mouth of Price's creek. He lived there on the old Van- Winkle farm until his death, which occurred in 1822, in his fifty-fifth year. He was born in Pennsylvania, and moved to Warren county in 1805. His wife, Mary, died many years after her husband's death. Six of their nine children are living. ;

Henry Bare was born near Lebanon, Warren county, in 1805, and in 1826 married Ann Foreman, who was born in Virginia in 1811. Her father was formerly a hatter in Lexington. Henry Bare was at one time a cooper, but is now a farmer. They have been members of the German Baptist church for over forty years, and Mr. Bare has been a minister for thirty years. Ten of his fifteen children are living.

Nathaniel Benjamin was born in Morris county, New Jersey, June 25, 1795. He served an apprenticeship at the carpenter trade, and in the fall of 1817 came to Cincinnati on foot and with his knapsack on his back. He engaged there at his trade until the following January, when he was induced to come to New Lexington, this county, by John Ayres, whom he had formerly known, and who had established a store in that then promising town. Mr. Benjamin's employer in. Cincinnati offered him lots on Sixth street in that city at one hundred dollars alot, with the privilege of paying for them out of his wages at one dollar and seventy-five cents per day. Mr. Ayers, however, set forth in such a glowing manner the wonderful capabilities and prospects of New Lexington, believing that it would, in the near future, become a place of considerable importance, that he communicated a large share of his enthusiasm to his young friend. It is probable, however, that a young lady then living in Lexington - Miss Hannah Johnson, sister of the wife of Abijah Hayward - had something to do in attracting him hither, for on the seventh of the following November he made the said young lady his wife. For the subsequent thirteen years he resided in Lexington, eleven of which he kept a public house. The only persons now living between Lewisburgh and Winchester who were married at time of Mr. Beujamin's marriage are the widow Winkle and widow Robinson of this township. Mr. Benjamin was for twelve years justice of the peace at Lexington, during which time he officiated at ninety-seven weddings. When he removed from Lexington he settled on a farm on the hill above John H. Markey's, where he lived until 1851, when he removed to West Alexandria, and has since resided in that village. He is the father of two children, one living and the other dead. The oldest is Catharine, now widow of Dr. A. W. Dewey, and living in Cicero, Indiana. The other daughter, Mary Ann, died in October, 1879. She was the wife of Charles B. Dewey, brother of her sisters husband, who is also deceased.

Charles Wysong was born in Franklin county, Virginia, in 1802. His father removed from that State, with his family, to Montgomery county, Ohio, in 1817. Charles was married in 1825 to Margaret Gustin, of Warren county, Ohio, and shortly afterward settled in Twin township, Preble county, on the east county line, where he resesided until he moved into West Alexandria, some seven years ago. He has raised a family of eleven children, ten of whom are now living. The grandchildren and great-grandchildren of Mr. and Mrs. Wysong number nearly one hundred.

Jacob Bowers came from Pennsylvania and settled in Twin township, about the year 1820, removing here from Germantown, Montgomery county, Ohio. He finally removed to Indiana. His son, John, born in Pennsylvania, married Delilah Wysong, of Montgomery county, and settled in Twin township, and carried on for many years the old Bowers mill, on Twin creek, which his father had

Mahlon Karn came to New Lexington in 1827, from Maryland. He was born in 1811, and in 1832 married Lovey. Fritz, of New Lexington. They have had four children, of whom two are living: James H. Karn, of West Alexandria, and Mrs. Julia A. Holland, postmistress of West Alexandria. In 1839 he removed to West Alexandria, where he now resides.

age, removed from Pennsylvania to Butler county, Ohio, in 1822. In 1829 he came to Preble county, and settled on Banta's fork, in Twin township, on the farm which he still owns. His wife died in 1874, at the age of sixtyseven. He has ten children living and one deceased, viz: Peter, Henry, and Jacob, on the pike west of West Alexandria; Margaret (Oyler) deceased; Mary Jane (Poullus) in Van Wert county; Julia A., wife of Harvey Waymire, in West Alexandria; Lucinda, wife of John W. Sayler, on the Dayton pike, west of West Alexandria; Elizabeth, wife of Washington Ozias, in Twin township; Elcina (Bell) in Montgomery county ; Christian, on the old home place in Twin; and Philip, on the pike, west of West Alexandria.

Joel Shaw was born in 1803, in England, from whence he emigrated to the United States, in the year 1829. He removed from Kentucky to Dayton, Ohio, in 1835, and a year afterwards settled in Butler county, Ohio. In 1840 he came to Preble county, and settled in this township, on the farm now owned by Herman Voge. He removed to Illinois in the spring of 1879, and is still living there.

John T. Shaw, the only one of the family now living in the county, was born in Kentucky in 1835, and removed to Preble county with his father in 1840. In 1855 he was married to Seraphina Fudge, and now occupies the place in Lanier township on which William Wright, sr., formerly lived.

Jacob Stotler emigrated from Somerset county, Pennsylvania, where he was born in 1797, to Preble county, in 1833. He settled in section thirty-six, on the farm now owned by William Campbell He died there in 1851, in his fifty-fifth year. His wife, whose maiden name was Mary Ann Sorber, and whom he married in Pennsylvania, died here in 1846, in her. forty-fifth year. Of ten children born to them, four are now living, viz: Edward S. of West Alexandria; Mrs. Lucinda Earhart, living in Darke county; Miriam, wife of Joseph Copp, of this township; and Margaret J., wife of Bethuel Harris, of Lanier township.

Henry Snyder, born in Virginia in 1792, and when a young man of twenty-two years of age came with his parents to Montgomery county, Ohio. In 816 he was married £o Pamelia, daughter of Rev. Samuel Mow, a Lutheran clergyman, When he moved to this county he settled in this township in section twenty-three, where Conrad Binkey now lives. He afterwards sold his farm and was living in Johnsville, Montgomery county, at the time of his death, which took place in March, 1876. His wife died in March, 1851. They raised a large family of children - thirteen in number, ten of whom are yet living, as follows: Mrs. Daniel Unrue and Mrs. Jonathan Guntle in Elkhart county, Indiana; James, in Linn county, Iowa; Pamelia, wife of Greenbury Loy, of this township; Mrs. Moses Gangwer, near Lewisburgh, this county; Samuel, in Twin township; Henry, in Grant county, Indiana; E. N. and Lovina, in Miami county, Ohio, and Mrs. Jacob Trick, in Eaton. - Elizabeth (Mrs. Tragger) John, Harry and Daniel are dead. Samuel, who resides in section twentyfour, this township, was born in 1828; was married in 1841 to Maria Stubbs, of Montgomery county. Ohio.

