HISTORY OF VAN WERT AND MERCER COUNTIES, OHIO - 377 Centre Chapel, M. E. Church. In 1843, at the residence of Enos Hays, of Centre Township, the Rev. David Gray organized a society, with ten members, viz : Enos Rays and wife, Rhoda Newcomb, Daniel Martin, Alanson Hays and wife, Charles Smart and Wife, and Luther Newcomb and wife, with Enos Hays acting as leader and steward. Shortly after the church was organized; L. T. Lewis and wife, B. P. Layland and wife, and Mrs. Jane Parker connected themselves with the society, and thus raised their membership to fifteen in number. They held their service at Mr. Enos Hays' house for several years, or until the erection of a log school-house in 1847, one-half mile south of where their church building is now located in Centre Township. They then changed their place of meeting from Mr. Hays' residence to the log school-house, where they held their meeting for a few years, or until the frame school-house was erected at Hays Cross Roads, in which they met and worshipped for many years. They then erected their present church building, which was completed and dedicated in April, 1875. The Rev. J. T. Mounts preached the dedicatory sermon to a large audience.. The building is located in Centre Township, on the northwest corner of the northeast quarter of section twenty-eight (or, we might say, at Hays Cross Roads). It is a frame structure, 46x35 feet, and was erected at a cost of about $1800, which amount was raised by subscription among the members and others living in the neighborhood. The church now numbers about fifty members, and is divided into two classes with M. M. Newcomb leader of Class No. 1, and J. B. Newcomb leader of Class No. 2. The stewards are B. W. Greene and David Howick. The trustees are N. M. Newcomb, J. B. Newcomb, Stephen Howick, John E. Yocum, A. W. Tracy, Benj. P. Layland, and David Howick. The names of the ministers prior to 1865 are mentioned in the general history of the M. E. Church of Mercer County, and since that time the names of some of the ministers are as follows: Miller, Longeworth, Farmer, McKeen, Roush, Biggs, Herbert, Bowers, Shoultz, Clemmons, and some others whose names have not been ascertained. Copps Chapel, M. E Church, was organized in 1851, at the residence of Jacob Copps, Centre Township, by the Rev. Wilcox, with seven members, namely, Jacob Copps and wife, Gilbert Sinift and wife, Mrs. Ezekiel Hitchens, Mrs. Horace Loomis, and Mrs. Cain, with Jacob Copps their leader and steward. Their regular place of meeting was at Mr. Copps' residence for several months, or until they could get leave from the school board to hold their meetings in the Copps school-house. Then they met and held services in the school-house until the erection of their present church, Which is a frame building, 46 x 32 feet, located on the northwest corner of the southwest quarter of section seven. It was erected at a cost of about $1800, and dedicated in July, 1873, by Rev. Wilcox. In this building the society has since met and worshipped. During the second year of the society's existence, Geo. W. Wagner and wife, Samuel Brookhart and wife, Enoch Johnston and wife, Lewis Johnston and wife, and Matilda Johnston united with the church ; and a few years later, John Johnston and wife, David Johnston and wife, and Daniel Brookhart and wife, thus increasing their membership to twenty-two in number. At this writing they have about thirty mem bers in their church. The present officers are J. Weast, leader; Jacob Brookhart and Geo. Rickets, stewards; and J. Weast, William Thomas, Jacob Brookhart, and George W. Wagner are the trustees. This society belongs to the same circuit as the Centre Chapel M. E. Church Society, and the names of some of its ministers can be seen in the history of that church. Neptune M. E. Church Society was organized in 1875 by the Rev. Timothy Hankins, with thirteen members. They held their meetings in the Baptist Church until 1880, when they changed their place of meeting from the Baptist Church to the building erected by The Church of God, in which they have since met. Their membership is about the same now as when organized, with Henry Garwick leader.and Michael Garwick steward. Church of God at Beary Bethel. This society was organized in 1853 by Elder Cump, with ten members, viz., Christian Beary and wife, Benjamin Beary and wife, Daniel Beougher and wife, Jesse Gile and wife, and Joseph Good and wife. They held their meetings in the Beougher school-house for several years, or until in 1860, when they erected their present frame church edifice, 30 by 40 feet, at a cost of about $600. The building is located on the southwest corner of section 19, Centre Township, Mercer County, in which the society has since met and worshipped. They have been very prosperous, and although losing a great many of their members by death, and removals from the neighborhood, they still have a membership of about thirty good working members. The first officers of the church were Jesse Gile elder, and Benjamin Beary deacon. The present officers are John Gile and Valentine Rough .elders, and Daniel Beougher and Benjamin Beougher, deacons. The names of the ministers are as follows: Elders Cump, Hickernell, Dobson, Bolton, Small, Warner, Oliver, Mowen, Gaskell, Bellman, Stiner, Poling, Neil, and McNut, who remained with them three years; then Elder Bellman returned, and has been their pastor the past year. At this writing the society is repairing and painting their church building, which adds greatly to its general appearance, and to the comfort of its members and others who meet with them. The Church of God at Fairview. The society was organized at the residence of Jesse Keyser some time during the fall of 1866 by Elder Small, with about twelve or fifteen members. They met and held their services in Mr. Keyser's house for several months, or about one year. In the spring of 1867 they began the erection of a frame building, 46 by 30 feet, which was completed at a cost of about $800, and dedicated in the fall of 1867 by Elder J. W. Awkerman. The building is located on the northwest quarter of section 17, in Centre Township, where they have since met and worshipped. From Elder Warner's labors among them up to this time, the same pastors preached to this society that were at the Church of God at Beary Bethel. The Church of God at Neptune. In 1869, there being quite a number of persons in the neighborhood of Neptune who had formerly been members of different church organizations, but were then without a home in a church society, Elder D. S. Warner, a minister in the Church of God, was called upon to preach in Neptune, the services being held in the Baptist Church building ; and after a series of meetings for four weeks, held by Elder Warner, assisted by Elder J. M. Cassell, this church society was organized by Elder Warner, with forty-three members, some being new converts, and the remainder old members of other churches. They continued to hold their meetings in the Baptist Church for several years, or until May 25,1878, when their present building was completed and dedicated by Elder J. W. Awkerman, in which they have since met and worshipped. Their building is a frame structure, 44 by 30 feet, and was erected at a cost of about $1000. The present membership is about forty members in good standing in the church. When the society was organized A. J. Fast was elected ruling elder, with D. F. Doty his assistant, and Edward Kelly was chosen deacon. The present officers are: Ruffin̊. Elders, A. J. Fast and Oliver Graffis ; Deacons, D. F. Doty and John Allen ; Trustees, A. J. Fast, John Dutton, and Henry Fast; Clerk, Aaron J. Bair. This society, the society at Fairview, and the society at Beary Bethel all belong to the same Conference, and the same elders have preached to the three congregations since the organization of the last-named society at Neptune. Mount Gilead Baptist Church at Neptune. In 1860 Rev. Blodget organized this society, with about. thirty-five members. They held their meetings in the Baptist Church near Timothy Hankins', in the northern part of Centre Township, for about one year, or until 1861, when they erected their present frame building in Neptune, 40 by 30 feet, which was completed and dedicated in the fall of that year by the Rev. Frazie, in which they have since met and held their services. The names of some of their ministers are as follows : Revs. W. Thomas, Drury, Manning, Graham, Gregg, and some others whose names cannot be ascertained. The Mt. Zion United Brethren Church. In September, 1850, Rev. James Lay organized this society in the school-house on the banks of Twelve-mile Creek, with eight members, viz., Michael Harner and wife, James Harner and wife, Lewis Bolton and wife, and Sylvester Rider and wife. They held their meetings in the school-house above mentioned about fifteen years. Then in 1865 they erected a hewed log church building near the centre of section 8, in Centre Township, which has since served them for church purposes. The membership numbers forty, with John Siler their leader and James Harner steward. This society and the Old-town United Brethren Church belong to the same conference, and the same ministers have preached to both societies, the names of whom can be seen in the sketch of the Old-town Society. The Old-town United Brethren Church. In the Old-town schoolhouse, March 29, 1857, this church society was organized by the Revs. William McKee and C. B. Whitley, with thirteen members, viz., Wesley Copeland and wife, John Emerson and - 39 - 378 - HISTORY OF VAN WERT AND MERCER COUNTIES, OHIO. wife and their two daughters (Mary and Clara Emerson), Margaret Kumpf, Aquilla Allen, Caroline Kumpf, Sarah E. Allen, Jane Bushnell, John Taylor, and Calvin Simmons. They held their meetings in the Old-town school-house for several years. Then, in 1861, they moved to the Hays school-house, in Centre Township, remained about three years, when they removed to the Lininger school-house, in which they remained until the completion of their present church building in 1870 ; in this they have since held their services. The building is a frame structure, erected at a cost of about $800, and is located on section 34, Jefferson