100 - HISTORY OF ALLEN COUNTY

farm, was suspended over the fire by means of an improvised derrick, and the process of roasting a whole ox was started.

That Kentucky Colonel was a "beaut." We soon found that he thought all whiskey was good, only some was a little better. During his respective spasms, he varied the stuffing of the ox's "innards." When his drinks came from Henry Beck's, a German, he would put in onions, cabbage and garlic. When from Dennis Collins', an Irishman, he would add sweet and Irish potatoes. When from Mad Anthony's, a Frenchman, he would compound a kind of vegetable hash, a potpourri, and

dump them in on top. The result was that he had vegetables in all stages, rare, medium, steamed, baked, boiled, broiled, fricasseed, underdone, overdone, .not done at all and clone up brown.

About the second day of the coodoneprocess, that fellow had a pretty well defined case of "snakes," in fact a whole menagerie, and was laid away in the fence corner—the committee itself bordering on "jim. jams."

The middle of the third day, "Old Ken-tuck" (we had dropped the Colonel) resurrected and pronounced the roasting completed. We didn't dispute it—what was the use? We knew it was either done or ripe but couldn't tell which.

Elaborate preparations had been made for an imposing procession, a kind of grand en try to the Public .Square, where the ox was to stand in stately array, to receive the plaudits.. of the people at the meeting next day.

All the red, white and blue tissue paper in the town had been festooned over a truck ; four" prancing chargers had been brought in from George Fetter's stone quarry ; Bill Pangle wwas to handle the ribbons and Gus Feiss as to ride ahead on Ben Faurot's jack, blow a horn and announce the coming of Ox Rex or Rex Ox.

In arranging for the grand parade, a part of the program was to be a chariot load of girls representing the different States, and as a centerpiece the Goddess of Liberty.

The county had been thoroughly canvassed, and the girls were all ready to do their. parts, including the decorating otheirox.

One of the nice features was that these young misses were all selected without reference to politics—women. didn't vote in those days—and any old politics was good enough for them so long as they rode in a procession,. clothed in pretty white dresses, trimmed in red, white and blue ribbon.

Even if they did have to ask, "What's, that man's name we are to shout for ?" they were a thousand fold over more interesting in their beauty and innocence, than are the later day Colorado Amazons, who talk politics until they dislocate their jaws, and who by their intensity would create a disturbance in Heaven —a kind of a cross between a jack rabbit and a bob-cat, with all the timid gentleness of the one left out and the vicious "qualities of the other accentuated—the kind of a creahee that the "Sultan of Sulu" would reject for his. harem, and that no self-respecting man could caress without an attack of nausea. Universal suffrage is one of the coming evils, and I don't want to live in a one-sex world.

The girls were in the neighborhood to do" the decorating, but there seemed a hesitancy on their part, a shrinking from publicity as it were. They came up to nose distance, looked, sniffed, spit and concluded they would go across the field and call on the Robb girls.

Did you ever see a girl spit at sight of some unpleasant thing? No? Well, it's a sight

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and a sound. Now, when a well-trained man spitter spits, he does it artistically, both as to destination and sound—every consonant and the vowel is as perfectly articulated and modulated as though he were spelling out the word. Try it. There you have it—S-P-I-T.

Not so with the girl. She turns red, then pale, finally bringing up with a sort of garter-snake green, and ends with a sort of t-u-h, t-u-h, a run or a faint.

Being deserted by the girl decorators, Bill Richardson was pressed into the service, and managed to attach a few hangman's knots, in tri-colored ribbons, to the ox's horns and tail, and gave it as his opinion it was very "Pictu-res-que."

After a devil of a time to keep the beast from disintegration, we finally got him braced on a truck. He was scarcely the ideal we had pictured of head rampant, eyes blazant, tail extant, etc., etc., but he was a whole ox roasted, and if we could ever get him out of that yard, and fan him off a little, he would be all right.

The procession finally started. It was not as imposing as we had hoped for. It was largely made up of a gang of kids who have since grown up strong in the faith, and have become important factors in the making and unmaking of statesmen. There was not that dignity and decorum we had a right to expect —in fact there was a spirit of levity that was very unbecoming in the presence of the ox.

The procession was headed by Doan Robb, now the honored Mayor of Lima, and then

There was Gorman and Galvin and Mullen,

O'Connell, O'Neill and O'Rourke,

Fitzmaurice and Clifford and Brennen,

Fitzgerald, Rehally and Burke ;

Gangon and Dugan, Knokeley and Quinlan,

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Murphy and Tehan, and Foley and Finn,

O'Connor and Casey with Scully and Ducy

And behind this quartette Mulcahi walked in.

They were followed by Reardon,Riley and Toomey,

O'Maley and Kelley came on in a pair,

After them Coolohan, Kirby and Cooney,

McCarthy, McAuliff, McGrath and Connair.

Hughs came with Ginty, Ryan and Frawley,

Costello brought Lyons and Callahan, Hart,

Kinnan and Carney, Corbett and Leahey,

With Heffern and Lawler drove up in a cart.

Says a voice at a window, "It's Noonan and Mulligan,"

"Go on with the shindy," says little Mike Sullivan;

"It's time for the fray," shouted Johnnie Conway,

And in rushed Mahoney, Cummins and Corrigan

Yellin', "Wait just one minute, here's Purtil and Shea.

O'Keefe, Bland and Madigan are now on their way,

Daly's just round the corner, Joyce on the run ;

Kevil, Doyle and O'Brien with Patsey Killoran,

Hard pushed by Welsh, Coffey, Dempsey and Dunn."

Kaliher, Goodwin, O'Neil and Malloy,

Lovett and Moriarty found place in the gang;

"All ready?" says Hennessy, "then give us the cue;"

"Go on with the circus," called Jim Donahue.

That little procession is scattered. Some of the poor fellows have gone over the "Great Divide," but most of them grew to mangy manhood, filling their niche and doing their :duty well.

Sam Collins, the master of ceremonies, was 'equal to the occasion. He never lost his sand. We had not proceeded far down West street, when we passed an old German gentleman named Amelong. Uncle Sam called out, 'Come down to-morrow, Chris, and have dinner with us."

"Denkst du Ich bin ein asel?" came the ready reply, which being interpreted means, 'Do you think I am a jack-ass?" and for the first time Uncle Sam seemed despondent.

As we passed the priest's residence, some one extended an invitation to the good father to "Come down to-morrow and eat with us ;" the good man smiled and said, "Thank you, Oh, thank you, you are very kind, but it's Friday," and then Uncle Sam began to suspect.

About the time we crossed the Pennsylvania tracks, Tom Fitzmaurice's enthusiasm :got the better of his judgment, and he grabbed the ox by the tail. Now that tail had been made a special feature. The hide and switch had been left on, and had escaped the ravages of the fire, but one yank of Tom's strong arm peeled the thing from start to finish, from soda to hock, and left it under bare poles.

We tied it with strings, pinned it with pins, and glued it with glue, but in spite of all efforts it wouldn't stick and we had to give it up.

We finally reached the Square without actual disaster. The shades of night were falling fast, and none would have cared if there had come total darkness, and with it a cyclone that would have lifted that ox into the unknown whence. But, as it was, we braced the thing as best we could, covered it with disinfecting cloths, chose a committee to "wake" it, to the end that the irreverent enemy might not serve us any "Yankee tricks," and left it in its charmed circle, within which no one would have dared enter if he had known what he was about. However, we had a genial understanding that all should meet at the place, or near it as possible, at dawn next morning, in order to hold a coroner's inquest, or something, and arrive at some decision as to what was best to do with the ox and ourselves.

The morning came and so did we, but the morning was brighter than we were. Possibly the birds sang as sweetly as if there had not been an ox roasted whole, with a whole

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lot of other things, but the only sound that we could distinguish was that of the carrion crow.

The sun did not rise; instead there came a great blazing ball of fire, thousands of times larger than the earth, and completely enveloping it in a torrent of heat.

There was not a cloud in the sky and no promise of one which, paradoxical as it may seem, made it darker for us. We wished for the hardest rain that could come in order that there might be an indefinite postponement of the "banquet."

Ravenous cats looked down from house tops, rats with glittering eyes peered from under the wooden sidewalks, hungry dogs had to be kicked out of the way, and even the hogs, which in those days ran at large, were gathered in squads, companies, battalions and regiments.

The poor old ox had shriveled and shrunk until he looked like a combination of last year's bird's nests and a veterinary's sign. His abdomen was distended by gas until it looked like an inverted balloon, and down his sides trickled little rivulets of rich, creamy yellow liquid and settled in pools on the ground below, and thousands of flies enjoyed such a dessert as never did fly before. In folds of flesh and cracks, writhed little innocent white worms, fighting for position, and on that heavy air, murky and close, arose the most intolerable stench it was ever the lot of mortal man fo smell ; it was the very quintessence of compounded, double-distilled, rectified, concentrated stink ; lothsome stink, such a stink as you could cut in chunks, .carry around and distribute among your enemies to drive them from their happy homes.

Pole cats, rotten eggs, sulphuretted hydrogen, "carbon di-sulphide," that vile stuff shoemakers use in repairing old rubber boots, but which the shoemaker's cub gives a different name, much more expressive, and all other had smells were as attar of roses, compared to this "Democratic Ox" smell.

Many remarks were made that would hardly do to put in cold storage—they were too hot.

Louie Gottfried, a grand fellow, long since dead, rest to his soul, was famous for his profanity ; he had as choice a collection of expletives in his swearing vocabulary as was ever given to a man with but one tongue, but this was too much for him ; he couldn't rise to the-occasion, and it was painful to listen to his efforts, especially when one was so much in sympathy with what you knew he wanted to say ; he could only gasp, "Well by ____ , Well I'll be ____, Great ____ ," and other tentative exclamations.

Editor Parmenter, of the opposition press, wanted to know of Editor Fisher, if that was an ox roasted whole, or an ox hole roasted. That Parmenter always was a cynical cuss !

Robert Mehaffey came around the corner, leading little Willie, now the dignified editor of the Times-Democrat; he got a sight and a smell at the same time, and Willie, in his innocence asked his papa if he hadn't "cut his foot." Robert walked away, murmuring,. "Too bad, too bad."

John Meily and Thomas K. Jacobs, noted for irascibility, only laughed, and then the rest of us got mad because they didn't.

Nelson McBride shed tears of repentance. when he thought of that fiver he had contributed to the banquet.

George Schooler, Gabe Hefner, Ross. Crossley, Andy. Duff, John Cremean, Doan Fisher and a number of others, as good Democrats as ever rain wet or sun dried, came along with hickory canes and butternut buttons. Schooler had his own peculiar formula of swear words, and almost shrieked out "Hell to Coshocton," and then by common consent the little group wended their way over to Mad Anthony's.

Charlie Lamison, who was to make a speech, swore he couldn't and he wouldn't talk with that infernal thing for a background:

And what did the women say? Well, when they could catch their breath it was good and plenty.

Judge Mackenzie, who used snuff and who by the sense of smell couldn't tell the difference between eau de Cologne and Limburger

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cheese, insisted that the ox was all right—a few little worms did no harm and that we should "on with the dance."

My old teacher, Jasper Newton Guttridge, was a learned man but a solemn one. He came forward and remarked, "Brethren, I should say that this poor defunct relic of animal life should be worked up into `stearate of protoxide of potassium' (which in the language of the uncultivated means 'soft soap') and divided among the unwashed Democracy."'

This was the last straw on the ox's back, and Editor Fisher said, "Let's get the damn thing out and bury it." AND WE DID.

RECOLLECTIONS OF E. T. COLE.

John F. Cole came to Lima in February, 1831. He had a contract with the man who brought the family "that they were to remain in the wagon until such time as the cabin was built." It was occupied without door or floor, -quilts being hung up to answer as doors ; the size of the cabin was 12 by 14 feet. John P. Mitchell, who on his arrival in Lima built a double cabin, which was used by him as a tavern, sold the three yoke of oxen with which he came to my father, who did not have one dollar to pay down. My father settled one mile from town, down the river. Enos Terry ,came at the same time with his family ; his wife was my mother's sister. Terry settled between us and town. I have heard my folks tell about my father coming home with cattle after helping some one roll logs and then before going to bed, pound enough hominy to last the family the next day. He would turn the cattle out at night and before going to bed would get the direction they were feeding by the bell, so that he would know where to find them in the morning, at which time they would be lying down. It was not an unusual occurrence to find them in the company of 10 or 15 deer.

My father hauled the first stock of merchandise into Lima with those oxen, from Dayton, Ohio, 60 miles—a 14 to 16 days' trip. My mother remained with four children at the cabin, only 10 rods from the path on the bank of the river the Indians used to go to and from Shawneetown, the Indian village.

I remember hearing my father tell about going to this village to get seed corn the spring they arrived, having cleared off three acres to plant. To fence the patch, the rails were carried on the shoulder, on which a pad of rags and feathers, made for the purpose, was secured.

On one occasion my uncle Terry went with my father to the Indian village for seed corn. (The squaws were in the habit of raising small patches of corn.) The chief Pht had "passed in his checks," and the Indians were engaged in funeral exercises. The white men were invited to participate, and dared not refuse; consequently they did not get home until after dark. The tribe were the Shawnees. I think in the settlement with the government they were privileged to remain in that vicinity for two years. Their destination finally was Iowa.

I remember hearing the folks 'tell about their living six weeks on squashes the fall following their arrival. One of the "men folks" at the time—I don't remember which one—shouldered one bushel of shelled corn and walked 30 miles east to a grinding apparatus that had been established, and on returning home divided with three families the meal obtained.

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My father was ruptured badly the next season after coming and so gave up farming. He borrowed $500 from a friend in Warren county, Ohio, where he came from, moved to town, bought a half-lot, built a house for storeroom and living room combined and bought a stock of goods with that $500. Probably it was not a very extensive stock of goods.

A man by the name of Breese became the owner of the Indian village. He was in the habit of bringing apples to town gathered from trees planted by the Indians, very much sooner than any one in the vicinity. This calls to my mind that my father and Squire Williams went into Champaign County about. the fall of 1846 or 1847 and brought home two loads of apples. Williams had a fancy for a good dog, and bought one on the way home. On making a stop on the journey to water the horses, the (log jumped out of the wagon; in getting him back again, Williams was bitten, but did n0t give it any thought ; nine days later he was taken with hydrophobia and died a terrible death.

It was a red-letter day for Lima when Daniel D. Tompkins and two other families, all loaded it covered wagons, led by the brass band, marched out of town for Oregon, where at that time all settlers received a deed for a quarter-section of land for each member of the family.

I think that it was in 1845 that Linn, the merchant, who was holding forth in the old log Court House on Main street, went to Cininnati to buy goods and brought the cholera to Lima. He was taken down the evening of his return and died the f0llowing clay. A German cooper's boy, living up town, was soon after taken sick and died. McConnehay ran a saddler's shop in a shanty situated on the Court House grounds. A boy learning the trade and sleeping in the garret of the shop died without the knowledge of any one. Every available trap that had wheels was brought into requisition to take the people out of town. My mother gave my father no rest until he had "hooked to" the wagon, and two sisters and two brothers besides myself "hiked" for the Amanda woods, where my father's sister, Mrs. Woodrough, lived, three miles from any public road. The cholera quit business with five victims; I suppose because it had no more timber to work on.

James S. Cheever came to Lima in 1834. My wife, Juliet, was born in 1836, and the families lived so near each other that my mother dressed the young lady with the first suit she wore.

To look back over the ground, it seems but a few months or years since we went to school together, slid d0wn the hill in the winter on the same sled, and visited the sugar camps at "stirring off" time in squads of 15 or 20.

James S. Cheever brought with him a stock of goods, made up of such articles as were sold and traded to the Indians, who were in evidence to a considerable extent up to the year 1840. They would come to Lima in squads of from six to 12, and pass our house going to Saint's tan yard, which was just across the way from us, where they traded hides for leather.

Levi Saint was one of the first settlers of Lima ; I think he came in 1836. His business seemed to be a paying one, as he built the first brick residence in Lima. Some years after, he built a brick storehouse on the southeast corner of the Square, and entered into the mercantile business. George was the eldest son and my chum. Hudson Watt had occupied that corner with a small building as a shoe store, from my earliest recollection. "The Old Fort," as the building was called, stood on the northwest corner of Main and Market streets, opposite the Court House. North of it was a two-story wooden building, which when the Square was graded down was left some five or six feet above the sidewalk ; Market street, sloping up from the corner, was on a level with the back end of the building.

When the Pittsburg, Fort Wayne & Chicago Railroad was being built, I think it was in 1852 or 1853, the laborers employed in the construction, s0me 250 or 300 men, Irish and Dutch, working in the cut at the river, would frequent a sal00n in "The Old Fort" and, on Saturday afternoons more particularly, would get in a hilarious mood and step out on the walk on Market street and commit all kinds of

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nuisances. It had been a source of complaint for some time. Henry Misner and myself were in the grocery and restaurant business two buildings south of the Square, on the west side of Main street. One Saturday evening, Christmas Eve, we had roast goose and invited the friends in. We were there until 11:3o p. m., and when we closed up some one noticed a commotion at "The Old Fort" and suggested we go up and investigate. I think there were eight or 10 in the party. John Vanatta, a very large and powerful young man, then the general boss at the railroad work, was one of the party ; John Carpenter, blacksmith, working for Isaac Delrell; Misner and myself, with others that I cannot name now, made up the investigating party. By the time we had arrived at the "Fort" the number had increased somewhat.

We found the room full of railr0ad workmen, well "tanked up." Some one called for drinks and it being about 12 o'clock Saturday night, and an ordinance against selling on Sunday being in force, the barman thought we were there t0 catch him and refused the customer, and so the row began. Our b0ys helped themselves to a keg of axe handles standing in a corner and in less than 0 minutes they cleaned out the shanty and began t0 investigate the back room, out of which were rolled 18 barrels of liqu0r, chiefly whiskey, with some brandy. When the barrels of liqu0r reached the pavement, they went d0wn hill t0 the middle of the Square; there the heads were knocked in and the contents ran t0 the river. The boys tried to set it on fire, but it w0uld not burn.

Some friends of the saloon men tried to set the building on fire about 3 o'clock, for the purpose of holding us for damages. The upper story was used for storage, and in it were two kegs of powder,-25 pounds each ; near these a box of packing was placed and set on fire. John Carpenter, the blacksmith, who had eyes like an eagle, with no fear in his makeup, ran up the stairs where the kegs of powder were enveloped in the flames of the box and its contents, and kicked the box out of the front door. A guard was then placed over the premises until morning.

The square and the old building presented a sad sight when daylight came. On Monday, Charles N. Lamison, prosecuting attorney, had 22 persons arrested. The sheriff, Ridenour, had been very lately installed in office and was not "up to snuff" very extensively. The county judge lived four miles east, and to get us there Sheriff Ridenour procured a four-horse sleigh. We "loaded in" and John Vanatta, having had some experience in driving four horses, took the reins and gave us quite a ride about town ; then it occurred to us that it was time for dinner, which we were not slow in demanding. Mr. Sheriff led us to the tavern, kept by one Captain Fisher. After dinner the sheriff was informed that if he wanted to present us to the judge he had better bring his Honor in. We went home.

The following morning the judge presented himself and the trial opened for "riot." Two days were consumed in getting a jury. Captain Fisher was foreman and John Haller, a young man living two miles west of town, school teacher and surveyor, was one of the jury. The trial was finished Saturday noon. The jury retired, occupying a room to the right of the judge's stand in the court room. They remained all night, all Sunday and Sunday evening. William Mitchell got a position over the jury room by climbing through the roof timbers and made a small hole through the plastering, sufficient to hear what transpired below. It seems that all were for "not guilty" except Haller. About 9 o'clock he announced his intention to go with the rest. Captain Fisher asked him to write the verdict, which he did and the Captain signed it as f0reman and they adjourned.

