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HANOVER.

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HANOVER is a township six miles from the south and west lines of the county, bounded on the north by Milford, on the east by St. Clair, on the south by Ross, and on the west by Reily. It is made up of thirty-six sections.

The justices of the peace have been : 1812, James Johnson, John Rainey ; 1815 to 1818, Matthew Hueston, John Rainey ; 1821, Matthew Hueston, James Beaty ; 1824, John Rainey, Matthew Hueston, Reuben Blackford ; 1829, Andrew Lester, John Rainey, Reuben Blackford ; 1832, John Morse, John Rainey ; 1833, Reuben Blackford ; 1834, John Morse ; 1835, Reuben Blackford, Daniel Rumple, M. Bowerman ; 1841, Reuben Blackford, Abraham Bircaw, John Morse ; 1842, Henry Dillon ; 1844, R. Blackford, John Morse; and since that date Henry Dillon, Reuben Blackford, John Morse, William Hueston, Samuel Snell, Jacob Bottenburg, Joseph Hileman, Robert Moore, Frederick Shaffer, Michael Kumler, Henry A. Strawhaver, Wm. R. Cochran, George B. Tobias, I. M. Warwick, J. M. Johnston, W. B. Davis, Henry Keller, and J. W. Boatman.

The early settlers in the township were named Ayres, Anderson, Alexander, Beaty, Beaver, Bell, Blackford, Beckett, Brozier, Carr, Coomb, Caldwell, Donor, Delaplane, Dodd, Earhart, Gray, Hazlet, Hueston, Hall, Irwin, James, Lewis, Lister, Lintner, Moore, McVicker, Marshall, McKinstry, McCullough, McGonigle, Nixon, Nichols, Roll, Rinehart, Reese, Rainey, Rumple, Sample, Salmon, Smiley, Stephens, St. Clair, Thorn, Tracy, Wickard, .Wason, Willis, Yeakle, Zeigler, and others. In 1844 there was but one post- office in the township—at Jacob Stillwell's corner.

The climate, soil, and surface is pretty much like that of the other adjoining townships. There are no villages within the borders of Hanover. The first settlements were generally made in locations favorable to farming. A dividing ridge extends across the township from the south-east to the north-west, causing the water to flow either towards Four-Mile, which passes diagonally through the north-east corner, or into Indian Creek, which also cuts the south-west corner in a very similar manner. Both these streams are of considerable size, and have numerous small tributaries. The most important branch of Indian Creek is Salmon's Run, which derived its name from. William Salmon, an early settler, who lived on its bank and carried on distilling. Another stream of considerable size, a tributary of Indian Creek also, is Zeigler's Run, taking its name from Samuel Zeigler, who settled on its head-waters three-quarters of a century ago. Four-Mile has for its main inlets Stony Run and Beckett's Run, the latter from Robert Beckett, a man who settled here in the woods far back in the beginning of the century. The dividing ridge from which these and other lesser streams flow is a table-land of deep, rich loam, where all the staples are grown in abundance. The south side of the township is a fine rolling bottom, which gradually reaches up to the higher lands, except the south-east corner, where the surface is hilly. In the north the surface is more broken, and, if any thing, the soil is less fertile than anywhere else in the township.

One of the old landmarks in the township is an elm, four feet in diameter, with tall head and spreading limbs, at the original voting precinct at Hanover Station. It is at least one hundred and forty years of age, for when the first settlers knew it, its size was the same as to-day.

In 1809 Andrew Lewis killed one of the largest deer ever seen in this section. Its imrns were enormous, and old hunters pronounced them the largest they had ever seen. Game abounded here between 1800 and 1820. Mr. Lewis says he could have killed fourteen deer one morning going from his home to Millville—all broadside shots. " I have caught hundreds of wild turkeys in turkey-pens, and have seen this country fairly alive with squirrels, ground-hogs, opossums, raccoons, foxes, wolves, and deer." He also says, " I have often caught as many as a dozen turkeys in a single day, and I remember once that I took out of my pen twenty-seven large gobblers at one time ; the smallest would not weigh less than fifteen pounds."

MILLVILLE.

Millville was laid out May 23, 1815, by Joseph Van Horne, who previously had taken up his residence in this community. There soon gathered around him and his grist-mill, erected in 1805, by Joel Williams, a large and busy class of people, all intent upon making money and buying land. The first roads, therefore, naturally led in the direction of Van Horne's mill: From Hamilton to Reily and on to the State line, the first road, part of the time, followed the dividing line of the townships to Millville, but zigzagged through the woods in a very irregular course. From Millville it took the same direction pretty much as the Reily pike now does, and ended, as far as Butler County is concerned, near where Walker Chapel stands. This highway was one of the roads which tapped the bordering counties, and, forming a junction with the Oxford road near Millville, poured a constant stream of produce into Cincinnati, by the way of Venice. In 1810

440 - HISTORY OF BUTLER COUNTY.

Obadiah Welliver kept a tavern-stand on this road above Bunker Hill, on the bank of Indian Creek, east side, where, until his death, he fed many a hungry hog-driver and teamster. Another road, but of less importance, ran from Darrtown to Hamilton. The Oxford road, perhaps the most important highway in the township, was located about where the present pike runs. It was here as early as 1820, and at that time was used by a large traveling public. These roads named are now the most important, as they were then, in the county.

David Doner, on Section 27, on a little branch of Indian Creek, known as Kumler's Run, had a still-house at an early day. William Salmon had another here on Section 19, on Salmon's Run, early in 1808. This still-house was in operation for twenty-five years. Alexander Moore, on Section 22, was here in early times. Philip McGonigle and Richard Martindale had distilleries in 1830, on Section 7. Robert Beckett had a very large whisky manufactory in Section 14. Michael Yeakle had another on the north-west corner of Section 8. John Morse had one on Section 22, and James Willis another on Section 23. J. Heitzman was also in the same branch of business on Section 26. Philip Shafer wa's also a distiller where Alexander Emrick now lives. Near the tollgate, on the Riley and Oxford pike, Michael Hawk had a large steam distillery in 1827. George Shafer had a still-house as early as 1820, on Section 33. From 18201850, Andrew Lewis, Sen., had a large still-house on Indian Creek, on Section 30. Most of these establishments were in operation from 1810 to 1830. Many had grist-mills connected with them, or at least the necessary machinery to grind corn for meal.

Matthew Hueston, who owned all of Sections 1 and 2, and a quarter each out of 11 and 12, had a grist-mill, built by Joel Williams in 1809, on Four-Mile, in the south-west corner of Section 1. Williams was a millwright by trade, who came from the East about 1803, and built six mills in the Miami Valley, near Hamilton. Mr. Hueston afterwards added a very extensive still- house to the grinding department. These he continued to run, adding a saw-mill in the mean time, for many years, though the property passed through several members. of his family as to ownership. The grist department was propelled by a large undershot. water-wheel. It is yet standing, but used for a stable, and is scarcely recognizable.

Andrew Lewis, Jr., and brother built an undershot saw-mill on Indian Creek, Section :10, in the south-west corner, in 1827. One of the shares was soon sold to James Lewis. In 1830, or thereabouts, the still-house was added. These establishments went down in eight or ten years. There are a few remnants still to be seen. Andrew Lewis's, Jr., still-house was on the same site as his son's. One of the remarkable features connected with these establishments was a stream of water from a one and a quarter inch iron pipe driven into the ground to the depth of twenty feet, from which water still runs with undiminished regularity. When the pipe was first put down the water rose to the height of ten feet. It is strongly tinctured with iron.