Robert Davidson was born in Ireland, and in 1822 emigrated to this country. For eight years he was clerk in his uncle's store in Cincinnati. In 1836 he found his way to Preble county, and established a general store in a part of the house now occupied by Dr. Hill, in New Lexington. He has been in this business ever since, his present store being located just across the street from Dr. Hill's residence. In 1840 he married Sarah Miller; whose father, Frederick Miller, was one of the earliest settlers in Twin township. July 1, 1880, Mrs. Davidson died, and was buried in the Presbyterian cemetery July 4th.

Amos Markey, born in Baltimore county, Maryland; was married in 1821 to Jane Eby, of the same county, and in 1838 emigrated to Preble county, Ohio, after a residence of some years in Carroll (formerly Frederick) county, Maryland. He arrived here in the spring, and the following fall bought nearly three hundred acres of land in Twin township, where his son, John H. Markey, now lives. He died there in 1844, and his widow, subsequently married John Harter, whom she also survives. She is now seventy-eight years of age, having been born in Baltimore county, Maryland, in 1802. She has six children living and two deceased, namely: Jacob (dead), John H., living on the homestead; Christian, in Jackson township; Samuel, who died in California; Susannah, wife of Franklin N. Fudge, of Lanier township; Amos, in Missouri; Nathaniel, near Dayton, and Joseph, who married in 1862 Barbara, daughter of Samtel Hart, and who, like his brother, John, is one of the most substantial farmers of this township. His aged mother resides with him.

Andrew Copp was born in Shenandoah county, Virginia, in 1798. He was married there to Elizabeth Huddle, who was two years his senior. In 1832 they emigrated to Ohio with a family of six children. They came in a four-horse wagon, and brought with them two cows, which the son, Andrew, then a lad of nine years, drove on foot nearly all the way out. On arriving in Preble county, the family took up their abode for a few months in Lanier township, and in the spring of 1833 moved into Twin township, and settled in the southeast corner in section thirty-six. The farm is now owned by Mr. Lewis Drayer. Mr. Copp opened there a tavern which he kept for a number of years. He subsequently moved into Lanier township, locating where his son, Andrew, now lives, but finally moved out into the Dayton pike, where he resided until his death, which took place in 1848. His wife died in 1849. Of their six - children, four are yet living, viz: Mrs. Lucy Stover, on Banta's creek, in this township; Andrew, who married Matilda Klinger, resides in Lanier on the the old home place; Mrs. Elizabeth Klinger, in Darke county, Ohio, and Joseph, who married Miriam Stotler, resides in section twenty-eight, this township.

Johnson McLean, esq., settled in West Alexandria in 1849. He was born in Greencastle, Pennsylvania, in 1826, and at sixteen years of age commenced to learn the saddler's trade in his native county. After he came to Preble county he worked jour work until 1853, since which time he has been engaged in business for himself. In 1857 he was elected justice of the peace for Twin township, and is now serving his seventh term, six of which were continuous terms. In 1855 he was united in marriage with Lucinda Loxley, of Twin township.

George Sauer, born in Germany in 1807, emigrated with his father to the United States in 1826. He lived in Montgomery county, Ohio, until 1840, when he removed to Twin township, near West Alexandria. He married, in 1833, Ann Mary Kisling, who died in 1859. He was married to his present wife, then Mrs. Margaret Eagle, in 1869. Mr. Sauer has two children, namely: Elizabeth, wife of John Fadder, of Lanier township, and Sarah, wife of Herman Vogue, of Twin township.

Frederick Pontius emigrated from Pennsylvania to Ohio in 1822 or 1823. He settled in Gratis township and died there aged seventy-two or seventy-three. His oldest son, John, formerly a well known resident of Twin township, was born in Pennsylvania in 1817. He married Nancy Marsh, in Montgomery county, in 1840, and in 1844 settled north of Pyrmont, in that county. In the summer of 1850 he moved to Twin township, Preble county, and settled where his son Levi now lives. He died in 1875. Mrs. Pontius is still living with her son and is now seventy-seven years old. Levi Pontius, the son, occupies the homestead and was married in 1869 to Miss Mary Westerfield, of Twin township.

William Klinger was born in Cumberland county, Pennsylvania, in 1792; came to Ohio with his father, Philip Klinger, in 1810. Philip Klinger settled in Montgomery county, but several of his sons subsequently be- a half northeast of West Alexandria. He cleared up a farm there and afterwards moved out on to the pike where Daniel Kritzer now lives. He kept hotel on the hill there from about 1833 to 185o, when he moved into West Alexandria, where he died in 1863. His widow, now nearly ninety years of age, is still living with her sonin-law, Andrew Copp, in Lanier township. They had seven children, four of whom are living: Henry C., in West Alexandria; Matilda, wife of Andrew Copp, in Lanier, southeast of West Alexandria; Samuel, in California, and Mary, wife of Jonathan Kesslinger, in Euphemia,

Philip Hewit, sr., came from North Carolina as early as 1807, and settled on Banta's fork, south of the road leading from Lexington to Eaton. He afterwards moved down on the Miami river, and built a mill near Miamisburgh. Philip, his son, settled on a part of the homestead, in Twin, but finally moved to Darke county, where he died. Only two of the family are now living, viz: Mrs. John L. Quinn, in Eaton, and the wife of Henry C. Klinger, in West Alexandria.

John Henry Voge emigrated with his family from Brunswick, near Bremen, Germany, to this county, in 1847. He settled in this township, half a mile north of West Alexandria. He was born in 1813, and died in Montgomery county in 1874. His wife, Margaret, is still living there, aged sixty-five. They have seven chil- Herman, born in 1838, married Ann, daughter of George Sauer, and has five children.

William Longstreet came from New Jersey at an early date, and settled in Montgomery county, near Springsburg. In 1854 he moved to New Lexington and resided there until his death, in October, 1860. His wife survived him, her death occurring some nine years since. Of their five children, Mrs. Mary E. Trick is the oldest. She was married in 1858 to John C. Trick, who, when a child, in 1830, emigrated with his parents from Germany. His father, Frederick Trick, settled where Mrs. Trick now lives, and John C. occupied it after his father's death. John C. Trick died in January, 1875. There are five other children of William Longstreet, namely: Mrs. David Haywood and Mrs. Michael Wolf, in West Alexandria; Mrs. John Hart, in Jackson township; Martha, wife of Daniel Young, in Lanier township, on the pike west of West Alexandria, and Christopher, in Kansas.

