Wayne Township

Wayne Township

On the farm of John AYeaver, section fourteen, is one of the most interesting works in the county. It is situated upon what is known as upland, or the earliest formation. An illustration is given in Fig. 62, marked G on the map. This work is a perfect circle two hundred and thirty feet in diameter. The walls are two and a half feet high, and accompanied by an interior ditch. At the east the line of circumvallation is broken by a gateway twenty-three feet wide. The enclosure is situated in a woods with forest trees growing around, within and on the walls. On one oak stump, occurring on the top of the embankment, I counted two hundred and seventy-two rings of annual growth.

Within the enclosure is a mound partially surrounded by hillocks. This mound is two feet high by twenty-two feet in diameter at the base. On it is a white oak stump having two hundred and twenty-six annual rings of growth. Three of the hillocks snrroundiDg it form a section of a circle, but the fourth is in almost a direct line towards the gateway. The corresponding depression to these four hillocks faced the center mound. This excited our curiosity. AVhile the hillocks with their depressions were exactly of the same kind as those made by uprooted trees, yet the cavity in every instance facing the mound was a puzzle. It was not likely that four trees should fall in such a manner as to produce this result. Dr. Owsley thought we might discover something in the vicinity that would unravel or make clear this problem. One hundred and forty-five feet north of this enclosure we came upon twelve hillocks, eleven of which made a complete circle two hundred and thirty feet in diameter, or exactly of the same diameter as the enclosure. All of these eleven hillocks, except one to the southwest, had their corresponding depressions facing the center. A tree had growm upon the one to the southwest and fallen inwards, thus leaving a cavity on the exterior. We could find no other hillocks in the immediate vicinity. We knew it was not reasonable to presume that eleven trees on the line of a circle should fall, and, in every instance but one, leave the corresponding depressions so as to face each other. We came to the conclusion that a plan for a work had been here laid out, the mounds or stakes had been set, and then for some cause the work was abandoned. It may have been the intention of the builders to connect the two, but as to this we are entirely left to speculation. The twelfth mound is at the north and not more than five feet from one of the other mounds. It was thrown up for a purpose, but whether or not as part of a plan for a graded way no one can tell.

This work gives us the clearest and most positive proof that the ancient engineers first planned and then executed their work. Taken in connection with the incomplete work in Union Township and the unfinished works at Alexandersville it gives us quite an insight into the methods of thought as exhibited by the ancient engineers.

So far as we could ascertain there are but five mounds in the township. That on the farm of R. D. Leslie, section twelve, so far as known, has not its parallel in the county. It is twenty feet high and five hundred and forty feet circumference at the base. It is composed of gravel and surface material. In November, 1868, it was excavated on the east side for the purpose of obtaining gravel. This excavation extends to the center, but does not reach to the bottom or the original surface of the ground. The opening thus formed brought to light the fact that within this mound was a series of stone vaults superimposed one above the other and reaching to within one foot of the apex, the number of vaults in each layer or level increasing in number as we proceed from the top to the bottom. These vaults are not immediately contiguous but separated by a filling of gravel, more or less mixed with clay and surface material. The vaults are composed of limestone averaging in size three feet in length and breadth by three inches in thickness, the stone being set upon end at an angle of seventy-five degrees. Within each vault occurred a human skeleton, which must originally have been placed in a sitting posture, for the skeleton had fallen into a heap. A portion of' eight skeletons was sent to the Smithsonian Institute by Dr. Owsley. No implements have been found within the mound, but ashes and charcoal abound. I noticed that the loose limestone on the top of the mound exhibited traces of fire.

On the farm of Hampton Long, section twenty-four, is a mound which has been partially cut away in order to grade a road. The accompanying ditch of this road passes through what was the center of the mound. At the base of the tumulus was a skeleton in an extended position. On the chest was a spear-head made from blue chert, nearly six inches in length and two inches broad just below the barbs, the whole being symmetrical. I was fortunate enough to secure this relic. That part of the mound now remaining is five feet high.

Two mounds are located on svhat is known as Snively's Hill, section twenty-six. This hill is five hundred and sixty-three feet above the Ohio River at Cincinnati. One is situated on the farm of Henry Snively and the other on the farm of J. Good. The former is in an open field and the latter in the woods. Both are about six feet high. This commanding hill would be of importance to the Mound Builders, for it overlooks tlie broad acres of the Miami on the south, and to the ancient tillers of the soil, in the valley, it would serve for an additional beacon light.

I have indulged in some speculation concerning the mound on the farm of Joseph Henry, section thirty-six. This mound is situated in an open field near the base of the slope of the table-land, or where it joins the second river-terrace. It has been under cultivation during the last fifty years. A great many skeletons have been taken from it and every year the plow turns out others. Forty years ago people would repair to the mound in order to collect stone mortars, cups, ])ottery, and other aboriginal relics. Fragments of burnt limestone may still be seen on the toj). The mound is a rectangle two hundred and twenty-five feet long by one hundred and twenty feet broad, and seven feet high. Its direction is from southeast to northwest.

On first examination I concluded it must be a temple mound, the square corners and perpendicular sides of which had been destroyed by the corroding influence of time and effectually effaced by the white man. To the southeast appeared to be a graded way forty-five feet long, and to the northwest another way fifteen feet long. Upon these measurements I made out the plan as given in Fig. 63. It will be noticed as a matter of curiosity that the length and breadth of the mound, as well as the length of the two graded ways, are divisible by fifteen. It would not necessarily follow that the structure was built on this basis, but is simply a coincidence. U})on reflection it occurred that the graded way at the northwest was simply due to the earth having been thrown out by long continued plowing. Hence this gateway must be only assumption, which consequently led to the construction of the plan as given in Fig. 64. It should be noticed that the mound was not level on top, but convex or rounding. This fact would not conflict with the supposition that it was a temple, for it must be considered that the action of the plow would constantly throw the earth away from the sides, thus leaving the center elevated.

An examination of the mound on the farm of the Walker heirs, St. Clair Township, dispelled all dreams of a temple mound in Butler County. This mound is of about the same size, located in a woods and covered with forest trees. It bears no resemblance to a temple mound except in size. What were taken for graded ways are simply slopes, the longer indicating that it had been intended to lengthen the mound. Before the forest

Madison Township is bounded on the north by Montgomery County, on the east by Warren, and separated from Lemon Township by the Miami River, which also separates it from Fairfield on the south. On the west it is joined by Wayne and St. Clair. It is very irregular in shape, the western line being ten miles long, the eastern three and one-half, the northern six, and the southern extremity two.

That part of the Miami River Valley lying in this township is very narrow, with the exceptions of ten 'sections in the southern extremity and a few sections about Poast Town. The hill land is not what may be called fertile, although some of it yields well. Elk Creek and Brown's Run flow through this township in a southerly direction, cutting deep valleys, which in places are bordered with high hills having steep declivities. The water flows over beds of limestone, exposing a formation rich in fossils.

No enclosures occur in the township. Twelve mounds have been observed, the largest of which is the Great Mound of Butler County located on the land of T. Henry, section nineteen. Its altitude is forty-three feet with a circular base of five hundred and eleven feet. The hyj^othenuse is eighty-eight feet, the contents being eight hundred and twenty-four thousand four hundred and eighty cubic feet. At twenty-two cubic feet per load, this would give thirty-seven thousand four hundred and seventy-six wagon-loads, which, allowing ten loads per day, would take one man nearly twelve years (not including Sundays) to remove the mound, say a distance of one mile.* This will give us some idea of the great labor bestowed upon this structure. But when we consider that the most primitive methods were used, and the earth carried in sacks thrown across the shouklers^ or else in earthen vessels, the labor, at once, is seen to have been stupendous. This mound has a commanding view of the country for twenty miles around. It is located on a high elevation, and from its altitude of observation a fire on the Miamisburg mound could be seen, and then the watchman here kindling the fire in res})onse would give warning to the people throughout the valley to leave their sacred enclosures and their homes, and immediately flee to the forts on the hill-tops for protection. If the theory that mounds as posts of observation be true, then this was certainly one. Its position and nature indicate it. Its primary object may have been for sepulture, but evidently having been enlarged, it was used for a signal station. Many years ago some persons undertook to open it. The excavation is but slight and at the top. Some bones and traces of fire occurred.

I superintended the opening of the mound on the farm of E. Mattix, same section. It is located about onethird of a mile southeast of the Great Mound. It is six feet high with a diameter of eighty feet. It has the appearance of not having been finished, for there is quite a level area on top. The mound is composed of clay with a slight mixture of surface material. At or near the bottom the clay w^as so compact as to make it difficult to penetrate. In this lower layer of clay were distinct traces of fire.

One-half mile north of Miltonville, on the land of E. Mattix, section thirty, is a mound three hundred feet in circumference and five feet in height.

On the farm of Robert Landis, section thirty-two, situated a little over a mile northeast of Trenton, is a mound seven feet high by three hundred and six feet circumference at the base. This mound commands a fine view of the Miami Valley, and from its top the Miamisburg mound may be seen.

On the farm of Phebe Long, section twenty-nine, one mile northeast of Miltonville, is a low mound two and one-half feet high by forty-five feet diameter.