Ezekiel and Maxwell Ross built a tub-wheel grist and saw mill on Indian Creek about twenty rods below the Bethel Church, in 1815. The Ross mill passed into possession of Jacob Zinn, and from him to Robert Moore and P. B. Shafer in 1847 ; in one year the former became owner, and in 1861 the mill ceased to run altogether. Nothing remains to mark the site but a race overgrown with willows and weeds.

STILLWELL'S CORNERS.

Jacob Stillwell's corner was known far and wide in Butler County fifty years ago. In the forks of the road, one of which takes the direction of the State line and the other toward Oxford, in Section 7, was a frame steam grist and saw mill and still-house. The still-house was built about 1830, and the mills in 1835 or 18391 The flouring department was three stories high. For many years this mill ground the grain for a large section of country. Mr. Stillwell was also engaged as a tavern and storekeeper, the former about 1854. Richard Martindale afterward rented the property of Mrs. Thomas McCulloch, and carried on the tavern-keeping business for twenty-five or thirty years. The old tavern stand is now occupied by Thomas Roll.

In 1837 Thomas and John Nichol had a horse-mill on Stony Run, which lasted for a considerable length of time.

Near the Zeigler grave-yard, in 1805, James Ray carried on blacksmithing. He is supposed to have been the first resident blacksmith in the township. By birth Ray was a Pennsylvanian.

About 1825, when Bethel Church was in her prime, William Calloway carried on blacksmithing near the mouth of Salmon's Run. Daniel Sortman and Michael Emrick were early blacksmiths on Section 29, in the north-west quarter. John Reese, in 1815, was a blacksmith on Section 21, in the south-west corner, where he owned twenty-eight acres of land. In the east end of the township, a Mr. Murphy carried on the same trade along in the twenties.

SCHOOLS.

Hanover Township is made up pre-eminently of farmers. These men, with their wives, were not long in establishing a system of education. The first school in the neighborhood of Bethel was a log-house which stood between the church and the mouth of Salmon's Run. Andrew Lewis, Jr. (the present old gentleman), was the teacher here in 1809 or 1810. After him came Alexander Martin, when the house burned down. The house was rebuilt half a mile below on the same road, near where the Oxford and Reily Pikes unite. This house was here in 1817. Some of the teachers were Griffith

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and Evan Morris, residents of Paddy's Run. Previous to 1817 a school was conducted in a little log-house where Mr. Lewis now lives, on the Oxford Pike. It was a hewed log-house in which the school was kept, standing here until 1830.

The first school-house in the central part of Hanover stood near the old voting precinct on the State road from Hamilton to Oxford, on the north-west quarter of Section 22, then owned by John Morse. The house was a hewed log, put up about 1825, before the township was districted ; and at the time districts were created was made one of those subdivisions. This house lasted for twenty years, but is now gone. Among the teachers here were Andrew Lester, Joseph Douty, and Jasper Branden, a Yankee, all men who left a deep impression on the boys and girls who made up their schools.

On the north-east corner of Section 26 a school was taught in a log house, without a floor, in 1820. This house stood on the bank of Two-Mile Creek ; the teacher was John Ducat. After one year the house was used for other purposes. Some of the scholars were Robert Moore, born in Hanover Township in 1815, and residing there all his life; the Wickards, who were from Pennsylvania ; the Doners, of Pennsylvania ; the children of Henry Wanson and J. Heitzman. On the section lying north, No. 23, a school was kept by John W. Caldwell in 1825, on the farm now owned by J. H. Bell, on the old State road. This house burned down. The scholars here were those taught by Ducat, except some members of the Morrison, Pellam, and Vestry families.

Thomas Nichol, or " Uncle Tommy Nichol," as he is generally called, says he " attended five schools in the north-eastern part of the township that had no floors, no loft, no window-glass, and none of your modern seats, desks, globes, and maps." These houses have all dis-

appeared.

CHURCHES.

Bethel Chapel, or as it was called from 1815 to 1818, Indian Creek Church, is one of the most important religious institutions in the western half of Butler County.

" On Sabbath Day," the church record says, " June 24, 1815, Rev. Mr. Hayden preached and appointed a meeting of the congregation on the succeeding day for the purpose of organizing a Church. June 25th the congregation met agreeable to appointment. After the sermon was preached, the congregation proceeded to the election of members of the session. Rev. Mr. Hayden was chosen moderator; when Eiekiel Ross, Joseph Van Horne, Smith Williams, Daniel Baker, and William Mitchell were elected, after which Joseph Van Horne was appointed clerk of the Church foi the purpose of recording the proceedings." The record goes on and says, " Mrs. Juliet G. Tumor had a child baptized. Sabbath, July 30th, was a day appointed for the administration of the Lord's- supper. On Saturday preceding, the widow Margaret Craven had two children baptized, as also did Mrs. Catharine Ross, wife of Aaron Ross. Two of the elders elected, Joseph Van Horne and Ezekiel Ross, formally ordained, proceeded to form or constitute a session. Among the members were David Baker, his wife Fanny, and family, from Duck Creek Church, Ohio ; Juliet G. Tumor, David Ross, Alexander Cragmile, John and Margaret Harper, Joseph and Martha Van Horne, Miss and Mrs. Rebecca Van Horne, Garrett Van Ausdall, Sen., William Mitchell, Matthias Roll and Mary, his wife, and Martha Dick, from the Hamilton Church; Margaret Craven, from Harmony Church, Pennsylvania ; Ann Hawkins, from Rahway Church, New Jersey; Ezekiel and Ruth Ross, Amos, Lydia, Mrs. Catharine, and Mrs. Maria Ross, from Westfield, New Jersey; Smith and Mary Williams, from Cincinnati Church ; Mrs. Charity Stineman, from a church in the forks of the Susquehanna River, Pennsylvania, and Hannah Martin, from Millintown Church, Pennsylvania. The elders first elected were Smith Williams, David Baker, and William Mitchel!, but the latter declined to serve. The first ordinance was administered by the Rev. William Gray and the Rev. John Thompson. There were thirty-one communicants of the congregation, besides several from neighboring Churches. In May, 1816, at the invitation and request of the congregation of the Indian Creek Church, the Rev. John Boyd came and settled as stated pastor. Joseph Van Horne was appointed to attend the next meeting of the Presbytery, May 28th." In April, 1817, there were forty-three members.

David Monfort, one of the most successful pastors which the Church ever had, preached his first sermon to this people the 14th of September, 1817. He was chosen in the preceding August at a salary of three hundred and fifty dollars, which was made up by subscription. The first death in the Church occurred on the 13th of September, 1817.. On the 31st of January, 1818, the Rev. Mr. Monfort preached at the residence of Nehemiah Wade, and baptized his daughter, Letitia Chambers, who was born the 25th of November preceding. In 1818 there were reported to the Presbytery eighty-three members ; and in October, 1819, ninety-one members. It is here we find the first mention of the name Bethel, which must have been changed from Indian Creek Church early in the year. Mr. Monfort was continually preaching throughout the county and baptizing many. In 1820 there were one hundred and twenty- seven members ; 1821, one hundred and fifty-four ; 1822, one hundred and seventy-seven; 1825, one hundred and eighty-four. Mr. Van Horne was an excellent penman and kept the proceedings of the Church in a full and handsome manner. The pastorship of Mr. Monfort was very successful. Under his preaching the Church prospered wonderfully, as evinced by the membership in 1825.

442 - HISTORY OF BUTLER COUNTY.

