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REILY.

REMY TOWNSHIP lies north of Morgan, south of Oxford, west of Hanover, and east of the State of Indiana. It was organized in December, -1807. The township was named after John Reily. It originally formed a part of St. Clair. Some of the first settlers in the township were named Allhand, Anthony, Baldwin, Burget, Baird, Burk, Clark, Chase, Conkling, Clem, DeCamp, Deneen, House], Halstead, Hancock, Jones, Lindley, Montgomery, Morris, Miller, Pierson, Ross, Sample, Thompson, Trimbley, Welliver, and Stevens.

The justices of the peace have been Ithamar White and William Mitchell in 1808; Ithamar White and John Burke in 1811; the same in 1813 and 1814; Daniel Trimbly in 1816; John Burke in 1817 Daniel Trimbly in 1819; John Burke from 1820-23; Daniel Trimbly again in 1824-25; John Burke in 1826; Daniel Allhands in 1828; John Burke in 1829; in 1831, Daniel Allhands; John Clark and John Johnson in 1832; in 1833, Samuel Port; in 1834, Amos Larison, and in 1835, Jacob Miller and David Lindley ; in 1836, Isaac Clark; in 1838, Amos Larison and Jacob Miller; in 1839, Isaac Clark; Amos Larison in 1841, also Samuel Trimbly; 1842, Elias H, Gaston; in 1844, Alexander Ogle and W. P. Deneen; and in succeeding years, James B. Trimbly, Silas C. Stewart, Thomas W. Lawrence, P. J. B. Welliver, Thomas Smith, Joseph W. Frazee, William L. Lane, John W. Owens, G. W. Welliver, L. D. Hancock, L. C. Addison, and Alonzo Urmston.

In 1844 there were nine school districts in the township and $1,206 annually collected for school purposes. The populktion in 1820 was fourteen hundred and fifty-one ; in 1830, eighteen hundred and thirty-two; in 1840, seventeen hundred and fifty-eight. Reily post-office was the only one in the township in 1844.

TOPOGRAPHY.

Indian Creek passes through Reily Township from north-west to south-east. Its principal tributaries are Little Indian, which flows from the west, taking its rise in the neighborhood of Peoria. Chase's Run flows from the north, and takes its name from Valentine Chase, a pioneer in this part of the township. Mr. Chase entered the south-east quarter of Section 5, the same quarter on which the Indian Creek Baptist Church stands. Further east is Boone's Run, also an affluent of Indian Creek. This creek took its name from a distant relative of Daniel Boone, who settled in this region far back in the '20's. Reserve Run flows from the north through Sections 5 and 6, emptying into Indian Creek one-quarter of a mile below Reily. Indian Creek has a bottom some three-quarters of a mile in 'width, which is very fertile. These bottoms are very fine lands for raising corn. It was along this stream and its tributaries, in the opening of Indian Creek Valley to agriculture, 'that such fine crops were raised. The other streams named have no bottoms of any size. In the south-west corner of the township the lands are well adapted to agricultural purposes. The soil is a dark, rather heavy loam, inclined to be wet. When drained it produces the best of crops. The north-east corner is broken somewhat, and not so well adapted to farming ; the soil is clayish generally. In the vicinity of Ogleton and Woods' Stations the surface is flat, and the soil a dark loam, naturally wet. All kinds of timber abounded here when the first settlements were made. There has been a very great quantity of good timber destroyed, but there is still standing a sufficient forest for many years. This township, like Morgan and Hanover, was plentifully supplied with pea vines along the creek bottoms in early times. The undergrowth was mainly spice bushes. Many hoop- poles were cut from the forests when still-houses were running their best. Flour barrels, as well as whisky barrels, commanded a good price in those days, and it is said "a cooper-shop was kept going on every section."

The first white child buried in Reily Township was Thomas D., son of George and Nancy Allhands, who died March, 1803, and was buried in a grave-yard on Section 9, a few rods south-west of the center, on a farm now owned by Colonel William Stephens, one hundred and fifty yards due east from the house. In 1837 there were thirty-three graves here, two of them being colored people. But one tombstone was erected in this graveyard—an old sandstone, which now lies on the ground. This child was scalded to death by hot sugar water. There have been no burials here since 1837. The yard is now under a state of cultivation.

In 1807 there were but three or four houses from where the Miami was crossed at Venice and Brookville. From where James Stephens settled, in 1809, on the south-east quarter of Section 7, to Brookville, a distance of fourteen miles, there was not a single house. Andrew Lewis, below Reily, was the first settler below Stephens's and Venice for a number of years. During the years of 1808, 1809, and 1810 there were many families who came here from all sections. In 1834 there were three hundred and thirty-six voters in the township. There are now about four hundred voters, a very small gain in nearly fifty years.

In 1805 there was a powerful combination of horse- thieves at work in this and adjoining townships. The

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line extended from New Orleans to Canada, and had enlisted in the business all grades of men.. Blind stables were used to conceal stolen goods. One formerly stood on the west side of Indian Creek, about a mile below the Baptist Church, and was in a very secluded place. It could have been discovered only by mere accident. Horses were stolen, hidden here for a short time, and then taken off during the night to other stables, which had been previously notified of their coming. This kind of enterprise was carried on so extensively that the settlers finally broke up the gang, in 1815, by hanging a number of the leaders.

ROADS.

One of the first and most prominent roads in the township led from Millville through what is now Bunker Hill, but then Dog Town, on to Reily, up the creek, and disappeared from the State in the southwest section of Oxford Township. This road was a great outlet to the counties along the State line, teamsters and drovers taking this route to Cincinnati. Huildrec s of white-covered wagons made the trip to the Queen City on this road yearly, with the familiar four-horse team hauling whisky and flour. Hog driving began early in October and lasted until March. The growing of hogs was a lucrative business. Many a man made his fortune in raising corn, fattening hogs, and driving them to Cincinnati. The mast, which in those days never failed, greatly assisted in producing pork. Hogs were branded and turned loose in woods to feed for months. They never became very fat, but were wild, many a narrow escape having been made from their ferocity. In driving to market two or three weeks were often consumed, men returning covered with mud and pockets filled with bank notes or silver. The road generally taken in early times was by the way of Layhigh.

Another road, described in Morgan Township, was callecl, the pest-road, leading from Lawrenceburg, Indiana, to Oxfbrd, Ohio. It was of less importance, because leading to no large markets. Mails were carried over this route every fortnight, in a pair of saddle-bags thrown behind a horseman.

The county road from Hamilton to Oxford cut the north-east corner of the township, one fork taking the direction of Oxford from Stillwell's Corner, the other following the township line between Oxford and Reily Townships to the State line.

There was another road which followed the section line, one mile north of the south side of the township, as far east as the road leading from Sayres's saw-mill to the Layhigh road to Venice. This road was used a great deal by the people who lived along its route. During the last forty years there have been many changes.

MILLS.

About 1808 or 1809 Robert Denney built an undershot sawmill at Bunker Hill. The same mill, or one on the same site, is now running. This mill finally passed into the hands of Elias Sayres, who also had a carding- machine, fulling-mill, and a machine for weaving and spinning. These establishments ran from 1825 to 1834.

One of the first blacksmiths at Bunker Hill was Henry Garver, who was here from 1825 to 1830. He was a man of conuiderable mechanical skill, and was well liked by his customers.

There was a grist-mill here, owned by John Kinsey, about 1820. The millwrights were James and Robert Nelson. The mill stood on the south side of the road, a hundred feet above the iron bridge. Two of the millers were Perry Orendorff and Mr. McFreely, who were hired by Kinsey. This was an undershot mill, which run for about fifteen years. Some of the other owners were John Scudder, Obadiah Welliver, and Samuel Haslet. A part of this mill is now standing.

A school-house was erected in 1809 or 1810, in the northern or upper end of Bunker Hill, on the north side of the pike. Two of the teachers were Messrs. Noble and Harris. Some of the early settlers in Bunker Hill were Obadiah Welliver, who was here about 1810 ; Thomas Burke, here in 1808 ; John Israel and John Kinsey, later; James Deneen and Silas Anderson, both on the other side of the Universalist Church.

It is said that Bunker Hill was called Dog Town, because, when the place first began to assume the proportions of a village, a fierce dog-fight took place at Kinsey's mill, hence the result.

Abraham and James Thompson built a still-house on Philip's Fork, above Scipio one-half mile, in 1818, or about that time. In 1820 James Beard bought out the Thompson brothers, who were from Pennsylvania. This still-house was built of round logs, and was thirty by twenty feet; the capacity was one barrel per day. Corn was ground at neighboring mills on Dry Fork. Beard, as soon as he became owner of the site, erected a hewed- log- house, forty-one by forty feet, one story high. He ground his corn by horse power. This still-house continued to run for about twenty-five years.

