568 - HISTORY OF SENECA COUNTY.

CHAPTER XXI.

LIBERTY TOWNSHIP.

PRIOR to 1832, anal dating back to 1820, this division of the county was known as Town 3 north, Range 14 east. In the latter year it was surveyed into quarter sections by J. T. Worthington, who made his headquarters at James Montgomery's home in Pleasant Township. In June 1832 the commissioners granted the prayer of petitioners, residents of what is now Liberty, asking to be set off from Seneca Township, and organized. In April, 1833, the first meeting was held. The petition was presented by John L. Flack. In 1830 the whole number of inhabitants in old Seneca Township was only 369, of which number only a dozen or so belonged to this portion of it. In 1840 the population of this township was 1,084, and forty years later, 2,157; a reference to the statistics at the close of this chapter will point out its increase in general wealth.

The Northwestern Ohio Railroad runs north by west through the township passing through Bettsville, the "Nickel Plate" Railroad runs across the, township from Section 30, leaving at Section 12, and the Lake Erie & Western Railroad cuts across its northwestern corner, passing through Kansas.

The Niagara rock presents many exposures throughout the township. The boulder formation characterizes a tract. in the northeastern sections over a mile wide and extending through three sections east and west. A writer for D. J. Stewart in 1874, aptly describes this peculiar formation: "In some places the limestone rock literally covers the ground. In other localities in the immediate neighborhood it is not quite so thickly strewn with this stone, and tolerable crops of wheat and other cereals are produced. By contraction with the atmosphere, the limestone loses its original brownish shade, and is transformed into a white, giving the land a singular appearance when viewed from a distance. The county, generally, is peculiarly free from stony land, which renders the appearance of so much, just in this one spot, rather a remarkable geological feature." The soil of the township is in general very fertile, and largo areas show deep and heavy loam. The artificial drains and tributaries of Wolf Creek, and its eastern fork take off the overflow, and leaves the soil in the finest condition for cultivation. Wolf Creek enters the township in the northwest quarter of Section 19, flows in a tortuous course generally northeast past Bettsville, and leaves the county in the northwest quarter of Section 2. The east fork of this wandering creek flows through the southeastern section. The county drain runs generally due north from Hopewell and enters Wolf Creek in Section 8. Two or three other artificial channels as well as tributary streams complete a perfect drainage system.

Organic, and Official. -Liberty Township was established June 5, 1832, and the first annual election held April 1, 1833. The officers elected were E. W. Brook, Jacob Kime and John Rosenberger, trustees; John Craun, clerk; Eben. Conway and Nicholas Rumbaugh, constables; Adam Flack, Isaac Hartsock, James Judson, Levi Crissy and Joseph H. Conway, supervisors. The records from 1833 to 1863 are either lost or in such a bad condition as to leave a list

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of officers for those years without the authenticity, which reports of elections alone bestow. In 1851., Dennis Maloy signs other records as township clerk; James Lott served as clerk from 1852 to 1854; Alex. Feasel, 1855; John Good, 1856-57; James Lewis, 1858; Jacob Thomas, 1859-60; Jacob Powell, 1861-63; A. J. Feasel, 1863; Jacob Thomas, 1864-65; Edward Pope, 1866; James Lott, 1867--69; William Shuman, 1870; Jacob Feasel, 1871-75; Michael Lynch, 1876; John Edwards, 1877; D. Shuman, 1878; W. Short, 1879; M. W. Bliss and D. Richards, 1880; H. H. Geyer and J. R. Betts, 1881; J. R. Betts, 1882; C. J. Thomas, 1883; C. O. Snyder, 1884-85.

The trustees from 1864 to 1885 are named as follows:

1864.- Nicholas Rosenberger, L. Z. Wagner, Sam Bower.

1865.- -John Long, Ezra Cromer, Moses Hosler.

1866.--John Baughman, G. H. Feasel, Nathan Littler.

1867-68.- William Robertson, John Lynch, W. C. Lybarger.

1869.-R. Littler, R. Williams, William Flack.

1870.--N. H. Remsburg, Aug. Hoke, Ezra Cromer.

1871.--- J. W. Powell, William Robertson, N. H. Remsburg.

1872.-Amos Deal, William Robertson, N. H. Remsburg.

1873.-- -Samuel Lefler, William Robertson, N. H. Remsburg.

1874.-- Jacob Kimmett, John Weaver, N. H. Remsburg.

1875.-Hiram Cromer, J. B. Weaver, N. H. Remsburg.

1876.---Hiram Cromer, J. B. Weaver, N. H. Remsburg.

