670 - HISTORY OF HARDIN COUNTY

JACKSON TOWNSHIP.

This township, it is believed, was named after Gen. Jackson, whose last term as President of the United States expired about the time of its organization or soon after. It was constituted a township in the spring of 1836. As originally organized, it embraced the two eastern tiers of sections of its present limits and four tiers of sections now embraced in Wyandot County. Each tier of sections was six sections long from north to south; thus the township embraced thirty-six sections. But upon the organization of Wyandot County, in 1845, the above-mentioned four tiers of sections were cut off and embraced in said county, when, to preserve the required territory and population for Jackson Township, two tiers of sections from the east side of Blanchard Township were struck off and embraced in said Jackson Township, which constituted its present limits, and is four sections wide from east to west, and six sections long from north to south, containing twenty-four square miles, or 15,360 acres. It is bounded on the north by Hancock and Wyandot Counties, on the east by Wyandot County, on the south by Goshen and Pleasant Townships and on the west by Jackson Town

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ship; hence its geographical position is the northeast corner of Hardin County.

The surface is generally very level. with some portions slightly undulating, except in the western and northwestern portions, or along the Blanch and River, where it is quite undulating and in some places hilly. In a few places the limestone crops out to the surface along this stream, and one or two good quarries are worked, from which some lime has been made of good quality, and large quantities of the stone have been broken up and used in the construction of roads and pikes.

The soil is exceedingly rich and fertile, and although, from the flatness of its surface and the saturable nature of the soil, it was originally very wet, yet, by a system of drainage, by ditching and tiling, it is now becoming very productive, and yields an abundant crop of wheat, corn, oats and hay; and as the system of drainage becomes more extended and perfected. so its productiveness and ease of cultivation are increasing.

The only stream of the township of any importance is the Blanchard River, the main stream entering this township in the southwest quarter of Section 23, and takes a zigzag course through the township a little east of north, and passes into Hancock County. In its course through Section 12, it receives its only tributary, in this township, which flows from the east border of the township in a northwest course, and emptying into the main stream as above-mentioned. The surface of this country was originally very heavily timbered. and requires a wonderful amount of toil and patient waiting of the pioneer to obtain a farm clear of stumps and roots, so as to be easy of cultivation.

This section was also, in an early day, quite affected with milk sickness, and being very flat and net. with a luxurious growth of vegetation, followed by a rapid decay of the same, was very subject to malarial diseases, such as chills and fever. The sufferings and hardships of the first settlers here were probably equal to, and perhaps exceeded, those of most other countries; but as the forests were cleared away, and the son's rays, with their evaporating and purifying powers, were permitted to exert their influence upon the soil and atmosphere, together with the effects of proper drainage, disease and sickness rapidly disappeared, until it is now considered as healthy and subject to as few diseases as the average of couutries. The progress in this particular, as well as the improvements of every kind, have been remarkable and rapid.

A little more than twenty years ago, the locality that now embraces the enterprising town of Forest was little more than a " frog pond," with just a few old frame houses set up on high blocks to keep them above the water. And not only has there been this wonderful improvement at and around Forest, but the township is now dotted all over with fine, cultivated farms and beautiful residences, showing a wonderful contrast to its former condition, and exhibiting a marked result from the indefatigable labors and enterprise of its citizens. In 1836, when this township was organized, there were less than a dozen voters in the entire township, as shown by the small number of votes cast at its first election. But after 1840, its settlement and progress was more rapid, as shown by the population at the various decennial periods since, as follows: In 1850, the township had a population of 530; in 1860, it had incressed to 913; in 1870, to 1,412; in 1880, to 2,200.

PIONEERS.

In this township we find no exception to the general rule in the locating of the first settlers; but observe that along the course of Blanchard River

672 - HISTORY OF HARDIN COUNTY.

were found its first pioneers. There is no question but that James E. Hueston was the first settler in what is now Jackson Township. In May, 1824, Mr. Hueston, with his family, came to Hardin County; but as a full sketch of this worthy pioneer will be found in Chapter. IV of the general history, we refer the reader to that chapter for a further mention of his life.

Robert S. Wilson was born in Medina County, Ohio, and in 1833 came to Marion Township, Hardin County, a poor boy. He succeeded in obtaining employment in clearing land and assisting the inexperienced early Settlers in erecting their log cabins. Game of all kinds was very plentiful, and one fall he sold coon skins enough, at 12 1/2 cents each, to purchase a barrel of flour at $6.50, which was quite a treat in those days. In this manner he worked, and by strict economy until be had reached manhood, he had saved money enough to purchase forty acres of land in the dense forests of Jackson Township. He then married, and commenced to clear a spot for his cabin, while his young wife sat close by on a log with her knitting He says that, while a hired young man, he cleared more than one hundred acres of land. After settling upon his own land and getting a good start in life, he commenced adding to his first piece more land, front time to time, till his farm contains 160 acres with good improvements. He is now living in Forest, where he has retired to spend the balance of his life in the enjoyment of the comforts of a competence which his own industry and energy has accumulated, an honored and respected citizen.