Organization

Prior to the year 1811 the whole of the third range was known as Twin township. The name is derived from the creek which runs through it from north to south.

In 1811 Gratis and Lanier townships were cut off and organized as they now stand, and for some time Harrison and Twin formed one township. In 1815 Harrison became separate, and Twin, with little of its former self but its name, assumed its present dimensions.

At this first election Frederick Miller was elected justice of the peace, and Henry Kessling, Simeon Van Winkle, and - - were elected township trustees.

When Harrison and Twin were one the elections were held at the house of John Vance, on the farm in section thirty-three of what is now Harrison township, where George Weaver now lives. It is not known just when the first election was held at Vance's, but it is remembered that after it was over there were only three men. left without an office, and to the credit of these men be it said that they did not try to create offices for themselves.

The present township officers are: James CarroH, John Zimmerman, and Wesley Ozias, trustees; N. S. Hart, clerk; Robert Davidson, treasurer; Johnson Mc- Lean, of West Alexandria, and N. S. Hart, of New Lexington, justices of the peace.

Wandering companies of the Shawaees, Delawares, Miamis, Mingos, and Pottawatomies once held the territory of Preble county as a neutral hunting ground. Game of all kinds was plenty. Buffalo and elk still were to be found, and bears were numerous. Small game was too numerous to be noticed. The territory between Whitewater and the Miami valleys was traversed with well defined Indian trails. A favorite path was through the region of the Twin valley, now embraced in Twin township. As has been said, there was no better health resort for sick Indians than Twin valley. Neither was there any better hunting ground. The Indians of that primitive day are to be envied by the Za/z/ues of modern resorts, in that they were enabled to pursue and secure business, pleasure, and health, the three requisites of happiness, at an expense of almost nothing, and right at home, too.

In the years 1803-4 there were several companies of them in Twin township. One band of more than seventyfive warriors of the Pottawatomies pitched their wigwams just west of where Jacob Rape lives, in section twentytwo, not far from Twin creek.

About fifteen hundred camped on the Ozias place, in sections ten and three, and the country round about was their hunting ground. They are never known to have injured the white man, who was every day limiting the freedom of the original owners of the forest. As long as the Pottawatomies lived in Twin township they were friendly and peaceable.

of the Pottawatomies, prevailed upon them to leave this part of the country. The time for this migration was set | for the first of May. The setting sun of the thirtieth of April left them as usual on the old camp ground, and the rising sun of the morrow found in the valley of the Twin only the ashes of their camp fires, and overtook theni far | on their westward journey.

Their departure was quiet, and no doubt the white settlers thought that they had seen the last of them, but in the War of 1812 these same Pottawatomies, under the influence of Tecumseh, joined the English, and at this time the Indians came back to their old haunts, and overtaking the traders who had not treated them fairly at Fort Greenville, they wreaked their vengeance upon Stoner and Elliott.

The Indians In The War Of 2

were very troublesome to the soldiers. Men who could out-general the British red-coats, lost their scalps at the hands of the wiley savages, who acted forthe English as the hounds of war. - -

In the fall of 1812 Captain Trotter's company of the regiment of Kentucky cavalry, commanded by Colonels Bal and Simmerell and Major McDowell, passed through Preble county en route for the Indian towns along the Missisinewa river, near where Marion, Indiana, now stands. On their way they rested for about a week on the hill adjoining New Lexington on the south, and the people of the neighborhood were happy to make the acquaintance of these stranger soldier boys in their midst. Among them was a young man of fine address and pleasing manners, Sergeant Henry Riddle, of one of the best Kentucky families. His gentlemanly conduct and social qualities won for him the highest esteem of all who made his acquaintance. He left Lexington with his company in the full vigor of his young manhood, little thinking of the hardship, suffering and death awaiting him.

The company arrived on the banks of the Missisinewa, and, right in the midst of hostile Indians, made a halt early in December. One night, soon after their encampment, they were attacked. by a large force of Indians. A deep snow covered the ground and the night was bitter cold. The brave Kentuckians retired behind their camp fires, and, concealing themselves as best they could, awaited the approach of day. Though they had suffered terribly with the intense cold, they were ready in the early morning to return the attack of the "' red-skins." A sharp fight ensued, entailing considerable loss to both sides. In this engagement the Kentuckians numbered several killed and about forty wounded. Among those severely wounded was the popular young sergeant, Henry Riddle. The company succeeded in repulsing the Indians for a time, and hastily destroyed a number of their villages; but Tecumseh with an army was near by, delayed by the heavy snow, and it was necessary to beat a hasty retreat. The company, broken up into little squads, accordingly started for home. The wounded were carried on litters. Sergeant Riddle was then placed in charge of four of his comrades - Conley, Bailey, McBride, and McCarty - and the little party started on the long and weary homeward journey. They few days reached the vicinity of New Lexington and their old encampment. The bitter cold and the scarcity of provisions caused great suffering among the returning soldiers, and all along the way the kind-hearted settlers met them with horses and provisions, thereby saving many a life. When Sergeant Riddle reached the old camp ground, near Lexington, his courage failed, and his wounds had grown so much worse by reason of constant exposure to the inclemencies of the winter weather that it was thought best to make a halt, and thus give the sick man a chance for his life. His litter was set down before the house of Frederick Miller, just south of Lexington, near their former camping place.

While Sergeant Riddle was among them in the early part of December, in the full vigor of perfect health, the settlers had become acquainted with him, and had learned to esteem him. As soon as the neighbors heard that their friend was lying at Mr. Miller's sick and helpless, they vied with each other in supplying his wants, and he

Notwithstanding the careful nursing and many comforts which he received, it was evident to all that death had marked him for his own. He gradually sank, and in January, 1813, slept the sleep that knows no waking.

The peculiar circumstances of this death excited the sympathy of the whole community, and although their acquaintance with the young soldier was of short duration, the people mourned for him, and every possible preparation was made to give him a soldier's burial. The coffin in which the remains of Sergeant Riddle were placed, was made by Alexander Stinson, of New Lexington. At the funeral Captains David E. Hendricks and James I. Nisbit were present with their companies, and honored the memory of the dead by a military parade, martial music, and a parting salute over the grave, which was situated a half mile from Lexington, on the south line of Frederick Miller's farm, about one hundred yards west of the West Alexandria and Lewisburgh pike. Here until 1826, rested the remains of the gallant soldier. At that time it was thought that his grave and his memory would be better preserved in the cemetery at West Alexandria, and accordingly the remains were disinterred, and with appropriate ceremonies, buried in the cemetery. On this occasion the coffin was made by John.Miller, of West Alexandria, and Captain Elzroth with his company turned out and fired a military salute over the final resting place of Sergeant Riddle.

