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MARION TOWNSHIP - 441 CHAPTER XXI. MARION TOWNSHIP AND DELPHOS. THIS township, forming the northwestern division of the county, is bounded on the north by Putnam and on the west by Van Wert County. It has an area of forty-two square miles, and a population of 5,000 (year 1885), including the eastern part of Delphos. Outside the town the population in 1880 was 2,485, or 59.16 to the square mile. The Auglaize River enters the township in its southwest quarter, flows north through a tortuous channel, and leaves the county in Section 21, Town 2 south, Range 5 east. The river at this point is an important stream, running between steep banks in some places, through broad bottom lands in other places. In the valley of the Auglaize the surface is much broken, yet exceedingly fertile. A hundred streamlets—tributaries of the Auglaize and Ottawa—course through the township in almost level channels, rendering the complete drainage of the country practicable at little expense. The elevation at the railroad viaduct, over the Miami & Erie Canal, at Delphos, is 188 feet above the level of Lake Erie, which gives a natural fall toward the lake of about thirty inches per mile. Throughout the township numerous groves of excellent hard-wood timber are found—all the species named in the chapter on Natural History attaining their full growth here. So early as 1843 the lumbermen came into the woods of Marion. In 1845 the bark industry caused war to be waged against the huge elms, ash, juniper, and almost all the trees and shrubs to be found here. The lumber and bark industries stripped the primeval forest of its beauty. When, in 1871-72, the great timber manufacturing concerns were established, the material was still there to cull from; but the appearance of the woods told of vandalism and waste. The lands of the township are admirably adapted to agriculture. For many years the early settlers were content with their small clearings. At present many large farms mark the progress of this district. 442 - HISTORY OF ALLEN COUNTY. ORGANIC HISTORY. The township of Marion, as originally constituted, was set off from the north end of Amanda in December, 1833, by the Commissioners of Allen County, acting on a petition presented to them that year by the settlers in Township 3 south, Range 5 east. When the counties of this district were redistricted in 1848, the south half of the original township of Marion was added to the north half of Amanda, under the name Amanda, while the south half of Town 2 south, Range 5 east, was taken from Jennings Township, in Putnam County, added to the north half of original Township 3 south, Range 5 east, and set off under the name of Marion. At the same time six sections were taken from the northeast part of the original town of Jennings, in Van Wert County (Town 3 south, Range 4 east), and added to the reorganized town of Marion, giving this northeastern township an area of forty-two square miles, and making it co-extensive with the township of Richland, in the northeastern part of the county. The first Trustees were Christian Stukey, Michael Swisher and Thomas J. Fair; Clerk, William J. Cochran; Treasurer. Ferdinand Miller; William Brady and William Scott, Road Commissioners to open the Auglaize & Van Wert Road. LIST OF ORIGINAL LAND ENTRIES. The original land buyers within the territory now comprised in Marion, are named in the following lists of entries made in the Land Receivers' books from 1825 to 1854, when the last parcel of public land was sold. By far the greater number of the persons named had settled here previous to purchase, or came to reside on their lands immediately after entry. Others, who then resided west of the county line, or in other towns of Allen, were interested in lands here, and many of them took a full part in the development of this township. TOWNSHIP 2 SOUTH, RANGE 5 EAST. Squire L. Hittle, section 19, 1845. Caspar H. Kiraft, section 19, 1845. Henry Schroeder, section 19, 1845. Matthias Jettinghoff, section 19, 1845. Christopher Monnig, section 19, 1845. Oramel Henry Bliss, section 19, 1845. Hollister, Pettit, Kimber & Bliss, sec. 19, 1845. John Henry Frame, section 19, 1845. Samuel Forrer, section 20, 1834. George Young, section 20, 1834. Wm. Scott, section 20, 1834. Oramel H. Bliss, section 21, 1845. John Buswell, section 21, 1845. Joseph Fortman, section 21, 1845. Henry Hickman, section 21, 1845. Benj. F. Hollister, section 21; 1845. MARION TOWNSHIP - 443 Henry Harter, section 21, 1825. Samuel Washburn, section 21, 1825, Barnard Stoutmeyer, section 21, 1845. John N. C. Schenk, section 22, 1835. Richard Humphrey, section 23, 1848. Robert Reece, section 23, 1850. Wm. H. Jones, section 23, 1850. Robert Reese, section 23, 1849. Wm. H. Jones, section 23, 1848. Eliza Enslin, section 23, 1845. Calvin S. Martin, section 23, 1848. Wm. H. Jones, section 23, 1846. Jones Stoner, section 23;1850. Milton G. Eddy, section 23, 1850. Samuel Custard, section 23, 1847. William Tudor, section 24, 1835. Fred Marquand, section 24, 1835. Cadwallader Jones, section 24, 1834. John Brown; section 24, 1834. Samuel Custard, section 25, 1848. Richard R. Tudor, section 25, 1850. Jacob Diller, section 25, 1846. Jarard A. Martin, section 25, 1850. Samuel Merrick, section 25, 1845. Abraham Bassett, section 25, 1845. David B. Westbay, section 25, 1848. Neil Clark, section 25, 1845. Samuel Stuckey, section 25, 1832. Jacob Peterbaugh, section 26, 1834. Henry S. Wykoff, section 26, 1835. Jacob Reichelderfer, section 26, 1834. Andrew J. Luce, section 26, 1851. Simon Height, section 26, 1851. Job Haines, section 26, 1835. Oramel Henry Bliss, section 27, 1845. Francis A. Rose, section 27, 1850. Christ Doner, section 27, 1847. Isaac C. Scott, section 27, 1848. Wm. Scott, section 27, 1847. Bals. Morkotter, section 27, 1847. Wm. Belcher, section 28, 1826. Josiah Clawson, section 28, 1834. Simon Perkins, section 28, 1835. John Brown, section 28, 1834. Robert Young, section 28, 1834. Joseph G. Young, section 28, 1834. Henry Harter, section 28, 1825. Joseph G. Young, section 28, 1834. Conrad Ludwick, section 29, 1845. Henry WerrIes, section 29, 1849. Henry Monter, section 29, 1849. John H. Lawse, section 29, 1846. John Bredeick. section 29, 1845. Christ. H. Baumgarter, section 29, 1845. Bernard Esch; section 29, 1845. Amos Evans, section 29, 1848. Ferdinand Bredeick, section 29, 1845. Freeman Bell, section 29, 1845 Andrew Clawson, section 30, 1834. Joseph Cox, section 30, 1835. Chrislian Palmer, section 30, 1834. Thos. B. Van Horne, section 30, 1834. Derick Barkalow, section 30, 1834. Wm. Brown, section 30, 1834. John Cox, section 30, 1834. Theo. Wrocklage, section 31, 1846. Bernard Esch, section 31, 1848. Alex. F. Irick, section 31, 1848. Andrew Clawson, section 31, 1848. Isaac King, section 31, 1849. Theo. Wrocklage. section 