The intelligence was too good to keep. Mitchell came down and told the decision, with the injunction that it should not be repeated. When morning came it was common talk and some of the friends of whiskey (county officers) then engaged the attention of this man John Haller, and when c0urt was called and the jury were asked if they had a verdict the foreman answered, "yes," and presented it. After reading it, the prosecuting attorney asked that the jury be polled, which was done, —all the jury answering, "Yes, your Honor"

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except the man Haller, who replied, "No, your Honor." The prosecuting attorney asked for a continuance, which was granted and the defendants were ordered to give bond ; but the answer to this was, "We'll go to jail." The judge proceeded to order the sheriff to take us to jail.

Carpenters had been laying a floor in the debtors' room and had not finished, leaving some of the joists partly exposed. It was a short job to get one loose and use it for a battering-ram and bend the iron bars of the windows until they were pulled out of the wall. No one made any attempt to go out. About that time dinner was called and Mr. Sheriff was ordered to bring in tables and spread the "grub" upon them. The texture of the "grub" was such that it did not satisfy the fastidious taste of the guests. By mistake, or otherwise, the table went over and the "grub" was spilled on the floor. About that time some ladies appeared with a prepared dinner, which was dished out and. enjoyed by the boys, after which a fiddler was introduced and some dancing enjoyed, When the ladies gathered up the fragments and retired.

The attorney employed to defend was from Bellefontaine. At that stage of the game, the attorney called on Judge Metcalf, who happened to be at home, and presented a writ of habeas corpus, and the judge asked the sheriff by what authority he held the prisoners. The county judge had failed to issue and deliver a mittimus to the sheriff, hence the latter had no authority to hold his prisoners and the defendants were discharged by Judge Metcalf. Moreover, having been incarcerated without authority, they were not responsible for any damage accruing to the public property. The boys went home. The County Court convened the first Monday in each month, when the prosecuting attorney would ask for a continuance of the case, which was granted by the judge. The defendants presented themselves at each call of the court for four or five calls and then gave it no more heed.

A damage suit was instituted against the entire party for $2,300 for goods destroyed at

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the party on Christmas Eve. The citizens' committee paid the bill ; I don't recollect just the amount paid.

About 30 days after this, some saloon may at Delphos, concluding to engage in the business at Lima, loaded three wagons with the necessary goods, drove to within two miles of town and camped until the proper time in the night, expecting to occupy "The Old Fort" be: fore daylight, without the knowledge of those opposed to that style of business. The fact was learned and 10 o'clock found 40 persons gathered at the foundry, with captain chosen and everyone armed, four men with revolvers, four with crowbars and the remainder with axes and sledgehammers. All were disguised, mostly with coffee sacks, with eye and mouth holes, pulled over their heads. They were formed into line, counted, every man instructed as to his duty, marched in front of the "Fort," the men with revolvers taking stations as guards to admit no one. The crowbar men opened the doors and windows. I think it could not have exceeded 10 minutes until the building had neither plastering nor weatherboarding left on it from top to bottom. The men were then formed in line, were counted (no word spoken during the transaction) and were marched to the foundry. The wagons went on the back track with the "rotgut."

I have heard my father and others talk about a "graft" that was worked extensively by two parties. One gentleman .occupied the Land Office and when parties would make application for entry of lands nothing but gold or silver would "go ;" they were informed that a gentleman next door could probably furnish the necessary coin; 10 per cent, was the penalty. The coin would pass back ready for the next victim ; a few hundred dollars did the work.

John Bashore kept tavern down Main street. General Blackburn, a very large man, lived just below. I think he was general in the War of 1812 ; he afterwards moved to Allentown, four miles west. I thought at that time that General Blackburn was the "only man," when general muster would occur, and he with his regimentals on was mounted on a dapple

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gray horse weighing about 1,600 pounds, belonging to Colonel Riley, who was a prominent individual at that time.

Joseph H. Richardson was one of the first school teachers I remember, holding forth in the upper story of the old log Court House on Main street, just south of the Square.

James Satterthwaite, who did the boot and shoe act, was unusually small in stature. The boys said he was made that way to go down into the boots to cut the pegs out. Bart, his brother, was jeweler and the first postmaster I remember. Dan Blubaker was the mail carrier at one time, making his trips on horseback. John Hubbard "dished out" the groceries in a small building situated on the corner where the Lima House was erected later on.

Charles Fanrote turned out the spinning wheels on Market street, east of the Square, a near neighbor to Thomas Delrell, the blacksmith. Thomas K. Jacobs was county treasurer for many years. The Know Nothing party was organized on the quiet, and turned him down as well as some others—"Court House Rats," as they were called at that time.

John Cunningham's pottery at the foot of .MainMainet was one of the ancient landmarks of Lima.

Mr. Chaffee was one of the first school teachers ; he held forth in the old Methodist Episcopal Church, just over the alley from our "house. Mr. Thomas, who "navigated" on crutches, taught school his brother George was a shoemaker, known as "Dickey" Thomas ; neither was ever married ; they lived with their mother.

Abraham Bowers ran a cabinet shop and Samuel A. Baxter, a hat shop. These enterprises were conducted on the first cross street below the Square, and old lady Gibbler lived at the west end. "Note" Hoover had the first drug-store in my recollection.

I remember my father and others went with wagons over the corduroy roads 60 miles to Dayton, Ohio, in 1840 to see Gen. William Henry Harrison, who was running for President. O. Curtis was one of the men. The boys called him "Bottle O." Curtis. The sign .lover his place of business was a bottle, filling a glass with foaming beer, then "O. Curtis" (hence the name).

One year, I think it was 1856, a Fourth of July celebration was on. After a cannon, made for the occasion by Joseph Smith, the foundry man, had been fired by the members of the firing squad, they turned their attention to arranging a platform for the speakers. A young man, who was working in the pattern department of the foundry, thought he would fire the two or three charges left, and called on young Alexander, who was about 14 years old, without experience in that line, to thumb the cannon. When the second charge was being rammed in, a premature discharge followed, which blew the arms from the operator at the elbows: My wife and I were sitting in the ssecoecond-storyow of Saint's storehouse, looking directly at the operation. The young man recovered, minus his forearms.

The following winter there was formed a Thespian Club, which played several plays, one of which was "Black-Eyed Susan." A young lad, known as Samuel A. Baxter, Jr., whose stature and complexion were suited for the occasion, made a magnificent representation of "Black-Eyed Susan." I remember that about $75 was turned over to the unfortunate young man, who suffered on the Fourth.

ROBB'S REVENGE.

A story related by Horace K. Knapp, respecting the court of Allen County in 1857, is valuable both on account of its personnel and incident. "In 1857," says Mr. Knapp, "a new sheriff was inducted into office in Allen County. He was much inclined to waggery, and plumed himself upon his success in the practical jokes he would get off on his friends. judge Robb, who habitually takes everything in good humor, and had been in several instances his victim, devised the following retaliatory scheme : Seeking a conversation with the new officer, he informed him that it was the smallest number of sheriffs who understood the true form of opening court. 'Now,' said Robb, while our Democrats may not like the English government and people altogether, it must

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nevertheless be admitted that we are indebted to them for the fundamental principles of our admirable system of jurisprudence. The more closely we adhere to their venerated forms, the more imposing and sublime appears the administration of justice.' The sheriff concurred in this view, and Judge Robb then proceeded to drill the officer in his method of opening court, and having learned to 'speak his piece,' Judge Metcalf, the bar and spectators were electrified the next morning to hear the new sheriff proclaim, in response to the order to open court,—`Oh yes! oh yes ! all manner of persons having anything to do with this court of nisi prizes, held in this county of Allen, will draw near and give attention. God save the Queen !' This drew out a long-continued roar of laughter at the expense of the sheriff and the Queen and necessitated the reopening of the court in due form. Robb had his revenge."

THE FIRST ALLEN COUNTY FAIR.

(From the Ada Record, 1902.)

In a farmer's shop in Huron County the Record man recently espied an old book, minus a back and reposing in a nail-box. He dug it out and in leafing through it discovered it to be an Ohio Agricultural Report for 1852, just 50 years ago, and on page 217 is a report of the organization of the Allen County Agricultural Society, the first secretary being our venerable fellow-citizen, Hugh Dobbins, and Matthew Dobbins, the first president, was his father. The report is as follows:

To the State Board of Agriculture:

In pursuance of previous notice a meeting of citizens of Allen County was held at Lima on Saturday, the 11th of January, 1851, for the purpose of forming an agricultural society.

On motion, Samuel P. Tingle was called to the chair and Hugh Dobbins was chosen secretary pro tem. Whereupon a committee of five, consisting of Joseph Shotwell, William S. Rose, James Huston, James Mendenhall, and Matthew Dobbins, were appointed to draft a constitution for the government of the society, which was unanimously adopted and signed by over 3o members.

The society then proceeded to the election of officers for the ensuing year, which resulted as follows : Matthew Dobbins, president; Joseph Shotwell, vice-president; Samuel P. Tingle, treasurer; James Huston, James Mendenhall, George Rankins, Isaac Merchant, J. H. Richardson, managers.

A condensed report of the First Annual Fair of the Allen County Agricultural Society.—

This fair, held in this place on the 21st of October, 1851, was attended by a large number of the farmers and others of our county, and from the degree of interest which seems to be taken, we are quite sure that all take a deep interest in its welfare. For the first of the kind in our county, we think we may challenge comparison with any other county in Northwestern Ohio. The numbers of horses, cattle, sheep, hogs, etc., far surpassed the most sanguine expectations of its best friends, and the quality of the different kinds of stock was much better than could have been reasonably expected, and the quality of the fruit is not surpassed by any other in the State.

On the afternoon of the same day M. H. Nichols, Esq., of Lima, Ohio, delivered an address to the members of the society and others in attendance, after which the premiums awarded by the several committees were made known. HUGH DOBBINS, Secy.

Lima, Dec. 30, 1851.

The old sulphur spring referred to in the following poem was located on the Lamison farm, north of Lima. It has been destroyed by the railroads passing through the farm.

THE OLD SULPHUR SPRING.

The old sulphur spring, let's sing its chronicle in song,

To the many boys and girls, who around it have thronged;

In days of love and song, when the summer days were long,

To the sparkling spring of water, there many have gone.

No architect of note, of his skill had need to boast,

For a gum of ancient growth, of either sycamore or oak,

Was the only thing that showed where the silver water glow'd,

In its endless supply, while to the little river it flowed.

With love tales on their lips, in moments of bliss,

There lovers have sipped, and occasionally kissed;

And the plain and the proud have each stood around

The old sulphur spring, as it flowed from the ground.

And residents old, its many virtues have told,

How health was reclaimed and no medicine sold;

And no microbes of malaria or other diseases have stayed

Near the spot where the spring in its purity played.

That no evil could come from this old hollow gum;

Its treasure was pure, and as true as the sun;

And as free as the air its fragrance perfumed,

To the many who sought and of its bounty consumed.

Like a martyr of old who has stood strong and bold,

But has fallen at last, and has given his hold

To a pitiless horde, who have no mission but gain,

And care not for the wreck, or the endless stain.

Progress and greed for pelf have usurped for self,

And Nature's design, with its store house of wealth,

Will be only a dream to the hundreds who have seen

The old sulphur spring, and have drank from its spring.

—C. W. Westbay.

CHAPTER VII

TOWNS AND TOWNSHIPS OF ALLEN COUNTY

Population of Ohio and Allen County—Amanda Township—Old Fort Amanda and the National Cemetery—Auglaize Township—Bath Township—German Township—ElidaJackson Township—LaFayette—Marion Township — Delphos—Monroe Township—Ottawa Township—City Officials of Lima—Perry Township—Richland Township—Bluffton and Beaver Dam—Shawnee To wnship—Early Indian History—Pht's Cabin and the Council House—Spencer Township—Spencerville—Sugar Creek Township—History of the Welsh Settlement of Gomer.

POPULATION OF OHIO AND ALLEN COUNTY.

The first census of that part of the United States which is now the State of Ohio was taken in 1800, under the government of the Northwest Territory. The population of Ohio in 1900 is more than 91 times as large as that given for 1800, the census taken something over two years before it became a State. The population of the state in 1900 was 4,157,545 as compared with 3,672,316 in 1890, representing an increase during the decade of 485,229, or 13.2 per cent. This rate of increase is slightly less than that for the decade immediately preceding, when it was 14.8 per cent, although the numerical increase is somewhat greater. During the earlier decades of the century, the State increased in population rapidly, but the greatest numerical increase (581,564) occurred in the decade from 1830 to 1840. Since 1850. the development of the State in population has been comparatively steady. The total land surface of Ohio being, approximately, 40,760 square miles, the average number of persons to the square mile, on the basis of the enumeration taken in the year 1900, 1S 102.

Allen County was erected by act of February 12, 1820, and was organized by act of February 9, 1831. The population in 1830 was 578; in 1840, it was 9,079 ; in 1850, it was 12,00; 1860, it was 19,185 ; 1870, it was 23,623 ; 1880, it was 31,314; 1890, it was 40,644; and in 1900, the last census, it was 47,976. The greatest increase occurred during the decade from 1880 to 1890, which was. 9,330, or 29.7 per cent.

The population of the county is at the present time (1906) estimated at 50,000. This shows a very substantial growth from 1831. The marked increase in the decade preceding 1890 is accounted for by the discovery of oil in 1885. During this decade the city of Lima doubled her population. In 1880, the census. showed 4 Indians still living in the county. The density of the population is 118 to the square mile.

Herewith are given tables showing the-population of the county by townships in 1880 and 1900 and the population of the cities and villages in 1900:

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AMANDA TOWNSHIP

Was the first division of the county to fall into the possession of the American pioneer, and one of the first divisions of the entire Northwest to be occupied by United States troops. In the history of Fort Amanda, it is established that a fort was erected here in 1812 by the troops of Colonel Poague's command, who called the position "Fort Amanda," in honor of the Colonel's wife. In 1817 a few settlers arrived, who occupied the block-houses within the stockade around this fort. A full description of Fort Amanda will be found in Chapter IV, together with a picture of the fort.

Perhaps the most noted cemetery of the county is found in this township. It is the one at Fort Amanda, where the soldiers of the United States Army were buried in 1812-14; it was formerly cared for by the government as a national cemetery. It has some 75 graves and is still kept in order by the pioneers. Fort Amanda was also the first postoffice in the county, and the first place at which religious meetings were held within the county.

In 1904 the assessed value of Amanda township was $805,730, with a tax rate of 16.3 mills; of Amanda Special School District, $36,163, with a tax rate of 15.6 mills.

When the township was organized, under authority granted by the commissioners of Mercer County in 1830, there were only 13 electors in the town, 12 of whom were present at organization. Samuel Baxter was chosen clerk, and Daniel Hoak, justice of the peace. William Stewart, Solomon Carr (commissioner of Mercer County), Samuel Washburn, A. Martin and others were also elected to fill town offices. Previous to organization, however, the Mercer County authorities interested themselves in the improvement of this portion of Allen County.

The Chicago & Atlantic Railroad, now known as the Chicago & Erie, passes from east to west through this township, and the Cincinnati, Hamilton & Dayton Railway skirts along the western side, dividing it from Spencer.

The physical characteristics are marked by fertile soil, forests of heavy timber in an early day and a network of streams, which give a system of natural drainage. Although the township in point of settlement is one of the oldest in the county, the development of it has been slow. The building of the Chicago & Atlantic Railroad and the tendency toward modern enterprise have given promise of the township rising to that place which its natural wealth of soil claims for it.

Villages.—The little town of Amanda was platted in 1832 by Samuel Washburn, who married the widow of Andrew Russell. It is located on the southwest bank of the Auglaize. The postoffice at Armstrong, in Amanda township, in 1884 was moved to Conant, a small village on the Chicago & Erie. Kemp is a small village in Amanda township.

Pioneers. — Samuel Baxter settled in Amanda township in 1828 with his sons, Curtis and Smith Baxter. The latter came with him when four years of age, and the former when six years old. He died in 1832 while his wife, Keziah (Cremean) Baxter, survived him

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over 20 years. James Baxter, familiarly known as "Uncle Jimmy" Baxter, a son of the pioneer, Samuel Baxter, was born in Ross County, Ohio, September 9, 1817, and came with the family to Amanda township in 1829. When the Baxters arrived, they found that the families of Solomon Carr, Ferdinand Miller, Jacob Harter, William Sunderland, Dye Sunderland, George Kephart, Henry Harris and Samuel Washburn had preceded them. The Shawnees and Wyandots were quite numerous, and often visited Mr. Baxter when in hunting companies along the river. The leading hunters were Pht, Little Fox (Pht's brother), Turkey Foot (whose cabin is still standing) and Quilna. Mr. Baxter married Melissa John, daughter of Griffith John, April 20, 1837. His family consists of six children, —three boys and three girls. "Uncle Jimmy" is still living, strong and active, though 88 years old.

Squire Mills was born in Guernsey County, Ohio, September 27, 1824. His parents were Nathan and Elizabeth (Overman) Mills, both natives of North Carolina. In 1835, with his parents, he first settled on the Auglaize in Marion township, but in December, 1846, he moved to Amanda township where about a mile and a half from Kemp on section 2 he entered land from the government; here he still lives, a splendid example of the pioneer of Allen County. There were no roads at that time, nothing but bridle-paths and Indian trails. Mr. Mills helped to make corduroy roads and ditch the land. The country was a wilderness and hardly a cabin was to be seen between the present site of the Amanda Baptist Church and Hog Creek. At that time all stock had to be penned up, for wolves were very numerous and sometimes bears were seen. There were no railroads and all supplies were taken across from Lima and Delphos, where the produce of the farms was also disposed of. In 1844-45, in Lima, where now stands the Metropolitan Block, Mr. Mills was employed by Dr. William McHenry to make rails and cut wood. He made 4,600 rails at 37Y, cents a hundred and his board, and cut 63 cords of wood at 31 cents a cord. On May 26, 1850, the subject of this sketch was married to Maria Jane Sutton, eldest daughter of Thomas and Susan (Kephart) Sutton. She was born January 6, 1834, and died January 5, 1895. Walter S. Mills, chief of police of Lima, is Squire Mills' youngest son. The family consisted of six children, one of whom is dead. Squire Mills, now in his 82nd year, is a very bright old gentleman, retaining all of his faculties, and is entertaining in conversation. He is one of the best known pioneers in the county. He has voted for more years than any other man in Amanda township.

The first taxpayers of Amanda township, in 1834, were : Thomas Adams, Thomas Berryman, William Berryman, Rachael Berryman, Eli Burnfield, James Crozier, Solomon Carr, Jacob Carr, Frederick Clawson, William Durnham, William Hurst, Martin Hire, Daniel Hoak, William Hoak, James Hoak, Jacob Harter, John Harter, George Kephart, Heland's heirs, William Johnson, William Moreman, Achilles Martin, Andrew Russell, Benjamin Russell, Dye Sunderland, William Sunderland, Thomas Sutton, Samuel Stewart,. William Stewart, Benjamin W. Vance, Samuel Washburn, Simon Whetstone, William Winans, David Walter and William Woollery. Samuel Washburn was taxed for 91 lots in Amanda, of which the assessed value was $227.50. The total tax levied was $140.68.