Bethel Church stands on the Reily pike, _about two miles and aqialf above Millville, very nearly on the line Which separates sections Nos. 31 and 32, equally distant from the east and west side. An old toll-gate formerly stood opposite the church. From 1815 to 1843 the importance of this point as a place of holding preaching was very great. When people first began to assemble here, along in the '20's and '30's, they brought their dinners with them, and put in the day attending divine worship. The site of Bethel was selected because, at that time, there were no Presbyterian Churches for miles in all directions. From Venice came the Wades, Butter- fields, Hungerfords, Willeys, Clarks, Dicks, Audersons, and others ; from the direction of Hamilton came the Kumlers, Wickards, Moores, Emricks, Timbermans ; from the north, the Grays, Wards, Stephenses, Bradys, and dozens more, many of whom have long since passed beyond; from Paddy's Run came the people of that enterprising community in great numbers. These persons made a congregation of great respectability ; and henceforward the Church continued to prosper. Services were often held in distant farm-houSes, at the bidding of a score of the members.

In 1828 the Rev. A. B. Gilliland, father of Carey Gilliland, now of Venice, took charge of Bethel. In the mean time a parsonage had been erected, now occupied by Mr. Robert Moore, where the ministers took up their abode. Here they were always found, ready to lend a helping hand and administer to the wants of the unfortunate. Gilliland was a man of large intellect and an excellent singer. .

As the membership continued to grow under Messrs. Gilliland and John S. Weaver, and a number of less prominent pastors, there naturally sprang up a desire in the hearts of many of the members to have a Church nearer at home. This feeling resulted in the Venice Presbyterian Church, in 1828, and some time afterwards a Church at Reily. These Churches reduced the attend. ance and membership somewhat, but still the old Church was full of life. Not until 1873 was Bethel abandoned, when the Millville Presbyterian Church was erected. The old church had grown put of date, with its old-fashioned furniture.

The Bethel Church at Millville is a handsome brick building, capable of holding six hundred people. It is nicely furnished. The building is principally an addition to the old school-house, with the walls raised and a vestibule and steeple added. The line dividing the townships of Ross and Hanover passes through the north-west corner of the house:

The following are inscriptions from the Bethel burying-ground, which was given by Andrew Lewis's father. The ground on which the old church stands was from Ezekiel Ross. Mr. Lewis is the only member of the building committee-composed of three members-who is yet living.

A large monument reads: Samuel Dick, departed this life August 4, 1846; aged 82. Martha Allen, consort of Samuel Dick. Ezekiel Ross, the father of a large and respectable posterity in this and other townships, departed this life February 13, 1845 ; aged 88. Ruth Ross, his wife, died November 10, 1819, in the 62d year of her age. Among the first burials here was Smith Williams, one of the original members of the Church, who departed this life April 22, 1819, in the 57th year of his age; also his wife, Polly Williams, who died April 11, 1828, in the 61st year of her age. Nenian Beaty, a large land-owner among the pioneers who lived on Section 33, immediately north of Millville, was born March 26, 1787, and died February 21, 1857. Jane, wife of Nenian Beaty, was born November 12, 1785, and died March 8, 1838. A very peculiar block of marble, in the shape of a full-size coffin, reads: James Beaty, died February 26, 1863; aged 78 years. Jane, wife of James Beaty, died November 26, 1864; aged 68. In memory of Jacob Denman, who was born January 5, 1782; died November 13, 1834. Also his wife, who was born December 12, 1783, and who died April 13, 1848. Both natives of E4iex County, New Jersey. Here lies another pioneer: Nathaniel Briant was bornoin Westfield, New Jersey, October 18, 1776; died September 18, 1859. Elizabeth, wife of Nathaniel Briant, a native of Westfield, New Jersey, died October 27, 1856; aged 77 years, 2 months. Ellis Hand, a native of New Jersey, died March 20, 1837 ; aged 82 years, 1 month, and five days. Hannah, his wife, died February 19, 1858; aged 87 years and 4 months. In memory of John Dungan, who departed this life January 29, 1843, in the 71st year of his age. The Rosses were old men in this part of the county in 1800, as witness these: William Ross departed this life January 12, 1831, in the 91st year of his age. Jacob Ross, born August 13, 1781; died March 13, 1859.

In the north-west corner of the yard we find: Mary, wife of Dr. R. D. Herron, who died January 26, 1847 ; aged 29. Margaret, wife of Charles Chambers, departed this life May 21, 1847 ; aged 77. In memory of Margaret Hindman, who died August 22, 1836; aged 76 years. Robert Crawford, born December 4, 1788 ; died August 21, 1864. Elizabeth, wife of Robert Crawford, born April 5, 1798; died April 29, 1853. Andrew Lewis, Sen., a native of Ireland, and an early pioneer in the West, died March 26, 1847; aged 84. Martha, wife of Andrew Lewis, Sen., died February 22, 1852 ; aged 77. All the above, from Mrs. Dr. Herron, are in the north-west corner of the yard.

Thomas Tracy died July 5, 1849 ; aged 80. Rebecca, his wife, died October 29, 1851, in the 66th year of her age. Adam Bowman, died September 11, 1853 ; aged 92. Mary, wife of Adam Bowman, born November 23, 1789, died July 27, 1835. Joseph Van Ausdall, died August 7, 1834; aged 49. Elizabeth, wife of Joseph Van Ausdall, died October 15, 1825; aged 43. In memory of Lewis Williams, who died August 29, 1840; aged 69. Chloe, wife of Lewis Williams, departed this life March 11, 1833, in the 64th year of her age. In memory of James Haslet, who died November 28, 1834; aged 65. Sacred to the memory of Mary, wife of James Haslet, who departed this life March 2, 1826; aged 44. John Scudder, died April 7, 1839; aged 37. Susanna Scudder, died October 28, 1862; aged 92. David Baker, Sen., died April 11, 1855; aged 83. Fanny, wife of David Baker, Sen., died June 3, 1831; aged 59. Benjamin James departed this life November 11, 1848; aged 74. In memory of Jane, wife of Benjamin James, who died March 1, 1853; aged 76. Here lies another of the Ross family : Sacred to

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the memory of Carmon Ross, who departed this life July 25, 1834, in the 54th year of his age. Elizabeth, wife of Carmon Ross, died July 11, 1865 ; aged 83. Sacred to the memory of Randolph Ross, who departed this life January 30, 1834, in the 32d year of his age. Ellis John, died September 3, 1859; Aged 94. Margaret, wife of Ellis John, died October 10, 1833 ; aged 33.

These complete a partial list of some two hundred and seventy-five persons who have been buried here. Bethel is seldom used now.

The Ebenezer Methodist Episcopal Church stands in the extreme south-west corner of Section 7, almost on the township Iine. It is supposed to be one of the oldest societies on the circuit, but the exact date of its organization is not known. It is not improbable that this Church was organized as early as 1817. The first meetings in this neighborhood were held in private houses. In 1822 a log church was built, a few feet north of where the present church stands. It was dedicated by the Rev. John P. Durbin. The brick house was built in 1833. Thomas A. Morris, presiding elder, afterwards bishop, preached the dedication sermon. This house, in 1869, was the strongest point on the Venice circuit. In 1867, during the pastorate of Rev. W. N. Williams, an effort was made to build a new church and locate it at Woods' Station. A considerable amount of money was subscribed, but the enterprise failed. In 1868 the Rev. N. C. Parish introduced the first catechisms into the Sunday-school. The pastor in charge catechised the school once in four weeks.

