Logan County, Ohio History

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UNION TOWNSHIP.

SAMUEL ALEXANDER, farmer ; P. O., West Liberty ; was born September 16, 1825, in Juniata Co., Penn.; his father, William and his mother Elizabeth (McGee) Alexander came to this county in the spring of 1838, with their family of nine children - John, William, Elizabeth, Samuel, Mary J., George, Martha, Louisa and David. George and William are both in Illinois ; David went to Labette Co., Kan.; all the others reside in this State. His parents still live in Zane Tp., this county; his father at the advanced age of 87 years and his mother 80 years. Mr. Alexander was married to Miss Sarah Jane Marquis, Nov. 1. 1849 ; she was born August 24, 1828, in Knox Co., O.; her parents moved into Logan Co., when she was quite young and remained there some years, but subsequently moved to Montgomery Co., where they still reside, her father at the advanced age of 77 years and her mother something less; they had eight. children, three died in childhood, the surviving ones except Mrs. Alexander, reside in Dayton, O. Mr. and Mrs. Alexander have no children, but adopted a little 5 year old girl-Ella M. Wilson-who was brought from New York by her father ; shortly afterwards he died leaving her without any relatives ; but she found in her foster parents all that natural parents could be ; she was married to Charles De Lette, and both now reside in Girard, Kan., where they are prospering nicely. During the late rebellion Mr. Alexander was drafted, but with others paid the assessment to clear their township. For the last thirty years Mr. and Mrs. Alexander have been members of the Presbyterian Church at West Liberty ;they have 83 3/4 acres under good improvements with good buildings, all procured by his own and his noble wife's industry.

LEVI Z. BYLER, farmer ; P. O., West Liberty; was born Sept. 24, 1844, in Juniata Co., Penn., and came here with his parents John and Fannie (Zook) Byler, whose sketch appears in this work. When 21 years of age, Levi began to work at home by the month, which he continued to do until 1874 : and on Jan. 16, of that year, he started for Missouri, and took a tour through that as well as the states of Kansas, Iowa, Illinois, besides spending a short time in Michigan and Indiana ; he then returned to his father's in this county March 24, 1875, and one year later he went to Wayne Co., where he worked about a year; in the fall of 1876 he visited the Centennial Exhibition, and returned to Wayne Co., where he married Harriet Yodor, Jan. 30, 1877; she was born March 29, 1858, in La Grange Co., Ind.; is the daughter of Israel Yoder, who was born Aug. 7, 1817, in Tuscarawas Co., O., (and moved to Indiana, but returned to Ohio, settling in Wayne Co., in 1863) ; Mrs. Yoder's maiden name was Fannie Yoder; she was born July 15, 1825; they were married June 5, 1845, and had ten children-Yost, born May 23, 1849 ; Rachel, Dec. 3, 1851; Ephraim, July 28, 1854 ; Magdalene, (deceased) Aug. 27, 1856 ; Harriet, March 29,1858 ; Leah, Nov. 29, 1860; Atina, Jan. 21, 1863 ; Abner (deceased) March 3, 1864 ; Lucy Ann, Sept. 18, 1865 ; Rudolph, Dec. 5. 1867. In a few weeks after marriage Mr. Byler and his wife moved to this county, Feb. 19, 1877 ; they lived one year in Champaign Co., and the rest of the time in .Logan Co. He is now a tenant on the "Joel Zook " farm. Mr. and Mrs. Byler are members of the Walnut Grove Ormish Church in this township.

JOHN BYLER (deceased); West Liberty; was born in Mifflin Co., Penn., Oct. 23, 1809; he was reared to farm life, and lived with his parents until 21 years of age, and, being the eldest of a family of twelve children-nine boys and three girls-he had to do for himself soon as he was of age; he began to work by the month on a farm, and spent five years, working by the month, with several parties. His marriage was celebrated in January, 1836, with Miss Fannie Zook. She was a daughter of Joseph Zook, and a native

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of the same county as her husband, and was born Jan. 22, 1813: Shortly after their marriage they moved onto a farm of his father-in-law's, in Juniata Co., Tuscarora Valley, where they lived thirteen years. They then moved back to Mifflin Co., and lived with her father two years, and in the spring of 1852 Mr. Byler came out to this county and bought a farm, and then returned to Pennsylvania and prepared for moving out here. Accordingly they started with their family of seven children, and arrived here in Aug., 1852; that fall and winter they passed in a house west of where they now reside, and moved to their own farm in the spring of 1853. Their children were all born in Pennsylvania; Christopher was born Jan. 2, 1837, and died here Oct. 30, 1860; Martha was married to Daniel Yoder; she died, leaving two children -Christopher and John; next were Joseph, Levi, Mary, Fannie and John. Joseph and Levi are both married, the former living on part of the estate in this township; Mary and John are still living with their mother on the old homestead; Fannie married Christopher King, and resides on her part of the old homestead; they have five children-Mary A., Sarah B., Andrew, Shem and a baby. Mr. Byler owned, at the time of his death, 317 acres of well-improved land, whereon he had a good home, at which he died June 9, 1875. Mrs. Byler is healthy and young looking for one of her age, who has done so much hard work in her early life; is both hospitable and pleasant, and is very capable of attending to her own business affairs. The family belong to the "Walnut Grove" Ormish Church.