Schools.—At an early period in the history of Amanda township a log schoolhouse stood on the Eli Barfried (G. W. Richardson) farm, in which one Benham and, subsequently, William Knittle, taught school. In 1829 Archelaus Martin presided over a school of about 15 pupils. In 1884 there were enrolled in the township 420 pupils and the school property was valued at $8,500. Now the valuation of school property is $11,000 and the total enrollment in the township is 373. Following is a list of the teachers in 1904-05 : Henry Kies, William M. Carolus, Hubert Rice, Clyde Brewbaker, Emma Yoakum, S. E. Miller, S. E. Ely and R. C. Rigdon, also Oliver Kies in the Amanda Special School District (in Spencer and Amanda townships).

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Churches.—There are four churches in Amanda township, as follows : Baptist Christian Brethren, United Brethren, Christian Union and Cristie Methodist Episcopal Chapel, which belongs to the Spencerville circuit and is in charge of Rev. W. S. Worthington.

AUGLAIZE TOWNSHIP,

Forming the southwest corner of the county, north of the line of Auglaize County, west of the line of Hardin County, and south and east of Jackson and Perry townships, was established by order of the commissioners of Allen County, March 5, 1832. In December of that year the township of Scioto was disestablished and attached to Auglaize township for judicial purposes. Until the establishment of Perry township in December, 1833, the 12 eastern sections of that township formed a portion of Auglaize township. Since that time what is known as original township 4 south, range 8 east, constitutes this division of the county, the villages known as Westminster, West Newton and Harrod belonging to Auglaize township.

The total valuation of property in Auglaize township in 1904 was $552,624, with a tax rate of 21.4 mills ; in Westminster Special School District, $119,525, with a tax rate of 186 mills; in Harrod Special School District, $87,359, with a tax rate of 21.6 mills ; in Harrod corporation, $65,185, with a tax rate of 33.4 mills.

Villages.—Westminster is a thriving village, platted by Alexander Creps in 1834, situated on the north bank of the Auglaize. In 1880 Mrs. Rebecca Creps, widow of Alexander Creps, erected the brick German Reformed Church as a memorial to her husband. It was dedicated to the use of all orthodox religions. In the cyclone of September, 1898, this memoorial church was completely demolished. Mrs. Creps gave the site and the bricks of the old church to the members of the Christian Church, who later built there. There is only one other church in Westminster and that is the Methodist Episcopal. Rev. John Parlette is the pastor of this church and also serves. charges at Harrod and at West Newton.

West Newton was platted in 1850 by Daniel Shields.

Harrod is a thriving village on the Chicago, & Erie Railroad, and is the only railway station in the township.

Pioneers.—The pioneers of Auglaize township were Francis Stevenson and John and Arabella Goode, who settled here in 1829. Mrs. Goode was the first white woman to appear in the role of housekeeper in the bounds of Auglaize township. John Goode, her husband, is credited with building the first cabin. in the township. In March, 1830, the Stevenson family came to take possession of the home selected by the pioneer in 1829. Francis Stevenson died in 1847, and the year following his wife died. Folsom Ford, James Hamilton,. Henry Weaver and Robert Underwood ar- rived in 1830, and the following year Isaac„. John, Daniel and Samuel Shockey and David. Serkes came in.

The first taxpayers of Auglaize township, in 1834, were : Joseph Asking, Alexander Creps, George Coon, Folsom Ford, Thomas Ford, Robert Grant, William Holt, Elijah Hardesty, Samuel Ice, Peter Jacobs; Nicholas. D. Maus, William Patterson, David Perks,. Abner Smith, Alex. F. Stedman, John. Shockey, Jesse Stevenson; Francis Stevenson,. William Stevenson, James Stevenson, Samuel Shockey, Israel Shockey, Henry Shellenber- ger, George Underwood, John Vermillion, Jacob Weaver and Jacob Yazell. Alexander Creps was assessed $1:89 on 36 lots in the village of Westminster, on a valuation of $172.. The personal property valuation was $2,192, on which a tax of $24.11 was levied.

Schools.—During the winter of 1833-34„ a subscription school was opened by John. Shockey, son of Samuel Shockey, in a cabin built in section 26. A short time after-this, the commissioners ordered that a district be organized. There are at present two special' school districts in the township—Harrod and Westminster. The township. outside the special school districts, has school property valued

116 - HISTORY OF ALLEN COUNTY

at $14,000 and an enrollment of 291 pupils. There were 10 teachers in 1904-05, as follows : J. M. Hover, H. E. Stevenson, L. T. Hull, Lois L. Thomas, Wort Turner, W. C. Hughes,

C. S. Smith, Jesse R. Harrod, Adda McKinney and B. F. Strahm.

Harrod Special School District has school property valued at $5,000 and both elementary and high school. The former has enrolled 102 pupils ; the latter 41, making a total of 143 in the village. This is the only high school in the township. The following were the teachers in the district in 1904-05: o. H. Adams, Kate Turner and Kathryn Wise.

Westminster Special School District has property valued at $3,000 and an enrollment of 70. There were two teachers in 1904-05: D. J. Dunkleman and May Stevenson.

BATH TOWNSHIP

Is full of well-cultivated farms and is as picturesque as any part of Allen County. Two streams, Hog Creek and Sugar Creek, pass through the township, and there are so many small tributaries to these streams that all parts of the township have an ample supply of water. Four railroads traverse Bath township, namely : Pittsburg, Fort Wayne & Chicago, Cincinnati, Hamilton & Dayton, Lake Erie & Western and Detroit, Toledo & Ironton. The total valuation of property in the township in 1904 was $1,277,076, with a tax rate of 18.4 mills.

Very early in the history of the township, its pioneer, Christopher Wood, saw in its southwestern section a beautiful site for a village and there in 1829 he located the seat of justice. In 1831 he was appointed commissioner for the sale of lots in the town of Lima, which belonged to Bath township until the establishment of . Ottawa township. Bath township existed before the organization of Allen County, but neither the records of Allen nor of Mercer County show when it was organized. In 1831, however, it was a regularly organized township with the town of Lima as a center. On June 6, 1831, a petition for the organization of Jackson township was presented and granted. In December, 1834, the people of Jackson township petitioned to have the present township (congressional) organized under its original name, which petition was granted and the two tiers of eastern sections of Bath, which belonged to Jackson up to this time, were detached and added to Bath.

In 1857 Bath was ordered to contribute portions of sections 29 and 32 and all of sections 30 and 31 to the new township of Ottawa. Up to the organization of Lima village in section 31, it formed a part of Bath, and its affairs were administered by the Town Board.

Pioneers.—Christopher Wood with his sons settled in Bath township in 1824. The story of their trip and settlement is told in the following extract from a biography of Christopher Wood. "From Logan County, on the Miami, where resided a man named Stewart, who had married an Indian wife, they left the borders of the white settlements, and cut a road a distance of 24 miles, camping at night in the woods until they reached the Indian town of Wapakoneta. In all this distance, except at Stewart's, they found not a trace of civilization. When they reached Shawnee-town, now Hover's, in Shawnee township, where Pht the chief resided in a cabin and had about 20 acres of cleared land in good culture, they staid all night, and on leaving purchased corn and potatoes for seed. They cut a path and after two days' hard work reached their-land on Sugar Creek, having been 16 days in the wilderness since quitting Logan County. They landed about the 16th of April, 1824. The parties at once commenced the work of erecting cabins, clearing land and planting crops, after which they returned to Champaign County and moved their families out in the fall. They were at once visited by Wyandots, who assisted them in the erection of their cabins. Captain Wood was appointed and commissioned a justice of the peace for Bath township, when it had civil jurisdiction over nearly all of Allen County. In 1829 he was appointed by the Legislature one of the commissioners to locate the county seat of Allen County and upon the erection of the county, in 1831, was appointed one of the associate judges and when Lima was platted, the first city director

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for the sale of lots. He removed to and resided in Lima until 1836 when, having served faithfully his day and generation, full of years he was gathered to his fathers, aged about 87 years."

Many of the pioneers are named in the history of Lima, given elsewhere.

The first taxpayers of Bath township, 1834, were : Anderson and Baker, James Anderson, Samuel Aldridge, Griffith Breese, Abraham Bowers, Calvin Bradley, John Bashore, David Bailey, Elijah Bates, William Bomen, Alexander Beatty, Samuel Black, William Chaffee, Joseph Crossley, Jesse Cullison, Abe Clark, Thomas Cochran, John F. Cole, Miles Cowan, Simon Cochran, Joseph Carpenter, Abram W. Cochran, Robert Casebolt, Handy Canon, Hugh Crawford, William Crawford, John Crawford, William Chenoweth, Henry M. Carnes, Joseph Carpenter, Squire Carlin, William Cunningham, Hamilton Davison, Moses M. Dixon, Abram Dever, Benjamin Dolph, Cyrus Davis, James S. Daniels, Matthew Dobbins, Nathan Daniels, Oliver Ellsworth, Isaac Erksine, Joseph Edwards, Ezra Edgecomb, William Fisher, Harvey Foster, Archie Fisher, John Franklin, Patrick G. Goode, Joel Gass, Manuel Hover, Joseph Hover, Ezekiel Hover, Benjamin Hanson, Samuel Homan, William L. Henderson, 'George M. Hoofer, Richard Huse, Jacob Hook, James Higgs, Edward Hartshorn, John Jackson, William Jones, Thomas Jackson, Samuel R. Jacobs, Elisha Jolly, Garrison Kennard, John Lowrie, Aaron Loomis, Joseph Lippincott, Morgan Lippincott, John Lippincott, Samuel Lippincott, Evan Morgan, Andrew McLain, James McDonald, Daniel Musser, John McKibbin, Henry Moyers, Isaac Moyers, Abram Miller, Benjamin Moore, John Mark, John P. Mitchell, Thurston Mosier, L. B. Maulby, Joshua Murray, James T. Miller, Daniel Musser, Jr., Jacob Nigh, Thomas Nichols, Abram Osman, Aaron Osman, Bargelia Osman and son, Daniel Purdy, John Purdy, William W. Rogers, Ezra Reed, Alfred Randall, Samuel Richards, M. I. Rose, Thomas Rhea, Michael Ridenour, John Rockhold, Roger Ryan, :Stephen Roach, Philip Rumbaugh, Samuel

Sprague, George Shelden, John N. Slife, F. Shull, George Swigart, H. B. Stephens, Lewis Shroufe, W. Stewart, Hugh Stevenson, David Shaw, Elijah Standiford, Fred Schaefer, Tompkins and Clutter, Stephen Thomas, Peter Tunget, Enos Terry, George \V. Tolman, Robert Terry, John Terry, Daniel D. Tompkins, William Taylor, Crane Valentine, Samuel Vanatta, James Vaughn, Alex. Vaughn, Richard Ward, Jacob Ward, Asa Wright, Christopher Wood, William G. Wood, William and John Ward, Albert G. Ward, Joseph T. Wood, John G. Wood, Harmon Wood, John Watt and William Watt.

Schools.—The pioneer school of Bath township was opened by Daniel Bradigan in the Crawford-Allison settlement on section 3, near where the Sugar Creek school building now stands. There is no special school district in the township. In 1884 the valuation of school property was $9,00 in 1904, $13,000. In 1884 the enrollment was 404; in 1904, 392. The township schools have township supervision in connection with Monroe township. F. R. Mason is the township superintendent. The following is the list of teachers in Bath township in 1904-05: Mittie Mack, I. W. Byerly, Nellie Michael, Lottie Roeder, Harry Mack, Viola Barton, Roy Bowersock, Lottie Bassett, C. E. Mason, Mamie Ludwig, L. W. Roberts, D. A. Wood, Mina Ross, J. L. Mumaugh and Ollie McCoy.

Churches.—There is a Methodist Episcopal Church in Bath township, called Zion Chapel, of which Rev. D. J. Kunkleman is the pastor. A German Baptist Church was organized in 1833 and a Disciples Church in 18341833. An Evangelical Lutheran and a Presbyterian Church were also organized at later dates.

GERMAN TOWNSHIP

May be said to form the geographical center of the county. Its soil and surface are diversified and there are numerous streams. Ottawa River—the name of the lower course of Hog Creek—enters German township from Shawnee in section 33, pursues a northwesterly

118 - HISTORY OF ALLEN COUNTY

course by the villages of Allentown and Elida and enters Sugar Creek township. The southeastern quarter of the township forms a plateau which extends east to Elizabeth street in Lima. The river bottom is much lower than this plateau and generally from one-fourth of a mile to one mile in width.

The commissioners' act of December 6, 1831, establishing the township under the name of German, decreed that all the territory extending west from section 3, township 3, range 6, to the eastern boundary of the original town of Amanda, south to the county line, thence east to the southeast corner of section 33, township 6, range 6, thence north to section 3, township 3, range 6, should be organized as a separate township. In December, 1834, it was decreed that as much of original township 4 south, range 5 east, as previously belonged to German, should be attached to Amanda. At the same time, when the town lines of Bath and Jackson were altered, the two tiers of eastern sections of township 3, range 6, were added to German. In February, 1848, the northern tier of sections of German was attached to the south half of Sugar Creek township, leaving only 30 sections belonging to German. The area was further reduced in May, 1857, when 1,040 acres were attached to Ottawa township, still leaving German 18,160 acres.

The Pittsburg, Fort Wayne & Chicago Railway traverses German township and has a station in the township at Elida. This road is paralleled by the Fort Wayne, Van Wert & Lima traction line.

The total valuation of property in German township in 1904 was $803,411, with a tax rate of 18.1 mills; in Elida corporation, $139,469, with a tax rate of 24.4 mills; in Elida Special School District, $176,756, with a tax rate of 18.1 mills.

Villages.—The village of Allentown was laid out by George Povenmire and William Myers in 1835. There was a grocery store, a blacksmith shop, a shoe shop and a grist-mill, besides a school and three churches. The town has never grown very rapidly, not being on any railroad. General Blackburn lived in Allentown, and his home was a pretentious one for those days, built of solid black walnut. In 1904 it burned and for many miles the flames from that old house of seasoned wood could be seen. General Blackburn was a man of extremely fine proportions and dignified mien and a lover of military life.

Elida was platted in 1852 by Griffith John on the part of his farm used as a sugar camp. Daniel Myers is said to have erected the first building in Elida after it was laid out, except the Lutheran Church. The contract was let for $90, to be completed from the stump at that. The siding is of the finest black walnut and is well preserved. The building was on Main street, but was moved back some years ago to make room for Moore's Hall. Mr. Moore occupied a part of the house as a dwelling and conducted the first grocery of the village in the other part. The village was incor porated in 1878.

Pioneers.—The township records do not show that there were any township officers. elected until the spring of 1833, when William Bowman, John Brand and Samuel Rich ards were elected trustees; Griffith John, clerk, and John Ireland, justice of the peace. John Ireland resigned as justice in the spring of 1834 and was succeeded by Asa Wright, who served until the spring of 1837, when he was succeeded by Isaac Bowyer, during whose term of office the credit system must have prevailed to an alarming extent, as the index to his old civil docket shows that over 200 judgments had been rendered in the short period of five years. Mr. Bowyer died in the fall of 1842. Charles Crites was elected to the same office in the month of January following, and did, perhaps, more business during the six years he served than any justice before or since in the same length of time.

The first settlements in German township were made about 1830-31. The pioneer settlers were Peter and George Ridenour, William, George and Samuel Knittle and Thomas Cochran, followed by Isaac Bowyer, Griffith John, William Bryan, Smith Cremean, Jacob Cremean, Michael Noll, John Brand, William Myers, David Beiler, Samuel Miller, Henry Huffer, Philip and John Herring, John Ireland, Jacob Hartman, Samuel Richards, John.

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Summerset and George Povenmire, who came about 1832. In 1833 came J. S. Baker, Charles Ireland, James Holland, Joseph Leaser and Richard Hughes.

Other early settlers within the original boundary of German township were : Michael Bowers, Daniel Conrad, James Johnson, George Miller, James Peltier, John Pool, John Steamen, Jacob Sawmiller and Robert Tate. From 1835 to 1849 their numbers were increased by Thomas Greer, Wesley Cochran, Arthur Statts, John Stalter, Peter Verbrycke, Jacob Richardson, William Westbay, Thomas Edwards, Jacob Haller, Charles Crites, Christian Stalter, Alexander McBride, James Luttrell and others.

Jesse John states that his father, Griffith John, settled in German township in 1831 and died in 1856, leaving 12 children, four boys—Ethan, Jesse J., Abia and Jehu, who was killed in the War of the Rebellion June 19, 1864; and eight girls—Sallie (wife of Curtis Cremean), Melissa (wife of James Baxter), Emily (Mrs. Curtis Baxter), Vienna Tamsey (Mrs. S. D. Cremean), Martha (Mrs. D. L. Crites), Louisa (Mrs. Henry Roush), and Mrs. Jesse Carr. All of these children are dead except Mrs. D. L. Crites, whose biography will be found later on in this chapter. Griffith John at his death owned 1,640 acres of land in German, Amanda and Marion townships. The homestead was owned for years by Abia John, who died in 194:33. Mr. John was born in Pennsylvania and came to German township in 1831. His ancestors came from Wales about the close of the American Revolution. He was a fine business man and comprehended the advantages of the building of the Pittsburg, Fort Wayne & Chicago Railway through the township. The value of his property was greatly increased (luring his lifetime. The members of his family reside about Elida.

The Crites family, of whom there were four brothers—Charles, Cyrus. Jacob and Elias—settled in German township, and since the organization of the township the name of Crites has been a very familiar and honored one. Jacob Crites came to Allen County in 1842 and bought 0 acres of land west of Allentown. He married Mary J. Carman and in 1859 she died, leaving a family of seven children : Mary Adeline, Stephen, Emeline, Henrietta (deceased), Obed B., Cyrus D. and. Daniel Hicks. Mr. Crites married a second time and one daughter (Mrs. S. A. Post) was. born in 1863. Mr. Crites was a man of great industry and energy. He served two terms as. county commissioner, one term of which was. during the building of the new Court House, and by his wisdom the county was saved many dollars. He filled all the township offices and was a very public-spirited citizen. For more than 50 years he was a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church. He was the administrator of more estates than any man in the surrounding county. He died March 13, 1904. Of his children, Stephen D. Crites is a banker and grain merchant of Elida, and has just closed two terms of successful work as State Senator for the 32nd District; and Cyrus D. Crites is a well-known financier, ex-county auditor, and at present cashier of the First National Bank of Lima.

Dr. Daniel L. Crites was the eldest son of Charles and Sophia (Ludwig) Crites and was. born in Pickaway County, Ohio, in 1833. He was six years of age when he came with his parents to German township. After going to the common or public schools, he studied medicine and for a time made that his profession. Soon after abandoning the practice he entered the service of his country in the War of the Rebellion and remained in the army almost three years. While in the service he contracted disease, which was the primary cause of his death in 1885. After the war he held numerous positions of public trust and was always loved and respected as a faithful public servant and enterprising citizen. Very few men of Allen County were better or more favorably known than he. Always generous and open handed, he was known far and near-as the friend of the needy and unfortunate. It is related of Dr. Crites that while he was a candidate for public office 16 times he never suffered defeat. Whenever he employed carriages to take voters to the polls, he instructed

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the drivers to make no difference in carrying those who were supporting him and those who were thought to be against him. This was characteristic of the generous nature and kindly disposition of the man. It has often been said of him by his old neighbors and friends that "he was generous to a fault."

