Days	Nos.
1800, July 15. To amount paid to him " Nov. 15. To amount paid Mr. Dupray, in Lorient 1809, Mar. 25. To amount paid to him “ Apr. 28. " “ ” “ “ May “ ” “ “ May 31. Amount of bond at Lorient “ ” “ " At his credit Contra credit 1809, April 12. By net proceeds of 7 boxes sugar, six barrels and services beeswax, 20 barrels fish oil, and 5 barrels of potash, due from Feb 8, 1800 . " May 31. Interest in his favor May 31. By balance at his credit  Nantes, May 31, 1809. Delaroche, Armand, Delaroche & Co. Recorded Sept. 15, 1836.	F. 237.05 360.00 493.83 493.83 987.05 9096.35 ..... 5002.90 166.71 164.01.45 270.16 166.71.61 5002.90	320 197 67 33 20 90 61 112 ....	758 709 331 163 193 . . . 162 .... 183.69 183.69 .... 183.61

JAMES WATSON RILEY, Clerk. CALVIN ERASTUS RILEY, a son of' James Riley, and grandson of Capt. James Riley, is a native of Ohio, having been born at St. Marys Oct. 9, 1830. About the year 1841 his parents moved to Celina, but his father immediately thereafter received the appointment as land receiver at Lima, and so removed to that town, where he remained about two years, when he returned to St. Marys. In 1844 the family moved to Columbus, but four years later returned to Celina. Their next move was to Toledo, but again we find they soon returned to Celina. Calvin was engaged from his youth in farming, but in 1846 entered the milling business at Celina, in which business he continued until 1860, when he moved to the farm he now occupies. In 1863 he moved to Deep Cut, Auglaize County, and engaged in the mercantile trade until 1869, when he returned to the old home farm, where he still resides, and has become one of the largest grain producers in the county. He held the position of assessor and collector of revenue of Mercer County two years under appointment of President Lincoln. In 1854 he married Miss Brandon, who is a native of Darke County, Ohio. They reared a family of seven children, of whom six are still living. The names of the children are as follows: Willshire (deceased), Fannie, wife of George Stearnes, Willshire, Robert Zura, Ashley, and Gracie. 356 - HISTORY OF VAN WERT AND MERCER COUNTIES, OHIO. HON. ROBERT LINZEE was born twelve miles above Harrisburgh, Dauphin. County, Pennsylvania, in 1774, and was the son of William and Mary Linzee. He settled in Mercer County in 1832, and devoted himself to agricultural pursuits. His first wife was Mary Jane Johnston, whom he married at Athens, Ohio, in 1.823. His second wife was Electa Reynolds, who was born in New York City, in 1793. The names of his children are Julia, Franklin, Jane, Mary Ann, Benjamin, Caroline, Ruth H. Riley, Andrew Jackson, and George Washington; and of these Julia, Franklin, Jane and Mary, Caroline, and George Washington, are dead. The only remaining members of the family are Benjamin, Ruth H. Riley, and Andrew Jackson. We desire to place upon record the history of so devoted a citizen, who fulfilled his mission on earth so agreeably, and departed this life January 31, 1849, amid the sorrows and tears of the community at large. From commissions yet extant, it appears that during his life he held thirty-two commissions from the government. In 1801, when Ohio was a territory, he was commissioned ensign and sheriff by Governor Arthur St. Clair, and a marshal by Thomas Jefferson. In 1805 he was appointed sheriff of Athens County to fill a vacancy, by Gov. Edward Tiffin, and was reelected to the same office in 1806, 1809, and 1811, successively. In 1811 was commissioned paymaster of the 2d Regiment 1st Brigade Ohio militia. In 1665 he was appointed by joint resolution of the Senate and House of Representatives of Ohio a commissioner to construct a State road from Athens to Chillicothe, and also from Athens to Marietta. Mr. Linzee at the same time was also a representative in the House of' Representatives from the Athens district, which he represented four terms, the seat of government being at that time at Chillicothe. In 1818 he was elected associate judge for Athens County, his commission being signed by Thomas Worthington, governor, which position he occupied until 1830, when lie was appointed marshal to take the census of Athens County. After moving to Mercer County in 1832, he was in 1835 elected associate judge to fill the vacancy, and reelected to the smile position in 1836, to which situation he was successively elected, and which he held until his death, the Hon. Geo. W. Raudabaugh being his successor. Judge Linzee moved from Athens, Ohio, in the fall of 1832, intending to locate in the Mossamonany Valley, Indiana, but on reaching St. Marys, then in Mercer County, was overtaken by severe weather, where he rented a farm-house near the village of St. Marys for the winter. He and his eldest son Franklin went to Mossamonany reservation, where a treaty was in progress between the government officers and the Indians for the purchase of the reservation, but the Indians refused to sell. Mr. Linzee therefore was compelled to select some other location, and after a thorough investigation of the country around St. Marys lie determined to locate on the north side of the Beaver Prairie, as it was then called, now the Mercer County Reservoir. lie came to this conclusion, from the splendor of the forest and fertility of the soil. This he improved, and occupied the remainder of his life, and on this he was buried. In his lifetime he gave the school district land, the deed for which is in his own hand-writing, specifying the fact that it was to be used for that purpose "as long as water runs and wood grows." Mr. Linzee also located what is known as the Huston farm for his son Franklin, and the Stearns farm for his nephew and namesake, Robert Linzee, Jr. The lands upon which he thus settled had been the site of an Indian village, called Old Town, which name the farm still holds. The first improvement was a ten-acre field, which is in front of the graveyard in which Mr. Linzee is buried. When laying the fence on the north side of that field he remarked that this fence would be the line of a road leading from Bellefontaine, Ohio, to Bluffton, Indiana, and it has. been for forty years. At that time there was only an Indian track westward from St. Marys. When the family Moved from St. Marys in the spring of 1834 to the new farm, it was upon the ice and snow on its prairie. For many years after Jefferson Township was organized. it was his ambition to keep its inhabitants clear of litigation, as the present instance will illustrate. Messrs. Foster and Hanley had a disagreement in regard to a settlement of accounts, and both threatened to sue. The judge hearing of this, invited each without the knowledge of the other to come to his house on a certain evening, which they did, each embarrassed by the presence of the other. After leading a little while in conversation he suddenly remarked, I understand you have a difference between yourselves. Each state your case, and see if I cannot reconcile it. After both had made a statement, it was discovered that Mr. Foster was indebted to Mr. Hanley one dollar, which amount Foster declared he would not pay. Very well, said Judge Linzee, friendship is worth dollar, and I will pay it. He took a silver dollar from his pocket and gave it to Mr. Hanley, and requested them to shake hands in friendship. This they did, and were ever afterwards good, true, and devoted friends. Thus did Judge Linzee in many kind acts, and kept the people from litigation for many years. At the time Judge Linzee settled on his farm the nearest person to it was at St. Marys on the east, and Bluffton, 40 miles on the west. Soon afterwards half a dozen of his friends settled near, and within four Years a school-house was erected, with an attendance of from 18 to 24 scholars. A young man by the name of Westley Herbert was the first teacher employed in the first log schoolhouse ever built in Jefferson Township and Andrew Jackson Linzee recited the first lesson in said school-house, the afternoon of the day on which it was finished. HON. THOMAS JEFFERSON GODFREY. Hon. T. J. Godfrey, a leading not only of the county, but also of Western Ohio, was born in Darke County, Ohio, June 6, 1831. His parents, E. B. and Sarah Elliott Godfrey, .are still residents of the old home-farm in Parke County. To their son they gave a good common-school education, after which he attended two seminaries, and completed a scientific education at Asbury University, Green Castle, Ind. At the completion of his education he began teaching school, which profession he prosecuted in different Ohio and Indiana counties for a number of years. At length he began reading law with Messrs. Allen & Meeker, of Green Castle, Ind., and finally closed his law studies by graduating from the Cincinnati Law School in 1856-57. He was then admitted to practice by the Supreme Court at Columbus. A few weeks later lie located at Celina, and began the practice of his profession, to which he has since adhered, and in which he has merited and won distinction. In 1863 he was elected prosecuting attorney of Mercer County, and in 1865 was nominated to the same office. Pending the election lie was nominated to the State Senate by the district comprising Allen, Auglaize, Defiance, Mercer, Paulding, Van Wert, and Williams counties. So successful and satisfactory were his services during his first term that he was elected again in 1867. At the organization of the General Assembly, in January, 1868, he was elected President of the Senate, which office lie filled with credit to himself and satisfaction to the body. At the close of his senatorial career lie received the Democratic nomination for Lieutenant Governor, with Hon. George H. Pendleton, now United States Senator from Ohio, as candidate for Governor. The ticket WaS defeated, but in 1873 Mr. Godfrey was elected a member of the Constitutional Convention, and served with that eminent body during its sessions in 1873-74, and acted as a member of the Judiciary Committee. The convention completed its labors, but the people failed to ratify its action when the question was submitted at the polls. In the Presidential campaign of 1880, Mr. Godfrey was a candidate for elector on the Democratic (Hancock) ticket for the Fifth Congressional District, but of course suffered defeat with his ticket, the State declaring at the election for Republican (Garfield) electors. In October, 1881, he was elected State Senator with the Hon. Elmer White, of Defiance, the senatorial district comprising the counties of Mercer, Van Wert, Auglaize, diligent, Paulding, and Defiance. For a number of years he has been and active member of the Board of Trustees of the Ohio State University, an institution of which any State might feel proud, and ill. prosperity and success of which Mr. Godfrey takes a deep and abiding interest. But it is characteristic of the man, his inclination of mind being towards educational interests and institutions, to wine in devoted largely of'his time and contributed liberally of his means home affairs of education he is ever a leading and enthusiastic worker; and after all the political honors and distinctions he has won, it is able he takes more pride in the efforts he has contributed to educational interests, and the modest credits he has earned in this field, than is afforded by his whole political life. He is distinctly an educator, and not a politician by tastes and habits of thought. He would labor with much more enthusiasm to advance the cause of education, even in his own county, than to secure an election to the State Senate. The teachers, parents, and children owe him a debt of gratitude for his labors towards the elevation of the schools which will be appreciated by the children, if not by the teachers and parents. in this direction he is building for to-morrow, and that life which leaves a hallowed imprint upon the to-morrow of men and women is the life best and, noblest in its fruits. Mr. Godfrey has taken special pride in the teachers' institutes of the county, and has thereby done much to elevate the standard of the schools, by broadening the ideas and capacities of the teachers. More than any man in the county he has devoted time and effort to education, to which he well looks for the best and proudest results to posterity, for in education lie recognizes the hope of the government, as it is of the people. He is right, and whatever honor he may gain in politics, as such, will never to a man of his tastes and hopes equal the honor to be derived from devotion to the cause of education. Aside from these labors, he was associated with the first building and loan association organized in Celina, the other stockholders being R. G. Blake, G. W. Raudabaugh E. M. Piper, A. P. J. Snyder, T. G. Touvelle, William Dickman, Ch. Schunck, and S. S. Snyder. The company "3s chartered as the " Celina Building and Loan Association," Feb. 2, 1810 On the 12th of March the stockholders held a. meeting for the election of officers, and Mr. Godfrey was chosen President. In 1872, Dr. D. Milligan, of Fort Recovery, Mr. Godfrey, and John Milligan purchased the whole stock of the association, surrendered its charter, and organized a banking-house, under the style of "Milligan, Godfrey & Co." in HISTORY OF VAN WERT AND MERCER COUNTIES, OHIO - 359 February, 1874. On the death of Dr. Milligan the firm-style was changed to "Godfrey & Milligan," which is the present style, the house being recognized and quoted in commercial circles as reliable and trustworthy. Mr. Godfrey, aside from professional and commercial duties, finds great pleasure in agriculture and stock-raising, and during the past few years has devoted considerable attention to fine cattle, and has now a number of Jerseys on his home-farm. He has thus labored in legal, educational, and political professions and positions, and in commercial and agricultural transactions and pursuits. He has