574 - HISTORY OF BUTLER COUNTY.

(RETURN TO THE TITLE PAGE)

UNION.

UNION TOWNSHIP was organized in 1823, and taken from Liberty. It is in the extreme south-east of the county. The south and east portions of the township, in particular, were heavily timbered formerly, the oak predominating. The south-west was low, swampy, and not regarded as the most valuable. About eight hundred acres of this land was taken up by Judge Burnet, of Cincinnati. Benjamin Mead lived on Section 9, now the land on which Port Union stands. He did some surveying for Judge Symmes. His property was left to his two sons, Benjamin and Walter, and his three daughters. Walter Mead was justice of the peace in former times. The south-east quarter of Section 11 was deeded to William and John Wright, by James Madison, in 1816. It is now owned by James Patchell, Sen. His father, James Patchell, settled upon this tract in 1830. He died in 1844, at seventy-two years of age.

Union Township was settled principally by Marylanders, Pennsylvanians, and Virginians. The uplands were taken up and settled by resident owners, while the low and swampy lands were purchased and held in large tracts by wealthy parties, such as Judge Burnet, Isaac Hunt, the Stocktons, and others, and were in a manner vacant for a long time. About the year 1838 Abraham and Lot Swift built a fine merchant and grist-mill on the Miami Canal, in the township, and in 1840 the swamp lands were ditched. About the same time the Great Miami turnpike road was made through the township. These improvements, together with chopping the cord-wood and shipping to Cincinnati at a high price, created a new ambition among the people. Property of all kinds, especially lands, went up to two and afterward to three prices; but the bank panic in the Fall of 1841, which set prices back to what they were seven years previously, broke up almost every person that had bought land two or three years before that event.

July 4, 1791, Joseph McMaken made application for a volunteer sixth section in the north-east corner of the fourth section in the second township, east of the Big Miami, in the second entire range, which was the property of John N. Cummins. He moved on the land eight days before Christmas, 1795, meeting on his way General Wayne returning from the treaty at Greenville. Mrs. Elizabeth McMaken came out to live with her son some time before 1800, her children having all been married off. After being out here six or seven years she died, in 1801, at the age of one hundred and one years. Joseph McMaken died on the 10th of February, 1818, from injuries received by the breaking off of a limb from a tree. It struck him on the skull and fractured it. Mrs. McMaken died in September, 1836.

The earliest settlers in the township wereCaptain Cox, on section 22; Joseph McMaken, Section 4; George Van Ness, Section 5; Thomas Huron, Mr. Travis, Section 35; and Brice Virgin, who afterwards went up to Princeton. Ayres settled just south of Westchester; Irwin settled in the south part of the township, and was an old acquaintance of McMaken's, coming from the same neighborhood in Pennsylvania. Seward came out in 1797, and lived in McMakin's house while waiting for his own cabin to be put up.

Samuel Seward, an old Revolutionary soldier, died on the 22d of April, 1828, at his residence, in the seventy-fourth year of his age. He left upward of one hundred descendants. The previous day Mr. Abraham Montgomery, also a soldier of the Revolution, had died. Mr. Seward and Mr. Montgomery had been in their boyhood schoolmates. Together they joined their country's standard, and in the army they were messmates. Upon the close of the war, they retired from the army, and resided in the neighborhood of each other, in Union Township, Butler County. They departed this life only separated by death about four hours.

The justices of the peace of this township have been William Symmes, 1803 ; Michael Ayers, 1809 ; James Cummins, 1818; Joseph H. McMaken, 1823; Michael Ayers, 1824 ; Joseph H. McMaken, 1826 ; Walter P. Mead, 1829 ; William Parrish, 1830 ; Walter P. Mead, 1832 ; William Parrish, 1833 ; Samuel McLean, 1835; John Wakefield, 1836 ; Mark C. McMaken, Michael Dalton, John Wakefield, 1839 ; Mark C. McMaken, 1841; Robert W. McClelland, 1843; and since that

UNION - 575

date, John Wakefield, Z.. P. Gard, Alexander Miller, James Patchell, James Middleton, William Perine, Perry Wright, Z. P. Gard, W. W. Van Hise, James V. Spellman, Z. W. Selby, and A. 'S. Hutchison.

The following are the post-offices in this township, and the names of the postmasters :

Westchester.-This place was originally known to the post-office department as Chester. Under that title it had two postmasters. Enos Singer was appointed April 1, 1824, and James Freeman, August 2, 1826. On October 2, 1826, it was changed to Westchester. Abram Brewer was appointed November 5, 1828; John S. Davis, September 21, 1830; James Van Hise, May 24, 1845 ; Daniel Perine, July 5, 1849; James Jackson, March 4, 1852; Zadock Wharton, April 4, 1855; William W. Van Hise, April 15, 1858; David W. Williamson, June 2, 1863; Charles W. Snyder, March 27, 1866; David W. Williamson, February 25, 1867; George Snyder, January 6, 1871; James S. Jeffers, October 2, 1871; Dana L. Taylor, March 14, 1874; and Edwin P. Jackson, November 24, 1875.

Pisgah.-William W. Van Hise, December 21, 1843; David Conover, December 12, 1850; William W. Van Hise, August .8, 1853; David Conover, May 31, 1854; James Middleton; January 9, 1862; Samuel L. Sprinkle, July 10, 1876.

Port Union.-James Patchell, May 11, 1850; David Stiles, May 8, 1866; Cornelius W. Murphy, April 13, 1864; James V. Spellman, January 9, 1871.

Maud's was first known as Shoemaker. Its postmaster was Richard Maud, who received his appointment August 22, 1872. On the 19th of May, 1874, it was called Maud's. Calvin T. Williams was made postmaster June 11, 1877; Fred. C. Wagner, March 25, 1880; Daston

M. Flummer, May 4, 1881.

Gano.-George L. Pierce, December. 19, 1872; Henry Fox, October 6, 1873; Charles L. Gano, December 9, 1874; John J. Williamson, February 7, 1881; Lewis W. Scott, May 23, 1881; Thomas H. Burgess, April 4, 1882. This office was discontinued one week in December, 1874.

PORT UNION.

Port Union was laid off by William Elliot, and was first named McMaken's Bridge. McMaken, an old pioneer of the place, started the first grocery and built the first frame house (still standing) in the town. Just opposite this building of McMaken's was a log house, probably the first built. McMaken put up his house during the construction of the canal, in 1827.

The town now contains a population of about eighty souls, has two grocery stores, two or three shops, and a church. James V. Spellman has had a dry goods and a grocery store here for several years. One is also owned by Frank Ratz. Mr. Spellman is of the firm of Spellman & Vinnedge, grain dealers of this place.

The hall of the I. 0. 0. F. was built in 1878, and is a brick building. The lodge has a membership of thirty. The building cost $2,000. Its lower part is a hall, sometimes used as a lecture room by the public. The Knights of Honor, a society of thirty members, lately chartered, meet in this building twice a month.

The Methodist Episcopal Church of Port Union has a membership now of about eighty-eight. The present building is a frame erected in 1856. The membership at that time consisted of but forty-one full members and eleven probationers. The Rev. W. H. Smith is the present pastor, and J. V. Spellman is the present Sabbath-school superintendent. This Church was organized December 17, 1853. It was then in the Cumminsville District. At that meeting M. F. West was secretary, and there were present A. Eddy, presiding elder, and the Rev. Messrs. Glasscock and Daniel Griffis. J. M. Walden, of the Methodist Book Concern, of Cincinnati, was first licensed 'to preach at Port Union, June 3, 1854. The local elders were Samuel Goslin, Nathan Whittlesey, Brumfield Boon, William Marsh, Thomas Jeffras, William Moore, Samuel D. Spellman (founder of the society), Manning F. West, Samuel Spellman, Samuel Winnings, and Samuel Hard. Mr. Samuel D. Spellman came here in 1843, but now lives in Indiana.

James Patchell, one of the oldest settlers of the township, occupies a farm on Section 5, ,in the second township, second range. He is a son of James Patchell and Elizabeth Cannon, who were natives of Ireland. He was born on Oil Creek, Venango County, Pennsylvania, July 9, 1814. His paternal ancestors were French Huguenots, who emigrated to the northern part of Ireland in 1568, four years before the massacre of St. Bartholomew. As early as 1515 the principles of Luther and Zwinglius had gained an entrance into France (especially that part bordering on Switzerland), as well as the doctrines of Calvin, which were embraced by the Patch- ells, a very numerous and influential family living near Vassey. In the struggle between the Bourbons and the five princes of Guise, they espoused the cause of the former ; but it was not until 1560 that there was anything like an armed opposition to the tyranny of the latter. A plan was agreed upon by the Huguenots to seize the Guises on a certain day, when a number of them were to present a petition to the king in person (who then lived at Blois), asking him to grant them the right of free exercise of their worship. The plan was betrayed and twelve hundred Huguenots were executed. Of that number seven were Patchells, where the name first occurred in French history. Bloody scenes were the result, and the massacre of Vassey in 1562 was the immediate cause of a continued civil war between the Catholics and Protestants in that part of France for over a century.

In leaving France and settling in Ireland, the Patch- ells did not better their condition, for the same bloody scenes were there enacted, though of a local and not a national character. His great-great-great-great grand-

576 - HISTORY OF BUTLER COUNTY.

father was one of the gallant few who served under that famous Protestant clergyman, George Walker, in the heroic defense of Derry against King James. For bravery in the battle Hof Boyne, he was presented with a gold medal, now in the possession of Samuel Patchell. His grandfather, Edward Patchell, was keeper of the forest under Lord Fitzgerald. This nobleman was killed by the Catholic tenantry, in the insurrection of 1788, in Derry County. He also owned a large farm five miles from Londonderry, and would have shared the fate of his lordship had he not been secretly released by a man named Dunbar, whom he had befriended in several ways.

In 1792 he emigrated to America, settling in Pennsylvania. In 1800 he bought one thousand acres of land of the Holland Land Company, through which Oil Creek runs, on which are some of the largest oil-wells in the State. His father, James Patchell, was next to the youngest of a family of two sons and three daughters, and was born in the county of Derry, Ireland, in 1772, and married Elizabeth Cannon in 1800. She was also a native of Ireland, and was born in the county of Tyrone, in 1783. By this union there were eight children : Edward, William; Mary A., Jane, Eliza, Jemima, James, and Joseph, all of whom are now dead but James, who resides at Port Union.

In the War of 1812 he was a major in the Pennsylvania militia, and during the Winter of 1814 was stationed at Erie, Pennsylvania. His brother Edward was a brigadier-general in the Pennsylvania line during the War of .1812. He was also appointed by President Jackson, during his second term, the issuing commissary-general of the Army of the Southwest, with head-quarters at New Orleans, which position he held for three years, when he resigned on account of ill health. At the time of his death he was one of the wealthiest and most prominent citizens of Pittsburg.

In the Spring of 1816 James Patchell, in company with several other families, descended the Alleghany and Ohio Rivers to Neville, Clermont County, Ohio, in a keel-boat. He was driven to this course on account of going on the official bond of his friend Samuel Plumer, as sheriff of Venango County. He defaulted in office, for a large sum, and his security could not pay this without selling his farm, which he had inherited from his father. He left it in the hands of his brother Edward, to sell and pay, the debt. A short time after coming to Clermont County he purchased a farm in Tate Township, where he resided until 1830, when he removed to Butler County, where he died in 1844, and his wife in 1846. He was a man of great energy and" strong will-power. Although a Democrat in a Democratic county and township, and possessed of a good education, he would never consent to be a candidate for any office. These, combined with honesty and good judgment, made him a man of more than ordinary ability.

James Patchell, the son, was born on the 9th of July, 1814, at Oil Creek, Venango County, Pennsylvania, and removed with his parents to Clermont County, in Ohio, in 1816. He came to Union Township in 1830. On the 28th of August, 1842, he was married, at Port Union, to Mrs. Belinda McClellan Smith, widow of Dr. G. M. Smith. Her maiden name was McClellan, being the daughter of James McClellan and Anna Giffrn, and she was born in Hamilton County, Ohio, October 8, 1815. Her father was a great-uncle of General George B. McClellan. They have six children. Joseph C. was born December 14, 1843 ; E. Jennie, August 4, 1847 ; James E., August 29, 1850; Stephen C., January 29, 1853 ; Edward W., August 14, 1855 ; and Rosalinda, December 6, 1858. Joseph C., who is married to Lizzie Gerwig, now lives in Cincinnati, and is a dentist in good practice ; E. Jennie is, married to Samuel B. Dean, and lives at Collinsville ; James is married to 011ie Cutler, and lives at Port Union ; Stephen is married to Jennie Easton ; Edward W. is married to Mollie Howard ; Rosalinda was married September 28, 1881, to George Milton Roudebush, of Newtonville, Clermont County.