1877.---James Fry, John Halters, N. H. Remsburg.

1878.---Anson Anderson, Jacob A. Zeis, J. H. Fry.

1879. -- -Renben Hefner, William Flack, J. H. Fry.

1880.-Benjamin Stackhouse, G. W. Hartsock, R. N. Lybarger.

1881.--H. Frankhouser, John A. Jones, John Edwards.

1882.----John W. Angus, W. S. Sheats, John A. Jones. .

1883.----Walter R. Betts, G. W. Hartsock, John B. Weaver.

1884.--Edward Chapman, John Edwards, Upton Ash, trustees; J. L. Hosler and Bradford Struble, justices.

The officers elected in April, 1885, are Edward Chapman, John Edwards, Upton Ash, trustees; C. O. Snyder, clerk; M. A. Smith, treasurer; Ammon Freese and George Schuster, assessors; L. T. Ruggles, J. F. Shaull and Alvin Luman, constables: Bradford Struble and J. L. Hosler, justices of the peace.

Pioneers and 01d Residents. Henry and Eliza (Loft) Abbott, parents of Mrs. J. H. Davidson, of Bettsville (who is a native of Seneca County), were early settlers . . . . Dr. James A. Andrews, a native of Philadelphia, and who died in 1860, came, in 1837, to the farm now occupied by his widow, Mrs. Emy (Rozell) Andrews, who was born in New Jersey ....Jacob and Sarah (Willerson) Ash, natives of Maryland, parents of Jacob Ash, of Liberty Township (who was born in the house he now lives in, in 1836), came to Liberty Township in 1832, and here died .. ..Jacob and Sarah (Kountz) Ash, natives of Maryland, parents of Abraham Ash, of Fostoria (and who was born in 1824 in Pennsylvania), came to Ohio in 1831, and settled in Liberty Township. Jacob Ash died in 1853 at the age of sixty-three. Abraham Ash laid out and had surveyed the present village of Kansas in the interest of his brother Jacob, and was instrumental in getting postoffice established there, being first postmaster . . . . George and Tishey (Reed) Ash, parents of Upon Ash, came to Liberty Township in 1833.

Nathan and Phoebe (Caulkin) Betts, parents of Mrs. Nicholas Rosenberger, of Liberty Township (who was born in New York State in 1820), located in Liberty Township in 1884 .. . .John and Barbara (Boyer) Betts, parents of

570 - HISTORY OF SENECA COUNTY.

Michael Betts, of Liberty Township (who was born in Pennsylvania in 1809), came to Wayne County in 1821, and to Liberty Township, this county, in 1832, locating on Section 3, where John Betts caused to be laid out the twenty-one original lots of Bettsville in 1838 . . . .John Balty, a German, settled hero in 1857 . . . . Jacob O. Bowlus in 1864 . . . . John Baughman, father of Mrs. Henry Hostler, of Hopewell Township, was an old settler of Liberty Township .. .. Moses and Martha (Robinson) Bower, parents of Mrs. Upton Ash, mother of Edmund R. Ash. of Liberty Township, were among the earliest well-known settlers here . . . . George and Julia (Scott) Byron, natives of Maryland, parents of Mrs. Jacob Ash, of Liberty Township (who was born in this county in 1838), were early settlers . . . . David W. Brown came from Frederick County, Md., to Seneca County in 1834, died in Liberty Township, June 20, 1885. He rosided at Tiffin in 1834-36, where he rented the old Lloyd Norris farm, and in 1840 moved on his lands in Liberty Township . . . . George Brown, one of the pioneer residents of Liberty Township, died in July, 1885. Mr. Brown was nighty-three years of age, and had resided in Liberty Township over fifty years.

Ezra and Sarah (Craun) Cromer, natives of Maryland, parents of Squire Hiram Cromer, of Liberty Township (who was born here in 1844), were among the early settler, of this county, where Mr. Cromer died in 1881.

David and Diana (Lowman) Dicken, parents of John R. Dicken, of Bloom Township settled in Liberty Township, this county, in 1831 ; David Dicken died in 1871, his widow in 1873.

George and Laura (Hine) Emerine, parents of Andrew Emerine, of Fostoria (who was born in Germany in 1830), came to America in 1835 and settled in Liberty Township.

Adam and Mary Flack, parents of the late Mrs. Abraham Ash, of Fostoria, settled in Liberty Township in 1826 . . . . William Flack came from Maryland in 1828 . . . . Michael Fisher from Germany in 1848.