been true' to his life profession, but has also been a friend to schools and colleges. Neither has his interest in educational or benevolent institutions been L., circumscribed by county lines.. His work has gone beyond the county, and is even worthy of special recognition as associated with the growth and prosperity of the Ohio State University, of which every intelligent citizen of the State is justly proud. In September, 1859, Mr. Godfrey married Miss Lorinda Milligan. They have one child, a daughter, Miss Lou, who has just completed her education, and returned to her home from the seminary. As a young lady of fine education and womanly traits, she is highly esteemed and even loved by all who enjoy her acquaintanceship. TOUVELLE FAMILY. Compiled and prepared by MARY L. TOUVELLE. The name and ancestry of this family are of .direct French origin on the paternal side, and of English and Scotch on the maternal. ROBERT TOUVELLE, the great-grandfather, and the first ancestor who came to America, was born in Paris, France, and emigrated to America with a portion of his family in 1760, settling in the city of Baltimore, Md. ROBERT TOUVELLE, his third son, was born in Baltimore in 1770, and married Elizabeth Martin, daughter of David Martin, and soon after removed to Frederick County, Md. GEORGE W. TOUVELLE was born in Frederick County, Md., in February, 1806, and with his parents moved into Pennsylvania. He was married to Mary W. Hall in 1830 near Waynesburgh, Pa. MARY W. HALL, his wife, was born near Martinsburgh, Va., in 1808 ; her ancestors were directly Scotch and English. Samuel Witherington, her maternal grandfather, came from England about 1730, and settled in Virginia, owning a large landed estate. THOMAS J. HALL, her paternal grandfather, emigrated from Scotland to the United States during the American Revolution and settled in t Maryland. The Witheringtons were all established in Virginia ; the Halls in Maryland. George W. Touvelle and Mary his wife removed to Jefferson County in 1830 and lived in and near Bloomfield. In 1847 they came to Macedon, Mercer County, Ohio, where they remained until 1865, when they removed to Celina. George W. Touvelle, although over age exempting military service, enlisted during the rebellion and served nearly Lauding years. He was wounded in the hand at the battle of Pittsburg and was discharged in 1863, having contracted disease of which he died in Celina April 24, 1879. George W. and Mary W. Touvelle had nine children. Ann, eldest child, born in Bloomfield, Ohio, in 1831, removed with parents to Mercer County, married to John Mellinger in 1849, and who died in 1854, leaving two children, who died in infancy. She was married to Adam Langel in 1855 and died in 1856, leaving one child, Josephine F. Langel. Theophilus G., second child, was born in Bloomfield, O., September 17, 1832, received rudiments of education as the best schools that county afforded, and at fourteen years of age came with parents to Mercer Co., O., attended school taught by Rev. W. F. George, minister of Covenanter church, and under his instruction was qualified to teach; taught six terms, and then engaged In mercantile business in Macedon, O.; was married in October, 1855, to Sarah Pauline, daughter of Adam Langel. In 1861 was by Commissioners of Mercer County appointed Recorder of said county, to fill unexpired term of John Johnson, deceased ; was elected Recorder in 1862. Sarah Pauline Touvelle, his wife, died September 2, 1862. He was re-elected Recorder in 1865, and in 1867 elected Auditor; was re-elected in 1869, and serving the extension of time held the office of Auditor nearly five years. Was married to Mary L. Phelps, daughter of Edward M. Phelps, at St. Marys, O., September 26, 1865. He was elected Clerk of Common Pleas Court in 1872 ; was re-elected in 1875, and elected for. third term in 1878, filling the office at present, and term expiring February, 1882; no other county officer ever having held office so long continuously; he being in office over twenty-one years. He at present owns and resides in the old " Riley homestead," on north end of Main Street, Celina. His children are: Albert Ross, born Aug. 10, 1858 ; William Ellsworth, born November 23, 1861 ; Louise Belle, born September 25, 1867. DAVID MARTIN, third child of George and Mary Touvelle, was born. Bloomfield September, 1834 ; died September, 1835. LEWIS DUNN, fourth child, was born near Bloomfield September 23, 1836, and came with parents to Mercer County ; was married to Mary E. Robbins, daughter of Amos and Mary Robbins, in Camden, Indiana, October, 1859; settled in Macedon, and in 1866 removed to Celina and engaged in business, in which he is still engaged; owns handsome home on ____ Street, where he now resides. This children are : Emerson, born December 28, 1860 ; Charles, burn June 19, 1866 ; Minnie, born June, 1872. THEODORE PARKER and SHELBY N. TOUVELLE, fourth and fifth children, were born January 16 and 17, 1839, near Bloomfield, and came with parents to Mercer County in early childhood. Theodore was married to Mary E. Myers, daughter of George Myers, near Recovery, Ohio, January 11, 1863. Moved to Celina in 1868, and removed to State of Kansas in 1869 and settled in Oswego, and afterward in Independence. Returned to Celina, in 1876, and engaged in lucrative business. Owns a well-improved property on ______ Street, in which he now resides. His children are: Savella R., born October 7, 1864 ; Charles A., born November 1, 1869 ; Frank L., born March 13, 1870. SHELBY A. married Leonora, Darnold 23d day of November, 1859, at Macedon, Ohio. Leonora Touvelle died .Aug. 25, 1860. Went to California. in 1863 and returned in 1865. Began study of medicine with Dr. Rush in 1867, and graduated at Starling Medical College, in Columbus, O., 1870 ; entered into partnership with Dr. Rush and began practice of medicine in Celina in spring of 1870. Married to Susan F. Inneman in Celina, O., April 3, 1870. His children are: Theodore Touvelle, born July 25, 1871; Blanche, born July 25, 1876. He owns and occupies a handsome home on Market Street. MARY ATHELINDA, seventh child, was born near Bloomfield, O., 1840 ; married to Myer Beardslee in Macedon, O., August, 1858, and had three children, all dying in infancy. She died in Sullivan, Indiana, August 31, 1668. W. W. TOUVELLE, eighth child, was born near Bloomfield, 0., May 12, 1846, and came to Mercer County in infancy ; received preparatory instruction from S. F. Deford, Supt. Celina Schools, and having received appointment to U. S. Navy from Hon. L. C. Le Blond, member of Congress from Fifth District, Ohio, entered Naval Academy at Annapolis in September, 1865; remained there one year, and began study of law with Hon. F. C. Le Blond in Celina, 0., in 1866, and was admitted to bar in Celina, 0., 1868 He was elected Enrolling Clerk of Ohio House of Representatives in 1868 and served two years; entered partnership with Hon. Amos Hill in 1869 at Ottokee, Fulton County, 0., and was elected Prosecuting Attorney of Fulton County in 1872 and served two terms ; married Mamie, daughter of J. A. Reed, in Wauseon, O., Sept. 26, 1876; elected delegate to the Chicago Republican Convention which nominated General Garfield, 1880. Has one child, Arthur, born December 25, 1880. GEORGE W. TOUVELLE, ninth and youngest child, was born in Mace-. don, 0., August 4, 1850, and died September 10, 1853. HON. F. C. LE BLOND was born in Knox County, Ohio, February 14, 1821, and was educated at Norwalk, Ohio, under Edward M. Thompson, late Bishop of the Methodist Episcopal Church. He studied law in Norwalk, under John Whitbeck, Esq., and was admitted to the bar in the fall of 1844. On December 24, 1844, he settled in St. Marys, which was then a part of Mercer County, and in the spring of 1848 he removed to Celina, where he has since resided. In the fall of 1847 he was elected prosecuting attorney, and again in 1849. In 1851 he was elected representative to the Ohio Legislature, and re-elected in 1853, and had the honor of being elected speaker of the house by the Democrats. In 1856 he was nominated by the Democracy for Common Pleas judge, against A. S. Latty, and was defeated by the Know-Nothing party by a small majority. In 1862 he was elected to Congress, and re-elected in 1864, from the fifth congressional district of Ohio. He was honored with being a delegate to the National Democratic Convention which met in New York in 1868, when Horatio Seymour was nominated for President. In 1876 lie was a delegate from the fifth congressional district to the National Democratic Convention which convened at St. Louis and nominated Samuel J. Tilden. From the date of his admission to the bar in 1844 to the present time he has been engaged in the active practice of the law. With regard to his family we will state that Everah C. Le Blond, his father, was born in Paris, France, May 22,1789, and was sent to America by his parents to avoid being pressed into the military service by Napoleon the first. His mother, Elizabeth Haldeman, was born in Lancaster County, Pennsylvania, June 9, 1793, and married Everah C. Le Blond, in Knox County, Ohio. Their children were Mary Ann Le Blond, born Oct. 20, 1813, and afterwards married to Zephania Bell, who died in Whitley County, Indiana. Christopher Le Blond born Nov. 9, 1815, who is married and lives in Van Wert County, Ohio. Gideon Le Blond born June 29, 1818, who is married and resides in Celina, Ohio. Alfred Le Blond born September 6, 1823, and now deceased. 360 - HISTORY OF VAN WERT AND MERCER COUNTIES, OHIO. John B. Le Blond born February 27, 1825, married, and now lives in Brownsville, Minnesota. Miranda be Blond born March 24, 1828, and is married to Dr. Joseph N. Hetzler, and resides in Celina, Ohio. La Fayette Le Blond born January 21, 1831, was married, his wife deceased. Philo Le Blond born May 19, 1837, married, and lives in Celina. Everah C. Le Blond (the father) died at Belleville, Ohio, January 16, 1857, and Elizabeth H. Le Blond (the mother) died at Celina April 28, 1861. Francis Le Blond born February 14, 1821, and was married to Louisa E. McGurley, at St. Marys, Ohio, September 6, 1853. Three children, viz., Charles M., Emma L., and Frank C. Le Blond, are the result of this marriage. Charles M. Le Blond after receiving a classical education studied law, and is engaged in practice with his father. He was married to Miss Annie Brennan February 4, 1880, and has a son called Luke F. Le Blond. HON. JAMES H. DAY. Judge Day, son of Ezekiel P. Day, was born near Findlay, Ohio, February 10, 1840. The Days are of English descent, but the American branch came from the mother country, at a very early date, and settled in the colony of New Jersey. Here Ezekiel P. Day was born, in Morris County, April 10, 1798. His wife, Miss Margaret Barr, was born in Chester County, Pennsylvania, July 24, 1798, and was of Scotch-Irish extraction, that hardy race which has in America become proverbial for combination of brawn and brain. They were married at Lancaster, Ohio, in 1830, and resided at the place of marriage until about the year 1834, when they moved to Hancock County, Ohio, and settled near Findlay. Here they reared a family of eight sons and two daughters, five of the sons and both daughters being still alive. Mr. Day died October 11, 1849, while his widow survived him twenty-eight years. Of their large family James H. was the youngest member, and to a great extent he found himself dependent upon his own resources at a youthful age. Still a kind mother provided for a fair English education, and he enjoyed the advantages of the public schools. In 1856 he went to Van Wert, where he remained until 1861. In 1858 he had entered upon the study of law in the office of Edson & De Puy, but twenty-one months later abandoned his studies for a time and engaged in other pursuits. In 1861 he attained his majority, and located in Celina, where he entered the mercantile business, but the civil war was soon inaugurated, and he found his immediate purposes changed in a moment. In July, 1862, he was appointed major of the 99th Ohio Volunteer Infantry, by Governor Tod, and so entered the service, remaining until late in December following, when he resigned on account of ill health. He then resumed business in Celina, but his business not realizing satisfactorily, he in 1868 returned to the study of law, and was admitted to practice August 20, 1869. He then practised in his profession until August 19, 1879, when he was elected to the Common Pleas bench, in the first subdivision of the third judicial district, comprising the counties of Allen, Auglaize, Mercer, Shelby, and Van Wert. Being the Democratic nominee in an overwhelmingly Democratic district he was elected without opposition, and entered upon the active duties of Common Pleas judge on February 9, 1880, or the day preceding his fortieth birthday. Since his election he has presided at the various courts of the several counties of his district, and in all cases has won the respect of the fraternity and people generally. On the 10th of June, 1863 he married Frances A., only daughter of Richard W. and Elizabeth Small, of Celina. By this marriage they have reared four children, named Margaret R., Annie L., Elizabeth S., and Frances Edna. Of these the two oldest are interesting young ladies, and graduated from the Celina High School at the last commencement, June, 1882. JUDGE D. J. ROOP. David Junod Roop, son of Thomas and Elizabeth L. (née Junod) Roop, was born in Meadville, Penn., Aug. 14,1834. His paternal grandparents were Swiss-Germans, while his maternal ancestry traced directly to the French. His father's family consisted of David, J., Margaret F., U. Amelia, Zimmy L., Mary, John 4, Sarah Elizabeth, Benjamin Warren, Hattie E., Tellman Howard, and Maude, all of whom are living except Zimmy and Maude. David J. and Margaret F. were born at Jersey