Township, near the line of Centre Township, with the majority of its members residents of Centre Township. Their present membership is about eighty in number. The first officers of the church were Wesley Copeland leader and John Emerson steward. The present officers are David Springer leader and Wesley Copeland steward. The names of some of their ministers are Revs. McKee, Whitley, Lea, Hendricks, Weigley, D. K. Bender, Parks, Abe Miller, Freisinger, Kendle, Win. Miller, Mahan, Heiston, Holden, D. F. Thomas, Beeber, T. Heiston, Wentz, Coats, Bay, Cost, Skanck, J. Lutteral, and Abbot. W. A. Kendle is their present pastor. BIOGRAPHIES. MILETUS M. NEWCOMB. We take pleasure in presenting to our readers the following sketch of the life and success of one of Centre Township's go-ahead farmers and business men. He was born on the 20th day of July, 1825, in Essex County, New York State. He is a son of Miletus and Rhoda Newcomb, who moved to Ohio with their family in 1831, and located in Granville Township, Licking County, where they lived one year ; then moved to Harrison Township, remained about two years, and then removed to St. Albans Township, same county, where Miletus Newcomb died, Sept. 14, 1837, leaving a wife with five children to mourn the loss of a kind husband and indulgent parent. A few months prior to his death, Mr. Newcomb came to Mercer County, entered the southeast quarter of Section 20, in Centre Township, and then returned to Licking County to make arrangements for moving his family to this county. He had the day named on which he was to start for this county to make some improvements and erect a cabin on his land in which to move his family ; but when the appointed day came, it proved his last of life. In the spring of 1841, Luther Newcomb, eldest son of Miletus Newcomb, came on, and made improvements on the land by erecting a cabin, clearing a small plat, and planting some potatoes. He then returned to Licking County to bring his widowed mother and her three other children, then at home (viz., Miletus M., Joseph B., and Miloann), to their new home in this county. When the family reached here, they moved into the cabin erected by Luther, which served them as a residence for a number of years. It was not long after their settlement in the county until Luther married and commenced life for himself, leaving the entire care of the home to his mother and her three younger children, the oldest, Miletus M., then only a boy sixteen years of age. It was then that he saw the necessity of hard work, when a mother with two younger children were depending on his labors for sustenance, in a new country, with but little of the forest cleared away. Yet faithfully and earnestly did he work at clearing land, building fences, and farming among the stumps ; and by his energy and persistence be managed to make a living for the family, and at the same time clear off and prepare a good portion of the land for farming. His mother died on the 30th day of September, 1848. Miletus married Miss Margaret C. Ellis in 1848. Miss Ellis was born in Miami County, Ohio, November 21, 1828, and came to Mercer County with her parents, William and Hannah Ellis, in 1635, and located in Franklin Township. After marriage they settled on a part of his mother's home place, which fell to him as his share of the land when it was divided among the children. In 1849 he erected a hewed log dwelling on his land, in which they lived until 1868, when he erected his present fine frame residence. They reared a family of eight children—five sons and three daughters—all of whom are now living. He has given all of his attention to farming, in which business he has been very successful, and purchased land at different times, Until he now owns a large farm in Centre Township, with good improvements, and the land under a good state of cultivation. He is considered one of this town, ship's best and leading farmers. He served about four -months in the late War, in 1864, as second sergeant of Company K, 156th O. N. G.  REV. TIMOTHY HANKINS was born in Coshocton County, Ohio, March 8, 1813, and this day (March 8, 1881) is sixty-eight years of age. He came to Mercer County in 1837, and settled in Liberty Township, on the northwest quarter of section 7. The cabin he built was the third which was built in the township, and there were no roads in the township except as they were made by an axe, wherever those early pioneers wished to go. There was a "trace" leading from Fort Recovery to Wiltshire through Liberty Township on the section line and one mile east of the Indian line and a cross " trace" crossing that from east to west, where Skeet's cross road now is. In 1837 John Bolton and William Watkins settled adjoining him, and in 1838 Philip Dietch and Adam Bolenbaugh. In 1838 Rev. T. Hankins moved to Centre Township, where he still resides. He taught the FIRST DISTRICT 'SCHOOL that was ever taught in the township, which was held in James Thompson's old kitchen. He was at The place now called Celina before there was a house in sight of it, and had the honor of sitting on the first jury. He had four children when he scttled in Centre Township, and has now nine children living, twenty-five grandchildren, and seven great-grandchildren. Mr. Hankins assisted in building the first church that was built in the county, which was the old BETHEL Church on Eight-Mile Creek in Union Township. Prosperity has crowned his efforts in life, having all that this world can supply, and looking forward to a glorious hope of endless rest in the life beyond. HENRY. J. MCKIRNAN, Farmer and Fine Stock-raiser, Centre Township; P. O., Neptune, Ohio. Mr. Henry .T. McKirnan is a native of Lucas County, Ohio, where lie was born Feb. 14, 1842. His parents were of Irish descent. He was the only son of John and Mary McKirnan, late residents of Centre Township. In December, 1850, John McKirnan came to this county, entered the east half of the southwest quarter of section 9, in Centre Township, and then returned to his home in Lucas County, Ohio. Then, in October, 1851, he returned with his family to this county, made improvements, and settled on his land in Centre Township, where lie died July 2, 1863, highly esteemed and respected by all who knew him. His companion survived him until the 9th day of October, 1875, when shc died in Celina. They reared a family of four children, viz., Mary, Sarah, Henry J., and Margaret J. Mary married P. Bird in 1853, and died in 1854 in Lucas County, Ohio. Sarah and Margaret J. are living on the home-farm with their brother. Henry J. McKirnan at the age of fifteen years was compelled to take charge of the farm on account of his father's sickness. lie faithfully discharged his duties on the farm, looking after the business and assisting in the farming for several years, or until about one year after his father's death. He then left the farm in care of a trusty hand in 1864, and took a trip to Philadelphia, where lie engaged at mill wrighting and carpentering about one year, and then returned home and took charge of the farm again, which he has since conducted successfully. In 1867 he engaged in the marble business in St. Marys in company with Joseph Flanery, and remained a partner in the business about eight years. In the fall of 1874 lie was elected to the office of sheriff of Mercer County, and took charge of the office on the 4th day of January, 1875. In the fall of 1870 he was again .nominated by acclamation, and elected to the same office by a large majority, served the second term faithfully, and retired from the office in January, 1879, with all the honors of having faithfully and impartially discharged all the duties devolving upon him as sheriff of the county. He then returned with his family to his .farm in Centre Township, where lie is now residing and giving all his attention to farming and breeding fine cattle. In the spring of 1879 he was elected treasurer of Centre Township. June 10, 1875, he married Miss Julia A. Kane, then of Butler County, Ohio, born in 1651. They have a family of two children—one son and one daughter. Mr. McKirnan is considered one among Mercer County's most energetic citizens and best business .men, to Whom many come for counsel and advice on business transactions. STEPHEN HOWICK was born in England November 5, 1812. In 1831 he emigrated to America, and landed at Quebec, and from there direct to Mail̊, New York, and thence to Lancaster, Ohio. Here he engaged in making and laying brick, in which business he was occupied till the fall of 1835. He then came to St. Marys and remained there until 1837, when he moved to this township and settled on eighty acres of land. He is one of the most industrious farmers in the township, and by good management has become one of the largest landholders. He has added to his possessions until he has acquired three hundred and twenty acres, after providing for some of his children. In 1835 lie was married to Eve Minart, by whom he has had eight children, five of whoM are living, named as follows: David, George, Robert, and Daniel. David married Maria Lehman, and lives in Centre Township; Jacob is married, and resides in Kansas; George married Fannie Cantwell, and Robert married Mary Real; the last two sons also settled in Centre Township. HISTORY OF VAN WERT AND MERCER COUNTIES, OHIO - 379 G. W. RAUDABAUGH was born in Logan, Hocking County, Ohio, July 2, 1818.. His parents came from Pennsylvania to Ohio in the year 1802. They are dead, his father dying in 1840 and his mother in 1879. While the subject of this sketch was in his infancy his parents moved to Fairfield County, where Mr. Raudabaugh was reared to manhood. In 1842 he carne to Mercer County, but spent the winter of 1842-3 in Champaign County, and finally in March, 1843, returned and settled in Hopewell township and engaged in farming. The same year he was elected a justice of the peace, in which capacity he served until 1847, when he was appointed an associate judge of the county, which office he held until it was abolished by the constitution of 1851. In 1852 he was again elected a justice of the peace of Hopewell Township, and served until 1855, when he was elected county auditor, and filled that office two terms. In 1860 he