Mrs. Martha Crites, widow of the late Dr. Daniel L. Crites, was born September 25, 1833, near the site of the village of Elida, to Griffith and Rachel John, and was the first white female child born in German township. "Aunt Martha," as she is almost universally known and spoken of by her many relatives and friends, has spent her long and eventful life in .Allen County and, up to about 10 years ago, in German township. It was her lot to be reared under very different circumstances from what falls to the lot of most young ladies of to-day. She relates some very interesting incidents which occurred during her girlhood days. Each spring she assisted in gathering the sap in the sugar camp, which was located where the town of Elida now .stands. With an ox hitched to a sled on which was a barrel, they went from tree to tree and ,gathered the sap and hauled it to the kettles and she and her brother, Abia John, who was next -older, were work-mates in managing the ox and gathering the sap. In those early days the river was a much more formidable stream than it is to-day, and, with no bridge, it was the duty of the John family to see to carrying people across the river in a boat ; many times when strangers came upon the opposite bank and hallooed, desiring to be taken across the stream, she was the one who pushed forth with the boat to meet them and bring them across the river. Their house was situated on the west bank of the stream and near the road, or Indian trail. Very frequently bands of Indians came along on hunting and trading excursions, often stopping at their house upon one pretext or another. While the nearest trading post was at Sandusky a hundred miles away, it was nothing unusual to see quite a band of "bucks" and squaws astride Indian ponies with children riding behind. She distinctly remembers that on one occasion quite a company of them proceeded along the trail ; some of the squaws in the party had pappooses on their backs, but one strong-appearing squaw had a white boy seven Or eight years of age tied on the pony behind her. This sight was such an object lesson to her that ever afterward she was afraid of the Indians, no matter where or when she saw them. She often ran and hid before they caught sight of her, fearing lest she too might be stolen and carried away. Her father's house was the place of holding meeting, as well as the stopping place, for the early circuit riders of the Methodist Episcopal Church.

Mrs. Crites' father was a large landowner and laid out the town of Elida, naming it in honor of his brother, Elida John. When the Pittsburg, Fort Wayne & Chicago Railway was constructed through German township, in 1854-55, he built the grade for one mile through his own land. In those days the construction of the railroad was as great an object of wonder as the building of the Panama Canal is to-day. They were a large family of themselves and besides they were scarcely ever without some strangers about their table, which was always spread with plenty of wholesome food. Mrs. Crites' girlhood days must have been very busy ones, for she helped raise the flax as well as other crops. Then they prepared the flax and wool for spinning and wove the same into cloth from which they-made the clothing and bedding for the entire family.

The first Sunday-school organized at Elida was a union of all the churches in the vicinity, and was held in the old Lutheran Church, which has long been replaced by a larger and more commodious brick one.

When Mrs. Crites became 22 years of age she was married. Two daughters blessed the union, namely : Mrs. Bertha W. Pfeifer, of Elida, and Mrs. Tirzah K. Sanford, of Lima. With the latter she has always made her home.

The first taxpayers of German township, in 1834, were: Casiah Baxter, John Brand, Isaac Bowyer, William Bryan, Michael Bowers, George Coon, Jacob Cremean, S. and P.

Carlin, Daniel Conrad, William Denniston,

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John East, Joseph Edwards, Samuel Fritz, John Harnig, Jacob Hartman, Henry Huffer, Andrew Hesler, John Ireland, Griffith John, James Johnson, William Knittle, Ferdinand Miller, George Miller, William Myers, Michael Noll, George Povenmire, James Pettin, John Pool, George Rideman, Benjamin Reed, John Summerset, John Steamen, Christian Stukey, Jacob Sawmiller and Robert Tate.

Schools.—It is said that David Ridenour was the pioneer school teacher of German township in 1833. In 1834-35 a schoolhouse was erected on the Thomas Cochran farm in which Asa Wright taught school. There is a question whether John Summerset preceded or followed Wright in this school. In 1837 John Bowman presided over a school in Section 16 and in 1838 John Custer taught in Allentown. In Elida Special School District in 1884 there were enrolled 143; in 1904, 163. In German township in 1884 there were enrolled 281 ; in 1904, 276. The valuation of school property in 1904 in Elida was $5,000 ; in German township, $12,000. Following is a list of the teachers of Elida village for the year 1904-05 : Bert Highlands, superintendent ; Leah Pearl Ludwig, Mina Bechtol and Rhoda Brown. The teachers of German township for the same period were: R. R. Brenneman, J. H. Baker, Charles V. Kilgore, Guy LaRue, Louie Oen, Fay Bolender and Nora Bowersock.

ELIDA.

BY HON. S. D. CRITES.

The village of Elida was laid out and platted by Griffith John, its founder, in 1852. It is situated on the Pittsburg, Fort Wayne & Chicago Railway and the Fort Wayne, Van Wert & Lima traction line. It is also situated in the heart of a prolific oil field and in the midst of a fertile agricultural district. During the year 1905, the Pennsylvania Railroad Company handled at this station 484 car-loads of freight, principally of grain and live-stock. The village has a population of about 500.

Its business houses and plants consist of four general stores, one meat market, one hard- ware store, one restaurant, one confectionery,. two implement stores, two blacksmith shops,. one sawmill, one grain elevator and one bank.

The Methodist Episcopal Church was organized in the year 1831 by Revs. Joseph Hill, and Jesse Pryer. The members of this society were visited at irregular intervals by circuit preachers until 1853, when Revs. Harrison, Maltbie and N. B. C. Love reorganized the society in the house of James Kennedy situated on the identical spot now occupied by the residence of S. D. Crites. The members of this society were : James Kennedy, Malinda Kennedy, James Peltier, Jane Peltier, Henry-Herring, Smith Baxter, Mary Baxter, Ethan John, Lucy John, Griffith John, Rachel John. Margaret Cremean, Jesse J. John, Elizabeth. Bowyer, Fleet Clark, Mary Clark, Elizabeth Priddy and Catherine Evans. Of this number, Smith Baxter is the only survivor. Although 80 years old Mr. Baxter is still an active member of this society. In 1855 the-society erected a substantial frame church sided with black walnut lumber. In this, church they worshiped until the year 1890. when at a cost of $7,500 they erected a handsome brick structure with a seating capacity of 500. The old frame church is now used by Crites & Crites as one of their warehouses. The society now has a membership of 180. It maintains a live Sunday-school and a large-and active Epworth League.

The United Brethren (Liberals).—From. the best information obtained by the writer, Rev. John L. Luttrell organized this society in 1867. The first members were: John L. Luttrell, Lockey Luttrell, B. F. Sherrick and wife,. Anna Sherrick, Franklin Furry, Joseph M. Blackely and wife, James G. Wisher and wife,. G. W. Quick and wife and Margaret Morris. The society had no .permanent place in which' to worship until 1870, when they came into, possession of the old frame schoolhouse. In this house they worshiped until 1875, when they erected a substantial frame building. This building was used until 1905, when it was enlarged and veneered with concrete blocks and modernized so that the society now has one of the most artistic and convenient churches in

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the county. Including the gallery, it has a seating capacity of about 400.

United Brethren (Radicals).—This society seceded from the main church in 1886 on account of the action of the general conference, in changing the discipline so as to admit members who belonged to fraternal societies. They have in which to worship a good substantial frame building. Some of the best citizens of the township are members of this society.

Trinity German Evangelical Lutheran Church.—The following history is taken from a copy of a sketch deposited in the corner-stone of the new church in 1876: The congregation was organized by Rev. Abraham Doner in 1837 and continued until 1852. During his ministry the old frame church building, which gave place to the present church building in 1876, was erected. Mr. Doner died in 1857. After a vacancy of two years Rev. P. J. Stirewalt was appointed pastor, and served four years, when he returned to Virginia. He was succeeded by Rev. J. S. Stirewalt, who served two years. After a vacancy of one year, Rev. T. W. Corbett became pastor. He was succeeded by Rev. J. D. Nunemacher. At this time the membership was 38, being 13 less than at a former period. In October, 1865, Rev. A. S. Bartholomew became pastor ; the building was remodeled and meetings held every Sunday. In 1876 the congregation numbered 217. On August 19, 1876, the corner-stone of the new church was placed by Rev. A. S. Bartholomew. The tower is 115 feet high. Previous to this time the Reformed German Lutheran and Evangelical Lutherans worshiped together until the reorganization, when the form of worship of the German Evangelical faith was adopted. The church building cost about $8,000.

The Elida Village School District was first organized as a separate school district in 1868. This district now maintains a High School of the second grade. Since 1870 the following named gentlemen served as principals of the school : S. D. Crites, 1870-82 ; J. V. Stewart, 1882-83 ; John Davidson, 1883-90 ; H.. W. Bowersmith, 1890-91; E. C. Akerman, 1891-96; William McGirr, 1896-1901 ; J. L. Fortney, 1901-03 ; and Bert Highlands, 1903—.

JACKSON TOWNSHIP.

This township was organized by the commissioners' board June 6, 1831. It is a large tract of very valuable land—one of the richest in Allen County. The first survey was somewhat larger than the present township. Originally it included all of township 3 south, range 8 east, the eastern half of township 3 south, range 7 east, and the northern tier of sections of township 4 south, range 8 east, and continuation of that line in range 7. But in December, 1833, Auglaize and Perry townships claimed their sections, and the next year, December, 1834, Bath claimed her eastern sections, and the township was then organized as a congressional township under her original name, Jackson.

The soil is a rich variety, from light sand and gravel to heavy clay. The township has a large number of beautiful creeks and small streams, all flowing into the Ottawa River. The soil is under excellent cultivation and the farmers are progressive and highly educated in the arts of agriculture. In their midst is a thriving grange, the largest in the county, with a commodious hall and all the conveniences for entertaining large gatherings. A. first-class lecture course is maintained here each year, during the winter months.

The roads are all graveled, and carefully repaired as needed. In fact the roads of this township are noted throughout the county. The Pittsburg, Fort Wayne & Chicago Railway passes through the township, and furnishes ample shipping and transportation facilities. In a very short time the township will have an excellent electric line. For many years the stone quarries have been extensively worked and many thousands of dollars added to the general wealth of the township.

In 1840 the population of the township was 1,176; in 1880, it was 1,893, and to-day about

2,000. This is about 55 to the square mile.

In 1834 the assessed value of the township

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was $472, a steam-mill valued at $160 and personal property, $3,800. The total tax levied was $57.53. In 1904, just 70 years later, the assessed value of Jackson township was $979,466 and the total tax levied, at the rate of 19.8 mills, was $19,393.42.

Pioneers.—The pioneers of this township were very early upon the ground. We find that Jacob Hawk in 1827 purchased the first parcel of land within the present limits of the township, and began life in the wilderness. Along with him as pioneers came the following sturdy sons of toil and hewers of fortune, whose names are found on the list of taxpayers in this township in 1834 (which was the first assessment roll) : Alex. Allison, Matthew Allison, Jacob Bresler, George Balsinger, George Barber, Hector Carlisle, John Claybaugh, .James Carter, Chauncey Curtiss, Jacob Elder, Eyre Edgecomb, Urich Edgecomb, Jeremiah Evans, Jethro Fisher, Silas Faurot, Jacob Hawk, John Hall, Anthony Hall, Richard Hall, Joseph Hall, James Hall, James W. Hall, John Jamieson, Samuel Jamieson, Elijah Jones, Samuel McCafferty, Benjamin Meek, Joseph Mash, Samuel McClure, Moses McClure, George May, William Neeley, Elizabeth Nee-ley, Thomas Nash, Silas Osman, Enos Paulin, Samuel Patterson, James Prosser, John Robinson, William Rumbaugh, David Rumbaugh, William Reese, William Roberts, J. Rumbaugh, James Rumbaugh, William Rains, John Staley, Jacob Staley, Peter Staley, Jr., Melchoir Staley, Peter Staley, Robert Snodgrass, David Sasseton, Lemuel Tucker, William Watt, James Watt, Adam White, Tobias Wood, Samuel Watt, Joseph G. Walton, Daniel Woollen, Abram Ward, William Ward, John B. Walton, Joseph Ward, Philip Woollen and George White.

Schools.—For the honor of being the first school teacher of Jackson township there are two claimants. The first of these, Thomas Hull, is said to have taught in a schoolhouse erected in section 24 in 1833.

Opposed to this is the statement of Mrs. Nancy Ann (Vincent) Cunningham. that she presided over the first school (District No. 6) in 1838 and in 1839 taught school in a de- serted cabin east of the present village of La-Fayette. She further states that her father's (William Vincent) house was generally used for religious meetings, there being neither school nor church buildings in the township in 1837 nor even for some years later.

In 1905 the school enrollment of the township was 508; valuation of school property, $19,000; school tax, 7 mills (LaFayette village 2.8 mills). The teachers of Jackson township in 1904-05 were: La Fayette village schools—P. E. Kilgore, W. E. Binkley, Blanche Kinsey and Gertrude Eversole; district schools—Goldie Kidd, C. H. Shull, Lona Markel, E. H. Elmore, A. E. Hedges, F. B. Cotner, E. E. Long. S. V. Fisher, B. B. Brown, William Yant and J. T. Hubbell. Jackson township has its schools well organized, with A. E. Hedges as township superintendent. C. A. Graham was the first township superintendent, and he has the honor of thus organizing the schools.

THEN AND NOW-A HISTORY OF LAFAYETTE AND COMMUNITY.

BY MRS. MARY E. MEHAFFEY.

Dr. N. Sager was among the early settlers of LaFayette, and practiced medicine for many years, and until his son, Dr. Newton Sager, Jr., succeeded him. In the early days he was considered a fine physician, and had an extensive practice for miles around, traveling through dense forests and over rough roads. He was a man of few words, kind, gentle and refined in every movement, and no gossip. in the sick room or out of it, ever escaped his lips.

The Doctor owned a large general store, and the patronage was from far and near. This general store was carried on by worthy young men of the community, who afterward were prominent in business circles for their industry, integrity and moral worth. Outside of the general store, Dr. Sager carried on an ashery, where the early settlers found a ready market for the ashes gathered from the log heaps of oak, walnut and other valuable timbers. The field ashes brought two cents a bushel in trade, and the house ashes brought three cents a

126 - HISTORY OF ALLEN COUNTY

bushel. From these ashes large quantities of black salts, pearl ash and soda were manufactured by leaching, burning, grinding, mixing and the application of a process known only to the employees in the factory. The products above-named were sent to market in New York City, and were started on their way by being hauled to Forest, Ohio, to be shipped from there on the Mad River Railroad to Sandusky City, and thence, on Lake Erie, to their destination. Dr. Sager took the same route to the city to lay in his spring and winter goods. Robert Mehaffey, a young man not yet out of his teens, from County Tyrone, Ireland, had charge of the ashery, and was one of the general-utility men working in the interests of Dr. Sager's affairs. In after years, by economy, industry and good habits, he established for himself quite a name in the affairs of home, county and State. Also at this date a young man, Jacob Grubb, utilized some of the forces that ran the ashery, and managed a carding machine, which brought forth, from the wool of the black and white sheep, black and white rolls, which the mothers and wives spun and wove into blankets and clothing for the household.

Mary E. Richardson, in June, 1851, taught school in District No. 5, one and one-half miles from the "cross-roads" village of LaFayette. Forty-two pupils were enrolled, of whom 21 were Halls. There being so many of the same name, they had, for convenience' sake, to be designated as "William," "Devil Bill" and "Little Bill ;" "Big Joe," "Little Joe" and "Monkey Joe." The Akermans came next in point of numbers. Henry Akerman, one of the pupils, was the father of Prof. E. C. Aker-man, who is now superintendent of the Bluffton schools, and who was recently elected to the auditorship of Allen County.

The boys of the school were fond of athletic sports, such as climbing the tallest forest trees and indulging in other harmless amusements, which were beneficial to their physical and mental development. The schoolhouse that Miss Richardson occupied was built of logs, and the article of agreement with the Board of Education at the time it was built was, that it be "chinked" and " daubed." When Miss Richardson was employed to teach the school, she had to sign an article of agreement as follows:

Article of agreement made & entered into this 23rd day of May, 1851, by & between Miss Mary E. Richardson, School Teacher, and we the undersigned householders of School District No. five Jackson Township, the Said Miss Richardson Doth hereby agree to teach School in said district for the term of three months for the sum of twenty dollars & boarding to take up school at nine o'clock A. M. & dismiss at four o'clock P. M., allowing reasonable time for exercise term to commence on Monday the 2nd June next, and the undersigned agree to furnish said teacher a house wherein to teach & fuel, board her and pay her at the expiration of said term the said twenty dollars; we further agree to pay in proportion to the number of scholars by us subscribed and sent to said school Respectively & further we hereby authorize constitute & appoint Thomas H. Young, Peter Staley & Wm. Akerman to collect & pay over to said Teacher her hire as aforesaid:

MARY E. RICHARDSON, teacher.

Pupils

WM. AKERMAN - 2

JOHN GREENAWALT - 1

J. W. HALL - 2

CYRUS H. HALL - 1

ABRAM H. HALL - 1

PETER STALEY - 1

JOSEPH HALL - 1/2

WM. SUDDUTH - 1

THOMAS H. YOUNG - 2

JAMES F. HALL - 1 ½

WM. M. HALL - 1

The most difficult task at that time was going about among the patrons of the school, as the teacher had to "board around." The latch-string was always out and the teacher received the kindest treatment, but the difficulty was in going through the dense forests. with only a little, narrow, marked-out path, with snakes frequently crossing it and all kinds of insects flying about ; yet by the wayside were flowers which brought one in touch with Nature, and God's handiwork so Divine, that difficulties were lost sight of.

Now when we survey the years that have intervened, over a half century, and see, instead of corduroy roads and bridges., fine pub-

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lic highways, with just enough of the old landmarks still remaining to make things beautiful and picturesque, some of the old spots of beauty that time has not effaced; when we note our railroad, and soon-to-be traction line paralleling it and all other facilities of travel through the village of LaFayette, and our public improvements, such as commodious schoolhouses and churches, beautiful homes on the old hunting grounds of the Indians, we are led to exclaim what great things have come to pass, through human energy and industry, in our village and community !

Rev. Corbet, whose parents were natives of England, came to our village in 1860 to accept a call to St. Paul's Evangelical Lutheran Church, in the vicinity of LaFayette. He was a graduate of Wittenberg College, Pennsylvania, and has also taken a course in the theological seminary at Wittenberg. Mr. Corbett was pastor of the church for 20 years. He was also a member of the School Board for an equal number of years and was well fitted for the prominent positions he held.

In March, 1868, the village of LaFayette was incorporated, with M. C. Mumaugh as mayor. Afterward Mr. Mumaugh was nominated by the Republican party in his Congressional district for Congress. LaFayette Rosecrans, a member of the first Council, was a nephew of General Rosecrans, and often talked with his most intimate friends concerning the leading characteristics of his uncle, in his home, civil and military life. A prominent family, by the name of Lybrand, lived on a farm near the village of LaFayette, and were known far and wide in intelligent social and religious circles. They had one beautiful daughter, and several interesting sons. Samuel Lybrand, the eldest son, was also a member of the first Council, and was a fine business man and a Christian gentleman. The Lybrands later on moved to Delaware, Ohio, to educate their daughter and their younger sons in the Ohio Wesleyan University. Archibald Lybrand, one of the older sons, was elected to Congress from that congressional district.

Over a half century ago a Mr. and Mrs. Fulton lived in our village. Both were earnest Christian people, proving later on that "the

- 7 -

lives of the great are the heritage of the ages." In 1850 they moved to Lima. In 1853 Robert Mehaffey attended school in Lima, and boarded with Mr. and Mrs. Fulton. In the spring of that year the Fultons concluded to move to Iowa. Mr. Fulton went on ahead, to arrange for the family's coming, and as Robert Mehaffey was going to Mount Pleasant, Iowa, he accompanied Mrs. Fulton and the children, by way of Toledo, to Chicago, where he carried across the city to the Rock Island Depot the little son Charles, who wore a little brown cloak, fastened with a button under the chin_ After their departure, Robert Mehaffey left on the Burlington Railroad for Mt. Pleasant_ Later on the Fultons moved to Oregon, and their son Charles, who wore the brown cloak, was elected United States Senator. The Senator has three brothers—two lawyers and one physician—and a sister who married a banker.