Mr. Shillings was the first blacksmith in the northwestern corner of the township in 1815. His shop was on a farm, which afterwards belonged to John Wehr, in the south-east quarter of Section 7. Shillings had a large family of girls and one son. He died at his place of business.

There was a store in 1821 and 1822, kept by Thomas Chase, exactly where Samuel King now lives, which lasted for five or six years.

Elijah,Vanness had a saw-mill on Indian Creek in 1836, on the north-west quarter of Section 5; Philetus Munson had another at the same time on the north-west quarter. On Section 9 George Allhands built a sawmill, which was sold, with a considerable portion of land, to Colonel William Stephens, who, with his large family, did an immense business for many years. John Burke

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had a mill on Indian Creek in 1825, on the north-west quarter of Section 22, where he ground corn and wheat. All of these mills have disappeared.

A very prominent tavern for 'hog-drivers was at John Wehr's, two and three-quarter miles above Reily, on the pike now, then on the old county road, in the south-east quarter of Section 7. Wilson V. Bagsdill was an old tavern-keeper on this road, near St. Charles, then the leading and most direct route to Cincinnati, but which, after leaving St. Charles, was known as the Trace road.

Union school was commenced in 1816 by the neighbors who lived in the north-western corner Of the township, and who erected a hewed log house on a lot of two acres, donated by Maxwell Parkerson, in the south-east corner of section six. The Walker Chapel Church held many of its first services here ; also the Indian Creek Baptist Church. Parkerson came here in 1806, from Virginia. Their teachers in early times were John Elliott, a pensioned Revolutionary soldier, from New York State ; Robert Riggs, of Maine; Alfred Chamberlain, of New York State, who " was the best grammarian ever in this part of the county; " Winson Lusk, of Virginia, and John Ferguson. Among the scholars were James, William, Levi, Andrew, and Lurene Stephens, children of James Stephens, a pioneer of 1809; Collin, William, Edward and John Forbes; Randall, Rebecca, and John Wesley ; Maxwell Johnson; Eleazer, Rodney, Mayhew (who was named after his father), Franklin, James, Rebecca, and Malinda Donham. The old hewed log-house was used for thirty-five years. The present brick building, school district No. 3, is almost on the same site.

RELIGIOUS MATTERS.

The Bunker Hill Universalist Church was organized in 1845 or 1846, with Elias Sayres, J. C. Welliver, Hiram and David Pearson, Samuel Garner, Sr., and brother William, John Creagmiles, Noah Sayers, George Garner, and several of the Rosses, for its first members. The land on which the church stands, as well as where the graveyard is, was owned by Alexander Deneen. The house was erected in 1857 by Elijah Ross, contractor. Before the church was built, meetings were held in a frame school-house, built in 1852, on the south side of the road, at the foot of the hill near the creek, at the junction of the St. Charles and Millville Roads. Among the preachers were the Revs. Messrs. Bruce, Wm. Curry, B. B. Bennett, who also supplied the Oxford Church ; William Brooks, of New York ; W. Emmett, Mr. Biddle, who c.aine from Dayton, Ohio; E. K. Brush, Mr. Grandy, Mr. Tucker, and others. The present minister is the Rev. J. P. McLean, of Hamilton. There are now about sixty members. The largest membership was reached in 1859, when there were one hundred and thirty- four. This Church suffered greatly on account of the war, many members taking up arms for their country. Preaching is had here the third Sabbath in every month.

From about fifty interments in the burying ground we Bake the following:

Michael Bressler, born in Berks County Pennsylvania, May 26, 1792; died February 7, 1866. Susanna Bressler, born February 27, 1797; died April 5, 1866. Obadiah Welliver, born September 13, 1777; died September 15, 1839. Hannah Welliver, born October 3, 1780; died July 8, 1869. These two people were the parents of large and respectable posterity, many of whom still reside in this vicinity. Margaret Trembly, died April 23, 1864, aged 65 years, eight 4months, and 11 days. The Tremblys were also early members of this Church. Abraham Balser died June 6, 1858, aged 72 years. Elizabeth Balser died December 23, 1859, aged 72 years. Michael Burgett died June 22, 1857, aged 46 years and 1 day.

For a number. of years a good Sunday-school has been in successful operation at this place. The furniture of the church is quite modern, and every thing has the appearance of neatness and prosperity. The church is a frame, capable of seating three hundred people. These inscriptions are from a private yard, one mile above Reily, near the line which divides sections sixteen and seventeen, about ten rods south of the present pike, ten feet west of the section line :

In memory of Eleanor, wife of James Post, who departed this life December 17, 1841, aged 82 years and nine months. James Post died July 28, 1846, aged 86 years, 10 months and 28 days. Further up the pike, near the old road, below Walker Chapel half a mile, in a private ground among a clump of cedars are, John Wehr, a native of Somerset County, Pennsylvania, who died January 25, 1853, aged 73 years, one month and47 days. Sarah, wife of John Wehr, died May 12, 1866, in the 77th year of her age, Mr. Wehr was an early tavern-keeper.

The Washington Methodist Episcopal Church was organized in 1819, by Russel Bigelow, at a dwelling-house one-fourth of a mile south-west of the place where the church. now stands. Charles Stewart was appointed class-leader, in which capacity he served for many years. He was a member of this Church at the time of his death, which occurred December 24, 1854, aged 73 years and 22 days. His body is in the graveyard at St. Charles, a village that was named in honor of this pioneer. The Rev. Benjamin Lawrence, who was one of the pioneer preachers, also sleeps in the same yard ; died September 7, 1855, aged 74 years. For several years alirr its organization, the Church worshiped in the house where it was organized. It afterwards occupied a log school-house in St. Charles, just west of where the cemetery is entered, on the same side of the road. In 1834, during the pastorate of the Rev. C. W. Swain and the Rev. J. Waterman, Washington Chapel was erected ; dedicatedie same year. The contractor was Levi Spark, who at that time had a saw mill a short distance below Scipio. The ground on which the church stands was given by Matthew Moorhead. There was a great deal of strife among the members of the society concerning the location of this house. Mr. Stewart proposed to give a

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building-site near St. Charles, but tile proposition was disregarded, principally through the influence of Mr. Lawrence, and a local preacher by the name of Powers, who afterwards becanie a Mormon saint. There was a time when Washington was the strongest society on the circuit, but from lukewarmness, deaths, removals, and dissensions, it is now the weakest. During the late war the house became very much out of repair. In 1865 ft new roof was put on it, and in 1868 the ceiling was re-plastered.

The Washington Sunday-school was organized as many as forty years ago. Samuel Stewart was one of the first superintendents. There were about forty scholars. Exercises consisted mainly in the recital of verses, which had been memorized, and for which the best scholar received a reward ; reading portions of Scripture in concert, and singing.

Some of the first members of the Church were Charles Stewart and wife, Jane and Matthew Moorhead, Nathaniel Meeker and wife, James Emerson and wife, Michael and Rachel Meeker, Benjamin and his wife Margaret Stites, Robert Bell, Aaron Powers, Jonathan Richmond and wife, the Rev. Mr. Lawrence and wife.

The following inscriptions from tombstones are taken from the St. Charles Cemetery :

Sacred to the memory of David Bell, who departed this life July 18, 1834, in the 60th year-of his age. Margaret, consort of David Bell, died July 10, 1834, in her 55th year. Emanuel Burget, died February 4, 1822, in the 46th year of his age. In memory of David Williams, who departed this life April 22, 1821; aged 51. Thomas Faucett, died September 30, 1856; aged 56. Abigail, wife of Thomas Faucett, died September 15, 1847 ; aged 67. Lare, consort of John Fitzgerald, died September 3, 1839 ; aged 50. John Fitzgerald, died August 19, 1839 ; aged 48. Margaret, wife of Benjamin Stites, departed this life December 28, 1828; aged 23. Sacred to the memory of Esther, consort of Matthew Moorhead, who departed this life January 1, 1833 ; aged 48. Eleanor, wife of Garret Van Ausdall, departed this life December 15, 1844; aged 72. Jonathan Richmond, died July 17, 1835 ; aged 57. Barbara, wife of Jonathan Richmond, died June 8, 1851; aged 64. Both of these inscriptions are on the same tombstone. Esther, wife of Nathaniel Meeker, a Revolutionary soldier of 1776, died March 29, 1834 ; aged 74. Michael A. Thompson, died May 28, 1857; aged 59. Wilson V. Ragsdill, died May 4, 1853, in the 60th year of his age. Mary, wife of Wilson V. Ragsdill, died March 10, 1854; aged 50. Rachel C., wife of James Emerson, died January 17, 1855; aged 61. John Keever, died August 4, 1863; aged 96. Lydia, wife of John Keever, died June 30, 1859, in the 78th year of her age. Daniel P. Inloes, died June 26, 1864 ; aged 70. Catharine, wife of Daniel P. Inloes, died November 12, 1873; aged 74. Benjamin Wynn, died May 15, 1876; aged 85. Nancy, wife of Benjamin Wynn, died June 29, 1879, aged 86.