was elected county treasurer, and reelected in 1862. In 1864 he moved to his present residence in Centre Township, and upon the expiration of his term of office treasurer in 1865 he was again elected a justice of the peace. This he resigned to accept the appointment of county treasurer to fill an unexpired term of about eighteen months occasioned by the death of that officer. From the expiration of this term he served as deputy county treasurer until 1876. In this year the people of the county elected him as their representative in the Ohio Legislature, which office he filled one term. His life has been a busy one and full of honors, and displays a. remarkable confidence placed in him by his fellow-citizens. On May 18, 1843, he married Catharine Roberts, by whom he has had ten children, named Frank, William I., John, Polly, Albert, George S., Joshua R., Edward, Richard, and Lillie. REV. GILES P. SPICER was born. in Miami County, Ohio, October 15, 1827. He is a son of Samuel S. and Mary Ann Spicer, who moved. to Mercer County with their family in 1835, with whom was the subject of this sketch. His father was a local minister in the M. E. Church, and while attending Twelve-Mile Creek camp 'meeting in 1835, took cold from exposure, and died. He was one of the first settlers, and the family was left to undergo the privation, suffering, inconvenience, and hard labor common to the early pioneers. No roads, no mill nearer than Piqua, no fruit, and neighbors six and eight miles distant, made life monotonous, which was only relieved by the howl of the wolf and the hunt of wild game ; still they were comforted by the thought that all were on an equality, and free from the aristocracy and selfishness prevalent in the present day. The mother and family of Rev. Giles Spicer moved back to Miami County, but returned to Mercer in 1848. In the year of 1849 our subject united with the M. E. Church at what is now known as Bethel Church, not far from the mouth of Eight-Mile Creek. It was a log which was replaced by a more suitable edifice in 1866. In 1862, Spicer was licensed as an exhorter, and afterwards licensed as a local Preacher, in the mean time pursuing his avocation of farmer. In 1877 he had charge of the Convoy Circuit, Van Wert County ; in 1878 that of Kalida, Putnam County ; in 1879 that of West Cairo, Allen County ; and in 1880-1 was sent to New Hampshire, Auglaize County. Rev. Mr. Spicer has been twice married. The name of his first wife was Ann Elizabeth Spicer, whom he married .June 16, 1850. She died in 1874, leaving him with seven children. In 1877 he married Maggie Green. ZOPHAR WILLIAMS, Retired Farmer. We take plcasure in presenting to the readers of this work a brief sketch of one of Centre Township's early settlers and most prominent and worthy farmers, Zophar Williams, who was born March 3, 1809, in Essex County, New Jersey. In 1819 he came with his parents, Elias and Sarah Williams, to Ohio, and located in Licking County. On the 9th day of May, 18:33, he married Miss .Elizabeth O. Pumphrey, of Licking County, by whom he had four children, one of whom died in infancy. One, Stephen C., was killed in the charge (hiring the battle of Mission Ridge, on the 9th day of November, 1863. The other two children, Robinson T., and Sarah E., are yet living. Mrs. Williams deceased October 25, 1841. Mr. Williams remained a Widower about four years, or until the 4th clay of September, 1845, when he Was united in marriage with Miss Cynthia Martin, then of Licking County, but born in Washington County, Ohio, May 17, 1815, and came With her parents, Charles H. and Mary Martin, to Licking County, Ohio, in the fall of 1815. Mr. and Mrs. Williams migrated to Mercer County in 1847, and located in Centre. Township, on the land where they now reside. His first improvement was a log cabin, which served them as a place in which to live for a number of years, when he then erected a larger and more comfortable residence. By his last marriage he had four children, two of whom died when, very small, and the other two, John E. and Mary J., are yet living. John E. is married, and lives on the home-farm with his parents. SAMUEL DAVIS, deceased, was born in Rutland County, Vermont, in May, 1784, where he grew to .manhood on a farm. He emigrated to New York State, where he married- Miss Laura Spicer, of that State; in 1813. They remained in. York State about four years after marriage, or until the spring of 1817, when they migrated to Ohio, and located in Cincinnati. They lived in Cincinnati and in different counties in southern Ohio until April 19th, 1834, when they came to Shelby County, remained until the 1st day of September of the same year, and then came to Mercer County. They settled in Union Township, on a part of section 35, where they remained until 1861, when they moved to Centre Township, and passed the remainder of their days with their son, Samuel Davis. Mrs. Davis died April 1st, 1866. Mr. Davis departed this life November 10th, 1868. Mr. D. served in the war of 1812, and received a land warrant for the services rendered.. He was considered one among Mercer County's most worthy pioneers, and left the world honored and esteemed by all who knew him. He followed farming as his principal business through life. He reared a family of six children, viz., Samuel, Laura, Justice B., James C., Mary, and Eliza, all of whom married and reared families. Laura is now deceased. SAMUEL DAVIS, oldest son of the above-named Samuel Davis, deceased, was born in Ontario County, New York State, on the 5th day of October, 1814. He came to Ohio with his parents in 1817, and after passing several years in Southern Ohio, they came to this county in 1834, and located in Union Township. On the 12th day. of April, 1835, he married Miss Elizabeth Murlin, daughter of John and Sarah Murlin. Miss Murlin was born in Ontario County, New York, June 11th, 1811, and came to this county with her mother (her father being dead) in 1832, and settled in Union Township on a part of section 35, where Mrs. Murlin passed the remainder of her days. Mr. and Mrs. Davis settled in Centre Township shortly after their marriage, on eighty acres of the quarter section in section 3, which now comprises his well improved farm. He purchased the other part of the same quarter section in 1850, and at this time he owns a part of another quarter section there, and some land in section 2, Centre Township. His first improvement on his land was the erection of a cabin, which served them as a residcnce for a number of years, when a larger and more comfortable dwelling was erected. He has made farming and stock-raising his avocation through life. His companion died October 2, 1854, leaving seven children to his care-four sons and three daughters all of whom are yet living. He then married Miss Elizabeth, daughter of Thomas and Elizabeth Nolan, born in Miami County, Ohio, December 19, 1827, and came. to this county in 1835 with her parents, who settled on the southwest quarter of section 3, Centre Township. By this marriage he has three children -two sons and one daughter. His son Owen Davis served three years in the war of 1861, and his son John served nearly four years in the same war, and was discharged from the service at the close of the war. He ranks among the leading farmers in Mercer County. ANDREW J. FAST, Farmer P. O.. Neptune, Ohio was born in Fairfield County, Ohio, December 23, 1828. His father, Abraham Fast, was born in Redstone, Fayette County, Pennsylvania, in 1804, and when yet a small boy he came with his parents to Ohio, and located in Fairfield County, where he grew to manhood, married, and reared a family. In 1854 he came with his family to this county, and located on the land in section 6, Centre' Township, now owned by Wesley Zealhard, where he died in September, 1874. His wife, Mary Fast, née Ginter, was born in Pennsylvania in 1808, and died in Centre Township, Mercer County, Ohio, ia September, 1874. They reared a family of ten children—nine sons and one daughter—all of whom are yet living. The subject of this sketch, Mr. A. J. Fast, married Miss Maria D. Thomas, February 6th, 1851. Miss Thomas was born in Maryland, January 26, 1826, and came with her parents, David and Elizabeth Thomas, to Ohio, and located in Fairfield County in 1834. Mr. and Mrs. Fast settled in Fairfield County; remained until 1853, when. they came to Mercer County, and located on land now owned by D. Ginter in Centre Township, where they lived several years, or until 1860, when he purchased and moved on the farm where they now reside, in section 14, Centre Township, about one mile north of Neptune.. He served about four months in the war of 1861, in the Ohio National Guards. He has made farming his principal vocation. In 1862 he, in company with G. Fast and George W. Thomas, erected a steam saw-mill near Neptune, with a capacity for sawing about 5000 feet per day, which they have operated successfully, manufacturing all kinds of hard-wood lumber. 