Mr. Patchell began with about eighty acres of land, but has since added steadily to it, until he now has two hundred and forty-six acres in a state of high cultivation. He was trustee of Union Township from 1843 to 1849; justice of the peace from November 3, 1849, to December 13, 1846, in all fifteen years; postmaster of Port Union from May 11, 1850, to October, 1865, and notary public since January 25, 1866. He was assessor of real estate in the township in 1859, and also in 1880, and revalued them in both years. From 1855 to 1877 he settled nearly all the estates of deceased persons as administrator, and acted as guardian of minors within the township, their estates amounting in gross to nearly two hundred thousand dollars. His family has had a long and honorable connection with the history of this valley.

Hugh Cannon, the eldest brother of his mother, was killed in St. Clair's expedition, November 4, 1791. Another brother of his mother, Thomas Cannon, married Elizabeth Scott, a sister of General Winfield Scutt. They had one son and two daughters. The son, William Scott Cannon, died in New Orleans in 1834. The oldest daughter, Jane Gray Cannon, married James Swisshelm, a farmer's son living near McKeesport, and afterward became famous as an editor and political and social writer. The other daughter married Zachary Mitchell of the same place. The Cannons and Swiss- helms were early settlers of Pittsburg and that part of the State. Mrs. Swisshelm was born and reared in the city of Pittsburg.

James V. Spellman was born in Hamilton County, Ohio, November 16, 1823, and is the younger son of Henry Spellman and Charlotte Galler, natives of New York, of German descent. Spellman was one of the pioneers of Hamilton County, settling in 1807, near Red

UNION - 577

bank. He died in 1850. 'Mr. James V. Spellman was brought up as a farmer, being occupied at home until his twenty-first year. He was married December 1, 1842, to Angelina Warren, a native of Hamilton County. They are the parents of six children, three of whom are living. Althea J. was born in 1843, and is now the wife of Dr. L. M. Griffis, of Hamilton ; J. Warren, January 18, 1847, now assisting his father in Port Union, and Clara V., July 25, 1855.

Mr. Spellman was in trade in Cincinnati for eight years, and being employed in farming in 1854. He came to Port Union in 1860, and engaged in farming and trading, entering the mercantile business in connection with James Beatty. Since 1870, when Mr. Beatty retired, the firm has been Spellman, Vinnedge & Co. 'they have a general store, and are extensive buyers of grain. Mr. Spellman is a member of the Board of Trade of Cincinnati. He was township trustee for several years, justice of the peace for one term, and is now a member of the board of education. He was postmaster of Port Union for ten years. He had no early pecuniary advantages, but now owns in addition to his store seventy-five acres of land adjoining the village.

TYLERSVILLE.

Tylersville was laid off in 1842 by Mr. Daniel Pocock, and named by John Sullivan after President John Tyler. It is locally known as Pug Muncy. The first building was erected by Michael Dalton many years previous to the above-mentioned time. The country surrounding this place was a dense forest, and cooperage the principal trade. Mr. Dalton also erected the first cooper-shop. His dwelling-house was known for a long time as the swayback house. It was a story and a half, and as the roof had no support it sank. The house has now been torn down for forty years. In an early day, when timber was plenty, there were a number of cooper-shops, at times as many as three, and each did a good business.

The third house built in this place was a little pole cabin, erected not later than 1835. It was put up on the ground now owned by 'Squire Wright, and in his garden, and stood until about the year 1852. Andrew Hough occupied this house afterward, and built a little pole cabin on the north-west of the two roads where he had a store, the first one in Tylersville. It was kept by him for a few years, when John Sullivan took possession, tore the store away, and built a little frame. Part of this structure is still standing.

Mr. Abram Sharpe, a German, was the next merchant of the town, and was very successful in the business, which he followed for twenty years. His store was begun on a small scale at first, but increased to that of a good country store afterwards. During his reign as chief merchant, an opposition store was started up by Mr. George Sheppard. The sons of Mr. Sharpe are at this time leading merchants in New York and Louisville. Mr. John Whittikind, a German, has a country store in the village ; the business of the place, however, has decreased.

Besides the Sharpe boys, who did so well, Nathaniel Jeffras, now of Jeffras & Seely, Cincinnati, was here formerly as a poor boy, working for 'Squire Wright at eight dollars per month. His father, Thomas Jeffras, was an active man in the building of the Methodist Episcopal Church of the place, and was one of its class-leaders for thirty-five years. The building was erected in 1850. Mr. Jeffras, the Rev. Nathan Whittlesey, and Mr. Jeffras's mother, a true Christian in every sense of the word, were the organizers of the Sabbath-school also. The membership of both the Church and Sabbath-school was greater formerly than now, owing to removals and deaths.

The log school-house was the second building in the town proper. It Contained an old-fashioned fire-place that would take in a stick of wood eight feet long. The seats were made of slabs, pins supporting them on the floor. The windows were on either side of the house, and from ten to twelve feet Jong, occupying the length and width of one log. These windows were protected by shutters, and were fastened by strong hook-and-eye hinges, in such a way that when opened the shutters were raised from below and stood propped up. This house was built about 1830, and probably Elisha Dalton was the " first master" who held sway with the rod. Caldwell, Ames Sedam, and James S. Wiles were also early teachers. The house was used for singing-schools, church purposes, etc. ; but in 1840 the little brick schoolhouse was erected, and stood until 1866, when the present brick structure was built. The present attendance at school is not so great as formerly. It does not now exceed forty pupils in average attendance, while in pioneer times it was not uncommon to have seventy-five pupils.

William Wright an his mil John came to this place from Pennsylvania in 1816, and settled on Section 11. William Wright was an offrcer in the Revolutionary War, and drew twenty dollars annually as a pension, but was entitled to more. He was an Indian fighter in Pennsylvania in 1763. He was married twice, his second wife being Miss Rhoda Wharton, by whom he had six children. This marriage was in 1820. 'Squire Perry Wright, of this place, was named after Commodore Perry. Thomas Jeffras came to this portion of the township from Maryland in 1805, and settled first near Middletown, but soon afterwards removed to Tylersville. Michael Dalton came as early as 1805. He was for many years a teacher of the public day-school, was a justice of the peace, and withal a sturdy pioneer of the wilderness. Isaiah Wharton settled first where Gano Station is now. His daughter Rhoda married William Wright, of Tylersville. 'Squire Wright, her son, now living in Tylersville, was born in 1827; has been justice of the peace nine

578 - HISTORY OF BUTLER COUNTY.

years, and is also a good farmer. His farm adjoins the town.

The country about the village is high, the soil good, and a high state of cultivation prevails. The land is rolling and a little uneven between this point and Westchester. Almost every family in early times had a loom, and did their own weaving. They always hired the tailor and shoemaker. The teacher of the school was generally an Irishman. There was a grave-yard on Section 35, near Tylersville, at a very early date, but many were buried at Springdale.

WESTCHESTER.

Westchester is the oldest village in the township, and was originally called Mechanicsburg, but changed to Westchester by statute, and was laid out by Hezekiah Smith in March, 1817. Twenty-seven lots were laid out at first. Afterwards, in April, 1817, James Cummins made an addition of lots, numbering from one to twenty inclusive. Other additions have since been made.

Joseph Cox came from Maryland. He was employed by Judge Symmes on the early surveys, settling a little south-east of Westchester on a quarter-section of laud, and afterwards accumulated considerable property, and was considered as wealthy for a man of that day. He raised a family of three sons and three daughters. Julia Cox married Robert McMaken, a brother of Joseph. Elizabeth married Dr. Williamson. The names of his sons were Benjamin, John, and Joseph. John became a wealthy farmer of the township. Joseph went South. Benjamin moved to Monroe County, Ohio. John Cox was born about 1800. Elizabeth Cox was born April 10, 1798, and died April 27, 1880. David Williamson died December 2, 1873, aged 78 years and 2 months.

Charles Legg, a very early pioneer, was born January 1, 1763, and died September 4, 1864. His wife Rachel was born May 25, 1762, and died November 21, 1847. Nancy McMaken died in the twenty-seventh year of her age, in 1820. Charles Legg lived about a mile north of Westchester, and raised a family of ten children, all dead but two sons and one daughter. The latter is now ninety-three years old. He came in 1805. Whittlesey, Connover, and Jeffras all came during that year.

William Van Hise was an early member of the Methodist Church, and has left a number of descendants, who are prominent citizens of the township. He raised a family of nine children, seven boys and two girls. He was born September 29, 1780, and died July 19, 1850. Rachael, his wife, was born March 4, 1779, and died April 11, 1850. He came from New Jersey in 1815, and some six or seven families bore him company, and among this number were Connover, Slayback, and others. After reaching Pittsburg they took a flat-boat for Cincinnati. Putting the horses and the wagons on the boat save one, Slayback rode from Pittsburg to Cincinnati. Van Hise settled on sixty acres, Naples settling also on part of this place, but left after a year or so for Rising Sun, Indiana. Connover was the son-in-law of Slayback.

Westchester was settled apparently by mechanics. At the lower end of town was a flax-seed oil-mill, a fulling-mill, a carding-mill, a saw-mill, and grist-mill. These mills, the saw-mill, grist-mill, and oil-mill were all under one roof. They were built by Samuel Burnes, and were primitive in construction, being a tread-mill run by oxen. A Mr. Samuel Foster carried on the mill some few years, but they all went down before the year 1820. The ruins of these foundations are still to be seen. Mr: James Cummins started the first tan-yard of the place, which was as early as 1810. It was on the west side of the road,, on a lot owned by Jared Parrish. This one was run until within the past eight years. Mr. McLean had it last. Mr. Parrish owned it some forty years. He was an early and prominent settler of the town, who died September 7, 1870; at sixty-five years of age. The Rev. William Parrish was born in 1800, and died October 17, 1847.

The first tavern of Westchester was kept by Ezekiel Gard. He was one of the oldest settlers of the place, and kept the hotel for forty years, and died May 3, 1868, aged sixty years. His wife, Elizabeth Gard, lived until 1868. She was seventy-six years old at the time. She died of the cholera in Indiana. This tavern was kept prior to the time of the stage routes. James Elliott was the first man who kept hotel where Mrs. Simpson now is. Daniel Avey sold out his hotel to Simpson a year or so before shad war.

John Caldwell had a farm at Westchester and a tan- yard. Gard lad a part of the ground. Hezekiah Smith had an ox saw-mill. When Colonel Dick Johnson's regiment came through in 1812, they were handsomely entertained by the inhabitants.. Smith acted as quartermaster till the end of the war. Johnson's regiment was of fine, handsome men. They were taken to the woods near by where they camped, and the inhabitants vied with each other in taking them good things to eat.

The first store in Westchester was kept by Anderson a few years. This was a small affair, and was afterwards purchased and run by James Freeman, _prior to 1820. It was near Mr. Jackson's shoe shop, but Freeman kept where the hotel is now. Jeremiah Day was probably the first blacksmith in the place. His shop was just below the town.

Formerly the village was in a most thriving condition. There were manufactures of every ordinary kind almost, and the travel through was large—shoemakers, hat- makers, potteries, coopering, etc., in addition to what has been already named—induced considerable patronage to the place that would otherwise have gone elsewhere. It now has a hotel, kept by Mrs. Margaret Simpson, a harness shop, blacksmith's shop, carpenter's shop, wagon-maker's shop, post-offrce, and one or two good stores, and one or two saloons. It is not the town

UNION - 579

it was before the railroad was built, and is not likely to increase in population in the near future.