John Huffine came here from Pickaway County, Ohio, about 1829-30, and settled on land now owned by Samuel Briggs, where he resided several years, but subsequently removed to near Chillicothe. Peter Johnson, about 1833-35, came to this county, and settled on the northwest quarter of Section 26, which was then embraced in Blanchard Township. He resided here till his death. He served as a Justice of the Peace several years, a worthy and honored citizen.

John Howey came here from Richland County, but was a native of Pennsylvania. He settled on land where Patterson now is in 1834, remaining there through life an honored and upright citizen.

John Packer came from Richland County and settled in the northwest ern part of this township in 1834, where he resided many years, but subsequently removed to the West; finally returning to Ohio, he died in the southern part of the State.

Thomas Ketch, from Columbiana County, settled on land two miles west of Forest in 1834. After several years residence here he removed to Hancock County, and thence to Nebraska. He married Miss Sarah Yerian, who died, and he subsequently married Rachel :Mansfield. till his children moved to the West but one-Mary Ann, who married John Nous and resides in this township.

William Pisel came from Richland County about 1834, and settled where his widowstill resides, and here he died October 13, 1859, aged forty-eight years. Their children were Sarah Jane, Jeremiah, Reuben, John, Thomas, Elizabeth, Washington and Mary Ann.

John Ropp, a native of Virginia, emigrated to Ohio and settled in Logan County; thence, about 1833-34, removed to this county and settled on land on the Blanchard, now owned by his son, where he died September 3, 1838.

William Pimperton was born in Lincolnshire, England, in 1791, where he married Susannah Bassett. In March, 1827, they emigrated to America, landing at Port Hope, Canada, the foilowing bray. In June, 1835, he came

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to Hardin County, and entered 525 acres of land in Section 6, Jackson Township; returned to Canada, and, in 1838, brought his family to his new home. His wife died in 1846 and he in 1861.

Edward Warner was born in New Haven County, Conn., May 14, 1799, and when a lad, his parents, Richard and Polly Warner, removed to Cortland County, N. Y., but he remained with his grandfather in Connectic for some time, after which he went to his parents in New York. In the fall of 1828, he removed to Seneca County, Ohio. Before leaving New York, he married Sophronia Sales. In the fall of 1835, he removed to this county and settled on land now owned by Samuel Waltermire, in Section 5, Jackson Township. Here he opened out right in the woods, and commenced to erect a cabin. From the few settlers then in the vicinity, he could get but seven to help him raise his cabin, and as a substitute for men he used oxen to roll up the logs to their proper places. He has now been a resident in the county nearly half a century; has witnessed the wonderful transformation of these mighty forests to fine, cultivated farms and beautiful homes. He was present at the organization of the township, and cast his vote at the first election, and was elected one of the first Trustees. He is now eighty-four years of age, and almost. totally blind, having lost his sight about thirteen years ago. He is the father of nine children-Mary Othelia, Edward C., Bellva, Maria, Adeline, Lemira, Artemissa, Calvin E., Joseph V. and Sophronia C., all of whom, who now survive, have moved away.

Joseph Barnes, believed to have been a native of Pennsylvania, settled on the northwest quarter of Section 17 in 1835, where he resided several years; thence removed to Iowa. He was twice married, and raised a large family of children, who all moved away.

William Higgins was a native of Pennsylvania, where he married Mary A. Trissler. In 1835, with his wife and four children, he came to Ohio and settled on Section 2, this township; where he entered forty acres, and also forty acres in Section 11. He came through from his native State in a wagon, which he sold to raise money to enter his land. He died in 1859, in his eighty-fourth year. His wife still survives.

Stephen Purdy was a native of New York, where, in Dutchess County, he was married, February 1, 1817. In 1829, they removed to Ohio, and settled in Richland County. In 1836, they removed to this county and bought eighty acres in Section 12, where he followed his trade, that of a blacksmith. It is believed be was the first of that trade in Jackson Township. He died September 5, 1865, aged seventy-three years. His wife was Ann Tibbs, a native of New York, and still survives at the advanced age of eighty-three years.

Robert Briggs was born in Lincolnshire, England, where he married Mary Pickett, with whom he lived but a short time when, about 1834-or about one year after their arrival in this country and locating in Richland County, Ohio-she died, she, however, having borne him five children. In 1836, he removed to this county and purchased eighty acres of land in Section 2, in Jackson Township. He married, for his second wife, Mary Aldrich. She died, having borne him four children. Mr. Briggs died February 17, 1879, aged eighty years. He was a man of great moral worth, giving of his means freely for all educational and religious purposes and the general public good. Henry Zimmerman was a native of Mahoning County. Ohio, and married Elizabeth Bilger, of Columbiana County, and in the fall of 1836 removed to this county and settled south of Forest, on land

674 - HISTORY OF HARDIN COUNTY.

now owned by Aaron Chance, in Section 18, where he remained till his death. He died November 22, 1870, aged sixty-five years. His children were John, George W., Rebecca A., Mary, Elizabeth, Franklin, Isabell, Samuel and Sarah (twins), Stanley and Jennie.