380 - HISTORY OF VAN WERT AND MERCER COUNTIES, OHIO. BENJAMIN P. LAPLAND, Farmer; P. O., Celina, Ohio. On the nth day of February, 1809, Mr. Layland was born in Lancaster County, Pennsylvania. His education was that obtained in the common schools of his minority days. In 1827, his father being dead, he came with his mother to Ohio and located in Fairfield County, where his mother died. In 1830 he engaged as clerk in a drygoods store in Carroll, Fairfield County, and remained in that business as an employe of the same firm about twelve years. He then turned his attention to farming, in which business he has since been engaged. In 1837 he married Miss Margaret Parker, of Fairfield County, Ohio, born June 21, 1816, and daughter of David and Rebecca Parker. They settled in Fairfield County, remained until 1844, when they migrated to Mercer County and located in Centre Township, on the land where he now resides, it being a part of section 28. There was a small log cabin on the land when they purchased it and a few acres cleared. They reared a family of six children, viz., Perry D. F., Cyrus B., John W., George M., Emeline E., and Rebecca J., all of whom are now living except Emeline E., who died in November, 1876. Mrs. Layland died October 7, 1877. His son Perry D. F. served about one year in the war of 1861. He went out with the Ohio National Guard, served four months, then re-enlisted and served until the close of the war. Mr. Layland is still looking after the business of his farm, and is enjoying good health for a man of his years. DANIEL BEOUGHER, Farmer; P. O. Celina, Ohio. Among those who are widely known and highly esteemed by the people of this county, is he whose name heads this sketch. Prominently connected with the material interests of the county, and especially of his own township, which he labored in a signal manner to promote and im prove. Mr. Beougher was born on the 18th day of December, 1827, in Hocking County, Ohio, where he grew to manhood, on a farm, and he made farming his avocation through life. In 1848 he married Miss Mahala Beary, of Fairfield County, Ohio, born in September, 1827, and a daughter of Christian and Elizabeth Beary. Mr. and Mrs. Beougher came to Mercer County shortly after their marriage and settled on a part of the land in Centre Township, which now comprises his well-improved farm. The improvements on his farm are all the result of his own labor, as the laud was covered with heavy timber when lie came to it. A log house served them as a residence until 1875, when he erected his present frame dwelling, which is a credit to the builder and township in which it is located. Their union resulted in ten children, seven of whom are now living, five sons and two daughters. Mr. Beougher is considered one among the best and leading farmers of Centre Township. JOHN M. WRIGHT was born near Wilmington, Clinton County, Ohio, on the 1st day of November, 1810, where he was reared to manhood on a farm. In October, 1830, he, in company with his parents, Abel and Mary Wright, came to Mercer County, and located in Union Township on Eight-Mile Creek, the war of 1812. to Mercer County, and located in Union Township on Eight-Mile Creek, near where the Bethel Church now stands. There were no improvements on the land when they came to it. They at once erected a cabin, which served them as a dwelling for many years. The land was purchased by Mr. Abel 'Wright, who improved the land, and lived on the farm until 1846, when he sold his farm and moved to Neptune, where he died Al arch 17, 1848, at the advanced age of eighty-one years. His companion departed this life in August, 1840. He served in The subject of this sketch, John M. Wright, purchased and settled on a part of section 36, in Union Township, Dec. 25, 1842, and remained on the same farm for thirty-six years, or until Dec. 25, 1878, when he purchased and moved on the farm in section 1, Centre Township, where he now resides. He has been married twice—first to Miss Caroline Murlin, Jan. 5, 1834, by whom he had two children, viz., Francis M. and Mary J. His companion died Oct. 17, 1843. His second marriage was with Miss Sarah E. Gordon, Feb. 18, 1847. By this union lie had eleven children, nine of whom are now living—five sons and four daughters. He has made farming his vocation through life, and now owns a good farm in section 1 in Centre Township, where he is now living. ENOS HAYES was born in New York State in 1812. He moved to Licking County, Ohio, where he married Miss Amanda Smith, of that county. In 1840 they came to Mercer County, and settled on the land in section 16, Centre Township, now owned by John E. Yocum, where they remained until 1868, when he sold his farm and moved to Carroll County, Mo., where he now resides. They reared a family of children, some of whom are yet living in this township. SMITH TOWNSEND, a native of Bucks County, Pennsylvania, was born on the 14th day of September, 1824, On the farm where his father, Jonathan Townsend grandfather, John Townsend, his great-grandfather, Joseph Townsend and his great-great-grandfather, John Townsend, were born. In 1839 he was brought to Ohio by his parents, Jonathan and Ann Townsend' who located in Columbiana County, where our subject grew manhood. On the 21st day of October, 1846, he married Miss Sidney Garwood of Columbiana. County, Ohio, born September 2d, 1825, daughter of Isaac and Alice Garwood. Mr. and Mrs. Townsend remained in that county until 1852, when they came to Mercer County, and located in Centre Township on the part of section 10 which now comprises their well inn. proved farm, on which they have since lived, and: reared a family of eight children—four sons and four daughters. His first improvement on his land was the erection of a cabin, which served as a residence until 1871, when he erected a frame dwelling. He is a blacksmith by trade, and followed that business as his vocation until his settlement in this county in 1852, when he turned his attention to farming, and has since made farming and stock-raising his avocation. He served about four months in the late war in Company K, 158th Ohio National Guards. He filled the office of township treasurer for Centre Township one year, and the office of township trustee about five years. FREDERICK LUTZ, Farmer, Centre Township; P. O., Neptune, Ohio. Mr. Lutz is a native of Wurtemburgh, Germany, where he was born on the 4th day of December, 1819. His education consists of what could be obtained in the common schools of his native country. He was brought up on a farm, and has made farming his principal avocation through life. June 28, 1846, he was united in marriage to Miss Frederica Hopf. Miss Hopf was born in Wurtemburgh, Germany, July 19, 1819. Mr. and Mrs. Lutz remained in their native country until 1853, when they emigrated to America, landing in New York City on the 1st day of May. From there they continued their journey westward until they reached Eaton, Preble County, Ohio, where they remained about two years, or until the fall of 1854, when they came to this county, and settled in Centre Township on 120 acres of land in section 22, which now comprises their well-improved farm, where they are now living, enjoying all the comforts that a farmer's life can afford. There were 110 improvements on the land when Mr. Lutz came to it, so the improvements are all the results of their hard labor and energy. They have one child, a son, Charles F., who married Miss Elizabeth Beary, of this county, and is now living on the home-farm with his aged parents. LYMAN DIBBLE; deceased, was born in Essex County, New York State, on the 2d day of March, 1804. He was reared on a farm, and made farming his principal vocation through life. On the 7th day of February, 1831, he married Miss Eliza J. Smart, then of Clinton County, New York. Miss Smart was born in Maine, February 7, 1813, and was brought to Clinton County, New York, by her parents in 1816. Mr. and Mrs. Dibble settled in Essex County, New York, remained until 1838, when they migrated to Ohio and located in Champaign County, remained about eight years or until 1846, then came to :Mercer County, and settled in Jefferson Township, remained until 1853, when they removed to Centre Township and settled on the farm ,where Mrs. Dibble is now living. Mr. Dibble died July 24, 1869. They reared a family of four children, viz., Edward A., Charles F., Rebecca, and Fannie A. Edward A. served about nine months in the war of 1861. Charles F. married Miss Ellen Sacy June 1, 1862, who died July 24, 1863. He then married Miss Annie Armantrout, of Jay County, Indiana, by whom he has one child, a daughter. They settled on his mother's home farm, where they are now living, and he is farming the place for his mother. MICHAEL HARNER, deceased, a native of Maryland, was born Jan. 18, 1794. He was a soldier in the war of 1812. Shortly after the close of the war, or about 1816, he moved to Ohio, and located in Ross County, where lie married Miss Hannah Roebuck in 1818. They remained in Ross County about eighteen months, or until September, 1819, when they came to Mercer County, and located in Dublin Township, one-half mile south of where the village of Mercer now stands; remained a few months, then, in 1820, lie entered, made improvements, and moved on 160 acres of the farm now owned by Cyrus Collins, in Union Township, this county, where he passed the remainder of his days. He died Sept. 12, 1870, after having lived a half century on the one farm. He •reared a family of seven children, viz., James, William, Benjamin, Ruel, Michael, Eleanor J., and Susan. Only four of the number are now living—James, Benjamin, Eleanor J., and Susan. Ruel and Michael died in the war of the rebellion. HISTORY OF VAN AVERT AND MERCER COUNTIES, OHIO - 383 WILLIAM BONIFACE,   deceased, was born in Virginia about the year 1802. He came to Clinton County, Ohio, where he married Miss Hannah Wright In 1823 or 1824 they migrated to Mercer County, and located in Dublin Township, near the village of Mercer ; remained several years, or until, in 1.827 or 1828, he entered, made improvements; and moved with his family on the land where Neptune is now located, in Centre Township. He was the first settler within three miles of where the village now stands, except a man by the name of Crawford, who lived one-half mile east of Mr. Bonifield's. He laid out the town of Neptune, and gave it its name. He was the first hotel-keeper in the village, and conducted the business for several years. He was a carpenter by trade, and that, in connection with farming and hotel-keeping, was his avocation through life. He filled the office of justice of the peace of Centre Township for a number of years.   He died January 1st, 1841. His companion survived him until October 6th, 1880, when she died at the ripe old age of seventy-five years.   They reared a family of seven children, viz., Arnold, Mary, Andrew J., Margaret, Abel, Elisha M., and Caroline, only three of whom are now living—Margaret, Abel, and Caroline.   WILLIAM BARRINGTON, Farmer ; P. O., Neptune, Ohio.   Mr. Barrington is a native of Ireland, where he was born Jan. 31, 1811. He emigrated to America, and located in St. Marys, then Mercer County, but now Auglaize County, Ohio, Sept. 1, 1832; remained until February, 1840, when he came to this county, and located on the land which now comprises hiS well-improved farm in Centre Township, one-half mile south of Neptune, in section 22, where he has since resided, and made farming his vocation for forty-one years, highly respected and esteemed by all who know him.   