Shore, Penn.; the other children all in Mercer County, Ohio. The father was a shoemaker by trade, and coming to this country in 1837, lived in Recovery Township, where he worked at his trade. He served as county commissioner one term. His son, David J., received a common-school education, and devoted his youth to working on the farm, but later along learned the carpenter trade, at which he afterwards worked to a great extent. Ile married Miss Sarah E. Johnson, and has reared a family of four daughters, named Ella A., Delphemia, Maggie F., and Alice C., of whom all are living except Alice. In April, 1861, Mr. Roop became a member of Company K, which was organized at Fort Recovery, and was made up of volunteers from Recovery and Gibson townships. The company officers were : Captain, William Stone; 1st Lieutenant, L. P. Galloway ; 2d Lieutenant, D. J. Roop, the company being incorporated in the Seventeenth Ohio Regiment under command of Col. John M. Connell. After nearly four months' service the regiment was discharged in August, 1861. The next October another company was organized for the three-years' service, of which Alexander A. Knapp became Captain ; D. J. Roop, 1st Lieutenant ; and B. B. Allen, 2d Lieutenant. The company reported at Camp Chase, Ohio, and was assigned to the Fortieth Ohio Regiment under command of Col. Jonathan Cranor. At the battle of Franklin, Tenn., Lieut. Roop had the honor of commanding the regiment. The history of this regiment is associated with the whole history of the war; and is more generally treated under " military history." In February, 1864, Lieut. Roop resigned on account of impaired health, and returned to his home in Recovery. During his military career he persistently declined all offers of promotion, having agreed at the outset not to leave his own company. True to this pledge, he declined several honors which were fairly and gallantly merited. He still takes active interest in the home company of Ohio National Guards and the local post of the Grand Army of the Republic, being captain of the one and commander of the other. In 1866 he engaged in the drygoods business at Recovery, in which trade he continued until May, 1875. In February, 1876, he was honored with a commission as probate judge by Gov. Hayes, vice Judge William Clay, deceased. In October, 1876, he was elected by popular suffrage to the same -office, and secured a re-election in October, 1879. It is scarcely necessary to suggest that his services in office were highly appreciated by the people of the county, when it is remembered the county is overwhelmingly Democratic, while Judge Roop has ever been an unswerving and uncompromising Republican. Merit and popularity must combine in that man who thus defeats the regular nominee of the majority party. In the spring of the present year (1882), Judge loop retired from office, carrying with him the esteem and approbation of a large and respectable constituency. He is now largely interested in mining operations, being a member of a mining association, operating with promise of great success, near Rosita, Colorado. JOSEPH N. HETZLER, M.D. The subject of this sketch was born in Montgomery County, Ohio, in 1830. He is of Pennsylvania stock, both of his parents being natives of that State. His father, Rev. Adam Hetzler, was born in Lancaster County, Pa., and removed to Ohio in 1804. His mother, Christina Naftygas, removed from Pennsylvania to Ohio in early childhood. Rev. Adam Hetzler was for over fifty years an honored minister in the United Brethren Church. He was a man of great force and dignity of character. He died. in January, 1860, near El Dorado, Parke County, Ohio. Dr. Hetzler read medicine in the office of Dr. C. G. Espeigh, of mantown ; and after studying the prescribed time, entered the Reserve Medical College, in Cleveland, Ohio, graduating in 1850, and was afterwards married to Miss Miranda Le Blond. During the Rebellion he entered the service in 1861, as captain of Company G., Ninth Regiment of Cavalry, under Col. Hamilton, commanding, but was soon after detached from his company, and served as quartermaster on the staff of Gen. Cooper. He was taken prisoner at Florence, Ala., and remained a prisoner nine months, and was exchanged at Columbus, S. C. Returning home after his exchange, he resumed the practice of medicine. Dr. Hetzler is one of the oldest, as well as able and skilled, practitioners in the county, and with the experience and acquaintance of twenty-nine years has acquired an enviable reputation in his profession. In 1875 lie attended the lectures of the Ohio Medical College, of Cincinnati, where he received the degree of M.D. Residing in Celina for such a period of years as to constitute him one of its oldest citizens, his name is honorably associated with every enterprise connected with the history and progress of the town. As a member of the School Board, during whose administration the present splendid school building was erected, he was one of the most energetic and efficient members. In all charitable and benevolent enterprises he is foremost, and his ready sympathy and cordial assistance are proverbial. No citizen of the town or county is more generally known, and among the representative men of Mercer County none would be more rightly recognized as such than Dr. J. N. Hetzler. ANDREW CROCKETT was born in Cumberland County, Pennsylvania, and died September 28, 1854. At the age of thirty-one lie came to hocking and Fairfield counties, where he lived twenty-five years. He also represented them in the General Assembly. In 1834 he removed to Mercer County, and occupied the land he had entered, until his death. He was also treasurer or Mercer County. HISTORY OF VAN WERT AND MERCER COUNTIES, OHIO - 363 OLIVER ELLIS. John and Catharine Kinsheimer Ellis were married and lived in Orange County, New York, near Poughkeepsie. He was a cooper and tanner. They had ten children—Catharine, Maria, Nancy, Julie, Ensie and John (twins), Susan and Ann (twins), Oliver, Mehaleel. His father died in sew Jersey in 1835, and his mother in Celina in 1851. Oliver was born in 1808, and began the active duties of life at eight years of age. He was engaged in a distillery for two years in Ontario County, New York; then went to Genessee County, to which his mother had removed. There he resided with Mr. Beardslee, and married his daughter Ensee. Mr. Beardslee died in Illinois. Maria married Mr. Calvin Dennison about 1803, and in 1815 removed to Mercer County, and settled on the land now owned by Jacob Keath. Susan was married to James Watson Riley in Mercer. County in 1820, and their children were named William, Willshire, Calvin, James, Amelie, Susan (married to Mr. Ashley, of Denver City), Mahaleel (married to A. J. Holder .at Cincinnati, Ohio), and James Riley, of Celina. In the year 1826, when eighteen years of age, a stage company was established for the accommodation of travellers. It was a pioneer line, and established by Presbyterians, and called the Pioneer line, to run from Buffalo to Albany, with a branch to Rochester, to run every day of the week except the Sabbath. It kept up its organization for two years, and he was one of the stage-drivers. Afterwards it was sold, and the United States Line was established, to run the same distance in thirty-six hours. It was called the Telegraph Line, and Mr. Ellis drove two years with it. He then went to Genessee County, and engaged with a company in a saloon, and after serving three years he relinquished the business; seeing bad effects. Then he went to Jamestown, and en- gaged in the lumber business. From that point to Cincinnati, Ohio, in 1831. Mr. Ellis removed to St. Marys, and Mr. Riley and himself went to the northeast corner of Indiana, in April, and assisted him in surveying, but returned to New York about the last of July, 1831 ; then from Western New York to Philadelphia with cattle which occupied seven days. In 1832 he left Jamestown with lumber for Cincinnati, Ohio ; from Cincinnati to Detroit, where lie remained until August. This year the Black Hawk War occurred, and ninety cases of Asiatic cholera prevailed. In 1833 he was married to Eleanor Stannard at Alexandria, Genessee County, New York. Their children are named Lyman, Rose Elsie, Susan, Amelia, Kate, Mahaleel, Preston Adelbert, John Preston, and John Oliver. Of these, Lyman, Rose Elsie, John Preston, and John Oliver are all dead. Mr. Ellis moved to St. Marys in 1837, and commenced farming. He remained there two years, and afterwards moved to a farm on Shane's Prairie, between Mercer and Shanesville, where he remained for three years, In 1843 he bought a half section of the Godfrey Reservation at three dollars per acre, being 320 acres, and moved on it, and cleared twenty- five acres, now owned by P. Frysinger. In 1847 he moved to the town of Mercer, and was appointed Postmaster in 1849, and served two years under Taylor and Fillmore, and lived there six years. He moved to Celina in 1853, and had the mail contracts for twelve years through region of country. He then commenced hotel keeping in a brick house on the corner of Market and Main streets, which was torn down. His hotel was thiS side of Miller's, owned by Mr. Brownwell, thus keeping hotel for thirteen consecutive years, or until 1866. During these years he ran a hack to St. Marys, Van Wert, Greenville, and Sidney, and went to farming six miles north and toward Mercer. He farmed until 18.69, when lie purchased- the hotel on Main Street, now occupied by his son, Preston Adelbert Ellis, although he kept it one year, and afterwards rented it to his son and son-in-law, Mr. Kelsey, who was married to Rose Elsie Ellis, now dead. In 1871 he gravelled Main Street; but incessant labor brought on cataract of the eyes, and in 1872 he became blind was required to.go to Cincinnati, and was operated upon, and saved one eye. Since then he has deeded his property among his children, and erected a pleasant residence for himself and wife. His first vote was for Gen. Jackson, and when he vetoed the Bank Bill he left the Jackson party, and has been a devoted Republican ever since the organization of the party. It may be said of Mr. Ellis that, during his eventful life, having passed his threescore years and ten, he was never intoxicated or under the influence of liquor. JOHN W. DE FORD. The great-grandfather of John W. De Ford, with his wife Mary, left Paris during the French Revolution, unable to bear the scenes of horror, bloodshed, and war which swept over France. Reading of the inducements which America held out for freedom of opinion in all things for conscience sake, he determined to leave the home of his ancestors and settle in the New World. Shortly after his arrival in America he sickened and died, and his son' John, the grandfather of our subject, was left a mere boy, homeless in a strange land. But he went to work with a will to build up for himself a character and a home, and at the age of twenty-one was married and settled near Uniontown, Fayette County, Pa., and resided there for over forty years. After life's cares and life's duties had been acceptably performed for the space of one hundred and three years, he passed away as silently as if he were simply starting on a new and delightful journey. Throughout a long and eventful life lie adhered to the doctrines of the Bible, thereby leaving to his descendants the most valuable legacy. His family consisted of four sons—John, William, Daniel, and Nathan ; and two daughters—Harriet and Elizabeth. His son John was born on the farm his father had settled upon. He received a liberal and classical education at Madison College, Fayette County, Pa., with the view of entering the ministry, but on account of in health he was compelled to relinquish the profession and become a farmer. At the age of twenty-three he married Miss Matilda Littell, and removed to Carroll County, Ohio, and was blessed with eleven ,children, of whom was John W. De Ford, the subject of this sketch. John W. De Ford was born Sept. 13, 1841, and resided with his parents, in Carroll County, Ohio, until he was seven years of age ; after which they removed and lived in Columbiana County until 1858. During these years of his minority he received a good common-school education ; but not content with this, he entered as a student at Mount Union College, and spent three terms in order to qualify himself for the active duties of life. Since 1858 he has resided in Mercer County, Ohio. He taught school two terms in Hopewell Township and one term in Centre Township, in this county ; after which the Board of School Directors of Fort Recovery, Mercer County, elected him superintendent of their schools; which position he filled acceptably for five years. During this time he was appointed county school examiner, which office he filled with credit to himself and to the educational interests of the county. In 1866 he was elected clerk of the Court of Common Pleas of Mercer County, and served acceptably for six years, and until the winter of 1873, and while thus engaged studied law with the Ron. Thomas J. Godfrey, and was admitted to the bar at the Supreme Court in Columbus, Ohio, in 1872. After Mr. De Ford had retired from the office of clerk of the court, he organized the "Citizens' Bank" of Celina in the spring of 1873, and has held the office of cashier since its organization, and is regarded as very accurate in all his calculations, scarcely ever making an error. In every sense of the term he is regarded as a trusty and reliable self-made business man. ALEXANDER WYCKOFF. John, son of William Wyckoff, was married to Sarah White in Hocking County, Ohio. Their children were Dorothy, Sophie, Alexander, and Elizabeth. Alexander was born in 1823, and his father died in 1836, leaving the mother to raise and educate the children. In process of time, however, Dorothy married Jacob Kemble, Sophie married