JOSEPH C. BYLER, farmer; P. O., West Liberty; was born Oct. 19, 1841, in Mifflin Co., Penn. He is the son of John and Fannie (Zook) Byler, whose sketch appears in this work. He came here with his parents in 1852, and lived with them until 28 years of age. He then married Sarah E. Stutzman, Feb. 28, 1870. She was born May 25, 1851, in Fairfield Co., Ohio, but came here in 1869, then returned to her home in Fairfield Co., where they were married shortly after their marriage they moved to the farm where they are now residing. Mrs. Byler's parents, Solomon S. and Lydia (Byler) Stutzman, were natives of Pennsylvania, and moved from Mifflin Co. into Fairfield Co., O., where they were married and remained until 1876, when they moved to Champaign Co. They had been there only a few months when Mr. Stutzman died, leaving his wife, one boy and girl; of their family of eight children only those two and Mrs. Byler survive. Both Mr. and Mrs. Byler are members of the South Union Ormish Church.

DAVID CULP, farmer; P. O., Bellefontaine, was born Sept. 30, 1813, in Rockingham Co., Va.; his father (Henry Culp ) was a miller by trade, and moved to Virginia when young; there he married Frances Funk; they had eleven children and were in rather poor circumstances; in the spring of 1830 he thought of emigrating to the West, so he started out on horseback to find a location, and came into this township, and entered 40 acres in the west side of the township in the "fallen timber" district, and began preparations for the family moving thither; in 1831 his family, one son-in-law (Sam Clator), a widowed daughter- and her three children, about fourteen or fifteen persons in all, set out from Virginia with a three-horse team (and poor ones, too), and one wagon; they arrived here in the fall and put up in the cabin which had been prepared for them; two sons-Jacob and Joseph, followed the next year. They improved the 40 acres of Government land which they had entered, and got along nicely in the new country, until death called their father from further cares in 1835; and soon each one began to do for themselves; their mother died in Fairfield Co., in 1845, where she had gone to visit relatives. David is now the only one of the family who resides in this county; he worked by the mouth for some time in the vicinity of his early home, and on Oct. 16, 1841, he married Catherine, daughter of Fredrick Mohr; he then purchased 50 acres in the south of this township, which he improved and lived upon for sixteen years; and in 1857 he sold that and bought the farm of 160 acres where he now resides and on which he replaced the old log-cabin by erecting a good, two-story brick residence; they have had ten children who are now nearly all doing for themselves-Frederick in Missouri, George in this state, John in Missouri, Christopher in this state, Joseph (deceased), Aaron in Missouri, Mary, now Mrs. John D. Keller, Martha A., now Mrs. Jas. E. Bosserman, of

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Missouri, Franklin and Andrew who live at home with their parents. Mrs. Culp was born in Lancaster Co., Penn., Dec. 25, 1822, and carne here with her father's family. Mr. and Mrs. Culp are members of the German Baptist Church in this township.

JOSEPH HARTZLER, farmer ; P. O., West Liberty ; was born in Mifflin Co., Penn., March 27, 1832 ; he is the tenth in a family of twelve children ; the elder ones of the family were willed the real estate by his father, while the younger ones were paid in cash whatever their portion amounted to Joseph receiving as his share about $1,800. Having been reared to farm life, he hired out to work by the month when 19 years of age, and remained in his native State working by the month, four years ; when 23 years of age he came to Champaign Co:, O., where he worked one and a half' years, receiving as wages $15 per mouth. He then came to Logan Co., where he married Martha Yoder, Nov. 17, 1859; she was born in Pennsylvania, Dec. 12, 1838, and came here with her father's family when about 9 years old. They have two children -Amos Y., and Lydia B. About three years after they were; married they purchased forty-five acres of the farm they now own, and in 1860 they purchases eighty acres, aggregating 125 acres, all well improved, and is one of the commodious farms of this township on which the owners are prepared to enjoy the fruits of their early industry. They are both members of the Ormish Church and have been for many years, Mr. Hartzler having joined the church when he was yet in Pennsylvania. His parents were born in Pennsylvania, but of German descent ; his mother is still living there at the advanced age of 87 years ; he has also six brothers and three sisters still residing in Mifflin Co., Penn.

HENRY HORN, farmer; P. O., Bellefontaine; was born Feb. 11, 1825, in Preble Co., O.; he is the son of John and Nancy (Sheets) Horn, who were natives of Virginia, where they were married, and moved to Ohio in 1813; they located in Preble Co., and lived there about fifteen years; then moved to this county, and settled one mile north of Bellefontaine in 1828. Mr. Horn worked at home until he was of age and on July 14, 1846, he married Mary Laney. They have five children living-Joseph S., Jacob H., John G., Luther, and Maggie E. Mrs. Horn was born in Pennsylvania, April 9,1824, and came with her father's family, who settled in Harrison Tp., this county, m 1831; she is now the only survivor of a family of five girls, who carne here with their parents. When Mr. Horn was married he lived a few years on the farm of his father-in-law (Simpson Laney) in Harrison Tp., and afterwards he purchased it of the Laney heirs, and subsequently he purchases the farm where he now lives, and came to reside on it in 1871. Everything moved along quietly and prosperously until Oct. 22, 1875, when they sustained a heavy loss by having by their house and all its contents consumed by fire, and without even the compensation of insurance; they set about rebuilding, and the following summer they completed a two-story frame dwelling with "observatory," and is, without exception, in every-part of excellent finish, at a cost of $3,500, besides all labor of themselves and teams; they now own 321 acres in the vicinity of the new residence and 166 acres in Harrison Tp., where his son resides, all well improved. In all these circumstances and the present surroundings, it is plainly seen that honest industry and economy have been ruling characteristics, when they, who began poor in finance a few years ago, now rank among the wealthy farmers of this township, and are well prepared to enjoy the fruits of their labor. He is serving his second term as Township Trustee. 'Their son, Jacob, went to Kansas, where he married and is now residing.