31, 1846. Bernard Esch, section 31, 1846. John Palmer, section 31, 1849, Henry Dolberge, section 31, 1847. Adam Tuntman, section 31, 1846. Joseph Morman, section 31, 1845. Henry Suwer, section 31, 1846. Caspar Suwer, section 31, 1846. Henry Morman, section 31, 1845. John Cox, section 32, 1835. Simon Perkins, section 32, 1835. Derick Barkalow, section 32, 1835. Geo. Cochran, section 32, 1834. Wm. Cochran, section 32, 1834. John Cox, section 32, 1835. Derick Barkalow, section 32, 1835. Wm. Scott, section 33, 1845. J. Scott, section 33, 1845. Wm. Harter, section 33, 1845. John Palmer, section 33, 1847. James Cochran, section 33, 1847. Madison Hamilton, section 33, 1849. David Brenneman, section 33, 1848. Mathias Wrocklage, section 33, 1847. Solomon Stemen, section 33, 1850. Morgan Bryan, section 33, 1850. Wm. Scott, section 34, 1850. W. Bellows, section 34, 1849. Jos. Cramer, section 34, 1849. John Plikard, section 34, 1834. Jas. CoChran, section 34, 1834. Wm. Scott, section 34, 1834. John McGill, section 34, 1826. Thos. B. Van Horne, section 34, 1834. 444 - MARION TOWNSHIP. Jno. Harter, section 34, 1834. John Plikard, section 34, 1834. Wm. Scott, section 34, 1834. Elias Leist, section 35, 1848. Nancy Mowen and heirs, section 35, 1845 Jacob Woodring, section 35, 1848. John A. Leitz, section 35, 1852. Jacob Sakemiller, section 35, 1850. Philip Bellis, section 35, 1845. Wm. Scott, section 35, 1853. J. C. Scott, section 35, 1848. Philip Bellis, section 35, 1845. John 0. Ferrall, section 36, 1834. Daniel Sorber, section 36, 1834. 845. Solomon Moyer, section 36, 1848. Fred Marquand, section 36, 1835. Peter Stuckey, section 36, 1831. Thomas Williams, section 36, 1834. Fred Marquand, section 36, 1835. Peter Stuckey, section 35, 1834. TOWNSHIP 3 SOUTH, RANGE 5 EAST. John Brenneman, section 1, 1847. Wm. H. Evans, section 1, 1848. George Huffer, section 1, 1848. Nicholas Stewart, section 1, 1848. Andrew Sakemiller, section 1, 1848. George Huffer, section 1, 1846. Isaac Brenneman, section 1, 1847. Simon Huffer, section 1, 1847. John Keller, section 1, 1847. Simon Huffer, section 1, 1848. Nicholas Stewart, section 1, 1847. Derick Barkalow, section 2, 1834. Isaac French, section 2, 1834. John Brown, section 2, 1834. Peter W. Morton, section 3, 1846. Griffith Breese, section 3, 1845. Alexander Grimes, section 3, 1845. Elizabeth Mowen & heirs, section 3, 1845 John Clifton, section 3, 1848. David Heiler, section 3, J847. Wm. Rekart, section 3, 1845. Wm. Scott, section 3, 1848. Eli H. Stuckey, section 3, 1848. George Young, section 4, 1884. John Brown, section 4, 1834. Benj. F. Cochran, section 4, 1834. Thos. B. Van Horne, section 4, 1834. David B. Westbay, section 5, 1849. Noah Steamer, section 5, 1848. George C. Garrey, section 5, 1850. John J. Corbett, section 5. 1852. James Kiggius, section 5, 1851. Levi Martin, section 5, 1850. Geo. W. Ayers, section 5, 1849. Geo. Simpkins, section 5, 1849. Saml. Steaman, section 5, 1848. Noah Steamer, section 5, 1848. John Wolverton, section 6, 1833. John Groves, section 6, 1848. Amos Gray, section 6, 1834. Jacob C. Gray, section 6, 1834. David D. Ditto, section 7, 1850. David B. Westbay, section 7, 1850. Andrew Patton, section 7, 1850. John Patton, section, 7, 1850. John G. Breese,. section 7, 1845. Jacob Hittle, section 7, 1845. Andrew Trompe, section 7, 1849. Gershom Williams, section 7, 1852. Jos. B. Brodier, section 7, 1850. James N. Stryker, section 8, 1835. John Wolverton, section 8, 1835. Simon Perkins, section 8, 1835. John N. C. Schenk, section 8, 1835 Oramel H. Bliss, section 9; 1845. Alanson Hayes, section 9, 1845. Nelson Hayes, section 9, 1845. Jesse Fair, section 9, 1846. Alanson Hayes, section 9, 1846. Nelson Hayes, section 9, 1846. Wm. W. Ditto, Section 9, 1948. Cummings Scudder, section 10, 1834. Isaac N. Skillman, section 10, 1835. John Wolverton, section 10, 1835. Henry S. Wykoff, section 10, 1835. Abraham Lamar, section 11, 1848. John Fritz, section 11, 1850. Abraham Miller, section 11, 1850. Adam Stuckey, section 11, 1848. Eli H. Stuckey, section 11, 1848. John Ehrenmann, section 11, 1848. Edward Reed, section 11, 1848. Daniel Spangler, section 11, 1848. John Griffith, section 11, 1847. Christ Stuckey, section 12, 1831. David Bryan, section 12, 1834. Peter Bressler, section 12, 1834. Abraham Doner, section 12, 1834. Jacob Wauk, section 12, 1851. Abelard Guthrie, section 13, 1839. MARION TOWNSHIP - 445 George Miller, section 13, 1839. Ferdinand Miller, section 13, 1839. Josiah Hedges, section 13, 1845. John Reichelderfer, section 14, 1834. John Waggoner, section 14, 1835. Jacob Shrider, section 14. 1835. John Bressler, section 14, 1835. Michael Swisher, section 14, 1834. Jacob Killer, section 15, 1849. Valentine Mosier, section 15, 1850. Isaac Brenneman, section 15, 1849. Jacob Lehman, section 15, 1848. John Stoneburner, section 15, 1849. David McClain, section 16, 1854. Wm. Scott, section 16, — Adam Feusler, section 16, — George Clover, section 16, — Isaac Brenneman, section 16, — Jacob J. Shupe, section 16, — Lewis Friesner, section 16,   Adam Feusler, section 16, — E. Long. section 16, — Jacob J. Shupe, section 16,   E. Long, section 16, — Enoch Long, section 17, 1854. Daniel H. Smith, section 17, — James Point, section 17, — Alanson Hayes, section 17, — Daniel H. Smith, section 17, — Jacob J. Shupe, section 17,   Hartshorn Leonard, section 17 — D. H. Smith, section 17,   Peter Snick, section 17, — Hartshorn Leonard, section 17, — Nelson Williams, section 17, — Jacob J. Shupe, section 17,   Isaac King, section 17, — Demas Adams, Jr., section 18, 1835. Samuel Watt, section 18, 1835. Samuel Forrer, section 18, 1834. Charles A. Vischer, section 18, 1835. Simon Perkins, section 18, 1835. TOWNSHIP 3 SOUTH, RANGE 4 EAST Samuel Moore, section I, 1847. Samuel Price, section 1, 1847. Squire L. Hittle, section 1, 1843. Phillip Stippick, section 1, 1847. Samuel Moore, section 1, 1817. Cyrus Burr, section 1, 1849. Moses Calerell, section 1, 1848. Peter Moon, section 1, 1849. Joseph Aman, section 2, 1835. Paul Willman, section 2, 1834. .John Glasbrenner, section 2, 1835: Frederick Marquand, section 2, 1835. Conrad Dratman, section 3, 1851. Frederick Kreift, section 3, 1848. John Bussing; section 3, 1848. Conrail Dratman, section 3, —. Sebastian Ley, section 3, 1851. Henry Luenman, section 3, 1848. Joseph Schinmoller, section 3, 1848. Wm. H. Fornetield, section 3, 1848. Geo. W. Krietsch, section 3, 1849. Henry Luenman, section 3, 1849. Joseph Schinmoller, section 3, 1849. Sebastian Ley, section 10,1848. Henry Thome, section 10, 1849. John Schaffer, section 10, 1849. Nicholas Portra, section 10, 1849. Louis B. Rundell, section 11, 1849. Charles Rundell, section 11, 1849. Casper Friebaugh, section 11, 1847. Lewis Motter, section 11, 1849. David F. Bowman, section 11, 1849. Susan Davis, section 11, 1849. Thomas Lingle, section 11, 1849. Albert Lawrence, section 11, 1852. Martin Rohrer, section 12, 1834. Joseph Willman, section 12, 1834. Wm. D. Kiplinger, section 12. 