John F. Gassman, a native of Germany, born in 1812, came to America in 1833, and to Liberty Township in 1834. He died in 1863.

Jacob Hosler, grandfather of James L. Hosler, was among the very early settlers, . . . .Moses Heffner came from Pennsylvania in 1848 . . . . Joseph M. 1 Hammer, an old settler of Liberty Township, ended his life by suicide in November, 1885

Henry fern, an Ohioan, came in 1847.

Nathan Littler, a Virginian, came in 1839; Amandus Lutz, an Ohioan, in 1855.

Daniel Martin, and his brother Peter built, in 1838, the first house in Bettsville ....Levi Mccollom, who died in 1836, owned the west half of the northwest quarter and the west half of the southwest quarter of Section 25 . . . . Mrs. Daniel Martin (nee Mary Betts) died September 8, 1885, in her seventy-fifth year ....David Martin, whose widow now resides at old Fort Seneca, was an early settler . . . . William Montgomery, father of William Montgomery (the latter born near Tiffin in 1827 and still living), and grandfather of J. W. Montgomery, of Liberty Township, was one of the first settlers of this county . . . . J. B. and Sarah (Greene) Murray, parents of Mrs. J. 41'. :Montgomery, of Liberty Township (who was born here in 1863), may have been early settlers of the county.

John Null, a Virginian, came in 1838 . . . . James A. Norton, an Ohioan, Bottled here in 1843.

Jacob and Annie (Beck) Omwake, many of whose family died of cholera in 1855, parents of Mrs. Hiram Cromer, of Liberty Township (who was born in Pennsylvania in 1846), came to this county in 1844.

George and Catharine (Null) Puffenberger, parents of John Puffenberger, of Liberty Township (who was born in Virginia in 1823), were

LIBERTY TOWNSHIP. - 571

the first. settlers in Liberty Township, coming in 1825 and entering land in Section 28. Mr. Puffenberger died in 1850, his widow in 1877 . . . .In October, 1846, J. W. Patterson lectured on temperance in Puffenberger's schoolhouse, Liberty Township . . . . Mrs. Mary Powell, who died in January, 1881, in her seventy-ninth year, was born in Bradford County, Penn., came to Liberty Township in 1832, and now rests in the Null Cemetery.

Frederick and Catharine (Shaul) Rosenberger, parents of Nicholas Rosenberger, of Liberty Township, (who was born in Virginia in 1814), came to Seneca County in 1826, and in 1827 to Liberty Township, where they built the third house in the township, in which house was assembled the first meeting for divine worship held in this township. Frederick Rosenberger built iii 1829 the first saw-mill in Liberty Township, and in 1831 added the first grist-mill here, and same year assisted in building on the line between Sections 7 and 8 the first schoolhouse in the township . . . . Andrew Ringle, born in Pennsylvania in 1817, settled on his present farm in Liberty Township in 1846 . . . . . John and Jane (Twigley) Rozell, parents of Mrs. Dr. James A. Andrews, of Liberty Township, carne here in 1836, where they died . . . .Daniel Rinebolt, referred to in the history of Jackson Township, settled here in 1828 . . . .John Robertson settled here in 1847.

George Saul, a native of Pennsylvania, located near Tiffin, Ohio, in 1823, and in 1831 moved to Ithe farm in Liberty Township, where his widow, Mrs. Mary (McCune) Saul, now lives. He died in 1850 . . . . Michael and Rosanna (Seidner) Shaull, maternal grandparents of Nicholas Rosenberger, of Liberty Township, were early settlers here . . . . Emanuel Shoemaker, a native of Virginia, born in 1807, but late of Fairfield County, Ohio, came to this county n 1845, locating in Liberty Township, afterward moving to Hopewell . . . . Francis Seagraves, a. Pennsylvanian, came in 1854:... George and Rosina (Dunninger) Smith, natives of Germany, parents of Mrs. Jacob Hunker, of Liberty Township (who was born in this county in 1850), settled here about 1845.

Benjamin Turner, and his wife Rachel K., located at Tifn in 1829, and in 1834 settled on the Turner farm in this township.

Gerhart and Catherine E. (Fink) Zimmer, natives of Germany, parents of Mrs. John F. Gassman, of Liberty Township (also a native of Germany, born in 1819), came to America in 1832, settling same year in this county, where they died. former in 1875, latter in 1874, at advanced ages . . . . Barney Zimmerman, a native of Maryland, born in 1804, father of Jacob Zimmerman of Pleasant Township (who was born in Maryland in 1829), located on his present farm in Liberty Township, in 1836, and assisted in the construction of the early churches, school buildings, roads, bridges, etc . . . . William and Eva (Latherman) Zeis are also numbered among the old residents of the township ....Godfrey and Margaret (Sager) Zeis, parents of Mrs. William F. Shuman, of Pleasant Township, are old settlers in this township.