REV. JOHN P. KING, retired farmer and minister ; P. O., West Liberty ; was born Jan. 29, 1827, in Mifflin Co., Penn. ; he is of a family of seven children-four boys and three girls ; their mother died when Mr. King was 3 years old ; but he remained on the farm, at home, until the last parental tie was severed by death, Jan. 5, 1847. Immediately after his father's death (in 1847) he hired out to do farm work in their own neighborhood ; here he remained for a year or more, when he conceived the idea that the chances, for a young man of industrious habits and no means, were much better, in the less populous West, than they were in his native place. With a determination to succeed, he turned his back on all that was clear to him, in youth, and set out for this State arriving

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in Logan Co., March 2, 1840, a poor, but, , sober and industrious young man. He has resided in this county ever since, with the exception of a short time spent in Champaign Co. His marriage was celebrated with Rebecca Troyer, Oct. 28, 1850 ; (she was born Sept. 28, 1830 in Holmes Co., O., and came with her father's family to Champaign Co., in 1849). They have six children - Levi T., Christian M., John J., Lydia E., Ezra and Rebecca ; they are all married except Ezra and Rebecca, who reside with their parents, and on whom the farm duties devolve. Mr. King was ordained as an Ormish Menonite minister, in Champaign Co., this State, in 1859, and in 1872, he was advanced by the church and given special charge over the Ormish Mennonite Congregation, whose church is about one mile north of West Liberty. According to the tenets of their Faith, ministers are not clothed with the power to administer the ordinances of their church when ordained, until they have keen considered worthy of advancement, when special power is conferred by a conference of Bishops, In 1872 such power was conferred on Mr. King, since which time he has traveled extensively in connection with the interests of the church ; his circuit embracing the states of Pennsylvania, Ohio, Indiana, Illinois, Iowa, Missouri, and Kansas. He has assisted in the organization of many congregations ; and is frequently summoned to perform the various ordinances of the church in the above named states. To those best acquainted with Mr. King, is best known his moral worth, both as citizen and minister, who began his career here, as a poor hired boy; now we find him enjoying the confidence and respect of those with whom he has done business for a space of over thirty years, as well as the fruits of his own industry. He owns a farm of 80 acres, well improved, to which he moved, about four years ago, after having sold his original home of 117 acres for $110.64 per acre, situated four miles south of Bellefontaine.

ANDREW MOORE, farmer ; P. O., Bellefontaine ; was born Nov. 14, 1836, on the farm of which he now owns a part ; (he is the son of William and Dorothy Moore). His marriage was celebrated with Sarah A. Click, Jan. 19, 1861 ; she was born April 23, 1837, in this county ; they have had two children-William E., living, and one died in childhood ; Mrs. Moore's parents were natives of Virginia, and came to this county about 1836, where they remained until their death. Mr. Moore enlisted in 132nd, O. N. G., as one of the "one hundred day" men ; he was sent to Camp Chase to drill, thence to Washington, D. C., thence to Arlington Heights for about one week ; thence to Whitehouse Landing on the Appomattox ; thence back to Bermuda Hundred ;there he was taken sick and sent to the hospital at Portsmouth, Va., where he was kept about two weeks, then he was sent home and in a few days received an honorable discharge, at Camp Chase (Columbus), having served something more than the time required of him ; his enrollment called for five years' service, but ere that time had expired the war closed and he received his discharge from the O. N. G., immediately thereafter.

WILLIAM MOORE, deceased; West Liberty; was born in Piatt Co., Penn., June 5, 1801; his father, Archibald, and Iris mother, Jemima (Tannahill) Moore, were with their family of nine children among the first settlers of the township. Dec. 24, 1806, they arrived at a brother's of Mr. Moore, Sr., near Springfield, where they spent the winter, and in the Following spring they cave to Logan Co., and located on the site of the town of Zanefield. They, like many of the pioneers, came here without menus either to purchase or improve their home; a large family to support and everything to be produced front the wild, unbroken Forest, was no inconsiderable task; by Glint of industry they succeeded in procuring enough to sustain life for a few years, when another difficulty arose-that of parties with less compunction of conscience and more finances, who were about to purchase this squatting place; soon as discovered Mr. Moore borrowed the money from a friend, made the trip to Cincinnati on horseback, where the land office was, and bought his own squatting place, beating his adversary (Gray) by two hours, who was on the wax to purchase it "over his head." His son, William, bought 160 acres at $3 per acre in 1833; he married Dorothy Zimmerman, April 10, 1834; she was born March 5, 1812, in Virginia, and came here with her father's family in 1827; subsequently her parents

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moved to Champaign Co., where they both died. Mr. and Mrs. Moore began life in their new home in a log-cabin which they erected (and which stands on the premises to this day), June 5,1834; and on the same spot Mr. Moore ceased his worldly cares in death, Nov. 21,1878, and here Mrs. Moore is quietly passing her declining years. They had three children-Archibald, Andrew and Evaline; Archibald enlisted in the 23d O. V. I. in April, 1861, and was killed in the battle of South Mountain, Md., Sept. 14, 1862; he had been promoted to rank of Orderly Sergeant; four months after his death his father visited the spot where he was interred, and removed his remains to the cemetery at Philadelphia Church, this township, where his dust now reposes.