William Springer, Elizabeth married William Hays, and Alexander married Priscilla Grove October, 1854. Alexander Wyckoff has ten children—Pocahontas (a daughter), Frank Wallace, Tennessee (a daughter), John W., Charles Anderson, Rufus Judson, Harry, Rochester, Alexander, and Elizabeth Grace. Of these Frank, Harry, Alexander, and Elizabeth are dead. Alexander was raised on a farm until lie was sixteen years of age, then left for Lancaster City, Ohio, and apprenticed himself to Westley Moody, carriage manufacturer, for three years, and at the expiration of his apprenticeship worked one year in the city. He went to Mount Vernon, Knox County, and worked one year, then to Centreville, Piqua County, Ohio, and worked during the spring of 1855, but finally settled in Celina June, 1855. When Mr. Wyckoff had determined to make thiS his final resting-place he determined that his life should be a success, and that in this growing country with him there should be no such word as FAIL; and without means lie worked at his trade by repairing wagons, sleds, and everything in the line of his business, until new life was infused into the people and a demand was made for new work, such as substantial wagons and family carriages. Then he erected his shop, since changed into an extensive manufacturing establishment. The factory is located on West Fayette Street, the main building being 36 by 50 feet, and two and a half stories high. A smith-shop in the rear, 40 by '28 feet, with commodious sheds for drying lumber. The carriage repository embraces three large rooms on the corner of Walnut and Fayette Streets, size 40 by 35 feet, two stories high. The number of hands employed are from twelve to fifteen. Seventy-five new carriages or buggies are sold annually, besides an immense amount of repairing, repainting, .etc. etc. Mr. Wyckoff's dwelling-house is a Gothic cottage, and the whole covers two lots. The value of all the real estate, with the shops and tools and personal property, is estimated at ten thousand dollars, being the fruit of industry, frugality, and persistence. - 38 - 364 - HISTORY OF VAN WERT AND MERCER COUNTIES, OHIO. ROBERT G. BLAKE removed from Virginia to Gallia County, Ohio, in 1 R18, and resided there until 1833, thence to Darke County, and afterwards to Mercer County. lie married Nancy Guy in 1820. Their children are Robert G., Samuel, John G., David F., Rebecca, Mary Jane,. Perry W., and Margaret Ann. Of these Samuel and Rebecca are dead, the former dying in 1848 and the latter in 1835. Robert G. was born April 22, 1822, and settled in what is now Gibson Township. He was educated in the .common school, which was supported by subscription, the teacher boarding among the parents of the pupils. Of course in this day it would be called a limited education. Robert remained on the farm until twenty years of age, then went to Fort Wayne, Indiana, and learned the cabinet-making business, by serving. three years so as to become master (this profession. He worked journey work for some time, and then: went to milling. In 1847 he married Sarah Broderick, and had one daughter, Adarme, who was married to Edward Land fair. She taught in the primary department in the public schools for many years. In 1853 he married Miss Jane Anderson, whose. father built the first mill in the County in the year 1832. Mr. Blake first made the discovery with regard to the bones of the soldiers and officers who were buried near Fort Recovery and outside of it in the year 1838, and was assisted by Dr. J. S. Fair, D. Freeman, D. Beardslee, Henry Lipps, and others, who disinterred them and reburied them in the cemetery. Ten or twelve officers were buried in one grave.. The next bones found, in 1851, were buried on September 10, 1851.. Mr. Blake and J. S. Rhodes made thirteen large coffins to hold the bones, and a large box which held ten bushels was also filled. We have given a full history of the proceedings on that occasion in the history of Fort Recovery. Mr. It. G. Blake was elected auditor in 1859 and 1861, probate judge in 1866 and 1869, and has served as school director in Celina and Recovery for twelve years. He moved to Celina in 1860. He has taken an active part in the promotion of education, railroads, and all public improvements. The highest honor conferred upon him on account of his devotion to the public interests was at the time he drove the first spike in the Lake Erie and Western Railroad, on the east side of Mercer County, immediately across the line. He is engaged in private banking, its corporate name being the "Citizens' Bank." Names of the officers, Charles Schunck, president; F. C. Le Blonde, Vice-President; j. W. De Ford, cashier; R. G. Blake, assistant cashier. Mr. Blake was the first president of the bank, which was established in 1873; capital stock and deposits $80,000. In religious affairs he is liberal but uncompromising. In politics he is a Democrat, but liberal, while in social and business affairs he is recognized as a man of heart, and honor. REV. T. WITTMER was born in 1848 in Switzerland, and came to America in 1861 with his parents. They -settled at Egypt, near Minster, in Auglaize County, Ohio, end remained there until the spring of 1865. In the fall of this year he entered the Catholic Seminary at Carthagena and after devoting his time to a classical and theological education was ordained as a priest in January, 1872. In the fall of 1873 he had charge of Celina church, but afterwards moved to Winneposke, Pulaski County, Indiana, where he remained three years. he having had charge of two churches and two stations, and had the honor of superintending the erection of an academy for young ladies of the C. P. P. S. In 1876 Rev. Wittmer returned to Celina, and through his zeal, energy, and perseverance, has erected a school-house for the education of the children of the church 36 by 40 feet, of which he is the superintendent, with two assistants of the order of C. P. P. S. To the church also he added an addition of 35 feet, and painted and. repaired the whole church. As a Christian gentleman and a man of culture he stands high, adorns his profession, and is beloved by his church and esteemed by his fellow-citizens. A. P. J. SNYDER is the son of Henry and Sarah Jane Smith Snyder, and was born in Bellefontaine, Logan County, Ohio, in M8 his parents having settled there in 1816. His father was a miller, and had learned the business near Hagerstown, Md., and crossed the mountains on foot in 1840, and settled in Licking County. His father's family consisted of himself, his wife, and ten children—Corayda, Lydia, .Joseph, Isaac, Sarah, Elizabeth, Letti S. A. P. J., Jonathan, and Mary, all of whom are living but Corayda, Jonathan, and Elizabeth. A. P. J. Snyder received a, common-school education, and went to the printing in 1846 with D. L. Wright & Snyder, of the Ohio Censer, in Bellefontaine, and remained eighteen months, then went to Urbana, and worked with Messrs. Vial & Updegrove as a journeyman until 1854, when he bought out Judge Blake's interest in the Mercer County Standard, and it was published by Snyder & Brothers. In 1849 lie married Miss Susan E. Slicer, by whom he had seven children, of whom four are living and three are dead. SIX STAEGER. His grandfather Jacob Six, on his mother's side, emigrated to America from Wurtemburg, Germany, and settled in Lancaster County (but now Lebanon County), Pennsylvania. He was married to Miss Stout, and had seven children, all girls. His paternal grandfather, Frederick Staeger (originally written Steger), from Switzerland to Lancaster (now Lebanon) County before the Revolutionary war—acquired a farm, and the Staeger family lived upon it generation after generation from their arrival in Pennsylvania until 1846. His father, Frederick Staeger, married. Anna Mary Six, by whom lie had nine children, viz., Catharine, George, Susan, Six, Elizabeth,. Mary, Priscilla, Leah, and Lucretia. Six Staeger was raised on the farm and remained with the family until he was twenty-two years of age (having been born in 1818). He then became a clerk in a store in Lebanon County for some time, returned to the farm and remained nearly two years, then to Ohio for a season, and returned to a clerkship for two years, after which he taught an English and German school four miles east of Lebanon. In the spring of 1844 he visited Richland County, Ohio, and remained until 1848, and then removed to Darke County, but in 1849 he settled permanently in Mercer County, Jefferson Township, Section 33, Township 5, Range 3, and entered eighty acres of land, which he cleared and worked, and by constant application to the duties of a farmer's life and keeping steadily in view that time, patience, and perseverance overcome every Obstacle, he has increased the number of his acres until they now number two hundred and forty, with handsome modern improvements. After he had erected the house lie married Miss Margaret Heckert, of Dauphin County, Pennsylvania, and the parents have been blessed with four children,. Mary, Maria, James, and Calvin. The people have honored him with the offices of school director for six years, supervisor five years, and on account of his high moral character elected him to the responsible office of county treasurer in October, 1879, which office he filled acceptably to the citizens of the county until his death. He died on Friday, October 28, 1881. JAMES FREDERIC TIMMONDS. Frederic Boyer and Catharine Delancey Boyer were the father and mother of Catharine Boyer, who married George W. Timmonds. They had ten children, five boys and five girls; their names were Frances, Mary, Susan, James F., Maria, George, Jerome, 'William, Anna, and Charles Frances is married to Benjamin Linzee, of Wapakoneta, Mary to John Finley, Susan to B. Roebuck, Maria to O. W. Williams, William to Julie Harney. Jerome and Anna are dead. Geo. W. Timmonds came from Maryland, was a tailor, and settled Dayton, and after some time removed to St. Marys. he was elected of Mercer County in 1846, and served four years, then moved Twelve-mile Creek, on the Fort Wayne road, engaged in sawing rumba for the plank-road between Fort Wayne and St. Marys. He remained there until 1862, when lie was elected and served four years, then moved to the Lindzee farm, two and a half miles east of town, adjoining the Grand Reservoir. He died in 1867. His widow still survives him. James Frederic Timmonds, his son, received a good English education for the practical purposes of life in the town of Celina. He was with his father until 1860, went into the army in 1861, in Company D, Ohio Volunteers. Regiment 71, under Col. Rodney Mason, and served four years and four months, until the regiment was mustered out. He filled the office of sergeant, and for his faithfulness received the responsible appointment of color-bearer, and returned home. He was married in 1882. He commenced the lumber and planing business in the town of Celina in 1875 with Mr. Hight and H. H. Klare. The partnership lasted two years, or until the death of Mr. Hight, when Mr. Klare also retired. .Messrs. Timmonds and Frederick Stedke purchased the whole establishment as equal partners, and in November of 1880 Mr. Stedke sold his interest to Valentine Estry. This new firm of Timmonds & Estry are carrying it on with renewed energy and industry. The establishment is situated on Warren Street. It works five hands constantly, and with the aid of an engine does the following work: planing, flooring, and weather-boarding, and all kinds of turning, sawing, etc. etc. WILLIAM DICKMAN was born in Westphalia, Empire of Prussia, in 1825, and emigrated to. America in 1842, and settled in Cincinnati, Ohio, where he remained until 1853, when he removed to Celina, Mercer County, Ohio. His father and mother arrived in 1859. His father died in Cincinnati during his sojourn there, and his mother in Celina. his mother's mow,: was Mary Boltes; she was born in Hanover, Germany. His parents 1110 twelve children, four boys and eight girls. Mr. Dickman is engaged as a merchant in general merchandising, buying grain of all kinds and produce of every description, and carries the heaviest stock of goods in Celina. His house and store-room cost ten thousand dollars, and were built in 1872. HISTORY OF VAN WERT AND MERCER COUNTIES, OHIO - 367 ABNER DAVIS is the son of Henry and Rachel (Craig) Davis, who resided in Washington County, Maryland. Mr. Henry Davis came from Wales when he was three years old to Anne Arundel County, Maryland, and remained there until he attained manhood, and then removed to Washington County, Maryland. He learned the business of a tanner, but afterwards became a farmer. Mrs. Davis was born in Washington County, Maryland. Henry Davis moved to Muskingum County, Ohio, south of Zanesville, in 1831, and commenced farming. His children were named Sarah, William, Daniel, Nancy, Isaac, Abner, and Mary. All have died except Isaac, Mary, and Abner. Isaac Davis resides with his family in Findlay, Hanwell County, Ohio, engaged in the grocery business. Mary married Hayes Barr, a farmer in Muskingum County, Ohio. Abner married Lydie L. Briggs February 21, 1847, and settled in Celina April 5, 1854. He was brought up to the farming business, from that he went to coopering, then to engineering, and afterwards in the grocery and provision trade, but at the present time in the hardware and grain trade with farming. He was in the Pacific States as an engineer for eighteen months. When in California he determined that to understand the business of the world he must become acquainted both with the people and their industries. To accomplish this purpose he visited Mexico, Panama, South America, Central America, Kingston, Jamaica, Acapulco, New York, and finally returned to the State of Ohio, well satisfied in his mind that this State was the best place for commencing business, and accordingly entered upon a