On the farm of D. Barcalow, section eleven, occur the remains of a mound, through the center of which passes the Cincinnati, Hamilton & Dayton railroad. It was in this mound that the relics were found which are spoken of on page 73. Besides these there were found human bones and flint implements. Before this mound was disturbed it was from fifteen to twenty feet high by one hundred feet in diameter. It stands on the alluvial lands.

A mound occurs on the farm of R. Marsh, section twelve ; one on the estate of P. Selby, section thirty-six; and another on the farm of R. Marsh, section two. All these mounds range from eight to ten feet high, with a diameter at the base of about forty feet.

On the land of Jacob Kemp, section sixteen, are two small mounds, one being a little above the level surface, and the other about four feet high. The latter has been excavated, but only charcoal was obtained.

This township is triangular in shape. On the west and north it is separated from Madison by the Miami River. On the east it joins Warren County, and on the south Liberty Township. Nearly one-half the township is composed of alluvial lands. The hill lands vary in fertility. Dick's Creek flows through the township in a westerly direction.

No enclosures and only four mounds occur, the largest of which is situated on the farm of J. B. Martin, section thirteen. It is oblong, the greater diameter being one hundred and twenty-five feet, and the lesser seventy feet. It is ten feet high, located in an open field, and has been ])lowed over for many years. Near the top is an old and decayed oak stump two and a half feet in diameter. On the same farm is another about five feet high. It is located in the woods. On the farm of Austin McCreary is a mound nine feet high, located in a field and partly destroyed.

On the farm of E. Britton, section eighteen, is a mound four feet high by one hundred and eighty feet in circumference. It is located in a woods, on a high hill, and commands an extended view of the surrounding country.

Xvi. Cabinets

It is a lamentable fact that until within the last few years but little interest, on the part of the citizens of Butler County, has been taken in these ancient remains. The zeal exhibited and interest taken in this subject thirty years ago by James McBride and John W. Erwin should have stimulated the people. The splendid cabinet of James McBride was sold at executor's sale, and thus allowed to leave the county, and perhaps the country. Some indignation was manifested on account of this act, for many of the specimens w^ere contributed under the impression that the cabinet was to be a permanent thing. The present interest is partly due to traders, hucksters and speculators who have been through the county picking them up. The system resorted to by some of these traders is to barter trinkets for them, placing fictitious values on their wares. Private collections are now being made in the county. All persons known to be thus engaged have been communicated with and requested to furnish a statement of all pre-historic remains in their possession. All have kindly responded but four, who for some reason unknown have declined to give the information.

In order to work systematically both in archaeology and geology several gentlemen met in the court-house during the month of November, 1878, for the purpose of organizing a society. They continued to meet weekly until they completed an organization known as the "Butler County Geological and Archaeological Society," the purposes of which are to become better acquainted with the science of geology and archaeology, and to form a cabinet which shall contain representative specimens of all the fossils that may be found within the county, and to preserve all such aboriginal relics as may be obtained.

In order to assist this movement the city council of Hamilton voted an a})propriation oF one hundred and fifty dollars for the purpose of purchasing cases for the cabinet and placed them in the public library.

In the following table, giving a list of the various implements in the different cabinets in the county, it has been the aim to include all under the various names given. Some of the divisions may be arbitrary, and in other cases various implements have been classed under one head. For instance, fleshers and barkpeelers are classed as one. The same is true of hoes and spades. In this place it might be well to remark that the largest stone axe in the county belongs to Colonel Griffin Halstead. It weighs nearly sixteen pounds. The next is in the possession of Samuel Gath, Jr. It is perfect; weighing fourteen and a half pounds, and thirteen inches in length. A discoidal stone is in the possession of D. A. McCord, and a very large stone maul in the cabinet of W. P. Cooch.

Note. - It should have been mentioned in the proper place that a mound occurs on the form of J. R. Symmes, section 13, Hanover Township. It has been plowed over for many years. Original height about sixteen feet. A stone made into both a hatchet and pipe was taken from it. The groove around the bowl was filled up with lead.

The Seventh And Revised Edition Of The

It contains the results of the latest researches in the field of Pre- Hlstorlc Science. Just the book for the young student of Pre-history, popular and entertaining in style, and finely illustrated. CONXSNTSa

Source changes here: from A History and Biographical Cyclopaedia of Butler County, Ohio, with Illustrations and Sketches of Its Representative Men and Pioneers, by Western Biographical Publishing Company, Cincinnati, Ohio, published 1882; 119 words in this source stream.

Wayne Township

" Ordered, that the following tract of land and country, now part of St. Clair Township, in the count) aforesaid, to wit: Beginning at the southeast corner of the third township of the third range west of the Miami , thence north with the eastern boundary lino of said third range to the north boundary line of the county: thence west with said northern boundary line to the west boundary line of said third range; thence south with the said last-mentioned line to the southwest comer of the aforesaid third township in the third range aforesaid ; thence to the place of beginning, - shall compose a township to be called and known by the name of Wayne Township."

Source changes here: from A History and Biographical Cyclopædia of Butler County, Ohio : with Illustrations and Sketches of Its Representative Men and Pioneers, published 1882; 10,064 words in this source stream.

Wayne Township

'Ordered, that the following tract of land and country, now part of St. Clair Township, in the county aforesaid, to wit: Beginning at the southeast corner of the third township of the third range west of the Miami; thence north with the eastern boundary line of said third range to the north boundary line of the county; thence west with said northern boundary line to the west boundary line of said third range; thence south with the said last-mentioned line to the southwest corner of the aforesaid third township in the third range aforesaid ; thence to the place of beginning, - shall compose a township to be called and known by the name of Wayne Township." beth Clark, daughter of John L. Clark and Sarah Hatfield. She was born in Pennsylvania, August 10, 1803. They have had eight children. Susan was born August 11, 1825; Ferdinand, July 12, 1829; Henry L., December 22, 1831; Mary, August 13, 1834; William, October 31, 1836; John C., December 9, 1838; Samuel D., April 20, 1841, and Sarah E., March 2, 1845. Mr. Weaver was justice of the peace nine years, trustee of Madison Township nine years, trustee of school lands, captain of a militia company four years, and major five years. The Weaver family contributed their full share towards putting down the late Rebellion. Henry L. Weaver, George H. Weaver, and Samuel Weaver were out. William Weaver fell at the battle of Arkansas Post. He was a captain of the Eightythird Ohio Volunteers.

Jacob C. Weikle was born in Madison Township, and is the son of Jacob and Elizabeth Weikle. He is a farmer. He was married on the 21st of December, 1876, in Preble County, to Margaret A. Snyder, daughter of Daniel D. Snyder and Mary A. Fall. They have two children, Mary E. Weikle and Nathan Weikle.

Wayne

Wayne Townsur is a rich, fertile portion of the county, from rolling to hilly, well watered, and the farms are in a highly cultivated condition. The stream of Seven-Mile cuts off the south-east corner of the township, Elk Creek the north-eastern corner, and also draining the northern portion, running near its northern boundaryline. Ten-Mile and Nine-Mile are in the western section. This leaves the interior as a water-shed, and some portions very high. Phares's Hill and some others are points from which delightful views can be taken.

Matthew Winton came very early, and settled near Seven-Mile. He built a one-story stone house where the depot is now, and so pitched his foundation that one could escape from St. Clair to Wayne Township by simply going through the house. It was built just on the line. He was an eccentric Irishman, and held the office of chief magistrate for his township for a number of years. Among other possessions of his was a ''corn-cracker," just south of where the town is now. It was then the first and only mill of that vicinity, and answered the purpose of a grist-mill, but instead of grinding it simply cracked the grain. The citizens from the Withrow settlements, tired of making the circuitous route by his house to get to the mill, cut a road through. It was shorter and better, but nevertheless displeased the Hibernian, who felled the trees across the highway to prevent people from passing. The citizens would assemble at night and remove them, and the same thing was repeated the next night, but as often were the* trees and logs removed.

Among the early settlers was James Withrow, from 'Nelson County, Kentucky. He came to the wilderness as early as 1800, and settled on Section 33. His wife was a Mrs. Robins, and he had five children, - Samuel, John, James, Nettie, and Susie; all are now dead. He built for himself a hewed-log house, which was then considered more than ordinarily fine. He was a lover of stock, and raised horses and cattle in large numbers. He would sometimes have thirty or forty horses and a large herd of cows. Samuel, his son, lived to be eighty-four years old. John Withrow, his brother, followed James in November of that same year. His wife was Miss Ann Pottenger. It is a large family now and a very prominent one. His children were James, Samuel P. (then two-and-ahalf years old, and still living), John, Robert, James, and Dennis. He settled on Section 84, where James Withrow now lives. The Withrows were originally from the Carolinas, and went to Kentucky, partly in love of adventure, it being in the days of Daniel Boone, when all was wild and the country full of Indians.

Captain Samuel Pottenger came from Maryland to Kentucky, where he built a "' fort" on Pottenger Creek, in Nelson County, six miles from Bardstown. It was here that the Withrows and Pottengers met. Mrs. Ann Withrow, whose maiden name was Pottenger, had three brothers - Dennis, John, and Robert - who came two years afterwards to Ohio, but subsequently settled in Preble County. There are now many of this family in Wayne Township. Robert Gilke and family, the Paddocks, the Buchanans, the Cornthwaites, were also early settlers. Edward Cornthwaite settled near Seven-Mile, and built a mill just below the town. His frame house still stands. The mill and house were in St. Clair Township.