The Cumberland Presbyterian Church here is a branch of that in Sharon, Hamilton County. A meeting was held, closing February 6, 1869, at which the following persons united with the Church in Sharon : Ann Cox, Anna D. Forrest, Mary E. Wakefield, Nancy J. Long, Anna Hunt, Ben Bates, Harriet Bates, Lawrence Peel, Louisa Peel, Thomas Long, Catherine Long, Eva J. Hamilton, Beatty Pattison, Luther Hughes, Elizabeth Hughes, Joel Hall, Martha Haven, Marian Long, Margaret Long, James Jackson, William A. Jackson, Sarah A. Dalrymple, Delilah Fuller. They were organized into a branch of the Sharon Presbyterian Church, with the privilege of electing elders. The present membership is one hundred and four. They used the building which belonged to the New School Presbyterian Church. Colonel C. L. Gano is superintendent of the Sunday- school. Their house cost thirty-three hundred dollars. The pastor is the Rev. C. K. Holtsinger. The old church was thirty-eight by forty feet, and the new is thirty-eight by fifty-nine feet. The church is very handsome inside. They worshiped in the old church until very lately.

Mr. Daniel Avey, an old gentleman who died recently, gave the following account of what he remembered: He came to this section of the country with his father in 1806. They settled north-east of Westchester, on what is now the Wickey ,farm. Near the house Mr. Avey built a grist-mill, the stones being eighteen inches in diameter. " In the Spring siof the year corn would be ground at a rate not to exceed half a bushel an hour. The first school-house stood south of the present house of Daniel Michael, on the present farm of J. C. Wakefield, and was built between 1806 and 1812. It was of logs, with greased-paper windows. The second school-house was built near by, near the residence of James Miller, and was a frame building. ,The third was also frame, and is yet standing, belonging to Mrs. Fowler. It is now used as a residence. The next school-house is the present Granger Hall. The present school-house is a new building on the Cox farm, and is now about four years old.

The present Presbyterian Church was built in 1842, the builders and prime movers being Jerry Day and Enoch Conover. The Methodist Sunday-school was begun in a house now occupied by Van Hise as a store, in 1827 or 1828. This was a union Sunday-school, and was organized by the Rev. Hezekiah Smith. There is a branch of the Catholic Church in Glendale in this town. It was organized about the beginning of the civil war, and worships in Grangers' Hall. There are about one hundred and sixty members. Their priests have been the Rev. Messrs. Corcoran, Carey, and O'Donnell, the last being the present clergyman

The Methodist Church building in Westchester was erected in 1818. The Methodist people of this vicinity previous to this time worshiped in private houses, frequently meeting at Mr. Legg's. The money for this edifice was raised by subscription, and the two pioneers of the Church, Charles Legg and Duran Whittlesey, were active in securing the amount necessary, and frequently made long and laborious trips over the country in their calls for donations. The first structure was of brick, and as the builders did not know how to construct a .self- supporting roof, they put columns under it for the support of that part. The lot was donated by Hezekiah Smith, who was a Baptist preacher and the founder of the town. The school-house stood on the same lot also. The church building stood until 1848, when it was torn down and the old brick used in part to build the new one.

Among the early preachers may be mentioned Arthur W. Elliott, who was a prominent minister in his day, and probably traveled this circuit as early as 1810. He possessed a good education, and became widely known in his work. The Rev. James B. Finley and a Rev. Mr. Goddard were also pioneers in this field. Among the lay members may be mentioned Charles Legg, Duran Whittlesey, Thomas Jeffras, Ezra Dalton, and the Elliotts, who were actively interested in the cause. Major W. W. Elliott came to the township in 1824, since which time he has been identified with the Church, not only as a member of the society, but also as a leader, having served as steward full forty years, and as class- leader fifteen years. His means have been liberally donated. The Rev. T. C. Crum is the present pastor, and William Van Hise the Sabbath-school superintendent. A Presbyterian Church existed here between 1830 and 1840, but was very weak, and soon ceased to exist.

Prominent among the early settlers of Union Township was the old Revolutionary soldier, John C. Beckett, who settled near Westchester in 1810. He was an American officer during that war, and after its close was engaged in transporting goods between Cincinnati and Fort Hamilton. His son James C. Beckett, who was born December 24, 1799, on Mill Creek, Hamilton County, came with his father in 1810 to this section of the county, and lived to an old and honored age.

Major William W. Elliott was born in Maryland, July 24, 1800, being the son of William Elliott and Rachel Bosley, of English descent. He received an ordinary education, and with his parents came to Ohio in 1810, locating in the vicinity• of Princeton. He was brought up as a farmer, and continued that occupation until his parents died. During the War of 1812 he saw the troops from Kentucky march up to the north on the road from Cincinnati to Dayton, which had then been newly laid out. At the age of fifteen he went to live with a brother-in-law, and drove team for him for seven years. The county was still very new, and huge forests encumbered almost the whole of the land.

The major bought his present place in 1824, having been married in 1823 to Sarah Mutchner, a native of

580 - HISTORY OF BUTLER COUNTY.

Maryland. To that marriage were born two children, one of whom is now living, the wife of George Jackson, a resident, of Lebanon. Major Elliott settled upon his present place in 1824. It was then entirely wild. He put up a log cabin, cleared up the place, and rapidly improved it. He bought the land from General William Henry Harrison, afterward President. He put up a hewed-log house, and remained there until building a brick one about 1840. The major was long active in military affairs, having command of the regiment in Butler County in 1837. On the making of the turnpike from Cincinnati to Dayton, he was elected director, and has been annually elected ever since. He has been township trustee for many years. He is a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church, and has teen for many years, and is one of the leading laymen of the denomination. He is frequently called upon to make addresses before Sunday-schools and temperance societies. He has been president of the Pioneer Association of Warren and Butler Counties, and is an active and esteemed member of that body. Although eighty-two years of age, his bodily strength is still considerable, and his mental faculties unweakened. For many of the recollections embodied in these pages we are indebted to him.

UNION TOWNSHIP CEMETERY.

This cemetery was laid out in the Fall of 1870. George Vinnedge, Perry Wright, and Abner Jackson were the trustees at that time. They purchased an addition to the old yard, which had been in existence for fifty years, making in all one of twelve and a quarter acres. Frederick Wicke, Jacob Francis, and James Patchell, Jr., are the present board of officers. J. W. Gerard, the sexton, has been in charge of these grounds since 1871. The yard was formerly in a bad condition, owing to so much brush and undergrowth, but considerable attention has been paid to the grounds and the walks of late, and it now presents as fine an appearance as any in the country outside of the large cities. Three hundred persons have been buried in this yard, and an average of thirty deaths happens every year. The ground is divided off into sections, four in number, and these again subdivided into lots, of which there are in all six hundred. A good fence iucloses the cemetery, and on the inside evergreen trees adorn the grounds and shade the drivers, giving the whole a handsome appearance.

MAUDVILLE.

Maudville is yet in its infancy as a village, the first house being erected by Henry Stickles after the railroad was built. He keeps a boarding-house, a saloon, and a grocery. He also owns a lumber-yard. Gilbert & Williamson keep a country store. It is a good grain center, and from this point cereals are shipped in quantities.

The old saw-mill that stood where the railroad crosses the pike is among the most interesting things of the past. Like all saw-mills of pioneer days, it was to be run with water, but instead of a sluggish stream to furnish power for the wheel, a mere tub-full of that element was thought to be sufficient to run it forever, with an occasional drop now and then added to make good what might be lost by evaporation. The contrivance consisted of an upright saw, with all its ordinary attachments ; a large tub was placed aloft and filled with water. This *tub held about one hundred barrels, and was filled by the proprietor and his devoted wife, it was said, who was to share honors, undoubtedly world-renowned, if this thing worked. The expectant day arrived ; logs filled the yard below ; the mill had been erected, but not weatherboarded or roofed ; the tub filled, and pump fixed in its place. It was supposed that the same force of water used to run the wheel would also run the pump, and throw the water back as fast it escaped. On trial, of course, it provbd a failure ; the logs in the yard rotted, the mill tumbled down of old age, and no trace of its former existence is now visible.

GANO.

Gano is a small place on the southern portion of the township, on the Cleveland, Columbus, Cincinnati and Indianapolis Railroad, and is a station built since that road was put through, by Charles Gano, of -Cincinnati. This was in 1874. In 1879 Mr. Charles Gano, Jr., built a large flouring-mill and did a fine business, but unfortunately the mill took fire soon after it was erected and burned down. The ambition of the village -tempered down after the loss of the grain trade incident to this event, and Maudville .was left thenceforth as cock of the walk. A well one hundred and twelve feet deep was dug near this mill for water, but gas was discovered and from that time to this it oozes up in great quantity. This gas was conducted by a pipe into the mill and was used for drying the wheat; it probably comes from the decomposed matter of the drift below, and is odorless. Mr. C. L. Gano owns a beautiful residence in this place.

RIALTO.

Rialto is owned by the Friend & Fox Paper Company, and consists of three mills, about seven miles from Hamilton, on the edge of the canal. It manufactures book Crescent and news paper. Capacity, five thousan and five hundred pounds per day. The new Cresc mill, built in 1881, is a mile below the others, and is illuminated by electric lights, and filled with the finest machinery made in the East. It manufactures roofing and wrapping papers. The original manufactory was a grist-mill, begun by Taylor Webster, who did a good business for many years. He sold to Beatty & Cooper, who sold to Friend & Fox.

PISGAH.

Pisgah is the highest point in Union Township, although to the casual observer it seems to be on a general

UNION - 581

level with the surrounding country. It is higher than Lebanon and all points around. It was probably named by William Belch, a pioneer of the place, and so called from the old church that stood on this land. The village has but eleven residences, a grocery store, post-office, and a blacksmith's shop.

William Belch came here as early as 1812 or 1815. He was a Pennsylvania German, and very energetic. He kept the first hotel of the place many years before he died, after which his son William kept it fifteen or twenty years longer. William and James Van Hise started a hotel about 1838, and also a store and post- office. This was the first post-office in Pisgah. It was subsequently kept by David Conover and James Middleton, and now by S. M. Sprinkle. The two Van Rises also kept the first store. They carried on the business a number of years, and were the last to keep hotel.

A still-house was erected in an early day by James Irwin on the farm now owned by James Irwin, his grandson. Mr. Irwin came to Ohio before 1800, and settled first in Warren County, and after a few years came to Pisgah and settled on 360 acres of choice lands. He started the first tan-yard. He was the grandfather of Governor Irwin, of California. This distinguished man, William Irwin, received a good education in the public schools; and subsequently in colleges, after which he went to California, about 1850, and for several years edited the leading paper of that State. He was afterwards sent to the State Legislature, and later elected governor of that State. He has since that time been conspicuous in the management of State affairs, andVan is known as a representative citizen of the country.

The people of Pisgah, in an early time, attended Church at Muddy Creek. This was a Baptist society just outside the county. Subsequently the Presbyterians erected a church building on the Belch property. This house stood on the old Quakertown Road, near the village, and on the same lot upon which the school-house stood. The two buildings were within the same fencing. The school-house was made of round logs and the church of hewed logs. After a few years the Church people built a brick house, and the school was moved into the old church building. This was on James Irwin's place, and in 1835 or 1836 the district built the new brick school-house, on the identical spot on which stood the old log-house, and its remains, in a repaired condition, still stand, but the house is owned as private property. Thy district purchased land in 1862, when and where the present structure was erected. The church, served its purpose for a long period of time, but for many years it has gone into disuse, save for an occasional service. The property was finally sold, and the organization has lost its identity.

Robert Caldwell, an Irishman, was probably the first teacher of Pisgah, who applied the beech and black-walnut methods of imparting instruction in an early day. He believed in " the laying on of hands," and there are some of his pupils still living who distinctly remember how they were thrashed through to the Rule of Three. He was " master" for some years, and was then followed by Michael Dalton, who became a prominent citizen of the place, and is very kindly remembered by many people yet. Mrs. James Hunt (formerly Miss Anna Ellsworth) was the first lady teacher of these schools. She taught for a long while. She was a woman of rare abilities ; was finely educated, and was unexcelled as a teacher. The Slayback brothers, John C. and James N., taught here a number of years, and a good report of their work follows them. The Pisgah schools have always been in a flourishing condition, and have been successful in furnishing many good teachers to the county.

Among the early preachers of Pisgah may be mentioned the Rev. Mr. Graves, of the Presbyterian Church, fifty years ago, and Mr. Bryan and Mr. Lemon, of the Muddy Creek Baptist Church. Mr. Graves remained with this congregation many years, and during that period of time the Church was prosperous.