useful and inviting field, in which he has been successful. In connection with the history of Mr. Davis we may state a fact worthy of being preserved to show his energy of character, that he crossed the plains of the Indian Territory with an ox-team, which took one hundred. and sixteen days to accomplish the feat after he had left Fort Leavenworth. He made an average of twenty-two miles per clay, but always rested on the seventh day from conscientious motives. He has an adopted son named John Davis. Mr. Davis is one of the most active business men of Celina, devoting himself to its prosperity, and steadily keeping in view the duty of every citizen to amass sufficient means in manhood's days so that the evening of life may be passed in rest and quiet. JAMES E. BLIZZARD. His father, Stephen Blizzard, emigrated from 'France to America, and married Elizabeth Sharp in the State of Delaware, twelve miles west of the Delaware Breakwater. They had six children—five sons and one daughter. John learned the trade of stair-building in Philadelphia, and settled in Georgetown, Del., and followed his trade until 1831, then left for Summerfield, Belmont County, Ohio, bought a farm, remained on it one year, sold it, and removed to Bellefontaine in 1833. He followed his trade Until his death, which occurred in. 1863. John Blizzard had four sons and two daughters, viz., James, Philip, Mary Ann, S. R., Elizabeth, and John. Dr. S. H., Dr. John, and James are alive; the remaining ones mentioned are dead. James E. received his education at Bellefontaine and Philadelphia, then went to Georgetown, Del., and took charge of a campaign paper for six months in 1848 ; then taught school at different places, and attached himself to the Philadelphia Methodist Conference, and continued therein for five years ; then removed to Bellefontaine in 1861, and resided there until 1876, pursuing different avocations. On April 27, 1876, he took charge of the Western Democrat, and changed its name to Mercer County Observer, and successfully carried it forward to the summer of 188l, diffusing the principles of his political party. In 1881 he sold the Observer, and soon afterwards established the Celina Independent, which he is conducting at this time. It is ostensibly nonpartisan. James E. Blizzard in 1848 married Miss M. A. Rust in Delaware, and five children—four girls and one boy. REV. HENRY DREES. The history of Catholicism in Mercer County would be incomplete (lid we not speak of Father Henry, by which name he is more familiarly known. Father Henry was born in 1833, and his parents left Germany in 1836, and settled at Minster, Auglaize County, Ohio, where he grew to manhood, surrounded by the family circle, kind friends, and the church of his fathers.' At the age of twenty-four, believing himself to be divinely called, he began his theological studies, and so indefatigable and studious was he to attain the desired wish of his heart, that he made such rapid progress in his studies that in 1861 he was ordained. His first charge was at Copella, which was followed by a call as local Superior of the Monastery in Seneca County, Ohio, and the charge of a congregation at Cleveland. In 1866 he was elected President of the Theological Seminary at Carthagena, and assumed charge of the parish adjoining, where he has faithfully performed the duties of pastor, professor, and missionary. As a true servant of the church, a devoted citizen, a kind-hearted, warm, and sympathizing friend, he stands in every relation of life unexcelled. REV. LYMAN EDWARD PRENTISS. His father, Alonzo Thomas Prentiss, was born in Portage County, Ohio, and was married in the twenty-first year of his age to Miss Ruth Anna McConnell, Whose father was one of the pioneers of Putnam County, and for many years a ruling elder in the Seceder Church near Leipsie. .Mr. A. T. Prentiss settled upon eighty acres in the woods, and in the log house on that farm Rev. Lyman E. Prentiss was born Oct. 30, 1849, and he lived in that township until he was twelve years of age, or in 1861. A. T. Prentiss enlisted in the Forty-ninth Regiment, Company I, and was elected the first lieutenant. In the winter of 1862-3 the family moved to Nashville, Tennessee, and L. E. Prentiss remained there until the fall of 1864, and came north and attended school at Leipsic for one year (during this summer he was engaged in the quartermaster's department). In the winter of 1864-5 he united with the Methodist Episcopal Church, while at school. , He returned to Nashville in the fall of 1865, and next winter was engaged on the railroad. July 1, 1866, L. E. Prentiss entered the printing-office of the Nashville Banner as associate editor, and in the spring of 1867 he removed to Cincinnati, Ohio, and entered Elm Street printing-office to perfect himself in the profession of printing. On September 6, 1870, he was married to Miss Nannie M. Bernard (whose father was killed at Vicksburg; he was a commissioned lieutenant). They are .blessed with four children—Paul, Le Roy, Parke Bernard, Ruth Eva. Le Roy died when two years of age. In July, 1871, he purchased the one-half interest in the Oxford Citizen, of Ohio, was its editor, and remained in that office until March 1, 1s73. In June of the same year he was licensed .a local preacher in the Methodist Episcopal Church at Oxford. During his residence there he acquired a knowledge of the Greek and Latin languages, thus rendering him better prepared for the work at the Miami University. March 1, 1873, he was sent to Cincinnati, Ohio, as a missionary, and placed in charge of the High Street Mission, and remained six months. Sept. 21, 1873, he was removed into the Central Ohio Confcrence of the M. E. Church, and was sent to Pioneer, Williams County, and remained two years, and thence to Liberty Centre,. Henry County, and remained three years, thence to Fayette, Fulton County, and remained two years, and to Celina, Mercer County, Sept. 23, 1880—where he still remains. ISRAEL FRANKLIN RAUDEBAUGH. His grandfather died in Fairfield County, Ohio, and his family consisted of Jacob, Samuel, John. and George W. His father, George W. Raudebaugh, came to Mercer County in 1843, and married Catharine Roberts, of Mercer County. He was a farmer. His children were named Israel F., Melea, John, George, Albert, Mary, Edward, Joshua, Richard, and Lillie. They resided in Hopewell Township, but afterward removed to Celina. Israel F. Raudebaugh was educated partly in Celina and Mount Vernon, Starke County, Ohio. Commenced life as a school-teacher, and taught three years in Centre County, Pennsylvania. Was superintendent of the Normal School three years in Berlin, Myersdale, and Somerset. Studied law under Messrs. Collum & Kimball, and was admitted to the practice of law in Somerset County. Mr. Raudebaugh returned to Mercer County, and superintended the schools in Berlin in 1871-2, and Recovery in 1872-3. Was appointed County Surveyor, which office he held for three years, and settled permanently in Celina in 1872. Israel F. Raudebaugh was born in 1844, and married Miss Julie Brubaker in 1871 at Berlin. Their children are named Ella, Samuel, and Bertie. He has filled the office of School Director and of United States Deputy Surveyor for the Puebla District of Colorado. His maternal grandfather was Joshua Roberts, who was born in Virginia, on West River. He was a farmer and stock-raiser, and married Elizabeth Bighler. Their children were Margaret, Catharine, Mary, Ruth, John. Mr. Roberts came from Wales, and settled in Virginia in 1863. J. W. CONKLIN, ESQ. This son of Judge Jacob S. and Ellen J. (née Wilson) Conklin was born Aug. 7, 1848, in Sidney, Ohio, where he received a parochial education. He then engaged in the mercantile trade in Detroit, Mich., but in 1870 entered the law office of his father and N. R. Burress at Sidney, and in 1875 was admitted to the bar. He then entered into partnership with his father, but in 1877 he formed a partnership with S. S. Scranton, at Celina, Ohio. Since that period he has devoted his energies to legal study and practice, in which he is still engaged. In 1880 he; with Judge Roop and J. E. Blizzard, engaged in the real estate business, but subsequently purchased the interest of both his partners, and managed the business alone. On Dec. 27, 1877, he married Miss Carrie E. McBeth, of Chicago, Ill. They have one child, Leonora, born June 30, 1879: 368 - HISTORY OF VAN WERT AND MERCER COUNTIES, OHIO. JOSEPH MAY. Daniel May and Elizabeth his wife immigrated from Cork, Ireland, to America about the close of the Revolution, and settled in Virginia, near Parkersburg. He was a farmer, and was blessed' with fourteen sons and two daughters. Daniel May and seven of these sons were in the war of 1812, two of whom were killed. Joseph May was born July 20, 1817, and raised in Rockingham County, Virginia, and received a common-school education, and remained there until 1838, and then removed to Greene County, Ohio, and married Miss Margaret Johnston in 1846, and commenced farming. From this he removed in 1848 to Mercer, thence to Mendon in 1856, and commenced the mercantile business, and sold out in 1859 and went to farming. He was elected a justice of the peace for Union Township at Mendon; lie also filled the office of commissioner of Mercer County. Mr. May has been blessed with eight children, three of whom died in infancy; those living are Mary E., married to James Wilkinson, at Fort Wayne, William M., Eliza J., married to W. Moore, Tuscarawas County, Ohio, Charlotte A., and Erastus Stanton. Let it be said, his fatHer and seven brothers marching to the battlefield in the war of 1812 in defence of the liberties which we enjoy, and two of these brothers dying on the battle-field, is an inheritance of which to be proud ; for when years shall have rolled away and the living generation passed from the earth, the defenders of our country,s liberty will live on historic page. The son may well be proud of a patriotic father, and that pride may well be transmitted to the son's son, as many Ameri- can examples will attest. GIDEON LE BLOND is the son of E. C. Le Blond, whose history we have already given. He was born. in Knox County, Ohio, and resided there until six years of age, and removed then to Belleville, Richland County, until 1847, and engaged in the mercantile business with his father. Mr. Le Blond married Jane Patterson in 1843, who was born and raised at Cadiz, Harrison County, Ohio. Their children are named J. P., Elizabeth, Francis C., James W., Ida, and Charles G. James and Ida are both dead, and Mrs. Le Blond died in 1868. In 1871 he married Mrs. Emily P. Ayres, and in subsequent years Miss Emily Pickerell. Mr. Le Blond removed from Belleville to St. Marys in 1847, and was engaged in the mercantile business until 1856 ; from there to a farm adjoining Celina until 1863. In 1861 he entered the army as captain of Company II, Seventy-first Regiment Ohio Volunteer Infantry, and remained until December, 1s63, when, in consequence of ill health, he was required to resign so honorable a position. While in the service he was in the battles of Shiloh, Clarksville, and Fort Donaldson. In 1865 he engaged in the drygoods business at Celina, and continued until 1868, then sold out, and went into partnership in the grocery and provision business with Mr. Abner Davis in 1869. He is also a member of the firm of Le Blond, Davis & Co., grain dealers. LUZERNE JONES. His grandfather is of Welsh descent. Horatio and Elizabeth Starr Jones lived in Genessee County, New York. He was taken prisoner by the Seneca Indians, and remained in captivity four years, until the end of the war. He was then eighteen years old. Horatio Jones was interpreter for Red Jacket, and died in 1865. Their children John, William, Hiram, Samuel, Dunn, George, James, Rebecca, Betsy, Jane, Nancy, and Sarah. John and Lucy T. Jones were married in Bay City, Michigan, in 1846. Their children were Luzerne, George. Isabella, Mary, Lucy, and Elizabeth. John Jones was born in Saginaw County, Michigan. His father was a trader among the Indians, and never saw any white person until he was seven years of age. After this time he received a common-school education in Wayne, Michigan. His business was buying and selling lumber for shipping, especially ash and walnut. He owned several mills. He enlisted at Toledo, Ohio, in the One Hundred and Thirtieth Ohio Regiment, in Captain Brown's Company, under Col. Phillips, in 1863. After he was out on duty he was sent to Chattanooga, Tennessee, to run a mill under Capt. Thule, and continued there eight mouths. He is engaged in the mining business, and is engaged as superintendent in a mine at Rosita, Colorado, one of the best and most celebrated mines in that region. Levi Framby, the father of Mrs. Jones, settled in Michigan, and died in Bay City. STAFFORD S. SCRANTON is the grandson of Nathan and Laura (née Miner) Stafford and the son of Nathan and Elizabeth (née Cummins) Scranton. Nathan the father of Stafford moved from Courtland, New York, to Guilford Township, Medina County, Ohio, and thence to Fort Recovery, and was engaged in the cabinet-making business. At the present time he resides in Union City, Indiana. He gave to his son Stafford S. a common-school education near Fort Recovery, after which he entered the Academy at Greenville, and eventually, through his diligence, perseverance, and zeal, finished his education at the Normal School. Prepared by strict and laborious study to discharge the duties of a schoolmaster, he taught school very successfully, but believing he had a different mission to accomplish he commenced the study of law with the Hon. Thomas J. Godfrey, and was admitted to the bar September 14, 1875. Afterwards he entered into partnership with J. W. Conklin, Esq., and in October, 1879, he had the honor of being elected Recorder of Mercer County, which office he is filling