BETTSVILLE.

Beltsville, bounded by Wolf Creek, South Street and East Street, was surveyed April 12, 1838, for John Betts, by James Durbin. Daniel Betts' addition was surveyed April 24, 1858, by L. E. Holtz. Betts' third addition was platted in September, 1871, for Dr. D. H. and John F. Betts. Mrs. Andrews' addition was surveyed in 1871 by S. Nighswander. An addition to Beltsville, bounded by Wolf Creek, Union and Main Streets, was made in 1872 by P. H. Ryan for Michael Betts and Catherine Rosenberger. D. W: and J. A. Betts' addition was surveyed in April, 1873, by S. Nighswander.

Other additions were made in 1874 and 1879, viz.: Daniel Betts, October

572 - HISTORY OF SENECA COUNTY.

15, 1874; Mrs. Andrews' second addition, September, 1874, and Jacob Schuster & Co.'s, January, 1879.

Incorporation and Organization.-A petition to incorporate Bettsville was presented to the county board December 11, 1882, by A. Kirchner, M. Hoff ner, H. M. Snyder, M. Bower and forty-nine others. This petition was granted February 20, 1883, and a village election held April 21, 1883, with the following result: M. Heffner, mayor; J. L. Hosler, clerk; D. W. Betts, treasurer; J. Jackson, marshal; M. A. Smith, sealer of weights and measures; H. H. Geyer, John Grover, John Robertson, councilmen for one year; J. Burket, A. Betts, J. Gill, councilmen for two years. The councilmen elected in 1884 were H. H. Geyer, Jacob Trautman and Isaac Stiger. The elections of 1885 resulted as follows: mayor, clerk, treasurer and marshal were all re-elected, with Jacob Schuster, Henry Betts, Samuel Van Meer, members of council. In May, 1885, Milo Haller succeeded Jacob Trautman, who moved to Wood County. John Robertson, H. P. Fry, Ed. Leggett, D. W. Betts, Jacob Schuster and Henry Hollinger formed the board of education. James L. Hostler was re-elected village clerk in April, 1885, and was elected justice of the peace for Liberty Township same date.

Churches.-The Methodist Episcopal Church of Bettsville may be said to have been formed in May, 1851, when the quarterly conference of Port Clinton District, held at the Salem Church near Wolf Creek; set off the territory including Swope's Corners, Bettsville and adjacent places as a mission. In July, 1851, Newel J. Close was appointed circuit preacher vice S. T. Lane and Thomas Ackerman the circuit preachers of the old district. In August, 1852, the name of the mission was changed to that of Fort Seneca, and Bettsville was attended from Fort Seneca for some years. It appears from the following resolution adopted April 9, 1853, by the third quarterly conference of the Port Clinton Circuit, that a church was built at Bettsville; " on motion of Brother Brakefield, the church at Bettsville not being used, and it not being probable that it would be for years to come, the trustees were ordered to sell the church and apply proceeds for the benefit of Fort Seneca society." Negotiations for the sale of this church were carried on until November, 1859, when the " committee on sale " was released.

In 1862 a lot was purchased from J. R. Betts for $500. Josiah Adams was reappointed preacher with William Deemers assistant, and name of the circuit changed to Bettsville. In 1864 L. D. Rogers and T. C. Reed were appointed preachers, and work on building the church at Bettsville was commenced.

In 1865 R. Biggs was appointed in charge of Bettsville Circuit, but at the close of the year the circuit was divided, with Bettsville, Fort Seneca, Jackson, Ebenezer and Bascom, forming Bettsville. Charles Astor succeeded R. Biggs; D. Bulle, next; John H. Wilson, 1869; Hill, 1875; L. O. Cooke, 18 77; H. H. Harper, 1880; W. Dunlap, 1882; Rev. N. S. Brackney came in 1884.

The Methodist Episcopal Church, Bascom, is the oldest church in the Bettsville Circuit, having been formed at, the house of Abram Miller in 1831, and a meeting-house was built by G. W. Collier some time after.

The Methodist Episcopal Church of Kansas, was founded by Rev. R. Biggs with six members, who held meetings in the United Brethren Church.