The history of Lafayette and vicinity would not be complete unless mention was made of Prof. Simon D. Fess, who in his boyhood days worked for his board and clothes at the home of Joseph Fisher, and attended the winter school in the Fisher district, near the village Professor Fess made his way through the Ohio Normal University at Ada with honors, and was for many years a professor in the same institution. While in the university, he was identified with church work, and with every good movement to raise the standard of right living. During these years he was establishing for himself a great name in the educational, literary and religious world.

Professor Fess has, many times, delivered addresses in LaFayette, on various topics, but never did he appear before an audience here, that he did not attribute his great success in life to the fatherly care of the late Joseph Fisher. He is now editor of "World's Events" magazine.

It is said by our railroad agent that there is more travel to and from LaFayette, than from any town of its size en route from Pittsburg to Chicago. The postmaster and the postal service men say that there is more reading matter taken at LaFayette, than at any other town of its size on the railroad route mentioned above, and it is said that the school library con-

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tains a larger number of up-to-date books, for the enumeration, than any other school library in the county.

LaFayette and community contributed many men to the military service of Ohio, and we now have, on one of our village avenues, a fine monument to our heroic dead who served in the War of the Rebellion.

Our benevolent organizations—the Masons, Eastern Star, Odd Fellows, and Rebekahs—have each a very large membership, with fine headquarters of their own, and their works of benevolence are worthy of commendation.

In the early history of the churches, the circuit rider had large parishes. He was a welcome guest in the log-cabin homes and in the log schoolhouses, where he preached the Gospel to the people who came from miles around to hear him. Now, the same Gospel is preached in beautiful, commodious and modern churches. Credit should be given to the ladies' aid societies, through whose untiring energy and zeal means have been secured to repair, refurnish, and beautify the interiors of our churches. This coming summer, the Lutherans are contemplating building a church on a lot centrally located, and the Ladies' Aid Society of that church will contribute many dollars toward the church and its furnishing.

Next summer a new High School Building will be erected on the site of the present building, and, from the plans specified, it is apparent that it will add greatly to the attractiveness of LaFayette, and will be a credit to the special school district.

Forty-five years ago a society of the Sons of Temperance was organized in our village, and during its stay it greatly educated public sentiment against the liquor traffic. It was succeeded by the Murphy movement, and later on by the Good Templars. Each organization strengthened and expanded the gospel of total abstinence from all intoxicating liquors. Then came the "Temperance Crusade" in Ohio, begun on December 23, 1873, in Hillsboro, with .a power of baptism from on high, that brought into existence, from the burning timbers of the crusade, the Woman's Christian Temperance Union, proclaiming, with its banners unfurled to the breeze, that the saloon was doomed. In February, 1874, the Christian women of LaFayette caught the crusade spirit ; the pastors of the churches and the Christian laymen stood with and back of them in their Christian endeavor, and helped them to make arrangement for the holy warfare. Each day for weeks they met at the churches for a prayer service, and from there went by twos to visit the saloons and the tavern where spirituous liquors were kept. They knelt around the curbstones, on the pavement and on the doorsills ; and on one of those cold wintry days, after a season of prayer and song, the keeper of the tavern invited the Crusaders in ; weeping like a child, he asked forgiveness for his discourteous treatment of them, and helped the beloved women of God to pour out into the street kegs of brandy, whiskey, and wine. The next day the regular saloon-keepers surrendered. The days before their surrender there were solemn processions. "Not a drum was heard, not a funeral note :" but after the surrender all was joyous in the streets, in the homes and in the churches ; bells were rung, drums were beaten, and the voices of the people sang aloud the praises of Him through whom the victory was gained. In a few days it will be 32 years since the saloons of LaFayette surrendered, and they were the first in the county. To keep this crusade spirit intact, the first Woman's Christian Temperance Union was organized in the county, and to-day the "White Ribboners" of LaFayette are in touch with the county, State, national, and world work, which has led on, not to triumphs, but to sacrifices from which they "shrink not, neither do they falter." The old Crusaders are the women who taught their sons and daughters the truths of total abstinence ; to reverence truth and virtue in manhood and womanhood. Happy indeed is the village where there are still remaining some of the old crusade mothers, such as Mrs. Bethia Sager and Mrs. Caroline Crane, aged respectively 86 and 83 years, who can be counted in the civic make-up as being interested in the purity of the homes and Christian citizenship, together with all other members of the Woman's Christian Temperance Union, which has

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so definitely divided the people into ranks, either for or against the liquor traffic. The W. C. T. U. of LaFayette belongs to that great army that

Has invaded far distant lands

And established its schools and its missions

And its Christian temperance bands.

MARION TOWNSHIP,

Forming the northwestern division of the county, is bounded on the north by Putnam and on the west by Van Wert County. It has an area of 42 square miles.

The Auglaize River enters the township in its southwest quarter, flows north and leaves the county in section 21, town 2 south, range 5 east. The river at this point is an important Stream, running between steep banks in some places and through broad bottom lands in other places. In the valley of the Auglaize the surface is much broken, yet exceedingly fertile.

The lands of the township are admirably adapted to agriculture. For many years the early settlers were content with their small clearings. At present many large farms mark the progress of this district.

The township of Marion, as originally constituted, was set off from the north end of Amanda township in December, 1833, by the commissioners of Allen County acting on a petition presented to them that year by the settlers in township 3 south, range 5 east. When the counties of this district were redistricted in 1848, the south half of the original township of Marion was added to the north half of Amanda under the name "Amanda," while the south half of township 2 south, range 5 east, was taken from Jennings township in Putnam County, added to the north half of original township 3 south, range 5 east, and set off under the name "Marion." At the same time six sections were taken from the northeast part of the original town of Jennings, in Van Wert County (township 3 south, range 4 east), and added to the reorganized town of Marion, giving this township an area of 42 square miles, and making it coextensive in area with the township of Richland, in the northeastern part of the county.

Pioneers.—The following is a list of the first taxpayers of Marion township, in 1834: Barnabus Coon, Benjamin Cochran, William Cochran, Daniel Knoop, Isaac Knoop, Samuel Moore, Samuel Miller, Jacob Miller, Jesse Miller, Samuel Mannion, Sylvester Woollery, Norman Washburn and John Waggoner. Lands were valued at $220 and personal property at $672, yielding a tax of $9.81. In 1843 butter was 43 cts. per pound ; wheat 40 cts. per bushel ; corn, 12 ct per bushel ; cows $8.00 per head ; horses $40. Wages for men 25 cts, per day, except during the harvest when they received 50 cts. Corn bread was baked on a board before a fire made of logs and was the principal article of food. The year 1843 was the coldest ever experienced in this country. Henry Moennig came to Delphos in 1848 and built himself a log cabin on what is now the Methodist Church property. He selected a spot where stood a large stump, which he could Use as a table, and built his cabin around it.

Schools.—There were 13 teachers in Marion township in 1904-05, outside of the two special districts, Delphos and Landeck, as follows : James I. Peltier, Cora Burkholder, S.

S. Stalter, H. M. Peltier, A. F. Baumgardner, T. J. Ludwig, C. C. Ludwig, Iva Lutz, L. Earl Ludwig, C. A. Morris, Dwight Judkins, E. E. Zuercher and Clara Landisk. The valuation of the school property of the country schools is $6,000 ; of Delphos, $8o,000 ; and of Landeck, $4,500$80,000nrollment of pupils in Marion township is 488 ; in Delphos, 765 ; in Landeck, 155, making a total attendance in the township of 1,408.

Village of Landeck.—This is a small village located on sections 3 and 10, township 3 south, range 4 ea0, It is a local center of trade. The Catholic Church of St. John the Baptist, which is the chief point of interest of the town, is one of the finest in the county. The movement to organize a church at Landeck was begun in 1866, the father of the movement being Peter Gengler, a zealous member of the

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Catholic Church. He soon interested others, and a frame building was erected on a lot donated by Sebastian Ley, under the direction of Rev. F. Westerholt, who came to Landeck at stated seasons from Delphos. At that time Landeck had about 40 Catholic residents. Father Maesfranc was appointed pastor in 1868. In the following year Rev. C. Seltzer became the regular pastor ; he was succeeded by Rev. F. Brem and he in turn by Rev. J. B. Heiland. Rev. Dominic Zinsmayer, the present incumbent, was the next regular pastor of the church after Father Heiland. Father Zinsmayer, who assumed charge of the church on September 15, 1894, at once set about the erection of a new church, which has cost nearly $40,000. It is constructed of brick with stone trimmings in the Gothic style of the 13th century. The steeple is 150 feet high. The interior of the church, a view of which is shown on another page of this work, is architecturally beautiful and is adorned with rare works of art of Scriptural design. The .church has a seating capacity of 750. It has been conceded that this church and its very fine furnishings has not an equal outside of the large cities. The windows in particular, gifts from different members of the congregation, are most beautiful. The present church edifice was dedicated July 31, 1904, by Bishop Hartsman, of Cleveland. The corner-stone was laid in 1902. In 1877 the parochial residence was built, replacing the former one destroyed by fire. A new brick schoolhouse has recently been built to accommodate 52 pupils—this is but one of the four schools that the parish supports. The congregation includes 115 families at present.

The teachers in the public schools of Landeck in 1904-05 were : Joseph M. Hall, Lawrence Koester and Rose Kindly.

DELPHOS.

The city of Delphos or "Section Ten," as it was formerly called, is located in the counties of Allen and Van Wert, the Miami and Erie Canal forming the dividing line. In 1828 the United States government gave to the State of Ohio, on condition that it would build a canal from Dayton to Defiance on the Auglaize River, all the even-numbered sections of land along the proposed route. Under the direction of Samuel Forver, three different routes were surveyed, one along the Auglaize, the one adopted, and one three miles west of the one adopted. The present location was agreed upon after some difficulty and immediately there was a rush for lands. Some of the early pioneers were Josiah Clawson, Judge Cochran, William Scott, John McGill and Benjamin Cochran. From the German settlement near old. Fort Jennings came Ferdinand Bredeick who purchased land for himself and 'also for his brother, John Otto Bredeick, who was yet in the fatherland. Theodore Wrocklage, Bernard Esch, Conrad Loudeck, Casper Geise,. Mathias Schroeder, George Wilte, Conrad. Wellman, Henry Lanse, Henry Schroeder, Cas par Mesker, Caspar Luesmann, C. D. Geise, M. Hemker, F. Reinemeyer, John Grothaus, D.. Kariman, H. Linderman and Mrs. Osenbach were early settlers in the northwest part of Marion township.

The first road through Delphos was opened. by William Scott and William Brady and passed through the "Teri Mile Woods" as it was then called. Between Scott's farm and Van Wert there was not then a single dwelling.

Ferdinand Bredeick laid out the portion of the town which was known as "West Bredeick," in 1845, and in the same year his. brother, Rev. John Otto Bredeick, platted East Bredeick. Following these, plats belonging to Hollister and Samuel Forver were surveyed and the former given the name "Section Ten,' and the latter the name "Howard." The first. meeting to consider the advisability of consolidating the villages into one, and giving it a name was in 1850, at which time the contention for naming the town ensued, the owner of each tract wanting it to bear the name of his division. It was finally agreed to adopt the name' "Delphos," which was proposed by Father Bredeick in remembrance of Delphos in Greece,. which he had visited during his travels in that country.

Father Bredeick played an important part.. in the early history of the town. He came

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direct from the Kingdom of Hanover and upon his arrival here his first care was the spiritual welfare of his flock. In 1844 he erected at his own expense a one-and-a-half story log house, which served as a chapel and also as a residence for himself. Later, in 1846, the log chapel

was enlarged and used temporarily for a church, also serving as the first school house, a Mr. Minkhouse being the teacher. He gave newcomers every possible encouragement, selling land very low and giving purchasers their ,own time to pay for it. Before his death he donated much land to different persons for city use, giving with the rest a number of lots for a park site and to the Presbyterians a lot on Jefferson street, which was afterwards exchanged for the lot on which the Presbyterian Church now stands, allowing the Protestants still to retain the original lot for the schoolhouse. At his death he willed lot No. 74 and 10 acres in section 30 to the Sisters of Charity, and berqueathing the remainder of his estate to the Catholic Church.

The growth of Delphos was very rapid until the year 1854, when it was visited by the cholera which very nearly depopulated it. When the Pittsburg, Ft. Wayne & Chicago Railway was built in 1854, the town gradually resumed its former enterprise and prosperity.

The first house built in Section Ten stood .on the canal bank just south of Second street in Van Wert County. In this house the first Catholic religious services were held and in it the first white child of the town, Amelia Bredeick (now Mrs. George F. Lang) was born. The altar used for church purposes was an old bureau, which is a valued possession of Mrs. Lang and which was exhibited at the Catholic Church Jubilee, the b0th anniversary, which was celebrated September 12, 1894.

The first election for Delphos took place March 3, 1851, with the following election of 'officers : Lester Bliss, mayor ; Smith Talbot, recorder; N. White, J. P. Cowan, j. P. Murphy and T. Wrocklage, councilmen.

When it is considered that the town was located in the midst of such a dense forest, and that communication east and west was over roads where the timber had been scarcely cut, its growth from 1845 to 1854 seems remarkable. At this early date all the provisions and merchandise were brought from Piqua. Some of the settlers would start from Delphos on Sunday evening to purchase supplies and would occupy a week in making the trip of 85 miles. In 1846 F. J. Lye and family came here from Tiffin in a wagon as far as the Auglaize, where they were rowed across the river with their household goods, continuing their journey to Delphos over what was known as the corduroy road. They drove to within a few feet of Main street where the wagon became fast in the mud and the family were carried one by one to a little hut directly back of where the City Building now stands. A family by the name of Daub was in possession of it, but all lived together until a dwelling place was built for the Lyes. In 1843 the contract was let for digging the Miami and Erie Canal. The place was completely covered with woods, the only places of shelter being the canal shanties. The first canal-boat to pass through Delphos was the "Marshall," owned by Kirk, Lawton & Company, of Piqua, and was freighted with peltries and hides for Toledo. This was on the 4th of July, 1845. The first passenger packet arrived here from Toledo in 1846, bringing Governor-elect Bebb this far on his trip east. The people turned out to meet him en masse, going as far as the stone lock, one mile north of town, and taking a number of extra horses with them to attach to the boat in order that they might bring this their first passenger packet into town in good style, as well as show attention and honor to their prospective Governor.

It has been stated that Delphos could not have been settled without the aid of whiskey and quinine. The air was so poisoned with malarial effluvia from the swamps and marshes, that not only the pioneers but the dogs of the settlement suffered intensely with fever and ague. Quinine was in general use up to the period when the location lost its name of "Section Ten."

In 1845 Father Bredeick opened up the

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first general store, which was followed in the same year by the firm of Gilmore & Scott. Esch & Wrocklage and White & Newton.

Bope & Ley started a store in 1846, corner of Main and Second streets. In the same year Hollister & Bliss opened tip a large establishment in a building on the lot now occupied by Kundert Brothers' livery barn and there the boats stopped to load and unload, that of course being the central point of interest at that time.

Churches.—The Church of St. John the Evangelist, generally known as St. John's Catholic Church, had its beginning, in 1844, through the self-sacrifice and pious zeal of Rev. John Otto Bredeick. The one-and-a-half story log house he built at his own expense in this year served at first as a chapel and also as a residence for himself. Two years later the chapel was enlarged and was used temporarily as a church, serving also as the town's first schoolhouse. This building, which stood on the site of Roth's meat market on Main street, was destroyed in 1872 by the conflagration of that year, which swept away so many old landmarks in Delphos.

From 1844 to 1855 Father Bredeick served the congregation absolutely without salary, and from the latter year to his lamented death, which occurred in August, 1858, took .only $150 a year.

In December, 1845, a meeting of the male members of the Catholic congregation was held and a constitution of T 0 articles was drawn up by which every Catholic inhabitant of Section Ten was bound to work 25 days each year on the new church or contribute $8 annually until the completion of the building. This church was finished far enough to admit of holding, services in it in 1854 and the first regular sermon preached there was on All Saints' Day, November 1st of that year.

In 1858 Rev. F. Westerholt succeeded Father Bredeick. He was later called to Cleveland and until the appointment of Rev. Aloysius I. Hoeffel, Father Maesfranc of Lan-deck officiated, Father Hoeffel taking charge February 2, 1868.

In 1867-68 a residence for the Sisters of St. Francis was built at a cost of $7,000. Between 1869 and 1872 a new residence for the Sisters and a three-story brick school were built. The church and these barely escaped destruction in the conflagration of 1872.

In the year 1878 the project of building a new Catholic Church took shape and an edifice which ranks with the greatest church buildings in the Union was the result. On June 15, 1879, the corner-stone was laid by Bishop Gilmore, assisted by Revs. A.. I. Hoeffel, J. F. Lang and other ecclesiastics. The building was completed in 1880 and dedicated January 16, 1881, at a cost of $60,000 and the gratuitous labor and material, which amounted to something like $40,000. The length of the structure is 192 feet ; width of nave, 78 feet; width of transept, 100 feet ; height to apex of roof, 84 feet ; height of tower, 222 feet ; height of middle arch, 58 feet. The roof is divided into over T00 arches, after the pure Gothic style. The seating capacity is 1,600. The tower clock cost about $2,000.

In 1894 the three bells now in use were presented to the church by Father Hoeffel. These bells bear the names of the three priests who have given earnest service to this church—Fathers Breideick, Westerholt and Hoeffel.

In 1889 a new Sisters' school was built at a cost of $11,000. The church, which has now a membership of 400 families, continues to be in charge of Father Hoeffel, under whose guidance for the past 37 years its material and spiritual growth has been remarkable.

The Presbyterian Chuch was organized in May, 1851, by Rev. Graham. The meeting was held in. a building that fronted on the canal just south of the middle bridge, where the Commercial Bank now stands. They organized at the same time a Union Sunday-school. One year later Rev. Elcock was sent here to preach, and was paid partly by the presbytery and partly by the congregation. The places of worship in early days were various. There are some who can remember going to school and attending church in a small one-story brick building on the lot now owned and occupied by Dr. Mauk as a residence. The upper story of the old woolen mill just west of the Courant office was used for the same purpose.

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Prayer meetings were held at the residence of different members. Mr. Forver, the surveyor of the canal, presented the Presbyterian congregation with the lot now occupied by the Redisbo family, directly west of Dr. Mauk's residence on Fourth street ; this lot with the original one donated by Father Bredeick was sold and the proceeds applied to the purchase of the present lot. The Presbyterian Church was dedicated February 8, 1869. Rev. A. 0. Raber is the present pastor.

Methodist Episcopal services were held first in the cabin of R. M. Pitticord on the .west side of the canal. There were present five members, the minister officiating was Rev. Graham. A Sunday-school was organized and John Miller elected superintendent. This was in 1846. The services were continued from time to time at the home of John Miller, corner of Main and Third streets, and later at a cooper shop owned by Amos Metcalf, and located on the rear part of the lot now known as the Deubler property, on East Third street. In 1848 E. N. Martin moved to Section Ten from Piqua. He was an ordained minister, and this with his means and liberality gave the organization the position of a church. Steps were soon taken to build a church, and until this was accomplished, services were held in the upper room of a building erected by Mr. Martin as a woolen mill. In 1848 Rev. Harmount was sent as preacher in charge of the circuit. In 1850 the foundation was laid for a church on a lot donated by Samuel Pettit, of Piqua, and completed in 1851. The present church was commenced in August, 1879, and completed in 1880. The present membership of this church is 400. The congregation is united and prosperous, owing largely to the untiring efforts of their talented young pastor, Rev. Ascham, who was given leave of absence in September, 1905, to pursue his studies at Harvard. Rev. J. B. Gottschall was appointed to fill Rev. Ascham's pulpit.