acceptably to the people and with credit to himself. In 1879 he married Miss Mattie E. Miller, and has been blessed with one daughter, named Zoa. JACOB KREUSCH. Henry and Mary Christine Kreusch were the parents of Jacob. They emigrated from Prussia to America in 1844, settled in Seneca County, Ohio, and removed to Mercer in 1849. The .father died in 1869, the mother in 1852. Their children were Jacob, Angeline, Joseph, and Matthias. Jacob Kreusch was born in Prussia in 1840, and received his education in Seneca and Mercer counties. He learned the carpenter business in Texas, and resided there two years. When the war broke out he left Texas and returned home March 4; 1861. Engaged in the saw-mill business for some years, or until 1868, when he went into the drygoods and grocery business in 1869 at St. Marys. In 1872 he sold out and removed to Celina, and commenced the hardware business. He has two clerks, J. L. Anthony and John Mikold. In March, 1879, he entered into partnership with Charles Fanger. Capital invested $10,000. During his residence in Celina he has erected three houses—one brick house on Fayette Street for his residence, one frame dwelling-house on the same street, and one business house on Main Street which the firm occupies for their store. Jacob Kreusch married Mary Hierholzer in 1864. Their children are named Elizabeth, Joseph, Julius, Frank, Matthias, Eleonora, and Carrie. DAVID OVERLY. Martin Overly, the grandfather, was born in Germany, and emigrated to Darke County, Ohio. The children were named William, Martin, Daniel, Zachariah, Thomas, Polly, Nancy, Katie, and Susan. David Overly was born December 24, 1831, and brought up to farming in Darke County. He received a common-school education, and eventually learned the blacksmith business in 1849 at St. Marys, Auglaize County, and remained there six years, he being at that time twenty-four years of age. He moved to Celina in 1856 and opened out a blacksmith shop and continued in business. JOHN HOLE was born in Preble County, Ohio, in 1814, and raised in Darke County, Ohio. In 1847 he moved to Recovery and remained there until 1850, and finally settled in Celina, where he established a flouring-mill (the same year) on the west bank of the Reservoir, which mill runs both by steam and water. The engine is a 40-horse power, and can manufacture fifty barrels of flour every twenty-four hours. In the mill are three pairs of burrs, two for wheat and one for other chops. It is situated on an acre and a half of ground, and valucd at $1000. David Overly married Sarah J. Seaman, who was born in Morgan County, Va., in 1854, and they have no children, but they have adopted a son whom they have named Franklin Trotwine Overly. He has erected on Fayette and Surgar streets a cottage, house, and shop. By strict attention to business and living a correct moral life. he has acquired considerable property, and is esteemed a good and exemplary citizen. William Overly, the father of David, was born near Columbus—followed farming, and remained there until 1832. His wife’s name was Ann Miller Bixler. Both his parents are dead. JOSEPH VAN SIDENBENDER. His genealogical record is as follows : His grandfather, George Sidenbender, married Susan Brandle, who lived near Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, and who removed to Ross County, Ohio, about the year 1800. Their children were Henry, John, Margaret, Polly, George, Elizabeth, Joseph, Samuel, and Richard. Joseph Sidenbender married Ann Van Gundy in Ross County, although the family of Van Gundys were from near Harrisburg. Their children were Mary, Ellen, Elvin B., Mille Ann, Elizabeth, Joseph V., Seymour B., and Maria Jane. He settled near Mendorn in 1831. His funds were only $160. He bought eighty acres of land for $100 ; two horses, one cow, ten bushels of corn, and had $1.50 left. lie brought with him one horse and wagon. Joseph Van Sidenbender was born February 24, 1841, and was married to Mary Ann Whittley, of this county. He resided near Shanesville as a farmer. Has two children, Carrie and Etta. He has filled the office of Assessor two terms, and also that of Auditor, which he is at present occupying. HISTORY OF VAN WERT AND MERCER COUNTIES, OHIO - 369 JAMES GRIMES LOUGHRIDGE, son of William and Elizabeth M. Grimes Loughridge. His father was the seventh son of Edward L. and Margaret Loughridge. The two eldest were killed in Ireland by the falling of a house, and the family emigrated to America in 1815 and settled in Wilmington, Delaware, where they remained four years, and then removed to Harrison County, Ohio, and in 1836 to Mercer County. Both parents died here. He was a weaver. The children of his father were Edward, Robert, James, Matthew, William, Joseph, Elizabeth, Margaret, and Jane. James G. Loughridge was born December 29, 1839, in Washington Township, Mercer County, and received a common-school and also a professional education. He graduated at the Law School of Cincinnati, Ohio, on April 17, 1867, and was admitted as an attorney. He settled at Portland, Indiana, remained one year, and settled in Celina in 1869, and opened an office. He married Mary J. Nickel in 1871, daughter of Benjamin and Julia A. Corkle Nickel, of Mercer County. Their children are Mertie May, William Benjamin, and James Leslie. He was school examiner from 1870 to 1876. John Q. Grimes, the grandfather, was in the war of 1812 at Bladensburg and at Baltimore and the killing of Gen. Ross. DR. DAVID RUSH. His grandparents resided near Philadelphia on a farm, and had three children—Catharine, George (who lives in Lancaster, Pennsylvania), and Jacob. Jacob married Hester Angle, of Big Spring, near Blair's Gap, Cumberland County, Pennsylvania, in 1832. Their children—John, Elizabeth, Rhodie, Sarah, and Daniel. He moved to I)arke County in 1832, and received a good classical education, and studied medicine with Drs. Hetzler and Hammond, and afterwards graduated at the Cincinnati Medical College in 1863. Dr. Rush went to the army as surgeon of the 26th Ohio Volunteer Infantry, under the command of Lieutenant-Colonel W. II. Young, his services embracing two years. The first battle the regiment was engaged in was at Chickamauga, ; through the Atlantic campaign, the Franklin and Nashville battles, and returned home. In August, 1865, he resumed the practice of medicine. Dr. Rush married Elizabeth Le Blond, daughter of Gideon Le Blond, November, 1878. Has one child, Edgar David. In 1870 he entered into partnership with Dr. S. N. Touvelle in the drug business. Capital invested, $3000. DAVID HELLWARTH is the son of Michael and Margaret Hellwarth. He came to America from Wurtemburg when a young man, and lived near Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, engaged as a farmer; afterwards moved to Celina, Ohio. Was one of the first settlers, and bought his land from the government. There was no town here, but on a beach tree there was a blaze, upon which was written Celina. His nearest neighbor was eight miles distant, at Shane,s Prairie, where he went to buy his provisions. He moved to this place with one yoke of oxen. He married in Little York, York County, Pennsylvania, his wife, whose name was M. Lockmeyer, and by her had children—Caroline, John and Michael, Joseph, George F., David, Benjamin, Stephen, Lydia, and Louisa. David received a good education, and was brought up to merchandising with William Dickman, with Whom he afterwards entered into partnership, and the oldest firm in Celina, being established in 1867. He married Miss M. J. Adams, of Celina. Their children are Leroy, Washington, Agnes, and Kenneth Dennison. Capital invested in real and personal property, $25,000. His father served seven yearS in the German army at Wurtemburg. REV. C. N. BELMAN although not a resident of this county, has been so closely identified with the history of one of the churches that he is justly entitled to recognition in this volume. He was born in Lucas County, Ohio, in 1842, and in 1865 was married to Emily L. Abring, who was a native of New York, being born that State in 1847. They were married at Regor, Lucaway County, Michigan, at which place the family still resides. .Their children are named, Charles N., Marian S., George S., and Mary R. Post office address, Sylvania, Lucas County, Ohio. Mr. Belman served three years in the late war, one year being in the infantry service, from Which on account of disability he was detailed as dispatch carrier at General R. S. Granger’s headquarters. At the end of three years he Was honorably discharged from the service. In 1868 he became connected with the Church of God, and in 1871 was ordained as a regular minister of this denomination. He has been the leading spirit of this denomination in Mercer County, and to his labors the church is indebted for the foothold it has secured in this county. JOHN GILLESPIE BLAKE. His father, John G. Blake, married Miss Nancy Guy, and he was born Aug. 7, 1825. His brothers and sisters were Robert G., Samuel, David F., Rebecca, Mary Jane, Perry, and Margaret. Of these, Samuel and Rebecca are dead. His father came from Rockledge County, Va., and settled in Gallic County, Ohio, and thence to Mercer County, Oct. 20, 1833. He worked as a farmer, carpenter, and cabinet-maker until 1852. Sheriff John G. Blake, who was born in 1825, married hiss Catharine Meek, of Coshocton County, Ohio, in 1850, and they have four children—John Wesley, Thomas J., George W., and Richard Warren, all of whom are living except Richard W. In 1872 lie was deputy sheriff, elected sheriff in 1879 and 1881, and served as marshal of Celina in 1877 and 1878. J. G. Blake, his father, was in the war of 1812. He resided in Recovery Township, and died in 1863, and often spoke of his remembering when there were but eight families in the township. AUGUSTUS FANGER, son of Christian and Henrietta Schroeder Fanger. Their parents emigrated to America in 1852. They were six weeks crossing the ocean. They took vessel at Hamburg, and landed at New YOrk. Their children were Edward, Sophie, Christian, Augustus, Charles, Ferdinand, and Matilda. Augustus Fanger was born October 16, 1840, in Germany. He received a German and English education. He was a clerk in Celina until the war broke out and he enlisted October 16, 1861, in Company F, Fortieth Ohio Cavalry, under W. Shoemaker. He served three years, and was discharged at Columbia, Tennessee, October 20, 1864. He was in the battles of Stone River, Chickamauga, Kilpatrick's raid, around by Savannah, Georgia, the battle of Nashville, and many skirmishes. After the war Augustus Fanger commenced the drygoods business. Capital stock invested $6,000. Real estate $7,000. He married Julia A. Nickel, daughter of Benjamin and Julia A. Corkle Nickel, on May 16, 1865, and has the following children : Franklin, Benjamin, Marietta, Miller, William, and Charles. C. D. HIERHOLZER. Conrad Hierholzer and Catharine his wife emigrated from Baden to America in 1833. Their children are named Joseph, John, Martin, Julia Ann, and Mary. Charles D. Hierholzer was born February 17, 1850, and married Mary Buscher, from Hanover, September 3, 1873. His son is named Edward. He received a good education in Seneca and Mercer counties, and was raised on a farm. In 1873 he entered the store of J. R. Churchill as a clerk, and remained two years. In 1875 he opened a drygoods store, with hats, caps, and notions, and engages four clerks, and has a capital of $12,000. The buiiding he occupies is owned by himself, built of brick, three stories high, on the corner of Fayette and Walnut Streets. The first floor is occupied by two stores and the post oflice; second floor, the dwelling part for the family, and the third the Masonic Hall. The wife's parents settled in Cincinnati, Ohio, in 1843. WILLIAM CRON is the son of John Cron. He came from Germany when about twenty-three years of age. and worked at blacksmithing at Canton, Ohio, and settled at Marysville, Marion Township. He married Theresa Meyer. Their children were John, Jacob, Mary, William, and Adam. William Cron was born in December, 1848, at Marysville, and became a farmer. After his father,s death he went to Cincinnati, Ohio, and from there to MarySville, and thence to Indianapolis, where he learned his trade, having served four years. In 1869 he settled in Celina at hiS trade, on the lot where he now lives. He married Lizzie Hierholzer in January, 1871. Their children are John, Albert, and Flora. With his blacksmithing he has established a wagon and carriage factory. Number of hands employed, 7; capital stock, $8000. He owns a brick dwelling-house, factory, and two lots. MARTIN SCHUYLER, son of John B. and Eliza Turner Schuyler. His parents resided in New York, although he was a native of New Jersey, and his wife was the daughter of John Turner, of Maryland. Martin Schuyler left New York in 1833, and settled in Seneca County, Ohio, and remained there until 1857, then removed to Mercer County, and devoted his entire time to his profession, that of land surveying combined with teaching. When he came to Mercer County he taught schools in many places. He has held the office of county surveyor for many years, his duties having been well and acceptably performed. Mr. Schuyler was born on the banks of Seneca Lake, eight miles from Geneva. 