1834. Mr. Harrison, in his paper on the settlement of Delphos, states that: "About the year 1834, William Scott and William Brady opened the first road from the Auglaize River through the present site of Delphos to the village of Van Wert. It is stated that this road passed through what was then known as the 'ten-mile woods,' and that not a single cabin was seen in all that distance. It was a dreary and sickly region 446 - HISTORY OF ALLEN COUNTY. at that time. The great experiment of the introduction of slackwater navigation had been tried under the administration of Gov. De Witt Clinton in the State of New York, and was gradually increasing its advocates in Ohio. As early as 1828 the United States gave to the State of Ohio certain lauds, on the condition that the State would build a canal from Dayton to Defiance, on the Auglaize River. These conditions were that the State should have all the even-numbered sections on the above mentioned route for the construction of said canal. Some three routes were surveyed under the direction of Samuel Forrer, and immediately difficulty was experienced in fixing the precise location of the canal. Speculation was entered into, and the price of lands was greatly enhanced. Finally the present site was agreed upon, and in due time the work was commenced and completed. These routes were surveyed in 1830, and the canal was completed about 1845. As soon as the location of the canal had been fully determined, there was quite a rush for lands. A number of Germans, who had settled in the neighborhood of old Fort Jennings as early as 1834, at once discerned the rising of real estate in what is now Marion Township. Ferdinand Bredeick immediately purchased a tract of land for himself and also another parcel of land for his brother, who was then in Germany. In this northwest part of Marion Township the following old settlers located : Ferdinand Bredeick, Theodore Wrocklage, Bernard Esch, John Bredeick. Conrad Loudeck, Casper Geise, Mathias Shroder, George Wilte, Conrad Wellman, Henry Lause, Henry Shroeder, Casper Mesker, Casper Luesmann, C. D. Geise M. Hemker, F. Reinemeyer, John Grothaus, D. Kariman, H. Linderman,and Mrs. Osenbach." In the foregoing record of land buyers, again in the history of Delphos, and lastly in the assessment roll for 1834, the names of the pioneers of this township are all given. SCHOOLS. During the fall of 1837 a school building was erected on Section 18, Washington Township, Van Wert Co., which was opened in the fall of that year with Miss Clarissa Gleason in charge. The following statistics for 1884 point out the advances made by the Marion Township Schools : The revenue for 1884 was $7,010.19 ; expenditure, $6,733.81. There are thirteen school buildings, valued at $12,600 ; seventeen teachers are MARION TOWNSHIP - 447 employed. The number of pupils enrolled is 611. Just west of the county line, in Washington Township, Van Wert Co., is the Delphos Union School building. The building was erected in 1869, at a cost of over $30,000. In the following historical sketch of Delphos, a great deal relating to the settlement and progress of this township is to be found. DELPHOS. This village is favorably situated on the Miami and Erie Canal, above the confluence of that waterway with the Wabash and Erie Canal system. Here also is the center of the Toledo, Cincinnati & St. Louis Railway system, as well as an offrce of the main line of the Pennsylvania R. R. Flouring mills, lumber manufacturing establishments, banks, stores, churches, schools, hotels, railroad depots, canal freight house, lodge rooms, fire department buildings, livery stables, residences, are all here, many of the buildings claiming a commercial and architectural importance not excelled in Ohio. The telegraph system is an old institution, while the telephone, in all its shapes, is found here. In a word, many of the luxuries and all the conveniences which modern times suggest have been adopted by the citizens. The people of Delphos have always paid much attention to educational matters. From pioneer times down to the present day, the school has formed a subject for their serious inquiry. A love of educational advancement forms one of the leading characteristics of the citizens. The school has been always fostered by them. It has been raised up from very humble beginnings, until now the system of both common and denominational schools here has won high encomiums from all conversant with it. The churches, too, serve to form an index to character. The buildings devoted to religious purposes are all substantial. In one instance—the Catholic Church—a building has been raised which ranks with the greatest church edifices in the Union. The literary, musical and benevolent societies are all well conducted, and the newspapers well edited. It has been stated, with some show of authority, that Delphos could not have Veen settled without the aid of quinine. The air was so pois oned with malarial effluvia from swamps and marshes, that not only the pioneers, but also the very dogs of the settlement, suffered intensely 448 - HISTORY OF ALLEN COUNTY. from fever and ague. Quinine was the sine qua non of life even up to the period when the location lost its name of Section Ten. The cholera epidemic entered Delphos in August, 1854. In September, Mrs. S. E. Brown and others, were swept away by this dreadful disease; nor did it cease its ravages this year. In 1855 Mr. Heitz and others were carried away. The Miami & Erie Canal was opened in I845. Ten years later the link in the Pennsylvania R. R., or the P., Ft. W. & C. R. R. was in operation. The formal opening of the Toledo, Delphos & Indianapolis R. R. took place July 4, I875, while yet only eight miles of the road was completed. The train was made up of eight cars drawn by a 12-ton engine. The Delphos & Kokomo Narrow Gauge R. R.. built in 1877; the Delphos, Bluffton & Franklin R. R.; Toledo, Franklin & St. Louis R. R.; Toledo, Cincinnati & St. Louis R. R., Dayton, Covington & Toledo R. R. ; Cincinnati & Northern R. R.; Dayton & S. W. R. R.; Toledo and Grand Rapids R. R., and Toledo & Maumee R. R., form what is now known as the Toledo, Cincinnati & St. Louis R. R. system, embracing about 700 miles of three feet gauge track. The Ramsey Transfer is operated throughout the system. The railroad shops, built by the Consolidated Company at Delphos, toward the construction of which Delphos granted ten acres of land and a bonus of $30,000, were erected under the supervision of Robert Martin, of Delphos. John O. Bredeick platted the original town east of the county line in 1845. Ferd. Bredeick platted a tract on the west side in 1845, and the two towns, as surveyed by