The Walker Chapel Methodist Episcopal Church was organized as early as 1830 at the houses of the first members. Abotit the same time this Church received a lot on which to build a house of worship. This lot ad joined the one on which school-house No. 4 stands, one mile north-east of the present Church. Until 1844 or 1845 the society worshiped in the school-house. This lot was then sold, and the proceeds applied in payment of the lot on which the chapel now stands. This church was built in 1845, and dedicated by the Rev. George W. Walker, for whom the chapel was named. During the last three years of the civil war it enjoyed considerable prosperity. James T. Faucett and Henry Cubberly have contributed greatly to the advancement of this society. It is now next to Ebenezer in importance as an appointment on the circuit. George Allhands was one of the early class-leaders, and services were held on his farm as early as 1818. Dr. Andrew King and James Stephens were the principal originators of this society. James Stephens owned the land on which the church stands, and also where the graveyard now is. Among the early members were, Caleb Stephens, Elisha Landon, Jacob Hansel, Anthony, Mr. Mack, and Micajah Anthony, with/their wives. Aaron Powers was one of the first preachers.

Some inscriptions from tombstones in the graveyard read:

Charles C:ne, born September 12, 1797, died October 12, 1847. He wa, killed by lightning on the above date about six o'clock in Llile morning. Charles H. Cone, Co. E., 69th Regiment, 0. V. I., died May 3, 1863 ; aged 21. Rufus Cone, Co. E., 69th Regiment, 0. V. I., died August 3, 1865 ; aged 27. Jane, wife of Harvey Miller, died August 24, 1847 ; aged 62. William Anthony, died November 18, 1839 ; aged 65. Fanny, wife of William Anthony, died March 13, 1835 ; aged 55. Another Anthony is John, who died February 27, 1870 ; aged 61. Julia Ann, wife of John Anthony, died January 2, 1851; aged 40. Henry C., son of John and Julia Ann Anthony, died April 9, 1863 ; aged 20. Hugh Rust, died April 16, 1876; aged 67. William Creagmile, died April 16, 1855 ; aged 68. Catharine S., wife of William Creagmile, died August 17, 1861; aged 56. Andrew King, a native of Ireland, departed this life March 9, 1860; aged 67. Joseph King, a native of Ireland, died January 26, 1858; in the 93d year of his age. Rebecca, wife of Joseph King, died January 2, 1864; aged 97: These two are the parents of a large posterity in this township. Grace, wife of Dr. Andrew King, departed this life September. 11, 1851, in the 53d year of her age.

The Indian Creek Baptist Church was organized in 1810 three miles above Reily, at the house of John Morris or John Burks. The land on which the house stands, and the ground where the graveyard is, consisting of three acres, was bought of Valentine Chase for nine dollars. It is situated in the south-east quarter of Section 5. The first house was log, erected in 1812. The deed for the land was made the same year. When this Church was organized there were twenty-two members. Among them were Abraham Lee and wife, John Morris, Sen., John Durwese and wife, John Burke, Nicholas Jones, Joseph Brady, Lot Abrams, and Abram Jones and wife. This Church was the result of a strong influence brought

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to bear upon the people by the Rev. Mr. Tyner, of Brookville, who preached here in 1809. Tyner was very illiterate. During the ministry of some of flee early preachers the membe'rship increased very fast. About one hundred accessions were made to. the Church in eighteen months, under the preaching of Messrs. Tyner, Thomas, and Thompson. The most that united in one day were fourteen. Abraham, Thurston,. and Sparks were pioneer ministers ; the latter claimed " that which a man loved was his God."

Benjamin Martin, who belonged to what was called the Two-seed Baptists, was a powerful preacher here in early times. Samuel Billings was- another pioneer minister; so also was Moses Hornaday, from near Harrison, Hamilton County. Judas Shirk, Daniel Roberson, Mr. Oldham, Mr. Childers, Daniel Briant, Joseph Flynn, and John Brady were all men of character, who held services here when the society was in a flourishing condition. There have been other preachers hei:e, men of all grades and ages, who lived in other localities and who made it convenient to be here on stated occasions.

Since 1860 there have been no regular services in the church, at which date the Reily Village Baptist Church was erected. The old hewed-log house was torn down about 1830, when the second church, a brick, thirty by fifty feet, took its place the same year. The Reily Church has twenty-two members in 1860: John Smith and wife, Joseph Brady, John Durwese and wife, Fanny Roll, Maria Roll, Almira Crubaugh, Rachel Barnum, and others. This point of worship has preaching with considerable regularity ; the Church is ministered to by the Rev. Mr. Bevis, of Kentucky.

From the old cemetery we have:

Ephraim Tucker, died August 1, 1844; aged 74. Joseph Brady, who was an early member of the Church, died December 17, 1860; aged 80. Sarah, wife of Joseph Brady, died August 10, 1847; aged 62. Nicholas Jones, died April 24, 1853; aged 73. Mary, wife of Nicholas Jones, died September 29, 1855 ; aged 70. Mary Cole, died January 9, 1831; aged 99. Samuel Thurston, died March 23, 1823; aged 57. Hannah Thurston, died July 23, 1840 ; aged 68. Josiah Dungan, who was drowned in Indian Creek, June, 1821; aged 21. Philetus Munson, died February 26, 1854; aged 63. Rebecca, wife of Philetus Munson, died February 5, 1869; aged 76. Abraham Jones, born May 20, 1783; died July 2, 1863. Sarah, wife of Abraham Jones, died March 2, 1856; aged 66. Abraham Lee, died April 29, 1858; aged 79. Eunice, wife of Abraham Lee, died February 25, 1861 ; aged 78. David Wing, died November 17, 1857 ; aged 86. Marcy, wife of David Wing, died April 17, 1844; aged 75. Matthew Riggs, died February 25, 1836; aged 62. Mary, wife of Matthew Riggs, died March 14, 1865 ; aged 76. Susanna E., wife of James Urmston, born March 22, 1799; died August 7, 1837. Jonathan Urmston, died August 24, 1840 ; aged 50. Gideon Wilkinson, departed this life January 26, 1842; aged 70. Abigail, wife of Gideon Wilkinson, who departed this life December 30, 1842; aged 64. Thomas Boone, born August 21, 1759; died February 6, 1831. Mr. Boone was a relative of Colonel Daniel Boone, the Kentuckian. Susanna Boone, born April 12, 1756 ; died February 6, 1830. Reuben Staton, died March 4, 1818; aged 42. Martha, wife of Reuben Staton, died January 15, 1834 ; in the 60th year of her age.

In the north-west corner of the yard are some of the first burials in the townships, as:

Valentine Chase, Sen., died August 20, 1815; aged 31. William Burch, died May 16, 1857 ; aged 68. In memory of George Misner, who died January 13, 1835; aged 30.

In the Indian Creek Cemetery there are, perhaps, one hundred and seventy-five burials, mostly in the northeast corner of the yard, on the high ground. The oldest grave in the ground is undoubtedly that of the Chase

child.

VILLAGES.

AUBURN better known, perhaps, as Gandertown, is located in ne corners of Ross, Morgan, Reily, and Hanover Townships. This village was never platted. It took the: latter name because, when the first citizens lived here, there were a great many geese raised, and it is sad that, like Bunker Hill, a furious quarrel took place nver some wild gander, who strayed from one farm-house to the other and disturbed the docility of the average goose. Of late years, however, the maps call the village Auburn, a name which is quite appropriate. There were some well-known citizens here in early times, as witness these: Maxwell Ross, in Hanover Township ; James Salisbury and James Bridge, in Reily Township ; James Salisbury and John Bloomfield, in Morgan Township; John B. Williams and Michael Bowerman, in Ross Township,—all land-owners. The first establishment of a public nature was an upright steam saw-mill, built by John W. Ownes about 1850. The old mill was afterwards sold to James Williams, who moved it to Millville and converted it into a still-house. Mr. Ownes built the present pump-factory as a mill some ten years later. These mills stood in Reily Township, on a branch of Double Lick, of Indian Creek. Ownes is a native of Wales, a wheelwright by trade.

The first school-building in this vicinity was a log house in Morgan Township, two hundred yards from the corner, up the creek. Alexander Martin was one, if not the only, teacher here. He is now a man sixty-five years of age. Another school-house occupied a site on the corner, in the township of Hanover. This house was here in 1830 ; the school was taught by a woman. A school was once kept in Ross Township, in a log-house, taught by James Boyd.