It is to be regretted that no memorial stone marks the last resting place of the soldier. The exact position of his grave cannot be given, as there is not a vestige of a mound to be seen. The grave is in the northwestern part of the cemetery, and almost anybody in the vicinity can tell about the place.

Early Events

The first house in the township was built by Judge Nesbit, where the first brick house in the county was built in 1811. This brick house is three stories high but narrow. It is still in good condition.

Frederick Miller produced the first crop of wheat. Henry Kesling had the first bearing orchard. There are some of the old trees still standing.

Washington townships contested with companies from Harrison and Monroe. Every man was a good shot, and the pesky little squirrels died by hundreds. On the day of this big hunt nearly three thousand "bunnies" yielded up their little lives, and there was only a difference of fifty between the two companies, but which company beat is not recollected. This occurred in 1815.

It was customary on holiday occasions for all the good: shots in the township and surrounding neighborhood to gather in some central location, and have a turkey match. Among those who could hit the turkey *every pop" was Jacob Rape, sr., who never thought of taking a rest for his rifle while shooting.

The awful. screaming of a scared catamount was enough'to curdle the warmest blood. One night when Elder Adrian Aten was going home from meeting at New Lexington, just as he arrived at the stone quarry on Rape's run, man and horse were nearly scared to death by the scream of a catamount, whose den was in the quarry, and man and horse were home before they knew if.

One day Henry. Kesling went into the woods to cut a hoop pole, to make a hoop fora sugar-water tub. He was just unslinging his sharp axe to cut a hickory sapling that grew by the side of a big log, when he was surprised by a big black bear that immediately showed its teeth and beckoned him to its embrace. But Kesling had no idea of being hugged by a bear. Without stopping a moment he dealt bruin a death blow with his axe, and the family was supplied with fresh meat.

About twenty years ago a tremendous big catamount imposed upon the people in the vicinity of West Alexandria by making them think that it was a panther escaped from some show. Nobody was afraid of it, but they all kept out of the neighborhood. It was finally killed and the imposition discovered.

Early Schools

The firseschool-house in Twin township, was a little log cabin, which stood in New Lexington, not far from the site of the old Presbyterian church. It was opened as a school about the year i807, probably by George Miller, son of Frederick Miller. He was followed by David Williams. 'The house was a deserted cabin that had been used for a short time as a residence. It was owned by James I. Nisbet. The benches were rough, and the light was admitted through little windows, covered with greased paper.

What is known as the Whipple school-house, was built near where Whipple's mill now stands, on Price's creek, in section eight. The first school opened there in 1812, was taught by Thomas Coldscott, who remained for several winters.- Afterwards this school was divided, and one school was established in the northwest corner of section sixteen, and the other further north. These two schools were the nucleus around which the present efficient school system of the township is formed. The township is divided into eight school districts, and there are nine school-houses, there being two buildings in New Lexington. The present handsome and commodious two-story brick building, at Lexington, was put up in 1873. It is a credit to the place, and is a proof of the deep interest which is taken in educational matters.

Twin and its largest tributary, Price's creek, have always offered excellent water-power to those wishing to locate mills, and from the earliest days of the settlement, Twin township's saw and flouring-mills, have been in operation.

New Lexington, the center of the first settlement. It was erected in February, 1805, by James I. Nisbit, the founder of Lexington, and its early enterprise. Here the first wheat raised in the township was ground, and the first timber was sawed.

The first saw-mill was built soon after this on Twin, just north of Lexington, by John Van Winkle. This mill was afterwards bought by John Mumma, and then by Solomon Meckley. It is now a steam mill, owned by Henry Wick, and John Winkleman.

Prior to Judge Nisbit's death he sold the mill at Lexington to John Mumma, who tore the old building down, and erected the building that is still standing. The privilege of this mill was afterwards purchased by Stotler, Gale, and Glander, who, in 1861, built the flouring-mill at West Alexandria, in Twin township. The mill was operated by this firm until the death of Mr. Gale, which occurred in 18 - , when his interest was purchased by the surviving members of the firm. A few years ago Mr. Stotler became sole proprietor, and in the spring of 1880, sold the mill to J. M. Kinsel & Company.

The second grist and saw-mill in the township, and the first on Price's creek, was built at an early day by Henry Price. It is situated in section five, about a mile and a half above the Eaton & Lewisburgh road, and is now operated by Andrew Clemmer.

About the year 1828, Isaac Enoch built a grist-mill in section eight, and soon afterwards built a second one, which is now operated by the heirs of Borlace Whipple, after whom it is called, Whipple's mill It is now a steam, and water-mill. The upper mill has always been run by water-power.

Woollen Mill

The branch flowing from the Mammoth spring, with its strong stream of pure water, affords excellent advantages for milling purposes, and accordingly, in 1830, a woollen-mill was erected on the left bank of the branch, not far from its entrance into Price's creek. Isaac Enoch, and his son Henry, were the first proprietors. It is a large three-story frame building, and ever since its founding it has been doing an extensive business. There is but one other woollen-mill in Preble county. Enoch & Son sold out to Joseph B. Shaw, who is the present proprietor.

In the early settlement of this county, a glance at the history proves that the settlers had correct principles concerning the necessity of maintaining a high standard of moral and intellectual excellence. In the country from which each emigrated, were the little school-houses and churches,

In Twin township it was especially to be noticed that a spirit of liberalityand-religious tolerance prevailed among the first settlers. Yet they did not neglect their religious culture.

Among the first settlers of the township there were representatives of two denonimations - the Presbyterians and the Baptists. For a number of years these people united in their meetings, holding them in the little schoolhouse near where the Presbyterian church now stands.

About the year 1828 a difference of opinion arose concerning the propriety of allowing a Universalist minister to preach in the school-house church, and though there was no bitter quarrel, the end was the establishment of the two most strongly represented churches - the Presbyterian and Regular Baptist.

The Baptist Church

was the weaker of the two in point of numbers, and naturally enough in trying to establish their church, formed an alliance with those whose religious beliefs were undefined by denominational lines.

After mutual conference it was decided to build a church on the most liberal basis, although it was to be called the Regular Baptist church. It was agreed that those who subscribed, should have charge of the building, and have full control of the business of the congregation.

At the first election Asa W. Malloy, of Eaton, Nathaniel Benjamin and George Ivens were appointed trustees. George Ivens was the only one of the three belonging to . the church.