Elias Everett. were known as East and West Bredeick. The Hollister, Bliss and Pettit Addition, known as Section 10. and next the village of Howard, platted for Samuel Forrer, followed close upon the enterprise of the Bredeick's. Ferdinand Bredeick erected the first house on the village site, and the first frame house was erected by Henry Menckhans; Capt. McCune built the first brick house. In 1845, E. N. Morton built the first saw mill, and in 1847 he erected the first grist-mill. Miss Amelia Bredeick, now Mrs. Geo. Lang, was the first white child born in the town. The physicians of Delphos: Osborn, Metcalf, Pennington, Butler, H. P. Wagner, who came in 1847; C. A. Evans, in 1850; Davenport, Joseph MARION TOWNSHIP - 449 Burkholder, Reul, in 1850; J. R. Evans, 1869; Steman, G. H. Williamson, 1878; F. H. Schlink, 1879, and S. F. Conkling. Mr. Hunt was a chemist and druggist here for many years, a most enterprising citizen. The first election for Delphos village under the Act of Incorporation February 7, 1851,took place March 3 of that year. Lester Bliss was elected Mayor; Smith Talbott, Recorder; N. White, E. N. Martin, J. P. Cowan, J. P. Murphy, and T. Wrocklage, elected Councilmen. Treas. F. J. Lye and Marshal E. N. Talbott were elected March 21,1851. The corporation expenses for the year amounted to $80.67. In the following pages the roll of town officials from 1852 to 1884 is given, taken from abstracts of election made in 1878 by Otto J. Ostendorf, the present Recorder. 1852.—F. C. Harbaugh, Mayor; Smith Talbott, Recorder; F. J. Lye, Treasurer; William Philips, Marshal. n June, 1852, W. H. Curtiss was appointed Marshal. N. Huber, Bernard Esch, S. D. Mac Gowan, S. F. Hemmilright, and Robert Bower, elected Councilmen. Mayors of Delphos since 1852.-J. R. Murphy, 1853-54; John Cowan, 1855; George L. Higgins, 1856; J. A. Clark, to fill vacancy, 1856 —elected 1857; J. Stevens, 1858-59; C. C. Marshall, 1860-61; C. A. Evans, 1862-65; C. C. Marshall, 1866-72; D. H. Tolan, 1872-74; August Kuester, 1874-76; W. M. Harter, 1875-78 (elected in November, 1875, to fill vacancy); C. C. Marshall, 1878-80; C. C. Marshall, 1880; C. C. Marshall, 1882;- B. J. Brotherton, 1884-86. Recorders.—The Clerks of Delphos village since 1852, are named as follows: A. G. Howell, I853; Smith Talbott, 1854-5; T. J. Tolan, 1856; H. P. Wagner, 1857-66; S. D. Chambers, 1866-72; Henry J. Frame, 1872-74; S. D. Chambers, 1874-'78; Otto J. Ostendorf, 1878-86. Treasurers.—The incumbents of this office since I852,are named in the following list: P. W. Morton, 1853-59; R. Reul, 1859-61 ; Henry Weible, 1861-63; P. W. Morton, 1863-65; F. J. Lye, 1865-68; P. W. Morton, 1868; Max Woerner, 1869-78; H. J. Frame, 1878-82; J. M. Landick, Treasurer, 1882-86. Marshals.—John Purkey, 1853; J. F. Thompson, 1854; Wilson Harter, 1855; Benjamin Krutsch, 1856; W. Price, 1857; B. C. Krutsch, 1858; Thomas McElvain, I859; D. 0. Krutsch, I860; L. C. Sutton, 1861; B. C. Kiutsch, 1862; F. W. Jennison, 1863-64; B. C. Krutsch, 1865; H. Wegisin, 1866; William Alexander, 1867-60; J. W. Meredith, 1869; Samuel 450 - HISTORY OF ALLEN COUNTY. Marshall, 1870-72; Henry Wegisin, 1872-74; Henry Lindemann, 1874-- 84; Samuel W. Archer, 1884-86. Theo. Kemker was elected Sealer, 1882; Jacob Werner, Cemetery Trustee in 1882, and James M. Clime in 18S3. Councilmen of Delphos since 1852.—J. W. Philips, H. B. Brown, J. M. Barr. E. Timmons and S. B. Wolson in 1853; C. C. Marshall, John Miller, T. Wrocklage, H. S. Hunter, S. F. Himmelright and J. Ostendorf, 1854; the same board was re-elected in 1855, L. G. Wolson taking the place of T. Wrocklage; in 1856 Samuel Stutter, F. J, Lye, Henry Weible, J. S. Martin, and J. Ostendorf formed the Council; in 1857 Messrs. Stutter & Lye, Gabriel Lehman, H. B. Brown and T. Wrocklage were Councilmen—James Ostendorf took Mr. Brown's place on the board; J. C. Curtiss, Lester Bliss, T. Wrocklage, G. W. Krutsch and F. J. Lye were elected in 1858; in 1859 T. Wrocklage, S. F. Himmelright, D. Kelker, S. Stutter and H. B. Brown were elected; in 1860 the same board was re-elected with the exception of Mr. Himmelright; in 1861, H. D. Clark, H. B. Brown, Theo. Wrocklage, S. F. Conkling and H. J. Moennig were elected Councilmen; in 1862, G. W. Krutsch replaced S. F. Conkling, otherwise the Council remained as in 1861; John W. Feely, H. B. Brown, T. Wrocklage, S. F. Himmelright and J. C. Curtiss were elected in 1863; in 1864 D. L. Williams and John Puchta replaced Messrs. Feeley and Curtiss on the board; in 1865 F. Kollsmith took the place of D. L. Williams; in 1866 Horace Bixby, C. A. Evans, D. Minnig, Hollis Hanson and Theo. Wrocklage were elected; John W. Feely and S. F. Himmelright took the place of Hanson and Wrocklage in 1867; in 1868, F. Kollsmith, Bernard Esch, William Manning, H. J. Moennig and S. F. Himmelright formed the Councils; in 1869 C. F. Peters, F. W. Manning, S. F. Himmelright, Bernard Esch and H. J. Moennig were elected members of the Council. In 1870 the village was redistricted, the number of wards reduced to four, and two Aldermen elected from each ward. Alexander Shenk, Henry Lindemann, John W. Feely and S. F. Himmelright were chosen for two years, and Herman Ricker, H. B. Brown, Henry Weible and David Minnig for one year. In 1871 Messrs. Ricker and Weible, C. H. Whittier and Ed. Finck were elected. Ricker refused to serve when Horace Bixby was appointed. In 1872 Alexander Shenk, Ed. King, Michael MARION TOWNSHIP - 451 Sommers, John Walsh, James Ostendorf, A. Tannahill and S. F. Himmelright were elected. In 1873, John W. Feely, A. B. Risk, J. Krift and William Allstaetter were elected. S. D. Chambers was appointed in October, vice Krift resigned. In 1874 Alex. Shenk, D. H. Tolan, John Walsh, Theo Wrocklage and Oliver Krutsch were chosen Councilmen. William Patton, M. A. Ferguson, Ed. Finck and Frederick Kollsmith were elected in 1875. In 1876, W. C. Hankins, John Walsh. Theo. Wrocklage and Robert Martin were chosen Councilmen. In 1877, Aaron Miller, John W. Feely, Adam Simons and August Boehmer were elected. During this year the expenditures of the village amounted to $7,129.20. The elections of 1878 resulted in the choice of H. P. Wagner, John Walsh, Peter Kalsch and James H. Clime for Councilmen. In 1879 Fred. Kollsmith, August Boehmer, Henry Weible, Aaron Miller were elected. In 1880, H. P. Wagner, John Walsh, C. Tegenkamp and Wesley Ralston. In 1881 there were 5I5 votes given for machine shops and two against in Delphos, for which a bonus of $30,000 was given. In 1881 the Councilmen elected were F. Kollsmith, August Boehmer, H. Weible and Constantine Sharger. In 1882, Nicholas Fritch, Jacob Dientsberger, James Boehmer, Fred. Beyer. In 1883, J. H. Zimerle, F. J. Helmkamp, Theo. Wrocklage, Evan J. Williams. In 1884, F. J. Helmkamp, John Walsh, Joseph Hemme and John W. Evans. The Postmasters of Delphos were Amos Clutter, the first master, who had a little office on the west side of the canal. He was succeeded by Andrew Linn, who served until May, 1853, when Winchton Risley was appointed. On his death, in September, 1854, his wife, Mrs. Mary Risley was appointed, and she held the office until September, 1879. J. H. Cowdin, the present postmaster, was commissioned in September, 1879. The office is still recognized as in Van Wert County. CHURCHES. Catholic Church.