Enoch Bond was the first storekeeper in the village, in a log-house on the Ross Township corner. Bond was from the East. The only store-house ever built on the south-west corner was owned by David Davis, twenty-five years ago. Daniel Clevinger, James Simmons, John Balser, Isaac Woods, William Pearson, John W. Ownes, David Rothermel, were all storekeepers in a house on the Ross Township corner, except Clevinger, who kept in the Bond property. Mr. Woods erected a store-house

414 - HISTORY OF BUTLER COUNTY.

some thirty-five years ago, which is now standing. William Shultz carried on the saloon business, about fifteen years ago, in the brick house where James McCloskey now lives.. John Straub followed in the same house.

James Bridge was the first blacksmith in Auburn, in an old log shop which stood on the Hanover Township corner. Henry Garner came next in the same shop, which was moved where it stands now. Then came Thomas Applegate, on the same corner, but in a new shop. After Applegate there was William Roberts and Frederic Zillyox, the latter of whom is the present smith. Auburn has a population of about fifty souls.

WOODS' STATION is a village of about one hundred people, named by Hiram Pierson, a man of many fine parts, after John Woods, the first president of the railroad. The place was never laid out. It is on the southwest corner of the north-west quarter of section twelve, and many years ago the locality was known as Rogersville.

David Jones entered the land on which the village stands. Jonas Jones, who assisted in locating the Hamilton Road to Brookville, was an early settler ; so also was Jacob Swank, a Pennsylvania Dutchman. Isaac Lindley was here also quite early. William Coonce, from Pennsylvania, lived south of the village, half a mile. Mr. Clem, from Kentucky, lived close by in the north-west. John Hancock, from Kentucky, lived a short distance in the south-east. Hiram Pierson bought the land on which the village rests, in 1856, of Jonas Jones, son of David Jones. The railroad was built in 1858. The station was established as soon as the railroad was built. The first citizen in the town proper was Hiram Pierson, who was also the second storekeeper. L. D. Hancock was the first man who dealt out dry- goods and groceries to this people. George Gardner followed Pierson; then Taylor Salisbury and Silas Baldwin, the latter of whom, with Gardner, is here at present. The first blacksmith was Jacob Lemmons, followed by Thomas Love, Thomas Applegate, and Henry Jones, the latter the present smith. There are about fifty citizens in the village.

OGLETON is a station in section two. Its name came from Alexander Ogle, an early settler in this part of Reily. This place has no significance except as a shipping point.

REILY was laid out by Pierson Conkling, Joseph M. Conkling, and Samuel Gray, October 25, 1848. This village was situated, when first platted, in the south-west and south-east corners of sections fifteen and sixteen. From its natural surroundings it has always been of considerable importance in the county and township. Many years before the town was platted, there gathered here many of the early settlers to cast their votes and receive their mail. In 1830 Lewis Enyart owned land in the south-west quarter of section fifteen, and the north-east quarter of section twenty-one. Section sixteen was set aside for school purposes, and until within the last forty years was not owned by any person in particular. An early land-holder on section twenty-two was Thomas Burke. As the village now is, it is mostly in sections twenty-one and twenty-two—principally the latter. The north-east quarter of section No. 17 was entered by John Morris, of Virginia, in 1799. He settled here in 1801 or 1802, where he died in July, 1840. Section No. 8, south-east quarter, was entered by a Mr. Crook. Another man by the name of Myer settled here very early. He was a furniture maker by trade, and did much of the work for the settlers. James Stephens and Samuel Tucker built the stone house, known as the Morris homestead, in 1816 or 1817, which is now standing. Deily was begun on the east side of Indian Creek, where Colonel William Stephens cut the first timber in this vicinity preparatory to erecting cabins.

About this time David Dick built a grist and saw mill, where the present mill stands, and soon after added a carding machine, This mill, and the south-west quarter of section fifteen, was afterwards sold to Lewis Enyart who, about 1830, built a still-house, which stood a few rods north of the present post-office. Enyart rented his still-hawse to several persons, who divided the profits in proportion to the labor performed by each. In 1855 Enyart sold his mill to Sayres & Egnew ; the still-house had in the meantime gone down. The mill passed from the above firm to William J. Salmon, who, in 1860, sold thirty-seven acres of land and the mill to J. P. Heidly and Thompson Gray, the latter coming into full possession in September, 1867. David Dick must have built this mill about 1810 or 1812, since which time it has been constantly running, though often receiving repairs. The flouring department is run by an overshot wheel ; the saw mill by an undershot wheel.

Another early settler was Ferdinand Everhardt, who was here in 1837 as a wagon-maker in the house where S. P. Riker lives. He carried on his business here until a few years ago, when he died.

Felix Conkling was here in 1833 engaged in tanning, in the west end, in a house now occupied by John Watkins. A German followed Mr. Watkins in the same house, but did not do as large a business as his predecessor. This tannery ran for twenty odd years.

E. H. Gaston came here in the spring of 1833, walking from Cincinna-ti He began business by clerking for his brother, A. L., in a store which he owned here at that time, remaining several years. Afterwards he opened a store for himself. He was then chosen a justice of the peace, which office he filled for twelve years ; was elected county treasurer for two terms, and was a member of the Legislature. He died in February, 1876.

John Harper was here fifty years ago in a log-house in the upper end of Reily on the old road. He died in the West. His brothers, Joseph, Thomas, and James, were men of considerable note. The most interesting bit of history connected with them, is that they killed five half-breed Indians on Fall Creek, Indiana, about 1818.

415 - REILY.

Some of the Harpers had previously been massacred by the Indians, and they took this means of avenging their brethren. After the Indians were killed the civil authorities offered a reward for the capture of the Harpers, and one of the Ridges, who gave his assistance, but they fled to Virginia. Here they were taken prisoner, but in time gained their liberty.

John Burke was another early resident in this vicinity. He owned a grist-mill one mile below town, which he ran for several years. He died in Dunlapsville, Indiana.

M. B. and F. P. Applegate were here in 1849 as wagon and buggy makers. They stayed for ten or fifteen years. The former is dead ; the latter lives near Greensburg, Indiana.

The Rev. A. B. Gilliland was a cabinet-maker here fifty years ago. He is now a resident of Dayton, Ohio, and is about ninety years of age. Gilliland was also one of the early residents of Venice, and was a pastor of the Bethel Presbyterian Church, living in the parsonage.

Many years before the village was laid out Samuel Davis kept tavern at the head of Main Street. Reily was then a great stopping-place for hog drivers, one of the most prominent being John Murphy, who lived near Harrisburg, Indiana. James Larison, a cooper by trade, kept tavern for five or six years, about 1844, where Henry Sch warm 'now lives. Samuel Davis, a blacksmith, followed in the same house. After him came T. B. Smith, Mr. Small, John W. Fiske, Mr. Gilliland, John Dingfelder, W. O. Pierson, Charles Silverlake, and Frederic Horsfield, the latter of whom is here at present.

Harness-makers in Reily since 1840 have been, Mr. Barrot, on the corner near the bridge, John Linch, Thomas H. Smith, yet a resident, and L. C. Addison, who came here in 1847, and who still works at his trade.

The oldest frame house in the village stands just below Thompson Gray's residence, on the Millville Pike. It formerly stood on the south-west corner, opposite Addison's harness shop, and was built by Mr. Burke. A. L. Gaston built the store-house which stood by its side in 1835. Samuel Gray removed the building to another part of his lot, and now uses it for various purposes in his business. The belief is that the first log-house in Reily stood near the Gaston store property.

Early physicians who visited this part of the country came from Hamilton, Dr. Daniel Millikin and Dr. Greenleaf being among the number. Dr. Corey, of Mill- vine, was a practitioner in this vicinity far back in the '20's and '30's. Dr. Andrew King, from Ireland, was the first practicing physician in the north-western corner of the township. He lived and died on a farm now owned by his son Samuel. Dr. Kerr was a resident of Reily forty years ago. He afterwards removed to the West. He was followed by Dr. Gilchrist (who studied medicine with Dr. James, of Indiana, above Scipio), who practiced here for fifteen years. Dr. Gilchrist removed to Oxford, where he died. Dr Hamer came next ; he went from here to New London and then to Venice. He is now a resident of Denver, Colorado, engaged as a real estate agent. Dr. James N. Roberson came here in 1866, since which time he has remained. He had for his partner J. W. Bell, a son of 'Squire Bell, of Morgan Township, who, after remaining four years, removed to Minneapolis, Minnesota, in 1880. Dr. Dill is now with Dr. Roberson, who came here in 1881. Dr. Borger came here in 1876 from Prince William's ;Village, Carroll County, Indiana. Previous to locating in Reily he had practiced eight years. Dr. John Trembly, who lives two miles east of the village, was an early physician in this section. He now does little with his profession except in very urgent cases. Reily has three resident physicians.