The township was organized in 1805, and was taken from St. Clair. The population of the township in 1820 was 1,552; in 1830, was 1,513, and in 1840 was 1,562. The early settlers of the township were the Andrews, Brelsfords, Bairds, Burnses, Brookses, Corneliuses, Craigs, Conarroes, Carters, Duffields, Davises, Foxes, Forts, Greens, Grafts, Hutchinses, Hawkinses, Joneses, Kelleys, Kirkpatricks, Mattixes, Phares, Pottengers, Pages, Robbinses, Rheas, Stubbses, Smiths, Squiers, Wilsons, Weavyers, Withrows, and others.

One railroad passes through a small portion of the township, the Cincinnati, Richmond, and Chicago; and there are two villages, Jacksonburg and Seven-Mile, the latter lying also partly in St. Clair. The township is named after General Wayne, who marched up to the north in 1794, through its western portion, traversing Sections 32, 29, 19, 17, 18, 7, and 6, then entering Preble County.

Jacksonburg is the oldest town in the township. It lies near the highest ground in the township, and was once the most important town for miles on that side of the Miami in the county. Prior to the building of the bridge at Middletown, it enjoyed the trade of a large section of country. It was on the main thoroughfare from Cincinnati to Darke and Preble Counties, and had at one time two hotels, four stores, a pork-packing house, four tailors, and other industries to match.

Benjamin Vancleve, the brother-in-law of John Baird, John Craig, and Henry Weaver, came early and purchased the land in and about Jacksonburg. He settled where Mr. Bruenbeaher now lives. He bought for the proprietors of the town, Craig, Weaver and Baird, who laid the village out, February 19, 1816. John Baird took fifty acres, running up to the south-east corner of the square, on which corner he built the tavern which he conducted for full thirty years thereafter, and which made for him a fortune. The tavern is now owned by H. Haitzman, who came in possession of the property some eighteen years ago. He has considerably increased the size, and made some improvements in the property. Baird built the present bar-room portion of logs, and it has since been weatherboarded. Dr. Miller built the west end projection. John Baird kept the first hotel and his brother-in-law, David Runyan, kept the second.

Henry Weaver took the land, one hundred and twenty acres, on the south-east of the public square, and built the house now occupied by W. F. Shearard. John Craig took the land on the north side of the town, one hundred and sixty acres. The second house built in Jacksonburg was on the north-east corner, being now owned by William Miller. William W. Phares kept the first store in the town, in this house. He came to Butler County in 1805, and clerked a while for John Sutherland, of Hamilton. He became an honorary member of the Miami Commandery, at Lebanon, No. 22. He died January 16, 1875. Following Phares in the store were John Crane, Hiram Potter, William Emery, James Gary, and Jacob Rush. Mr. Miller bought this property in 1879. It was the first frame building in the town. The house that Mr. Weaver built on the south-east corner of the square was kept, first by Henry Earhart and his partner Captain John Crane, then by Snyder & Wells, and then by John H. Thomas. The building is still standing, but is used as a billiard-saloon.

The house on the north-west corner of the square was built still later, by George W. Rodgers, who came to the town with some money, but failed. The house was built of brick, in 1832, and in 1833 was used for a hotel by Runnells, and afterward by William Shaffer. It is now owned by the son of the latter, the lower part being kept as a store. George Bankers, a German, kept hotel here when Martin Van Buren was President, in 1836. William Shaffer kept hotel after this, nine years. Matthias Miller moved near the village in 1840. Henry S. Earhart, now living in Hamilton, was in business here nearly sixty years ago. He came with a stock of goods, furnished by John L. C. Schenck, from Warren County. Here he did a flourishing business for four years, then removing to Hamilton.

In 1824 the town was probably in the most thriving period of its existence. At that time, Mr. John Thomas, Potter & Phares, David Patton, and Isaac Souther were keeping store, Hiram Potter was packing pork, and there were also three tailors in the town. These and other enterprises were carried on, and in all a good business was done. The travel at that time was also good. The four and six-horse teams, with their tinkling bells and old-fashioned Pennsylvania wagons, would fill the town at night. The old Baird tavern could not accommodate the crowd unless they used the floor. 'The stables did not pretend to furnish the teams with stalls, and the teamsters tied their horses to their wagons. Those who remember those times state that frequently there were as many as fifty teams at a time putting up for the night in the town. As soon as the canals and railroads were built, of course this mode of traveling was abandoned.

Dr. J. B. Owsley is a practicing physician, having an experience of some eighteen years in this locality. J. H. Yager is a wagon-maker, as is also Mr. Shaffer. Mr. Shaffer's son deals in groceries. The council consists of six members: Benjamin Margerim, Isaac Peterman, James M. Shaffer, Samuel Miller, George W. Speer, and W. B. Thomas. There has always been some manufacturing done in Jacksonburg. Charles Wells kept the first blacksmith's shop, and remained in the business probably thirty years. Mr. Benjamin Margerim owns the lot.on which the shop stands. Thomas Hartley had the next shop. This was on the place where William Shaffer & Sons carry on wagon-making. These latter men have been in the business for a number of years, and have much to do.

John H. Yager bought his lot and built his shops - blacksmith, paint, and wood shops - in 1870. He manufactures wagons, buggies, his patent harrow, and rollers, and does custom work. He is also agent for the '' Champion" harvester. His patent adjustable harrow is coming

= The Union Church of Jacksonburg was built by John Thomas and James Craig, in 1843. It was Methodist in point of doctrine with the builders, but free to other denominations. These noble men received some aid from outsiders, but the burden of the debt rested upon themselves. It is a building thirty-five by forty feet, which cost about fifteen hundred dollars. In 1865 Jacob Emrick and his followers purchased the Craig interest, and in 1876 the United Brethren (virtually the only congregation that now assembles there) purchased the Thomas interest. The first pastor of the new Church was Frank Kumler, who is still the minister to this flock of about sixty souls. Gilbert Cox, Joseph Kumler, and Henry J. Kumler are, and have been, the trustees of the Church. Gilbert Cox is superintendent of a large Sabbath-school of this Church.

The Presbyterian Church of Jacksonburg was established in 1872. Theodore Marston and James M. Stokes were elders. The deacons were Martin Beaver and Samuel Kepler. There were but sixteen members of the new Church, but accessions have since been made to the number of fifty in all. The pulpit was supplied by the Rev. Messrs. Swiggett, Kendall, and Caleb E. Jones. The building was erected during the Summer of 1879, ata cost of fifteen hundred dollars, and was dedicated in March, 1880, the Rev. Mr. Cooper, of Cincinnati, preaching the sermon. The present elders are James Stokes, H. H. Long, Calvin Hunter, and W. W. Miller. The deacons are Eli Marks and Francis Cornthwait. The society is in a flourishing condition, and has a good Sabbath-school.

Shiloh Church was built very early. It was at first a log structure, and later was changed into a schoolhouse as well, with services occasionally. The Shiloh Church is near the famous camping-grounds of the noted Killbuck, the Indian chief, who kept his clan at the mouth of the stream which empties into Elk Creek here. At the burial grounds of this place, Dame Rumor states, the Indians once surprised a party while interring one of their number, and scalped one or two. Killbuck was about half-civilized, and when his warriors left refused to go with them. He afterward went to Indiana.

The grave-yards of this township are numerous, there being as yet no township cemetery. Among those whose names should be perpetuated in remembrance, and whose inscriptions are fast becoming obliterated in consequence of many years of exposure to the weather, are:

John Thomas, who died April 4, 1856; aged 56. Eleanor, his wife, died March 24, 1873; aged 75. Gilbert Cox, died November 22, - - ; aged 85. Anna Cox, died October 28, 1862; aged 76. James Craig, died March 31, 1872; aged 71. John Craig, died December 4, 1840; aged 78. Craig was a Revolutionary soldier. James Todd, one of the first blacksmiths in Jacksonburg, died February 27, 1850; aged 61. John Baird, died September 3, 1855; aged 69. Nancy Baird, died December 3, 1862; aged 74. Samuel Stokes, died October 11, 1860; aged 66.

George Kelley, died March 25, 1830; aged 61. Kelley, died October 16, 1850; aged 49. August 1, 1849; aged 85. Elizabeth Allen, died December 4, 1848; aged 77. Isaac Wolverton, died February 25, 1859; aged 71. Catherine Wolverton, died August 30, 1849; aged 56. Joseph Kelley, died July 9, 1857; aged 88. Elizabeth, his wife, died July 9, 1857; aged 75. John Leslie, died May 5, 1855; aged 81. Rumor says that the last was the first white man married in Cincinnati.

On one of these trips home he was crossing the last hill, just in sight of his home, when, by accident, the jug fell and was broken. He, nothing daunted, turned on his heel once more, reached Cincinnati, and then returned to his own home, performing the whole journey and making the two trips in an incredibly short space of time. It is probably safe to say, from what old citizens state, that Wayne Township had at least one still-house for every section of land in the township.