370 - HISTORY OF VAN WERT AND. MERCER COUNTIES, OHIO. HERMAN HENRY PULSKAMP was the son of Henry and Maria C. Pulskamp; was born July 25, 1830. He received a good education. Taught school in Franklin County, Indiana, and learned the wagon-making business in Cincinnati, Ohio. In 1862 he moved to Mercer County, and carried on the business at Marie Stein P. 0. He was elected justice of the peace in 1863, and served as such for eleven years ; also school director and other offices. In 1875 was elected county treasurer, and was re-elected in 1877. Mr. Pulskamp was married to Maria Ann Sheaffer in 1854. Their children are Maria Catherine, Herman, John Henry, John, Bernard, George Frank, and Edward Henry. He was drafted in 1862, but furnished a substitute. His grandfather was in the Seven Years, War in Germany. JOHN WALLACE MCKEE. John McKee was married to Miss Landsdale and settled in Allen County, Indiana, in 1825, and followed the occupation of a cabinetmaker and fanner. His children were Thomas L., Reuben R., William J., and Nelson R. His first wife having died in 1835 he married Mary Wallace, and the children by this marriage were Annie E., Charles Westley, Martha, Mary, Sarah, and John Wallace McKee, who was born in Allen, Clarke County, Ohio, in 1851. He received a good common education, and was instructed in the clock and watch-making and its collateral branches in Celina and Sidney. In 1877 he commenced business in Celina, and ranks as one proficient in his calling. Capital invested $2000. Mr. McKee was married to Miss. Jane Kelsey, of St. Marys, on November 15, 1879. MICHAEL FELDHEISER. His parents, George and Johanna Waltrick Feldheiser, emigrated from Germany and settled in Butler County, Ohio, in 1839. Their children were Frederic, Mary, Michael, Catharine, Christian, Andrew, Jacob, and George. The parents moved from Butler County to Liberty Township, and from there to Celina, in 1849. Michael Feldheiser was born in 1845, and received a good common-school education, and learned the tinsmith business in St. Marys with Mr. E. F. Gross. After viewing many places to make a permanent settlement he opened an establishment in Celina in 1868, and has continued in the business. His real estate, personal property, and store are estimated at $5000. He married Elizabeth Sommertinger—has two daughters, Lillie and Lewetta. THORNTON SPRIGGS was the son of William and Mary Wilson Spriggs. They came to this county in 1840. William and Margaret Wilson are the parents of Mrs. Spriggs. Mr. William Spriggs died in 1875 and his wife in 1859. Thornton Spriggs, their son, was born in Jackson County, Ohio, in 1830, and was raised on a farm, and is also a stock-raiser. He married his wife, Jane Wilson, Oct. 21, 1858. She was born in 1838. Their children are William, Seth, Daniel, John, James, Henrietta, Lucretia, and Charles. He served four years as assessor, and sheriff of Mercer County four years, from 1870 to 1674. He had three uncles in the Revolutionary war, one of whom was a colonel, another a captain, and the third a private. His wife’s brother and his own brother were in the Rebellion, and lie was drafted, but furnished a substitute. PRESTON ADELBERT ELLIS, of Celina, Mercer County, Ohio, is the son of Oliver and Eleanor Ellis, who settled in this county as early as 1837, and may be ranked among its early pioneers. He was born in Shanesville, November 11, 1845, and received a good education. June 14, 1874, he was married to Miss Harriet Hetter, daughter of Jacob and Pameter Hetter, of Greenville, Darke County, by whom a son was born, and named Frank Luzerne Ellis. Mr. Ellis is engaged in the hotel business in Celina, and by strict attention to business, habits of economy, industry, and temperance, has secured the approbation and good-will of his fellow-citizens. His hotel is known as the Ellis House. WILLIAM H. BERRY is the owner of the Crockett Mill, which was built in 1863. It was originally built as a saw-mill, and changed to a flour and saw-mill to run by steam. The engine is 40-horse power with four pair of burrs. In twenty-four hours it can manufacture forty-five barrels of flour. It occupies three lots. JOHN MILLIGAN, son of Dr. Dixon Milligan, was born October 11, 1845, at Portland, Jay County, Indiana. lie was raised at Fort Recovery, and received a part of 'his education at Newport, Rhode Island. After the war he went to Annapolis, Maryland, and graduated in 1867 at the United States Naval Academy. He returned home ln the fall of 1869, and entered into the banking business in 1871 as cashier of a building and loan association. Dr. Dixon Milligan and Hon. T. J. Godfrey and John Milligan bought it out and established the present bank in 1872. John Milligan married Rachel Fox June, 1869, and they have been blessed with a boy, whom they named Alviere. SETH S. SNYDER, son of Henry and Sarah Smith Snyder, lived in Greene County, Ohio, and afterwards moved to Logan County. Their children were Joseph, Lydia, Isaac, Sarah, Seth S., A. P. J. Snyder, Jonathan, and Mary. Seth S. was born Nov. 10, 1825. Seth S. Snyder was brought up at Bellefontaine, received a good education, and learned the printing business. He owned and edited the Western Standard in 1850, and continued therein until 1864. He married Elizabeth Doke. Their children William, Jennie, Edmund, Charles, Eli H., and Bertha. He has filled the following offices acceptably to the people : mayor, councilman, school director, justice of the peace, auditor, and township clerk. STEPHEN ANDREW ARMSTRONG. William Armstrong, his father, came to this country in 1837, settled in Philadelphia a short time, then went to Montreal, Canada. He was a machinist in England, and from thence to Mercer County in 1847, and died March 20, 1850. Stephen A. Armstrong was born December 18, 1848, in Montezuma, Franklin Township, and received a literary and scientific education, studied law and graduated at the law school at Ann Arbor, Michigan, in 1872, and settled in Celina. He married Alice Shipley December, 1870. Their children were William B., Russel L., and Samuel Floyd. He taught school in 1870-1, was elected prosecuting attorney in 1876-80, worked at printing for three years at the Standard office. He ranks as one of the self-made men of this county. CHARLES FANGER was born in Mecklenberg, Germany, in 1843, and emigrated to. America in June, 1853. His .parents were Christian and Henrietta Schroide Fanger. Their children's names are Edward, Christian, Augustus, Charles, Ferdinand, and Sophia. The family settled two miles west or Celina; the turnpike. Christian Fanner was a cabinet-maker, but became a 11 ner. He died in 1803. Charles Fanger received a good education, and learned cabinet-making. He has an interest in the Hole & Fanger grist-mill, also in the hardware store of Kreusch & Fanger. Charles was married to Miss Susan Hole, and has four children– Lucinda, Henriette, Fanny, and the babe. VAN BOREN BAKER married Miss Martha Martin, daughter of Andrew and Elizabeth Weaver Martin. She was born Nov. 4, 1840. Their children are William, Joel, Marion, Marcellus, Adela Regina, Antonietta Lora, and James Donnel Cameron. He received an academic and collegiate education, and graduated at Jefferson College, Washington County, Pa., and since his graduation has devoted himself to teaching. He has been the principal of schools Of the higher grades in Claysville, Burgettstown, East Liverpool, Beaver Falls, Sidney, and Celina, and had the honor of establishing the Claysville (Washington County, Pa.) Normal School. JACOB SCHUCK, a native of Germany, was born March 19, 1821, and came to this county in July, 1847. He was married April 8, 1846, to Caroline Alles, who was born in Germany in June, 1825. Their children are named Jacob! Margaret, Catharine, Caroline, Torrance, Joseph, Adam, and Mary. Mr. S. has a fine farm near Celina, which gives evidence of his industry and energy. ELISHA PHILLIPS died October 16, 1861. From his entrance into Mercer County in 1841 until his death, he was identified with every step of Mercer County's progress. He was known to every citizen, and his standing in the cog' munity was unexcelled. HISTORY OF VAN WERT AND MERCER COUNTIES, OHIO - 373 J. P. LE BLOND, Son of Gideon and Jane Patterson Le Blond, was born April, 1843, and married Miss Belle Milligan. He received a good English education, and commenced business in 1865. CENTRE TOWNSHIP. This township is bounded north by Union, east by Auglaize County, south by Jefferson, and west by Hopewell Township.. The surface is generally level, although rolling enough for drainage, which is largely facilitated by artificial systems. The land is fertile and highly productive of all the cereals, although corn is the principal product. The township is as a whole rather well improved, although some very heavy timber tracts may still be seen. The past few years have ,contributed richly to the development, and forests have faded away, splendid residences and comfortable schools and churches may be seen on every hand. The people are industrious, and to the new homes they set out to erect they gave a color of taste which adds to the home-likeness of each improving farm. With a knowledge of the importance of education school-houses have been erected and teachers employed, until for intelligence the township will compare favorably with any in the county. The people are largely, almost exclusively, of English descent. Organization. The township was organized June 2, 1834, in response to a petition by citizens of town 5 south, range 3 east, and the first election was by order of the county commissioners held at the house of Wm. Bonifield, June 21, 1834. Statistics, 1880. Acres of land 19,188; value $375,985. Arable land. 9,957 acres; woodland 9,052 acres. Population 1,456. Election: Secretary of State, Charles Townsend (Rep.) 186; Win. Lang. (Dem) 1.76i President, James A. Garfield (Rep.) 154; Winfield S. Hancock (Dem.) 179 ; James B. Weaver (G.) 3. In 1881 the vote for governor, stood, 117 for Charles Foster (Rep.), 134 for John W. Bookwalter (Dew.), and 19 for Abraham R. Ludlow (Pro.). NEPTUNE. only as a village is conveniently located in the township, and serves not post-office but also as a trading point for the immediate locality. It has perhaps passed the days of its greatest usefulness, and is probably more a monument of yesterday than a utility of to-day. Too close to Celina, too close to St. Marys, and too close to Mendon, location favored all these towns to its detriment, until the school-house and post-office have become its chief features. These are much, however, for the school-house everywhere, if properly or even half utilized, is worthy at all times and Place of an obeisance on the part of every American citizen. From time to time a general store and grocery have largely supplied the home patronage, while a blacksmith shop is perhaps more liberally patronized than either of the stores. The town has a governing name, but sometimes " there is nothing in a. name." The village is located on section 14, in Centre Township, Mercer County, on the old Fort Wayne road, seven miles northwest of St. Marys. In 1827-8 William Bonifield settled on the land, made improvements, cleared away the forests, used the land for farming purposes for a number of years or until December. 2, 1837, when lie caused a survey of lots to be made, and gave the place the name of Neptune. Shortly after Mr. Bonifield's settlement, where Neptune now stands lie engaged in the hotel business, or kept what they called a travellers' home, for the accommodation of the extensive travel on the old Fort Wayne road, it being the only thoroughfare to the West. He also kept a small store in connection with his hotel. About 1838 Benjamin Nichols came on from Pennsylvania and stopped with Mr. Bonifield for several years, and after the death of Mr. B. Mr. Nichols took charge of the hotel and store, and conducted the business for many years. In 1839 Jason Hall and family, and Atwater Hall and family settled in the village, and. soon after came Mr. Keyser, better known as Doc. Keyser, who is still a citizen of the village. In 1865 Henry Lacamp engaged in the mercantile business in Neptune, and conducted the business a number of years. At present it contains a population of about one hundred and twenty-five, two drygoods and general stores, one grocery store, including the post-office, three wagon and three blacksmith shops, one steam saw-mill, one milliner shop, two physicians, two churches, Baptist and Church of God, and a two-story brick school- house, in which they have a graded school taught every winter. CHURCHES. History of the M. E. Church in Mercer County. By T. Hankins. In 1828, Robert Finley, after having served the Presbyterian Church twenty-five years, and the Methodist Church about the same length of time, came to St. Marys (then Mercer County), he being then on the superannuated list. It does not appear that he came by the authority of .the church or voluntarily, but he was seeking "the lost sheep of the house of Israel." Here he found a few who had not lost their religion by emigrating, among whom were the families of Cuthbert Vinson and that of H. Major. In the year 1829 a camp meeting was held at St. Marys, at which there were a number of conversions, and the little society was greatly encouraged and built up. Bro. Finley was assisted at thiS camp meeting by Messrs. Wm. H. Raper and John F. Wright. He then extended his mission westward to Twelve Mile, Shane's Prairie, and Wilshire. In 1830 Abraham Millice was sent to do missionary work. He was succeeded by James B. Austin and John Wood Then another camp meeting was held, which was conducted by Robert Finley, James B. Finley, and James W. Finley, after which the work was greatly extended. St. Marys Mission included Shane's Prairie Wiltshire, and Sugar Ridge, Van Wert County, Ohio, Elida, Putnam County, and contained all there was of Methodism in the territories of Mercer, Van Wert, Putnam, Allen, and Auglaize counties. In the fall of 1831 Joseph Hill and a Mr. Frey came as missionaries. The work then began to assume a more systematic form. A four weeks' circuit was formed, which included all the counties above named. Some of the appointments were a day's journey distant, and the minister was compelled to carry subsistence for himself and horse with him. In 1832 Jesse Pryor was the missionary. Wm. H. Raper was the presiding elder. Up to this date no record of the missions have been. found, and the