On the 30th day of January, 1840; he married Miss Rosanna Not- tingham' a native of Virginia, where she was born March 5, 1824, and came to St. Marys with her parents in the fall of 1839. By this union he reared a family of eight children, viz., John W., George C., James  P., Ann, Jane, Arahella, William A., and ______ .   George C. served three years in the war of 1861 in the Sixteenth. Ohio Volunteer Infantry, returned home, and is now living in Missouri.   James P. served three years in the same war in the Ninth Ohio Vol- Cavalry, returned home, and is now living in Colorado.   The other six children are living in Centre Township.   AMOS STANBERY   deceased, was a native of Morris County, N. J., where he was born Oct. 4, 187. When at the age of about twelve years he migrated with his parents to Fayette County, Pa., where he remained for a number of years, making 4118 home part of the time in Fayette, and the balance of the time in b Greene County, Pa. Shortly after his marriage he moved to Waynesburgh Greene County, Pa., where he remained many years. He filled the position as clerk of the commissioners of Greene County for seven-cell Years, and also held other positions of trust while in Greene County. In 1840 he moved with his family to Ohio, and located in Centre Township, Mercer County, on the land now owned by John Lumb section 10, on which he cleared away the forests, made improvements, and lived several years, then moved to Auglaize County, Ohio, where he died June 20, 1857.   He was twice married ; first, to Miss Sarah Lutz, by whom he had nine children, but only two of the number are now living, viz., Stanley and Margaret. His companion died Feb. 19, 1850. His second marriage was with Martha A. West, Nov. 23, 1850, who survived him about two years, and then died in 1859.   STANLEY STANBERY,   son of Amos Stanbery, deceased, was born in Waynesburgh, Greene Co., Pa., on the 28th day of February, 1818, where he grew to manhood. lie was educated in the common schools of Waynesburgh. On the 1st day of August, 1839, he was united in marriage to Miss Minerva Bowen, of Greene County, Pa. They settled in Waynesburgh, remained about one year, or until October, 1840, when they moved to Ohio, and located in Centre Township, Mercer County, where they resided a short time, then moved to Indiana State, remained about two years, or until 1844-45, when Mr. Stanbery returned to Centre Township, entered, made improvements, and moved his family on the land in section 15, which now Comprises his well-improved farm, on which he has since resided, and given all his attention to farming, clearing land, and stock-raising. They reared a family of four children, viz., Mary, Sarah, Henry, and Jennie, all of whom are now married and have families.   Mrs. Stanbery died Nov. 16, 1855. Mr. Stanbery then married on the 8th day of April, 1857, Miss Mary L: Harrison, of Zanesville, Muskingum County, Ohio, by whom he has four` children, viz., Charles H., William, Elizabeth A and John H.   JOSEPH B. NEWCOMB,   a son of Miletus and Rhoda Newcomb (deceased), was born in Essex County, New York, Jan. 26, 1829. He came with his parents to Ohio in 1831, and located in Licking County, where he remained until 1841, when he came to this county with his mother, his father being dead, and located in Centre Township, on the land a part of which he now owns, where he grew to manhood.   In 1849 he married Miss Jane E. Piper, daughter of Daniel and Sarah A. Piper. Miss Piper was born in Miami County, Ohio, June 9, 1833, and came to Mercer County with her parents in 1836, and located in Centre Township. Mr. and Mrs. Newcomb settled in Centre Township on a part of his mother's home-place, on which he erected a log cabin, which served them as a place of residence for many years, or until 1870, when he erected a frame residence. There were no improvements on the portion of the quarter section which fell to Mr. Newcomb as his share of the home-place. He at once began making improvements, and at this time has his farm well improved. He has purchased land, and added to what he received from the home-farm, until he has a large tract with about seventy acres, cleared and under cultivation, which is largely the result of his own labor. They have a family of seven children now living—three sons and four daughters.   REV. JAMES DRURY,   deceased, was born in Vermont, July 17, 1797. He migrated to Kentucky, where he married Miss Sibyl Marlin. In 1838 he, with his wife and family, migrated to Ohio, and located in Centre Township, Mercer County, where they passed the remainder of their days. He died in August, 1855. His companion survived him until August 28, 1877, when her death occurred.   He served as justice of the peace and constable of Centre Township for a number of years. He was one of the first Baptist ministers in the county, and assisted at the organization of several churches of that denomination in Mercer and adjoining counties. He reared a family of seven children, viz., Laura F., deceased; Horace M., deceased Samuel M., William L., George N., Sarah S., deceased ; and Walter H.   Laura F. and Sarah S. died in Centre Township ; Horace M. died in the army, June 12, 1864, at Falmouth, Kentucky.   Samuel M., William L., and Walter H. all served in the war of 1861.   Samuel M. was with Sherman on his march to the sea.   JACOB WRIGHT,   deceased, was born in Maryland, on the 24th day of September, 1807. He migrated to Ohio and located in Tuscarawas County, where he married Miss Silva A. Whitney, of that County. They remained in Tuscarawas County until 1852, when they came to Mercer County and located on one-half of the northeast quarter of section one in Liberty Township, where they passed the remainder of their days. Mrs. Wright died February 29, 1867. Mr. Wright survived his companion until May 10, 1879, when he also passed away. They reared a family of eight children, Kezia, Mary J., William C., James W., Margaret, Thomas G., Samuel J., and Annie E. Kezia and Mary J. are now deceased. James W., William C., and Thomas G. served in the late war. William C. and Thomas G. enlisted in Company I of the Thirty-fourth Ohio Volunteer Infantry, served about eighteen mouths, and were discharged at the close of the war.   James W. enlisted in Company F of the Ninety-ninth Ohio Volunteer Infantry, served three years, and was discharged from the service in 1865 at the close of the war.   JESSE KEYSER, Farmer; P. O., Neptune, Ohio.   Mr. Keyser was born in Montgomery County, Pa., June 16, 1816. He is a stone-mason and bricklayer by trade, and that in connection with farming has been his avocation through life.   April 25, 1834, he married Miss Martha Yost, by whom he reared a family of nine children—two sons and seven daughters.   In 1839 they came to this county, and located in Centre Township on the land where they now reside. He now owns a well-improved farm of 160 acres in section 17, with one hundred acres under cultivation, which is principally the result of his own hard labor and industry.   WILLIAM CAIN,   deceased, was born in Virginia Oct. 12, 1821, and came to Mercer County with his father, Aaron Cain, when but a small boy, and located in Union Township. In 1837 he came to Centre Township to live with Benjamin Roebuck, deceased, with whom he remained until 1846. In 1847 he married Mrs. Frances Tullis, née Roebuck, daughter of Benjamin and Elizabeth Roebuck.   Mr. and Mrs. Cain settled on the land in Centre Township in section 18, which now comprises the well-improved farm owned and occupied by his widow, Mrs. Cain, and their son, Joseph R. Cain. He died on the 30th day of August, 1878, highly esteemed by all who knew him.   384 - HISTORY OF VAN WERT AND MERCER COUNTIES, OHIO.   MOSES TOWNSEND,   son of Jonathan and Ann Townsend, was. born in Bucks County, Pennsylvania, March 11th, 1823. He came with his parents in 1832 to Ohio, and located in Columbiana County, where he received a good common-school education, and taught one term of school in Columbiana County and five terms in this county. October the 12th, 1848, he marricd Miss Ellen Harris, of Stark County, Ohio. In 1850 they came to Mercer County, and located in Centre Township on a part of section 10, where they remained several years. He then purchased a part of the northeast quarter of section 9, on which he made improvements and has since resided. They had one child, William W. Townsend.   His companion died September 18, 1877. He then married Miss Eleanor J. Sturgeon, of Auglaize County, Ohio, January 19, 1881.   He served about ten months in the late war in Company I of the 46th Ohio Volunteer Infantry.   He has made farming and stock-raising his principal vocation through life.   LOYAL SPICER,   retired,___ was born in Rutland County, Vermont, July 23, 1797, and was reared in New York State. In 1816 he migrated to Ohio and located in Butler County, remained two years or until 1818 ; lie then moved to Shelby County, and thence to Miami County, where lie remained several years or until February 21, 1835, when he came with his family to Mercer County, and settled on the land in Centre Township now owned by his son Samuel Spicer, where he is now living at the advanced age of eighty-four years, and enjoying reasonably good health for one of his years. He has been married twice; first to Miss Elizabeth Richardson in December, 1819, by whom he had two children, one .son and one daughter. His second marriage was with Miss Sarah Craft, of Miami County, Ohio, June 17, 1830. By this marriage he had two children, Charlotte and Samuel. Charlotte died July 9, 1865. Samuel is living on the home-farm in Centre Township, and is taking care of his father in his feeble days. Mrs. Spicer died August 21, 1865.   JUSTUS B. DAVIS   second son of Samuel and Laura Davis, deceased, was born in Miami County, Ohio, March 18, 1825. He was brought to this county in September, 1834, by his parents, who settled on a part of section 35, in Union Township, where our subject grew to manhood. Sept. 28, 1848, Ire married Miss Susanna Murlin, daughter of Daniel and Sally Murlin. Miss Murlin Was born in Hardin County, Ky., Dec. 26, 1832, and was brought to this county by her parents in 1833, who located in Union Township.   