John Zimmerman, also a native of Mahoning County, settled in this township about 1837, where he soon after died from that terrible disease, so troublesome among the early settlers, milk sickness.

John McVitty was born in Franklin County, Penn., April 25, 1808, of Scotch-Irish descent. He settled hare in 1837, entering a quarter section of land in Section 14. He taught, it is believed, the first school in the township, which was on the farm of Thomas Hueston. He died December 11, 1881. He was the father of twelve children, of whom five now survive. Mr. McVitty was one among the best of farmers, and an honorable and worthy citizen.

Jacob Zimmerman, native of Mahoning County, married Sarah -----, and settled here in 1837-38, location one mile east of Henry Zimmerman, where he died April 8, 1846, aged thirty-seven years. His children were Peter, Uriah, Theodore, Susanna, Solomon and Sarah all now deceased but Uriah, who now resides in Colorado.

David Warner, a brother of the above-mentioned Edward Warner, was born in Connecticut February 2, 1802, and came to New York State with his father's family, where he married Almira Robbins, a native of that State. In 1837, he emigrated to Ohio, and entered eighty acres of land in Jackson Township, and here he spent his entire life since--a period of nearly half a century. But of the particulars of the life of this worthy pioneer, we would refer the reader to the biographical department of this work, where his active, earnest and valuable labors of a long and well-spent life are briefly, yet faithfully, portrayed.

William C. Dewitt was born in Ulster County, N. Y., April 11, 1807. His father was a native of Holland, but emigrated to this country in an early day, and had one brother who served in the war of the Revolution. In 1818, they came to Ohio and settled in Richland County, but the father died in Delaware County. William C. grew to manhood in Richland County; thence, in 1828, he went to Seneca County, where he married Maria Norton, who was born in Tompkins County, N. Y., January 25,1818, and a daughter of Joseph and Elizabeth Norton. Mr. Dewitt was married, January 31, 1835, and. in 1837, they settled in this county, where he entered forty acres in Section 1, Jackson Township, and has since remained a resident of this township. He has borne his full share of pioneer life, and is now quite. aged and feeble. Their children have been as follows: Joseph M. (deceased), Charles F., who married Parmelia Johnson, by whom he had one child, Maggie M. (deceased); his wife died and he married Angeline Harris, by whom he had six children-Anna C., Guernsey B., Willie H., Sarah Bell, John D. and Calvin Edson; William H. married Catharine J. Petty; he died in the late war; Clavin C. married Margaret J. Harman, and had three children-Gussie R., George I. and Charles C. (deceased); Libbie E. married Joseph Zimmerman, has had three children-Charles C., Fannie Bell (deceased) and Franklin R.; David A. married Mrs. Mary E. George, have three children-Orrie M., William C. and Harry; Emily A. married David S. Gano, have one child-Amy Iona; Robert S. married Mrs. Maggie J. Dewitt; Josephine M. married Hiram T. Pingree, had one child, Elbert Earl (deceased).

Reuben Hamlin came here from Hancock County about 1838-39, and

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settled about one mile west of Forest, on the northwest quarter of Section 7, but, remaining a short time only, he removed into Wyandot County.

Jacob Bibbler, settled north of Forest, on land now owned by John Lafferty. William Copeland, who died in 1868, was an honored, early settler here. Many other early settlers. but who came some time later than the above-mentioned, who have been honored, useful and influential citizens of Jackson Township, will, we trust, be well represented in the biographical department of this work; therefore, we will not increase the list further here, but proceed to speak of other matters pertaining to the growth and progress of this township as it emerged from its primitive condition of a dense forest and a total wilderness.

ROADS AND PUBLIC HIGHWAYS.

From the description above given of the soil and surface of Jackson Township and the naturally bad condition o f the first roads opened out here, it would be expected that the people would desire an improvement at the earliest possible moment. For in such a deep, rich soil, and a country so level and wet as this was originally, the mud roads were, during some portions of the year, almost impassable: but for several years they have been ditching and draining off the surplus water, and have graveled several roads, so that most of the leading lines of roads are in quite a good condition. From Kenton to Forest is a good pike, running just east of and parallel with the Indianapolis, Bloomington & Western Railroad. Another pike is built from Forest directly west to the township line, and there meets a good pike, which runs north and south on the said line the entire length of the township. These, with some others recently built and in process of building, will place the township in quite a good condition as regards its public roads.

Two railroads pass through the township, the Indianapolis, Bloomington & Western passing diagonally from northeast to southwest, nearly from corner to corner of the same, and crossing the other road at Forest, viz., the Pittsburgh, Fort Wayne & Chicago Railway, wbich passes through the second tier of sections from the northern boundary line, from east to west. These give excellent shipping facilities for grain, stock, lumber and all kinds of products and merchandise, whether in the way of exports or imports.

OFFICIALS.