report, thus far, is made up from the statements of those yet living. The work was then called " St. Marys Mission, Maumee district, Ohio Conference." That year a society was formed at or near the mouth of Twelve-Mile Creek, in a log school-house, consisting of Israel Forbes and wife, Samuel Hanson and wife, Joseph Rider and wife, and George Parrot, who was the leader. Mother Rider still lives in the same vicinity, and George Parrot has removed to Iowa. This, it is believed, was the first class formed in what is now Mercer County. But this earnest and faithful man, Pryor, was zealous in his labors, and the first year formed a class in the vicinity of what is now called Bethel. This society consisted of twenty-four members, namely: Abel Wright, Nancy Wright, James Wright, Sarah Wright, Wealthy Wright, Lawrence Wright, George Shepherd, Elmer Shepherd, Margaret Shepherd, James Watts, Charity Watts, Jonathan E. Dutton, Elizabeth Dutton, James Smith, Sarah Smith, Christena Smith, George Parrot, Nancy Parrot, Samuel Parrot, Jemima Parrot, Geo. Wilson, and Sarah Wilson. Of this number all but one or two are now dead. Abel Wright was the first leader and James Wright exhorter. In 1833 James Finley and John Alexander were the missionaries. The first quarterly conference for that year was held on the 19th and 20th of October, Wm. H. Raper presiding-elder. The years in this history mean the conference year and not the calendar year, hence 1833 commenced in the fall of 1833 and continued until the fall of 1834, and so of all the years in this history. In 1834, Philip Wareham was the missionary and L. B. Gurley was the presiding elder ; but whether the work covered all the territory and preaching-places it did at the beginning, does not appear from any records, and there is no certain report of the finances of those times ; but, judging from the times a few years later, of which the writer has personal knowledge, the support of the missionary mostly came from the Missionary Society of the church. In 1835, John O. Conway came as missionary, and L. B. Gurley was yet the presiding elder. Mr. Gurley was a good man, and died in full hope of a future reward. In 1836, Isaac Bennett and Joseph Santby were sent on the work, and John Jones was the presiding elder. At this time there was a division of the work, the northern part being assigned elsewhere, for the mission was in a different district, with a different elder than formerly. In the year 1837, Jonathan Hudson and John F. Langman came as missionaries. Mr. Langman was an Englishman. At the close of that year a camp meeting was held at Twelve-Mile Creek, near Mr. Benj. Roebuck's. At this meeting there were a number of conversions and accessions to the church. There was a large amount of rowdyism shown, such as hooting, gobbling like turkeys, etc. But this noise came from a class to whom Christianity is an eye-sore, and which conduct would not be tolerated at this day and age. In 1838, George Armstrong was the missionary, and Elmer Yocum the presiding elder. The work at this time included the following appointments : St. Marys, Mercer, Shanesville, Harper's, Willshire, Van Wert, Sugar Ridge, Tomlinson's, Pring's, Goefford's, Duck Creek, Mendon, Eight Mile (now Bethel), and Roebuck's, and was called St. Marys Mission, Michigan Conference. Greenberry Vinson was placed by Elmer Yocum to assist Mr. Armstrong in the work. The class at 374 - HISTORY OF VAN WERT AND MERCER COUNTIES, OHIO. Celina was organized in that year, or at the beginning of the year 1839, by Messrs. Armstrong and Vinson, and consisted of the following members, viz., Eben Foster and wife, Jane Foster, William Allen and wife, Mrs. McMahon, Christian Maurer and wife, Levi Dibble and wife, and Ira Foster and wife, with Mr. Ira Foster as class leader. In 1839, Martin Welch and Liberty Prentice were the missionaries, with Elmer Yocum as presiding elder. The work was then called St. Mary's Mission, Mount Vernon District, Michigan Conference. That year another camp meeting was held at Twelve .Mile, near the residence of Benjamin Roebuck, at which the disturbers were again present in force; but the Lord's people had now become a power, and would not tolerate rowdyism: But then this species of annoyance was more or less rampant for years after. In that year the old Bethel Church was built, which was, I believe, the first Methodist Episcopal church built in what is now Mercer County. The first church building in Celina was commenced the Same year, under the labors of George A Armstrong. It appears that at this. time there was a division in the work, and Celina was included in what was then called Recovery Mission, Bellefontaine District, Northern Ohio Conference. W. S. Morrow was the presiding elder. In 1840, A. B. Wambaugh preached in this locality, which was then called St. Marys Circuit ; but I cannot now tell who preached on Recovery Mission during the years of 1640 and 1841. In 1841, Jacob A. Brown was assigned to St. Marys Circuit, which included Bethel, Mercer, Mendon, Tomlinson's, Roebuck's, and other places, and was then a three weeks' circuit. This year there was a wonderful revival of religion all over this part of the country, especially at St. Marys and Mendon. The Holy Spirit was manifest among the people, and it was not uncommon to hear shouting, Prayer meetings and class meetings were well attended, and many were added to the church. The protracted meeting at Mendon that year was truly a success. Many united with the Lord's people, some of whom have gone to their reward, while some yet remain with us, living witnesses of the power of God among men. In 1842, Edward Williams and Jas. J. McNab were the ministers, and Wm. S. Morrow was the presiding elder. The work was then called St. Marys Circuit, Recovery Mission. In 1843, Samuel Beaty and Athos Wilson were the ministers, but it appears Mr. Wilson only remained two quarters, for at the second quarterly meeting Ft. Recovery was again struck off, and Celina Mission was formed but we find no record after this for several years, or until 1846, but know that Samuel Beaty and Amos Wilson were on the work when Celina Circuit was formed. S. E. Shane was at that time presiding elder. This was then known as Celina Circuit, Sidney District. After Wilson was removed, Alexander Harmount was placed in his stead, with Mr. Beaty, the remainder of the year.. In 1844, C. H. Owens and James M. Barr were sent to Celina Circuit, which then included all the northern part of Mercer County. But I have found no records of these times, and it may be that there are 'mistakes in names and dates, for it seems froth the foregoing that many changes were made. In 1845, we understand, St. Marys was included in Celina Circuit, and Charles Thomas was the minister at St. Marys. During the Conference year of 1847, the Work was called St. Marys Circuit and Willshire Mission, and Charles Brandebery and Elisha Hook were the preachers. The work then included all the north part of Mercer County ; St. Marys, in Auglaize County ; and Wiltshire, in Van Wert Counts, and was a four weeks' circuit, with ten appointments, as follows : Celina, St. Marys, Neptune, Bethel, Mendon, Tomlinson's, Twelve Mile, 'Mercer, Shanesville, and Wiltshire. In 1848, Samuel L. Yourtee was sent to the circuit, with Wiltshire, Shanesville, Mercer, and Tomlinson appointments cut off and attached to Van Wert Circuit. Yourtee did not fill all the appointments, for Neptune was entirely without a minister, and the north part of the county was only partly supplied, the preacher putting in the most of his time in St. Marys and Celina. Wesley Brock was then the presiding elder. In 1849, satiate' B. Guibeson was the preacher, and was returned in 1850, in which year the parsonage in St. Marys was built, and a gracious revival of religion was general all over the work. In 1851, the work was still a mission, and Ralph Wilcox was the missionary. Ile was a faithful and devout preacher, but failed to build up the waste places of Zion. Wesley Brock was presiding elder. In 1852, Joseph Wykes was sent to the work, which was then called St. Marys Mission, with Hiram Shaffer as presiding elder. Rev. Wykes was an. Englishman, a good preacher and pastor, and much good was done on the work. In 1853, St. Marys was made a station and Celina Circuit was formed. Gersham Lease was sent as minister. And here it may be proper to define time difference between a mission and a circuit. A mission means a work where the minister receives a part of his support from the Missionary Society of the church, which was raised in the older and more wealthy portion of the country. At first it amounted to $200, and then less and less from time to time, as seemed necessary, until the work was considered able to support its preacher, and then it was called a circuit. So we see that at this time the Missionary Fund ceased, and Celina Civet.. was expected to support its own minister. BLit in 1854 we find that Rent Wesley Brock was the Minister, and the amount paid. being insufficient Mr. Brock, aside from his pastoral duties, taught school and worked at farthing. Hiram M. Shaffer was then the presiding elder. In 1855, George O. McPherson was sent to Celina Circuit. He Was a man of more than ordinary ability, and there was a general awakening on the subject of religion, although the good people of Celina had to worship in the court-house. A camp-meeting was held that year near the Bethel Church. H. M. Shaffer was then presiding elder. In 1856, Rev. George O. McPherson was returned, a second church was built in Celina, and a second camp meeting was held near Bethel, although enemies of the church tried to burn down the tents a few days before the time appointed for holding the meeting. Elnathan C. Gavitt was at that time the presiding elder. It appears that in 1848 the work was divided, and the northwest part of Mercer County, including Mercer, Shanesville, Willshire, and some other appointments were formed into a Mission, with Rev. Elisha Hook as minister. In 1849, Lafayette Ward and Reuben D. Oldfield were the preachers on this mission. In 1850; Reuben D. Oldfield was returned as minister in charge, and J. K. Ward as junior. Wesley Brock was the .presiding elder. In 1851, Samuel B. Guibeson and Jacob F. Burkholder were the ministers. In 1852, Nathan Taylor and Gersham Lease were the ministers, and Hiram Shaffer was the presiding elder. In 1853, Nathan Taylor was returned, and Francis Duvall was the junior minister. This part of the work was attached to Willshire Circuit, .part of the time to Van Wert, and filially to what was called Black Creek Mission, and in 1858 was again included in Celina Circuit, as we shall see farther on. In 1854 the ministers on this part of the work were J. Fribley and N. B. Q. Love. In 1855, N. B. C. Love was the minister, and John Priddy, junior. In 1856, John Price and D. P. Darling were the ministers, Elnathan C. Gavitt, presiding elder. In 1857, George O. McPherson and E. G. Longsworth were on this mission. That year a society was formed at Black Creek, or what is now known as Fountain Chapel. The first society numbered fourteen, to wit : Chas. Ward and wife, A. Cole and wife, Moses Stover and wife,. Robert McKissick and wife, Samuel Loree and wife, Anna Allison, Basil Dorango, Peter Martz, and Charles Ward, Sr. Samuel Loree was the leader. In 1858 this mission was attached to Celina Circuit, and Samuel Boggs and Joshua Smith were the preachers. There was a Methodist society organized at Skeels' Cross Roads in 1854, by J. Wykes, consist ing of seven members, namely : Joshua Lee and wife, C. Skeels and wife, Calista Way, Amos Lee, and Samantha Lee. Brother Amos Lee was licensed to exhort in February, 1856, and licensed to preach July, 1857, and afterwards travelled Celina Circuit for two years aS the junior preacher under the elder. In 1859, J. F. Mounts and Amos Lee were on Celina Circuit; and to 1860, Lemuel Herbert and Jas. F. Mounts were the ministers, and II. "Shaffer was presiding elder. In 1861 and 1862, Philip A. Drown and Caleb Hill were ministers. In 1863, David Bulle and A. J. Frisby were on the work; and in 1864, David Bulle and Amos Lee were the ministers, and Franklin Mariot was the presiding elder. In 1865, Enos G. Longsworth and Harrison Maltbee were preachers on the Celina Circuit, and F. Y. Marlot was presiding elder. It may be proper here to give the date and names of the first society in :tendon. The society was formed in 1836, under the labors of Isaac Bennett and Joseph Santley, and was composed of the following persons : Jacob Panabaker and wife, Mary Panabaker, Amos Barber and wife, a Mr. Baily and wife; Mr. Porter and wife, Barney Forbes and daughter, Jonathan E. Dutton and wife, Joseph Rider and wife, Elizabeth Parrott, Adam Panabaker, the local preacher, Louisa Rider, and Lucinda Baker. Jacob Panabaker was the leader. These, it is believed, are all dead now, excepting Mother Panabaker, Mother Rider, Lucinda Baker, now Lucinda Protzman. In regard to the south part of Mercer County I have said but little, because I have found no record as yet from which to draw the necessary information. It has not been connected with Celina, as the north part of the county has been, in reference to this matter, being a part of the time in another district, as well as in another mission or circuit. And now I wish to say that I have found it very difficult to get the proper dates for this history, on account of the manner in which the changes have been made frOm time to time. Consequently I may have, made some mistakes in names and dates, as there are but few of the old residents living now from whom accurate information can be obtained. But I have done my best under existing circumstances.* * A brief sketch of the different church organizations can be found in connection with the history of the township in which they are located.