-The history of the church is identified with that of the settlement and progress of this division of the county. From printed and written reminiscences it appears that in December, 1845, thirty-six male members of the Catholic Church met in a log cabin and drew up ten articles of agreement, providing that each inhabitant of section 10, who 452 - HISTORY OF ALLEN COUNTY. wished to be a member of the Catholic congregation, should work twenty-five days every year, during the time a church building would be constructing, without pay or the expectation of pay; all those who could not or did not wish to work should pay $8 annually toward the work. At the beginning of each week the persons who volunteered to work were notified by the Trustees. Father Bredeick came to give the work some plan. About the middle of January, 1846, J. M. Heitz, in contract with Trustees, entered on work; large trees were formed as pillars, then the smaller timbers had to be hewed out, and then the hand-made oak shingles, the latter at the pastor's expense. In 1850 the old church was only partially completed; but not until November 1, 1853, were the first services celebrated therein. In 1855 the master mechanic of this great pioneer building died of cholera. In 1855 the building was closed on all sides; in 1856 the main altar and pews were made; in 1862 the steeple, 150 feet high, was built. Father Bredeick died August 19, 1858. There were eighty-nine different contributors of money and labor from 1846 to 1852. Each laborer gave 123 days, and each subscriber $54.54. On March 31, 1879, the last services were held in the old church. A hall 110 feet long and 56 wide accommodated the people until. the opening of the new church. Rev. Father Long, in his history of the Catholic Church of Delphos, written in 1875, says: "The first church established at Delphos was the Catholic, and its honored founder, Rev. John 0. Bredeick, was the benevolent guardian of the spiritual and material in terests of the German settlers, who were pioneers in the inhospitable forests of Northwestern Ohio. In co-operation with Rev. Mr. Horseman, of Glandorf, who had preceded Mr. Bredeick, they planted firmly the institutions of Christianity and civilization. His church here was an ungainly one in architectural appearance, but yet of huge dimensions. No one except Father Bredeick could then foresee that the Catholic Churchgoing people would be sufficient to fill that edifice during a period of a generation or two at least. The good priest struggled to complete his temple of worship, but did not live to witness the realization of his hopes, having passed to his reward in the future world in 1858. He has only had two successors—Rev. F. Westerholt, and the zealous and untiring one, who now officiates, Rev. A. J. Hoeffel, whose priestly services were rendered for many years at Defiance, Ohio. As evidence that Father MARION TOWNSHIP - 453 Bredeick had not underestimated the future wants of his people, it is only necessary to state that over 300 families now worship in that church, equivalent to nearly 1,500 persons. The project of building a new church took practical shape in 18'78. Plans by S. W. Lane, of Cleveland, were adopted by the building committee and councilmen, the. former being Theodore Wrocklage, F. H. Heitz and Herman Ricker. The councilmen were, Alex. Shenk, B. German, C. Geise and J. Gerdeman. Contracts were awarded to Warner & Son for stone foundation; Francis H. Heitz, woodwork; S. J. Burkhart, Kenton brick and sawed stone; Joseph Derwort, tin, iron and copper; Hull & Congers, roofing and slating, and Mr. Goeckinger, woodwork on spire. On September 1, 1878, Mr. Heitz measured the ground, then the foundations were excavated, and on June 15, 1879, the corner stone was laid by Bishop Gilmore, assisted by Rev. Father Hoeffel, Rev. J. F. Lang, and other ecclesiastics. The building was completed in 1880, and dedicated January 16, 1881, at a cost of about $60,000, equivalent, with gratuitous labor and material, to over $100,000. The length of the building is 192 feet; width of main aisle, 78 feet; width of transepts, 100 feet; height to apex of roof, 84 feet; height of tower, 222 feet; height of middle arch, 58 feet. The roof is divided into over 100 arches, after the pure Gothic style. The tower clock cost about $2,000. The bells used are those of the old church—a chime of three bells purchased in 1863-64. Father Bredeick took no salary from 1844 to 1853; subsequently he took $150 per year. He willed lot 74, ten acres on Section 30, to the Sisters of Charity, on condition that they would wait on the sick, and take charge of the girls' school. The remainder of his real estate he bequeathed to the Catholic Church. Father Westerholt took charge in 1858; he added two altars, an organ, and new pews. In 1867-68 the Sisters of St. Francis residence, on South Main street, was built at a cost of about $7,000. The three- story brick school was built in 1869-70, and the new residence for the sisters in 1872. When the town was burned, shortly after, the church and these buildings barely escaped destruction. In 1874 the Sisters of Notre Dame replaced the Sisters of St. Francis. In 1866 the parish was divided, and that of Landeck formed. After Father Westerholt was called to Cleveland, Father Maesfranc, of Landeck, came and remained 454 - HISTORY OF ALLEN COUNTY. until February 2, 1868, when Rev. A. J. Hoeffel was appointed. In 1875 a new organ was purchased. In 1860 St. Joseph's Union was organized on the suggestion of Henry. Hoerstman. The stained glass windows, paintings, statuary, altars, baptistry, frescoes, organ, are all in keeping with the style of the church. Methodist Episcopal Church was organized at the cabin of R. M. Pedicord, West Delphos, in 1846, with William Scott, John Miller and wife, and R. M. Pedicord and wife. Services were held at the houses of Pedicord and Miller, subsequently in Amos Metcalf's cooper shop, and in 1848, in the woollen factory, erected by E. N. Martin that year. In 1850-51 a church building was erected on a lot donated by Samuel Pettit, of Piqua, a friend of E. N. Martin. After this building was in use for a quarter of a century, the idea of erecting a substantial house of worship. was entertained. The ladies soon inaugurated a means of making the idea practical, and by social meetings, and church fairs, they