The early records of the, officials and elections of Jackson Township are not to be found, and are probably either lost or destroyed. But we are informed that the first election was held at the house of Joseph Barnes; then, for several successive years, they were held at the house of Israel Yauger, and then the place was regularly established at Patterson, and all voters of the township at each election repaired there to exercise their political prerogatives, until, a few years since, Forest became quite populous, and the township was divided into two voting precincts, one at Patterson and one at Forest. At the first election above mentioned, held at the house of Joseph Barnes, the following officers were elected, viz.: Trustees, Edward Warner, Joseph Barnes and Harry Bowers; Justice of the Peace, John Howey; Clerk, Mathew Cleveland; Treasurer, Jacob Deeringer. In 1881, there were cast the following number of votes: Pattorson Precinct, 215; Forest, 297; total, 512. The present officers of the township are: Trustees, John McElree, John Weir and William Metzker; Clerk, W. S. Dyer; Treasurer, A. D. Pifer; Constables, G. W. Smith and Samuel Grafton.

678 - HISTORY OF HARDIN COUNTY.

SCHOOLS.

As the first settlement was made on the Blanchard, and the first family was Mr. James E. Hueston, so here. on the east side of that stream, on Mr. Hueston's land, near where the cemetery is located, or near where the pike crosses the stream, was erected the first schoolhouse-one of the primitive log houses-and John McVitty is said to have been the first teacher. This schoolhouse was used for school purposes about five years, at the expiration of which a new one was built on Section 12, on land which is now owned by D. Kellogg, and about the same time one was erected on Section 2, near where the District No. 2 Schoolhouse now stands. And thus, as the settlements increased in the various portions over the township, new districts were formed and schoolhouses erected; and finally the old, primitive cabins were supplanted by good frame and brick houses. And now (1882-83), the following is the condition of the schools in the township and in the towns of Forest and Patterson, as shown by the reports of the Boards of Education: Total receipts for school purposes for the schools (excluding those in Forest and Patterson), $5,029.30; total expenditure for the same, $3,615.95; balance on hand the 1st of September, 1882, $1,413.35. Number of schoolhouses. 5; number of teachers necessary to supply the same, 5: average wages of teachers-male, $33.93; female, $19.50. Average number of weeks schools were in session, 27;; enrollment of scholars-boys, 96: girls, 100; total, 196. Total value of school property, $5,000.

Patterson Union Schools-One schoolhouse, with three rooms; teachers employed, 1 male and 2 females, total, 3; wages of male teacher, $60 ; females, $25. Number of weeks schools were in session, 28; number scholars enrolled-primary and intermediate rooms, 88; high school, 31; total, 119. Total receipts of funds for school purposes, $1,258.06; total expenditures for the same, $934.38; balance on hand September 1, 1882, $323.68.

Forest Union Schools-Total receipts for school purposes, $3,564.93; total expenditures for the same, $2,252.11; balance on hand September 1, 1882, $1,312.82. Number of houses, 1; rooms, 4; teachers, 1 male, 4 females, total, 5. Wages, per month--male, $66 2/3; female, $33. Number of weeks the schools were in session, 36; scholars enrolled--primary and intermediate, 225; high school, 39; total, 264.

TOWNS AND VILLAGES.

There are two incorporated towns in Jackson Township- Patterson and Forest. The former was platted and surveyed by Charles Arentschields, for P. C. Boslow and H. G. Harris, August 29, 1846, Mr. Boslow owning all the land on the west side of Kenton street and Mr. Harris all on the east side. The name proposed for the town was Petersburg, but when the plat was recorded it was named Patterson, in honor of Robert Patterson, of Bellefontaine, Ohio, who was Secretary and Treasurer of the Mad River & Lake Erie Railroad, now the Indianapolis, Bloomington & Western, who was a special friend of Mr. Boslow. Since the original plat of the town was made and recorded, the following additions have been made: First, by H. G. Harris, on April 14, 1855; second, by George W. Jackson, December 13, 1855, and third, by John Funk, January 30, 1866. The town, as first incorporated, embraced four entire sections of land, viz., Sections 17, 18, 19 and 20, and remained thus until February 6, 1883, when it was reduced to its present limits of less than one-quarter of a section. The first building erected in the town plat was a frame, by P. C. Boslow, 18x24 feet.

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The timber was sawed with a "whip saw," and this was said to be the first frame building in the township. Into this Capt. Boslow put a general stock of goods, which was the first store in Jackson Township. In about two years after, Capt. Boslow sold the building to William Buel, of Cary, Ohio, and erected another building, into which he moved his stock of goods. He also erected a warehouse at the railroad for the purpose of receiving grain and all kinds of produce for shipping to distant markets. Capt. Boslow rode on the first train ever run over the road, from Sandusky to Bellevue in May, 1838. The road was completed to Kenton in July, 1816. The engineer who ran the first train to Bellevue from Sandusky was a Mr. Hogg; the Chief Engineer, R. M. Shoemaker.

The first blacksmith in Patterson was Samuel Lewis.