The Reformed Church, Bettsville, was founded in 1883 by Rev. William Smith, of Fort Seneca, with the following members: M. A. Smith and wife, Henry Fry and wife, and a few others. A church building was begun in 1882, which was completed in April, 1883, at a cost of about $2,700. The Sunday school, established about two years ago, claims an attendance of forty. M. A. Smith is superintendent; Charles Zeis and Henry Fry are trustees.

PAGE 573 - PICTURE OF JOHN SIGNS.

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LIBERTY TOWNSHIP. - 575

The United Brethren met at Helena November 15, 1873, and elected Abram Ash Jacob Ash J. A. Johnson, Jesse Mowry, Sam. Mowry, trustees in charge of the Kansas Union Church property of the United Brethren society.

St. Joseph's Catholic Church was founded many years ago, with John Cook, Klaus Nick, John Berean, P. Kibler, Hank Shippey, John Shaugh, John Murphy and, later, A. Kirchner and others. The church was built about eleven years ago. Rev. Joseph Blazier, of Millersville, is the priest of this district, succeeding Father Arnoldi, of Fostoria, seven years ago, in charge of this mission. St. Andrew's Catholic Church is also in this township.

Salem Church at Bettsville was formed previous to 1832, when there were about ten members belonging to the Evangelical Society. The Baker family and a few others were the original members. In 1832 the Betts and Lesher families became members; the Osewalts, and Peter Vaitley and wife came shortly after and joined the church. This church was reorganized August 25, 1870. The first trustees were John Kisaberth, Jacob Thomas, J. Walters, John Dundore and Michael Betts. Rev. E. S. Rife was pastor.

Ebenezer Chapel Society, Bettsville, was incorporated May 19, 1865, with Rev. L. D. Rogers, chairman; Caspar Cover, secretary; A. E. Cover, Henry Cramer, William Cramer, David Bosler, Charles Conell, August Elliot and Caspar Cover, trustees.

Societies.-Bettsville Lodge No. 752, K. of H., was instituted in 1878. The officers installed in January, 1884, are named as follows:

Diet., George Flumerfelt; Vice Diet., J. D. Briner; Asst. Diet., I. F. Betts; Rep., F. C. Miller; Financial Rep., Moses Heffner; Treasurer, John F. Halter; Chap., Daniel Murray; Guide, J. L. Tindall; Guar., Nathaniel Sherrer; Sent., D. B. Betts; Trustees, Jacob Schuster, H. H. Guyer and John Halter.

The K. and L. of H., Esther Lodge No. 278, recently organized, is presided over by Moses Heffner, with Clara Martin, secretary.

Kansas Lodge No. 405, I. O. O. F., elected the following named officers in January, 1885: Noble Grand, Louis Pieter; Vice-Grand, Adam Rinebolt; treasurer, J. O. Bolus; recording secretary, C. E. Hudson; trustees, R. H. Powell, Dr. Jump and D. J. Winchell.

Unity Council No. 4, O. of C. F., was organized at Bettsville, Ohio, May 19, 1880, with the following named charter members: John H. Graham, Alfred McIntyer, A. H. A. Smith, David H. Betts, Levi Mohler, William A. Craig, Alex W. Day, Irving Abbott, James M. Fry, John Mirer, John A. Martin, William W. Winch, Francis F. Winch, Moses Heffner, Moses R. Bowers, Edward Leggett, Lewis A. Solomon, Joseph Jackson, George A. Yeagley, Lewis T. Ruggles, Reuben Heffner, George Schuster, John F. Betts, Daniel P. Lynch, Elmer L. Jackson, Jacob Fink, Isaac Stiger, Amos Stiger, Henry Brockman, Denis D. Blue, George D. Feasel, Winfield S. Sheets, Joseph Flory, John Gruver, W. P. Buckingham. Reuben Heffner was the first chief counselor.

Maple Lodge No. 700, I. O. O. F., was chartered May 13, 1881, and instituted June 23, 1881, with the following members: A. S. Martin, M. D., Amos Deal, Daniel McCowen, Franklin Ringle, John W. Snyder, Amandus Betts, R. Heffner, H. H. Gyer, H. S. Raff, H. M. Craig, J. W. Palmer, Henry Brockman, William Flaven, with Reuben Heffner, N. G., H. M. Craig, secretary. In January, 1882, A. Betts was elected N. G., and Jacob Schuster, secretary. In July, 1882, Harry Craig, N. G., and S. F. Moore, secretary. In January, 1883, Daniel McCowen, N. G., and H. S. Raff, secretary. In July, 1883, John W. Snyder, N. G., and W. S. Miller, secretary. In January, 1884. Jacob Schisler was elected N. G., and George Schneider. secretary. In

576 - HISTORY OF SENECA COUNTY.