Mr. and Mrs. Davis settled in Centre Township, on a part of the northeast quarter of section 11, on which he made improvements and has since resided, and now lie has one among the best-improved farms in the neighborhood, which is principally the result of his own hard labor.   They reared a family of four children, viz., Sarah, Mary E., Eleanor J., and Sabert S. He served about four months in the late war in Company K, One Hundred and Fifty-sixth Regiment Ohio National Guards.   JOHN E. YOCUM   is a practical farmer and stock-grower—industrious, energetic, determined, and persevering in character. He was born on the 31st day of August, 1833, in Wayne County, Ohio, where he grew to manhood. He is a son of John and Elizabeth Yocum, who came with him to this county in 1854, and settled in Union Township near Mendon.   On the 8th day of July, 1858, Mr. Yocum was united in marriage to Miss Mary M., daughter of Jacob Fronefield, born in Starke County, Ohio, July 13, 1833, and came to this county with her parents in 1839, who located in Union Township. Mr. and Mrs. Yocum settled on a farm near Mendon, remained about ten years, or until 1868, when he purchased and moved on the farm in Centre Township, section 21, where they are now living. They have a family of five children—two sons and three daughters.   WESLEY COPELAND   was born in Greene County, Ohio, November 20, 1825. In February, 1836, his parents moved to what is now Union Township, Auglaize County. The subject of this sketch came to Centre Township in November, 1834, and located on his present home farm. It was then a wilderness, but under the energetic management of Mr. C. it now " blossoms as the rose." lie has added to the original purchase until he now owns three hundred and forty acres of well-improved land, with good buildings. On April 8, 1847, he was married to Mary Ann Perkins, of Auglaize County. Their children were named: Louisa Jane (dead), Elscina, Eli, Sylvester K., William A., Nettie, and Eddie. Elscina married Warren J. Woodson, of Centre Township; Eli married Callie Real, and lives in Dublin Township; the other children are at home.   J. S. RICE, Farmer ; P. O., Neptune.   Mr. Rice was born in Miami County, Ohio, April 27th, 1835. He was brought to Mercer, now Auglaize County, Ohio, in 1836, by his parent: Jacob and Ruth Rice, and located near St. Marys, where he grew to manhood. He was educated in the St. Marys Union School, and foi- lowed teaching as a profession for several years. On the 1st day of September, 1861, he married Miss Margaret Homer, of Union Town. ship, Mercer County, and in 1862 they settled on the land in section 12, Centre Township, where they now reside. In 1862 he enlisted in Company F, 99th 0. V. I., and served until the close of the war. He followed teaching in connection with farming, after his return from the army until 1878, when he retired from teaching, and has since given All his attention to farming.   They have a family of five children-two sons and three daughters.   THOMAS SPANGLER, Farmer ; P. O., Neptune, Ohio.   Mr. Spangler was born in York County, Pa., March 12, 1829. He is a shoemaker by trade, which business he followed about twenty years, and then turned his attention to farming, and has since made that his avocation.   Sept. 3, 1850, he married Miss Sarah Fisher, of York County, Pa. In October, 1857, they migrated to Ohio, and located in Neptune, this county, where they remained until February, 1864, when they moved on the farm in section 13, Centre Township, where they have since resided. They have one child, a daughter. He served about four months in the war of 1861, in. Company K, One Hundred and Fifty-sixth Regiment Ohio National Guards. He has been one of the managers of the Boardof the Agricultural Society of Mercer County for nine years.   C. L. S. SHANKLIN,   deceased, was born in Randolph County, Va., April 12, 1819, where he grew to manhood on a farm. In about 1837 he came to this county with his mother, Mary Shanklin, his father hieing dead, and located in Centre Township. In 1842 he married Miss Martha Roebuck, of Mercer Comity, born in October, 1819. Mr. and Mrs. Shanklin settled in Centre Township on the land in section 4, now owned by their son, James M. Shanklin, where they passed the remainder of their days. TheY reared a family of seven children-two sons and five daughters. His companion died Nov. 15, 1856. He then married Mrs.. Sally Roebuck, nee Murlin, May I, 1860, by whom he had one child, a daughter. Ile died Dec. 31, 1875. He followed farming as his principal vocation through life.   SAMUEL R. CROW,   deceased, was born in Jefferson County, Ohio, Dec. 12, 1806. On the 13th day of May, 1845, he married Miss Sarah Snodgrass, of Ohio County, W. Va., born Sept. 26, 1824.   They settled in West Liberty, W. Va., remained until April, 1853, when they migrated to this comity, and located in Centre Township the land in section 15, now owned and occupied by his widow, and children. Mr. Crow died on the 24th day of May, 1867, honored and respected by all who knew him.   He left a family of six children, viz., Mary R., Rebecca St., John S., William A., Samuel R., and Sarah S. to mourn the loss of a kind and indulgent father.   CASPER SHNARRE, Farmer ; P. O., Neptune, Ohio.   Mr. Shnarre is a native of Prussia, where lie was born Oct. 8, 1817. He served four years in the Prussian army. In 1845 he emigrated to America, and located in Cincinnati, where lie married Miss Mary Roder, Oct. 21, 1847. They remained in Cincinnati until April 9, 1856, when they came to this county, and located in Centre Township on a part of section 14, which now comprises their well-improved farm, where they have since resided, and followed farming as their avocation. They have a family of seven children—three sons and four daughters. He is industrious, energetic, and enterprising, and is considered one among Centre Township's leading farmers.   JAMES W. WRIGHT,   second son of Jacob Wright, was born in Tuscarawas County, Ohio, November 3, 1843, and came to this county with his parents in 1852, and located in Liberty Township, where his boyhood days were spent on a farm. August 13, 1862, lie enlisted in Company F, Ninety-ninth, Ohio Volunteers, and served until the war closed. On the 20th day or June, 1869, he married Miss Sarah Beougher, born in Fairfield County, Ohio, August 12, 1850, and came to this county with her parents, Daniel and Mary A. Beougher, in 1868, and located in Liberty TownshiP.   Mr. and Mrs. Wright settled on the farm in Centre Township, whet: they now reside, two miles west of Neptune, in section 16. They hay five children, two sons and three daughters. Farming is his avocation.   HISTORY OF VAN WERT AND MERCER COUNTIES, OHIO - 387   JAMES MALICK, Farmer, Centre Township; P. O., Neptune, Ohio.   Mr. Malick was born in Clinton County, Ohio, on the 1st day of September, 1834. He was brought to this county in September, 1847, by his parents, Uriah and Chloe Malick, who located in Union Township on land in section 25, now owned by Hugh Hamilton, where the subject of this sketch grew to manhood. On the 29th day of March, 1857, he married Miss Matilda Patterson of Mercer County, born in Centre Township Nov. 8, 1837, and daughter of Hcnry and Margaret Patterson. They settled in Centre Township on the farm where they have since resided. A part of this farm is in section 10 and a part in section 11. They have five children-two sons and three daughters. In June, 1863, he enlisted in Company K, Eighty-eighth Regiment Ohio Volunteer Infantry, served until the close of the war, and was discharged from the service on the 4th clay of July, 1865, and returned   JAMES M. SHANKLIN, Farmer ; P. O., Neptune.   Mr. Shanklin is the eldest son of the aforesaid C. L. S. and Martha Shanklin, and was born in Centre Township, Mercer County, 'Ohio, April 26, 1846, on the farm where he is now living. He is a carpenter by trade, and followed that business ten years as his vocation, or until, in 1878, he gave up his trade, and turned his attention to farming, which business het has since conducted with success. In 1864 he served about four months in the army, with Company K, 156th Ohio National Guards. On the 31st day of December, 1874, he married Miss Susan Rider, of Mercer County, born February 3d, 1853, daughter of John and Jane Rider. Mr. and Mrs. Shanklin settled in Centre Township on the land now owned by Philander Davis, in section 1, where they remained until 1876, when they moved on his father's home-farm, where they now reside. They have one child, a son. He now owns the home-farm, which he purchased shortly after his father's death.   UNION TOWNSHIP.   This township comprises an area of thirty-six square miles, and occupies the northeast corner of the county, being bounded on the north by Van Wert County, on the east by Auglaize County, on the south by Centre Township, and on the west by Dublin Township. At the time of organization, in 1828, it comprised the present township of Centre, which was attached for business purposes. The surface is generally level, and is drained by the St. Marys River, which flows from east to West in an irregular course, and Eight-mile Crcek and Twelve-mile Creek, two tributaries of the St. and The soil is fertile and very productive. At the period of scttlement the pioneers had to contend with the Water incident to a level surface, as well as the usual heavy timber of the whole. region. The axe and spade joined hands in reducing a wet and marshy timber region to a high and flourishing state of cultivation. The half-century just passed has produced great changes in all departments of life,. and over a great portion of the field of nature. The same Spirit of change, of destruction, supplemented by construction, has       operated here, transforming the trackless marshy wilderness of fifty years ago into a township of productive farms, teeming with domestic lifc, and traccd by highways fringed with pleasant homes, the foundation of prosperity and happiness—school-houses, the pride and hope of the race and churches, whose spires point upward forever. It is the forward march in the line of progress, keeping step to the music of development. Let us look back upon the actors who laid deep the foundation-stones of this development—to the men who came to an unbroken forest, and planted a strong social and material growth. The year 1822 marks the era of settlement, and we pause to cast a glance at the settlers in the order of their arrival.   