One of the most prominent of all the early members of this Church was Ebenezer Woods, an exhorter, who settled about one mile south, on one of the tributaries of Salmon's Run. It was after Mr. Woods the Church was named. The ground on which the church stands, containing one acre, both for the house and burying-ground, was a part of a body of land comprising eighty-eight acres, owned by Mrs. Elizabeth Moore, whose husband made the presentation. Some of the other members were Corey Conkling, Hiram Griffis, John Malone, the latter of whom is living, and their wives, with portions of their families. Among their ministers were John Baughman, Arthur W. Elliott, John Waterman, all of whom were able men. The Rev. Messrs. Flint, Steel, and Tibbitts were here in early times. A full list of the preachers of this circuit will be found in the history of the Venice Methodist Episcopal Church.

During the last decade Ebenezer has undergone many important changes. About 1854 the Old and New School and the Associate Reformed Churches united and built a church' at McGonigle's. The members of the different societies were from Bethel, Oxford, and Darrtown Churches. For several years this congregation was prosperous, but in time there came dissensions which resulted finally in the abandonment of the church. There were also removals and deaths. Some of the members were Samuel Lintner, William Elliott, Michael Yeakle, James Simley, James Beckett, Thomas Nichol, David P. Nelson, a man of ripe culture, who graduated at Oxford, and afterward filled the position of principal of the Millville High School. Rev. Daniel Tenney, of the Oxford Female Seminary, represented the New School Presbyterians; Rev. Dr. Patterson, the Old School- Presbyterians, and Rev. Mr. Claybaugh, the Associate Reformed.

After the abandonment of the Union Church by these three denominations, the Methodists, who formerly worshiped at Ebenezer, took charge of it, with such reservations as the Presbyterians thought proper to make. This was in 1878, since which time there has been preaching every fortnight, and Sunday-school weekly. " Old Ebenezer" is seldom used, mainly on account of its unfavorable location and failure to meet the wants of more modern worshipers. The Church at McGonigle's is prosperous. We give inscriptions from the grave-yard connected with the old church :

In memory of Rachel, consort of William S. Stewart, who died September 3, 1835 ; aged 42. William Hather, a native of Pennsylvania, who married Isabel Vanderhook, September 11, 1796, and who died May 4, 1811. Archibald Addison, a native of England, died March 12, 1846 ; aged 63. Mary, wife of Archibald Addison, died February 18, 1868 ; aged 82. Timothy Meder died December 8, 1853 ; aged 62. Nathaniel Meder died September 5, 1841, in the 56th year of his age. Samuel Weaver died September 13, 1868; aged 61. Lydia, wife of Samuel Weaver, died February 12, 1875; aged 57. Peter Wilson died March 20, 1863 ; aged 72. Abigail, wife of Peter Wilson, died October 8; 1855; aged 58. Jonas Jones died December 26, 1853 ; in the 67th year of his age. Henry Hall, Sen., died February 1, 1858; aged 84. William Chaney died August 15, 1834; aged 60. In memory of Samuel Marsh, who died February 12, 1838; aged 68. Hannah, wife of Samuel Marsh, died July 29, 1847; aged 75. Gabriel Stead died June 27, 1849; aged 41. Rebecca, wife of Gabriel Stead, died April 29, 1855; aged 46.

There are, perhaps, one hundred burials here. The yard is overgrown with bushes.

The Samuel Zeigler Church of Hanover Township will be treated in a connected manner in the history of Millville.

McGONIGLE'S.

McGonigle's Station, on the Junction Railroad, took its name from Philip McGonigle, an old settler who contracted for and built one mile of the railroad at this point. He added the house used as a station, but it is yet owned by private parties. McGonigle had a horse- mill here in 1830, as also a still-house. Among the distinguished residents at this station have been Dr. Silas Roll, who was here forty years ago. Dr. Hancock, who studied with him, was also a practitioner in this vicinity. Dr. James Roll, a nephew of Dr. Silas Roll, is, the present practicing physician. Daniel Larey was a blacksmith here in 1806; some of the others have been Michael Shank and Joseph Hileman There is a handsome Grange hall in the village ; also a Grange storehouse. A good mill is in active operation. The stone

444 - HISTORY OF BUTLER COUNTY.

school-house, one mile north of McGonigle's, was erected in 1852 by J. S. Smiley, contractor. There are about fifty people at the station, though it was never laid out.

HANOVER is another station on the railroad, but of less importance than the above-named This place is a voting precinct for the township. There are no stores here, nor any thing else which deserves notice.

Henry Wauson, who fifty years ago lived on fifty acres in the north-west corner of Section 26, was one of the most remarkable men who ever became a resident of the township. He claimed to be a water-witch, and often boasted of his power to find water when all other experiments failed. Wauson was well known throughout the country on account of his wild, roving, careless disposition. There were in the family three sons and one daughter. He was a cripple, caused by his horse taking fright at a flock of wild geese.

In 1829 corn sold to the distillers at six and a quarter cents per bushel, and few sales at that figure. The growth of corn at that date formed a leading business in Hanover Township.

The soil in this township is now largely held by Germans, who have supplanted the original settlers.

MATTHEW HUESTON.

Matthew Hueston was a native of Pennsylvania, coining from what is now Franklin County, where he was born on the 1st of May, 1771. His father's next neighbor was a Scotchman, named Buchanan, who afterwards became better off in the world, and moved to Mercers- burg, where he became a justice of the peace. His son James was sent to Dickinson College, afterwards entering upon the practice of law. He was successively a member of the United States Senate, minister to England, and President of the United States. When Matthew Hueston was two years of age his father, William Hues- ton, removed to the backwoods, and settled on the Monongahela, in Ohio County, Virginia. The Indians becoming troublesome, Mr. Hueston removed his family to Taylor's Fort, twenty-four miles from the town of Wheeling. The family remained most of the time at the fort, but occasionally went to the farm when it was deemed safe.- Mr. Hueston went back and forth to cultivate his place, but on one of these trips he was shot, killed, and scalped by the Indians, at the door of his own cabin. Mrs. Hueston was left a widow with six small children.

As soon as Matthew Hueston was able he began working around the farm, and at fifteen went as an apprentice to learn the trade of a tanner and currier, continuing at that employment for several years. When he became a journeyman be saved up his money, and, in 1793, made a small venture of stock, with which he went down the Ohio River. On the 17th of April he landed at Cincinnati, but after a few days went down to the falls of the Ohio. He returned by the way of Maysville, again floating down to Cincinnati, where General Wayne's army had arrived in the mean time. Soon after arriving he sold out his goods to a man named McCrea, who, however, decamped without paying him. He then went to work in a tannery, being the one afterwards owned by Jesse Hunt, and afterwards went with Robert and William McClellan, who were engaged in driving a brigade of pack-hearses from Cincinnati to Fort Jefferson. Completing his first trip, he drove a number of beeves from Fort Washington to Fort Jefferson, and then superintended the killing of the cattle and putting up the beef, which was designed to subsist the men the next Winter. There being no salt at the garrison, the meat had to be hung up in the open air around the fort to prevent it from spoiling, until salt could be procured. This caused a delay in the business for some time. Soon after Mr. Hueston was appointed commissary at this post, at the pay'of thirty dollars a month. The next Summer he returned to Fort Washington, and went out with Wayne on his expedition, being issuing commissary until the Summer of 1795, when he resigned.