collected no less than $2,300 within the three years ending in December, 1878. Among the leaders in this enterprise were Mr. Wagner, Mrs. Williams, Mrs. Paugh, Mrs, Roebuck, and Mrs. Osborne. In the spring of 1879, those ladies collected from the citizens about $2,600, and with the two sums as the nucleus of a building fund, they embarked in the work of church building. A contract was sold to James H. Clime to build a house of worship according to plans by T. J. Tolan & Son, of Ft. Wayne. Work was commenced in August, 1879, and the building completed in March, 1880, under the supervision of Dr. H. P. Wagner. The pastors, who have served the church at Delphos, are John Graham, 1846; A. Albright, 1847; Alexander Harmount, I848, circuit preachers, From 1850 to 1852, J. R. Guiberson and J. F. Burkholder; 1852 to 1854, W. Taylor and G. Leese; 1854 to 1855, Jacob Feghtly; I855 to 1856, John Fribly and A. R. Krebs; 1856 to 1858, Isaac Newton; 1858 to 1861, F. Merriott and G. W. Waters; 186I to 1862, William Deal and J. Estell; 1862 to 1864, F. Plumb; 1864 to 1866, J. Mounts; 1866 to 1868, L. Herbert; I868 to 1870, Jason Young; 1870 to 1873, A. J. Fish; 1873 to 1876, John Bates; 1876 to 1878, D. R. Cook; 1878 to 1880, Solomon Lindsay. The Presbyterian Church of Delphos was formally organized in 1849, and completed organization in 185I. The lot on which the church 455 - PICTURE OF JACOB ALTSTOTTER 456 - BLANK MARION TOWNSHIP - 457 building stands (No, 47), was donated by Rev. Father Bredeick to the Presbyterian Society in August, 1858, as a transfer from the Board of Education under the Legislative Act of March 14, 1850. (Vide History of Catholic Church.) The present church building was erected in 1869 at a cost of over $6,000. Of this sum the late C. C. Marshall collected $1,250. R. Skinner and wife, Andrew Lenn and wife, Thomas and James Cochran and wives, Thomas Chambers, Gabriel Lehman and wife, Swan Hunter and wife, and William Cochran, were the original members of the society. Mrs. Dr. Coleman joined in 1872. The society was organized by Mr. Graham. In January, 1851, the ladies of the Presbyterian Church organized a sewing circle. The sum realized from their work ($1,900) was devoted to the building of the church and purchase of additional ground. During the war the work of the society was suspended. Rev. Messrs. Johnson, Graham, Cameron, Elcock, Young, Scott and the present pastor, Sherard, have served the church since 1849. United Brethern (Marion Church). This church, belonging to the Elida United Brethern Circuit, comes down from the pioneer days of this portion of Allen County. The original members were S. P. Steman and wife, Samuel Moyer and wife, Mary M. Sherrick, Catherine Seitz, Sarah Long, Mary Parker, Jacob Clapper, Cyrus Conrad, H. J. Sherrick, John Ridenour, J. B. Cottner, Caroline Cottner. The membership is eighty. SCHOOLS. The Union School Building on the west side was erected in 1869 at a cost of $30,000. A still larger building is now considered necessary for the east side. Owing to the existence of the Catholic schools at Delphos, little interest was taken in the common school system until 1867-68. This is proven by the fact that the School District failed to profit by a donation of land in 1852, and continued this carelessness for many years after, so that lot No. 47, donated in 1852 to the Board of Education by Rev. Father Bredeick of the Catholic Church, and by him to the Presbyterian Society in I858, under legislative authority given in the Act of March 14, 1859. SOCIETIES, ETC. Hope Lodge No. 214, A. F. & A. M., was chartered October 28, 1851. In 1872, while the lodge was in the third story of Shenk & Lang's Block, 27 458 - HISTORY OF ALLEN COUNTY. the building was destroyed, and with it the records of the lodge. E. R. Mathis served as W. M. from 1869 to 1877; C. P. Washburn from 1877 to 1879; Joseph Welch, 1879; C. P. Washburn, 1880; Joseph Cowdin, 1881; Henry Davies, 1883-84; E. Mathis is Recorder. The lodge was reorganized under the new charter October 16, 1873, and now claims sixty-eight members. Delphos Chapter, No. 105, R. A. M., was chartered October 17, 1868, with H. P. Wagner, C. C. Marshall, S. D. Chambers, J. C. Scott, H. D. Clark, S. F. Conkling, Alfred Tannehill, W. D. Jones and C. A. Evans original members. Okonoxy Lodge, I. 0. 0. F., No. 201, was chartered May 16, 1854, with William Crist, D. Minnig, E. King, Sam Stuter and G. W. Krutsch members. The lodge was instituted under dispensation June 10, 1852, with M. H. Curtis, George L. Higgins, A. G. Howell, Sam Stuter and John Daubs members. The names of the Past Grands up to June, 1854, are M. H. Curtis, George L. Higgins, A. G. Howell and W. H. Crist. Since June, 1854, the following have served as N. G., L. B. Woolson, 1854; W. R. Ward, 1855, C. H. Hover and S. F. Himmelright, 1856; G. W. Krutsch and Hollis Fisher, 1857; G. Lehman, 1858; E. King, 1859; C. Gessner, and S. F. Himmelright, 1860; G. P. Kramer and E. King, 1861; S. Himmelright and Mr. Bormuth, 1862; E. King, I863; S. F. Himmelright, 1864. For ten years succeeding 1864 the charter was held by the grand lodge until its restoration, August 20, 1874. Under the authority of the grand lodge William Crist was elected N. G. In December, 1874, George W. Krutsch, N. G. The chief officers of the lodge since 1875 are named as follows: Ed. King,1875; R. C. Jones and Wm. Lovekin, 1876; 0. H. Krutsch and C. S. Davis, 1877; J. W. Evans and Evan Williams, 1878; William Crist and Simon Foster, 1879; J. W. Allen, 1880; C. F. Harter and E. Y. Young, 1881; A, R. Lockard and A. E. Herminghuyser, 1882; S. G. Roloson and G. W. Louthan in 1883; G. W. Louthan and Henry Valtz, 1884, with S. W. Murphy, Recorder. The number of members is 117. Marion Encampment, No. 61, I. 0. 0. F., when first instituted, met at Delphos, March 30, 1854, William Crist, Hollis Fisher. J. R. Murphy, L. B. Wolson, Charles McCune, C. H. Hover, and others were members of this Camp. MARION TOWNSHIP - 459 Frederika Lodge, No. 147, Daughters of Rebekah, was chartered May 17, 1883, with Catherine J. Foster, Celia Pegdon, Sarah J. Eiche, Frederika King, Anna C. Voltz, Catherine Daniels, Adeline Blake, George W. Louthan, Eleanor M. Louthan, S. W. Murphy, C. S. Davis, William Crist, James Pegdon, Mary Young and J. W. Evans. Mrs. Catherine Daniels is Noble Grand. The number of members is twenty- five. Royal Arcanum was organized November 13, 1878. Dr. H. P. Wagner was elected P. R.; E. R. Mathis, R., and C. W. Risley, Secretary. The annual election took place December 25, 1878, when E. R. Mathis was chosen Regent, and Henry Davies, Secretary. The Regents since - 1878: E R. Mathis, 1879; E. W. Hastings, 1879; E. F. Lloyd, 1881; A. C. Almy, 1882-83. The Secretaries: D. S. Griffith, John Humphreys, C. W. Risley, 1879; H. L. Roebuck, 1881-82; William F. Klages, 1883. The