Seven-Mile

Samuel Brand, original proprietor of Seven-Mile, came early to Wayne Township and bought five hundred acres of land where Seven-Mile town is now. His children were Samuel, George, Michael, and Mrs. John R. Ritter and Mrs. Susan Watkins. He built a mill near the present depot, and also a distillery, which he ran himself until 1835, when a division of the property was made among the children, Mrs. Ritter falling heir to the mill. This property was successfully kept up until 1855 by Mr. Ritter, when it went down. Mr. John Walter bought forty acres of this land in 1838, upon which the town of Seven-Mile was laid out.

John Cornthwait also built a saw-mill and grist-mill half a mile south of town in a'very early day, perhaps 1820. Franklin, his son, came into possession of the property. His brothers John and Edward each received farms. Franklin sold this mill to Kenry Karns, who carried on the business extensively. He sold it out in 1849, to John K. Flickinger, who still owns it.

The town of Seven-Mile was not laid out until in the year 1841. At that time John Walter laid out Walnut and High Streets, and one twelve-foot alley. The first lot was sold to F. B. Landis in 1847. Half an acre was given to the United Brethren Society in 1844; and after 1851, additions were laid out by F. B. Landis, Surber, Bobbenmeyer & Surber, and Weider.

In the Spring of 1838 there were but two houses in Seven-Mile. They were the frame part of the old store tavern, part of which is now still standing, and is used as an ice-house, and a blacksmith's shop that stood just opposite.

John Boliard at that time owned the store and shop. He bought the store of Stephen Emerick, the first merchant of the town. John Boliard was the first blacksmith in the town. He sold the tavern to Henry Jacoby, and built the present brick in 1840. Henry Jacoby came early and bought a large tract of land from the Pottengers. His son David fell heir to the hotel. It is now owned by Adam Heiland. John Walter bought the blacksmith's shop in 1838, and added to it a wagon-shop, where Jacobs's shop is now. Jacobs has owned this property since 1850, and the shop still does a good business. The property of Fred Berke was built in 1851 by Nathan Heller. Henry Jacoby, a son-in-law of Peter Helwig, it is supposed, built the old tavern sixty-five or seventy

The liquor traffic question has been the one principal absorbing theme of the magnates, and some considerable good has been accomplished. The present 'executive officers are Dr. M. H. Haynes, mayor; J. C. Richardson, clerk; E. Samuels, treasurer.

An academy was established in 1858, and was a stock affair, William K. Walter being president; Dr. E. C. Wooley, treasurer; D. M. Wieder, secretary of the company. I. N. Hughes, with an assistant or two, opened up that same year with an attendance of about sixty pupils, and for a couple of years the institution was very successful. Mr. R. B. Hanby, author of " Nellie Gray," succeeded Mr. Hughes. B. Starr had the last school in 1866, when the building was bought by the school district of Seven-Mile for $3,500. The building cost $7,000, and the four acres of ground bought of Jacob Speer cost $600. The house contains four rooms, and is two stories high.

The Presbyterians of Seven-Mile organized their society in 1878. There were then about fifty members of this Church in the town and vicinity. Burns Wilson, Dr. R. E. Prior, David Scott, John Smith, Wilson B. Smith, and Samuel Flickinger were the principal men who secured the organization. The church building was not erected until in 1881. 'They worshiped prior to this time in the German Reformed church. It is a handsome structure, thirty-six by fifty-six feet, two stories high, having a basement of three rooms. The Church service is now held in this part. The first supply to the pulpit was the Rev. Mr. Kendall. Following him were Mr. Swiggett and C. E. Jones. It is now vacated. The elders of the Church are Burns Wilson, Dr. Prior, J. D. Smith, David Scott, John Williamson, and Samuel Flickinger.

The United Brethren Church was built in 1844, Jacob and Samuel Flickinger and John Price were the trustees. The building was of brick, one story, thirty by forty-five, and cost about $1,500. The first pastors were the Rev. Theophilus Rork and his assistant. It was then a circuit. The membership of the Church at that time consisted of the Flickingers, Prices, Flenards, Adamses, Breubargers, and Fellers. In 1847 an extensive revival took place, when the Walters, Shaffers, and Lucases and others joined. The old church was taken down and a new one erected in 1859. It was dedicated January 1, 1860, by Bishop Edwards. It is thirty-seven by sixty feet, one story high and twenty-two feet in the clear, and cost $5,000. The Rev. William Lanthern was the first pastor, and served two years. The Rev. John Walters preached from 1865 to 1870, and the Rev. John Kilbourn is the present pastor. The membership is thirty.

; Dr. Joseph Hippart was the first physician that settled in Seven-Mile. He came here in 1848, and died of the cholera in 1849. He was a brother of Dr. James Hippart, of Richmond, Indiana. He was a young man of the regular school of practice. Following Hippart came Halderman, Berchard, John Irwin, E. C. Wooley, D. H. Kumler, William Davies, Haynes, and Prior. Dr. Kumler practiced here a number of years. He died in December, 1881. Dr. Davis was a United Brethren preacher also. He went to Iowa and became president of a college, dying in 1880. Dr. N. E. Broombaugh, an eclectic physician, came in 1861. He went as lieutenant in the EKighty-second Regiment, and was here after the war. Dr. Prior, a graduate of the Ohio Medical College, came in 1875. Dr. Haynes came in 1859, and is here yet. He graduated in the Ohio Medical College, and also in the Miami Medical College, Cincinnati, Ohio.

The turnpike running through Seven-Mile, from Eaton to Hamilton, was built in 1833 and 1834. The pike was made wide enough for three teams to pass, and was sixty feet from one side of the road to the other. The building of it was 'unnecessarily expensive, so much so that it has always been a poor investment. The first officers were John Woods, president, and David Barnett, James Barnett, Albert Haynes, Stephen Ingersoll, and Andrew McCleary, directors. It was not an unusual sight to see forty teams stopping in Seven-Mile over night at a time, so great was the travel.

A select school was established by Prof. B. Starr in 1870. He came to Seven-Mile four years previous to this time and took charge of the academy. He is a grad- _ uate of Middletown, Connecticut, and taught in the Wesleyan Female College, Cincinnati, and Hamilton, prior to his coming to\this place. His school is for boys only.

The first hotel was built by Peter Helwig, as early as 1810 or 1812. He was a son-in-law of Henry Jacoby, and was wealthy. He and Jacoby came from Pennsylvania. He also built a mill in St. Clair Township, near the line, but sold it to a man by the name of Flickinger. He was a carpenter, and sold out the hotel to his father-in-law. Henry Jacoby built the brick hotel just a few years before the pike was constructed. John Bolliard, a Pennsylvania German, kept the first store in the town. It was a small affair, and of a general character. It was established before the first hotel was built, and, after the coming of Henry Jacoby, the store was haneut by him and considerably enlarged. He only remained a few years. Wilson Clarke and William Lightsinger each have good stores in the place now.

The first school was taught by William Garrison, a lame man. The school-house was half a mile east of Seven-Mile. The building stood on the farm now owned by Robert Withrow, and was one that had been lived in a few years. The first building was very early. The second building was erected in 1830, and the third house was put up in 1878.

Bethel is a church building erected about the year 1852, by both the German Reformed and Lutheran societies. Jacob Bartch, Nathan, George, and Henry Jacoby, Jr., Charles Wieder (who donated the ground), Reuben Wieder, and Jonathan Sorber, were the leaders in the movement. Each society contributed its share towards the enterprise, and both together control the Church. The building is a one-story brick, and is sixtytwo by forty feet. The Rev. John Vogt was the first pastor, and remained four or five years. He was succeeded by a man who stayed but a short time. The present pastor, the Rev. Joshua Meckling, has had the pastoral care twenty-five years. The society consisted first of over a hundred members. It is now quite small.

The Cotton Run Methodist Episcopal Church was organized in Seven-Mile in a very early day, but no house of worship save the cabins of the settlers existed previous to the year 1831, when the leading members took the matter in hand and built a church. Prominent among these few was Samuel P. Withrow. He was not then a Church-member, but with a heart in the work shouldered the chief responsibility, and through his efforts mainly the house of worship was built. He burned the brick, hired help, and did most of it himself. His father, John Withrow, donated the lot of an acre of ground, on the corner of his farm, now where James Withrow lives. Daniel Short and Reuben Kerchival were also prominent in this movement. The Rev. Joshua Holland was the first pastor. Samuel P. Withrow soon after joined the Church, and was made leader of a class immediately, which position he has held ever since that time. He has also helped to build other churches. The Rey. Mr. Brecount is the present pastor, and the Church has a membership of seventy.