He then furnished himself with a stock of groceries and other articles, and began as a sutler, following this up until the year 1796. He had one store at Greenville and another at Cincinnati, in the latter having a partner. The business was very profitable, and he soon accumulated twelve to fifteen thousand dollars. In the latter part of 1796 Mr. Hueston was taken sick, remaining in his bed for three or four weeks. When he had sufficiently recovered, he set out for Cincinnati, but found his affairs were in a wretched condition. His partner had become dissipated, had squandered most of the property by gambling, and had finally sold out the stock, going down the river, and leaving Mr. Hueston to pay the debts of the firm. This he did, and found that, after exhausting all his means, he still owed four hundred dollars. Undiscouraged, he persevered in his industrious way, and again embarked as a drover. He drove a large number of cattle from Cincinnati to Detroit for two dollars and fifty cents a head, and was successful in delivering them all, although the route was a complete wilderness. He returned in forty days. This business he followed till the year 1800, when he had paid off all his old debts and had accumulated fourteen or fifteen hundred dollars in hard cash. This he laid out in land.

He bought a tract of two hundred acres, four miles south of Hamilton. It was then altogether in the woods, but now the railroad, the canal, and the Cincinnati turnpike pass through it. In a few years he had a large farm under cultivation. He built a hewed log-house, in which he lived and kept entertainment for travelers a number of years. At the United States land sales in 1801 he purchased, or entered, three sections of land and two fractional sections, on the west side of the river, comprehending in all about two thousand six hundred acres. To these purchases he added from time to time,

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so that he eventually became the largest owner of land in this county.

On his farm south of Hamilton he began to reside in the year 1802, and on the 15th of April married Miss Catherine Davis. He remained 'here till 1813, when he removed to his farm on Four-Mile Creek, in Hanover Township. Here he built a large stone mansion, and attended to his agricultural interests for many years. He then removed to Rossville, taking up his abode there in October, 1834. This is in the house now occupied by his son-in-law, Robert Harper.

At the beginning of the century the militia was better organized than it is now. Mr. Hueston became captain of a company of light-horse, from which he was afterwards advanced to the office of colonel of the Second Regiment. When Hull surrendered Colonel Hueston volunteered his services, and went with a number of others to Fort Wayne, which was then besieged by the enemy. After serving two or three months, he was made purchasing agent for the contractor of the Northwestern army, acting in that capacity until the conclusion of the war.

In 1808 he became a justice of the peace in Fairfield Township, remaining so till he removed to Hanover, where, after a few months, he was again elected. In this position he served until his removal to Rossville, holding this office for twenty-three years. In no case was his judgment reversed on appeal. He was a commissioner of Butler County from 1826 to 1835. He died on the 16th of April, 1847, in the seventy-sixth year of his age, and was buried near the Presbyterian church in Collinsville. The services were conducted by the Masons.

He had four sons and five daughters. They were William, Eliza, Mary, Samuel, Thomas, Eleanor, Robert, Cynthia. and Catherine.

ANDREW LEWIS.

Andrew Lewis, son of Andrew Lewis and Martha Montgomery, was born in Campbell County, Kentucky, April 4, 1797. His parents came to this county March 4, 1804. His father was a , Revolutionary soldier, and afterwards was employed in Indian warfare under Generals Harmar and St. Clair. He was not in St. Clair's defeat, but helped to bury his dead. He was in the whole campaign of General Wayne, and such confidence was reposed in him that when night came, or they were in camp, the pass-word was given him so that he could go out to shoot game. On one occasion he went out a short distance from camp and brought in a deer, although the Indians filled the woods in every direction. Another time he went out hunting, but accidentally got further than he designed, and finally lost his way; night came on, and he gave up the attempt for that time. But in the morning he began again, uselessly, as he knew not the direction, and it was nine days before he extricated himself. He subsisted on game the whole time. At last he struck the Miami and followed its course down stream until it reached the Ohio. The camp had been at Fort Hamilton, but while Lewis was lost in the woods they had proceeded on their way. By this lucky mishap he failed of being present in the defeat of St. Clair. He remained in Fort Washington until after the battle, and saw the remnant of the army as it marched back.

After this he and nine others returned to Pennsylvania, where General Wayne was then recruiting an army, and enlisted under him. With him they came to Cincinnati, and after a period of service were discharged. He went back to Pennsylvania for a brief season, but soon was on his way west again, locating in Campbell County, Kentucky, about seven miles from Newport, on the Licking River. In March, 1804, he came to this county, cutting his own road to Ross Township. There were only three cabins the whole distance, one at Cum. minsville, another near Bevis's tavern, and one and a block-house near Millville. There were no houses between his place and Hamilton. He entered half of a section, or 320 acres. After three years he bought a quarter of a section more. He followed farming until his death, which happened in 1847. His wife died February 12, 1852. He had eight children : Jane, Andrew, Robert M., Sarah, Mary, Elizabeth, Martha, and Clarissa.

Andrew Lewis, the second child, remembers the time when the county was a vast wilderness. Indians used frequently to go by, occasionally stopping. At one time Captain Pipe, a renowned warrior, came along from Hamilton, where he had been drinking whisky pretty freely. Stopping at Mr. Lewis's house, he asked for some more, but was told they had none. This infuriated the Indian, who replied that they had. Mr. Lewis again asserted that they had none, when Captain Pipe drew his long, glittering knife, and began flourishing it around his head. He was very angry, and told Mr. Lewis that he had seen him before, and knew that he was a bad man. On being asked where, he replied that it was in Wayne's army. He continued flourishing his knife until forbearance ceased to be a virtue. Mr. Lewis determined to put a stop to it, and took down his rifle. No sooner did the Indian see this than he began to run, and Mr. Lewis after him. How far they went the boy did not know, but they were never troubled with the presence of Captain Pipe again.

Mr. Andrew Lewis remembers when the first church was built in the township. This was in the year 1815. It was completely surrounded by the wilderness. Indians were very numerous for several years after they came here, and he has often played with them. They were regarded as very treacherous.

He was married on February 23, 1823, to Mary McCleary, daughter of Samuel McCleary and Mary Young. They came to the county in 1804. Mrs. Lewis was born January 9, 1796, in Pennsylvania. They had

446 - HISTORY OF BUTLER COUNTY.

seven children, all now living. Robert was born December 10, 1823 ; Mary, October 13, 1825 ; Martha, December 13, 1827; Nancy, February 14, 1830; Dorcas, July 25, 1832; Sarah Jane, January 27, 1835, and Hannah E., June 16, 1837. Robert was in the hundred days' service in the last war. A grandson, James Jackson, was killed in the struggle. Joseph A. Beatty, a grandson, served three years, and a son-in-law, A. H. Miller, was in the hundred days' service. All Mr. Lewis's children are now living; all have been married, and all are living in Western homes but one, who is now a widow, Mrs. Dorcas L. Burke. She lives with her father. Her husband, Addison M. Burke, died March 17, 1860, leaving her with two children, John L. and A. M. Burke, the latter being only nine weeks old. The oldest one is now Auditor on the Dayton, Delphos, and Toledo Railroad, and the younger one is a teacher in the public schools. Mr. Lewis has had forty-nine grandchildren and twenty-five great-grandchildren, and only six of the number have been lost. Mr. Lewis has through life been a farmer, although for many years teaching school in the Winter season. He was a supervisor for a number of years, never receiving any money for it. His uncle, Richard Montgomery, was in the War of 1812, and Robert Lewis, another uncle, was a captain of light horse in the Revolutionary War. Mr. Andrew Lewis was always very fond of his dog and his gun, and spent much of his time in hunting, being very successful. Future dwellers in Ross will never know the hardships and privations that the first settlers endured.