The United Brethren Church has Rev. W. H. Kindel as pastor ; the German Reformed Church, Rev. J. J. Neiss.

Railroads.—In 1854 the Ohio & Indiana Railroad, now called the Pittsburg, Fort Wayne & Chicago, was opened from Crestline to Fort Wayne. The first railroad engine used on this line was named "Lima" and was brought from Toledo to Delphos on a canal boat by Casper Smith and put on the track here for construction work. Woolson & McCune took the contract for bringing the iron to Delphos. Captain Fisher, Sr., bought a boat in Toledo named "Seneca Chief" and McClure owned a boat named "Damsel," and these two boats brought the iron to Delphos. Captain Fisher took the contract to build a basin just west of Mills' elevator for the purpose of anchoring these boats while they unloaded the railroad supplies. On July 4, 1875, the formal opening of the Toledo, Delphos & Burlington took place. In 1876 was the big excursion to Dupont, and in 1878 the Toledo, St. Louis & Kansas City Railway was completed. The Clevelannd, Delphos & St. Louis (now the Northern Ohio) was built in 1881.

The Press.—The first newspaper was issued in 1849 by the late Judge Ben Metcalf and called the Section Ten Budget. It existed about one year. This was followed by the Delphos Oracle edited by Noah Huber, who was succeeded by O. H. Perry, then by Bell, who published it until 1854, when it expired. In the same year came the Northwestern Republican, S. E. Brown, editor. This lived a little more than a year. From this date until 1869 there was no paper. Then the Herald made its appearance with D. H. Tolan as editor and later with his son, C. M. Tolan. At present Gasson & Sevitz are publishing the paper with. a circulation of B00 copies. The Courant was established in 1877 with E. B. Walkup as editor and is still owned and published by him with a circulation of 1,400 a week.

The Klecblatt, published by C. Jettinghoff, the only German newspaper published in Delphos, was established in December, 1889, and has a circulation of more than I,000 copies.

Schools.—The Delphos schools up to 1859 had been kept up in each county divided by the canal, and separate schools were sustained and examinations given on the same principle as all country schools. On January 29th, after

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legal notice, the voters of these two districts met at the little old frame schoolhouse on the Allen County side and voted to organize the Delphos Union School District, under the general law governing village districts, the first Board of Education under the law consisting of Charles C. Marshall, F. J. Lye, H. Weible, Lester Bliss, M. Brickner and S. F. Conklin. Charles C. Marshall was the first president of the board. At the time of this organization of the Delphos Union School District, C. P. Washburn was teaching the highest grade of the public schools. On April 8, 1868, the district voted to levy a tax and issue bonds for the erection of a new schoolhouse. The schools remained in this scattered condition until August 5, 1869, when W. H. Wolfe was elected superintendent and schools were organized and graded in the new building. In 1870 J. F. Jones was elected to the superintendency and in 1871 W. H. Wolfe was reelected. In 1873 E. W. Hastings was employed and held the position for 25 years, until 1898, when be resigned on account of ill health and died the following year. In 1877 C. P. Washburn was elected clerk of the Board of Education and held the position for 22 years.

Mr. Hastings was loved and revered by the entire population. He was succeeded by G. W. Lewis, who after two years' work was followed by T. W. Shimp.

The teachers in the Delphos Union School District (Allen and Van Wert counties) in 1904-05 were : T. W. Shiny, superintendent; J. E. Fast, J. T. Omlor, J. I. Miller, Anna Welsh, Ella Peltier, Carrie Anderson, Mary Walkup, Rose T. Lindemann, Callie Huysman, Bertha Weiss, Mellie McMahon, Margie McMahon, Ethel Hart, Lulu Walkup, Wilma Clay, Grace Boardman, Ameda Davis, Doris Eysenbach, Amedius Laudick and Inez Bladwin.

Hotels.—The first hotel called "Traveler's Rest" was opened in 1845 and was kept by a man named Savage. It stood on the corner of Canal and Second streets where the Opera House now stands. Joseph Ostendorf came to Delphos in April, a847, coming by ,boat from Minster and landing here about 3 o'clock in the morning. After the boat moved out, he looked around him for some place to lodge. The weather was cold and it was intensely dark, so dark that he was afraid to step off the platform for fear of getting lost in the mud. Not being able to see a ray of light in any direction, he concluded to walk the platform until daybreak. At dawn he saw a high bridge on the south and started for it, keeping to the heel-path. After crossing the bridge, the "Traveler's Rest" came into view, and here just half a century ago he took his first breakfast in Section Ten.

The second hotel was built in 1845 and was called the "Ohio House." In 1846 the American House was built on the corner of Main and Fourth where the Shaffer Block now stands. The Union or Hecker House, as it was called later, was built in 1848. The Commercial House was built in 1847 and kept by C. Ross and later by W. D. Jones, who is now running the New Aveline in Fort Wayne. The Burnett was built in 1855 by Henry Brown, familiarly called "Uncle Henry" Brown. The first proprietor was Col. Amos Evans, who was succeeded by Oliver P. Brown. Brown sold out to T. Webb, who was succeeded by John Roby, who had charge of it until 1880 when he went into the Phelan House. The Phelan House is now the best hotel in Delphos.

Postoffice. — In 1847 the first postoffice in Section Ten was established in a small room built on the platform of the lock, between the gates, on the Van Wert County side, with Mr. Clutter as postmaster. At that time there were no. postage stamps, the postage being paid either by the sender and the letter marked "Paid," or the letter was marked "Due" and the receiver paid the postage. In 1849 Lynn succeeded Clutter, holding the office for three years, and then began a postoffice war and in May, 1853, Winchton Risley was appointed postmaster. He held the office (removing it to Allen County) until his death in September, 1854, after which Mrs. Mary Risley was appointed and held the office for 25 consecutive years. Then followed Cowdin, Shenk, Baxter, Washburn and Weger, the present incumbent.

The pioneer physicians. were Osborne, Met-

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calf, Conklin, Butler, Pennington and H. P. Wagner, who came in 1847; and C. A. Evans, Davenport, Burkholder and Ruel, who came in 185o. Joseph Hunt was for a number of years called "Doctor" Hunt. He was a leading, chemist and druggist and also a prominent citizen. In 1855 when business was suffering from stagnation, Mr. Hunt conceived the idea that he might aid the pioneers of the wilderness and add to his own trade by offering to purchase the bark from slippery elm trees which were abundant in the swamps. The supply soon reached hundreds of cords of cured bark and brought him quite a revenue.

Early Industries.—The ashery was another branch of industry, established in 1849, extensively carried on in the early days. Wrocklage & Esch were the first proprietors, and later Wrocklage & Stallkamp. Every particle of ashes was carefully horded by the settlers and sold for 10 cents a bushel to the ashery, where it was converted into pearl ash and shipped to all parts of the country. It was sold in a crude state to be used in the manufacture of baking soda.

Delphos was the possessor of a dry dock in 1846, built by Father Bredeick. It was handled by John Daub and B. Nate. They built the boat "M. King," but found it too heavy for the canal and converted it into a barge to be used on the Ohio River.

The First Undertaker.—David Minnig, the first undertaker, came to Delphos in 1851, started the business in partnership with Mr. Garfield in 1852 in the old Lytle warehouse, corner Main and Third streets, where the Commercial Bank now stands. Garfield died in 1854 and Minnig. carried on the business until 1866. The first hearse was a common spring wagon with curtains hung on the sides. The first regular hearse was built in 1854. In 1866 this was put away and a more modern conveyance presented to the people of Delphos. Mrs. Thomas Chambers made the majority of shrouds for the dead for at least To years. Not only making them, indeed, but dressing and laying out the persons for whom they were made.

Industries.—Delphos is splendidly located industrially. It is on four lines of steam railways—the Pittsburg, Fort Wayne & Chicago, the Cincinnati, Hamilton & Dayton, the Toledo, St. Louis & Kansas City and Northern Ohio, besides being on one of the best traction lines in the country.—The Fort Wayne, Van Wert & Lima. The most important industrial plant in Delphos is the Delphos Can Company, manufacturing the non-overflow pump can which is sold all over the United States, Canada and South America. This company was organized with Delphos capital in 1898 but, owing to infringements of patents of other manufacturing concerns, business was at a standstill till H. L. Leilich became manager. At a cost of $14,000 he prosecuted infringements of patents in the United States courts and gained favorable decisions. Under the same management, the plant has since expanded, now employing 125 hands and having a monthly output valued at $22,000. A large addition is contemplated as the supply has never equaled the demand. The George F. Lang Milling Company, with a capacity of 125 barrels per day, and the Delphos Roller Mills, owned by Dalby & Morton, with a capacity of 100 barrels, are giving employment to a large number of men. The latter mill was established in 1846, the first mill in this section of Ohio and was the market for wheat from a section of country extending to Findlay and St. Marys. The following are some of the industries contributing to the wealth of Delphos ; Delphos Paper Mill, the furniture manufactory of Ricker & Sons, Gun Novelty Company, Felix Steinle Brewing Company, the cement block works of Eger & Enslen and of A. L. Fisher and the lumber-yards of Ricker & Sons and J. F. Horine & Sons.

The stores are especially good for a town of its Size. The drug-store of King Brothers

is one of the finest drug-stores in the State of Ohio. F. H. King is a member of the Ohio State Pharmacy Board. Among the new projects is the Delphos Foundry Company, which has erected an immense building and fitted it with new machinery for the manufacture of furnaces, stoves and registers.

Physicians, Dentists and Attorneys. —The

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town has 13 physicians. The oldest doctor in Delphos in point of continued service is Dr. Charles C. Bliss, who graduated from Bellevue Hospital Medical College in 1874. He practiced medicine in Delphos until two years ago When he gave up his practice for the office of mayor to which he was elected. Dr. H. C. Bradshaw has practiced in Delphos about four years. He graduated from the Eclectic Medical Institute of Chicago in 1895. Dr. E. N. Brundage graduated from the Fort Wayne Medical College in 1892 and has been located in Delphos ever since. Dr. E. R. Burnett took his medical degree at the Ohio Medical University in 1893 and has practiced in Delphos about four years. Dr. E. Edwards has practiced in Delphos since 1894, in which year he graduated from Jefferson Medical College. Dr. L. J. Eger graduated from Starling Medical College in 1893 and has been located in Delphos for seven years past, making a specialty of the eye, ear and throat. He has been to New York six different times and taken post-graduate courses. Dr. John B. Egts has been long established in Delphos. He graduated from the Chicago Homeopathic College in 1885 and has since practiced here. Dr. H. M. Hixson, who graduated from the Cincinnati Medical College in 1876, has been at Delphos about four years ; he was formerly at Continental and Dupont. Dr. L. P. Jackson, who graduated from Starling Medical College in 1898, has practiced in Delphos nearly three years. Dr. E. B. Mauk, who graduated from the Western Reserve Medical College in 1881, has been located in Delphos about 14 years. He .came here from Malinta, Ohio, where he practiced subsequent to taking his degree. Dr. H. G. Steman graduated from the Fort Wayne Medical College in 1878. He has practiced in several different places and returned to Delphos five months ago. Dr. George S. Weger has been located in Delphos since 1898 in which year he took his medical degree at the Baltimore Medical College. Dr. L. C. Tillitson graduated from the medical department of the State University of Ohio in 1904 and has been located at Delphos about one year. All the above mentioned doctors are regular practitioners with the exception of Dr. Egts, who is a homeopath and Dr. Bradshaw, who is an eclectic.

Dr. G. G. McCoy, a graduate of the University of Michigan, class of 1891, and Dr. M. H. Viel, a graduate of the same institution, class of 1898, are the dental practitioners of Delphos.

The attorneys in Delphos include John F. Lindeman, George Leasure and J. B. Brotherton.

MONROE TOWNSHIP

Was organized in Putnam County in 1835 and not until 1848 was this township added to Allen County. The first township officers. were : John Peters, Peter Harpster and Anthony Early, trustees ;.Benjamin Parker, clerk, and Luke Tipton, justice of the peace. N. G. Kidd served as township clerk for many years.

A large number of streams rise in Monroe. township and numerous springs are found. The soil varies in different parts of the township from light sand and gravel to heavy clay.. The streams furnish good natural drainage. The farms are good and well tilled. On Sugar-Creek, in an early day, there was a horse-mill owned by Luke Tipton. Some families did their milling at Wapakoneta, some at St. Marys and some went as far as Sidney. The-first justice of the peace, after the township had been added to Allen County, was Hugh VanMeter.

Monroe township in 1904 had a property valuation of $843,940, with a tax rate of 20.6 mills. Cairo Special School District in 1904 had a property valuation of $92,069, with a tax rate of 20.1 mills. Cairo corporation in 1904 had a property valuation of $77,900 with a tax rate of 34 mills.

Villages.—West Cairo was laid out by Jacob Miller in 1848. The original town lies mainly west of the Perrysburg road at the intersection of the Bucyrus road. Cairo village was organized April 12; 1875, on petition of the following named persons : George Harpster, W. W. Reeder, E. Lawrence, A. B. Harpster, John A.. Brogan, D. Hartzog, E. G. Waltz, C. Shock,.

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D. W. Trice, Peter Coleman, Michael Sluce, P. C. Rathbun, P. A. Lawrence, Lewis Lawrence, John Knott, S. Lawrence, Amos Rathbun, J. Warren, Benjamin Parker, L. M. Nickerson, J. Sherer, J. S. Clippenger and A. Nickerson. The Methodist Episcopal Church at West Cairo has Rev. M. C. Wisely as pastor ; he is also in charge of the Bethel Grove Methodist Episcopal Church, of Monroe township.

Rockport is a small village in the northeastern part of Monroe township near Richland township line. The postoffice is known as Cranberry. It is in section 13 and was platted in 1836 by Samuel Rockhill. The Presbyterian Church at Rockport was organized in 1850 and belongs to the Bluffton charge. The only other church is a Methodist Episcopal Church, which belongs to the Beaver Dam circuit and has for its pastor Rev. Harley Hodge.

Pioneers.—The early settlers in Monroe township were: James Adams, Jacob Alstaetter, Peter Alstaetter, Alexander Allison, Jeremiah Ayres, C. H. Bliss. O. Beardsley, Peter Broughton, Jacob Broughton, Enos Beamer, Isaac Beamer, Ellis Bowers, M. Beasel, James Beatty, J. M. Beamer, A. Buckmaster, Isaac Buckmaster, J. M. Berryhill, Samuel Berry-hill, S. W. Bentley, Adam Borlander, John Bowsher, M. Bonham, Daniel Braddigan, W. T. Blackburn, Frederick Beitler, Charles Burnett, Stephen Cook, J. Crain, John Cupp, John Close, Johnston Crawford, James Cunningham, J. Cook, Daniel Custard, J. C. Curtis, Leonard Curtis, J. Craig, George Craig, H. Downing, Elias Decker, Elijah Drew, R. C. Doman, Sam. Daniels, Robert Downing, Isaac Downing, G. L. Dennis, Abe Everett, Jacob Everett, J. D. Everett, Robert Edgecomb, William Fleming, Timothy Fidler and A. Fensler.

Schools.—The first school of Monroe township was opened in 1833 by N. G. Kidd and the old schoolhouse in section 14 was built in 1834, round logs being used in its construction. At present the school property of the township outside of West Cairo is valued at $15,000, and in West Cairo it is valued at $2,500. In the township there are 364 pupils enrolled and in the special district there are 114. The schools of the township are under township supervision, F. R. Mason superintending the schools of Monroe township in connection with those of Bath. The teachers in West Cairo village in 1904-05 were : Charles W. Westbay, superintendent; James F. Snodgrass, Nora Kidd and Bertha Stotts (1906). The teachers in Monroe township in 1904-05 were : Mary E. Pittenger, Frank Beery, Clara M. Greding, F. R. Mason, L. L. Weaver, F. B. Stockier, Mabel Cotner, J. F. Snodgrass, Maggie Campbell, J. T. Cotner and Clarice Ulery.

OTTAWA TOWNSHIP

Was formed from Bath, German, Shawnee and Perry in May, 1857, and was organized on May 27th that year, with Thomas K. Jacobs, Thomas Clayton and Slemans Lisle, trustees. It has an area of 3,36o acres, of which 1,600 acres belonged originally to Bath ; 1,040 acres to German ; 560 acres to Perry and 160 acres to Shawnee. Ottawa township is not recognized officially save by the justices of the peace, the constables and the Infirmary Board. The justices of the peace at the present time are John W. Mowen and Edmund G. Dempster ; the constables, Daniel Miller and Frank Dalzell. The area of Ottawa township is coextensive with the city of Lima, hence the city of Lima takes the place of the township of Ottawa. In 1834 the tax duplicate of Lima was $6,08; in 1904, $0,085,889 with a tax rate of 36.8 mills.

List of Original Entries.—The following names and dates refer to the original entries in that part of Ottawa township originally included in Bath, comprising parts of sections 29 and 32 and all of sections 30 and 31 :

Section 29.—Edward Rigdon, 1829; Elijah Bates, 1830; Abraham Clark and John Woodruff, 1831; Rudolph Boose, 1832.

Section 30.—David N. Saxton, 1830; John Woodruff, 1831 ; Laussen B. Maulsby, 1832 ; Henry R. Moore, 1833 ; Richard Grimes, 1838.

Section 31.—James S. Daniels, 1828 ; Henry Lippincott, Samuel B. Lippincott, Joseph Edwards, John P. Mitchell, Thomas B. Van Horn and Thomas E. English, 1832.

138 - HISTORY OF ALLEN COUNTY

(The northwest quarter of section 31 was sold to the county by the State for $200, and selected as the site for the county seat.)

Section 32.—Henry Lippincott and Elijah Standiford, 1830; John Woodruff, Richard Shaw, Sarah Crosby and Hulda Crosby, 1831 ; John Lippincott, 1833.

Before the formation of Ottawa township in 1857, the following named persons entered land in that part of German township that is now included in Ottawa, comprising portions of sections 25 and 35 and all of section 36.

Section 25.—John P. Mitchell, 1831 ; Morgan Hatfield, John Hatfield, Adriel Hursey. Evan Jenkins and James Vaughn, 1832 ; J. H. James and John H. Kennedy, 1833.

Section 35.—Enos Terry, 1832 ; John Seaman, Otho Evans, John N. C. Schenck and .John Keve, 1833.

Section 36.—James McDonell, 1828 ; John Terry and James S. Daniels, 1829 ; John F. Cole, 1831; Absalom Brown and Alfred Hatfield, 1832.

The following are the original entries in that portion of Perry township that was made a part of Ottawa in 1857, comprising a portion of section 5 and the north half of section 6 :

Section 5. — Joseph Lippincott, 1830; George Hawthorn, Thomas Hawthorn and .John Ridenour, 1831; George Dugan and George Swinehart, 1832 ; William Lippincott, James H. Daniels, James Chenoweth and Matthew Dobbins, 1833.

Section 6.—Abraham Bowers and Thomas. Franklin, 1831; Jacob Rudy and Joseph Hover, 1832 ; John Carlisle and James Franklin, 1833 ; Charles H. Adgate, 1834.

The entries in section 1, Shawnee township, the northeast quarter of which section now belongs to Ottawa, were: William Chaffee, John Campbell, Joseph Hover and John H. Porter, all in 1832.