membership is seventy-three. Reul Post, No. 95, G. A. R., named after Capt. Reul, One Hundred and Eighteenth Ohio Infantry, who died at Delphos after the war, was organized July 12, 1881, with the following charter members: J. H. Cowdin, S. L. Feeley, F. Rouschart, Moses Strauss, A. Lichttentner, N. Lichttentner, Oscar Wilson, William Devlin, D. J. Davis, M. K. Blinn, J. F. Himmelright, P. F. Henry, Almond Ruggles, Oscar Enslen, William Wier and John Siedell. The first Commander was D. J. Davis, and Adjutant, J. H. Cowdin. The Commanders since this time are named as follows: John Widmer, 1882-83; M. T. Long, 1883-84. The Adjutants were Henry Dickman, 1882; Benjamin Dunne, elected in 1882, has served since that time. The membership is seventy-six. The post uses the well. furnished hall of the Knights of Honor, pending the equipment of a new hall. The present officers of the post are: Commander, M. T. Long; Senior Vice-Commander, James M. Cochran; Junior Vice-Commander, John Eisenbice; Surgeon, E. H. Wade; Chaplain, A. Ruggles; Adjutant, Ben Dunn: Officer of the Day, John Widmer;. Offrcer of the Guard, G. W. Ludwig; Quartermaster, William Devlin; Sergeant-Major, George Stirritt; Quartermaster-Sergeant, W. A. Cordell. Knight's of Pythias Lodge, No 139, was chartered May 24, 1882, with the following members: E. Priddy, W. C. Nieding, G. A. Kolbe, C. F. Carter, G. E. Shirley, S. G. Roloson, D. J. Brese, 0. Waterbery, W. W. 460 - HISTORY OF ALLEN COUNTY. Reul, J. Humphreye, S. 'W. Archer, E. F. Lloyd, T. J. Wherritt, E. Peat, A. Turner, G. F. Almy, W. F, McCracken, G. H. Henkey, D. W. Davis, T. D. Richeson, R. H. Clark, J. Roby, T. B. Edwards, A. C. Almy, D. H. Tolan, A. B. Rice, E. Hartwell, J. C. Moore, and W. E Watkins. The past Chancellors: Oscar Waterbery, 1882; Emerson Priddy, 1882; A. C. Almy, 1883; W. H. Nuding, 1883; A. C. Almy, 1884; S. G. Roloson, 1884; John Burkett, 1885. Secretary: S. a Roloson, 1882; Emerson Priddy, I883; 0. L. Saylor, 1883; I. S. Moon, 1884; Edward Lloyd, 1885. The membership is thirty-nine. Division No. 21, Sons of Temperance, was chartered March 31, 1880, with twenty-seven members. Knights of Honor, Edith Lodge, No. 1,787, was organized September 20, 1879, with forty charter members. The presiding officers since organization are Frank Welsh, Benjamin Fisher, S. L. Feeley, Aug. Boehmer, C. F. Harter, and J. Pohlman. The secretaries are E. Y. Young, R. Peat, D. J. Brees, and C. F. Harter. Delphos Fire Department was organized under the name of the Washington Volunteer Fire Company, July 1, 1872. Of the original members one only, J. H. Wahmhoff, is now connected with this volunteer department. The members of the company in 1884 were C. F. Hauber, foreman; J. Hemme, assistant foreman; C. Schosker, assistant foreman; H. J. Weible, secretary; H. J. Moennig, treasurer; J. F. Dolt, foreman hose division; R. Bell, F. Brickner, H. J. Bergfield, B. W. Dalk, M. Cover, W. A. Fisher, 0. Good, J. Garrity, P. George, J. George. A. C. Grothause, C. Geise, W. M. Haas, J. T. Hartwell, J. Herlihy, G. H. Hauber, W. J. Hockenberry, A. F. Irick, F. H. Landick, J. P. Laner, W. Lemkuhl, G. F. Lang, L. McCollister, L. Metzger, F. A. Ranshard, A. B. Ruggles, J. Risk, S. F. Shenk, D. Sudmoeller, B. Trentman, C. Uhlenhake, E. J. Williams, H. J. Wolfhorst, and J. H. Wahmhoff with Mr. Wahmhoff chief of department. The prizes carried off by this company are named as follows; Ohio State Banner, at Gal-lion, Ohio, in 1873; Northwestern Ohio State Banner, at Van Wert, Ohio, 1874; a trumpet at Lima, Ohio, 1876; a trumpet at Van Wert, Ohio, 1877; a trumpet at Delphos, Ohio, 1882; a United States flag at Delphos, Ohio. 1882; a money prize at Northwestern Ohio tournament, held at St. Mary's Ohio, 1883, and a money prize at Sandusky, Ohio, in 1884. In MARION TOWNSHIP - 461 the contest for these prizes the Washington company have carried off prizes from thirty-nine different companies. The equipment comprises two steam engines, a pony hand engine, one hook and ladder and 2,200 feet of hose on four carts. The J. W. Feely Hook and Ladder Company was organized under the name of the Star Company, was subsequently named the Independent Star Hook and Ladder Company, in August 1880, to the Star Hook and Ladder Company, and August 3, 1882, to the J. W. Feely Hook and Ladder Company. The first officers elected in June, 1880, were J. W. Feely, foreman; J. R. Stith, assistant; John Kasper, second assistant; S. W. Archer, secretary; and Gustave Kolbe, treasurer. J. L. Herbert served as foreman until 1883, when he was succeeded by C. S. Davis. The present foreman, F. H. Moennig, has served as secretary from 1881 to the present time. Theodore Stallkamp is assistant foreman. There are thirty-five members who pay their own expenses, the village paying for repairs. The Delphos Band, known as the Citizens' Band, was organized September 25, 1882, with John White, leader; Louis Stephens, president., and also secretary and treasurer; Fred Bayer, director. The present officers are Henry Volz, leader; F. H. C. Moennig, drum major; and 0. J. Ostendorf, Manager. There are fifteen members. The Schiller Association was organized in 1859, by Antoine Jettinger. INDUSTRIES, BANKS, ETC. The industry known as the curing of Slippery Elm bark was founded at Delphos in 1855, by Dr. J. W. Hunt. The trade in this bark may be said to have its headquarters at Delphos for many years. Ten years previous to this time Theodore Wrocklage and B. Esch established a potash and pearl-ash factory. The Empire Excelsior Works, established by Charles Whittier, was purchased in 1873 by August Boehmer, who has been operator of them for the last eleven years. The factory gives employment to eight men. The machinery is valued at about $3,500. The capacity is about 1,000 tons per annum. The principal market is at Cincinnati. The Delphos Chemical Works, manufacturers of pearl-ash, was established in 1871, by Ishmael Malick. In 1872 the works were purchased 462 - HISTORY OF ALLEN COUNTY. by J. & T. Rice. The product, since the decrease in price, has not exceeded ten tons annually. The price is 3 cents per pound. The Delphos Elevator, built by W. F. Mills & Co., in I879, has a capacity of 30,000 bushels. The original building was erected by Curtis & Bliss, about thirty years ago, on Canal Street and Pennsylvania Railroad. The Narrow Guage Railroad runs a track along the west side. In 1870 a hub and spoke factory was established on the side of the canal, by A. B. Risk and M. A. Ferguson. This industry was carried on where the Moennig hardware store now stands, until consolidated with the Ohio Wheel Company in I872. The Ohio Wheel Company, founded at Toledo in 1868, moved to Delphos in 1872. The Company was incorporated October 20, 1871, with W. P. Garrett, Ed Flickinger, Henry Flickinger, P. M. Ainslie and William Johnson, of