The following have been the names of the postmasters :

Stillwell.-Jacob G. Stillwell, December 31, 1831; Willis R. De Witt, August 16, 1842; George Kyger, March 8, 1847 ; Jacob G. Stillwell, June 10, 1847 ; Sheldon A. Campbell, February 28, 1850 ; Jacob G. Stillwell, January 6, 1851; Silas Roll, November 19, 1856 ; changed to McGonigle's Station, September 14, 1859.

MeGonigle's Station.-James McGonigle, September 14, 1859 ; changed to Woods' Station, November 24, 1863 ; revived with James McGonigle as postmaster March 13, 1866.

BIOGRAPHICAL NOTES.

Reason R. Baxter, the son of Sill and Mary Baxter, was born in Clark County, Kentucky, November 15, 1829. He settled in this county in 1877. He was married on the 22d of December, 1860, at Winchester, Kentucky, to Clara French, daughter of Charles and Alice French, who was born in Montgomery County, Kentucky, in 1840. They have had three children : Anna was born March 17, 1863; Carrie, April 26, 1868, and Lewis H., March 15, 1871. Mr. Baxter was a member of the Fifth United States Cavalry, serving two years. He is a farmer.

James H. Bell was born in Hanover Township, October 17, 1826. He is a retired farmer, and is the son of James Bell and Nancy Hall. His father was in the War of 1812, coming to the county in 1811. He was born in Philadelphia, December 2, 1Z79, and died May 29, 1828. Mrs. Bell was born in South Carolina, May 5, 1792, and died August 24, 1871. They raised a family of seven children, five daughters and two sons, of whom two sons and two daughters are still living. All but James H. Bell are married. He now controls and resides upon the farm where he was born. For the past five years he has been unable to get around much, owing to a stroke of paralysis. Mrs. Rhoda Bugg, who is and has been his housekeeper the thirteen years last past, was born in Clayton, England, November 17, 1824. She was married March 4, 1848, to John Henry Bugg, who died in 1855. In the year 1869 she enibarked for this country and located in this county.

The Boatmans were Ove of the earliest families in the county. Jeremiah W. Boatman, now living in this township, is a descendant of tJis family. He was born in Hamilton, September 7, 1840, and is the son of Mark M. Boatman and Cynthia Warwick. The great-great-grandfather Boatman was of French descent, enlisting as a soldier under Lafayette, and taking part in many of the actions of the Revolutionary War. He remained in America at the close of the war where he had married, and raised a small family, of which the members were nearly all massacred by the Indians, in Pennsylvania. James Boatman was born in Northumberland County, in that State, about 1771, as nearly as can be told. On the 22d of August, 1799, he was married to Anna Mills, daughter of Colonel James Mills, and emigrated to Ohio two years after. Colonel Mills was of Irish descent. He emigrated from Berks County, Pennsylvania, and settled at Hamilton. He had seven children : Reed, Mark, James, Anna, Abbie, Julia, and Eliza. When the colonel started from the East he had three fine-blooded horses. These he sent on in advance, in charge of a man who was going that way, but when he arrived, either owing to the Indians or to the duplicity of his agent, he found neither horses nor man, and was obliged to content himself with his loss. Colonel Mills came down by boat, as did Mr. Boatman, who carried his family in a canoe, landing at Cincinnati, where there were then only a few cabins. From there he went to Hamilton. It was at that time a common thing to mark a road by little sticks and stones, to indicate the route ; they followed these for a long time, and then discovered that some person had maliciously changed the little end, which indicated the right way, so as to point out another and entirely wrong direction. This cost them several days' lost labor.

As soon as the land was surveyed on the west side of the river, he located one hundred and sixty acres four miles north of Hamilton, on Four-Mile Creek. Here he built a small cabin, in which lie lived until he became easy in money matters, when he erected a commodious frame house, which is still standing. At the time he took up his settlement here there were only three fanii-

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lies in his neighborhood-one opposite the Flenner Mills, one on the farm now owned by Andrew Flenner, and one on William Brooks's present farm. The two former lived in block-houses.

James Boatman resided on his farm fill his death, at which time he was eighty years old. He reared a family of thirteen children : Claudius, James M., Mark M., Sarah M., Mary A., Ann, Jane, Reed M., William, John M., Nathan C., and Jeremiah N., eight boys and five girls. Himself, wife, brothers, and sisters were great hunters. In Pennsylvania they would go out hunting many miles from home and remain for weeks. The game was bears, raccoons, deer, and turkeys, besides small fry. They were often chased by the Indians, having many narrow escapes. On one occasion, while he and his sister were hunting, they were pursued by Indians, and the sister was caught, scalped, and left for dead. She escaped, recovered, and afterwards married and lived to a good old age, although without a forelock, which was artificially supplied.

Being penniless at the time of his marriage, he and his wife apprenticed themselves to a farmer for one year to get the means necessary for housekeeping. His wife, besides faithfully attending to her household duties and enduring the hardships of frontier life, acted as an herb physician, in which she was very successful. She was a fine horsewoman and a good marksman. One night they had a visitor. The meat was out, and there was no way of getting any more except by shooting it. So she rose early in the morning, built a fire, put on the. pot, and went out. Guided by her knowledge of the habits of deer, she soon found one, brought her rifle to her shoultier, and fired. The animal fell, and she soon had a large piece of it in the pot. Her breakfast was soon got ready, and by the time the family was awake"and dressed it was upon the table.

John Doyle was born in Morgan Township, August 31, 1823. His parents were Thomas Doyle and Catherine Weaver. The former was a soldier in the War of 1812, and came here about 1819. He died in 1834 with cholera. Mrs. Doyle, the mother, died January 9, 1879, aged one hundred and five years. John Doyle was married October 22, 1851, in Rush County, Indiana, to Euphemia Warner, born in Ohio, April 16, 1833. They have had eight children. Eliza Jane was born October 4, 1854; Angelette, November 10, 1856; Thomas Jefferson, July 22, 1860 ; Wilfred W., known as John, September 7, 1862; Elisha H., October 9, 1864; Sarah M., November 25, 1868 ; Lella I., June 28, 1872 ; Edna Anna, March 9, 1877. Mr. Doyle served in the late wai as a member of Company E, Sixty-ninth Ohio Volunteer Infantry.

John Egby was born in Centerville, Indiana, February 3, 1855, being the son of Armistead Egby and Emily Craig. Mr. Egby served four years in the late war, and died while in the army. John Egby was married at Hamilton, October 4, 1879, to Ida Hyers, daughter of Moses Hyers and Rachel Pembrew, who was born in Centerville, Indiana, August 14, 1861. Mr. Egby is a farmer.

John M. Hall was born in Hanover Township, in 1809. He is the son of John Hall and Elizabeth Morris, who came here in March, 1806, from Kentucky. He is a farmer, and has been supervisor and school director. His father was in the Revolutionary War as a private in a South Carolina regiment, and received a pension a few years before he died. This was in the year 1836, his wife dying May, 1838. They were both buried on their farm.

John Theodore Lagetrost was born in December, 1832, in Germany He was married to Mary Hafertepen in 1852, and ten children. John was born May 2, 1853; Minnie, December 6, 1855 ; Henry, January 27, 1858; 'Lizzie, .January 11, 1860; Caroline, June 24, 1862; Anthony, September 25, 1864; Benjamin, October 20, 1866; Annie, December 21, 1868 ; Rosa, December 30, 1870 ; Joseph, January 14, 1873. The oldest lives in Minster, Auglaize County, and the rest in this county. Mr. Lagetrost was a farmer. He died January 15, 1873, and since that time the widow and her children have carried on the farm.