JOHN MOHR, farmer; P. O., Degraff; was born in Lancaster Co., Pa., March 23, 1824; is the son of Fredrick G. Mohr, spoken of elsewhere. He learned the coopers' trade when young, at which he worked about four years. His marriage was celebrated with Anna Frantz, Dec. 28, 1848 ;she was born in Logan Co., Jan. 31, 1830 (and was the daughter of Abraham Frantz, who came here from Virginia at an early date). She died Nov. 9, 1860, leaving two of her six children, George W. and Margaret. Mr. Mohr married, for his second wife, the widow of the late John Frantz, of Clark Co. Her maiden name was Margaret Kerahoff; she was born in this county Aug. 2, 1837; her parents came here from Virginia. By this marriage there are seven children: Daniel, Martha A., Lydia A., Dora E., Emma, Andrew and Franklin F. Mrs. Mohr has one son, Moses Frantz, by her first husband. The two eldest ones are married. George W. married Ella Snyder. Margaret is Mrs. Wm. Brownfield, of Springhills. Mr. Mohr owns 276 acres of well-improved land, on which are good buildings. They are members of the German Baptist Church, and during the late rebellion he was opposed to the war, in a conscientious point of view, like many of the same religious creed; and to clear himself of the draft paid $300, and at other times paid various sums for the purpose of clearing the township, aggregating in all $1,200.

MATTHUES MAIER, farmer ; P. O., Springhills; was born June 20, 1810, in Wurtemburg, Germany; when young he learned the shoemakers' trade, but did not remain long at that business. He was married Nov. 4, 1838, to Christina C Rexer. They had five children-Christopher, Catherine, Jacob, Gotlieb, and John. After marriage Mr. Maier abandoned the shoemaking business for that of a farmer, and, after a few years of farm life in Germany, he resolved to push his way to this country, where his family would have better facilities for providing themselves with homes. Accordingly himself, wife and five children, set out for the United States, and arrived here-after an ocean voyage of forty-two days in July, 1852. They came direct to this county and leased the farm on which they now reside, for two years; at the expiration of that time they rented another farm for several years, and in 1860 they purchased the farm where they now live. Thus industry and economy has raised the poor man (with a large family) of less than thirty years ago to be one of the well-to-do farmers of Union Tp. His son Jacob was born July 4, 1843, in Germany; he resides with his parents, and conducts the business of the farm; his marriage was celebrated June 20, 1870, with Hannah Reinhardt. She was born in Wurtemburg, Germany, March 4, 1851, and emigrated to this country in June, 1869, and came direct to this county. They have had three children -Mary (deceased). Annie D. and William F. Mr. Maier's daughter, Catherine, was married to Geo. Stotz in 1865, and died Aug. 15, 1872, leaving three children-George, John and Mary. Christopher lives in Champaign Co., adjoining his father's farm; he married Mary Mohr. They have five children-Katie, Magdalene, Dora, Clare and Addie. Gotlieb is in the slaughtering business in Bellefontaine; he married Hannah D. Miller. They have four children-Elizabeth, John, George and Henry. John died after they came to this county.

FREDRICK MOHR, farmer; P. O., Springhills; was born in Lancaster Co., Penn., Feb. 24, 1828; is the son of Fredrick G. and Catherine (Rexer) Mohr, who were natives of Wurtemberg, Germany; where they were married, and about the year 1817 they, with their eldest child, emigrated to this country, and settled seven mile: west of Lancaster, Penn., where they bought a small home,

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consisting of 3 acres; Mr. Mohr was a tailor by trade, and did not incline to farm extensively, but kept improving his home as well as embracing every chance to do something at his trade; they resided there about six years, then moved to Dayton, Ohio, where they remained nine months, when Mr. Mohr concluded to purchase a farm and take his family out of town-he could have purchased lots on Main street at that time for $15 each-accordingly, he bought 54 acres for $350, eight miles north of Dayton. There Mrs. Mohr died, in 1832, leaving six children-Conrad, Catharine, John, Mary, Fredrick and Christopher. Mr. Mohr married a second wife, Sarah Purkey, who was a native of Virginia, but had been residing in Logan Co., with relatives, but went to Montgomery Co., where they were married, and in February, 1837, they all came to Logan Co., settling in the southwest corner of Union Tp., where they bought 200 acres, paying therefor $2,000. It is said that the old gentleman, Fredrick G., was one of the most energetic, and persevering men in the county of his tithe; children by second wife are David, Elizabeth and Martha. Fredrick, lived with his father until 22 years of age, when he started for himself by running a threshing-machine for several years; then he rented and ran a. sawmill one year, and was then employed to take charge of the mill for another party. He was married Feb, 28, 1857, to Barbara Detrick: she was born in this county April 19, 1835. They have six children living-Lori A., now Mrs. George M. Rausenberger; Emma J. (deceased) : Sarah A., now Mrs. George Forry Mary M., Lucy E., Charles F. and Clara S. Mr. Mohr owns 357 acres, well improved and good buildings. Mrs. Mohr's father Peter, and her mother, Susan (Kauffman) Detrick, were natives of Rockingham Co. Va., and came here, bringing three of then children, about the year 1820; her father died in 1867; Mrs. Detrick lived with an other daughter (Mrs. Yoder) after Mr. De trick's death, and in 1878 - her 73d year-while she was sitting at the door knitting, and engaged in conversation with her daughter, and apparently in good health she suddenly received that last summons which surely awaits all mankind.