Rev. Poyner and Rey. John Day effected the organization in 1829, during which year a substantial, though small and plain brick building was put up. Rev. Anderson Adams, a son-in-law of John Van Winkle, Rey. James Sanford, Rev. William Williams, the pioneer Baptist preacher, Rev. James Eaton, a missionary from New York, and others occasionally preached, though

About the year 1831 a preacher by the name of Burnet, from Cincinnati, a strong believer in the doctrines taught by Alexander Campbell, came to the Lexington church, and in a short time brought all of the Baptists over to his side, except George Ivens, and a petition was sent to the Baptist association asking for dismission from the church. The petition was granted, and the church, though still liberal, was called the Campbellite church. Preaching continued there from time to time until about fifteen years ago, since which time the church has been deserted. Until 1879, the building was in a tumble-down condition, and Squire Benjamin, the only surviving trustee, was about to sell it to Peter Van Ausdal for eighty dollars. But the people of the neighborhood rallied, and 2 subscription was raised, which was used to repair the building. The United Brethren have been holding services in it since July, 1879.

Presbyterian

At the time of the separation of the two denominations there was a regularly organized society of Presbyterians, consisting of about thirty members. Rev. Samuel J. Miller, a Presbyterian minister who took charge of the congregrtion in 1828, was the first regular pastor. At this time C. Van Doren and B. Aten were the elders. In the winter of 1828 there was an interesting revival of religion, which resulted in an accession of forty persons to the church. The next summer the little brick church, which is still standing in Lexington, was built. It is still in its primitive state, with its old fashioned windows, high backed benches,/and high pulpit towering in the center. In October, 1379, Mr. Miller was ordained and installed pastor of the church, which office he filled faithfully un- 'til the fall of 1836, when he resigned and took charge of the Pleasant Ridge church. During his ministry in the church at Léxington the following persons were ordained and installed as ruling elders: Isaac Pierson, Ebenezer B. Ayers and George Miller.

years ago, there were not more than half a dozen members left, so quickly bad emigration and death reduced the ranks. Robert Davidson and Phebe Ayers are the only members living in the vicinity. The aged pastor, Rev. S. J. Miller, is still living at Washington court house, Ohio.

'This church is a branch of the Lutheran church at Lewisburgh, and was organized about 1847, by Rev. Jacob Gruber, who preached there for some time afterwards. It is a little frame building, located in the extreme northeastern corner of Twin township, on the Syler farm. Michael Hoerner, John Chambers, and Christopher Syler were among the first officers of the church. Rev. George Baughman, of Eaton; Rev. G. W. Busby, Rev. George Baughman, jr, and Rev. Schroyer

About the time of the organization of the church, this people got into a religious controversy with the members of the New School Lutherans, who worshipped at the Shiloh meeting house. At that time Rev. Andrew Henkle, of Germantown, frequently came up and fought the battles of his church, and it is said that he was a very successful debater. Rey. William C. Barnet, now of situated in the southeast part of section twelve, was organized about 1840, by Rev. Thomas H. Wentworth, of the German Reformed church. He was the pastofwhen the house was built, and continued to preach until about 1850, when he left, and the church went down.

At the time that the Old School branch built the St. John's church, the-New School brethren decided to have a church of their own, and hence secured Shiloh church, where they at present have a very flourishing congregation. pi H

Rev. Abraham Recks was the first pastor, and it was: he who engaged in discussion with the brethren of tbe Old School. He preached there for two or three years, and was followed by Revs. Barnet, Geiger, Helwig, and the present pastor, Mr. Graugh.

Kelley'S Chapel

was an old Methodist church, and was named after Rev. George Kelley, who organized the church, and is now pastor of the Wesley chapel in Cincinnati. The church was built of logs in 1835, on the farm of Frederick Hartman, in section fourteen. The church had a small membership, and soon went down, and there is scarcely a vestige of the ruins of the building.

The graveyard at the Presbyterian church in New Lexington is the oldest in Twin township. The first burial in the township was that of Grandfather William Nisbit, who died June 7, 1809, aged seventy-five. His grave is just back of the church. If there was any earlier burial there is no recollection of it. In this place are also buried Dr. Robert Patterson Nisbit, who died in 1862, aged fifty-four; Dr. John Jackson Nisbit, June 28, 1864,

1839, aged twenty-five; Frederick Miller, 1835, aged seventy-four; Elizabeth, his wife, 1835, aged seventythree; Sarah Davidson, their daughter, July 1, 1880, aged about eighty; William Longstreet, 1858, aged fiftyeight; Thomas Nisbit; Judge James I. Nisbit. 1830; and others of the earliest settlers.

In the cemetery adjoining the Baptist church are buried Simeon Van Wrinkle, died in 1831, aged sixtythree; his mother, Phebe, who died September 12, 1866, aged ninety-nine years, eleven months and nine days;

The St. John's cemetery is in low marshy ground, and is not generally used. Here is buried Christopher Syler, the man on whose ground the church is built.

There is a cemetery near Brennersville, seventeen, on the farm of J. A. Bantz. The first grave was dug there in 1812, Here are buried Isaac Enoch, Peter Warren, Mr. McGriff, and others whose names cannot be ascertained. à)

A number of graves in both cemeteries are marked with gough stones, simply bearing the initials of the deceased, and many old graves have no mark M" which they can be identified.

The Dunkers have an old graveyard in section sixteen on.John Hart's place. It is located away from the road, and is overgrown with bushes. Many prominent members of the German Baptist church are butied here. John Hart and wife, Jacob Bare and his son Jacob, and others sleep here.

There is a deserted little burying-ground in the southeast quarter of section fourteen, in which Timothy Pierson and members of his family, and several others are buried. There is no sign of a graveyard there now.

Henry Hapner came to Twin township in the fall of 1811, but he could not forget his old home, and in the spring of 1812 died of home sickness, or "home sieges," as it was then called. : He is buried on the Hapner place, in section four, a little north of the house.

New Lexington

are found all along Price's creek and Banta's fork, though many good localities have not yet been worked. Price's creek abounds in good limestone, which is used for building purposes. The most extensive quarry is known as the Twin Valley Stone Works, owned by J. O. Deem. These quarries yield an unusually fine quality of flagging stone, the stone lying in very even courses of suitable thickness. NEW LEXINGTON.

The plat of this little town has never been recorded, but investigation proves that this is the oldest town in Preble county, and for some time rivaled its sister town of Eaton in importance.