Adam Hummell, farmer and stock-raiser, was born in Bavaria, October 18, 1842, and is the son of David and Elizabeth Hummell. The father died June 20, 1854, but the mother is still living in Germany. Mr. Hummell came to this country in 1865, and was married February 19th, of that year, to Elizabeth Ritter, daughter of Christian Ritter, who died January 24, 1864, in Germany, and of Pheby Ritter, who died December 4, 1874, at Hamilton. Mrs Elizabeth Hummell was born January 11, 1844. Their children have been Katharine, born January 28, 1868 ; Adam, February 2, 1870.; Michael, January 9, 1870; Francis S., March 8, 1874; Frita, September 1, 1876 ; Anna, September 24, 1878 ; and Hilda, September 23, 1880. Mr. Hummel' has always been a farmer, and now owns a place of one hundred and forty-two acres. He was a school director of District No. 2 from 1876 to 1881.

Azariah T. Irwin was born in Butler County, June 9, 1821, being the son of John Irwin and Mary Thorn. The land on which he was born was entered by his grandfather, Azariah Thorn, December 13, 1811, and his deed bears the names of James Madison, President, and James Monroe, Secretary of State. Mr. Thorn served in the War of 1812. Azariah T. Irwin was married April 28, 1853, in Fairfield County, Indiana, to Elizabeth Cheney, daughter of Jacob Cheney and Mahala Hill, who was born in that place March 29, 1834. They had five children : Charles E. was born February 7, 1854; John, January 4, 1856 ; Washington, September 5, 1859 ; Edwin C., September 4, 1860; and Mary Virginia, November 12, 1864. John died October 5, 1856.

448 - HISTORY OF BUTLER COUNTY.

Mrs: Irwin had a brother, Edwin J. Cheney, who participated in the late war. He was first sergeant of Company G, 68th Indiana Volunteer Infantry, serving throughout the entire struggle. Mr. Irwin died in Indiana on the 2d of August, 1873.

Gilca L. Kumler was born in Hanover Township, January 27, 1853. He is the son of Michael Kumler and Nancy Beam. He was married September 27, 1879, to Hannah Gillespie, daughter of Robert Gillespie and Margaret Bigharn, who came to this county about 1833. She was born on the 25th of December, 1855. They have one child, Leola, born April 2, 1880. Mr. Kumler is a farmer and stock-raiser, and lives on the farm on which he was born.

John Kelly, son of Jacob Kelly and Morris Brooks, was born in Butler County, Ohio, May 6, 1855. His parents had come here two years prior to this event. He was married April 7, 1880, to Elizabeth Gardner, daughter of Peter Gardner and Elizabeth Gardner. Her parents came here in 1851, and she was born in 1861. Mr. Kelly is a farmer, and has served one term as supervisor.

Frederick Krucker was born in Germany, coming to this county in 1865 from Hamilton County. He was twice married. His second wife, whose maiden name was Louisa Frankhouser, was born in Belmont County, Ohio, March 29, 1838, and was married in Hamilton County, November 24, 1855. Her parents were Daniel and Mary Frankhouser, and they live in Belmont County. She has had five children : William was born March 17, 1859 ; Mary, March 22, 1861; Frederick, February 13, 1863 ; Edward, April 23, 1866 ; John Frank, June 5, 1868 ; and Louisa, October 23, 1864. William died June 23, 1864; Frederick, January 15, 1864; and Louisa, January 13, 1866. Mr. Krucker was a wagon-maker by trade, but carried on a farm the last three years of his life. He died April 2, 1869.

Oliver P. Morris is the son of Isaac K. Morris and Sarah J. Hinkle. They came to this county about 1838. The father is now dead. Oliver P. Morris was born in Fairfield Township, April 22, 1848, and was married October 20, 1870, at Cincinnati, to Orlette J. Clark, daughter of William V. Clark, born December 4, 1827, and Elizabeth Holmes, born December 30, 1832. Their daughter was born in Fairfield Township, October 22, 1851. She and her husband have four living children. Albertine was born January 4, 1872 ; William Isaac, Spptember 4, 1874 ; Ann Elizabeth, November 6, 1877, and Charles L., November 13, 1880. Two other children were born who were not named ; one on the 17th of June 1876, and one October 30, 1879. Mr. Morris is a school-teacher by profession, following that occupation for several years prior to his marriage, and one term since then. Since 1871 he has paid all his attention to his farm and raising stock. He now has control of five hundred acres, three hundred of which is under a good state of cultivation, and the remainder is well adapted for pasture.

Jacob Mehl was born in Strasbourg, now in Germany, on the 22d of September, 1828, and came to this county in 1841 with his parents, Michael Mehl and Catherine Reop. The father died in the year 1876, and the mother in 1861. Mr. Jacob Mehl was married on the 30th of November, 1854, to Lena Wehr, daughter of George Wehr and Barbara Hitelinger, who came here in 1844, and are both living. Mrs. Mehl was also born in Strasbourg, February 2, 1840. Their union has been blessed with eleven children : Elizabeth Barbara was born September 17, 1855; Annktaroline, October 20, 1857; Simeon Charles, August 19, 1860; Louisa Matilda, May 23, 1862; Mary Ann, September 25, 1863; Jacob Benjamin, March 7, 1865; Lena Barbara, February 12, 1867 ; Clara Ellen, February 11, 1869 ; Sarah Lovina, June 8, 1870; William `Andrew, July 22, 1870, and Frank Elmer, January 17, 1875. Mr. Mehl is a farmer.

Frederick Mistler was born in Germany, January 14, 1834, being the son of John Mistier and Elizabeth Harris. He came to this county in 1859, and was married to Mary Lustyck, February 26, 1861, in this county. She is the daughter of John Lustyck and Elizabeth Macon, and was born in July, 1836. Their children have been nine. Mary Elizabeth was born August 29, 1861 ; Catherine, April 20, 1863 ; Lena, October 25, 1864; Frederick, September 24, 1866; Pitt, March 5, 1868; Andrew, August 30, 1870; George, June 9, 1873; Jacob, January 27, 1876; and Mary Catherine Josephine, July 16, 1879. Lena died March 19, 1868, and Frederick, April 17, 1868. Mr. Mistler is a farmer.

John Nixon was born in this county, May 8, 1837. His parents were William and Margaret Nixon. He was married oir the 31st of December, 1861, to Margaret Lonner, daughter of David and Jane Lonner, who was born in this county, January 1, 1838. They have four children. Linda Nixon was born November 19, 1862, and is dead. William H. was born April 25, 1864 ; Charles D., October 29, 1868 ; and Mary Jane, December 9, 1870. He is a farmer. His father was in the War of 1812.

William Nixon was born in August, 1787, in Ireland, coming to America at nine years of age with his parents, James and Jane Nixon. They remained in Pennsylvania for some time, and then emigrated to where Cincinnati now stands. In 1809 they removed to Butler County. James Nixon died on the 2d of August, 1825, and his wife October 17, 1840. William Nixon was married on the 11th of January, 1821, to Margaret Dodds, daughter of Andrew and Margaret Dodds, who moved to this county in 1808. Mrs. Nixon was born in Pennsylvania, March 18, 1800. They had nine children: Matilda, the eldest, is dead. She was born January 27, 1822; Jane Hueston was born May 8, 1824 ; Margaret Taylor, July 29, 1826 ; James, March 4, 1829 ; William, March 21,

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1831 ; Anna, June 9, 1833 ; John, May 8, 1837; Elizabeth Pocock, July 25, 1839 ; Martha Louise Weaver, February 8, 1845. Mrs. Hueston lives in Blooming Grove, Franklin County, Indiana. Mr. Nixon was always a farmer, but served one term in the War of 1812. He died August 2, 1861, his wife still surviving.