The mechanic arts in Reily have always been carried on successfully. In 1830 John Miller was here in a log blacksmith shop opposite the tavern. Samuel Davis was here in 1835 in a shop above the hotel on the side hill, which land he owned at that time. James Bridge carried on blacksmithing in 1840 near the Presbyterian Church. Thompson Gray took up his residence in Reily, in May, 1843. He began as a blacksmith in a shop built by Davis on the bank of Indian Creek. He has now been here thirty-nine years. In the meantime there have been Hugh Roll, who learned his trade with Davis, George Huber, and William Sasher—the latter here in 1882.

A. L. Gaston was the first storekeeper in the village. His store was on the east side of Indian Creek one hundred yards above Dick's mill. He was here in 1828 or 1830. The frame house is now gone. Moses Burke carried on the same business at the Gaston store for two or three years. A. G. Smith was here from 1838-43 in a house where the tavern now stands. The old storehouse is now between the tavern and the stable. Gaston, Pierson & Clark were store-keepers here in the Smith property for some time ; followed by Gaston & T. B. Smith. After Samuel Gray, on the corner near the bridge, came Amos Smith and Arthur Gray. The storekeepers at present are John A. Lesley, King Carson, N. Urmston & Son.

Saloon-keepers are Frank Horsfield and John Baker, the latter also having a meat-store. There are two shoemakers, John Gable and John Wunder. There is one tailor, J. W. Frazee ; and one undertaker, S. P. Riker. A wood-working shop is kept by William Lutes. Two saw-mills are here, one kept by Van Ausdall, Wynescopp, Little & Bros., on the west side of the creek, and J. P. Heidley has another in connection with his gristmill. There is also a portable saw-mill below the schoolhouse owned by Deneen & Stiman.

The first school-house in the vicinity of Reily stood on the west of the pike leading to the State line, in the

416 - 'HISTORY OF BUTLER COUNTY.

upper end of the village, on a piece of land now in a pasture-field. Some remnants of the old house are yet to be seen. This house was there more than seventy years ago ; it was used for some time. The first schoolhouse in the village proper was erected in 1839, on land sold to the authorities by Pierson and Joseph M. Conk- ling and wives. The front part of the house was built first. It is brick, and stands opposite Frazee's tailor-shop. After a numbei of years of use the house was found to be too small ; hence, in 1860 or thereabouts, an addition was made to it. James B. King was a director at this time, and took much interest in the affair. King had previously been a member of the Legislature. On the 19th of November, 1877, school opened in the new building, which cost about three thousand dollars. The one acre of land, on part of which the house stands, was bought of Samuel Gray. There are two rooms in the new school-building.

Some of the persons who have taught school in Reily are : A. W. Mustin, Thomas W. Lawrence,. the latter here in 1853; W. Bu get, Joseph C. Snow, in 1857, who also was an excellent preceptor; %V. Bartlow, Mr. Sheely, D. Bassett, Mr. Snow, in 1859, a brother of J. C. Snow ; William Salmon, in 1854, who afterwards went to California, and who had Emily 0. Cumback for assistant ; Alexander King in 1855; Doctor J. M. Trembly in 1857; F. A. Coleman in 1855; besides Mary Ann Howels, daughter of Rev. M. Howels; Lucretia Jones, and others.

Arnong the scholars of Thomas W. Lawrence, in 1853, were John Dingfellow, Albert, John, and Lafayette Sweatman, Alonzo Kerr, David Rees, James Oxley, Francis Gilliland, Hannah Little, Sarah E. Davis, Harriet Gaston, Lucy Smith, Mary Burke, and Martha King. In 1853 there was an enrollment of eighty-two scholars.

The Reily Presbyterian Church was organized in April, 1836, with thirty-six members. It was a scion from Bethel, the most powerful religious organization of its faith in this part of the county. The house, made of brick, in which the congregation now worship, was built in 1840. Forty-six years after its organization the mem- bership numbers one hundred. Among the ministers have been A. B. Gilliland, J. S. Weaver, E. Howell, T. E. Hughes, C. H. Raymond, J. De Lamater, and D. Green. This Church, since its organization, has been in prosperous state. There is a neat parsonage near the church. A good Sunday-school is maintained and well supported.

Reily Odd Fellows, Lodge No. 332, was instituted November 12, 1857, at St. Charles. Some of the charter members were John and Silas Stewart, brothers, and George W. Roberts. This lodge continued at St. Charles until 1876 or 1877, when, on account of the inconvenience to members, it was brought to Reily. The society built a lodge here in 1876, and the next year it burned doWn. This hall cost about seven hundred dollars, and was over Benjamin F. Sayres's store-room. After the loss occasioned by the fire the lodge bought the lot on which the store stood, and erected the present frame, costing about one thousand dollars. There are now about fifty active members. No. 332 was instituted by William Chidsey, of Cincinnati, now grand secretary of Ohio.

The Knights of Honor Lodge was instituted March 30, 1881, with the following members : B. F. Sayres, John Mansod, Doctor D. D. Borger, J. T. Little, J. N. Carson, J. A. Lasley, J. P. Van Ausdall, George Feighter, Jahn Gable, H. E. Wynecopp, Frederic Horsfield, Henry Sch warm, Morris Hamer, George Huber, Walter DeCamp, W. G. Everson, William Thompson, W. G. Ragsdill, Amos C. Vanlue, Calvin E. Deneen, A. W. Deneen, Noah S. Sayres, Gideon Stroud, William M. Sasher, P. J. B. Welliver, John Vanness, Charles Urmston, J. W. Whitehill and J. T. Bartlow. Mr. B. F. Sayres met his death by accident November 15, 1881. Meetings are held in the Odd Fellows' hall the second and fourth Wednesdays of every month. The first officers of this lodge were Doctor D. D. Borger, P. D. ; W. G. Everson, D. ; Walter DeCamp, V. D. ; W. J. Ragsdill, assistant D. ; J. P. Van Ausdall, representative ; P. J. V. Welliver, F. R. ; F. Horsfield, treasurer. This society has thirty odd members, and is in a flourishing condition.

There was a Grange society organized in Reily several years ago. It is now dead.

The Reily Cemetery gives these inscriptions :

Elder Jonas Roberson, born January 27, 1800; died May 11, 1874. Nancy, his wife, born November 28, 1804 ; died March 16, 1870. Hannah, wife of B. F. Sayres, died May 28, 1877; aged 52. George Bowman, died March 6, 1876; aged 64. Elias Sayres, died October 6, 1867; aged 66. Amanda, wife of John F. Ward, born June 25, 1829; died September 13, 1877. Sarah J. Ward, born April 5, 1839; died February 4, 1856. George W. Van Ausdall, born November 17, 1803; died August 15, 1876. Matthew Welliver, died January 6, 1879; aged 69. Aaron H. Davis, died February 14, 1872; aged 57. Sarah Ann, wife of Aaron H. Davis, died April 20, 1879; aged 59. Cynthia A., wife of William Stephens, born June 8, 1806; died October 12, 1864. A fine monument marks the resting-place of Joseph Smith, who was born January 20, 1806, and died January 1, 1881. Abigail Smith( his wife, was born October 5, 1812. Another very fine monument says: Elizabeth, wife of John Abbott, died March 18, 1857; aged 47. Also, Margaret, wife of John Abbott, who died July 27, 1880; aged 71. Elizabeth, wife of William Smith, died June 18, 1859; aged 90. James Johnson, born December 1, 1808; died February 4, 1875. From a handsome monument : J. D. Smith, died April 30, 1877; aged 75. Susan, wife of J. D. Smith, died October 2, 1837; aged 33. Elizabeth, wife of J. D. Smith, died August 1, 1877; aged 58.

This burying-ground is comparatively new, and there are but few old burials in it. Every thing about the yard is neat and orderly.