In former times bleeding was common in the art of curing. People sent to Westchester for a doctor, and it was not until as late as 1845, when James L. Round, M. D., formerly of Westchester, moved to the place and settled as the first resident physician. He stayed many years, but some six years before he died, fell from a ladder, and so injured himself that he was compelled to go on crutches the remainder of his life. This was but a few years ago, and he was about the only physician of note who took up his residence in the place.

Mrs. David Hulse has probably rendered as much service to the sick as many a physician with college diploma. Her parents were educated people. Louis Krouskopf, her father, was an educated German, and was a cavalry officer under Napoleon in the French expedition against Russia. His regiment lost all but fifty-five men in that campaign. He came to America in •1822, settling first at Sharon, Ohio, and subsequently at Pisgah, where he kept a hotel on the Lebanon and Cincinnati Turnpike, a mile and a half west of the village, and afterwards became gate-keeper on that road. He came in 1829, and in 1838 kept toll-gate, and was the originator of the pole sweep in this neighborhood. The gates previous to this time were similar to those used in fences, and swung around. The innovation of the ordinary pole had its enemies at that time, there being those who vigorously contended they were under no obligation to pay toll when they had no gate to go through. Mr. Krouskopf was also a physician, and was educated in the Prussian schools of medicine, but did not practice surgery, his specialty, after coming to America. He died December 31, 1860. William Hulse had the first blacksmith's shop in the village, which he kept until 1831, when he died. Tullis & Middleton have a shop at this time.

582 - HISTORY OF BUTLER COUNTY.

During the late war, Pisgah furnished a score of men for the army, out of which a full dozen either were killed outright, died in hospital, or from the effects of the hardships and exposures of camp life soon after returning home. Lewis A. Hulse, son of David Hulse, was a mere lad when he shouldered his musket for the army. He was wounded at the battle of Stone River, and died in camp. In this connection should also be mentioned the names of Benjamin Belch, Marsh and Joel Tullis, James Round, Isaac Myers, Vermillion Voorhees, William Burch, Joseph Moore, Joseph and Jesse Gray, Jesse Price, Richmond Middleton, Benjamin Steward, and Charles Catro. The names of these heroes will never be forgotten.

The Burch Spring, once so noted, now abandoned, was dug on the Deerfield road, on land now owned by Harvey Webb, about 1860. The well was sunk •to the depth of seventy-five feet, when water flowed in a torrent, filling the well about half full immediately, and scarcely giving a chance for the men to get out. It was believed that an underground river had been struck. The sides fell in, until there was apparently a subterranean lake of water, which to save next drew attention, and during the next Spring, rocks and logs were hauled in large 'quantities and dumped in, but when the cavity was filled the well was lost, and there is nothing there now save a great depression to mark the once great well

David Hulse, one of the leading and progressive men of Pisgah, was horn in Union Township, April 2, 1819, and was the youngest son of William Hulse and Catherine Lutes, both natives of New Jersey, and of Dutch descent. Mr. Hulse was one of the pioneers of Butler County, settling upon the farm adjoining the one now owned by his son in 1815. It was then in the woods, and hardly any roads existed there. Indians still occasionally passed through on their hunting expeditions, and there was an abundance of game and only one moderately good road. He was a blacksmith by trade, carrying on that business for many years jointly with farming. He was an active member of the Baptist Church at Muddy Creek, in Warren County, there being none near his residence. He raised a family of eight sons and two daughters, of whom the only survivor is David Hulse. William Hulse died in 1834 David attended the common schools at Pisgah until Le had obtained a fair education, and after leaving school became thoroughly versed in agricultural pursuits. In his fourteenth year he went with an older brother to Indiana, where he remained for three years, the only period of his life in which he was not a resident of Ohio. He returned to Ohio in 1837, and was employed in farm-work.

Mr. Hulse was married November 21, 1839, to Ernestine Krouskopf, who was born in Germany, September 22, 1820. She was the daughter of Louis Krouskopf and Catherine Merser, who emigrated to America in August, 1821, and settled in Hamilton County. They removed to this county in 1829.

Mr. and Mrs. Hulse were the parents of seven children, of whom three survive. Lewis A. was born February 12, 1845. Energetic and patriotic, he enlisted September 1862, in the Sixty-ninth Ohio Volunteer Infantry. At the battle of Stone River, the first battle he had an opportunity to be in, he was acting as a scout. On the morning of December 31st he was shot down, although living until February 16, 1863. Mr. Hulse's first child, Olelia Jane, was born October 30, 1840, and is now the wife of Irwin Miller. She resides in Union Township; Loretta Emeline was lborn September 7, 1842, and married James Ayers, a well-known resident. The third child was Lewis A. ; the fourth was William Francis, who was born August 4, 1849. He lives on the home farm and helps in its management. Hulda Amanda, born February 17,'1851, as the wife of Servetus Dawson, but died May 6, 181. David Charles was born December 3, 1854, and is now telegraph operator at New Morefield, Ohio. Ernest Eugene was born June 22, 1861, and is still at home.

Mr. Hulse, immediately after his marriage, located upon the farm where he now lives. This was in the Spring of 1840. There was a log cabin, and some little improvements in the way of deadened timber had been made. He occupied the log cabin until he built his present handsome residence in 1851. The place consists of one hundred and fifteen acres, finely cultivated, situated just upon the eastern edge of Pisgah. Mr. Hulse derived a little means from his parents, but his success is due princpally to his own industry. He is well read, and frequently contributes to the newspapers. Both he and his wife are very methodical. Mrs. Hulse has for a long time been a practitioner in obstetrics and in female diseases, in which she has had great success. She has taken pains to inform herself, both from books and observation, and in the cases she has attended has been unusually fortunate. She has also done 'much in children's diseases, and enjoys the confidence of the community. Of late, however, she has partially retired from practice.

BIOGRAPHICAL NOTES.

Joseph Allen was born in Hamilton County, Ohio, September 11, 1822. He was the son of Martin L. Allen and Susan Frasie, both natives of New York. He attended the common school in Hamilton County, and received a liberal education. He was trained as a farmer. He remained in Hamilton County until he was twelve years old, then coming to Butler County, and settling near Princeton. He worked on a farm for three years, then going to Hamilton County, where he stayed until he was twenty-four years of age. He was married December 7, 1845, to Miss Mary Thompson, born in Hamilton County in 1827. Mr. and Mrs. Allen are parents of one daughter and four sons. Lee F. was born March 4,

UNION - 583

1847, and is now a" resident of Xenia ; Fanny J., now the wife of Luke Wyle, a resident of Liberty Township, was born June 28, 1850 ; Henry D. was born January 31, 1858 ; Joseph P., February 26, 1862 ; and Elwood C., September 8, 1869.

After marriage Mr. Allen conducted a farm two miles north of where he now lives, for one year. In 1847 he located at his present home, which was but partially improved. It was then a wild place. He cut off over a hundred acres, and otherwise made improvements. He occupied a log-house for a time, and afterward a small frame house, which was used until the present mansion was erected. The place is now fully improved. It consists of one hundred acres. He received no assistance on beginning life, but is wholly self-made. He was township trustee about 1868, for one term, and a director of the county agricultural society for two terms. Mr. and Mrs. Allen are members of the Methodist -Episcopal Church, and he is superintendent of its Sunday-school. He took an active part in raising volunteers during the Rebellion, for Company I, Eighty-third Regiment. He was largely instrumental in raising the quota of the township.

Eliphalet Beckley was born in Franklin County, Indiana, in 1817, on the 16th of June, being the oldest son of Henry Beckley and Ann Ferris, of Connecticut. With his parents, he came to Hamilton County, in this State, in 1831, locating near Cincinnati. His father died when the toy was thirteen years of age, and he took charge of the family until he was twenty-one. He began learning the carpenter's trade when he was seventeen, and after his majority worked for seven years as a journeyman. Mr. Beckley was married October 5, 1841, to Jane. Moore, who was born in Hamilton County, December 3, 1822.

Mr. and Mrs. Beckley had nine children, of whom seven are living. Amanda was born May 18, 1842, and is now dead ; Henry, who is a resident of Hamilton, was born February 6, 1845. Cordelia was born August 9, 1846, and is now the widow of George Muchmore, of Union Township ; Ruth was born April 26, 1849, and is the wife of George Nash, a resident of Hamilton County ; Charles was born February 6, 1851, and is a farmer of Union Township ; Mary was born March 27; 1857 ; W. H., May 12, 1859 ; and Eliphalet, Jr., October 13, 1860. He continued to live in Hamilton County after contracting marriage, having been twenty-one years there, when he removed to this county, in March, 1862. He first located upon the farm now owned by William Townsend, staying there until the Spring of 1875, when he purchased the place where he now lives, known as the McAdams place. He owns fifty-nine acres, under fine cultivation. Mrs. Beckley is a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church.

Mrs. Mary L. Belch was born in Mason, Warren County, September 1, 1811, being the daughter of Benjamin Dodds and Martha Drake, natives of Pennsylvania and New Jersey. She went to .school in the common log cabin. October 23, 1833, she was married to William Belch, a native of the State of Maryland, who was born July 2, 1801. He was of Scotch descent, coming with his parents to Ohio, Warren County, in 1813, and afterwards settling upon the farm now owned by Mrs. Belch, in Union Township, Butler County. This they acquired in 1815, keeping a public house known as the Belch House for many years. The land was entirely wild when they settled upon it.

Mr. and Mrs. Belch were the parents of nine children, of whom six are now living. Plessy M. was born about 1834 and died about 1848. The second child died in infancy. Catherine was born in 1835, and is now the widow of Francis Burdsall, living in Lebanon. Martha B., the widow of Samuel Burdsall, was born in 1837. She is now living at Mt. 'Washington, Hamilton County. William Wallace was born September 6, 1840. He is a well-known farmer of Union Township. Edwin, born November 12, 1858, is at home. Mr. Belch died in March, 1863. He was a supporter of the Presbyterian Church, and a good farmer. Mrs. Belch has conducted the place successfully, and given her children good educations. She is a member of the Presbyterian Church.

John Block was born in Holstein, Germany, June 24, 1832, and was the son of Henry Block and Margaret Kruse. He came to America in the Fall of 1853, and soon after was in Cincinnati. He remained one year in Hamilton County, engaged in farming, coming to Butler County in 1854. He worked at farming a year and a half in Liberty Township. He was married February 22, 1859, to Fanny Brown, born in Baden, Germany, December 30, 1833. Mr. and Mrs. Block are the parents of eight children, of whom seven are living. Caroline Elizabeth was born May 15, 1860 ; Henry, November 13, 1861 Mary Ellen,• March 1, 1863 ; John Adam, December 10, 1864 ; Charles Matthew, November 10, 1867 ; Anna Kate, December 21, 1870 ; Frank, July 7, 1873, and George William, May 19, 1879. Frank died May 8, 1876.

After 1859 Mr. Block conducted the Muchmore farm two years, the Rogers farm four years, the Gerard place one year, and various other places in Union Township. He was on the Stiles farm and the Hiram Smith farm, and managed the James Patchell farm for six years. He located on the Samuel Spellman farm, where he still resides. It consists of two hundred and eight acres of finely improved bottom lands. He is a prosperous farmer and stock-raiser. He has been a school director, and is a member of the Lutheran Church. Mrs. Block is a member of the Roman Catholic Church.

Henry Dimmick was born in this county, February 5, 1832, and is the son of Nathan Dimmick and Sarah Argendine, both natives of Ohio and of English descent. Mr. Dimmick was early placed in charge of the late

584 - HISTORY OF BUTLER COUNTY.

Norman McMaken. He was a pupil at the common schools, where he received a fair education. He was brought up a farmer, and remained with Mr. McMaken until of age. Mr. Dimmick was married February 17, 1853, to Armena Swallow, born in Hamilton in 1835. She was the daughter of Benjamin Swallow, an early settler in Hamilton County. She is the mother of nine children. Norman M. was born May 1, 1854; Benjamin W., March 8, 1856; Sarah E., March 4, 1858 ; Alice, May 21, 1860; Bertha, November 1, 1862; Fanny, March 9, 1866 ; Katy, October 4, 1868 ; Lida A., April 1, 1870; and Daisy, February- 22, 1873. Sarah E., a most estimable young lady, was married to Ennis Voorhees, dying February 2, 1881.