July, 1884, J. L. Tindall was N. G., and W. S. Miller, secretary. In January, 1885, Isaac Stiger was elected N. G., and Jacob Schuster, secretary. S. E. Van Horn took Isaac Stiger's place in June, 1885. The lodge now numbers about forty members in good standing.

Joseph Powell Post, G. A. R., No. 174, Bettsville, was organized under charter December 27, 1881, with the following members: John W. Snyder, J. H. Davidson, Irwin Abbott, John Graver, John Fitzgerald, John F. Betts, F. F. Winch, Jacob Thomas, T. L. Mills, John W. Palmer, J. Shireman. E Elijah Tindall, John Robertson, Lucian Hall, C. J. Thomas, Charles Robinson, John A.. Martin, A. Betts, John Robison, L. C. Graves, Anson Lowman, William Shirkey, George Drayton, Joseph Jackson, Joseph Burket A. Whitney and William Craig. John Snyder served as commander in 1881-82; C. J. Thomas, in 1883; John W. Gilbert, in 1884; H. M. Craig, in 1885, and C. J. Thomas adjutant. This post was named in honor of Joseph Powell of the One Hundred and First Ohio Volunteer Infantry, who died of wounds received during the Atlanta campaign. The membership is sixty.

K. of P., Seneca Lodge No. 147, Bettsville, was instituted October 19, 1882, with the following officers: T. A. Flumerfolt, P. C.; C. E. Smith, C. C.; C. O. Snyder, V. C.; H. L. Penn, P.; I. J. McIntyre, M. A.; D. P. Lynch, M. E.; C. W. Harris, M. 'I'. ; Frank Wickert, K. of R. and S.; J. C. Lybarger, O. G.; George Edwards, I. G. The other members were, H. W. Lease, James Blue, R. Blue, Marion Blue, Marion Lynch, W. S. Sheats. The chancellor commanders, since instituted, are C. O. Snyder, 1883; H. L. Penn, 1884; Dr. Scheib, 1885. C. O. Snyder was elected representative to Grand Lodge for two years, succeeding T. A. Flumerfelt, the first representative. C. O. Snyder and H. L. Penn have been recorders of the lodge, succeeding F. Wickert. The trustees are H. L. Penn, J. L. Hoslor and H. H. Geyer. The membership is about 1,822.

Business Circle.----Tho business and professional circles of the village in 1884-85, were made up as follows: Bettsville Enterprise, J. L. Hosler; Anna Hollinger, millinery Caroline Beery, dress-maker; J. R. Betts undertaker; Wilson Betts, flour-mill; E. L. Boucher, druggist, burned out; Moses Bower, carpenter; Henry Brookman, blacksmith; W. P. Buckingham, physician; George Burkort, cooper; Burkert & Robinson, pumps; J. H. Davidson, general store; A. Doherty, limekiln; T. A. Flumerfelt, removed to Mose Heffner's saw-mill; Albert Flora, cooper; John Fry's saloon, now owned by John Snyder; Mrs. 11i. Gambs, moved to Michigan; Gus Smith, grocery and boarding house; Henry H. Geyer, hardware; John Gills, boots and shoes; John Graver, blacksmith; Irving and Abbott Hotel, now barber shop and printing office, building owned by Perry Lynch; Anthony Kirchner, harness-maker; John Lutz & Son (removed), meat market; A. S. Martin (deceased), physician; Miller Bros., flour-mill; Samuel Moore, carriage and wagon-makers; R. E. Norton, barber; John Shireman, boots and shoes; William Cromer, saloon; Dr. Scheib, physician; Ed. Smith, hotel; Smith & Fry, general store; Snyder & Co., general store; J. G. Snyder & Co., stave factory; John Snyder, tinner; John Thomas, cooper; Thomas & Robertson, pump-makers; S. R. Van Meer, cooper; George W. Whitney, shoe-maker.

The great fire of August 7, 1880, at Bettsville, destroyed one of its finest business blocks, owned by John Betts, Schubert, John Cook, C. Norton, Joseph Massonnette, George Schuster, John Perong and others. This block was never rebuilt.