Biographical Notes

John Brelsford was born in Wayne Township, August 9, 1822, being the son of John Brelsford and Nancy Ann Page, who came to this county in 1803. He was married on the 5th of January, 1845, to Jane Wolverton, who was born in Hamilton County, January 1, 1825, and by her had three children. John C. Brelsford was born January 19, 1853; Catherine Ann Brelsford was born February 7, 1856, and died October 17, 1857, and Elizabeth J. Phares was born January 16, 1858. Mrs. Brelsford died January 16, 1882. Mr. Brelsford was brought up on a farm, and has always followed the business. He was quarter-master of a rifle regiment for six years, while he lived in Preble County, Governor Bartlett giving him the appointment.

children were born to bless this union, seven of whom survive. William S. was born January 29, 1861; James A. was born October 17, 1862; Ida L., August 13, 1864; Elmer P., October 30, 1866; Samuel L., September 8, 1868; John H., January 25, 1871; Frances M., March 91, 1873; and Clara M., May 4, 1875. Samuel L. died July 2, 1870. William S. was married July 3, 1881, to Anna Haizman, born April 20, 1860, in Hamilton. He is living at home. Mr. Pierson Brelsford owns and farms two hundred and forty-five acres, and has also managed a threshing-machine for about sixteen years. He has been township trustee for seven years, and still holds the office. He was one of the party mustered and sent to Hamilton during the Morgan raid. He is a member of the Masonic fraternity.

Allison B. Crist was born in Franklin County, Indiana, in 1826, and was married, in 1848, to Mary Davis, who was born in the same county and State in 1824. By her he had four children. Elbert is married and lives in Illinois; Arbell is single, and lives in Preble County; Perry is married, and lives in Wayne Township; and Mary is the wife of James Merrill, who lives in Huntington County, Indiana. Mrs. Crist died in 1852, and Mr. Crist was married, in 1855, to Annie Smart, born in Franklin County, Indiana, in 1835, by whom he had one child, Marion, who is married, and lives in Middletown. His wife died in 1858, and he was married, in 1838, to Phoebe Maddock, who was born in Butler County in 1837. By her he has had nine children. They are John, Luella, Francis, Ellwood, Retta, Mattie, Emma, Allison, and Eva.

Mr. Crist has held the various township offices - township supervisor, school director, and clerk of the schools. He emigrated from Indiana to Ohio in 1855, settling in Wayne Township on his present farm. He was in the One Hundred and Sixty-eighth Ohio, the hundred-days' service, and was first corporal of Company D. They were stationed in the Kanawha Valley, West Virginia. He owns and farms six hundred and seventy acres in Wayne Township. He and his wife are Orthodox Quakers. He has always followed farming and stock dealing, and is one of the most prominent farmers in the township. He had but about a thousand. dollars when he commenced, and lost all that when he began farming in Ohio in 1855. He was then worse off than nothing, being in debt about three thousand dollars.

Hiram Gudgeon, the son of William and Nancy Gudgeon, was born in Tyler County, West Virginia, October 12, 1821. He came to this county in 1869. On the 21st of December, 1851, he was married to Christine E. McDonald, born in Canada East, October 12, 1826, and the daughter of Patrick and Bridget McDonald. The parents of both are dead. Mr. and Mrs. Gudgeon have had the following children: Charles W., Caroline E. Peterman, John F., William H., Effie C., Hiram W. &., and Thomas J. He was postmaster in Jacksonburg for two years, beginning May 8, 1879, and served until July 1, 1881. He was also mayor at the same place, beginning April 1, 1879, and served until April 1, 1881. His grandfather, and also father, served in the War of 1812. His brothers, James D. Gudgeon, William H. Gudgeon, Charles W. Gudgeon, and Franklin B. Gudgeon, were all in the war, and were all so fortunate as to come home without any serious wounds, excepting Charles W., who had his shoulder dislocated by a horse falling on him. William H. had his shoulder dislocated in the State service, at the time of the capture of John Morgan. He was also injured at the battle of Vicksburg, while he was in the gunboat service, being at that time on the Pittsburgh.

George W. Haslett is the son of John Haslett and Ann Cummins. He is a farmer. He was born the 4th of November, 1840, in this county. He was married on the 8th of November, 1864, to Catherine Cooper, daughter of John Cooper and Phenner Dill, who are now both dead. She was born on the 19th of January, 1842. They have had seven children. Ida May was born July 26, 1865; George M., July 10, 1867; Charles G., November 18, 1869; Maggie I., October 4, 1872; Mary J., April 30, 1875; Rosa Ann, March 28, 1877; and John E., October 22, 1879.

Jacob Inman was born in Monmouth County, New Jersey, about 1779, and married Rachel Harriton, born in Monmouth County, New Jersey, about 1779. They had nine children, of whom only two survive. Jacob L., who is married, lives in Decatur County, Indiana, and Barzillai lives in Wayne. He emigrated from New Jersey to Ohio in 1818, and settled in Preble County, where he died in 1823. His wife survived him for many years, dying in 1863. He was a school-teacher and surveyor, and during his brief residence in Preble County was a prominent man. At the time of his settlement he purchased upwards of four hundred acres of land.

Barzillai Inman was born in 1820, in Preble County, and was married in 1843 to Rebecca Jones, daughter of William Jones and his wife Elizabeth, who was born in 1828, in Wayne Township. They have had six children, four of whom are now living. Andrew C. Inman, born in 1844, is married, and lives in Wayne Township. Elizabeth, born in 1846, died in 1849. Jacob J., born in 1849, is married, and lives in Wayne Township. _ Mary Ann, born 1852, died in 1871. Harriet, born 1855, is the wife of Andrew Wilson, and lives in Wayne Township. William J., born in 1859, is married, and lives in St. Clair. Mr. Inman has held the office of real estate appraiser. He was drafted in the war, sending a substitute. He owns and farms five hundred and fifty acres, and his wife owns five hundred acres, part of the old homestead of the Jones family.

1802, at the same time with his father, Henry Jones, who settled in Curtis Township, Preble County. William Jones was born in 1774, and died in 1851. He owned at one time twenty-three hundred acres of land. His wife was Elizabeth Culbertson. She was born about 1775, and died in 1846. They were both natives of North Carolina, and were buried together in Preble County. They had eight children, five of whom, all girls, survived them. Andrew Jones, his son, was born in North Carolina, in 1799, and was a mere infant when brought to Butler County. Susan was born in 1794, dying in Indiana; Keziah, in 1797; Amy, widow of John Fox, 1802, lives in Preble County; Jemima, 1805; John, 1808; Mary, 1810; Elizabeth, 1813; Sarah, 1820; and Rebecca, 1823. The last, the wife of Barzillai Inman, lives in Wayne Township.

Andrew Jones married, in 1822, Harriet Smith, who was born in this county in 1803. They had six children, three of whom survive: John C., who is married, and lives in Seven-Mile; Andrew, living in Chi. cago; and Isabel, wife of John -Ray, who lives in Arcola, Illinois. Mr. Jones died in 1833, and his wife died in 1877. John C. Jones, son of the above, was born in 1828, and is married to Susan Gregg. She was born in 1839. They have had four children. James, Anna Maud, and William live at home; Charles is dead. Mr. Jones is a large landed proprietor, owning two hundred and twelve acres of land in Indiana and some in his own township. He does not himself farm, but devotes his attention to dealing in stock and grain, being one of the largest stock dealers in the county. He is one of the leading citizens of the township. He is a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church.

The Johns family, an important and wealthy one in this township, were originally Quakers, coming to Penn- _sylvania about the year 1700, under the auspices of William Penn. They engaged largely in commerce, and were extensive ship owners. The War of the Revolution, however, ruined them. James Johns, the grandfather, came to this country about 1805, settling in Warren County, where he died. Five of his children settled in Ohio: Ellis, Isaac, Thomas, John, and Ruth. Thomas Johns was the first member of this family that came out. He was born in Chester County, Pennsylvania, about 1776, and died in 1864, in Union Township. About the year 1801 he married Elizabeth Barnes, who was born about 1788, near Hagerstown, Maryland, and died in 1834 in Union Township. They had eleven children, of whom six are still living. Hannah, widow of Thomas Cox, who lives in Warren County; Jemima, wife of James Steele, now living in Darke County; Uriah, now living in Miami County; Nancy, wife of John Dawson, living in Clarke County, Missouri; John, in Wayne Township, and Thomas B., who is married, and lives in Terre Haute, Indiana.

Union Township, and in 1802 moved his family and settled there. He was drafted during the War of 1812, but owing to the sickness of his wife, he sent a substitute. He was a farmer, but did a good deal of carpenter work, building houses, barns, ete. John Johns was born in 1815, and married in 1837 Mary Hess, born in 1821, in Lancaster County, Pennsylvania. They have had eleven children, of whom nine are still living. Franklin is married, and lives in Illinois; Susan is at home; Daniel is dead ; Theodore is married, and lives in Kansas; John and William are married, and live in Butler County; Alvadore lives in Terre Haute; Alpheus and Horace are married, and live in Butler County; Mary lives at home, and Ada is dead.

Mr. Johns has been a school director for more than twenty years. For over two years he owned a general store at Miltonville, which did a business of from twelve to fifteen thousand dollars per year. Ill health, however, interfered with his continuance in this business, and he abandoned it and took up farming. He now owns about seven hundred acres of land in the county, which he and his sons farm. Mr. Johns is one of the leading citizens of Wayne Township.

Henry Jacoby was born in Lehigh County, Pennsylvania, about 1785. He was married to Sarah Kerr, a native of Lehigh County, by whom he had three children. Charles is married, and lives in St. Clair Township; Susannah, widow of Charles Wetzel, lives in Hamilton; and Elizabeth is deceased. He married for his second wife Salome Macan, born in Lehigh County, who died in 1837. He owned and farmed one hundred and fifty-six acres of land in Wayne, and one hundred and sixty-eight acres in Lemon.