The first hotel was a log house. which was moved from Thomas Ketch's farm, one mile and a half east, and was kept by Dr. Stanley; this was occupied as a house of public entertainment until he could erect a new house; it was called " The Hunters' Retreat." The new hotel, when erected, was known as the " Sylvia Hotel." Previous to Dr. Stanley's opening his tavern, Capt. Boslow used to accommodate the traveling public at his little log cabin, and was not accustomed to make any charge, but they became so numerous that he finally decided to charge "one shilling" per meal. On one occasion-a very wet and disagreeable day-Mr. Cook, of Blanchard, was passing through, wet and hungry, called for a dinner and to have his horse fed; when he came to settle his bill, he was charged two shillings; Mr. Cook laughed at the price, and told him he should have charged 50 cents. This incident illustrates the hospitality and low prices of the early settlers in those days.

The first physician was A. F. Stanley; Capt. Bnslow's and A. F. Stanley's families were the first two located in Patterson. The next merchants to succeed Mr. Buel were Lewis & Hare. A post office, named Sylvia, was established here about 1847-48, with either Dr. A. F. Stanley or Mr. Lewis as Postmaster. Subsequently, about 1850, the name of the post office was changed to Patterson, by which name it has since been known. In 1847, the elections which had previously, for years, been held at McVitty's Schoolhouse, were held at Patterson.

The first carpenter to locate here was a Mr. Carr; and Caleb Gardner was the first cooper. The town grew very rapidly, and did a large business in lumber and mercantile trade for several years. About 1848, Isaiah Ickes built a tannery, which did an extensive business for thirty years. During this period, Mr. Ickes was succeeded by Mr. Walker, and he by J. M. Nelson, and the last to conduct the business was Alexander League.

The town now contains a population of about four hundred, with one general store, by M. C. McVitty, who is doing a large and prosperous trade; one grocery, by J. Swimley; one hotel, by John Perry; one blacksmith shop, by Funk Bros.; one wagon shop, by William Silverthorn; one shoe shop, by P. Woodard; one drug store, by Mr. Phillips; one billiard room, by D. Wilson; one grist mill, which is the building formerly used as the warehouse, which was transformed into a mill in 1863 by a joint-stock company, and subsequently bought by Capt. P. C. Boslow, who was succeeded by John Pouch, of Upper Sandusky, the present proprietor; one saw mill, erected by H. G. Harris in 1847, now owned by Funk Bros., and one cooper shop, by D. R. Timmons. There are two churches, Presbyterian and Methodist, and one good brick schoolhouse with three rooms, erected in 1867 at a cost of about $5,000.

680 - HISTORY OF HARDIN COUNTY.

Forest. It would appear, from the records at Kenton, that some difficulty arose or some peculiar condition of things existed at the time of Lie survey and laying-out of Forest, as we find recorded that John A. Gormley was appointed a Commissioner by the Court of Common Pleas of Hardin County, at their June term in 1854, to act in the premises under especial authority, and that the survey was made and the town laid off in lots, streets and alleys by J. Harvey Davis, and the same platted and recorded, being duly acknowledged by said John A. Gormley March 13, 1855. hue town was incorporated, on petition of fifty-six resident voters, by the Com missioners, September 6, 1865, since which there have been the following additions, viz.:

Addition by John A. Gormley, September 6, 1866.

Addition by Josiah Smith, September 10, 1867.

Addition by Josiah Smith, January 4, 1868.

Addition by John Campbell (outlets), March 26, 1863.

Addition by John Campbell (outlets), May 31, 1869.

Addition by J. F. Lillibridge, August 25, 1869.

Addition by Hiram Wise. November 8, 1869.

Addition by John Campbell (outlets). November 30, 1869.

Addition by S. F. Moore, December 16, 1869.

Addition by Pearce & Hueston (outlets), September 10, 1867.

Increase of corporation limits by extension, September 7, 1870.

Addition by Isaac Garrett, October 27, 1871.

Addition by Kellogg &, Bohannon, December 2, 1871.

Addition by W. M. Pickett, December 2 1871.

Addition by H. P. Gage, January 25, 1872.

Addition by John Campbell, April 3, 1873.

Addition by. H. O. Hotchkiss, December 14,1881.

Addition by Henry M. Miller, January 7, 1882.

Addition by Gormley Brothers, April 27, 188'2.

The first store in Forest was opened by Dr. Atwood; the second by Josiah Smith.

The first hotel was a frame building, erected and kept by Mr. P. Carson, on the site of the present Forest City House. John Mansfield was the first blacksmith. Dr. J. A. Stansill, the first physician. The Mad River & Lake Erie Railroad was built and the first train ran through here to Kenton July 4, 1846. The Pittsburgh, Fort Wayne & Chicago Railway was built in 1853-54, and in the latter year, the first train ran through Forest. The trussing of these two railroads here was the cause of the laying out of the town. But the town never grew or enjoyed any great prosperity till about 1870, at which time it seemed to receive a new impetus, and during the last six years has made a rapid growth in population and in business. It now has a population of about 1, 200, embracing the following businesses: Three dry goods stores, A. D. Pifer, West & Shott and the New York Store, by M. Berkiwitz; three hardware stores, T. S. Williams, R. C. Wiley & Cu., and Beanman & Co.; one general store, by E.. Horton; seven groceries; two drug stores; several saloons; one boot and shoo store; two stove and tin stores, on., of which-L. Struble-makes a specialty of iron roofing and does an extensive business in that line, he having letters patent for the article of which he is the patentee; one furniture store and undertaker; one furniture manufacturer; two harness and saddler shops; two millinery stores; two livery stables; one grist mill, erected about 1879 by Owens Bros., now owned by Henry Merchantell; one saw and planing mill, erected by Young,