John F. Rader was born June 25, 1842, in Franklin County, Ohio. He was the son of Frederick Rader, born in 1803 in Germany, and Mary Welch, born in 1817 in Ohio. They are now living in this county, having come here from Van Wert County in 1879. John F. Rader was married in Delaware County, December 13, 1866, to Josephine Lewis, daughter of Morgan S. Lewis and Mary Shoemaker, the former born in 1826 in New York State, and the latter in Ohio in 1828. Their daughter was born in Warren County, October 12, 1848. Mr. and Mrs. Rader have had six children. Thomas J. was born October 4, 1867 ; Jenny L., July 7, 1869 ; Mary L., September 7, 1871 ; Frederick M., September 20, 1873 ; John William, February 5, 1876; and Jane Louisa, June 17, 1879. The first child was born in Delaware County, and the last in Butler County, the others in Van Wert County. Mrs. Rader's parents have also moved to this county, coming here October, 1878. John F. Rader was a private in Captain Kimball's company, G, Ninety-sixth Ohio Volunteer Infantry. He enlisted June 12, 1862, and was engaged in the battles of Yazoo Swamp, Arkansas Post, Port Hudson, Island No. 10, siege of Vicksburg, Jackson, Mississippi, Banks's expedition to the Red River, and a great many others. He served until the end of the war, and was honorably discharged at Columbus, Ohio, August 20, 1865, then returning to his farm, where he still is.

William H. Riley, the son of John Riley and Numalennia McGilberry, was born in Hanover Township, July 9, 1846. He was married on the 8th of June, 1869, at Hamilton, to Hannah S. Beckett, who was born June 1, 1850. Her parents, James Beckett and Elizabeth Hill, came to this county at an early period, and are now both dead. Mr. and Mrs. Riley have had five children. John Sheldon was born April 26, 1872; Minnie, October 30, 1873; Myrtle Gertrude, January 11, 1876; James Elmer, September 1, 1878; and William Henry, March 22, 1880. Minnie died on the 30th of November, 1875. Mr. Riley's uncle Joshua was in the War of 1812, and he had a brother in the war of the Rebellion. He was a member of the Third Ohio Volunteer Infantry, and served about two years, then being killed.in the battle of Perryville. Mr. Riley is a farmer and stock-raiser, and has made a specialty of the latter.

Henry C. Settle, farmer and stock-raiser, was born in North Carolina, May 5, 1838. His parents, Josiah Settle and Nancy A. Settle, were natives of that State, where they were born, the former in November, 1799, and the latter in July, 1819. They came to Ohio from Mississippi in 1856, arriving here on the 20th of March. Henry C. Settle was married in Hamilton on the 26th of March, 1868, to Molly O. Berry, who was born in Mississippi, November 15, 1850. They have four children. Arta A. was born May 26, 1869 ; Charles H., August 1, 1872 ; James T., August 9, 1874; and John C., November 22, 1877. Mr. Settle was a carpenter's mate on board the General Bragg, of the gulf squadron, for two years, and was engaged in a good many battles of the war. Thomas Berry was the colonel of a Mexican regiment in the Mexican War. Mr. Settle owns one hundred and eight acres of land on Section 13.

Robert P. Settle was born in South Carolina, on the 29th of July, 1834, and came this county in 1856, from Mississippi. His wife, Lizzie Weaver, was born February 29, 1838, in North Carolina, and was married to him December 28, 1864. They have one child, Nancy, born September 29, 1867. Mrs. Settle's parents were Bird Weaver andarah Day. Mr. Settle was for two years supervisor, and is a farmer and stock-raiser.

William E. Stewart, farmer, was born in Harrison, Pennsylvania, in 1860. He is the son of John and Lucy Stewart. He settled in this county in 1868.

Henry Stahlheber was born in Bavaria, Germany, . June 10, 1820, his parents being Henry and Elizabeth Stahlheber. He came to this country in 1850, having previously been married to Elizabeth Keepenbacken, daughter of Philip and Philippine. They came to this county in 1874, and both are now living. She was born September, 1825, and their marriage was in March, 1846. They have had eight children. Philip was born September 18, 1849 ; Michael, September 1851; Henry, August 11, 1853 ; John, September 1, 1855 ; Elizabeth, June 18, 1858; Philippine, June 11, 1860; Charles, December, 1863 ; and Jacob, April 16, 1866. Mr. Stahlheber has now lived in the county thirty-one years, and has by industry accumulated considerable property. He owns two good farms, one containing one hundred and sixty-three acres, and the other a hundred and sixty acres. One of these is situated about a quarter of a mile from Hamilton, and the other about three miles. He carries on the dairy business in connection with his farms very extensively, now milking forty cows, and finding ready sale for all he makes.

Jacob Vitzedom, son of Daniel, was a native of Germany, being born there on the 26th of October, 1801. He came to this county in 1845, and on the 19th of July, 1846, was married, in Hamilton, to Catherine Sohn, also born in Germany. Her parents were John Lewis Sohn and Catherine Davison, and she was born February 15, 1821. Mr. and Mrs. Vitzedom had eight children. Barbara was born June, 18, 1847, and died the next October. John J. was born March 20, 1849, and died in 1851; Elizabeth B. was born August 19, 1851; John William, December 12, 1853 ; John Jacob, February 7, 1855; George William, September 3, 1857 ; John Lewis, January 17, 1859 ; and William Martin, No-

450 - HISTORY OF BUTLER COUNTY.

vember 10, 1862. The last named died in 1867. Mr. Vitzedom died on the 2d of November 1875, leaving a good farm for his widow and surviving children.

Leonhard Wasserman was born in Germany, February 18, 1820. His parents were John Conrad Wasserman and Barbara Wolferd. Mr. Wasserman settled in this county in 1847, and was married two years after, or in August, 1849, at Hamilton, to Maria Gailey, daughter of Balser Gailey and Mary Yeakle. They were early settlers, and are now both dead. Mrs. Wasserman was born in Fairfield Township, April 12, 1832. They have had ten children. Mary was born April 29, 1850 ; Elizabeth, April 19, 1852 ; Jacob, May 5, 1854 ; Henry, March 26, 1856 ; Sarah, July 18, 1858 ; Joseph, March 6, 1860 ; Clara, October 9, 1862 ; Julia, March 3, 1864;

Susan, June 24, 1866, and Ida, November 2, 1868. Mr. Wasserman is a farmer. He has been supervisor and school director for several years.

William Yerein was born in Fairfield Township, Butler County, February 14, 1825. He was the son of Frederick Yerein and Matilda McCain. His father came here in 1814, and is still living William Yerein was married in May, 1855, to Hannah Yerein, and has had eight children : James M. was born February 9, 1856; Miller, in 1144 Fall of 1858 ; Harriet, in 1860 ; Anna, in 1862; William, May 16, 1864; Ira Bell, July, 1866; Elizabeth D., in the Fall of 1868, and Flora in the Winter of 1873. Miller, Harriet, and Anna are dead. Mr. Yerein is a farmer. One of his uncles was in the Revolutionary War.