John F. Cole, who purchased his farm in section 36, German, in 1831; John P. Mitchell, who located lands in section 25, German, and section 26, Bath, in 1831-32; Henry Lippincott, who located his farm in section 32, Bath, in 1830 ; James S. Daniels and John Terry, who entered their lands in section 36, German, in .1829 ; Joseph Lippincott, in section 5, Perry, in 1830 ; John Mark, a temporary resident, Dr. William Cunningham and John Bashore, who were here in 1831, may be classed as making up the vanguard of the pioneers of this district. In the Cole reminiscences, it is stated that John F. Cole in 1831 moved with his wife and four children and settled on an uncleared tract of land near Lima, which he had previously entered. The country around the town was in its primitive wildness, and . very little timber removed. After the erection of a cabin Mr. Cole commenced to clear his land, and by the following spring had about four acres cleared and ready for planting corn. Such was the scarcity of hardware that he could not even obtain a pair of hinges or nails to make and hang a door to guard his cabin during the cold, as well as to protect it against the visits of intrusive persons. He was, therefore, compelled to make and hang a door by the use of an auger and an axe, using wooden pins in lieu of nails and hinges.

As one of the first three trustees of Ottawa township and as one who was intimately connected with the growth. of Lima through his large real estate operations, a sketch of the late Hon. Thomas K. Jacobs may appropriately be given here.

Mr. Jacobs was born January 31, 1812, in Juniata County, Pennsylvania., and was the

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second son of William and Sarah (Williams) Jacobs, who were early settlers in Pennsylvania. He was educated in Juniata County, Pennsylvania, and early in life learned the tailor's trade which he followed for a period of l0 years. He began his business career at Mifflin, Pennsylvania, and in 1832 moved to Ashland, Ohio. After a two years' residence there, he came to Lima, where for many years thereafter he continued active in real estate dealings, developing different parts of the city. He laid out and platted a large part of the land now included in the corporation limits of Lima, and continued until his death to be interested in the city's affairs. He also held considerable farm property and engaged in farming for a time.

Mr. Jacobs was married September 25, 1834, to Anna Elder, a daughter of David Elder, of Mifflin, Pennsylvania, and they reared four children of a family of nine born to them, namely : W. C., a practicing physician of Akron, Ohio; Thomas K., Jr., a physician of Lima, whose biography appears elsewhere in this work ; Editha, wife of H. A. Moore; and Clara, wife of J. F. Brotherton, of Lima. Mrs. Jacobs died January 6, 1880, and in May, 1881, he formed a second union, with Mrs. Mary C. Jacobs.

In October, 1841, Mr. Jacobs was elected treasurer of Allen County, and served nearly years continuously except for the short time the office was filled by Alexander Beatty, upon whose death Mr. Jacobs was appointed to fill the unexpired term. He was thereafter very prominent in public affairs until he retired from active life a few years prior to his death. He was serving in the State Legislature of Ohio at the time Fort Sumter was fired upon, and was one of the first to vote for Ohio being placed on a war footing, the measure being carried after considerable delay and a hard fight. He served two years and then returned to Lima where he- was appointed quartermaster of the 99th Regiment, Ohio Vol. Inf., in which he served until he was discharged on account of disability, in March, 1865. Fraternally, our subject was prominent in Masonry and was a Knight Templar.

In the death of Mr. Jacobs, which occurred November 12, 1884, Allen County lost one of her most substantial and respected citizens and expressions of deep regret were heard on every hand. A broad-minded man, progressive and public-spirited, his influence was always on the. side of right, and we can safely say that no man of his period did more toward the development of Lima than he.

The history of this township has been quite fully treated under the history of Lima, hence only a brief statement as to city officials is. needed here.

MAYORS OF LIMA.

H. D. V. Williams, April, 1842, to April, 1844.

H. F. Hubbard, April, 1844, to April, 1845.

John P. Fay, April, 1845, to April, 1846.

Thomas Dalzell, April, 1846, to April, 1847.

A. N. Smith, April, 1847, to April, 1848.

James Cunningham, April, 1848, to April, 1849.

Thomas Dalzell, April, 1849, to April, 1850.

Thomas Milligan, April, 1850, to April, 1851.

Samuel A. Baxter, Sr., April, 1851, to April, 1853.

Thomas Milligan, April, 1853, to January 3, 1854..

James E. Harriott, Jan. 3, 1854, to April, 1856.

John Melhorn, April 1856, to April, 1857.

James A. Newell, April, 1858, to April, 1859.

John L. Hughes, April, 1859, to April, 1860.

E. G. Hamilton, April, 186o, to April, 1861.

John R. Hughes, April, 1861, to April, 1864.

Isaac T. Hickman, April, 1864, to April, 1865.

John Collett, April, 1865, to April, 1868.

Thomas M. Robb, April, 1868, to Sept. is, 1869.

G. W. Overmyer, Sept. 15, 1869, to April, 1870.

Richard Metheany, April, 1870, to April, 1874.

John C. Dunlevy, April, 1874, to April, 1876.

James B. Townsend, April, 1876, to April, 1880.

Frank E. Mead, April, 1880, to April, 1882.

H. S. Prophet, April, 1882, to April, 1884.

William McComb, Jr., April, 1884, to April, 1890.

Ira Longsworth, April, 1890, to April, 1892.

William McComb, Jr., April, 1892, to April, 1894.

James V. Smiley, April, 1894, to April, 1896.

Dr. Samuel A. Baxter, April, 1896, to April, 1898.

H. S. Prophet, April, 1898, to April, 1900.

William McComb, Jr., April, 1900, to April, 1902

L. H. Rogers, April, 1902, to April, 1904.

Theo. D. Robb, April, 1904—.

CITY SOLICITORS OF LIMA.

J. E. Richie, April, 1870, to April, 1872.

James Irvine, April, 1872, to April, 1874.

140 - HISTORY OF ALLEN COUNTY

H. S. Prophet, April, 1874, to April, 1878.

J. N. Hutchinson, April, 1878, to April, 1880.

John F. Brotherton, April, 1880 to April, 1882.

D. J. Cable, April, 1882, to April, 1884.

William L. Mackenzie, April, 1884, to April, 1888.

James O. Ohler, April, 1888, to April, 1890.

James W. Halfhill, April, 1890, to April, 1894.

Charles B. Adgate, April, 1894, to April, 1898.

Don C. Henderson, April, 1898, to April, 1902.

H. O. Bentley, April, 1902, to January, 1906.*

R. C. Eastman, January, 1906

Following is a list of the officials of the city of Lima for 1906-07:

Mayor—Theodore D. Robb; clerk, Fred Armstrong.

City auditor—Fred C. Beam.

City treasurer—Clem S. Baxter.

Deputy auditor and treasurer—Orah A. Hamer.

City solicitor—R. C. Eastman; clerk, Anna Buchanan.

Public Service Department—Board of Public Works : Wilbur Fisk (president), Lewis Koch (vice-president) and William Wilson ; clerk, L. L. Crumrine; Engineering Department : J. K. Brice (chief engineer), H. G. Shenk (sewer inspector) and W. E. Grubb (sidewalk inspector) ; street superintendents : D. W. Linson and T. O'Brien; City Infirmary Directors : George P. McGuire (president) and John H. Anderson (secretary) ; market master, A. Harrod ;

Water-Works Department : 0. W. Regan (secretary), H. E. Botkins (assistant secretary), Richard Stone (superintendent) and Ed. King (chief engineer).

Public Safety. Department—Board of Public Safety : S. M. Fletcher (president) and J. W. Shannahan; clerk, E. R. Foster ; chief of Fire Department, Bert Coates; chief of Police Department, Walter S. Mills.

Public Health Department—Board of Health : Theo. D. Robb (president ex offcio), Z. A. Crosson (vice-president), J. F. Hauenstein, C. F. Stolzenbach, F. C. Smith and E. W. Mosier ; clerk, 0. J. Rose; health officer, Dr. A. L. Jones; sanitary police : G. R. Potter and Harry Frye.

*By the new Ohio Municipal Code spring elections are abolished; all elections are held in November annually.

Public Indebtedness Department—Sinking Fund Trustees : E. A. Dean, W. L. Mackenzie, Dr. T. K. Jacobs and Gus Kalb; secretary, Fred C. Beam.

City Council—Officers of Council : D. Cramer (president), Dr. M. S. Bowser (president pro tem) and O. J. Rose (clerk) ; members at large.: O. H. Odell, Thomas Greenland and W. B. Craig; members from wards : S. R. Larimer (First), T. A. Collins (Second), Dr. M. S. Bowser (Third) and Charles Davison (Fourth).

PERRY TOWNSHIP

Was established by the Board of County Commissioners in December, 1833, and was organized at the house of Joseph Crossley April, 1834. Hugh Skilling, Sr., John Ridenour and Joseph Crossley were elected trustees ; Moses McDonald, justice of the peace, and James Chenoweth, clerk. At this time the northeastern sections of Jackson township as originally set off from congressional township 4 south, range 7 east, were detached and added to Perry, giving the new township her full area of 36 square miles.

The centers of settlement are Amherst, Warsaw and South Warsaw, all in the southern part of the township. There is no postoffice in the township now, though -formerly there was one at South Warsaw. There is rural free delivery of mail throughout the township. There is no railway station in the township, though the Chicago & Erie and Detroit, Toledo & Ironton roads traverse the township. The proposed southern extension of the Columbus & Lake Michigan will pass through Perry.

The land of Perry township is quite level and originally was very wet. Having been well drained, the soil is rich and very productive; in the production of corn and grass it is not surpassed by any township in the county. The roads are well piked and this is a great advantage for the farmers do all their shopping. at Lima. One of Perry township's most enterprising citizens is T. A. Crabb. Mr. Crabb is a large stock-raiser dairyman and market gardener. He is interested in education and

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agriculture having been a director of the Allen County Agricultural Society for many years.

The oil industry is quite promising about Yoder a little town near the center of the township which sprang up after the discovery of oil and was named for the family of Congressman S. S. Yoder. At one time there was a promising grange in the township which met at Yoder in a hall specially built for that purpose but at present the grange has been discontinued.

The property valuation in 1904 of Perry township outside of Perry Special School District was $836,189, with a tax rate of 17.9 mills; that of Perry Special School District in the same year was $265,177, with a tax rate of 14.9 mills.

Pioneers.—The early settlers of the township were Samuel Bowman, Andrew Budd, Joseph Crossley, Augustus Curtis, Thomas Crooks, Nicholas Faze,- Samuel Funk, Martin Funk, John Logan, Joseph Lippincott, Andrew Moore, George Moss, James McPheron, John McPheron, William McPheron, James F. Miller, John Ridenour, Jacob Ridenour, Hugh B. Stevenson, Hugh Skilling, George Severs, Daniel Schuler, J. L. Stevenson, John Stevenson, Samuel D. Voorhis, Cornelius Voorhis, James H. Daniels, Jacob Ice, George Hawthorne and Thomas Franklin. The settlement of Perry may be said to date from 1830. When John Ridenour arrived in Perry township in 1830, he found the county almost a wilderness, occupied largely by the Shawnees along Hog Creek and in the village in Shawnee township, with here and there a white family. He succeeded in erecting a cabin after traveling many miles to gather a few hands to assist at the raising. The Shawnee hunters often visited him and Chief Ouilna was a frequent guest at his cabin. Pht and other friendly Indians paid him frequent visits. \\Then the Shawnees left in 1832, Mr. Ridenour obtained a pony formerly owned by the family of Pht, which had been given Andrew Russell for paling in the grave of the Chief, and which lived to be 28 years old. Mr. Ridenour had a family of three sons and four daughters.

In 1840 the township presented a very primitive appearance. Nearly all of the lands were taken up, but the township was very heavily timbered and improvements were slow in being made. In 1840 James C. Hullinger built a cabin in Perry township, and at that time his nearest neighbors were a mile and a half distant. The first mill patronized by the early settlers was in Auglaize township, two and a half miles away—and for grinding the pioneers usually went to Cherokee. Dr. William Cunningham of Lima, and Dr. Knox, of Westminster, administered to the sick in this part of the county.

The taxpayers of Perry township, in 1834, were : James H. Daniels, Augustus Curtin, Thomas Crooks, Thomas Franklin, Jacob Ice, Samuel B. Lippincott, John C. Luce, John Logan, Elya Maus, George Severs, John Stevenson, Daniel Schuler and James McPheron. The value of the horses and cattle was estimated at $872, yielding a tax of $9.59.

Schools.—The first school in Perry township was taught by Leonard Skilling in 1835. In 1844 John Terry was employed to teach in a schoolhouse built in section 25. In 1884 the number of pupils enrolled was 363 ; in 1904, 280. In Perry Special School District the enrollment in 1884 was 96 ; in 1904, 59. The school buildings in the township in 1884 were valued at $2,800 ; in 1904, at $13,000. In Perry Special School District in 1884 the school buildings were valued at $2,600 ; in 1904, at $3,000.

The teachers in the schools of Perry township in 1904-05 were as follows : Ida L. Diehl, Grace Hover, William Rines, 0. M. Thomas, Robert Shade, A. M. Wonnell, J. F. Underwood and Elsie Chapman. The teachers in Perry Special School District for the same period were as follows : Nelle G. Michael, Adclie McKinney, Orie McCoy and Viola Barton.

Churches.—The churches in the township are quite numerous and well attended : The Cherry Grove Church of Christ with Rev. McCloud as pastor ; the Fletcher, Olive and Perry Chapel Methodist Episcopal churches. all on a circuit with Rev. Parlette as pastor ; and the Garfield Church of Christ.

142 - HISTORY OF ALLEN COUNTY

RICHLAND TOWNSHIP

Was organized in 1835 under authority granted by the commissioners of Putnam County on the petition of David Miller and others. In February, 1848, on the organization of Auglaize, the southern tier of sections in township 1, range 8, was taken from Riley township, Putnam County, and attached to Richland, thus giving it an area of 42 square miles. The first justices of the peace elected in the township were Henry Shank and Daniel Goble. The election was held at the cabin of Henry Carter in 1836.

The head waters of Sugar Creek are found in this township, and here the streams known as Riley and Little Riley have their sources. There are remains of beaver clams found here and there. The soil is very fertile and well adapted to all kinds of crops.

The Lake Erie & Western Railroad and the Lima & Findlay traction line pass through Richland township in a southwesterly direction and the Ohio Northern cuts across the extreme northeast corner of the township.

Stone Quarries.—The stone quarries in the neighborhood of Bluffton are both numerous and valuable. The Bluffton Stone Company, which has important quarries where employment is given to from 20 to 3o men, had its origin in the firm of Amstutz & Son, composed of John Amstutz and his son, Wilhelm Albert Amstutz. Some three years ago the firm purchased four and a quarter acres of land, began to clear the property of underbrush and other cbstructions and also to remove the subsoil overlying what is expected to be one of the finest beds of blue limestone to be found in this section of Ohio. The blue limestone found in the quarries thus opened up by Amstutz & Son contains more iron and cement than any other kind of stone in the Sate; the stone is also of a much better quality and the strata have a total depth of over 400 feet. Thus it may be readily seen that it is practically inexhaustible, and is as hard as any limestone rock found anywhere. It will withstand a crushing strain of about 8,200 pounds per cubic inch. Mr. Amstutz; knowledge of the nature of the stone and its resisting qualities for concrete and highway purposes, acquired while acting as township and county road commissioner, were of great benefit to him in selecting the location of these blue limestone quarries. In July, 1905, Wilhelm. A. Amstutz and his associates purchased John Amstutz' interests in the quarries and the Bluff ton Stone Company, a stock concern, was organized, which is now operating the quarries.

John Amstutz, an extended sketch of whom. appears in the biographical department of this: work, is one of Richland township's best known citizens. He lives on his farm located about a mile west of Bluton. He has held many im- portant offices of trust.

His father, also named John, was born in Alsace, France, now in Germany, in 1811 and came to Allen County in 1835, purchasing a tract of 10 acres, where he built what is said to have been the first wagon-shop in this section. of Ohio. It is also related that he made the first school globe ever constructed in the State. He was a well-read man and accumulated a very large private library for his time. He-assisted in the organization of Richland township and was the first school director, there. being only one district in the township at that time. His character was unimpeachable. He served as township treasurer some 20 years and administered the law as a justice of the peace for 27 years. He died at the age of 80 years. and 11 months. On his B0th birthday, without the aid of glasses, he wrote the whole of the Lord's Prayer on a bit of paper that a silver-dime would cover.

The Mennonites are quite numerous in Richland township, having come from Holmes: County in 1848. John Thut was unanimously.. elected to the office of bishop of Richland township, October 6, 1857.

Pioneers.—The early pioneers were : John. Arnstott, Abraham Augsberger, Peter Bechtel, Daniel Berry, J. S. Clarke, Peter Bixter, Orange Burtley, Peter Bixell, James Brannan,. U. Basinger, George Basinger, Michael Bagley, O. H. Bliss, L. L. Barnum, Peter Bucher,. Peter Cribley, George Craig, J. A. Combs, Joseph Cunningham, D. Clark, Michael Close, J.. Carnahan, Henry Carter, Joseph Cope, J. E.

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Creighton, John Charlton, John Cox, A. Campbell, W. G. Combs, Peter Close, Joseph De-ford, Caleb, Josiah and Samuel Gaskel, Charles Dally, H. V. Dally, D. Ham, Archibald Donald, Jacob Depler, Ephraim Davis, Peter Da-vault, Andrew Everhard, John Everhard, John Elliott, Elias Everett, Bejamin Freet, David Freet, Abraham Feitner, William Forgy, Daniel Goble, John Goble, Ebenezer Goble, G. W. Goble, Frederick Gratz, George Galloway, John Gringer, B. Gaskell, C. M. Godfrey, Peter Geiger, Adam Goil, George Hays, Frederick Hauenstein, Lewis Hoffman, William Huder, William Hidge, Samuel Hostetter, J. F. Huber, Peter Hilty, George Hughs, Peter Hilty, Sr., Thomas Henderson, John Hand, Augustus Hoffman, Charles Huber, Christian Hilty, John Higerly, Peter Hartman, Abijah Ives, John James, C. Johnston, John Koebler, John Karns, Jacob Lyons, C. Lugibihl, John Lugibihl, John Luke, Moses Lee, Robert Meeks, Samuel Mattis, Jacob Moser, Robert Machan, J. H. Marshall, Warren Moser, John Musser, John Milligan, John McHenry, Green McHenry, Isaac McHenry, Joseph Meyers, Thomas Murray, M. Meek, Jacob Musser, Jacob Neff, Michael Neiswander, Ulrich Neiswander, Isaac Neiswander, Christian Neiswander, James Owens, Abraham Overholt, W. B. Pengle, Peter Palmer, James Pier, T. Rearman, B. Reed, William Roof, William Roberts, Theophilus Richards, F. H. Rothman, Christian Steller, John Shefferly, Henry Shank, J. Shull, C. Smetz, John Sawhill, Christian Shumaker, John Shinaberry, George Shipley, Daniel Strow, Frederick Shull, Adam Thompson, Elias Templeton, James Taylor, John Umphrey, M. Vannansinger, P. Welty, John Watson, John Waggoner, M. Waggoner, William Young, Jacob Young and David Zercher.

The early settlers of Richland township came from a region cleared by their fathers so that they were little accustomed to the use of the ax. A tree was not then as now a mine of wealth but a nuisance to be rid of and these sturdy pioneers, with a will, set about their task of clearing the forest. David Miller, a shoemaker and a useful man, was very enthusiastic for the organization of the new town-

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ship, and through his zeal the township was named for his former county—Richland.

It was but a few years, till many of the comforts of civilized life rewarded these earnest workers.