Henry Jacoby, his son, was born in 1824, in Wayne, and was married in 1846 to Caroline Bartch, born in Lehigh County, Pennsylvania, in 1828. They had ten children, of whom two died young. Barbara E. is the wife of Isaac Boatman. He was born in 1848, and lives in Seyen-Mile. Jacob, born in 1850, lives in Lemon Township; Francis, born 1852, is married, living in Monroe; Melinda, born in 1854, is the wife of Albert Yuengling; Mary Alice, born in 1856, died in 1859; Edwin, born in 1859, is single, and lives at home; Henry and Charles are twins, and were born in 1862, and David A. was born in 1864. One died an infant. Mr. Jacoby led an upright and virtuous Christian life, and was an elder of the Reformed Church. He died in 1866.

Nathan Jacoby, born in 1812, in Lehigh County, Pennsylvania, was married in 1838 to Sarah Barger, born in 1821, in Berks County, Pennsylvania, the daughter "of Samuel and Mary Barger. They had four children. Mary Ann, born in 1840, the wife of George Y. Mechlin, lives in Hamilton. Emma, born in 1841, is the widow of Reuben Fulmer, and lives in Hamilton. David Albert was born in 1852, and died in 1861, when but nine years old. Maria Alice, born in 1855, the wife of George N. Clapp, lives in Wayne Township. Mr. Jacoby came to Ohio in 1820, and settled in Wayne Township, where his father had bought three hundred and twenty acres, and he owns. and farms one hundred and fifty acres, part of the old homestead. Mr. Jacoby and his wife are members of the Reformed Church, of which he is an elder.

The Kumler family is one of the largest and best known in the county. Henry Kumler, the ancestor of the family, was a bishop of the Church of the United Brethren. He was born January 3, 1775, in Lancaster, Penn., and died January 8, 1854, in Hanover Township. He was a man of great religious gifts, and for more than half a century labored as a servant of the Lord. He was married September 7, 1797, to Susannah Wingart, born October 1, 1779, in Lancaster County, Penn. She died in 1874, on the 80th of November, in Hanover.

They had eleven children, who grew to maturity, and one that was drowned in a spring when five years old. Hannah, the widow of the Rev. Jacob Flickinger, born in 1798, lives in Seven-Mile. Henry Kumler, born January 10, 1801, lives in Dayton, Ohio. He is an exbishop of the United Brethren Church, an office he held for twenty years. Susannah, the wife of the Rev. John Zeller, born January 3, 1804, died in 1875. Elizabeth, the widow of the Rey. A. Hess, born July 5, 1805, lives in Brazil, Indiana. Daniel C., born September 30, 1807, lives in Seven-Mile. Elias, born October 21, 1809, died in 1873. Jacob and Michael, twins, were born August 31, 1811, and are each married, and live near Millville, in this county. Joseph, born February 23, 1813, is married, and lives in Wayne Township, at Jacksonburg. John, born December 24, 1814, is married, and lives in Dayton. Catherine, widow of Henry Welty, born April 6, 1817, lives in Oxford. Mary, born 1819, was drowned.

Bishop Kumler settled in Wayne Township when he first came to Ohio. He was a wealthy man for the times, and when he came to Ohio he purchased land in Wayne Township, increasing the quantity gradually until he owned about eleven hundred acres, besides other property. This was distributed among his children, the boys each getting a farm of about one hundred and fifty acres, and the girls receiving money. He was a very prominent man during his life-time. He frequently crossed the Alleghanies upon Church business. He was noted for hospitality, keeping an open house for the ministry.

Of his sons, Daniel C. was born September 30, 1807, in Lancaster County, Pennsylvania. He was married, in 1827, to Catherine Walter, also born in Lancaster County, February 11, 1807. She died June 27, 1876, in Seven- Mile. They had ten children, of whom nine are living. William E., born May 17, 1828, is married, and lives in St. Clair. Amos D., born May 22, 1830, lives in Seven- Mile. Mary K., wife of Dr. A. H. Landis,

Elizabeth R., widow of John Miller, born February 1 1835, lives in Seven-Mile. Jacob Henry, married, born April 14, 1838, lives in St. Clair. Charles J. S., born January 15, 1843, lives in Peru, Indiana. Hannah C., wife of B. F. Ozias, lives in Arcanum, Darke County. She was born July 20, 1840. Susan M., wife of Professor George A. Funkhouser, D. D., born October 26, 1845, lives in Dayton. Eunice, born about 1847, died while an infant. Luther M., born August, 1849, lives in Berwick, Pennsylvania, being a minister of the Presbyterian Church.

Mr. Kumler was for some years minister of the United Brethren Church, and went to Africa as a missionary in 1854, but had to return after a few months, on account of illness. He studied medicine at Millville, and practiced fur about forty years, beginning about 1829, and at one time had a very large business. He also owned a great deal of land, which was attended to by his children. He has distributed it among them. Four of his sons were out in the war, in the hundred-days' service, being members of the One hundred and Sixty-seventh Regiment Ohio National Guard. Charles was sergeantmajor; William, a private; Amos, a corporal; and Jacob H., a private in Company C. They were stationed in the Kanawha Valley.

Joseph Kumler, son of the bishop, was born in 1818, in Franklin County, Pennsylvania, and married in 1835 to Margaret Zeller, born in 1816 in Montgomery County, this State. They have had seven children. Mary Ann is the wife of Simon Emerick, and lives in Montgomery County; Melinda E. is now dead; Juan R. lives at home; Myra F., wife of Samuel Baird, lives in St. Clair Township; Belle J., Joseph Edwin, and Franklin A. Z., all live at home. Mr. Kumler held the office of justice of the peace from 1853 to 1856, and has also been a member of the school board for nine years. He is the clerk of that body. He is a member of the United Brethren Church, of which he is a trustee, holding this position for twenty-five years. He is also a class-leader, and has been superintendent for several terms of the Sunday-school. By occupation he is a farmer, and has owned at one time three hundred and ten acres, part of which he has given to his children. At present he owns and farms one hundred and sixty acres. He is the president of the recently incorporated society for taking charge of a new cemetery at Miltonville, in Madison Township.

John Leslie was born in Loudon County, Virginia, and his wife, Hannah Davis, was born in Pennsylvania, the former in 1774, and the latter in 1779. They were united in 1799. Ten children were given to them, four of whom survive. Joseph, born in 1803, is married, and lives in Preble County. Reazin, born in 1813, 1s married, and lives in Wayne Township. John, born in 1815, and Hannah, born in 1817, live in Wayne. Mr. Le abe went to Pennsylvania about 1797, and emigrated to Ohio in 1805, settling in Preble County. He died in 1853 and his wife in 1855. By successive purchases he finally owned about one thousand two hundred acres of land, which he divided among his children. He first entered five quarters, his entire capital being $500. He served as a teamster in the War of 1812, hauling flour from Middletown to Fort Meigs, Fort Defiance, and Fort Recovery. His father, Patrick Leslie, was a soldier in the War of the Revolution, serving in the commissary department during the entire struggle. John, the son of John, moved to Butler County in 1854. He has been road commissioner.

John Moore, farmer, was born in Kildare County, Treland, in 1850. His father, John J.. Moore, lives in Ireland, and is a farmer. His mother, whose maiden name was Kelley, is dead. Mr. Moore was supervisor of Wayne Township for one term, being elected in 1862. He was one of the home guards that went out to capture John Morgan. Mr. Moore has been an extensive trayeler in South America, Texas, Alabama, and elsewhere.

George W. Oberfell was born in Butler County, April 18, 1858, being the son of Gottlieb Oberfell and Catherine Brooks. He came to this county in 1833, and she in 1849. George W. Oberfell was married September 15, 1878, to Louisa L. Ilowe, daughter of Junius A. Howe and Sarah A. Sherard. The former came from New York, but the latter was a native of the county. Mrs. Oberfell was born September 5, 1859, and has borne her husband three children. Harry and Clara Oberfell were born September 6, 1879, and Charles A., November 24, 1881. In the last war Gottlieb Oberfell served three years.

William C. Phares was born in Butler County, May 11, 1829. He is the son of William W. and Anna C. Phares. His father was a colonel of militia in 1812, troops. The fighting, however, was over, and he returned. He came to this county in 1805, and his wife in 1809. William C. Phares was married on the 29th of December, 1862, to Eliza M. Phares, who was born in Evansville, Indiana, and the daughter of Joseph and Lucinda Phares. She was born June 30, 1838. They have, as fruits of their union, Susan, born January 16, 1869, and Joseph, born December 23, 1866. Mr. Phares was out in the war, serving under Colonel Thomas Moore, in the One Hundred and Sixty-seventh Regiment. He follows the occupation of a farmer. .