Toledo, and Theo Wrocklage, M. A. Ferguson, D. L. Williams, J. M. C. Marble, Peter Phelan, S. D. Chambers, H. J. Moennig, A. B. Risk, T. W. Brotherton, J. W. Hunt, L. G. Roebuck, F. H. Stallkamp, F. Buettner, C. A. Evans and D. H. Tolan. At their Toledo works, buildings and machinery were valued at $40,000. The buildings were erected in in 187I-72, and opened in the fall of 1872. The estimated cost of buildings, $20,000, and machinery $45,000. The number of hands employed in January, 1873, was 32, the number at present, 80. The presidents have been Henry Flickinger I868 to 1873, and J. M. C. Marble 1873 to 1885. Henry J. Trame has served as secretary from 1873 to present time. The value of annual products is about $120,000 ; the monthly pay roll is about $3,000. The Union Flouring Mill Company was organized under State law in 1872, with F. J. Lye, Peter Phelan, H. J. Moennig, H. J. Gerdeman, Theo Wrocklage, S. D. Chambers. In 1880 the name was changed to the Eagle Mills. The Eagle Mills were purchased in July, 1880, by Alex. Shenk and George F. Lang, who have conducted this industry down to the present time. The machinery is valued at about $15,000, and the buildings about $10,000. The capacity is estimated at 125 barrels per day. The annual product is 25,000 barrels. The number of hands employed is ten. Delphos Flouring-Mills, built in 1847 by E. N. Morton, were purchased in 1856 by Abram Miller, J. Shotwell and T. F. Conklin; pur- MARION TOWNSHIP - 463 chased by Cooper & Conklin, again in 1858 by Miller & Shotwell. In 1861 P. W. Morton purchased Shotwell's interest, and in 1876 acquired three-fourths of the interest with Abram Miller. Pittsburg Hoop & Stave Company was established in 1872, with C. Meyran, president ; Thomas A. Weger, superintendent; W. Steinmeyer, treasurer; and G. W. Hammer, secretary. The new company organized February 20, I884, is presided over by J. Shaffer, with H. Goette, secretary and treasurer, and F. A. Weger, superintendent. The value of machinery is $6,000, and of buildings $4,000. The value of annual product (estimated) is about $80,000; the number of men employed, 30. The Stave Company, one of the great industries of Delphos, was organized in 1869, with J. M. C. Marble, Theo Wrocklage, John Ostendorf and H. J. Trame, incorporators. Mr. Ostendorf presides over this Company, with C. P. Washburn, treasurer and secretary. Delphos Handle Factory was established in 1872, by the Hartwell Brothers. What has been said by Mr. Sutton in 1882 is doubly applicable to-day. He states: Within a radius of four miles of Delphos there are over thirty mills constantly employed in cutting and preparing lumber for the market. Immense quantities of timber are annually conveyed to market by the railroads and canal. The enterprise and growth of Delphos can be seen by the following list of business establishments : two steam saw-mills, two grist-mills, one paper-mill, one woollen-mill, one machine shop and foundry, one stirrup factory, two planing-mills, one handle factory, one excelsior works, one union stave factory, one hoop and stave factory, one Washington stave factory, one tight-barrel factory, one wheel factory, two brick yards, four livery stables, four hardware stores, four stove and tin stores, nine dry goods stores, four millinery establishments, four drug stores, twelve grocery and provision stores, thirty saloons, four butcher shops, three jewelry stores, two harness shops, two undertaking establishments, three furniture stores, four wagon shops, six blacksmith shops, six boot and shoe shops. seven baker shops, one tannery, one brewery, two banks, two newspapers, two warehouses, three elevators, six hotels, two public halls, one steam fire-engine, two hand- engines, hose carts, etc. First National Bank was founded by L. G. Roebuck, F. J. Lye, J. M. 464 - HISTORY OF ALLEN COUNTY. C. Marble, T. Wrocklage, Peter Phelan, R. K. Lytle, H. J. Boehmer, B. Esch, F. H. Stalkamp, and Henry D. Clark, February 16, 1863, with L. G. Roebuck, president, and J. M. C. Marble, cashier. The capital stock was placed at $100,000. On February 26, 1883, the bank was reorganized under the name Delphos National Bank, with Theo Wrocklage, president, and Joseph Boehmer, cashier. The capital stock is $60,000, and surplus $8,000. The Commercial Bank of Delphos was chartered under the Legislative act of February 26, I853. It was organized as a State bank in I877, and in 1880 the capital stock of $100,000 was reduced to $50,000. The Fidelity Fire Insurance Company, of Delphos, was organized in August, 1875. The first Directors were: Alex. Shenk, B. Esch, Max Woerner, George W. Hall, Joseph Boehmer, Charles E. Shenk, B. J. Brotherton, M. A. Ferguson, Henry Weible, Theodore Wrocklage, Dr. Schneider, Lester Bliss, John Shaw, T. J. Godfrey and A. V. Rice. The Phelan House, built in 1880 by J. F. McShane, has been carried on by John Roby since April 25, 1881. This is one of the best hotels in northwestern Ohio. The Rose House was built in 1881 by A. B. Risk. This house is located on the P. F. W. & C. R. R., just west of the Union depot. It has been variously conducted. LANDECK VILLAGE. Landeck, Sections 3 and 10, Marion Township, is a small village in the midst of a rich agricultural district. The business portion of Lan- deck lies north of Main Street. South are the lands of the Catholic Church, Sebastian Ley and J. Shaffer. The school and a steam saw-mill stand on the western limits. Catholic Church.----About twenty families in and around Landeck asked and obtained permission of Bishop Rappe to erect a church under direction of Father Westerholt, then pastor in Delphos, and a frame one 40x60 feet was built on a lot donated by S. Ley. Father Maesfranex was appointed pastor in 1868. Rev. C. Seltzer succeeding him in 1869. The following year Rev. F. Brem was appointed his successor, and had charge eight years, when he went to Europe for his health, Rev. B. Neier supplying his place during his absence. Rev. J. B. Heiland succeeded MONROE TOWNSHIP - 465 him April 20, 1878. During Father Seltzer's administration a neat pastoral residence was erected, and Father Brem built a schoolhouse and teacher's house. October I0, 1876, the house and contents were destroyed by fire. Father Brem, however, erected a more substantial residence of brick in 1877; a year later an addition of 20x44 feet was made to the church. The congregation now numbers about ninety-six families making a total of about 500 members. MISCELLANEOUS. The Pittsburgh, Fort Wayne & Chicago Railroad passes through Marion Township from southeast to northwest; the Cleveland, Delphos - & St. Louis Railroad touches the most northwesterly sections on its way from Delphos into Putnam County, and the Toledo, Delphos & Indianapolis Railroad runs due north and south. The postoffices are Delphos, Landeck and Scott's Crossing.