After marriage, Mr. Dimmick conducted the Beckett farm for some two years, then returning to the McMaken homestead about 1856, where he has since resided. Before the death of Mr. McMaken Mr. Dimmick had !bought a portion of the farm, and after that event inherited the remainder. He now owns two hundred and four and a half acres, in a good state of cultivation. It has a handsome family residence, with fine surroundings. He has been a school director for the past fifteen years. Mrs. Dimmick and the younger members of the family are members of the Presbyterian Church at Westchester.

Michael Deemer was born in Bavaria the 22d of November, 1838, and was the son of Jacob and Magdalena (Miller) Deemer. He attended the government school until he was thirteen years of age, receiving a fair education in the common branches, and then learning the trade of shoemaker from his father, completing his term at twenty-one. He went to Paris in 1859, where he worked at his trade for two years, and in May, 1861, emigrated to the United States, coming direct to Cincinnati, and from there going to Monroe in this. county, where he was employed by Ulrich Siek for two years and a half. In 1863 Mr. Deemer engaged in business for himself in the boot and shoe line, in the same place. Afterward he embarked in the same trade on Vine Street, Cincinnati, doing an exceedingly good business for a year and a half.

May 25, 1865, Mr. Deemer was united in marriage with Anna Toohey, in Ireland in 1838. Mr. and Mrs. Deemer are the parents of seven children, of whom but one is living. Frank was born March 1, 1874. Mrs. Deemer died March 23, 1874. Since that time Mr. Deemer has been again married. His present wife, to whom he was united June 10, 1875, was Margaret Ernest, born in Nassau, Germany, July 13, 1846. They have been given, in this union, three daughters. Mary was born March 25, 1876 ; Eliza, October 23, 1877, and Louisa, September 20, 1879. After marriage, Mr. Deemer, in June, 1875, came to Union Township and rented a shop from Henry Stickels, opening a shoe shop. In the Spring of 1876 he commenced to build the house where he now lives, which he completed and moved into in August. It is intended for a hotel and private dwelling. It is a large building, costing about eight thousand dollars. He still carries on the boot and shoe business, and owns a saloon. He is a prosperous man, although when he first came to this county he had nothing. Mr. and Mrs. Deemer are members of the Roman Catholic Church .

David B. Gorsuch was born in Baltimore County, Maryland, February 24, 1835, being the oldest son of Elliston Gorsuch and Ruth Sampson. In 1854, with his father and family, he came to Ohio, locating in Hancock County. Mr. Gorsuch came to Butler County in the Fall of 1854, taking up his residence in Liberty Township. He was united in marriage, December 28, 1857, to Miss Martha Jane Stickels, born in Hamilton County, September 5, 1839. They are the parents of seven children, of whom six are living. Calvin W. was born February 19 1859 ; Carey E., December 12, 1861; Lily Bell, May 22, 1864; Mary Rena, January 7, 1867 ; Willie C., February 7, 1868, and Elisha, April 18, 1870.

After his marriage he lived in Liberty Township some two years, and was a resident of Warren County two years, then returning to Liberty Township. He again went to Warren County for two years, then purchasing a farm near Bethany in 1866, which he still owns, and upon which he lived for ten years. In the Winter of 1877 Mr. Gorsuch came to Maud's, where he still resides. He has a pleasant residence, which is finely situated. He has filled the various school offices in his township. He and his wife are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church at Bethany.

William Gray was born in York County, Pennsylvania, February 4, 1804. He is the son of Charles Gray and Sarah Orson, natives of that State, of Scotch and English descent. Both of his grandfathers were Revolutionary soldiers. The family came to Hamilton County, in this State, in 1818. He was brought up to farm- work, but at seventeen began learning the trade of a cooper, and afterward did business in Sycamore Township. June 8, 1837, he was married to Amanda Faust, born in Wheeling, Virginia, in 1816. Mr. and Mrs. Gray were the parents of thirteen children, of whom nine survive. Jane, wife of Anthony Salsman, is a resident of this county ; Susan is the widow of Jacob Brute, of Union Township ; James is a well-known farmer of Union Township ; Stephen is at home ; Matilda is the wife of Philip Salsman, of Jackson County, Missouri. Mr. Gray has always taken a warm interest in military affairs.

William W. Graham was born in the State of Delaware on the 9th of June, 1841. He was the son of Philip Graham and Ann Short, of English descent. When he was twenty-three years of age he came to Ohio. That was in the Spring of 1863. He remained in Fairfield for some years in farming pursuits. January 3, 1864, Mr. Graham was married to Mrs. Sarah C. Morris, daughter of John Bobenmeyer. Her birth occurred

UNION - 585

on the 25th of November, 1841. They are the parents of four children. William Albert was born October 15, 1865 ; John S., December 28! 1866 ; Sarah Ann, June 20, 1869 ; Maud Elmore, February 22, 1871; Henry L., October 10, 1873 ; Charles F. died in infancy ; Clara M., July 30, 1880. Mrs. Graham, at the time of her marriage with Mr. Graham, was the mother of one son, James W. Morris, born April 6, 1862, now residing with her. After marriage, Mr. Graham located in Fairfield Township until the Spring of 1873, when he purchased a place in Union, his present home. In the Spring of 1880 he purchased the place known as the Stiles farm, a handsome and desirable place of one hundred and forty acres.

Nicholas Gorsuch was born in Maryland, January 12, 1812, being the son of Elisha Gorsuch and Susannah Miller, of English and German descent. He was married in 1832 to Catherine Curtis, and had nine children, of whom four are living. Joseph A. is a well-known farmer of the township; Lewis is a resident of Liberty Township; Edward is now in Hamilton County; and Susan is the wife of Colonel Daniel Hinds, of Liberty Township. Mrs. Gorsuch died about 1850, and Mr. Gorsuch was united, in 1853, to Catherine Trude, who was born in Pennsylvania. They are the parents of twelve children, of whom ten are living. Israel is now of Union Township; Annie is the wife of John Carson, of Kansas; John is at home; Jennie is the wife of Pennel Bechtol, and i6 a resident of Cleveland; and there are also Nicholas E., Elizabeth P., George B., Leroy, Anna Catharine, and Julia Lulabella. Mr. Gorsuoh remained in Maryland until the Spring of 1855, when he came to Ohio. He first located in Liberty Township, staying' there twelve years. In the Spring of 1867 he settled upon the place where he still lives, formerly the Rose homestead. It consists of ninety-eight acres, and has convenient modern buildings. Mr. and Mrs. Gorsuch are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church at Bethany.

Mrs. Loretta L. Howard was born in Union Township, in Butler County, on the 29th of March, 1834, being the youngest child of Louis Krouskopf and Catherine Messer, natives of Germany She was educated at the common schools and at home, remaining there until November 11, 1853, when she was married to George W. Howard, daughter of John and Mary Howard, early settlers of this county. Gorge W. Howard was born July 4, 1827, in the house here his widow now lives. He was a successful farmer and a well-known citizen. He never held any offrce. He was killed by the fall of the limb of a tree on the 17th of January, 1877. Mr. and MTS. Howard were the parents of five sons. John Lewis was born October 12, 1854; Benjamin F., September 11, 1856; Stephen Otto, June 3, 1860; William Henry, May 3, 164; Walter Wesley, November 26, 1870. Mrs. Howard has continued the farm in the most successful manner, and has prospered. She is an industrious woman. She owns one hundred and eighty-nine aores of land, in a good state of culture.

David L. Irwin was born in this township, April 27, 1841, being the youngest son of David S. Irwin and Nancy Moore, natives of Ohio and New Jersey respectively. He is the grandson of James Irwin, one of the earliest settlers in this region. David S. Irwin was born in 1800, and lived upon the home place during his lifetime. He was township trustee for many years, and a prominent and successful farmer. He died in 1840, and his wife in February, 1879. She was born in 1805. David L. Irwin was a pupil at the common school at Pisgah, and early became acquainted with the mauagement of a farm. January 1, 1867, he was married to Miss Martha Krouskopf, daughter of Charles Krouskopf. She was born in 1845. Mr. Irwin owns and occupies one hundred and sixty acres of good land, with a fine residence upon it, built about 1838. He owns the James L. Roman farm, upon the Lebanon Pike, having seventy-four acres, with a good substantial house upon it, in which he soon intends to reside. He is a supporter of all Christian and benevolent objects.

Josiah Jeffers was born in Union Township, Butler County, October 14, 1814. He was the son of Thomas Jeffers and Nancy Reynolds, natives of Ireland, of Scotch-Irish descent. Thomas Jeffers was born about 1777. His father was killed at the battle of Brandywine. Thomas came to Ohio in 1801, and settled in Liberty Township, coming upon the farm now owned by his son Josiah about 1808, and clearing up the land... Here he spent the remainder of his days. He brought up a family of five daughters and three sons, all of whom are living, with the exception of two daughters. He died December 24, 1851.Josiah was a pupil at the common schools in Uuion Township, attending in a log school-house with paper windows and puncheon floors and seats. He received a limited education, and helped around the farm at home. February 2, 1842, he was married to Rebecca Jane Hulse, daughter of William Hulse, one of the pioneers of the county. Mrs. Jeffers was born in Butler County in 1826. To their marriage were granted four children. James Silas Jeffers was born in 1842, and is a resident of Shelbyville, Indiana. Hannah Matilda, wife of Calvin T. Williamson, was born in 1850, and died April, 1877. She was the mother of two sons, now living.

Mrs. Jeffers died in 1852, and Mr. Jeffers has again married. He was united to Mary Jane Hulse, daughter of Daniel Hulse, also an early settler here, in the latter part of 1852. She was born in 1826. After his marriage Mr. Jeffers settled on the place now occupied by William Horton, improving the place and building the house now there. He resided there ten years, until 1852, then returning to the family homestead, and to the place where he now lives, where he erected a handsome family

586 - HISTORY OF BUTLER COUNTY.

residence in 1860. He owns one hundred and nine acres. He is a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church, and is an old Sunday-school worrier. He was superintendent for several years. He was an original Whig and Republican, and took an active part in getting volunteers to put down the Rebellion.

Francis Krouskopf was born at Sharonville, Hamilton County, and is the son of Louis Krouskopf and Catherine Messes He was a pupil of the common schools in Pisgah, where his parents had come during his infancy. He has always been a farmer, and began his labor thus at a very early age. He was married November 17, 1852, to Elizabeth Ayers, daughter of Samuel Ayers, an early settler in Butler County. Mrs. Krouskopf was a native of Union Township. Mr. and Mrs. Krouskopf are the parents of one son, Lewis, born September 4, 1853, who resides upon the farm and assists his father in its management. He was married August 3, 1880, to Carrie A. Harris, born in Delaware County, Ohio, 1861. Mr. Francis Krouskopf, after the war, was a resident of Hamilton County four years, owning and controlling a farm there. In the Fall of 1850 he returned to Butler County, settling upon the old homestead of Samuel Ayers, and occupying a handsome family residence. It includes one hundred and twenty-five and a half acres, fully improved. He has never held or desired office, and is an active Republican. Mrs. Krouskopf inherited considerable property, which has been added to materially by her husband in later years. She is a member of the Presbyterian Church.

Charles J. Krouskopf, the oldest son of Louis Krouskopf and Catherine Messer, was born in Germany, March 12, 1819. He was brought to this country by his parents in 1819. He was a pupil at a select school in Cincinnati for one year, completing his education at the common schools in Union Township. He was brought up a farmer, remaining at home until his marriage, August 13, 1843, to Huldah Dalrymple. She is the daughter of James Dalrymple, an early settler in Union Township, and was born June 165 1826. Mr. and Mrs. Krouskopf are the parents of three children. Abbie C. was born October 28, 1844, and is now the wife of Ellison Voorhees, a resident of Warren County ; Martha M., wife of David L. Irwin, a farmer, resides on the home place ; and Loretta A., wife of James N. Connor, of Warren County. Mr. Krouskopf settled upon the farm where he now resides in 1843. He found upon it a log-house, which he occupied until building his present handsome residence, in 1854. The farm consists of one hundred and ten acres, under a good state of tillage, with ample buildings and conveniences. Mrs. Krouskopf is a member of the Cum-• berland Presbyterian Church.