In early times the townships of Reily, Hanover, and Oxford—the uplands near the heads of the creeks—were covered by large ponds of water. There were hundreds of acres entirely useless, except that large quantities of wild

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geese and ducks made these grounds their resort. The excessive timber prevented the water from running off. There were immense thickets of wild gooseberry bushes, patches of briars which covered three or four acres, and plenty of wild currants. Above the Bapti4 Church, on Indian Creek one mile and a half, there were twenty acres of wild black currants, " which were much better," so the old settlers say, " than our common white currants." Crab apples abounded ; also wild onions. Colonel William Stevens says an " oak tree, seven feet in diameter, above his father's house, turned out fifteen 'Coons at a single catch." F yes, ground-hogs, opossums, and squirrels abounded. ti,ine was always fat. Sugar making was carried on very extensively by the settlers. Camps were opened wherever a good opportunity presented itself, regardless, in many cases, of its location. The general price for sugar previous to the war of 1812, was about three cents per pound. After the war, the price rose to twelve and a half cents per pound, many of the pioneers making handsome profits thereby. The last bear seen in Reily Township was in the north-east corner of section six, in 1809. In 1815 Brumfield Boone killed one of the largest panthers ever seen in Butler County, on a farm then owned by John Boone, his father. The farm is now owned by the Vanness heirs. The animal measured seven feet from tip to tip. People came from all directions to see it, and its skin was kept a good while in the neighborhood. There were dozens of cooper-shops in Reily Township at an early day. One of the oldest dwelling houses in Reily Township is on section four, north of the road fifteen rods, running through the center of the section. It was built by David Wing, in 1810. It is now occupied and owned by Rodney Don- ham, who was born August 30, 1806, on the Island of Martha's Vineyard, Massachusetts. He came with his father's family to the south side of section six, this township, in 1809, on the 22d of June.

Robert Moore was born in 1815, in Hanover Township, on section No. 22. He has engaged in carpentering most 7klife, going from place to place throughout the county*ecting buildings. He is a man who owns considerable eal estate and is a person of unblemished character. A ter 1837 he owned the mill which stood on Indian Cree: , near where he lives. In 1861 this mill ceased to run.

Owen Davis, one of the pioneer settlers of Reily Township, took up his residence in the south-east quarter of section twenty, in 1811. For his wife he married Mary, daughter of John Smith, in Fayette County, Pennsylvania, June, 1807. Mrs. Davis was born December 27, 1789, in the same county where she married. This marriage resulted in a family of ten children: John, born 1808, in Fayette County, Pennsylvania-dead ; Rebecca, who married Samuel Davis, born 1810, died in Butler County ; Philip, born 1812, died in Indiana ; Aaron, born 1814, died in this county; Owen, born 1816-dead ; Hannah, who married Henry Thompson, born 1819, and lives near Reily ; Charles, born 1821, unmarried, and living in California ; Mary J., who married Andrew Mann, born 1824, died in Butler County in 1850 ; Rhoda, who married Allen Larison, born 1827, died in this county ; Ezra, born 1830, living near Reily. John Smith, Mrs. Davis's father, came to this county in 1816, and settled where the Davises now live in this township. He was an active soldier in the Revolution. Owen Davis, Sen., was in the war of 1812, his wife being left with four small children to care for in a cabin in the woods of the then thinly settled community. Charles Davis, one of the sons, was-a soldier in the Mexican War.

The following is a list of the postmasters of Reily Township :

Bunker Hill. -William R. Pierson, January 21, 1852; Obadiah Welliver, May 15, 1860 ; Jacob M. Trembly, January 31, 1863'; discontinued June 13, 1863; re-established July 10, 1863 ; John Doyle, July 10, 1863 ; Charles C. Crawford, July 9, 1866 ; William H. Burgett, December 21, 1868 ; Rooney Dunham, May 19, 1869 ; discontinued April 13, 1869 ; re-established January 26, 1876 ; Benjamin Wynn, January 26, 1876 ; Robert F. Stead, March 31, 1879 ; James A. Moore, November 7, 1881.

Philanthropy.-William D. Jones, February 15, 1823 ; James Beard, June 4, 1836; J. A. Applegate, May 29, 1839; Isaac H. Pierson, December 11, 1840; James W. Fye, July 16, 1850 ; Aaron McGaughey, February 27, 1852 ; Abraham Boyd, June 27, 1853 ; Lewis W. Miller, June 3, 1854 ; Joseph A. Smith, February 10, 1857 ; William R. Mercer, January 16, 1861; Peter De Armont, December 9, 1862; Francis M. Abraham, February 28, 1868 ; William R. Mercer, March 10, 1868; John Beard, January 20, 1869 ; Peter De Armont, February 22, 1869 ; Abram B. Hodson, March 17, 1871 ; John L. Phillis, December 22, 1879 ; Frederick W. Oliver, May 16, 1879.

Reily.-Obadiah Welliver, December 31, 1825 ; Augustus L. Gaston, October 21, 1830; Elias H. Gaston, June 16, 1840 ; Samuel Gray, October 2, 1849 ; Joseph W. Frazee, April 27, 1854 ; James Roberson, March 15, 1858 ; Freeman P. Applegate, April 15, 1862 ; Samuel Gray, April 20, 1863; Danforth B. Thompson, May 17, 1866 ; John N. Carson, May 31, 1867 ; Henry C. Gray, April 8, 1869; Samuel Gray, January 24, 1870 ; Nelson Urmston, May 26, 1876 ; John W. Corson, November 22, 1880.

BIOGRAPHICAL NOTES.

Lewis Alexander was born in Washington County, Pennsylvania, May 29, 1811. His father, Andrew Alexander, was a native of Pennsylvania, and was there married to Sarah Montgomery in May, 1804. He came to Ohio, and settled on what is now the Sample farm, dying soon after. His wife was left with four boys and

418 - HISTORY OF BUTLER COUNTY.

three girls. She died in 1845. Of these children but two are living, Lewis Alexander and Mrs. Martha Tremley, wife of Amos Tremley. Mr. Alexander hagsalways lived on a farm, with the exception of sixteen months, when he was engaged in the hardware business in Hamilton, in 1857 and 1858. He was married January 25, 1838, to Rachel Burk, daughter of Alexis and Mary Burk, who were among the pioneers of this township. They have had four children. William J. was a druggist in Connersville, where he died in 1867 ; Henry T. was married in 1872 to Amanda Leffler, and lives at home, carrying on the farm for his father ; Sarah S. was married in 1873 to Scott Roll, and lives in Hanover Township ; and Amos T. died April 15, 1875, when sixteen years old. Mrs. Alexander died January 25, 1870. Mr. Alexander received his start working by the month at from $4 to $11. His first purchase was 35 acres at $30 per acre, and he has added to it by installments till he now owns 254 acres. He was brought trp a Democrat, but in 1842 joined the Whigs and afterwards the Republican party. His present home is half a mile west of Reily, where he moved in 1865. He has a handsome gold-headed cane, which was presented to him by his friends when he celebrated his sixty-ninth birthday.

John R. Bevis, son of James A. and Margaret (Ramsey) Bevis, was born near Cincinnati, December 23, 1837. At eighteen he entered Farmer's College, where he remained three years, when he engaged with his father in farming, carrying on a hotel, and running an omnibus. He was married June 16, 1864, to Martha A., daughter of Henry and Margaret (Jones) Lefton. They have three children-Edwin, Everett S., and Alma. Mrs. Bevis was born near New London, February 20, 1842. Mr. Bevis moved to Butler County in 1865, on his farm, which- he had bought the year previous, and has followed farming ever since. He is a Master Mason of McMakin Lodge, No. 120, of Mount Pleasant, and is also a member of the Ancient Order of United 'Workmen.

Salem Clark, son of Isaac and Catherine Clark, was born in Butler County, February 26, 1818. His parents came to this county in 1810. He was married in 1841 to Susan Ragsdill, daughter of Wilson P. Rags- dill. She was born in this county, November 28, 1823. They have had four children. Mary Louisa Beard was born December 22, 1841; Alfred, September 4, 1844 ; William Edgar, March 6, 1849 ; Henry Wills, April 15, 1854. Mr. Clark is a farmer, and was born within one mile of where he now lives. His children, who are all married, live near to him.

Samuel Garner was born in Rockbridge County, Virginia, in 1802, and came to this county with his parents, Henry and Catherine Garner, in 1806. He was united in marriage on the 19th of November, 1820, to Elizabeth Keever, daughter of John and Lydia Keever. She was born in Warren County, March 7, 1804, and came to this county with her parents in 1804. Mr. and Mrs.

Garner have had twelve children. Rebecca Dunwoody was bOrn in April, 1821 ; William, May 30, 1822 ; Henry, December 17, 1823 ; John, June 12, 1826 ; Samuel, May 5, 1829 ; Elizabeth Rothermel, February 8, 1832; Lydia Descombes, November 10, 1834; Susan Ragsdill, March 24, 1836 ; Mary Everson, February 16, 1838 ; George, November 15, 1839 ; Andrew, September 26, 1842 ; Margaret Hauck, September 26, 1845. Mr. Garner settled in the woods, and saw many of the experiences of a backwoods life. His father was a soldier in the Revolution, as was also his wife's father. In the last war there were of his family Henry, John, Samuel, George, and Andrew in the service.