Schools.—The first schoolhouse was erected on Little Riley Creek. It was a log cabin and it is generally believed that the first teacher was Franklin Smith. At present the valuation of school property in Richland township outside of the villages is $15,000; in the village of Beaver Dam, $4,500; and in Bluffton, $30,000, making a total of $49,500. Richland township his a township superintendent of schools, F. S. Beard, who is assisted by the following corps of teachers : C. B. Lugibihl, E. M. Hochstetler, H. E. Huber, W. H. P. Huber, Bessie B. Begg, E. 0. Lugibihl, D. J. Basinger, Katie Hager, W. E. Steiner, John Thut and Jacob Amstutz. This township is to be congratulated that its progressive spirit has enabled it to be one of the three townships in the county having an organized system of schools in the country with a township superintendent.

BEAVER DAM

Was laid out in 1853 by Frederick Shull. According to Daniel Millikin, an old resident, the legend connected with the village is, that "originally the beavers that were found there by the Indians had built two dams, one east and the other west of the present site of the town, so as to cause the waters to become accumulated to enable them to use the flood for a sort of dam." The town is located between the ancient dams. The Lake Erie & Western Railroad and the Lima & Findlay traction line pass through the village.

There are four teachers in the Beaver Dam schools, viz. : J. L. Steiner, superintendent and principal of the High School ; E. A. Miller, in charge of the grammar department ; Erna E. Conrad, in charge of the intermediate department ; and Helen Huber, in charge of the primary department. The schools have an enrollment of 181 pupils. C. Frank Troxel is president, and J. W. Manges is clerk of the Board of Education.

144 - HISTORY OF ALLEN COUNTY

The village has two physicians : Drs. J. B. Haines and T. H. Goodwin, both of the regular school, the former locating here in January, 1896, and succeeding Dr. Jesse G. Honnell, 'deceased, and the latter taking up his practice here about 12 years ago. The village has three lodges, namely : I. 0. 0. F., organized in 1879; Daughters of Rebekah, organized in 1903; and Modern Woodmen of America, organized in the fall of 1896. All are prosperous.

Beaver Dam has two churches. Methodistlist Episcopal Church, which has a membership of 138, was organized over 40 years ago. The present brick church edifice was erected in the years 1869 and 1870. The church was in the Bluffton charge until September 29, 1905, when it was made into a separate charge with the Rockport congregation. The church mow has a resident pastor, Rev. H. W. Hodge, : a graduate of the Ohio Wesleyan University. `The Church of Christ has a membership of about 100. There has been no resident pastor ,during the past year ; Rev. Frank Custer, of Lima, has had charge of the congregation. Both churches are active and progressive in their religious work and prosperous in their financial matters.

The Bell Telephone Company has recently erected a substantial brick building for their (exchange, Beaver Dam being the crossing of all the main telephone lines east and west and .north and south, in that part of the county.

The Farmers' & Merchants' Bank is taking Scare of the finances of the town ; of this institution Allen Phillips is cashier.

BLUFFTON

Is and always has been the home of a class of people who feel proud of the town in which they reside and have never had reason to otherwise. Situated in the northeast corner of Allen County, in Richland township, adjoining Hancock County, on the east half a mile to the nearest county line and one and one half miles to the county line of Putnam County on the north. it is what might be called a tri-county village. Situated between Riley and Little Riley creeks, Nature has gifted it with as fine a location as could be wished for. Its industrial and commercial advantages are excellent, its railway facilities are good, having a junction of two roads—the Lake Erie & Western and the Northern Ohio railways.

Bluffton is situated on what might almost be called an island. Riley Creek, which waters the northwestern corner of the county, has its main source on the north border of Hog Creek marsh, with tributary feeders between Beaver Dam and Bluffton, emptying into the Blanchard River. Riley Creek, like a silver thread woven into a fabric of green, evolved from summer's sun and dews, winds its way among fertile valleys, reflecting in its pellucid bosom the comfortable homes of a happy contentednted people.

The name "Bluffton" was first suggested by Jacob Mosier and. others, who had moved here from Bluffton, Indiana. The postoffice was first called "Croghan," in honor of Col. George Croghan, who so ably and heroically defended Fort Stephenson, July 31, 1813, when he was yet in the 21st year of his age. The village was first called "Shannon" after Wilson Shannon, who was afterward Governor of Ohio, from 1842 to 1844.

The first settler was Joseph Deford, who built a log cabin here in 1833. He also built a log grist-mill on Riley Creek about the same date. On July 4th, of the same year, Joseph Jones purchased a tract of land from the government, a part of which is now the High School ground. The first merchant and postmaster of the place was D. L. Goble, who sold goods in a room in his dwelling located where the house of Mrs. J. H. Eaton now stands. It is said that the turn in the road by the cemetery was made in this early day for the purpose of leading directly to his store.

The town when first platted, in 1838, had 19 lots, and was laid out by Joseph Deford. At that time the place was named "Shannon." Maj. Edson Goit was the second merchant of the place. In 1841 he located in what is now the northeastern end of the town, on Main street. In 1850 Shannon was composed of 12 families. There being another place called "Shannon" in the State, the citizens decided by

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ballot, on August 17, 1861, to incorporate the place and call it "Bluffton." J. S. Powell was elected first mayor, and E. H. Edsal, the first clerk. In 1872 the Lake Erie & Louisville (now the Lake Erie & Western) was completed through the town, connecting it with the outside world by rail, and built a station on Cherry street. Before this railroad was built to Bluffton, the exports and imports of the place had to be carted by wagon to and from neighboring towns. This new impetus to the already thriving little village gave the citizens renewed energy.

In 1873 A. G. Kibler, Steiner Brothers, Lambert & Vernon and J. H. Eaton built the Commercial Block, which still stands. This movement marked the beginning of the change of business location from the lower end of the town to its present position.

Industries began to turn their attention to the southern end of Main street, where soon thereafter many of the present handsome business houses were built, notably the drug-store building of Andrew Hauenstein, the E. Jones furniture store block, built by E. Garau in 1878, and the Centennial Block, erected in 1876.

Realizing that another railroad, leading east and west, would be to the advantage of the town, the citizens very liberally contributed, and by so doing were enabled to. secure in 1883 the Cleveland, Delphos & St. Louis Railway (now known as the Northern Ohio). An electric railway passes directly through Main street, starting from Toledo and ending in Cincinnati, thus making Bluffton a railroad center.

The census of the village in 1880 showed Bluffton to be a place of 1,290 inhabitants, while that of 1890 gave it 1,500 and in 1900 it was over 1,800. The town now claims a population of about 2,500 inhabitants.

The Press.—The Bluffton Times was the first newspaper, making its appearance in July, 1872, with P. R. Bailey as its editor and proprietor. It did not continue long under this management, and in 1873 was published by Clark & Davis. Later Mr. Davis became sole owner and changed the name to Bluffton Standard. The plant soon moved away, and Bluffton was six months without a paper, when N. W. Cunningham (now cashier of the Commercial Bank) came here from Lima, and established the Bluffton News, which is still published under the same name. In 1900 B. F. Biery, the present proprietor, purchased the plant. The Bluffton News was always for Bluffton, first, last and at all times, and is an organ of which the town, whose interest it has done much to advance, is justly proud. In 1898 the Bluffton Leader was established by C. D. Amstutz, and is at present owned and edited by E. B. Betzner, who issues a very creditable and newsy paper.

Churches.—In religious sects, Bluffton might be termed a village of churches. It has, in all, eight church organizations.

The Methodist Episcopal Church has a membership of 180 ; Rev. R. J. Beard is the pastor. He has also a charge at Pleasant Hill, Richland township.

The German Reformed Church, of which Rev. F. Goetsch is pastor, has a membership of 150.

The Church of Christ, with a membership of 113, is served by Rev. Frank Custer, of Lima.

The Presbyterian Church, with a membership of 58, has as its pastor, Rev. John Todd.

St. Mary's Catholic Church has a membership of 50 ; Rev. H. Doerner, of Findlay, serves this charge.

The Evangelical Lutheran Church has 45 members. The pulpit is vacant at the present time.

The Mennonite Church of Bluffton is now without a pastor ; the membership is 31.

The Swiss Mennonite Church, embracing St. John's and Ebenezer congregations as well as the one of Bluffton, has a total membership of 640 ; Rev. J. B. Baer is pastor. These latter congregations were presided over until very recently by the aged and highly respected Bishop John Moser.

Church work in the different churches is actively and zealously carried on in the various departments. More especially is this true as it relates to woman's work. The mission-

146 - HISTORY OF ALLEN COUNTY

ary societies of the different church organizations are unceasing in their efforts to promote the spread of the Gospel, while the efforts being made in other branches of Christian work are especially sincere. The Young People's societies of Bluffton are strong numerically, and exert a wholesome influence in the community.

Banks.—Bluffton has two good banks which furnish banking facilities of the very highest character. The older of the two, the Commercial & Savings Company, was founded in the year 1887 as a private bank by Frank Scott. In 1893 N. W. Cunningham purchased' a half interest and the name, Commercial Bank, was continued until June 3, 1902, when the bank was incorporated under the laws of the State of Ohio. It commenced business under its present name as a State bank on July 1, 1902, Mr. Scott at that time being president and Mr. Cunningham, cashier. The bank has a capital stock of $60,000, of which $30,000 has been paid. There are over 40 stockholders, all living in or near Bluffton.

The First National Bank was incorporated as a national bank in November, 1900, with a capital stock of $25,000. The bank does a general business covering all branches pertaining to banking industry. It has a savings department in which there are over 500 depositors. The Braceline Block was recently purchased and remodeled and equipped for banking purposes. It is a handsome two-story brick structure on Main street. Simon Herr is president, L. S. Dukes, vice-president and John Bixel, cashier. A great deal of the Bank's business is drawn from Putman and Hancock counties as well as Allen.

Public Improvements.—Perhaps the best feature of the town of Bluffton is its substantial public improvements, such as excellent drainage, and sanitary conditions, good macadamized streets and stone sidewalks. It has a splendid system of water-works, and an electric light plant, which are fully equal to the demand.

Secret Societies.—There are quite a few secret and fraternal societies represented in Bluffton, of which the oldest established are : Bluffton Lodge, No. 432, F. & A. M., and Bluffton Lodge, No. 371, I. O. O. F. The-former lodge was chartered October 20, 1869, with the following members : E. W. Greene, S. S. Yoder, John Goble, John Meyer, Jacob Moser, J. J. Ferrall, Jesse G. Honnell, John Eaton and James J. Crawford. The first officers were : E. W. Greene, W. M. ; S. S. Yoder, S. W. ; and John Goble, J. W. The officers for 1906 are as follows : H. O. Frederick, W. M. ; J. L. Doty, S. W. ; and C. G. Coburn, J. W. The number of members in 1884 was 35 ; now (1906) there are about 50 members. The lodge has an excellent lodge room. Bluffton Lodge, No. 371, I. 0. 0. F., was chartered May 18, 1863, the charter members being J. S. Powell, A. J. Conrad, Jacob Moser, R. H. Cox and Joseph B. Hall. The officers for 1906 are as follows : Sheldon Dearth, N. G. ; C. R. Swank, V. G.; Gid. Schaenblin, secretary; A. Hauenstein, financial secretary ; and Noah Basinger, treasurer. The lodge has had a steady growth. In 1884 there were about 28 members, now there are 124. In addition to the Masons and Odd Fellows there are also the following lodges;. Modern Woodmen of America, A. L. Baumgartner, secretary; Knights of Pythias, W. H. Fuller, secretary ; Knights of the Maccabees, L. J. Miller, secretary ; Ladies of the Maccabees, Mrs. Biery, secretary ; Bluffton Lodge No. 193, Royal Arcanum, Noah Basinger, secretary ; Tribe of Ben Hur, Otis Goble, secretary ; Protected Home Circle, Dr. Hughson,. secretary ; and R0bert Hamilton Post, No. 262, G. A. R.

Business Interests.—In the line of manufactures, the town is favored with a diversified and substantial line of industry, which is both permanent and substantial. Their-promoters are public-spirited and valuable citizens. Bluffton may also claim the proud distinction of being the original home of the cream separator business of the United States, as the original patents were secured here. There are three companies in Bluffton engaged in the manufacture of cream separators, namely : the Sanitary, the Bluffton and the Arras cream separator companies. Another large

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industry is that of the Bluffton Turned Goods Company, which produces hardwood handles for all kinds of tools. There are 2 machine shops, 2 planing mills, i flouring mill, one fork company, two stone companies (the Buckeye and the Bluffton stone companies), the Triplett Meter Company and the Bluffton Cement Block Company. These are the leading manufacturing establishments of the place. There are also 1 monument concern, .4 wagon and blacksmiths and 1 plumbing and steam-fitting establishment. In addition to the two hotels, Hotel Russell and the American House, the town also has three restaurants. There are three dry goods stores, 2 clothing, boot and shoe stores, 2 notion stores, 1 ladies' furnishings establishment, 3 millinery establishments, 5 groceries, 2 bakeries, 2 meat markets, 2 drug-stores, 2 furniture stores, 2 hardware stores, 2 dealers in harness and buggies, 3 livery stables, I feed barn, 2 hay dealers, 2 horse dealers, 2 live-stock dealers, 2 poultry dealers, 2 grain dealers, 4 coal dealers, 1 automobile dealer and 1 undertaker. The town has 2 telephone companies—the Bluffton Telephone Company and the Farmers' Mutual Telephone Company.

Schools.—Prior to 1844 the children of Shannon went to school in a round-log school-house situated a short distance east of the arch bridge on the cemetery road. The building was burned to the ground in this same year. Soon after, a hewed-log schoolhouse was built upon the old site and stood there until 1852 when it also was destroyed by fire. Samuel Thompson and Dr. Silas Ewing, who still reside at Bluffton, were teachers in this school.

The district known as Richland Township Sub-Division No. I was now divided by vote of the people. The north half, Bluffton, erected a frame building at the intersection of what is now Riley street and Lawn avenue. It is believed that the first teacher of this school was .Eleanor Young. She was followed by Mary Ann Young, Daniel Beardsley, Henry Shank. Abel F. Jennings and William Anderson. For a period of nine or ten years school was conducted in this building until the growth and enterprise of the village made a change necessary, not only for the accommodation of pupils, but in the character of the school to be maintained.

In 1861, or the year following, the Township Board of Education, under the Akron school law, struck off Bluffton and its immediate vicinity into the "Bluffton Special School District." That ample opportunity might be given to the youth of the community to obtain an education, a ,two-story frame building now occupied as a business room on Main street, was erected in front 0f the present Jackson Street School. Among the teachers in this building were : Edward Ballard, Burr Shafer, Samuel Gaskell, J. D. Flenner, a Mr. Hogle and A. J. Owens, the last named still a resident of Bluffton.

In 1875 the qualified electors almost unanimously bonded the district for $10,000, the result of which was the erection, but not the entire completion, of the Jackson Street School, at a cost of $10,225. No records of the Bluffton public schools prior to this year are in existence and, therefore, the facts that have already been set down in this article are the personal recollections of some of the longest established citizens of the place. In October, 1877, a high school grade, consisting of three years, was established. To this course was added Latin in 1879. In 1898 it again became necessary to provide for the increased number of pupils and the Lawn Avenue School was erected at a cost of about $6,000. The high school course of study has been modified and strengthened from time to time; on April 7, 1904, the present course of four years was adopted.

"Bluffton Special School District," established more than 40 years ago, is no longer such in name, the legislative enactment of 1904 having changed it to "Bluffton Village School District."

The president of the Board of Education is John W. Mitchell, who has held the position since 1903. The superintendents since 1875 have been the following : E. L. E.

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Mumma, J. M. Staley, John P. Bailey, S. C. Patterson, W. V. Hutchins, H. M. Shappell, B. F. Biery and Edwin C. Akerman.

Edwin Clyde Akerman was born June 2, 1864, on a farm in Allen County, near Lafayette, his parents being William Henry and Mary Jane (Ransbottom) Akerman. He began to teach in his 17th year and in 188z became principal of the Bluffton High School, resigning four years later to complete a college course at the Ohio Normal University at Ada, where he was graduated with honors in 1892. The same year he received a high school life certificate and was elected to the superintendency of the Elida public schools. In 1897 he once more took charge of the Bluffton High School. Three years later he was elected superintendent of the Bluffton schools. On November 8, 1905, he was elected county auditor on the Democratic ticket. He will perform the duties of this office with marked distinction. In the biographical department of this book is given a fuller account of the life of Mr. Akerman than space allows here.

The number of pupils enrolled in the Bluffton Special School District in 1884 was 402 ; in 1904, 50. In 1884 seven teachers were employed; in 1904-05, 13 teachers constituted the teaching force, as follows : Edwin C. Akerman, superintendent ; F. S. Beard, Genevieve Hanna, Metta Kohli, Irma Gobel, Lulu Steiner, James Allison, Clyde Waltz, Ida Basinger, Edith McPeak, Zoe Bentley, Mary Owens and Sibyl Cluse. F. S. Beard was elected township superintendent for the school year of 1905-06.

Central Mennonite College.—The Mennonites have established in Bluffton a college which is an ornament to the town as well as being an institution of unusual advantage to the citizens. It was founded by the Middle District Conference of the Mennonites of N0rth America. The corner-stone of the college was laid June 19, 1900, and the building was dedicated in the following October. The school was formally opened in November of that year with an enrollment of 20 students. The management of the college is vested in a board of nine trustees who are elected by the conference at its annual session for a period of three years, three being elected each year.

The college building, a view of which appears elsewhere in this work, is situated on a 10-acre tract of land, located in a natural grove on the west side of the village near Blanchard avenue. The grounds are located on the highest point of land within the corporation. The structure is 97 by 71 feet in ground dimensions and consists of two, stories and a basement.

The departments of work are : An academy, a junior college (consisting of the first two years of college work), a Bible school, a commercial school and a school of music. The present faculty consists of Noah Calvin Hirschy, A. B., D. B., president of the college and instructor in Greek and Biblical languages and literatures ; Daniel F. Jantzen, instructor in German and English ; Edmund J. Hirschler, A. B., instructor in mathematics. and physics ; Eva M. Hinman, A. B., instructor in Latin and history ; Guy C. Latchaw, Ph. B., M. B., instructor in piano, voice and harmony; rIsaiah B. Beeshy, M. C. S., business. manager and principal of the commercial school ; and Adolph E. Mehl, teacher of commercial branches.

SHAWNEE TOWNSHIP.

The commissioners, in session December 1, 1834, granted the petition of the people of Shawnee to set off township 4, range 6, as a separate township from the Hog Creek Reservation, under the name "Shawnee"—the name of the tribe of Indians who lived in this locality on the advent of the whites.

The first meeting was held December 13, 1834, in the log house of Ezekiel Hover, when Griffith Breese, Joseph Hover and Benjamin Reed were elected trustees and Ezekiel Hover, clerk. The list of voters contained 12 names.

In 1848 the southern tier of sections was attached to Auglaize County and in May, 1857, the northeast quarter of section I was attached to the new township of Ottawa. Almost the entire territory now embraced in

TOWNSHIP	1880	1900
Amanda Auglaize Bath German Jackson Marion Monroe Ottawa (Coextensive with city of Lima) Perry Richland Shawnee Spencer Sugar Creek	1,456 1,749 1,532 1,589 1,893 4,488 2,182 7,669 1,465 3,372 1,241 1,646 1,032	1,384 1,909 1,517 1,951 1,931 4,573 1,875 21,723 1,467 4,099 1,493 3,016 1,038
Total population	31,314	47,976
CITIES AND VILLAGES		1900
Allentown Beaver Dam Bluffton Delphos (2,289 in Allen County) Elida Gomer Harrod LaFayette Lima Spencerville West Cairo		123 477 1,783 4,517 440 155 370 316 21,723 1,874 338