Samuel A. Phares, farmer, was born in this township December 20, 1830. His father was W. W. Phares, the first postmaster of Jacksonburg, and his mother was Anna Caroline Phares. They came to this county in 1805. Samuel A. Phares was a member of the One Hundred and Sixty-seventh Regiment, Colonel Thomas Moore, in the rebellion, during the year 1864, serving in Company D, Captain Bookwalter. He was married August 15, 1878, in Hamilton, to Phebe <A. Page, daughter of Benjamin A. and Sarah A. Page. To this union there has been born Grace C. Phares, December 27, 1879, and they have adopted Edna M. Phares, born October 31, 1867.

W. D. Phares is a farmer. He is the son of George W. Phares, who was born November 20, 1801, and Jane W. Phares, who was born January 14, 1800. They came to this county in 1805. W. D. Phares was born in Wayne Township the 16th of December, 1837, and was married November 23, 1860, to Hester F. Potchner. Her father and mother were Dennis and Elizabeth Potchner. She came to this county in 1810, but Mr. Potchner was born in Preble County. Their daughter Hester was born in Preble County, July 18, 1842. Mr. and Mrs. Phares have two children, - Mary D., born July 29, 1866, and Harry C., September 28, 1872. He served in the Sixty-third Ohio Regiment three years, from 1862 to 1864, and was honorably discharged.

James R. C. Phares, one of the sons of W. W. Phares, is a farmer. He was born in Wayne Township, January 13, 1819, and was married on the 19th of May, at Keokuk, Iowa, to Maria Oldenburg, daughter of Louis Oldenburg and Mary Church. She was born in Pennsylvania, April 10, 1807. Mr. Oldenburg was a native of Germany. Mr. and Mrs. Phares have had eight children, - Edmund, born August 19, 1848; Andrew B., March 16, 1850; Lawrence T., March 30, 1853; Louis A., March 24, 1856; Samuel I., January 10, 1859; Bellamy S., September 22, 1860; Hubert A., October 8, 1864; Tessie May, July 29, 1872. Mr. Phares was assessor in 1854, and member of the board of education from 1860 to 1877.

Jeremiah Paulin, son of Jeremiah Paulin and Elizabeth Hagerman, natives of New Jersey, was born in Wayne Township in 1808, and was married for the first time in 1848 to Elizabeth Leslie, born in Butler County about 1817. She died in 1853. She had five children, now all dead. For his second marriage he took Sarah W. Hagan, born in Butler County in 1829. The union was in 1863. They have had three children, two now living. Thomas was born in 1866, and Elizabeth in 1867. Mr. Paulin is a self-made man, beginning life with nothing. He owns about six hundred acres of land, of which he farms about fifty acres, letting out the rest. He votes the Republican ticket.

Ezekiel Samuels was born in North Carolina in 18238, and moved from there with his parents to Indiana, when he was about ten years old. There he remained until the death of his father, which occurred in 1838, when his mother and family removed to Tennessee, where they remained until 1840, then coming to Ohio and settling in Butler County. Afterwards Mr. Samuels lived for several years in Preble County, but since 1857 he has lived permanently in Wayne Township. He married first, in 1844, Susan Kinsey, born in Preble County in 1821, who died in 1856. By her he had five children.

Mary Catherine, wife of Thomas Samuels, lives in Seven- Mile; Martha Jane, wife of Reed Boatman, lives in Hamilton; Winnie, wife of Daniel W. Perry, lives in Preble County; James, who is married, lives in Seven- Mile; Joel Reed, married, lives in Preble County.

By his second marriage he had one child, which died an infant. His wife is Elizabeth Pugh, widow of Washington Phares. She was born in this county in 1818. Mr. Samuels was one of a family of thirteen, who were left, by their father's death, in poor circumstances. He was early thrown upon his own resources, with no means, and a very limited education. By assiduous industry, however, he succeeded in educating himself in after life. He volunteered in the One Hundred and Sixty-third Ohio National Guard during the late war, and was sent to West Virginia. He has held several offices in his township, among others those of justice of the peace for six years, treasurer of the corporation ever since it existed, and also township assessor, constable, etc. He is a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church, joining it in his eighteenth year. He was for several years a member of the Odd Fellows. His father was out in the War of 1812, captain of a company under General Pinkton, seeing considerable service, and remaining during the whole term. By industry and perseverance Mr. Samuels has succeeded in accumulating a good competency, now owning considerable property. He at present follows butchering.

Samuel Stokes was born in Burlington, New Jersey, in 1794, and in 1814 married Amy Middleton, born in Monmouth County, New Jersey, in 1794. They had three children. Elizabeth and Sarah are deceased. James M. is married, and lives in Wayne Township. Samuel

Stokes came to Warren County, Ohio, in 1823, and resided there two years, when he moved to Butler County, first settling in Trenton. He lived there about four years, when he removed to Jacksonburg, staying there until the day of his death, which was the 10th of October, 1860. His wife survived him fourteen years, and died October 12, 1874.

Mr. Stokes held the office of township treasurer for two years. He was elected, about 1827, a lieutenant of the local rifle company, then organized in Trenton. He was a self-made man, for although he received some assistance from his father, he was unfortunate, and lost it all before he came West, so that when he arrived in this neighborhood he had to commence life afresh. He gave his children good educations, and was able to leave considerable means behind him. He was reared a Quaker, but married outside of that Church and never applied for readmission. He was a man of genial habits and temper, and a favorite with his friends and neighbors.

His only son, James Middleton Stokes, is now a resident of the township. He was born in 1815, in Burlington, New Jersey, and was married in 1842 to Maria 8. Cox. She was born in 1817 in Wayne Township. They have had three children. Samuel is married and lives in Wayne Township. James lives at home, and William, the eldest, is dead. He volunteered when the three years' men were called for, August 31, 1861, in the Thirty-fifth Regiment, and served till the battle of Mission Ridge, where he was killed. He was in Company C at the time of his death, being third sergeant, and if he had lived would shortly have been promoted. His captain was John Earhart, and he had been in several engagements previously, including among others those of Perryville and Chickamauga. He was killed by a rifleball through the head.

Mr. Stokes has held several township offices. He was township clerk in 1838, and again in 1842 was elected to the same position, holding it for twenty-one years, or until 1863. In 1865, 1866, and 1867 he was township trustee, and in 1873 was again elected clerk, which position he now holds. He followed the occupation of a blacksmith, in Jacksonburg, for twenty-two years, learning his trade under his father, and remaining with him until 1855, when he moved to his present residence, going into farming. He is one of the leading citizens of this township, and owns and farms three hundred acres, which were bought by his father and himself.

Clemence Shafer, son of Emanuel and Eliza Shafer, was born in Lancaster, Pennsylvania, where both of his parents are now living, in 1830. He came permanently to reside in this county in 1875. He was married to Sarah Jane Fox, daughter of Thomas T. and Hannah Fox, on the 18th of March, 1858. She was born in Butler County in 1836, her parents coming here in 1812. Mr. and Mrs. Shafer have had ten children: Charles D., Thomas E., Cala M., Flora A., Emanuel H., Hannah R., George W., Bertha C., Clara E., and Roland C. Mr. Shafer is a farmer. He was out four months in the War of the Rebellion, and three of the other members of his family also served. B. F. Shafer was out three years, Dillar Shafer one year, and E. Card Shafer four months.

William B. Thomas was born in Hamilton, October 3, 1826, and is the son of John H. Thomas and Eleanor C. Craig. The father came here in 1800, and the mother in 1801. He has been twice married. His first wife was Catherine Andrews, who was born in Wayne Township, February 9, 1829, and he was joined to her in marriage in 1848. By her he had three children. Mary E. Sarim, born October 28, 1848, and Alfred A., October 7, 1850. He was married afterwards to Sarah A. Shafer, daughter of Peter Shafer and Lydia A. Mills. She was born in Ohio, July 28, 1840. They have three children. Jackson P. Thomas was born April 1, 1861; William I., August 22, 1871, and John J., May 2, 1877. Mr. Thomas has been an assessor of Wayne Township one term, trustee of Jacksonburg several terms, clerk several terms, and school director six years. His grandfather Craig was all through the Revolutionary War, and his father, when a small boy, was a drummer. Mr. Thomas was a leading merchant of this place for thirty years. At one time, when about forty years of age, he rode a horse from Cincinnati to Jacksonburg in two hours and fifteen minutes. He is a member of the Patriotic Order of America.

J. B. Tapscott was born in Warren County, Ohio, November 28, 1838, and came to live in this county in 1843. He is the son of William Tapscott and Margaret Baird, and is a manufacturer and dealer in post-augers. Mr. Tapscott has been twice married. His first union was to Eliza J. Carter, daughter of Albert Carter and Mary Shannon, and had by her the following children: Elizabeth Fletcher, Mary M. Bultz, and William. 'The last is dead. He was married for his second wife to Sarah Ann Sarber, daughter of Thomas Sarber and Elizabeth Long. By her he had issue Ellsworth, Samuel and Harry (now dead). Mr. Tapscott was brought up on a farm, and followed that occupation until he was twenty-five. In March, 1860, he moved to Indiana, where he remained until the Spring of 1864, when he moved back to Jacksonburg, where he still remains. His grandfather, John Baird, was in the War of 1812, and did good service.