Samuel Landon was born on the farm where he now resides, June 16, 1818. His father, Elisha Landon, was born in Sussex County, New Jersey, May 25, 1772, and removed to Pennsylvania with his parents when four years old. He came from Pennsylvania with General Anthony Wayne, with whom he had enlisted for three years. Serving his time out, and being discharged at Greenville, Darke County, he went back to Cincinnati, where he married Sarah Herkless, and in 1808 moved to Reily Township, taking up a quarter of section eight, where he built a cabin in the woods. They had twelve children, Elizabeth, William, Daniel, Anna, Amy, Laban, Mary, Samuel, Jane, Sarah, James, and Elisha C., who all grew up. Four only are now living, Daniel, Samuel, Amy, now Mrs. Jolin Gandil, and Jane, now Mrs. John Blackford. Elisha was one of the first trustees of the township ; he was of Welsh descent. His grandfather and five sons were in the Revolutionary war, being engaged in the battle of Brandywine. Mr. Landon died June 3, 1853. Samuel Landon has always resided on the farm where he now lives. His first teachers were John Elliott and Elvira Heazeltine. He has been twice married. On November 21, 1846, he was united to Ann Bates, daughter of Joel and Sarah (Conover) Bates. They had eleven childr- - Alexander, James H., Joel B., Francis C., NeN. ton, ah (deceased), Willard, Edgar, Rebecca Ann (deceased), LL iel, and Elvie. Mrs. Landon died September 20, 1879, nd he was again married March 30, 1880. His second ife was Mrs. Amanda Brosius, widow of John Brosius, and daughter of David and Sarah Timberman. Mr Laudon was trustee for three years, about 1850, and has been president of the Millville, Reily, and Milton Turnpike for twenty years. He was one of the first members of the township school board, under the free school system, and has held the office of school director for some fifteen years. He is treasurer of the King and Thompson free pike. He was overseer of Reily Grange No. 544, and succeeded to the office of Master by the death of the presiding officer. He is a member of Pomona Grange, of Butler County, and was its steward three years.

John Lindley was born in Butler County on the 3d of May, 1814. He is the son of Isaac and Abigail Lind-

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ley, who came to this county in 1810. He was married June 16, 1844, to Samantha Hand, daughter of Darby and Hannah Hand, who was born in this comity July 29, 1825. Mr. and Mrs. Lindley have had four children. Isaac N. Lindley was born June 4, 1845; Mary A. Lindley was born December 4, 1846 ; Leroy W. Lindley was born October 19, 1848, and Ellis H. Lindley was born January 21, 1851. Mr. Lindley is a farmer and has never held any office. •His grandfather, Isaac Lindley, was in the Revolutionary War.

Moses R. Pierson, bricklayer and plasterer, was born in Reily Township September 21, 1830. He is the son of Moses Pierson and Hannah Ross, both from New Jersey. He was married in Oxford September 11, 1851, to Cynthia A. Wilson, born May 2, 1835, daughter of Abner Wilson and Esther Smith, who were from Chambersburg, Pennsylvania. To this union have been born the following children : Mary O., Almira F., Hester Ida, Estella B., Phebe Jane, Lou Nellie G., David Lorain, and Elbert Nelson.

James N. Roberson, M. D., of Reily, was born in Carthage, Hamilton County, September 17, 1842. His father, Jonas Roberson, was born in New Jersey, emigrating to Ohio in 1804 with his parents, and settling on Duck Creek, near Cincinnati. He learned the plasterer's trade, which he followed till 1850, then being in mercantile and farming business until 1872, when he retired. He died May 11, 1874. He was postmaster of Reily for eight years, and preached as a local minister from.' 1870. He was the regular minister of the Baptist Church in Reily two years prior to his death. He was an earnest, zealous worker in the Church, and a truly Christian gentleman. He was married October 6, 1826, to Nancy Bryant, by whom he had six children, James being the only surviving one. The mother died March 16, 1870. Doctor Roberson attended Beach Grove Seminary, of Indiana, four years, and read medicine with Doctor Gilchrist, of Reily, three y He was graduated at the Ohio Medical College, of Cincin ti, in 1862, at the age of twenty. In the Fall of 1862 he ntered the service as assistant surgeon, being at first with e sanitary supply, and then in the army of the Cum erland. He resigned on account of ill health in 1863; in May of that year beginning practice at Fair Haven, Preble County. In 1864 he was assistant surgeon in the 156th Ohio National Guard, during its hundred-day service. In the Spring of 1865 he removed to his present location, where he has conducted a successful practice ever since. November 29, 1862, he married Mary Frazee, daughter of J. W. Frazee, and by her was the father of one child, Carrie Edna. His wife died November 28, 1866, and he married April 4, 1870, Lizzie Phillips, daughter of Joseph Phillips. They are the parents of two children, Edward P. and Georgie E. He is a Master Mason of Oxford Lodge, No. 67, and is also a member of St. Charles Lodge of Odd Fellows.

David Rothermel was born in Ross Township March 30, 1826. His father, Solomon Rothermel, came of an old Revolutionary stock. Solomon Rothermel's uncle, Joseph, fought in that memorable struggle, and died a prisoner of war. He was with Washington at Trenton. Mr. Rothermel was married February 26, 1857, in Morgan Township, to Mary Ann Martindell, born in that township January 26, 1834. She is the daughter of Wilson Martindell and Nancy Martin. Both are living iu Illinois. Mr. and Mrs. Rothermel have had nine children. Mary C. was born November 29, 1857; Nancy M., September 11, 1859 ; Ann E., August 13, 1861; Flora B., September 16, 1863; Cervanida, July 31, 1865; Charles W., September 8, 1867; James J., April 14, 1870; Parmelia, June 16, 1872, and Nona, October 3, 1875. Charles W. Rothermel died October 10, 1868. Mr. Rothermel has been supervisor of his township for three terms, and is so this year, 1882. He is a butcher by trade, and followed that business for about ten years, in connection with farming, but now pays all of his attention to the farm. He has been a resident of Butler for fifty-five years. His mother was Christina Brosius. She is now dead, as is his father.

W. D. Salmon, the son of William and Martha J. Salmon, who were emigrants from Pennsylvania, was born in Hanover Townships August 15, 1831. On the 16th of February, 1853, he married Margaret J. Meeker, daughter of Mitchell and Margaret Meeker, who came to this portion of the world in 1803, from New Jersey. Mr. and Mrs. Salmon have four children, all girls. Charlotte A. Black was born October 26, 1855 ; Maggie J. Dorr, August 25, 1858, and Hattie Maud, April 12, 1865. Mr. Salmon is a farmer. His wife's father served in the Revolutionary War.

John H. Smith, deceased, was the son of Captain John and Rebecca (Griffin) Smith, and was born in Fayette County, Pennsylvania, July 28, 1808. Captain John Smith served in the Revolutionary war under Lafayette till its close. In 1816 he and his wife, with their seven children, emigrated to Ohio, and settled in Butler County, where he entered half a section of land in Section 20, and a quarter in Section 29. Captain John died in 1851, having held the office of township trustee for several years. His wife died in 1819. Of their children but one is now living, Mrs. Annie Mann. The others were Mary, Charles, Sarah, Rebecca, John H., and Amos G. The life of John H. Smith was spent on the farm. He was twice married ; first, to Sarah Lemon. To this union one child, Rebecca Ann, was born. She is now dead. His second wife was Sarah Jones, whom he married in 1843. She is the daughter of Nicholas and Mary (Farnsworth) Jones. Her father, who served in the war of 1812, died in 1853, and her mother in 1855. By this marriage they had seven children, John O., Nicholas J., Daniel W., Newton J., Charles E., Annie, and Fanny (now Mrs. Dayton). The children

420 - HISTORY OF BUTLER COUNTY.

are all married, except Newton J. Mr. Smith died June 18, 1881. He held the office of school director for many years. Mrs. Smith was born in the township in&August, 1816. Her grandfather, Jonathan Jones, was a native of Pennsylvania, and married Keziah Hardy. In 1806, with their eight children, they emigrated to Ohio, and settled in the north-east corner of Reily Township. None of the children are now living. Charles E. Smith was married, March 19, 1878, to Mary E. Van Sickle, daughter of John and Diana (Kiger) Van Sickle. They have two children.