Lorenz Lintner was born in Bavaria, June 10, 1824, and is the son of Nicholas and Mary Lintner. He was educated in the government schools, and was employed upon his father's farm until coming to America in July, 1849. He came directly to Cincinnati, and from there went to Hamilton. He was employed in Ross Township for some three months, going to St. Clair, Indiana, where he bought a farm. Mr. Lintner was united in marriage with Barbara Shaumlinger, in August, 1849. She is also a native of Bavaria, where she was born in 1828. Mr. and Mrs. Lintner were the parents of nine children, of whom four are now living. Four died when very small. Mary Kate was born in 1851. Barbara was born in 1857, dying December, 1877 ; John, September 14, 1863 ; William J., January 21, 1865; Anna L., May 8, 1869. Mrs. Lintner died in February, 1878. She was a member of the Lutheran Church at Hamilton.

After marriage Mr. Lintner lived in Fairfield Township until going to Union Township, in the Spring of 1865, where he settled upon the farm he still occupies. Something had previously been done to the land, and there was a small, house upon the place. It looked very unpromising then, but it has since been attended to and improved, so that it is second to no farm in the county.

He has put up a barn and a handsome brick residence, the latter being erected in 1869. He had some little start in life, and has improved it. He is a member of the Lutheran Church at Hamilton. His place consists of one hundred and forty-one acres of fine bottom laud. Kate, his daughter, was married to David Niederman, born in 1847, and they have had two children. Mr. Niederman's father, Jacob, still resides in Ross, and is a well-known farmer. He was an early settler.

Frederick Middlecamp was born in Germany, August 17, 1843, being the son of Christopher H. Middlecamp and Mary C. Brinkerhoff. Frederick was educated in the schools of his native country, receiving a fair education. He was brought up to farming, being occupied at.

home until 1861, when he emigrated to America. He first went to Franklin County, Indiana, where he learned the trade of wagon and carriage maker. He was employed at journey-work for two years, then commencing business in Glendale, Hamilton County. This was about 1869. He was there for three years, coming to Port Union in the Spring of 1872, and immediately beginning business in carriage-making. Mr. Middlecamp was united in matrimony on the 26th of February, 1873, to Elizabeth Diffley, a native of Ireland. Mr. and Mrs. Middlecamp are the parents of four children, as follows : Jennie, born January 12, 1874 ; Mark, October 12, 1875 ; Elizabeth Ellen, March 20, 1878 ; Frances Euphemia, January 25, 1880. He and his family are members of the Roman Catholic Church at Glendale.

S. C. Miller, the only son of John Miller and Sarah Crouch, was born in Washington County, Pennsylvania, March 6, 1816. His parents were from Pennsylvania and Maryland, and of Irish and German descent. His parents removed to Brookville, Franklin County, Indiana, about 1818, remaining there some eight years. They afterwards removed to Liberty, Union County, Indiana,

UNION - 587

where he went to the common schools. The house where he attended was of rude logs, paper windows, and puncheon seats, with fewer desks Oran /scholars. Liberty was a very small town, and was not yet the county seat. Mr. Miller was apprenticed to the carpenter's trade, in which he served seven years, and came with his employer, who had a contract here, to Butler County in 1832. During 1837 and 1838 he was a resident of Mason, Warren County, doing a prosperous business.

December 11, 1839, he was married to Drusilla Burch, daughter of Ebenezer and Clarissa Burch, early settlers of Warren County. She was born June 23, 1821. Mr. and Mrs. Miller are the parents of thirteen children, of whom seven are living, three daughters and four sons. James A. was born November 2, 1839, and is now engaged in business with his father. Jared P. was born July 24, 1842. He was a member of the Sixty-ninth Volunteers, enlisting in 1861, and participating in all the battles of the regiment, and making the march to the sea under Sherman. He was mustered out at Savannah, Georgia, in December, 1864. He is now a farmer of Union Township. George W., the third son, was born December 9, 1847, and lives at home. 'William A. was born October 1, 1849. He is at home. Phebe Cordelia was born October 31, 1851, and is now the wife of S. C. Rhoads, a resident of Kansas, Illinois. Mary J. was born October 16, 1853, and Ella D., April 21, 1862. Both are at home.

In the Spring of 1840 Mr. Miller built the present family residence, a handsome and commodious house. He is yet engaged in the business of carpenter and joiner, for the past eight or ten years conducting it in partnership with his son. He is a successful business man, and has erected more of the fine residences in Union Township than any other man. He is a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church at 'Westchester. In 1861 Mr. Miller enlisted in the Sixty-ninth Ohio Volunteers, and with that regiment participated in numerous engagements. At Stone River he was wounded and to en prisoner, going to Libby Prison, and after a short experience there was paroled. From there he went to the hospital at Annapolis, Maryland, and after his health was sufficiently recruited returned to his regiment at Murfreesboro. He was at Chattanooga, Chickamauga, Lookout Mountain, and Mission Ridge, and was then transferred to the Nineteenth Regiment Veteran Reserve Corps, and sent to Elmira, New York, where he was mustered out. Returning from the war, he resumed his former occupation. He had suffered many privations during the early days of enlistment, as they were often cut off from supplies. His health became permanently injured by standing on picket on the night of December 31, 1864, near Chattanooga. It was a terribly cold night.

William-Maud was born in Yorkshire, England, April 8, 1828, and is the oldest living son of John Maud and Anna Yount John Maud emigrated to America in 1833, coming to Butler County February, 1834. He settled upon the place where Maud's Station is now built, in the north edge of the township, buying one hundred and six acres and improving it, and there spending the remainder of his days. He was a successful farmer and well-known citizen. He died in October, 1874. Mrs. Maud is still living, and in a vigorous state of health. She is a resident of Liberty Township.

William Maud came to America with his parents in 1833, and was a pupil at the common schools in Union Township. He was brought up to the occupation of a farmer, remaining at home until his marriage. He was active in raising the quota of his township. On the 26th of December, 1865, he was married to Emeline Benham, daughter of John and Fanny Benham, early settlers in Butler County, where Mrs. Maud was born, August 33, 1838. They have one child, an adopted daughter, Anna C., born February 2, 1871. Mr. Maud was a resident of Liberty Township for some two years after 1865, then settling upon the farm now owned by Hannah Maud, near Maud's Station, and remaining there twelve years. In March, 1880, he purchased the Jerry Caldwell farm, occupying the old mansion, built about 1812. He owns one hundred and twenty-eight acres of fine land.

Sylvester McLean was born in Union Township, March 6, 1836. He was the son of Samuel McLean and Elizabeth Whitlock. Samuel McLean was born in Fayette County, Pennsylvania, in 1799, coming with his parents to Butler County in 1804. They settled at Seven-Mile. William McLean was a soldier in the war of 1812, and one of the pioneers of the county. Samuel McLean died in Hamilton County, in 1870. He was a justice of the peace for forty years in Butler and Hamilton Counties. Mrs. Elizabeth McLean is still living, vigorous in mind and body. She resides in Hamilton County.. Sylvester McLean was a pupil at the common schools in Union Township, receiving a fair education. He was employed as a farmer in his earliest years, remaining with his parents until he came of age.

Mr. McLean was married October 14, 1857, to Sarah E. Cox, daughter of John Cox, who was a native of Union Township, born in 1800. He was the son of Joseph Cox, one of the earliest settlers, and a brave soldier of Wayne's war. John Cox was a prominent and successful man, owning at his death some eighteen hundred acres in this county. He never would hold office. He reared a fluidly of two daughters and two sons, of whom but two survive. He died in 1863, highly lamented and deplored. Mrs. Ann Cox died in 1870. Mrs. McLean was born in Union Township, November 27, 1838. To the marriage of Mr. and Mrs. McLean was born one son, Charles A., on the 9th of May, 1859. Mrs. McLean died November 27, 180. She was a woman who was highly esteemed, and was a member of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church. Soon after being married Mr. McLean became a resident of West-

588 - HISTORY OF BUTLER COUNTY.

chester, and stayed there during the twelve years of his wedded life.

Joseph Cox settled upon the Cox homestead in Union Township at the end of. 1795 or beginning of 1796. He was a native of New Jersey, born about 1767, and dying in 1842. He was a captain in the War of 1812, and always was known as Captain Cox. With his son John he lies buried on the family homestead. Eliza, the oldest daughter of John Cox, who was born June 6, 1836, was married to Luther M. Hughes September 7, 1859. This marriage resulted in two children. Julia A. was born June 26,.1860, and Emma L. June 10, 1863. Mr. and Mrs. Hughes occupy the old family homestead, a portion of which was built by Captain Cox as early as 1812. Mr. McLean and son own five hundred and forty acres.

Isaac Myers was born in Sycamore Township, Hamilton County, May 31, 1807, and was the son of Joseph Myers and Ruth Shuff, who were emigrants from Maryland. He attended one of the old-fashioned school-houses in which the seats were fashioned of logs. He was brought up from his earliest recollection as a farmer, but at seventeen learned the trade of a shoemaker. He was married November 7, 1827, to Eliza Gray, who was born in Fleming County, Kentucky, in 1806. They were the parents of six children. Charles H. was born July 3, 1828. He now lives in Illinois. William, who died at the age of twelve, was born January 15, 1830. Joseph was born April 12, 1832, and now lives in Hamilton County. Eliza. A., the wife of William Parker, and a resident of Kansas, was born January 15, 1835 ; Jacob was born December 25, 1837, living at present in Union Township. Isaac was born November 12, 1844. He enlisted in the Fall of 1862 in the Sixty-ninth Regiment, participating in numerous battles, and serving until the close of the war. He died November 21, 1879, being the father of three sons. Mrs. Myers, the mother of these children, died September 12, 1870.

After marriage Mr. Myers remained in Sharon until coming to Butler County, in the Spring of 1835, settling upon the farm that he still owns, on Section 16, Union Township. It had a log house upon it, which is still standing, and had been partially improved. It was previously owned by John Cox. In the Spring of 1836 he went to Westchester, where he owned a tannery and conducted a boot and shoe business jointly with farming. He was in the village seven years, and then returned to the farm. The log cabin was used as a dwelling until he built his present residence, about 1847. His place consists of one hundred and forty acres, under good cultivation. He has been overseer of the poor for five years.

George McKinney was born in Newbury Township, York County, Pennsylvania, September 6, 1818, and was the oldest son of John McKinney and Mary Fields. The father was of Irish descent, and was a soldier of the War of 1812. He died about 1830. George McKinney learned the trade of a blacksmith when fifteen, his apprenticeship to run until he came of age. He then worked as a journeyman for a short time, and in the Winter of 1840 came to Ohio, locating at Westchester, there laboring for four or five years. He was married to Catherine Dawson October 20, 1844, and had born to him one daughter and two sons. John H. was born August 3, 1845, now being a resident of Warren County. James W. was born March 30, 1847.

Mr. McKinney's wife died June 3, 1850, and on the 2d of March, 1851, he was again married. His choice was Mary Smith, daughter of Major H. Smith. They have had four children, two of whom are living. Anson was born January 20, 1856. He is a school-teacher, and lives at home. Sarah was born January 18, 1861, and is still at home. After his marriage he located on the site of his present place, in 1845, occupying a log house, and putting up a log blaoksmith shop, which he has continued up to the present time, still doing a little at it to convenience his neighbors. The log dwelling-house was replaced by the present handsome frame structure about 1874. He has never held any office, except that of school director.

Robert Moore is a native of Butler County, being born here December 16, 1815. His parents were Alexander and Mary Moore, who came to this county in 1802. He was married in November, 1839, to Sarah Jane Wardwell, daughter of Isaac and Nancy Wardwell, who was. born in New York, April 23, 1817, and moved to this county in 1820. He has had eight children. William Oseer, born January 17, 1841 ; Mary Arnand, August 13, 1842; Frances Margaret, wife of J. L. Carr, December 5, 1844; Isaac, November 14, 1846; Robert G., December 20, 1849; James Alphonso, September 12, 1853; Theodore H., October 3, 1855; and Mark C., April 19, 1858. William lives in White County, Indiana; Isaac and Theodore in Mixerville, Mrs. Carr in Cincinnati, and James in Nashville, Tennessee. Mr. Moore is a farmer, and served as a justice of the peace for three years. John Moore, his grandfather, was killed in the Revolution, and Alexander Moore served in the War of 1812. William Wardwell was in the Revolutionary War, serving seven years, and William O. Moore served three years and nine months in the last war.