The Anchor Mills were built about ton years ago by Betts & Miller Bros', at a cost of about $20,000. The Snyder Bros. leased a share in the business of

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the mill, and in connection with the builders were the operators until they disposed of their interests about 1880, since which time D. W. Betts, William, John and Fred. Miller have conducted the business, with H. S. Raff, miller. The buildings are brick, two and a half stories high, There are five run of stone, two purifiers, three cleaners, eight reels and a Morris Elevator Bolt, driven by a sixty-five horse-power engine. The capacity is 125 barrels per day. This industry gives employment to six-men. The elevator, now leased by this company, was built some twelve years ago, by Betts, King & Rosenberger.

Bettsville Stave Works were erected about thirteen years ago, by Jacob Schuster, as a planing-mill, and converted into a mill for the manufacture of hoops. The buildings were purchased by Fred. Snyder, of Helena, about four years ago, when stave machinery was added. The capacity is about 30,00() staves and 7,000 hoops per day. The sycamore, elm and bass-wood, used in the manufacture of hoops and staves, are supplied in the neighborhood. George Nuernburg is foreman.

Coopers --Merchant & Short established the first cooperage at Bettsville, about nine years ago. John Robinson succeeded this firm about six years ago; operated the shop for about nine months, when he sold to S. R. Van Meer, who has operated the shops the last five years. This industry gives employment to six men; has a capacity of seventy barrels per day.

The first brickyard was established by Michael Betts. John Kerchner operated it subsequently. Kerchner, Craig & Legget entered into partnership and introduced tile machinery. The works now are operated by H. R. Fry & Henry Betts, manufacturers of drain tiles.

Bettsville Limekiln, owned by Dougherty Bros., of Toledo, was established about fourteen years ago by citizens of Tifin. The kiln was purchased by the Doughertys about five years ago. The full working force of the double kiln is about twelve men.

Bettsville Manufacturing Company was organized March 7, 1882, with the following named members: Jacob Schuster, John F. Halter, Amandus Betts, H. P. Fry, H. H. Geyer, M. A. Smith, Jacob Troutman, D. W. Betts, Moses Heffner, Jacob Zeis and F. C. Miller. The object of this company was the manufacture and repair of agricultural implements, but it never materialized.

KANSAS.

Kansas Village was surveyed by G. H. Heming for Abraham Ash, guardian of Jacob Ash, Mych 9, 1855, on the northeast half of the northeast quarter of the, southeast quarter of Section 6. Foster's addition to the village was platted by Gideon Jones for Charles W. Foster in August, 1865. This is north of the county road to alley north of Ash Street. Jacob Ash's addition, north of Main Street, and east and west of Chestnut, was surveyed by D. Maley in 1867.

The village is located in one of the finest farming districts of western Seneca, on the line of the Lake Erie & Western Railroad. Its growth has been of that steady quality which wins and shows success, and to-day it boasts of being one' of the most business-like of the smaller villages of Ohio.

The business houses of Kansas are named as follows: Bollinger Bros., potash manufacturers; J. O. Bowlus, grocer; D. E. Bowman, physician; C. Brown, saloon; Solomon Gardner, carriage-maker; David Hartline, shoe-maker; C. Hinsman, saw-mill; J. S. Jump, druggist; Kansas Lime Company; Lease Bros., general store; J. D. Reese, insurance; Reed & Stout, flouring-mill; David Warner, jeweler, and Joseph Whitney, wagon shop. James S. Jump succeeded J. O. Bowlus as postmaster at. this point in August, 1885. For al-

578 - HISTORY OF SENECA COUNTY.

most thirty years Kansas has been the trading point for the numerous lumber industries carried on along Wolf Creek.

Secret and benevolent societies, as well as religious organizations and their churches, have sprung up here within the last two decades. The schools are hood, and altogether this village stands a monument to the enterprise of this Northwestern part of the township.

Small Settlements.-Jacob Kessler, who died in 1836 or 1837, was the original owner of the town of Middleburg. Among the purchasers of lots in 1837, were Joseph Richards, Daniel Bishop, William McClure, Fred and N. Rosenberger, Jacob Lisher, Jacob Neikirk, Sylvester B. Clark, Richard J. Sneath, Walter Pryor, Silas Stafford, Christian Poates, John B. Case, Philip J. Price, George Swairrty, Abel Rawson, Jacob Baker, G. E. Pryor, James Wells, David Patton and Levi Davis. The location was the east half of the northeast quarter of Section 9, Town 3 north, Range 14 east, which was platted by D. Risdon for Jacob Kessler, and approved September 12, 1832, with Findlay and Detroit Streets forming the central thoroughfares. This town saw its palmy clays in 1837-38, but since that time it has lapsed into the past.