A short time prior to the founding of Eaton by William Bruce, in 1806, James I. Nisbit, who, since his settlement in 1805, had lived on a farm in section

_ twenty-seven, laid out part of his farm into town lots, and announced that his new town was to be called New Lexington, after Lexington, Kentucky, whence he had emigrated. Mr. Nisbit built the first house, a log cabin, in New Lexington. It was situated where he afterwards built his brick house, in the eastern part of the village. A number of houses were soon afterwards put up, and the enterprising and enthusiastic founder of the little town saw, or thought he saw, in Lexington an embryo city. At the time of the organization of the county, when it became necessary to select a capital, this village was first named as the one to be selected, and for a time it was thought that it would become the county seat. The citizens of Eaton and New Lexington each contended sharply for a decision in their favor. Mr. Nisbit worked very hard to secure for his town the name, county seat. The matter was finally decided by the legislature which, in 1808, appointed three commissioners and vested in them the authority to decide the question, which to the contesting towns was a question of life or death to them. Lexington had precedence of birth, and as the eldest, claimed the gift of the county seat as a birthright. On the other hand, Eaton was a hamlet of much promise, and, furthermore, it had the advantages of a central location. The commissioners appointed were Aaron Harlon, Ichabod B. Halsey, and Ichabod Corwin. They were to select between the two points, to establish the county seat, and report the same to the court of common pleas for confirmation. After viewing both places they found that as far as the towns themselves were concerned it was "six of one and half a dozen of the other," but in respect of position Eaton had the advantage of central location, and this advantage decided the fate of the two villages. The question of municipal life or death was settled, with the odds against New Lexington, and to-day the only reminder of the once high aspirations of the little village is the tall threestory brick house, which Judge Nisbit built in 1811, and which he had designed for the court house.

Since the decision against it, the village has lacked the spirit of enterprise so necessary to the growth of a © town, and at the death of Judge Nisbit, the last hope, of Lexington's growth died.

Mr. Nisbit sold goods at his house at a very early day. Lexington was on the direct mail route between Dayton and Richmond, prior to the building of the State road through West Alexandria, at which time the post office was removed from New Lexington to West Alexandria. James I. Nisbit was the first postmaster, and the only one. The mail was at first carried on horseback, and afterwards in a cart drawn by a tandem team.

In 1836 Robert Davidson, of Cincinnati, started a general store in the frame house built by John B. Ayres, where Dr. Hill now resides. Mr. Davidson is now proprietor of the village store, which, true to the ideal of a country store, offers to the public everything from a needle to a haystack.

From the very first New Lexington has been the voting place of the township. The school building, a handsome two-story brick, was erected in 1873. The old was laid out about 1835 by John Brenner. He never had.the plat of the town recorded, but sold lots of an acre each to any desirous of forming the little community. Esom Taylor built the first house, a little cabin in the west part of the hamlet, where the little store was kept and travellers were entertained. There are at present but four houses and a blacksmith shop. The name has gradually degenerated, and to-day the name of Brennersville is Sniffletown. It is on the line of the proposed railroad at the southern extremity of section eight.

West Alexandria is pleasantly situated on the west bank of Twin creek, in the midst of the richest agricultural region in the county, and contains about six hundred inhabitants. One-half of the town lies in Lanier and the other half in Twin, the Dayton turnpike, which forms the township line, passing through the center and constituting its principal street. The town is said to be the wealthiest in the State in proportion to the number of inhabitants. It contains three substantial churches, thé finest school-

. building in the county and many handsome residences. The town presents a neat, substantial and thrifty appearance. Its people are intelligent, moral and hospitable.

West Alexandria wag laid out in August, 1818. Forty lots comprised the original town plat, twenty on the Twin side being laid out by Henry Keisling, and twenty on the Lanier side by William Alexander, for whom the town was named. Keisling was one of the earliest settlers of Twin township, having located just north of where the village now stands, on the farm now owned by George Sauer, as early as 1804. He died in 1835 and is buried in the village cemetery. . He never became to any extent identified with the town, and Mr. Alexander, who did, spending his subsequent life here, is regarded as its founder. A brief sketch of him and of his settlement here may properly preface this sketch, the facts for which we get from his widow, who still resides in the town. He was born in Virginia February 27, 1791, and in the spring of 1817, with his wife and one child, a few months old, removed to Ohio. "They were four weeks and four days in making the journey to Hamilton, Ohio, where a brother of Mr. Alexander then lived, and it rained every day during the trip but four. Alexander left his family at Hamilton while he went in search of a permanent location. He came to Twin creek, where his brother-in-law, Jacob Sorber, had moved the year previous, and purchased of Jacob Hell eighty acres of land, a part of which now constitutes the south side of the town. The next spring be brought his family from Hamilton. They found here, where West Alexandria now stands, a little cleared patch of ground and four rude log buildings - the old Reformed church, a school-house and two cabins. One of the cabins stood where the store of J. E. Davis

*Our thanks are due Rev. Mr. Herman, Mayor Campbell and O. Shephard, esq., for courtesies extended the writer. The sketch of the Reformed church was prepared by Mr. Herman, and that of the public school by Mr. Sheppard.

now is, and was occupied by a family by the name of Coble, who soon after moved away. The other cabin stood on the site now occupied by the store of Coffman & Block, and had been occupied as a dwelling and blacksmith shop by John Clapp, the first blacksmith in the neighborhood. These two families were mere squatters, not owning any land. Alexander, after a short stay with the Sorbers, moved into the Clapp cabin, and not long after, William Sherman arrived, taking possession of the Coble domicile. In the fall of the same year Alexander provided more comfortable quarters in which to spend the winter, by the erection of a hewed-log addition to his house, twenty feet square, and in the spring of 1819 Valentine B. Mikesell, who had been living at Nisbet's mill, took up his abode in the part vacated. From this humble beginning has grown up the pleasant and enterprising town of West Alexandria, William Alexander died in April, 1837, and is buried in the cemetery in this village. His widow is still living, having reached the remarkable age of ninety-three years. She resides in this village where she settled in the spring of 1818, having had a continuous residence within its corporate limits of nearly sixty-three* years. She retains her faculties, mental and physical, in a remarkably good state of preservation. She is as spry and active as many people one-half her age. Before the beginning of the present century she saw, and-shook hands with, General Washington. She was born in Lehigh county, Pennsylvania, January 1, 1788, and was married to William Alexander April 24, 1816. She has had nine children, all now deceased but two - Mrs. John Winters, living in Springfield, Ohio, and Perry, in Eaton, Ohio.

Early in the spring of, 1819, Valentine B. Mikesell commenced the erection of a frame tavern of two rooms, where the Lange house now stands, and shortly afterward William Alexander put up a larger one, where his dwelling had stood, on the present Coffman & Block corner. The erection of these buildings was quite an event, and settlers with their families gathered from many miles around to assist in the raising, and to take part in the fun that followed. They had a big dance, at which a kind of peach brandy (''peachley cure" Mrs. Alexander says they innocently called it) flowed pretty freely, and resulted in the whole crowd becoming intoxicated.