JACOB MILLER (deceased), P. O., Bellefontaine ; was born Sept. 15, 1810, in Rockingham Co., Va.; was the son of Martin and Magdalene (Bowman) Miller, who were both natives of the same county. In the spring of 1832 Jacob came to this county, and after prospecting a little he purchased a farm in Union Tp., and during the summer he returned to Virginia, and on his return he rented his farm in Logan Co. to Mrs. Margaret Huber and family-widow of John Huber, who died in 1827. In the fall of 1832 Mrs. Huber and six of her eight children set out for Logan Co., to occupy their newly rented farm. One daughter remained in Virginia, and a son had moved to Tennessee. Mrs. Huber occupied the farm of Miller, from October until the following spring, 1833, when she purchased a farm across the creek, where she spent the remaining years of her life with her two sons, Jeremiah and Abednego. March 18, 1856, at the advanced age of 88 years, closed the scenes and trials of a life whose anxiety and care was not a little for her large family, whom she had prepared for their several places in society. In the spring' of 1833 Mr. Miller came back to this county from Virginia, and Sept. 3, of that year he married Diana Huber, daughter of Mrs. Huber, to whom be had rented his farm, and two days after their marriage they moved to Miller's farm ; nor was their bridal chamber the most elegant, or its furnishing of a costly kind ; the whole building was a small, roughly built log cabin, in which there was an opening, but no door, no floor, no window, nor even chimney but for the latter the whole roof seemed in a measure, a fair substitute, as the " clapboards " or long split shingles were so warped by exposure, that they curled sad left many an opening. Though rude their dwelling their home was happy, as they toiled for the better time coming, and which they realized so far as luxuries, the reward of their industry, is concerned. After four years residence in their rude home, they built a comfortable frame dwelling ; and to 1858 they replaced the frame with a good two-story brick dwelling. They had seven children- Margaret, Elizabeth, Polly, Martin, Barbara (was married to Boyd Douglas Jan. 4, 1866, and died ere she left her father's house, on March 27 ); Abednego and Susan. Mr.

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Miller died at the old homestead Oct. 14. 1866 ; his 'widow and son Martin reside on the same place which he bought in 1832. Martin was born there Oct. 31, 1839; his marriage was celebrated with Hannah Beal, Dec. 17, 1868 (she was born in this county April 13, 1850 ; is the daughter of Elijah and Hannah (Collins) Beal, who are natives of Pennsylvania). They have had three children - Jacob E. and Oli M.; were both taken with scarlet fever and called away by death, one Jan. 11, and the other following Jan 14, 1878; one daughter living, Carrie B. They own 228 acres of well unproved land with good buildings ; he has turned his attention to sheep-raising for the last few years and ha; some fine Merinos.

The "NEWELL FAMILY." A brief sketch of this family from the most authentic source points directly to the fact. that two brothers and two sisters emigrated from the north of Ireland, about the year 1760, and settled in Pennsylvania. They were Jane, Margaret, James and Robert. The Newells in this section can easily trace their lineal descent to the latter. He was born in 1744, and as stated. came to this country when about 16 years of age. About the date of the breaking-out of the Revolution, there were serious thoughts as to the protection of women and children in their section, from the raids of Indians; there was a military fort erected near them in which the weaker sex and children took refuge; among them were the two small girls, and one, Christina Williams, who had lately arrived from Germany, and was an accomplished young lady. She and the Newell girls became much attached while in the fort. and after the troubles had subsided their sociability and attachment waned none. In the course of events Robert Newell and Christina Williams formed an acquaintance, through his sisters, which finally resulted in their marriage. They reared ed a family of six sons and three daughters - Jane, William, Samuel, Thomas, Mary, Hugh, Robert, John and Margaret., all of whom lived to maturity. Mr. Newell had turned his attention to farming and stock-raising, and along between the years 1790 and 1796, he sustained a very heavy loss in the death of all his horses, by some epidemic in that section; whereupon he concluded to remove from that locality; accordingly he sold his farm receiving in part payment $3,000 of Continental money, and started with all his family, brother and two sisters, to Harrison Cu., Ky., where they located and remained some time. James (brother of Robert) was married and had one son and one daughter; the sun died when young. Shortly after Robert lead sold his farm he discovered that his $3,000 was worthless, owing to the insolvency of the Continental banks. He afterward received one per cent. for it; and thought he had made a bargain when got a steelyards worth $2.50 for $250 of his Continental currency. About the year 1814, three of his sons-Samuel, Thomas and Hugh-came to Ohio and located in what is now Logan Co., and two years later the parents and the rest of the family followed, except Jane, who was married in Kentucky to Robert Braden. She died there and left four children. William was married and doing well at farming and dealing in livestock. He took a drove of cattle to Detroit, Mich., and while there, took suddenly ill and died; he was much respected as a good and noble citizen. Owing to the inconvenience of travel and transportation in those days, his remains were interred at Detroit. He left two sons and three daughters. The widow married, and soon sustained the loss of her second hus band by death. She sold out and with her children she moved to Indiana. Samuel was early identified with official business in this county; he had a family of seven sons and three daughters. His wife died here; he sold out and moved with most of his family to Iowa, where he died in 1843. Thomas was married and reared seven sons and three; daughters, and died near West Liberty in 1825. Mary was married to James Newell, they moved to Indiana, and reared a large family, where she passed away. Hugh married Elizabeth McNay; they reared ten children-four sons and six daughters; he died in this township. Robert never married; he moved to Iowa and died there. John was married and lost his first wife in Kentucky; she left one girl. He married his second wife here; they had six children, and moved to Indiana about 1830, where he died. Margaret married Oren Hubbard, a carpenter in 1819-of whom there is more particular notice elsewhere in this work. Margaret

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being a favorite and the youngest, their father preferred to pass the declining years of his life with her; accordingly he took Mr. Hubbard's family to the homestead, where the varied scenes of the old gentleman's life, were closed in death, in 1829; and the life which closed so quietly had been spent in useful toil, and not in vain; neither drat of his family, as they were all such men and women as made their presence felt in this unbroken wilderness, in subduing the soil, in substituting civilization for barbarity, and planting within that civilization, the ethics of education and morality which flourish to-day, worthy of the zeal wherewith they were sown. For .all those noble souls who have gone, whose good works follow after, we might say much, allowing those of the present generation to speak for themselves by exemplariness of life. Hugh's family were-Malind, now Mrs. Clement, of Iowa; Jane now Mrs. Ginn; Robert, now in Colorado; Christina, now Mrs. Robert Newell, of Iowa ; Lucinda was Mrs. B. Fuson, but is now deceased; James, John, Mary, now Mrs. Schragle; Amanda, now Mrs. Kiser, and Hugh. John was born on the old homestead of his father, where he lives, July 15, 1826. He married Miriah E. Harner, Jan. 1, 1856. She was born Dec. 12, 1831, in Lancaster Co., Penn. They have six children--John H., William C., Harrie E., Mary L., Hugh and Annie B.