Carlin was surveyed by W. B. Gaw February 7, 1859, for James Justin. The location was on west half of north half of southwest quarter of Section 5, Township 3 north, Range 14.

Angus Post-office was established in 1883 by J. W. Angus, who also established the "Nickel Plate" Station. Jacob Flack was the first resident where this settlement now is. Angus, after whom the station is named, settled here in 1862. The postoffice was subsequently transferred to R. Hartsock.

Linden Post-office, seven miles northwest of Tiffin, was established in July, 1874, with Louis Yon Blon, postmaster. This passed out of existence within a short time. Maple Grove is the new name of this settlement and of the post-office.

Cromer's Postoffice was established five miles northwest of Tiffin, in August, 1875. ,

Omwake's subdivision of southwest quarter of southeast quarter of Section 26 is a new town.

Cemeteries.-Liberty Cemetery Association was formed May 3, 1873, with the following members: U. Ash, G. W. Ash, J. R. Bunn, George Sours, N. H. Remsburg, John McLaughlin, E. R. Ash, William Flack, W. Flack, Jr., George Hall, E. Dicken and George Woolcott. This cemetery is located three miles a southwest of Bettsville. The Null Cemetery and the denominational cemeteries, throughout the township, contain the remains of the greater number of pioneers.

General Statistics.-The assessment roll of Liberty Township, in 1841, gives 19,833 acres, valued at $45,946; value of town lots, $391; horses, 240, valued at $9,600; cattle, 487, valued at $3,896; mercantile capital and moneys -it interest, $800; total value, $60,633; total tax, $803.38; delinquencies, $103.81.

The valuation and taxation of Liberty Township and Bettsville Village present the following statistics: acres of land in township, 22,558, valued at $765,490, and personal property valued at $355,770; acres of land in Bettsville, 150, valued at $73,830, and personal property valued at $45,380, aggregating $1,240,470 or $575.08 per capita (population of 1880, 2,157). The total tax is $15,553.72, and dog tax $190.

The statistics of Liberty township for 1884 are acres of wheat, 4,454, product 35,327 bushels; acres of rye, 42; of buckwheat, 9; of oats, 943. product 30,260 bushels; of barley, 57; of corn, 3,367, product 80,070 bushels; of meadow, 910 acres, product 1,082 tons of hay; clover, 821 acre. producing

LOUDON TOWNSHIP. - 579

844 tons of hay and 589 bushels of seed; potatoes, 110 acres, 15,256 bushel; butter, 59,130 pounds; sorghum, 11 acres, 420 gallons syrup; maple syrup, 679 gallons; 188 hives, 4,451 pounds of honey; 27,773 dozens of eggs; 4 acres of vineyards, 400 pounds of grapes and 65 gallons of wine; 373 acres of orchards. 5,886 bushels of apples, 14 of peaches, 34 of pears; 11,822 acres of cultivated lands, 668 acres of pasture land, 4,359 of woodland, 27 of waste land, total acreage owned, 16,876; wool shorn in 1883, 7,883 pounds; milch cows, 645; dogs, 190; sheep killed and injured by dogs, 46; animals died of disease, 148 hogs, 88 sheep, 22 cattle and 15 horses.

School Statistics.-The school land question was brought before the electors of Liberty Township April 7, 1851. J. Abbott, P. Lewman and John Berkey were judges, and Dennis Maley and Joseph Cessna, clerks of election in the case of the sale of school lands. October 25, 1851, the sale of Section 16, Township 3, Range 14, and the north part of fractional Section 16, Township 1, Range 13, took place. Section 16 was disposed of to the following named buyers: Miles Barber, west half of northwest quarter; Warren P. Noble, east half of northwest quarter and east half and west half of northeast quarter; Jacob Feasel, east half of southeast quarter; James Lott, west half of southeast quarter; David Martin, east half of southwest quarter; Daniel Lynch, west half of southwest quarter; all realizing $7,705, together with $540 realized from 58 74/100 acres in Section 16, Township 1, Range 13, being the west half of east half and west half of west half fractional, referred to in Big Spring Township.

The first meeting of the board of education was held at Feasel's schoolhouse April 18, 1853, with Jonathan Abbott, presiding, and James Lot, township clerk; J. Cessna, secretary; Dicken, Feasel and M. Edwards, trustees.

The condition of Liberty Township schools in August, 1884, is as follows: local tax, $3,198.84; receipts, $4,961.67; expenditures, $3,118.69; schoolhouses, 10; number of teachers, 22; average salaries, $52, $38 and $27; male pupils, 334; female pupils, 258; total number in high school, 73.