John W. Smith was born in Reily Township, April 9, 1817. He is a son of Charles G. and Phebe (Bart- low) Smith. The land where he was born was originally entered by the grandfather, who gave it to Charles, who was married in 1816 in Indiana. He followed farming all his life, except five years that he was in the service of the government. Among other things, he burned the brick for the fort at Green Bay. He died October, 1834, but his wife is still living, aged eighty- seven. John W. Smith has always followed farming, receiving his education in the district school. He was married June 15, 1837, to Catherine, daughter of Adam and Catherine (Thomas) Warfield, by whom twelve children have been borne him. They are Joseph B., Rebecca Ann, now Mrs. George Lane, of Hamilton ; Margaret, now Mrs. Oliver Bear, livitig in Indiana ; James J., David L., Isabella, Harrison H., Phebe J., now Mrs. John Moorehead. Eveline, John, Mary, and Vallandigham are deceased. Mr. Smith has served forty-one years as a school director of his district. He is a member of Oxford Lodge of Masons. Mrs. Smith was born in this county, and when four or five years old moved with her parents to Indiana. When she was fifteen 'Z'Nfeturned to this county and lived with her sister until I er marriage. Mr. Smith has now 335 acres, which 'he still holds, besides giving some three hundred acres' to his

children.

Thomas H. Smith is the son of Thomas and Lucy Smith, who came to this county in 1816, and was born in Fairfield Township, August 2, 1826. He is a farmer, and now has one of the finest residences in Rely Township. He was married on the 1st of February, 1851, to Sarah Ann Van Ness, daughter of Eliza and Rebecca Van Ness, who was born January 12, 1828, in Reily Township. He has been a notary public.

Colonel William Stevens, one of the leading men of the township, was born in the State of New York on the 11th of June, 1803. He is the son of James and Abigail Stevens, who removed to this county in 1807. They are now both dead. He was married in 1825 to Cynthia Fisk, also a native of New York, and the daughter of Amos and Cynthia Fisk. They came to this county in 1811. Mrs. Stevens was born June 8, 1806. Three of their children are living. Lorenzo Dow was born August 15, 1825 ; Caroline Lawrence was born July 7, 1827, and George Washington was born January 11, 1837. Benjamin F. Stevens, George Stevens, and Andrew Stevens were out in the war of the Rebellion. Mr. William Stevens himself went out as a volunteer, at the age of fifty-nine, and served two years. He was a colonel of a militia regiment for about eight years before the war. Notwithstanding his advanced age, his mind is still active, and his strength is still surprising. He has voted in the township for fifty-six years. He is a farmer.

Amos Tremley, son of Daniel and Mary Tremley, was born in this county June 3, 1811. His parents moved here in 1803. He was married March 6, 1834, to Martha, daughter of Andrew and Sarah Alexander, who was born in Butler County February 6, 1811. They have had five children. Daniel A. was born April 21, 1835; Sarah Elizabeth Lemon, August 3, 1837; Jacob, November, 1, 1839 ; Cynthia A. Lashe% January 15, 1846, and Rebecca A., December 21, 1853. Jacob is dead. Mr. Tremley is the oldest man living in the township, born there. His father was in the war of 1812, and his sons, Daniel A. and Jacob, were in the later war.

Samuel Urmston, who was born in Pennsylvania, came to Ohio with his parents in 1806, and settled near Cincinnati. He soon after moved to this county, serving in the war of 1812. At the conclusion he received a land-warrant for his services, which he afterwards sold, moving back to Hamilton County about the year 1827 ; but again coming to Butler County, in 1851, he located near the present Woods' Station, living there till 1869, when he removed to Millville, where he died in August, 1871. He married Keziah Hall, and had by her nine children, of whom eight are now living. Nelson Urmston was the fifth child, and was born in this county November 12, 1822. In the fall of 1848 he began selling goods in Hamilton County, which he continued till 1850, when he sold out. In the Spring of 1851 he returned to Butler County, where he opened a store at Woods' Station, continuing there till 1852, when he moved to Millville. In 1870 he returned to Reily, where he keeps a general stock of merchandise. On the 4th of April, 1850, he was married to Rachel Hunt, to whom one child was born, Mrs. G. W. Meats. Mrs. Urmston died November 6, 1851, and he was married on the 3d of February, 1853, to Sarah Flint, daughter of the Rev. Joseph H. Flint. He has four children by the second wife. They are Alice (Mrs. Andrew Morris), Nelson A., Joseph, and Jesse Andrew. Nelson Augustus is a partner with his father in the store, having been admitted in 1876. He was married February 13, 1879, to Margaret E. Blacker, daughter of James H. and Sarah Blacker. He was in the One Hundred and Sixty-ninth Regiment during the civil war.

Mandeville Tyler Urmston was born in Seven-Mile, Butler County, the 22d of September, 1828. His

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grandfather was a fife major in the Revolution, and died at the battle of Brandywine. His father was John G. Urmston, and his mother's name was Mary. They came to this county at an early period, the mother in 1822. The father once filled the position of judge. Mandeville T. Urmston was married on the first. of July, 1841, to Rebecca Hand, daughter of Darby and Hannah Hand, who came to this county in 1814. She was born on the 17th of September, 1823.

John F. Ward, son of Hugh and Sarah Ward, is one of the oldest persons in the township of Reily. He was born in Morris County, New Jersey, on the 17th of June, 1817. His parents were also natives of that State, and his father was a soldier in the war of 1812. Mr. Ward came to Reily in June, 1849, and was married on the 9th of the same month to Amanda Hideley, daughter of Henry Hideley. Mr. Ward is a painter and artist, and has a fine reputation in his calling. He has established a fine cemetery a little west of Reily. He is a man of enterprise, and is well situated.

P. J. B. Welliver lives on the Millville, Reily, and Milton Turnpike, three miles south-east of Reily Village. He was born in the house in which he now resides, October 31, 1817, and is the son of Obadiah and Hannah (Johnston) Welliver. He was a native of Pennsylvania, and she of New Jersey, being married in Pennsylvania in 1796, and coming to Ohio in a wagon in 1810. He entered a quarter where his son now lives, dying in 1839. His wife lived till 1865. There were nine children in the family, of Ay, k111 but two are now living, P. J. B. Welliver and Mrs.Nanauel Jobe. He has always resided on the farm, wit the exception of about a year he spent in a store at BD'wnsville, Indiana. His early education was derived from .,be district school, attending the private school of Aaron Powers one year. He was married November 30, 1837, ,to Elizabeth M., daughter of James and Rachel (MillA Everson. She was born September 25, 1817. They have had nine children—Emma, Cynthia Ann, Susan K., Minerva, Sarah S. (dead), Alfred J., James E., Lockey J., and Nannie H. (dead). Mr. Welliver served as justice of the peace of Reily Township for nine successive years, beginning about 1855, and one term of three years since the war. He was a Master Mason of the Oxford Lodge, but has taken out his withdrawal card. He is a member of Union Lodge, No. 2400, of the Knights of Honor of Reily. Their children are all married. Emma is now Mrs. Henry Garner ; Cynthia, Mrs. George Clark; Susan, Mrs. G. W. Garner ; Minerva, Mrs. W. H. H. Pierson ; Lockey, Mrs. James R. Van Ness. Mr. Welliver is a Democrat.

Gideon Wilkinson was born January 5, 1815, on the farm where he now -lives, in a log cabin, which stood near his present residence, which was among the first erected in this part of the township. His father, Gideon Wilkinson, was a native of Northumberland County, Pennsylvania, and emigrated to Ohio in 1806. He stopped on the Little Miami River, on what is called Round Bottom, and raised one crop of corn. The next year he purchased land in eily of Jonathan Covalt, who had entered the farm, but was not able to pay for it. His first dwelling consisted of four forks set into the ground in the shape of a square, with a bark roof, and three sides of bark and brush. At the front a sheet was hung up for a door. He lived in this one season, from Spring till Fall, until he could erect a more substantial cabin. He was married about the year 1808 or 1809 to Mrs. Abigail Van Ness, and had by her six children. They were Abraham, Margaret, Mary, Gideon, Elisha, and Abigail. They are all living except Mary. In the war of 1812 Mr. Wilkinson enlisted under Captain Crooks, but when they had marched as far as Brookville, Indiana, word was brought that peace had been declared, and they were discharged. Mrs. Wilkinson and Mrs. Van Ness, in 1817, made a visit to their old home in New Jersey, traveling the whole way on horseback. Mr. Wilkinson died in 1842 and his wife in 1843. The present Mr. Wilkinson remained with his parents until their death, they having deeded him the home farm. The other children were otherwise provided for, the boys receiving one hundred acres and the girls sixty acres each. By industry Mr. Wilkinson has added to his fields, until now he owns seven hundred and eighty acres of land. He was married in 1833 to Mary DeCamp, daughter of Ezekiel and Mary (Baker) DeCamp. She was born in Reily Township, June 18, 1818. They have had thirteen children—Abraham, Miranda, Abigail, Rachel, Adaline, Mary J., Francis M., Rebecca E., John D., Sarah E., Harriet E., Gideon J., and Amadore. They are all living except Abraham, Rachel, Sarah E., and Mary J. Mr. Wilkinson was one of the township trustees for several terms, and was school director about thirty years.