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Almy & Co., in 1881, who are still the proprietors and are doing a large business; one warehouse and grain dealer and shipper; two tile manufacturers, Lambright & Fogelsong and Frederick Berlin; four physicians: J. A. Stansill, W. T. Gemmill, W. A. Swimley and Dr. Perce; two attorneys, R. Rice and B. W. Waltermire; there are two hotels-Scott House and Forest City House; three churches-Methodist Episcopal, Presbyterian and Methodist Protestant, and one fine, brick union school building, erected in 1872 at a cost of about $7,000.

There is one weekly newspaper called the News. It was establishes in August, 1875, by J. J. Wilkins, and was conducted by him until September 17, 1877, when it was purchased by Harvey S. Horn, the present publisher and proprietor. In August, 1878, the name of the paper was changed to the Review. It now has a circulation of 850, and under the management of its present enterprising and gentlemanly editor, we feel assured that the community will be furnished with an excellent local paper, and that its circulation will increase.

SECRET SOCIETIES

Senate Lodge of F. & A. M., No. 378, Forest, Ohio, was granted a dispensation, empowering them with privileges as a lodge, October 17, 1866, for whom a charter was duly granted on October 17, 1867, with the following charter members: J. A. Stansill, J. M. Pearce. G. B. Shultz, Bus ler Case, J. Heffenan, Alexander Shoemaker, George Stephens, John Campbell, R. C. Wiley, A. F. Stanley, W. H. Seymour, D. Case and David Newcomb, and officered as follows: J. A. Stansill, W. M.; J. M. Pearce, S. W.: George Stephens, J. W.; A. F. Stanley, Treas.; R. C. Wiley, Sec B. Case, S. D.; W. H. Seymour, J. D., and Alexander Shoemaker, T. The lodge meets in Masonic Hall on Tuesday evening on or before each full moon of every month. Present membership, forty-one. Present officer: R. C. Wiley, W. M.; F. B. Reese, S. W.; W. T. Gemmill, J. W.; W. K. Evans, Sec.; C. W. Wykoff, Treas. : B. W. Waltermire, S. D.; A. Shoe maker, J. D., and M. Briggs, T.

Forest Lodge, I. O. O. F., No. 394, was instituted by John A. Lee, G. M., July 17, 1867, with the following charter members: A. W. Worley, John Loubert, J. Van Tilbury, Adam Moore, Amos Waltermire, William Miller B. W. McClosky, and officered as follows: A. W. Worley, N. G J. Loubert, V. G.; B. W. McClosky, R. See.; A. S. Waltermire, P. Sec., and Adam Moore, Treas. The lodge meets at the Odd Fellows Hall, in Odd Fellows Block, every Friday evening. Present membership, fifty-six, and officered as follows: W. J. Robey, N. G.; George A. Park, V. G.; Charles G. Wells, Sec., and Joseph L. Shields, Treas.

Hope Encampment, No. 160, Forest, Ohio, was instituted May 8, 1872, William H. Hazlitt, R. W. G. P., with the following charter member A. W. Worley, William Miller, W. H. Morris, B. F. Gardner, Solomon Kegg, D. W. Alter and John Loubert. Officers: A. W. Worley, C. P.; D. W. Alter, H. P.; John Loubert, S. W.; Solomon Kegg, J. W.; W . H. Morris, S., and B. F. Gardner, Treas. They meet in Odd Fellows Hall every second and fourth Monday evenings of each month. Present membership, thirty-three. Officers: A. D. Pifer, C. P. H. V. Waltermire, S. W.: A. J. Baker, J. W.; W. H. Herman, S. and S. Zimmerman, Tress:

Gormley Lodge, Knights of Honor, No. 1955, was instituted, December 31, 1879, by J. B. King, Deputy, of Westerville, Ohio, with the following charter members: C. A. Stockton, W. T. Gemmill, W. A. Van Horn, H.

682 - HISTORY OF HARDIN COUNTY.

S. Horn, T. J. Cellar, E. H. Cook, E. A. Cook, J. A. Pittsford; Jonathan Bowser, J. J. Myer, B. W. Waltermire and D. T. Robey. Officers: B. AV. Waltermire, D.; D. T. Robey, y. D.; H. S. Horn, R.; E. H. Cook, F. R., and C. A. Stockton, Treas. They meet in Odd Fellows Hall the first and third Monday evenings of each month. The present membership is twentytwo. Officers: F. B. Reese, D.; McD. Harmas, Y. D.; H. S. Horn. R.; C. C. Harman, F. R., and D. W. Taft, Treasurer.

CHURCHES.