HUGH NEWELL, farmer; P. O., West Liberty; was born April 12, 1836, on the old homestead-Sec. 11-in this township; he remained there some time after his marriage; that event was celebrated Jan. 1, 1861, with Mary M. Miller. She was born Feb. 28, 1838, in this township, and is the daughter of Jacob and Diana (Huber) Miller. They were both natives of Virginia, and came to this State about the year 1831. Mr. Miller had been here two years previous; selected and purchased a piece of land; he then returned to his native place and prepared for moving to Iris new home, which he did, as stated above, in 1831, which he reclaimed and made a comfortable home, and where he labored with unceasing energy until called by death in October, 1866. Mrs. Miller still survives, and is spending her declining years in peace on the same farm. Mr. and Mrs. Newell have a family of seven children-Emrna E. and Effie D., twins; Adda May, Oak M., Mary H., Lulu B. and Berths S. He owns a farm of 168 acres of well-improved land, with good buildings, and splendid situation. They moved to their present residence March 31, 1868. They are members of the Philadelphia Lutheran Church in this township.

STEPHEN PACKER (deceased), P. O.; Bellefontaine, was born in September, 1801, in Adams Co., Penn. ; when quite young he was apprenticed to the saddlery business, and at which he made a start in the world. He formed a matrimonial alliance with Sarah Diehl, on Feb. 1, 1827, in his native county; she was born in Frederick, Md., May 17, 1804, and moved with her parents to Adams Co., Penn., when a mere child. Mr. Packer concluded to emigrate westward into the more sparsely settled country, beyond the Ohio ; accordingly he with his wife and three children, moved to Tuscarawas Co., O., in 1837 ; here he began or rather continued his trade for two years, and then determined to relinquish it for the more desirable business of farming, as he prudently foresaw in the latter a more suitable way of living for his growing family; they remained in Tuscarawas Co. about eleven years, thence to Champaign Co., where they lived one year, then moved to Logan Co., and settled on the farm which they have owned ever since. They had a large family-eleven children-some in their last resting place, and those who survive spread over the country ; Mary A. is now Mrs. Robt. A. Moore, of this township. Elizabeth (deceased), Joseph D., resides in Bloomington, Ill., and there married Laura M. Drumm ; John A. and Sarah C. (deceased) Louise resides with her mother on the old homestead ; William H. (deceased) ; Ellen is now Mrs. John H. Moore, of Washington Tp. ; Jesse was in the furniture business in West Liberty, and lost heavily in the late fire since which time he has gone to reside in South Kansas, Col. ; Stephen (deceased), George W. resides on the old homestead, and successfully manages the affairs of the farm ; and has of late turned his attention to sheep-growing, and has got some fine specimens of Merino at considerable cost. His marriage was celebrated with Emrna Williamson Jan. 14, 1878; she was born, in this county May 4, 1857; they have one child: Ethel May

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Mr. Stephen Packer, Sr., died here March 27, 1865. Wm. H. enlisted in Co. H. 96th O. V. I., Aug, 1862, and served in the army about one year; he was taken sick, and obtained a thirty-day furlough; at the expiration of said time he was still unwell, and had it extended thirty days more; at the expiration of the extension he had to go to Columbus, and yet unfit. for duty, but his warfare was soon ended, as he died at Columbus Oct. 28, 1863.

REV. DAVID PLANK, farmer and minister; P. O., Bellefontaine; was born May 15, 1833, in Mifflin Co., Penn. To give anything like a correct sketch of the Plank family in this country would necessitate reference to documents and dates which are now beyond our reach in the irretrievable past. However, in about the year 1700, or shortly thereafter, one Melcher Plank (the name originally was Blank; by the variation of the English pronunciation the orthography was changed to Plank), with his four sons and two daughters -Christian, John, Jacob, Peter, Rebecca and Barbara-emigrated from Germany to this continent, and settled about Berks Co., Penn. His son, Christian, married and settled himself in that section, and had a family of six sons and two daughters-John, Christian, Isaac, Joseph, Jacob, Samuel, Martha and Barbara. Samuel, the youngest son, was born in Lancaster Co. in 1808; he married Juliana Hartzler, a native of his own county, who was born in 1819. They are the parents of the present generation of that name in Logan Co. They came here with six of their children-Joseph C., David, Leah, Elizabeth, Martha and Barbara - in October, 1845, and settled on the same farm where David resides. After they came here the family was increased by three-Juliana, Samuel W. and Mary. Only two of Christian's family survive-Martha, in Champaign Co., and Barbara, who lives near by her nephew David; they are both well advanced in years. David's father died here, after a life of quiet usefulness, Dec. 11, 1878, and his mother April 11, 1879. David's early life was spent on the farm and attending to the various duties of the same; his marriage was celebrated with Martha Hartzler Feb. 14, 1856. She was born in Pennsylvania, June 9, 1836, and came to Champaign Co. with a sister in 1853. They have eight children living -Samuel H., Salome M., Levi L., Mary E., Lydia, Juliana, Katie and David. Mr. Plank was ordained a minister of the Ormish Mennonite Church in this township, Oct. 19, 1859. They are now known as the "Walnut Grove" congregation. Mr. Plank is now the longest officiating minister connected with said congregation.