William M. Miller was born in Steubenville, Ohio, April 14, 1818. He was the son of John and Margaret (Andrews) Miller, both natives of Pennsylvania. His father was a lumberman, and resided in Pennsylvania, and at an early day moved to Steubenville, where he had a lumber-yard. In 1827 he moved to Butler County, from Wayne County, where he had resided for the space of eight years. He followed the lumber business, after coming here, for about five years, when he retired from active labor, and so remained up to the time of his death, September 17, 1852. The mother died in Wayne County November 5, 1826. William M. Miller is the only child now surviving of six. He received a common school

UNION - 589

education in the district schools of this county, and on reaching manhood engaged in agricultural pursuits. He now owns a homestead near Maud's Station. In October, 1865, he was eleoted a commissioner of Butler County, and held that office for two terms of three years each. He has been a school trustee for a number of years, and a member of the board of education and director of schools, and has always taken a deep interest in education. He is a Democrat. He was married February 19, 1846, to Miss Mary Cummins, daughter of Isaac Cummins, an early settler. Four children were born to them. Alexander is engaged in farming ; Marietta is now the wife of Obadiak Sward ; Ross is in Kansas City, engaged as a traveling agent ; and John Harold, who is a graduate of the Central Normal College, Danville, Indiana, has recently been elected as principal of the Campbell Normal University, Holton, Kansas.

Richard W. Nixon was born in Union Township, October 5, 1819, being the younger son of John Nixon and Elizabeth Taylor, both natives of Pennsylvania, of English descent. John Nixon was one of the pioneers of Butler County, settling on the place now owned by Charles Krouskopf about the beginning of the century. lie cleared up that place, where he spent the remainder of his days. He was born in 1776, and died in 1821. His wife died in 1835. Richard W. Nixon was a pupil at the common schools, receiving an ordinary education. He has always followed farming as an occupation. He was at home until he was thirteen years of age, his mother then breaking up housekeeping, when he went to live with his brother John, in whose employment he was until his marriage. That occurred on the 29th of October, 1842. His wife is Abigail J. Ayers, the oldest daughter of Samuel W. Ayers and Mary Cox. Mr. Ayers was born in the township, and was the son of one of the earliest settlers. The son settled on the premises now owned by Francis Krouskopf about 1825, raising a family of three daughters and three sons, all now living. Mr. Ayers died March 11, 1842.

Mrs. Nixon was born January 2, 1827, and has been blessed with nine children. Samuel A. was born November 9, 1843; Oliver P., October 30, 1845; George C., January 15, 1848; Mary E., February 23, 1850; Margaret Ann, March 14, 1852; Lydia J., May 20, 1857; Hester E., May 11, 1862; Wade S., December 13, 1864; Allen M., February 14, 1869. The oldest son, Samuel A., enlisted in Company A, Sixty-ninth Volunteers, in 1861, and participated in all the battles of his regiment until 1864. At the battle of Jonesboro, Georgia, September 1st of that year, young Nixon was mortally wounded while gallantly fighting in defense of our flag, dying on the 4th. Oliver P. and George C. now live in Iowa. Mary E. is the wife of January Spinner, a resident of Union Township. Margaret Ann is married, and lives in Warren County. The others are at home.

After marriage Mr. Nixon was a resident of the S. W. Ayers homestead for five years, then going to Warren County, where he lived for four years. Returning to Butler County in 1852, he soon after settled upon the site of his present home. In the Spring of 1860 he put up the new buildings now upon the place. He enlisted in Company A, Sixty-ninth Regiment, in December, 1861, but was discharged on account of physical disability in July, 1862.

Frederick C. Petri was born in Bavaria December 19, 1838, being the son of George C. Petri and Constance Fey. He came to America May 2, 1855, soon after being in Liberty Township, working for John Flenner. There he stayed for three years and a half. Mr. Petri was married on the 20th of March, 1862, to Elizabeth Miller, born in Germany in 1837. Mr. and Mrs. Petri have been granted five children, of whom three survive. Cora Anna was born January '18, 1870; Fred C., Jr., July 3, 1872, and Edward, November 1, 1874.

Mr. Petri conducted the Gebhardt farm, in St. Clair Township, for two years, was one year on the Woodmansee farm in Liberty Township, occupied the Peter W. Shepherd farm, in Liberty Township, two years, locating on the place where he now lives in the Spring of 1867. It was known as the Mills place. It consists of two hundred and forty acres. In 1874 Mr. Petri made a trip to Germany with his family, and was gone over six months. He and his wife are members of the Lutheran Church, at Hamilton. Mr. Petri has served as school director.

John Pocock was born in Hanover Township, Butler County, September 5, 1837, and is the son of James and Harriet S. Pocock. The father was a native of Maryland, coming to Butler County early in the century. He was a soldier in the War of 1812. He was married in this county, and raised a family of children.

John G. Polster, the youngest son of John and Anne Polster, was born in Bavaria, October 10, 1829. He came to America in 1849, living in Steuben County, New York, for fourteen years. He was married January 14, 1854, to Margaret Strobel, who was born in Bavaria, January 27, 1833. Mr. and Mrs. Polster are the parents of nine children. Mary was born September 8, 1854, and is now the wife of Conrad Huffnagle, of Cincinnati. John George was born October 29, 1856, and lives at home. Margaret Elizabeth was born January 16, 1860; Louisa, January 29, 1862; Katie Rachel, March 30, 1863; John W., October 16, 1865; Eli John, March 4, 1868; Mary Ann, September 28, 1871, and Lizzie Barbara, May 16, 1874. In the Fall of 1863 he came to Ohio, locating in Butler County in 1864, and purchasing the farm where he still resides. It consists of over one hundred acres of fine land, under good cultivation. He began without money, having but five francs left when he arrived in New York State. He is a member of the Lutheran Church at Hamilton.

590 - HISTORY OF BUTLER COUNTY.

Henry Stickels was born. in Sycamore Township, Hamilton County, April 12, 1837, being the son of Joseph Stickels and Mary Condon of Pennsylvania and Ohio, and of German and English descent. The family removed, in 1849, to Butler County, where the boy was brought up to the occupation of a farmer. When about twenty he traveled for several years on the rivers and with show companies. Mr. Stickels was married, June 3, 1861, to Emily Walker,. daughter of Joseph 'Walker, a well-known citizen of this county. She was born in 1842. Mr. and Mrs. Stickels are the parents of eight children, of whom six are living. Oscar, the oldest child, died at the age of nine. Cora was born August 6, 1866; Rush, July 12, 1868; Charles, December .31, 1869 ; Annie, March 20, 1871; Elsie, July 5, 1872 ; Harry, September 8, 1873. An infant died September 27, 1878.

One year after his marriage, Mr. Stickels entered the Eighty-third Regiment, participating in the battle of Arkansas Post, the siege of Vicksburg, Jackson, Mississippi, and several others. He was taken prisoner at Carrion Crow, Louisiana, being confined at Alexandria for two months. On being exchanged, he returned to his regiment, serving until the close of the war, and was mustered out at Camp Dennison, Ohio, July, 1865. He came to Butler Connty, and engaged in conducting a saw-mill for seven years. In 1872 he went to Mandl, beginning the lumber and coal business in connection with a mercantile business. He is now doing an extensive and increasing trade. In 1859 he went to Pike's Peak, trading a year among the Indians. Mrs. Stickels died September 28, 1878.

Jacob Steinman was born in Bavaria, May 23, 1842. He is the son of Valentine and Margaret Steinmann. He received a fair education in Bavaria, before coming with his parents to America in the Fall of 1854, the family remaining in Niagara County, New York, for some three years. Jacob was a pupil at the common schools in Niagara County. He came to Butler County in the Spring of 1858, working at farming in Fairfield Township. He was married October 25, 1866, to Susan M. Beiser, daughter of George Beiser, an early settler. She was born in this county January 26, 1843. They are the parents of five children, four now being alive. Jacob George was born September 17, 1867 ; Charles Frederick, September 4, 1869, dying when one year and eleven months old ; John Edward, December 10, 1871 ; Susan M., October 14, 1873 ; and Charles F., February 27, 1876.

He lived one year in Fairfield Township after being married, and in the Spring of 1868 came to Union Township, conducting the farm now owned by Christian Moerlein first, and then a place near Port Union for four years. He then bought the place now owned by William W. Graham, and resided there seven years. In the Fall of 1879 he sold out, and the following Spring purchased the farm where he now lives, formerly the Captain Moore farm. It comprises two hundred and twenty-five acres, and has a handsome residence upon it, with pleasant surroundings. Mr. and Mrs. Steinman are members of the Lutheran Church at Hamilton. He is a Democrat in politics.

Anthony Salsman, son of Joseph Salsman and Elizabeth C. Slifer, of Pennsylvania and Maryland birth, and German and French extraction, was born February 28, 1833. With his parents he came to this county about 1839, settling in Fairfield Township. His father died when he was a small boy, and he began working as soon as possible. He was employed around a farm in various places in this county, and was a resident of Hamilton County for some years. He remained with his mother until a year after marriage, which took place November 22, 1857. The object of his choice was Miss Mary Jane Gray, daughter of William Gray, an old resident of the county. She was born June 16, 1839.

Mr. and Mrs. Salsman are the parents of ten children, eight of whom are living. John B. was born March 13, 1859; Elizabeth M., August 13, 1860 ; Francis M., May 8, 1862 ; Anthony W., April 25, 1864 ; Amanda L., June 30, 1866 ; U. G., October 13, 1868 ; Emma C., August 11, 1874 ; Vermillion, December 26, 1876, and Norris L., January, 22, 1880. The last died August 9, 1881. Until 1859 he lived upon the place now owned by his father-in law, settling in the Spring of 1861 upon the place where he now resides. The buildings were then poor, and the improvements small, but have since been remodeled and added to.

George Washington Swearingen was born in Union Township, April 8, 1826. He is the son of John Van Swearingen and Amelia, Daley, natives of Delaware, of German and English descent. John Van Swearingen was a Revolutionary soldier, and also served in the War of 1812. He came to Butler County in 1808, settling upon the farm now owned by his son. He was a prosperous farmer, but was a miller by trade. He was married about 1796, and reared a family of eleven children, five of whom are now alive, three daughters and two sons, all well-known residents of this county. Mary Ann, the youngest daughter, was born February 20, 1820, and always has lived upon the place. George W. Swearingen went to the common schools until old enough to labor, when he began working upon the farm, where he has always lived. He owns fifty acres, which are well cultivated, and lives in the old house, built about 1820. Upon the place is the grave of the Rev. Mr. Grimes, a missionary to the Indians.

Isaac S. Swearingen, the first member of the Swearingen family that came to Ohio, was born in Frederick County, Maryland, being a brother of General Joseph Swearingen, of the Revolutionary War. He was a surveyor, and came to this region as one of the ,first of that calling ever in this neighborhood. He laid out, it is said, the first road in the county. His brother, the general,

UNION - 591

had been sent to fight the Indians, and he came with him, returning to the East with the army. About 1795 he brought out his family and squatted in Union Township, and in 1803 his brother John came to Ohio and bought him out, when he returned to Maryland. In 1809 he came back and settled at North Bend, and about 1830 moved to Laurel, Indiana, and there died, lleaving no family. The ancestor of the family in America was originally known as Van Swearing. He was kidnapped when a child from Germany, and brought to this country more than a hundred years ago, being sold to a merchant in Baltimore. He afterwards became a merchant himself. In after years two of his brothers came to America, and to distinguish the families he added "gen" to his name, making it Van Swearingen. When he died he was of the great reported age of one hundred and seventeen.

John Van Swearingen was born in Frederick County, Maryland, June 4, 1762, and died in Union Township in 1852. He married about 1799, in Maryland, Amelia Daily, who was born in Maryland about 1780, on the ground where the battle of- Antietam was afterwards fought, and died July 30, 1836. She had eleven children. Drusilla was born July 25, 1801; Thomas V., June 2, 1804; Margaret, March 13, 1807; Naomi, October 5, 1809 ; Isaac, December 25, 1811; Elizabeth, February 25, 1814; Rebecca, August 22, 1816; John D., August 20, 1819; Mary Ann, February 21, 1821; William, born February 23, 1824; and Washington, April 8, 1826. Naomi is still living, and is the widow of F. C. Crawford; Elizabeth is the widow of Cyrus Crane; John

D. lives in Bethany; Mary Ann is at home; and Washington lives in Union Township. The others are dead.

Mr. Van Swearingen came to Butler County in 1803, and settled in Union Township, purchasing the tract of ground upon which his brother Isaac had squatted, containing ninety-eight acres of land, where he settled and lived till the day of his death. During the 'War of the Revolution he was called out to watch the slaves, and to prevent the colored people from rising in response to the calls of the British. About 1832 he lost his eye-sight, and was blind till his death. He was a mechanic, and learned harness-making first of all. Afterward his father left him a grist-mill and he learned milling. For many years he ran the mills of Governor Morrow and Colonel Hunt, and also was called from long distances to dress mill buhrs. He was probably the only man in the Miami Valley who could do this. He was the first man that ever made a cradle for cradling grain in Butler County. He was a mechanical genius, and could make almost any thing that was needful. He would go to the blacksmith's shop and make his own tools, and also made shoes, chairs, and wheels, and was also a weaver.