Harmony Presbyterian Church, it is believed, was organized in 1848, with the following constituent members: D. H. Warner and wife, Samuel Dunlap and wife, David Armstrong and wife, Robert Armstrong, A. W. W Worley and wife, Abraham Clark and wife, Joseph McClurg and wife, Adam McClurg, Robert McMaster and wife, Reuben Gilliland and wife, William Moore and Mr. Allen. The chinch was organized by Rev. Mr. Clark, who preached a few times and was succeeded by Rev. Messrs. Graham, Emerson, Van Eman and perhaps one or two others. At the organization, A. W. Worley and Samuel Dunlap were chosen Elder,. In May, 1857, the church was divided; twenty-seven members, with two others, were organized into the Patterson Church. The name "harmony" was now dropped, and "Forest" substituted in its place. The church «-as organized in the house of D. H. Warner, where they continued to worship for a time; then in a little schoolhouse; then in Mr. Warner's barn; then, again, in the schoolhouse, and then in the churches of the Methodist Episcopal and Methodist Protestant denominations until, in 1876, they erected the church edifice they now occupy, at a cost of about $1,700. The ministers who have served this church since the division of the old Harmony Church have been as follows: Revs. R. H. Holliday, W. Dalzell, J. K. Kost, James Pelan, W. M. Reed, R. M. Badeau, Henry Bain, J. B. Strain, W. F. Cellar and T. J. Cellar, the present supply, who has served the churches of Forest and Patterson for ten Years. The Elders have been D. H. Warner, Adam McClurg, James Clark, John Alter, Dr. J. A. Stansill, Thomas Clark, D. W. Taft and Henry Schriver. Those now in service are D. H. Warner, John Alter, James Clark, D. W. Taft and Henry Schriver. The Trustees are David Alter, S. P. Zimmerman and Russell Price. The present number of communicants is sixty-five.

Patterson Presbyterian Church was organized May 28, 1857, by Rev R. H. Holliday-just after the division of the old Harmony Church-assisted by Elder B. Mansfield, a committee of the Presbytery of Findlay, with the following members: A. W. Worley and wife, Mrs. Harriet Boslow, Robert McMaster and wife, Miss Sarah Gardner, R. L. Chase and wife, Mrs. Frances McVitty, Mrs. Eliza B. Seymour, Mary A. Donnelly, -- Shay, E. Kettlewell, Sarah Hempstead, E. A. Clark, M. A. Clark, Isaiah Iches and wife, D. S. Kellogg, Isabella Kellogg, Richard Sanford, William Fitch and wife, Ann Huston, Ann Watt, Emily Ward, Margaret Howey and William B. Shoemaker and wife. A. W. Worley and Isaiah Iches were chosen Ruling Elders. The present church edifice was erected in 1856. P. C. Boslow, R. L. Chase and A. W. Worley were the Building Committee. In April, 1871, a difficulty arose and a separation was the result, seventeen members taking letters to other churches. The ministers who have served this church are Revs. R. H. Holliday, W. Dalzell, J. K. Kost, James Pelan, W. M. Reed, R. M. Badeau, Henry Bain, J. B. Strain, W. H. Hounell, and T. J. Cellar, who has served the church ten years. The

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Elders have been A. W. Worley, Isaiah Iches, William H. Seymour, William Fitch, John Funk, E. H. Beardsley, Robert McMaster, Nicholas Iches, James B. Pool, George P. Codding, R. S. Latham and J. W. Iches. Those now in active service are W. H. Seymour, James B. Pool, R. S. Latham and J. W. Iches. Trustees, W. H. Seymour, J. W. Iches and Abram Hemmerly. The present membership is fifty.

Forest Methodist Protestant Church, it is believed, was organized in the fall of 1869, by Rev. Mr. Evans. The organization took place in the Methodist Episcopal Church, and consisted of the following members: Dr. J. T. Lillibridge and wife, Sidney Moore and wife, Thompson Moore and wife, Mrs. D. B. Branch, Miss Miriam Mansfield, Mrs. Harlow Cook, Elnora Cook, George Bushong, Maggie Liles, Mrs. Martha Pearce, Mrs. Fanny Campbell, Eli Wells and wife, Richard Wells, Mrs. George Stephens, Anna Stephens, E. W. McClosky and wife, Thomas Callahan and wife, Augustus Caverly and wife, Miss Mercy Caverly, Dr. J. T. Gemmill and wife, John Wells and possibly a few others. They held services occasionally in the Methodist Episcopal Church until the summer of 1870, when they erected their present neat and commodious brick church. at a cost of about $4,000. The ministers who have served as pastors are Revs. Evans, Adams, Baker, Thrailkill, R. K. Davis, W. M. Creamer, Dr. J. Flood. Cadwallader, W. R. Seuman and A. A. Munson, who is the present pastor in charge. The first Class Leader was Eli Wells; the present one now in service is Samuel Bushong. Present membership is over one hundred. A good Sabbath school is connected with the church, with an average attendance of about seventy, with Samuel Bushong as Superintendent.

Saint Peter's German Reformed Church was organized August 16, 1868, at Forest, by Rev. Charles Shoaf, with fifteen members; but it continued for only a brief period, when the organization ceased and has never been re-organized.