JOHN M. RAUSENBERGER, farmer; P. O., DeGraff; was born in Wurtemburg, Germany, Aug. 6, 1819, and is a son of John M. and Barbara (Haugh) Rausenberger; of a family of six children-three boys and three girls, he is the only surviving son. His father died in Germany, but John M. sent for his mother and F. Miller and family, with whom she came, and after a few years' residence in this country she died at West Liberty, March 1, 1860. When about 14 years of age, Mr. Rausenberger was apprenticed to the butchering business, and for which he received no pay, and had to furnish his own clothes besides; although there was no pay for one in his position, his work was not such that it might be considered play; as he had to be out at 4 o'clock in the mornings with a fifty pound basket of meat distributing it through the town. On the expiration of his apprenticeship he went to Potsham, where he worked three years, thence to Frankfurt-on-the-Main where he worked three years; thence to Antwerp, Belgium, where he worked three years; at this time, feeling his health failing, he returned home to recuperate, with the intention of returning to his situation in Antwerp, but meeting with a friend while on his home visit, who was intent on coming to the United States, persuaded Mr. Rausenberger to come along. On June 24, 1845, he and his friend (Fred Esseg) left their native place, and on the 27th they sailed from Rotterdam, arriving in Baltimore, Md., Aug. 27, of the same year, and had a cash capital of two five-franc pieces when he landed. The same evening he found employ, at his trade, and began work neat morning, and continued in the same plane three years. He married Dorothy Rexer Sept. 10, 1848, and two days later left for Logan Co., O. (which trip they made in three weeks). He had received glowing accounts of this county from his wife's uncle (F. Mohr) and that there was no meat market in the then growing town of West Liberty; which induced Mr. Rausenberger to come here; but to his

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chagrin he found no business to justify the opening of such branch of industry. Disappointed in that be turned his attention to farming 50 acres which Mr. Mohr helped him to buy, for which he paid down $750; this done he found himself without money to provide the necessaries to improve his place, so he borrowed $800 to get a supply of stock, implements and something to subsist on while he was raising a crop. He began to butcher and supplied the little demand there was, well as farm, and in two years he had paid the $800 borrowed. He remained on that farm five years; then nought the "John Forry" farm of 140 acres at $3,200, where he lived four years; he then moved to West Liberty, where he turned his attention to butchering only. At this time his brother-in-law (M. Maier) was here and without a home or friends; so Mr. Rausenberger bought the farm where he is now living and rented it to Maier during his five years' residence in West Liberty, during which time Maier had cleared of} the farm $3,200. When he left the meat market in West Liberty, he moved to his farm in the spring of 1862, where he has made astonishing progress, as he has done ever since he carne to the United States. He has been the means of helping many of his friends to this country, and in every instance they have done well. His youthful companion in travels (Esseg) to whom he lent part of his first earnings in Baltimore, is still in that city, and is now wealthy. Mr. Rausenberger owns 296 acres of well improved land, good buildings, and surrounded with every comfort. Thus may be seen an example of industry and honest economy; where the young man with less than $2 in his pocket, beginning his career in a strange country only some years ago, is now one of the best farmers and wealthiest men in union Tp. Mrs. Rausenberger was born Oct. 31, 1819, in Wurtemburg, Germany, and came to Baltimore with a brother in 1847. They have six children-George J., Andrew J., Mary C., John W. Sarah C. and Dora S. All the family belong to the " Philadelphia " Lutheran Church in this township.

JOHN REPROGLE, farmer; P. O., Bellefontaine; was born Dec. 16, 1820, in Clarke Co. O.; is the son of Adam and Annie (Keller) Reprogle; his father a native of Pennsylvania and his mother of Virginia; they each came with their respective families and located near Cincinnati in 1816, where they lived about two years, then moved to Clark Co. In the year 1830, Adam Reprogle came to Logan Co. with his family of six children, and located close to the old "Hull Trace," one mile west of Bellefontaine, where they lived a short time; be then purchased a farm in Washington Tp., where they got along well; but suffered seriously by paying $3,000 security for one Wm. Bull, of Bellefontaine, and afterward had a like amount to pay for a live-stock dealer for whom he had gone security-in all $6,000 security, for which he never received anything in return, and which ruined him financially. He moved to Champaign Co., and subsequently to Pulaski Co., Ind., where he died Jan. 1, 1853. John Reprogle married Sophia R. Shawver, Feb., 1846; she died Jan. 24. 1857, leaving three children-Mary E. (now Mrs. Geo. Crouse); Catharine (now Mrs. Fred. Beer); and Lydia A. (who resides at home with her father). He married for second wife Catharine Shawver, Oct., 1864; by this marriage there are three children-Margaret, Ella and Annie. His present wife was born Nov. 1, 1839, in this county; is the daughter of John and Elizabeth Shawver, who came to this county in 1826; he a native of Jefferson Co., and she a native of Pennsylvania; in 1862 he moved to Miami Co., where he still lives; his wife died there in 1872. Mr. Reprogle owns 76 1/2 acres of well improved land, which he has made for himself; he and wife and daughter are members of the Lutheran Church.