Early in 1822 Andrew Coil with his children—Peter, Andrew, Jeremiah, John, Amclia, and Elizabeth and her husband Thomas Parrott—found their way through the almost trackless forest from Fayette County, and settled on the bank of Twelve-mile Creek, building their cabin on the south fraction of section 22. Here they cleared some land and raised some corn and vegetables, which constituted the first crop produced within the township. The next year Mr. Coil laid out a town, which he named Coiltown, and competed with St. Marys and Shanesville for the seat of justice in 1824. St. Marys secured the prize, and Coil-town again became a cornfield. Its owner remained a permanent settler until his death, in 1835. Isaiah Duncan came to the township the same year, and settled on the east fraction of southeast quarter of section 21, where he lived a year or two, and then moved up the river near St. Marys. He had settled on Shane's Prairie, in Dublin Township, in 1818, thus being identified with the county at the date of the land cession by the St. Marys treaty. James Green also came the same year, and lived a year or two on the west half of southwest quarter of section 16, and then left the township. Early in 1823 Michael Harner carne from Dublin Township, where he had settled in 1819, and located on east half of northeast quarter of section 32, where he resided until his death, in 1870. At about the same time John Van Gundy came from Dublin Township, and settled on the east half of southeast quarter of section 32, where he resided the remainder of his life. As already noted, Thomas Parrott came here in 1822. He made his first improvement on west fraction of southeast part of section 21, where he remained until 1846, when he settled on the southwest quarter of northeast quarter of the same section, where he spent the remainder of his life. Mrs. Parrott was a woman of great skill with the sick, and proved of great service among the settlers. Her death occurred in 1865.   Peter Coil married Hester Roebuck in 1824, and located on west half of northwest quarter of section 27, where he resided until his death, in 1841. He served one term as justice of the peace, and was a member of the first board of township trustees.   Andrew Coil, Jr., located on southeast fraction of northeast quarter of section 20 in 1825, where he died in 1854. Jeremiah Coil bought and sold several pieces of land, and finally settled on northeast quarter of section 14, where he died in 1873. John Coil settled on north fraction of section 20, where he resided until his death. Amelia Coil, while yet unmarried, sustained injuries which proved fatal by the falling of a tree.   In 1823 Samuel Harrison built a cabin and cleared a patch of land on northeast quarter of section 20. In 1834 he sold out and moved to section 32, where he died in 1843.   The same year John Heath located on the west half of section 19, and the next year built a horse-mill, which served to crush corn for the whole neighborhood. In 1832 he moved to Van Wert County, where he became a heavy stock-dealer, in which business he was engaged up to the time of his death, when about eighty-seven years of age.   Justin Hamilton moved from Ontario County, N. Y., to Hardin County, Ky., in 1818. In 1820 he married Eliza Rhodes, and in 1823 changed his Kentucky farm for land in this township. The same year he moved to southwest quarter of section 28, and commenced improvements. In 1824 he raised his first crop of corn and planted some apple trees. The outlook at this time was not cheering, for the family suffered dreadfully with chills and fevers, while the cattle all died of an epidemic. In 1825 he was elected justice of the peace for Dublin Township, then comprising the whole north part of the county ; and being re-elected in 1828, he became the first justice of Union Township, as he was in office at its organization. He also held the offices of county assessor and surveyor while Allen and Van Wert counties were included in Mercer. He served several terms in the Ohio Legislature, and afterwards served as associate judge of the Common Pleas Court. He resided upon the same farm originally entered up to the date of his death, which occurred in 1863, he having reached the age of sixty-six years five months and eight days. His children were Isabel, Justus, Lucius, Charlotte (deceased while young), Justin, Lucinda, Emily, and Elmira.   Jacob Van Gundy came here in 1824, and, making his hoMe at his brother John's, devoted his time to hunting until his death, .which was occasioned by an injury received while boating on the St. Marys in 1834.   The same year Achilles Irvin leased land in section 32, where he built a cabin and lived a few years, but finally moved to Indiana.   In 1827 George Wilson and Peter Coil (2d) came from Fayette County, Ohio. Coil located on northwest quarter of section 26, at the mouth of Eight-mile Creek, where he lived until 1868, when he moved to Centre Township, from which he afterwards returned, and located on section 24, in 1875. Wilson located on the school land, but finally moved to section 30; and again in 1833 began improvements in section 26, where lie lived until 1845, when he moved to section 36, where he remained up to the time of his death, which occurred in 1868.   In spring of 1828 Joseph Rider and Asahel Forbes, with their families, came spring Hardin County, Ky. Forbes located on section 28, where he remained until his death. Rider settled on section 21, where he remained until his death in 1850, having attained the age of fifty-two years ten months and four days.   William Hamilton left Ontario County, N. Y., in 1825, and walked to Buffalo. Here he took a schooner for Sandusky Bay (city), and then walked by way of Lower Sandusky (Fremont), Perrysburg. Defiance, Fort Wayne, and Shanc's Crossing to this township, where he joined his brother Justin, and assisted him in moulding and burning the first brick made in the township. The next fall he returned to New York on foot by way of Amanda, Wapakoneta, Bellefontaine, Fort Ball, and Fort Seneca to the lake at Sandusky. Here he took passage by steamer for Buffalo, from where he walked to Richmond, Ontario County, N. Y. In 1827 he married Almira C. Abbey, and in 1848, with wife and child and Aaron Abbey, returned to Ohio by his former route by Defiance and up the Auglaize River, reaching this township Nov. 3, 1828. He then located on east half of southwest quarter of section 26. After paying $100 for his land, he. had $15 left, with which to supply the family and purchase stock and farming implements. The remainder of his life was spent on this farm, except the period from December, 1834, to March, 1836, wHen he acted as salesman for Joseph Skinner at Shane's Prairie, and the period between 1836 and March, 1842, when he kept a general   388 - HISTORY OF VAN WERT AND MERCER COUNTIES, OHIO.   supply store at Mendon. He was the second clerk of the township,- the first postmaster at Mention, and served fourteen consecutive terms as justice of the peace. His children were Polly Ann Shepherd, Lou. Hussey, Hugh, Sally Barber, Isabel Mullin, William, Maria (dec'd), Almira (dec'd), W. Harrison (dec'd), and Susan (dec'd).   Aaron Abbey came in 1828, but never settled permanently in this township. He finally returned to New York, where he died some years since.   Samuel C. Barber, with his wife and two children (Relief and Lucretia), and his wife's brother, Abraham D. Mullin, came from Hardin County, Ky., in November, 1828, and located on section 27, where Barber resided until his death, in 1851, at the age of forty-seven years. His wife died in 1844, and he was married twice afterwards. Murlin made his home at Barber's until 1831, when he entered land on section 35. The next year he returned to Kentucky and married Elizabeth Leazer, and in the fall returned, accompanied by his wife, mother (a widow), and his sisters Elizabeth and Caroline. He remained here until his death, in 1852, aged forty-three years one month and fourteen days. His widow died on the old farm in 1875, aged sixty-three years. His mother and sisters also died here.   Michael Miller and his sister Elizabeth, two orphans, were brought to the township in 1829 by their brother-in-law, George Wilson, and became a part of his family until able to provide for themselves. Elizabeth afterwards returned to Fayette County, but Michael remained a permanent resident.   Abel Wright, with his wife and youngest son John M., came from Clinton County, Ohio, and located on northwest quarter of section 35, where Mr. W. died in 1848 at the advanced age of eighty years. Mrs. W. died in 1840, aged sixty-four years. Their son John married Caroline Murlin in 1834, and located on southwest quarter of section 36. His wife died in 1843, and he afterwards married Sarah Gordon.   During the year 1830 quite a number of settlers arrived, among whom were Isaac Coil, James Coil, Jacob Fultze, and George Parrott. Isaac Coil located on southwest quarter of section 30, where he spent the remainder of his life. James Coil moved to the Duncan cabin, and afterwards to the James Green lease, in section 16, where he lived several. years, and then returned to Fayette County. George Parrott lived with his brother Thomas until he moved to the Fultz cabin, where he remained until 1841, when he sold to Edward Merrick and went to Iowa. Merrick sold to Thomas Upton about five years later and went to Illinois.   