Catholic Church, Forest.'-About fifteen or twenty years ago, there were about fourteen Catholic families at Forest. Their number, however, never increased sufficiently to warrant the erection of a church; for, although new families would be added from time to time, yet death took away many of the members, whilst others moved to places closer to a church and Catholic school, so that at present only eight families remain. Thus, of the earliest Catholic settlers, John Sullivan, William Bowler, Thomas Manning, Peter Brown and James Dorgan died at Forest; Louis Bittel and Thomas Mongiven departed this life after moving elsewhere; Ferdinand Kurtz, James Moran and James Lilis are living at other places, whilst the Widow Manning, the Widow Curtin and the family of Jacob Schotts still remain. The first priests coming to Forest were Fathers Mathias, Kreusch, Henry Drees and Patrick Henneberry, of the Society of the Most Precious Blood. Father Mathias the people used to call " the old saint." Afterward Father Murphy, from Lima, attended; then again Father Mathias and Father Christian French, C. P. P. S. From 1866, the priests stationed at Kenton attended this place, as a rule, once in each month, generally on week days but exceptionally on Sundays. Then came, in order, Fathers Nicholas Raymond Young, Augustine M. Quatman, Nicholas J. V. Fas, and, toward the end of 1871, the writer of this sketch. Forest remained in our charge ever since, excepting about seven months in 1881., when the priest of Bellefontaine, Rev. Honoratus Bourion, had received the appointment. Our rev-

* By A. S. Siebenfoercher.

684 - HISTORY OF HARDIN COUNTY.

erend assistants, mentioned elsewhere in this work, very frequently conducted divine worship at this station. At first, service was held principally in the houses of Mr. Kurtz and Mr. Moran. The former still remembers helping Father Patrick to make the first rough confessional. In 1875, we celebrated mass in one of the rooms of F the public school building. We recollect teaching catechism and hearing confession in one room, whilst the teachers' institute met in the other. Since 1875, service has been held in the house of Mr. Schotts. Among the more devoted members, for the last nine years, Jacob Weiman deserves to be honorably mentioned.

Patterson :Methodist Episcopal Church. - We have been unable to obtain as full and complete a history of this society as we desired, from the fact that all its first members, it appears, have passed away, either by death or removal; but, from the best information we could obtain, it was organized about 1847, in the old log schoolhouse just east of the village, by Rev. Fechtly. Some of the members were as follows, viz.: A. F. Stanley. Elizabeth Price, Mrs. Purdy, John Jackson and Henry Zimmerman and wife Betsey, wits A. F. Stanley as Class Leader. They held services in the schoolhouse until about 1852, when they erected their present frame church. which was duly dedicated to service. The society has had its seasons of prosperity and its times of adversity. They had, at one time, a season of great revival, and forty persons were taken into full connection in the church. At its maximum of prosperity, it has had a membership of about a hundred and forty members. Some of the early ministers were Revs. Williams, Hagerman, Joseph Good, ,Joseph Wykes, Enos Holmes, I. N. Smith and Bigley. The present membership is seventythree, with Rev. J. H. Cater in charge. Stewards, Freeman Owen, Benjamin Jackson, C. L. Freeman Owen, John Gardner and Z. Sherwood.

Forest Methodist Episcopal Church.-The early history of this church is nearly gone to oblivion, like that of the Patterson Church. It was, however, probably organized a few years later Than that at Patterson. Some of the first members are believed to have been as follows: Rev. Bainbridge, Henry Bainbridge, Andrew Bainbridge, Mr. Blue and Conrad Zimmerman. Their church building was the first erected in Forest, and has gradually increased in membership until now (1883) the church has a membership of 120 with Rev. J. H. Cater as its pastor, and J. S. Hale, Samuel Briggs and E. H. Van Buren, Stewards. Class Leaders are E. D. Cole, NV. K. Evans and J. H. Forney.

CEMETERIES.

The first established burial-place in this township is on the Hueston land, on the bank of the Blanchard, in the southwest corner of Section 1, and was dedicated to the reception of the dead by James E. Hueston, on the death of his wife, Mrs. Margaret Hueston, who died August 18, 1831, and whose body is deposited here. and from that time to the present has received many of the dead of the early settlers of this neighborhood. The old Patterson Cemetery, situated half a mile northwest of Patterson, on the north line of Section 18, was generously donated for burial purposes by Josiah Price about 1849-50. A few years since, it was deeded to the Trustees, and is now kept fenced end put in order by them. Here rest the remains of many of the early and prominent men of Patterson and vicinity, such as A. W. Worley. Dr. A. F. Stanley, John McVitty, Henry Zimmerman and many others. Patterson Cemetery, situated just a few rods further, and on the opposite side of the road from the old cemetery, was

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PAGE 686 - PICTURE OF WILLIAM STEWART

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purchased by the Trustees for burial purposes, and it is believed received the body of the child of Capt. P. C. Boslow for the first burial in these grounds, since which there have been deposited here the remains of William Pisel, Josiah Price, Stephen Purdy, William Copeland and others.