WILLIAM M. STEWART, farmer; P. O , West Liberty; was born near West Liberty, Logan Co., July 5, 1813; he is the fourth son and eighth in a family of ten children. His father, Thomas Stewart, was born in the north of Ireland, about the year 1766, and emigrated to this country when quite young, arriving here shortly after the United States had gained their independence. In those days of slow passages and imperfect facilities for navigation, compared with the present, it was only those of more than ordinary ambition and iron will who would even venture to cross the Atlantic when kind invitations and fair promises had been extended; but crone of these induced young Stewart to leave his native land, but that innate disposition

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to succeed in life and the perseverance which characterized him to the last were sufficient incentives. When he arrived in this country (after an ocean voyage of thirteen weeks) he located in Maryland. There he married Miss Susan Stewart (said to be a distant relative), and a few years after their marriage they moved to Chilicothe, O., and subsequently to Logan Co., which was then and for years afterwards a wilderness. He was possessed of a good education, and endeavored to give his family of ten children the same advantage, but in this unbroken forest he .found it almost impossible, as the primitive shoots were made up, and teachers (of not a high grade) paid by subscription; so those of limited means and large families had little opportunity of learning much in school. However, here they reared their family of six sons and four daughters, all of whom lived to maturity and inherited like industrious habits of their parents. When William M. started for himself in the world, he had no means whatever; and at the outset he prudently indulged the sacred flame of well placed love with Mary Ann Hanger, and their marriage was celebrated April 17, 1833; they have had four children, two died in childhood, and two living - Martha J., now wife of William Kinnan, and Charles L. Mrs. Stewart was born Sept. 10, 1806, in Augusta Co., Va., and is the daughter of Peter Hanger, who emigrated from Virginia when she was a mere child, locating in Ross Co., O., where they remained some time, and finally came to Champaign Co. By upright principles and unceasing toil, Mr. Stewart has been enabled to procure a good portion of this world's goods for himself and family. He gave his daughter 80 acres of valuable land, and to his son, 77 acres; besides the well improved farm of 80 acres where he resides, on which he and his noble assistant in life are well prepared to spend their remaining years in luxury and ease.

CHARLES L. STEWART, farmer; P. O., West Liberty; was born in Harrison Tp., Champaign Co., May 21, 1839; is the only son of Wm. M. and Mary A. (Hanger) Stewart, whose sketch is in this work; he has made farm work his only pursuit, and resided on the old homestead until a short time since, when he built a splendid frame residence, barn and other buildings on the farm given him by his father, to which he moved Dec., 1879. His marriage was celebrated with Lizzie E. Baird, Oct. 8, 1868; they have two children-William L. and Linnie E. Mrs. Stewart was born near West Liberty, Feb. 27, 1833, and is a daughter of Robert and Margaret Baird who were natives of Virginia, and came to Logan County at its early settlement. Mr. Stewart's steady industry is well marked on the place where he resides; he also owns 40 acres of land in Champaign County adjoining his father's farm.

E. M. WILSON, farmer; P. O., DeGraff; was born in Champaign Co., O., July 17, 1822; is the son of John and Margaret (Runyon) Wilson; his father was a native of Pennsylvania, and his mother of Kentucky; the father of John Wilson, and his brother Joseph, came to Champaign Co. in 1816, and entered a tract of land to which he moved soon afterward; his father's whole family came, also, and settled near by Shortly after their settlementthere Mr. Wilson formed the acquaintance of Miss Margaret Runyon, who had, as stated, come from Kentucky; they were married, and set about making things comfortable in their new home; but their prospects were soon blighted by the early death of Mrs. Wilson; she died in 1823, leaving two children - Elias and Elisha M.; the latter only about one year old. His father married his second wife, M. Dickey, in Fayette Co., and by that union there were three children-Margaret, Rebecca and John. On the same farm where he entered of the government, his father died in 1873, in his 79th year. Our subject married Florence J. Monroe, May l5, 1845, in Champaign Co., and settled on a farm given him by his father, where they resided about twelve years; and in 1857 they moved to the farm where they now reside. They have three children living-Catherine M., Elias C. and Anna E. Mrs. Wilson was born in Champaign Co., Aug. 19, 1828; her father (David Monroe) was born Sept. 29,1793, in Virginia; her mother (Catherine Stretch) was born Oct. 23, 1793, in Kentucky; the families to which they belong were early pioneers of Champaign Co., where they formed an acquaintance and were married May, 1826. There were only two children besides Mrs. Wilson-Philene E. and Rebecca A.; their mother died

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in this county, Sept. 24, 1876, in her 84th year. Mr. David Monroe's demise occurred Aug. 20, 1869. Although Mr. Wilson has held the offices of township Treasurer and Trustee for several years, he is no politician, but rather prefers the quiet life of a farmer, where early industry has placed all necessaries at his command, and which he can in advancing years enjoy.

ISRAEL YODER, farmer; P. O., West Liberty; was born Aug. 22, 1853, in Liberty Tp.; is the son of Jonathan C. and Anna (Sharp) Yoder, both natives of Pennsylvania, and came here about the spring of 1848; he was married to Elizabeth King Feb. 15, 1877; they have one child-Ira Milton. Mrs. Yoder was born in Fairfield Co., this state, March 4, 1854; is the daughter of Joseph and Sarah (Zook) King, who were natives of Pennsylvania, and emigrated to Fairfield Co., O., where they lived at the time of their death; they had nine children of whom only two survive- Mrs. Yoder and Mrs. Jacob Z. King, of Liberty Tp.; they had relatives in Logan Co., which induced Mrs. Yoder to come here where she had been making her home for about four years previous to their marriage; they have 68 acres of well-improved land, for which they paid $90 per acre, and came here in Jan. 1878.

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