The Mikesell tavern has been owned successively by Michael Klinger, Samuel Fisher, Miller, Isaac Johnson, Fred. Shafer, Henry Weber and Henry Lange, the present proprietor. Mr. Lange bought the property in March, 1879, and has since made extensive improvements. Alexander carried on the hotel business on the other corner for some seven years. The property afterward passed into the hands of Dennis Kelley. It was burned down on the night of July 26, 1863, being the result of a public jollification over the capture of the rebel raider Morgan. 'The fire was the most disastrous in the history of the town, the whole adjoining block being laid in ashes.

The Twin Valley house, now conducted by Wolf & Co., was established by Jacob Winters who opened the tavern in a frame house, which had previously been occupied as a dwelling by George Loy. Since then, business has been conducted, among others, by widow Hutson, Jacob Feary, Jacob Good, Hiram Burke, John Wysong, John Early, Johnson Brothers, E. P. Galbraith, and Wolf & Co. David Wolf, of the present firm, has been connected with the house, with the exception of a few months, since the spring of 1876.

Post Offices

In April, 1828, the post office was removed from Lexington to West Alexandria, and James I. Nisbet who had | 4 ' | has practiced alone, with the exception of a few years in been postmaster at Lexington, continued to hold the office after its removal, although the business then by no means large, was transacted by a clerk. ;

A weekly mail was carried from Dayton to Eaton through Lexington. as postmasters since Judge Nisbet's term, were Mr. Kepler, Elias Herdman, Esquire Taylor and John H. Gale. The present incumbent is Mrs. Julia Holland.

Early Merchandising

Who had the honor of opening the first store in the village cannot be definitely ascertained. It is thought by some whose recollection runs back to that time that a man by the name of Wearhoff was the pioneer merchant. He kept a store where Dr. Tillson lives, in a one-story house owned by Jacob Sorber. He was followed in the same place by George Gilbert, who moved subsequently to Dayton.

About this same time or soon afterward, Henry Hathaway opened in the building, which he erected, now occupied by J. E. Davis. Hathaway did a considerable business for a time, dealing largely also in pork packing, but his business was not successful;'and he finally failed. George Taylor kept at an early date in the building previously occupied by Gilbert and Wearhoff. Others who were prominent at a later date in the mercantile interests of the place, are mentioned further on as the founders of some of the present business houses.

The pioneer physician of West Alexandria was Dr. William Lindsey, who located here at an early day. He removed from here to Richmond, Indiana. He finally returned to West Alexandria and resided here until his death. The next physician was Dr. Nelson Donnellon, who was engaged in practice here many years, finally removing to Indianapolis. He was followed by Dr. Francis Cunningham, who practiced until his appointment as clerk of the court of Preble county, when he removed to Eaton. About this time, or soon after, as early as 1835 or 1836, Dr. William G. Linaweaver commenced practicing in West Alexandria. He was a graduate of the regular school, and an excellent physician. He died of cholera in 1849. Dr. George W. Edgerly, who was a son-in-law of Dr. Donnellon, was also in practice here. Other physicians whose names are mentioned are A. J. and R. P. Nisbet, Warren Campbell, West Hoover, Dr.

Means and Dr. Baker. R. P. Nisbet had been a student and afterward a partner of Dr. Linaweaver. He graduated at the Cincinnati College of Medicine and Surgery

The present physicians are Dr. R. D. Huggins, Dr. O. E. Tillson and Dr. A. E. Singer, who but recently located here. Dr. Huggins commenced reading medicine in 1853 with Dr. R. P. Nisbet, and in the spring of 1858 graduated at the Cincinnati College of Medicine and Surgery. He began practicing in West Alexandria in partnership with his former preceptor; and continued until the death of Dr. Nisbet, in 1862. Since that time he

Dr. Tillson began the study of medicine in 1856 under Dr. Dickey, of New Hope, in this county. Attending the Eclectic Medical institute, of Cincinnati, during the spring of the latter year. He opened an office soon afterward in West Alexandria, where he now resides. Dr. Huggins and Dr. Tillson are both eminent and successful practitioners, ranking among the best of their profession in the county.

Public Schools Of West Alexandria

little can be definitely said in regard to them. The first school was kept in a deserted log cabin, which stood at the northwest angle of what is now the village graveyard, and was erected by Jacob Parker. This building gave way to a frame house, which was erected upon the same spot, and is now doing duty as the kitchen of Mr. John Galt. This frame building was erected by William Alexander, in the fall of 1818, who travelled all the way to Cincinnati to get the nails and glass used in its construction, and also a stove. Mr. Alexander taught the first school in it the succeeding winter, and was the third teacher in the town. The first teacher was William Sherman, and the next David Williamson. Subsequently Henry Kissling, who then owned all the land upon which the north half of the town is built, donated a lot for school purposes, and upon this a small brick house was built and used for some time, when a larger house, containing two rooms, was built. In this house, which is still standing, most of the middle-aged inhabitants of the town received their education.

In 187: the present elegant and commodious school building was commenced, and finished in 1873. "This is the finest school building in the county, built of brick, three stories high, and has a mansard roof, and cost thirteen thousand dollars.

Among the early teachers, if not the very first one, was a Mr. Williamson, but in what years he taught, or what became of bim, no one seems to know.

neys of the county, and represented it in the State legislature. Following Mr. McNutt was John Graham, the author of Graham's arithmetic, which was published for the author by Mr. Tizzard, of Eaton. The record, which extends back only to 1865, shows the following as to teachers :

The course of study since 1872 embraces the common or legal branches: Algebra, geometry, physiology, natural philosophy, history, English literature, and the constitution of the United States.

Dr. Robert D. Huggins

Robert D. Huggins is a son of James Huggins and Nancy (Bailey) Huggins, both natives of Pennsylvania. James Huggins was born in Fayette county, Pennsylvania, April 13, 1797. In 1818 he was married to Nancy Bailey, who died at West Alexandria, July 8, 1879, at the advanced age of eighty-one. He is still living in West Alexandria. :

Dr. Huggins was born in New Lexington, Preble county, September 16, 1836. When he was six years old his father moved to West Alexandria, where Robert attended village school until 1850. His father then moved to Winchester, Indiana, at which place Robert enjoyed the privileges of a seminary one year. Upon the return of his father to West Alexandria, Robert again attended the village school. In 1853 he began the study of medicine in the office of Dr. R. P. Nisbet. He at the same time purchased a set of instruments and began the study and practice of dentistry. His dental practice for the next two years became quite large and yielded considerable income.