William Wolverton, treasurer of Wayne Township, was born in Hamilton County, Ohio, in 1820. He came to this county in 1827. He is the son of Isaac and Catherine Wolverton, who came to Hamilton County very early. Mr. Wolverton was married in Marion County, Indiana, on the 29th of May, 1851, to Melinda Allen, a native of Wayne Township. Her father was David Allen and her mother Susannah Overpeck. Mr. and Mrs. Wolverton have had the following children: David, born March 14, 1852; Isaiah, October 20, 1853; Elizabeth Ann, November 29, 1855; Sarah C., August 14, 1858; Susannah, March 27, 1865; Mary J., May 9, 1861, and Edna, January 5, 1868. Isaiah died June 13, 1869, and Susannah died April 9, 1864. Mr. Wolverton is a farmer, and has been the treasurer of his township since the 1st of March, 1854.

Isaac Wolverton was an old settler, coming here in the beginning of the settlement of the country. He was a native of Washington County, Pennsylvania, and was the son of Colonel Thomas Wolverton, who went out as a private in the Revolutionary War at the age of seventeen, and retired at the close of the contest as a colonel. Isaac Wolverton came to Hamilton County in 1812, settling in Wayne Township, in Butler County, in 1827. During his sojourn in Hamilton County he was married to Miss Catherine Frazee, a native of that county, by whom he had nine children, five of whom survive. All of them are married. William lives in Wayne Township; Thomas lives in Redwood County, Minnesota; Isaac, in Richland County, Ilinois; Jane, wife of John

Mr. Wolverton was in the War of 1812, holding the rank of major under General Webb, in General Harrison's army, and serving during the entire war. By industry he accumulated a large property, owning at the end five hundred and eighty acres, which he divided among his children. He and his wife are both dead.

William, the son, was born in Hamilton County in 1820, coming to Butler County with his father and mother in 1827. He married Melinda Allen in

Source changes here: from Centennial History of Butler County, Ohio, by Bert S. Bartlow, W. H. Todhunter, Stephen D. Cone, Joseph J. Pater, Frederick Schneider, and Others, published 1905; 1,483 words in this source stream.

Wayne Township

"Ordered, that the following tract of land and country, now part of St. Clair township, in the county aforesaid, to wit: Beginning at the southeast corner of the third township of the third range west of the Miami; thence north with the eastern boundary line of said third range to the north boundary line of the county; thence west with said northern boundary line to the west boundary line of said third range; thence south with the said last-mentioned line to the southwest corner of the aforesaid third township in the third range aforesaid; thence to the place of beginning - shall compose a township to be called and known by the name of Wayne township."

Wayne township was created under the act of the legislature passed January 21, 1804, which empowered the county commissioners to alter the boundaries of townships, and to set off new townships. On petition of a number of inhabitants of St. Gair township, December 2, 1805, Wayne township was erected out of territory in the northeast comer of St. Clair township. The topography of the township may be described as rolling to hilly. The principal streams are the Seven Mile creek, which cuts off the southeast corner of the township ; Elk creek, which cuts off the northeast corner, and Ten Mile and Nine Mile creeks in the western section.

One of the earliest settlers in this territory was Matthew Winton, who located near Seven Mile. His house, which was of stone, stood just on the line between St. Clair and Wayne townships. Other early settlers were James Withrow, who came from Nelson county, Kentucky, in 1800; John Withrow, from the same locality; Capt. Samuel Pottenger, William Harper, Robert Gilke, the Paddocks, Buchanans, the Cornthwaites and others.

About 1798 William Harper settled with his family on section 19. In the spring of the year 1800, in sugar-making time, the Indians came in quite a number to visit the Harpers, as they were accustomed to do. An old squaw became very intimate with the family, especially with little Elizabeth, a three-year-old child. One evening Mrs. Harper sent two children to bring in the cows, and their three-year-old sister followed. When they had gone some distance the little girl cried for them to stop, but in their hurry they gave her no attention. After returning home Elizabeth was missing. Search was immediately instituted, but the little girl could not be found. The next morning little footprints were found in the mud where she had crossed a stream, and close by them moccasin tracks. The Indians were all gone and it was evident the babe had been stolen. The father and mother visited all the Indian camps in search of their child, which was never found. In 1842 a gentleman who was well acquainted with the Harpers saw Elizabeth. He knew her by the family likeness which they all possessed in a remarkable degree. She had married an Indian warrior and had two children. She afterward went with her tribe west of the Mississippi and was never heard of again. Her parents had died years before, after despairing of ever finding her.

The population was 1,552 in 1820, 1,513 in 1830, 1,562 in 1840, 1,453 in i89° and 1,343 in 1900. The earliest settlers of the township were the Andrews, Brelsfords, Bairds, Bums, Brookses, Corneliuses, Duffields, Davises, Foxes, Grafts, Hutchinses, Phares, Pottengers, Stubbses, Squires, Wilsons, Weavers, Withrows and others. The Cincinnati and Richmond division of the Pittsburgh, Cincinnati, Chicago &

Louis Railroad system crosses the southwest corner of the township. In the township are two villages. Jacksonburg and Seven Mile, the latter lying also partly in St. Clair.

most important trade center west of the Miami river in Butler county. It was on the main road leading from Cincinnati to Preble and Darke counties, and had at one time two hotels, four stores, a pork-packing establishment, four tailors and other important industries. The earliest settlers in this neighborhood were Benjamin Vancleve, John Baird, John Craig and Henry Weaver. They laid out the village February 16, 1816. John Baird built the first tavern. William Phares kept the first store. One of the early merchants was the late Henry S. Earhart, of Hamilton. In 1824 the town attained its greatest prosperity. The tavern could not begin to accommodate the traveling public. It is said that frequently there were as many as fifty teams at a time putting up for the night in the town. There has always been some manufacturing done in the village. Charles Wells was the first blacksmith. Thomas Hartley was the next smith to locate there. About 1870 John H. Yager started a blacksmith, wood-working and paint shop, and manufactured buggies, 'vagons, harrows and rollers. Thomas Brothers conducted a printing office for some time. After the building of the railroads and a bridge across the Miami at Middletown Jacksonburg lost much of its importance as a trading point. The town was incorporated many years ago, and has a complete municipal government under the village plan. Its population according to the census of 1900 was only seventy-seven. It is the smallest municipality in the state.

The first church built in this locality was Shiloh church. It was a log structure and later was changed into a school house as well, with occasional church services. /The Shiloh church is near the camping grounds of the noted Indian chief, Killbuck, who kept his clan at the mouth of the stream which empties into Elk creek. Killbuck was about half civilized and when his warriors left this section he refused to go with them. He afterward went to Indiana.

The Union church of Jacksonburg was built in 1843. I* was fifst used principally by the Methodists, though free to other denominations. In 1876 the United Brethren gained control and have held services there with much regularity.

Seven Mile

Seven Mile was laid out in 1841. The original proprietor of the land was Samuel Brand, who owned five hundred acres and built a mill and a distillery, which he conducted until 1835. John Walter, who came into possession of a portion of the Baird land, laid out Walnut and High streets, and one twelve-foot alley. F. B. Landis purchased the first lot. After 1851 additions were laid out by F. B. Landis, Surber, Bobbenmeyer & Surber and Weider. In the spring of 1838 there were but two houses in Seven Mile. Stephan Emerick was the first merchant. John Boliard was the first blacksmith. Henry Jacoby kept tavern here in the 'thirties and 'forties. Later Wilson Clark and William Lightsinger kept general stores. The present merchants are A. B. Pharls and F. J. Schmidlin. Beck Brothers conduct a general blacksmithing business. The town has besides a hotel, a harness shop, tin shop, meat store and a mill. Seven Mile was incorporated in 1875. According to the census of 1900 the population was 256-

Centennial History Of

The first school in this neighborhood was taught by William Garrison in a building erected very early. It stood a half mile east of Seven Mile. The second building was erected in 1830 and the present building in 1878. The turnpike passing through Seven Mile, from Eaton to Hamilton, was built in 1833 and 1834. The pike is sixty feet wide and was intended to accommodate three teams abreast. At that time the travel was very great. The pike was built by a stock company of which John Woods was president.

A stock company founded an academy here in 1858. I. N. Hughes was the principal. and the school had an attendance of sixty students the first year. R. B. Hanby, author of "Nellie Gray/' succeeded Mr. Hughes. The last school was conducted by B. Starr, in 1866, when the building and grounds, containing four acres, were purchased by the Seven Mile special school district for three thousand five hundred dollars. The house is two stories high and contains four rooms.

In 1870 Prof. B. Starr established a select school for boys, which he carried on for several years. Prof. Starr was a graduate of Middletown, Connecticut.

The Cotton Run Methodist Episcopal church was organized in Seven Mile in a very early day. For a few years services were held at the homes of the members, but in 1831 a church was built upon an acre lot donated by John Withrow. Rev. Joshua Holland was the first pastor.

The United Brethren church was organized in 1844. The first pastor was Rev. Theophilus Rork. In 1859 ^rst church was taken down and a new one erected at a cost of five thousand dollars. Services are no longer held.

The Presbyterian church was organized in 1878. Prior to 1881 the society worshiped in the German Reformed church, but in that year a commodious and handsome church building was erected. The church has prospered from the beginning and has a large membership of faithful and active Christian workers.