His son, John D., was born August 20, 1819, in Union Township, and was married on the 1st of January, 1843, to Julia Crane, who was born in Liberty, October 12, 1819, and died March 4, 1865. They had six children, five of whom lived to grow up. Benton was born March 7, 1845; Eliza Ann, October 12, 1846; Christie Ann, October 21, 1848, now dead; Margaret F., June 26, 1850 ; Luella Belle, February 9, 1852, now dead ; and John D. was born May 3, 1854. He was married the second time, on March 2, 1857, to Eunice C., widow of William G. Wheeler, who was born April 2, 1865, in this county, and dying February 9, 1869. Her maiden name was Whipple. She had no family. He was married the third time, November 13, 1870, in Lebanon, Warren County, to Lavina Hawthorne, born in Warren County, January 11, 1830. She has no family. He has been a member of the Odd Fellows' Society for some years, but of late years has retired. He is a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church, and is its steward. He has held all the offices except pastor. He joined the organization in 1836, and has been a liberal supporter ever sine.

William E. Shepherd was born in Liberty Township, December 29, 1838, and is the son of David Shepherd and Elizabeth Ely. When David Shepherd 'came to this county in 1837, he looked around for a place en which to settle, and the next year found it. It is the one now owned by his son. Then it was but very slightly improved, but soon began to present a different aspect. He had a family of three sons. He died October, 1876, being then a member of the Baptist Church. William E. Shepherd was married August 30, 1865, to Miss Elizabeth Jane Coy, who was born in Union Township, May 28, 1848. They are the parents of six children, five of whom are living. Irene Gertrude was born June 3, 1869 ; Wilbur C., July 29, 1872 ; Isaac Percival, December 11, 1875; Abbie Elizabeth, November 6, 1877; David Lloyd, December 7, 1879. Mr. Shepherd has always lived on the home place, which he inherited from his father. He owns two hundred and sixty-nine acres, and is now engaged in putting up a fine house. They are members of the United Brethren Church.

Charles H. Shepherd, the son of David Shepherd and Elizabeth Ely, was born in Union Township, July 16, 1850. His parents were natives of New Jersey, of German and English descent. Mrs. Shepherd is still living, residing with her son Charles H. The latter was married March 1, 1875, to Miss Barbara Wehr, daughter of J. G. Wehr. They are the parents of two children. W. E. Shepherd was born September 24, 1877, and Elmer Shepherd, January 1, 1880. Mr. Shepherd resides upon a portion of the homestead, occupying a residence built in 1880. It is a handsome, well built structure, and cost about $4,000. He owns one hundred and eighty-four acres of finely cultivated land. Mrs. Shepherd is a member of the Lutheran Church in Hamilton. He is a Republican.

Nehemiah Van Hise was born in Union Township, Butler County, December 17, 1822, being the younger son of William Van Hise and Rachel Hageman, of New

592 - HISTORY OF BUTLER COUNTY.

Jersey. They are of German extraction. William Van Hise came to Butler County about 1800, and was one of the pioneers. He was township trustee for several terms. He was a prosperous farmer, and raised a family of six sons and two daughters. Three sons are now living. Mr. Van Hise died about 1853. Nehemiah Van Hise remained on the home place until his marriage, which happened on the 28th of November, 1848. He was then united to Elizabeth Aydelotte, daughter of James A. Aydelotte. She was born in 1824. Mr. and Mrs. Van Hise are the parents of four children, of whom two are living. Euella May was the wife of E. Moore. She died May 28, 1880, aged twenty-three. Anna Laurie died February 8, 1$80. Benjamin F. is a resident of Hamilton County, and James is still at home. After marriage he continued on his father's place for three years; then removing to Pisgah and engaging in the manufacture of brooms, a business that he conducted for some eighteen years. He then entered upon mercantile business in Pisgah, which he has since carried on, doing an extensive trade. He keeps a general stock of goods. Mr. Vas Hise was township treasurer one term of two years, about 1864. He and his wife are members of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church.

George Vinnedge was born in Fairfield Township, November 30, 1809, being the younger son of John and Rosanna (Moore) Vinnedge. John Vinnedge was a native of Pennsylvania, where he was born in 1774, on the 4th of April. He accompanied the expedition of General Wayne to the Indian grounds at the north, and was packhorse-master from Fort Hamilton to Fort Greenville. After the defeat of the Indians he remained in Hamilton, where he w married in June, 1796. This is the earliest marriage in the limits of this county known to the editor of this book. He settled on the place now farmed by Thomas Van Cleaf, in 1798, and lived there till 1850. He raised a family of eight children, of whom but four survive—two sons and two daughters. In 1850 he removed south of Hamilton, in Fairfield Township. He was a justice of the peace for many years, and was an active Democrat in politics. He was a member of the Methodist Church. He died in August, 1868, in his ninety-fifth year. George was educated in the common schools in Fairfield Township, and was brought up to farming. He remained at home until he was twenty-four.

In 1831 Mr. Vinnedge was married to Miss Malinda Robbins, and has had five children—three daughters and two sons. Three daughters are now living, residents of Butler County. They are Mary R., widow of Isaac Skillman, living in Milford ; Nancy R., wife of Frank Jones, living in Hamilton ; and Julia W., wife of Johnston Gerard, living in Union Township. The first Mrs. Vinnedge died in 1875, and he was again married, April, 1875. His wife was Mrs. Katy Magness, daughter of Henry Spellman. Mr. Vinnedge has nearly always been engaged in farming. In 1839 he purchased a farm on the Springdale Pike, where he resided until coming to Union Township in 1856, locating on the place now occupied by Johnston Gerard, a short distance north of Port Union. He afterwards removed to his present home, a short distance south of Port Union, where he owns eighty-three acres, having on the old place one hundred and fifty acres. He was a director in the infirmary board some nine years. He is a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church.

William Townsend, the son of Daniel Townsend and Mary Hamlin, was born in Devonshire, England, May 1828. He was employed upon a farm until coming to America in the Spring of 1850. From New York he proceeded to Cincinnati direct, being a resident of Hamilton County for some ten years, working upon a farm. He was married August 14, 1860, to Henrietta Craig, daughter of John Frederick Craig, an old settler in Texas, then the name of a part of Cincinnati, who assisted in building the first house in that part of the city. Mrs. Townsend was born in Hamilton County, February 8, 1837. Mr. and Mrs. Townsend are the parents of seven children. Mary Ella was born May 8, 1862; Sarah Anna, January 12, 1865; William Frederick, August 18, 1867; Benjamin Franklin, May 3, 1870; Ida May, June 21, 1872; Grace Edith, January 22; 1874, and Theodore Albert, May 20, 1877.

After marriage he came to Butler County, in 1860, locating in Union Township. After four years in Union Township he went to Fairfield Township, where he conducted the Windisch farm for twelve years. It was the farm formerly owned by R. M. Shoemaker. In the Spring of 1877 Mr. Townsend purchased the farm formerly owned by E. Beckley, consisting of one hundred and sixty-five acres of fine land, with residence and ample buildings. He had no start in life, and has wrought his destiny himself. He and his wife are worthy members of the Methodist Church at Port Union.

W. L. Van Hise was born in Union Township August 5, 1840, and is the only son of William W. Van Hise and Jane M. Truesdale. She is from New Jersey, and is of German and English extraction. W. L. Van Hise began as a clerk, when fifteen years of age, and in 1863 began business in Westchester. After three years he went to St. Louis, where he remained three years. He then came to Cincinnati, where he was in a wholesale grocery for three years, and then returned to Westchester. In March 1879, he entered into partnerhsip with James Schenck, in the firm of Schenck & Co. He keeps a general store, and does an extensive and increasing trade. He is also a grain buyer. Mr. Van Hise was the township treasurer for two terms, beginning in 1863. He was married December 3, 1863, to Miss Rachel A. Van Hise, daughter of James Van Hise. Their children are Nellie, born December 3, 1864, and Clarence L., born February 5, 1872. They are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church.

UNION - 593

Henry T. Voorhees was born in Warren County, Ohio, July 4, 1803, and is the oldest son of Daniel Voorhees and Betsy Tucker, natives of the State of New Jersey. Daniel Voorhees settled at Lebanon, Warren County, having previously been a teamster for General Wayne's army. The occupation at which Henry T. Voorhees first began was farming, following it till he became of age, and for two or three years after. He was married about 1825 to Mary Brandeburg, a native of Pennsylvania. Mr. and Mrs. Voorhees were the parents of five children, of whom three survive. Daniel B. lives in Omaha, Nebraska ; Eliza was the wife of Wesley Caldwell, and died about 1860 ; Israel is a resident of Union Township ; Charlotte is the wife of Milton Thomson, living in Warren County ; and Henry died in his infancy.

Mr. Voorhees continued a resident of Warren County until 1,137, then removing to Union Township, in this county. He now has an improved place of one hundred and forty acres of valuable land, and under a high state of cultivation. He began with nothing. When he was first married they had to borrow cooking utensils. Mrs. Voorhees is a member of the Baptist Church at Muddy Creek. They now live in a comfortable and commodious residence, built about 1844.

John George Wehr was born in Bavaria, January 10, 1800. He was the son of John Wehr and Susannah Hauser. He received a fair education in Germany, and was brought up a shepherd. He was married in 1839 to Barbara Heilenger, born in Germany in 1810, on the 29th of June. They were the parents of eight children. of whom six are now living. Lena Barbara was born February 2, 1840, and is now Mrs. Jackson Meahl. Mary Elizabeth was born December 2, 1844, and is now the wife of George Muskopf of Butler County. Simon D. was born June 25, 1846, and is now residing on the home place, as is the next brother, George C., born September 15, 1848. Barbara was born September 20, 1850, and is the wife of Charles H. Shepherd, of Union Township. Andrew H. was born July 8, 1852. Mr. Wehr came to America in 1843, being in Hanover Township four years, St. Clair two years, Liberty eight years, and twelve yea in Fairfield, renting places. In 1871 he purchased the farm where he now lives from James Patchell. It consists of ninety acres. They are members of the Lutheran Church. He is a Democrat in politics.

Frederick Wicke was born in the kingdom of Hanover, near Bremen, March 16, 1839. He is the son of Henry Wicke and Olive Koolman. He received a fair education, but at the age of seventeen determined to emigrate to America, and continued his journey until he reached Cincinnati. There he was employed six months, thence going to Sharonville, where he remained until coming to Westchester in the Spring of 1859. In that year he commenced buying produce, doing a prosperous business. He rented a small farm known as the Peter Moore place. September 19, 1861, he was married to Miss Nancy Lemon, born in Huntsville, September 17, 1844. She is the daughter of Christopher Lemon, an early settler in Liberty Township. They have had six children, of whom two are dead. Olive A. was born February 28, 1865; Mary E., April 5, 1868, dying in infancy; John T. died at the age of fourteen months; Henry R., November 28, 1875; and Anna C., January 1, 1878.

Mr. Wicke continued on the Pliny Moore place till the Spring of 1862, when he went to Liberty Township, engaging in farming and the buying of live stock. This he continued until the Spring of 1865, when he purchased the Aug farm, near Westchester, where he still lives. It consists of two hundred and twenty-five acres of land adjoining Westchester, of a valuable quality, and finely cultivated. He built his present residence in 1869. It has fine barns and outbuildings. Mr. Wicke is largely engaged in buying live stock and shipping it to the Cincinnati markets, doing this in addition to managing his own place. He had nothing to begin on, and his life is a good example of what industry will accomplish. He has held the office of township trustee for eight years. He is an ardent Democrat in politics, and is an active and influential citizen. Mr. Wicke is a member of the Presbyterian Church, and Mrs. Wicke of the Methodist Episcopal Church.