Robert had always cherished a desire for a liberal education, and in 1855 entered Miami university, then the most flourishing institution of learning in Ohio. At the end of the first year, however, he was compelled, by want of means, to quit the university. In the following October he entered the Cincinnati College of Medicine, from which he received the degree of M. D. in He began practice at West Alexandria, in partnership with Dr. Nisbet. During the four years of this partnership, which was terminated by the death of Dr. Nisbet, in 1862, Dr. Huggins acquired an enviable reputation in the community as a trustworthy physician. He continued to practice alone until 1867, when he associated in partnership W. M..Campbell. This partnership was dissolved in 1872. |

Dr. Huggins is deservedly popular, both as a physician and citizen. He belongs to the Masonic and Odd Fellows orders, and is a member of the State Medical society. A large, healthy body, vigorous mind, and cheerful disposition, peculiarly fit him for his profession. He disclaims any political aspirations and takes no part in the management of political campaigns. 'The doctor has made himself what he is by untiring industry. His own labor furnished him the money with which to prepare for his profession, and his own merit maintains his high standing and large practice.

Nathaniel Benjamin, esq., was born in Morris county, New Jersey, on the twenty-fifth of June, A. D. His ancestry were from Wales, his mother of the real Puritan stock. His younger years were spent on the farm, until he arrived at the age of sixteen years, when he was bound out as an apprentice to the trade of house carpenter and joiner. He served faithfully, under a hard master, for four and one-half years. His apprenticeship being completed he went to New York city, where he worked at his trade one year. Not being content with the surroundings of the crowded city, he determined to Accordingly, in the autumn of 1817, with his staff in hand and a budget on his back, he set out for a home in the new country with scarcely any money in his pocket and without friends or companions. After a long and tedious journey on foot and by stage, he arrived at Browns- ville, Pennsylvania. Here he undertook to pilot a flatboat, with two families aboard, down the Ohio river. His pay for his work and responsibility was his fare. He arrived in Cincinnati, Ohio, in October. Here he worked at his trade until April 18, 1818, when he came to New Lexington, Preble county, Ohio.

His family consisted of only two daughters, though he raised, unto full womanhood, four or five other children, giving each one, as well as his own, a comfortable start in life. In 1819 he built a house at New- Lexington, where he kept tavern eleven and one-half years, and in connection with this business he reared a nursery and supplied the county with fruit trees. In 1822 he sold his property in town and moved into the woods, where he opened up a farm and planted an orchard. Here he remained until 1851, when he sold his farm and removed to West Alexandria, where he still resides, an honored and respected citizen. Father Benjamin is a man, of strong convictions and determined purposes. When he undertook a project nothing turned him from his purpose. When, in 1844, he was elected by his district as a delegate to the convention at Baltimore which nominated Clay and Frelinghuysen for the presidency and vicepresidency, he accepted the appointment with the declaration that he would go if he had to walk every step of the road.

His likes and dislikes are very marked. with all his soul and loves with equal power. He is a true friend or no friend at all. No hypocrisy or deceit finds a lodgement in his manly breast.

He has husbanded his earnings with care until he has become a man of wealth, and is now enjoying his well earned fortune in his old days. Yet, with all his getting, he was not unmindful of the wants of others. He has been charitable to worthy objects. When the project of founding an orphan asylum by the Masons was inaugurated, he was among the first to contribute one thousand dollars. He also gave liberally to the churches of the place, and gave one hundred dollars to start a library for the use of the public schocl at West Alexandria.

A few days before he was eighty-one years of age he made a public profession of his faith in the Lord Jesus Christ, and was received into full communion with the Reformed church.

He united with St. John's Lodge, F. & A. M., at Dayton, Ohio, in 1824 or 1825 with eight more, who comprised all the Masons in Darke and Preble counties. He applied for a dispensation for Bolivar Lodge No. 82, Eaton, Ohio, and, though he lived eight miles distant, he was not absent a single meeting for three years. He was also one of the charter members of Eaton R. A.

He was also one of the petitioners for Reed Commandary K. T., No. 6, of Dayton, and King Hiram Lodge F. & A. M., No. 88, West Alexandria, Ohio. He was first a member of the Grand Lodge at Worthington, Ohio, in January, 1830, and has been a constant attendant ever since. He now holds the honorable position of president of the Masonic Veteran society, by the unanimous voice of his brethren.

treasurer of the Dayton and Western Turnpike company for several years, during which he received and disbursed one hundred and thirty thousand dollars of construction funds, and seven thousand dollars of tolls, without one word of fault or charge of corruption.

He was justice of the peace four terms, during which time he married ninety-six couples and docketed two thousand cases, of which only one was appealed, and his judgment was then affirmed. In every department of life Father Benjamin has proven himself true to the principles of honesty and integrity. He enjoys in his ripe old age the full confidence and esteem of his friends and acquaintances, old and young.

Jacob Vance

was born in Somerset county, Pennsylvania, May 23, 1803. His father John Vance, was a native of the same State, where he married Elizabeth Long, and in the spring of 1807 emigrated with his family to Preble county, Ohio. They travelled by wagon to Brownsville, thence by the Ohio river to Cincinnati on a flat-boat. The team was brought through by land and arrived at Cincinnati two weeks in advance of the arrival of the boat. At Cincinnati the journey was resumed by wagon, and in the latter part of April the family arrived in Lanier township, where Mr. Vance had previously entered one hundred and sixty acres of land. They set to work and rolled up a log cabin, cleared off a piece of ground, and had a crop in that same spring. After living there two years Mr. Vance moved to Harrison township, settling a mile south of Lewisburgh, where he afterwards lived. He and his wife both died in 1845. Their family consisted of eleven children, as follows: Maria, Martin, Elizabeth, Rebecca, Catharine, John, George, Jacob, Frederick, Michael, and Sarah. The only, survivors are Jacob, the subject of this sketch; Michael, who lives in Indiana; and Sarah (Mrs. Wikle), living in Harrison township.

Jacob Vance was married April r9, 1827, to Elizabeth Juday, daughter of Frederick Juday, of Harrison township. He resided on his father's farm five years after his marriage, when he rented a farm adjoining. This he occupied for two years, and then removed to-Twin township. He occupied a cabin on Twin creek for four years, and then moved to the place where he now lives. "This was

He served under General Arnold, and lost an arm at Quebec. At the close of the war he settled in Maryland, whence some years later he removed to