In the spring of 1831 Eli Forbes left South Bristol, N. Y., with his family, consisting of his wife and two small children, and came down the Ohio River to Cincinnati, thence up the canal to Troy, where he left his family and household goods until he could come here to his brother for teams to carry them to the township. While lie and his brother were returning to Troy, they were met by a messenger who informed them of the tragic death of Mrs. Forbes. She was really a victim of the absurd stories told of the dangers of frontier life, as she had been made to believe that herself and children would almost surely be murdered by the Indians. While she was thus in dread of the future an incident occurred which completely enervated her. A young man of the family with whom she was staying returned home late at night, and, finding the doors locked, went to the window of Mrs. Forbes's room, which he raised, and entering, passed through to his own room. The shock was so severe that she was wild with alarm during the whole of the next day. Being of a nervous temperament, she could not overcome her fears and excitement, and some young ladies, hearing of her alarm, had her accompany them to their home in the evening to spend the night. While walking along the strect, the young man who had caused her -fright and whose image was fresh upon her mind, overtook them as he walked rapidly along. Mrs. Forbes, turning about, saw him, and exclaiming, "There he comes to kill me !" rushcd frantically down a street leading towards the river bank, off which she threw herself, striking her head upon a rock in her fall, and suffering instant death. After such a tragic bereavement, Mr. Forbes brought his children and goods to his brother, where he lived a few years, and then married and settled on section 28, where he lived several years, and then sold out and moved to Illinois, where he and his wife both died the same year.   Joseph Sidenbender and John Van Gundy came from Ross County, Ohio, in 1831, and built cabins, and did seine clearing on section 21, where Sidenbender remained until the spring of 1832, when he sold to A. M. Barber and moved near Shanesville. Van Gundy remained several years, spending most of his time hunting, and finally went to Indiana. In 1836 his little son, about four years of age, wandered of and became lost, although the fact was not known until night. Several men spent the night searching the woods by the aid of torches, but all without success. In the morning a company of men and boys formed to institute a thorough search. At about three o'clock in the afternoon the child was found sleeping upon a bed of leaves, where lie had evidently spent the previous night.   In the summer of 1832 George M. Shepherd came from Miami County, Ohio, and settled on northwest quarter of section 25, where he resided until 1845, when he moved to Indiana, and later to Illinois, where he and his wife died several years since. Mary Ann Miller, wife of Michael Miller, and James Shepherd, lire the only surviving children in this county. The same season Amos M. Barber came from Hardin County, Kentucky, and bought the Sidenbender tract and entered other land in section 21, where he spent the remainder of his life. During the year Eli Cook became a resident, and built a house on the east bank or Tweive-mile Creek. He also built a store and kept supplies about two years. In 1839 he sold to Philip Meeker, and moved to Knox County, His wife dicd while living in Michigan, and he returned here and made his home with his son William until his death in 1868.   In 1832 Richard Palmer bought the John Heath land and moved from Miami County, Ohio. Here he entered and purchased other tracts, and continued a resident until his death which occurred in 1852. His wife had previously died. His daughter Hulda and two sons Thomas and Joseph now occupy the old homestead.   William Cook came to the county with his father and first settled on northwest quarter of section 2 Centre Township, but sold out about two years later and came to southwest quarter of section 26 and southeast quarter of section 2.7, where his death occurred in 1874.   James Wright came from Kentucky in 1832. He was a native of New York. He first iodated on northwest quarter of section 35, where he remained till after the death of his wife, which occurred in 1845, when he sold to William Hamilton and returned to Kentucky. The same winter James. Smith, a Virginian, but latterly from Montgomery County, Ohio, located on northwest quarter of section 25, where he died in 1852. He served as justice of the peace some three terms after 1835.   Early in 1833 John D. Hundley came from Fayette County, Ohio, and settled on the north fraction of section 20, where he remained a permanent resident. He was greatly devoted to hunting and trapping. The Same season Henry and Samuel Parrott, also from Fayette County, settled in this township. Henry located on northeast quarter of section 25, where he lived until about 1839, when he moved to Iowa, where he died some years since. Samuel settled on southeast quarter of section 23, where he remained until 1846, when lie traded farms with his brother Thomas, but finally sold out entirely to Dr. Miller and went to Iowa, where he has since died. Leonard Miller came the same season from the same county, and remained here as a hunter until the death of his wife, when he went to Indiana, where he has since died.   About the same time and from the same place came George Rupert and settled on southwest quarter of section 24, where he remained some time and then sold to William Hussey and moved to Auglaize County, where he died in 1877, aged about eighty-six years.   John W. Brown and his son John N., formerly of Ontario County, New York, moved here from Miami County, Iowa, in 1833, and settled on northwest quarter of section 22. Here they put up a wagon re' shop and a blacksmith shop, and engaged Aaron L. Johns as workman. They also erected a log horse-tread-mill, which they operated about two years. In December, 1837, lie moved to Mendon, where he diet in 1839. John N. then moved to Mercer, and finally to Missouri in 1842, where his wife and mother both died, and he went to California.   Edward Upton came from Hardin County, Kentucky, in 1833, and located on northeast quarter of section 35 and northwest quarter where he lived until 1851, when he sold to Henry Patterson and moved to Illinois, where his wife died some years ago. His oldest son, Jo"' still lives in this township.   About the same time James T. Heath, oldest son of John Heath, settled on northeast quarter of section 19, where lie died in 1849. Alfred Bigelow, of Hardin County, Kentucky, also settled on northwest quarter of section 34 the same year, but in 1839 sold out and went to Illinois, where he has since died.   In 1834 Samuel Davis and Benjamin Nolan came from Miami County. Davis settled on northwest quarter of section 35, where he lived until 1863, when he sold to Samuel Hankins, and lived with his son up to the date of his death, occurring in 1868. His wife had died two years earlier. Nolan located on northwest quarter of section 34, and remained there until 1842 or 1843, when he sold out and went to Indiana. Late the same season Abraham Abbey came from Ontario, New York, with his wife and child, and lived on several tracts of land until 1838. when he sold to Thomas Upton and returned to New York, where he has since died. Thomas Upton had just come from Hardin County, Kentucky, and was yet unmarried. He taught school during the winter, and worked at clearing land in summer. He returned at once to Kentucky, where lie was married, and brought his wife to this township, and permanently located on east half of southeast quarter of section 35 in 1839.   In 1834 James Watts moved to east half of section 25, where an improvement was already made. He was a cooper by occupation, and came from Montgomery County, Ohio. Remained here working at his trade in bad weather, but giving his chief attention to the improvement of his land up to his death in January, 1843.   William McMichael came at same time from same plate, and settled on northeast quarter of section 26, where he lived a few years .and sold out, when he moved to section 11, where he spent the remainder of his life.   Daniel Murlin moved here from Hardin County, Ky., the same year,   HISTORY OF VAN WERT AND MERCER COUNTIES, OHIO - 393   and settled on northwest quarter of section 33, where he remained up to his death, which occurred in 1875.   In spring of 1835, John TomlinSon moved here from Madison County, Ohio, and occupied the northeast quarter of section 5, where he died in 1846. His son-in-law, John Ross, located at the same time on northwest quarter of section 5. The same year Wesley A. Parrott came here from Fayette, and was followed the same season by his father, John Parrott, who settled on .northeast quarter of section 25, where he spent the remainder of his life.   Jonathan E. Dutton, from Montgomery County, came here in the fall of 1835, and settled on northwest quarter of section 34, but sold out the next year and built a tannery at Mendon, where the remainder of his life was spent. About the same time Resin P. Webb married Lucinda Hays, and settled on southeast quarter of section 31, where he died in 1874.   In the autumn of 1836 John Edge moved from Fayette County to this township, and located on southeast quarter of section 15, where he resided several years, but at length sold out and moved to southwest quarter of section 23, where he still lives.   Early the same year Jacob Panabaker came here from Miami County, and located at Mention (then Guilford), and built a saw- and grist mill on the St. Marys River. Although small, it was of great service to the settlers. In 1841 he traded the mill to Benjamin Griffin, Jr., for land in section 12.   Elhanan Porter, a carpenter and millwright, came about the same time, and helped Panabaker in building the mill. He then entered land. in section 21, but soon left the township.   Adam Panabaker carne also in 1836, and located on southwest quarter of section 29, where he died in 1861.   The same spring Asa Presho, formerly of New York, came here, and the following year located on southwest quarter of section 33, where he died in 1857.   Job Harmon moved from Miami County the same season, and settled on southwest quarter of section 7, where he lived one year, when, selling out, he went to Missouri.   Nathan Perry also came from Miami County this year, and settled on southeast. quarter of section 26, where he lived until 1844, when he went to Indiana.   Eleazur S. Wright, from same place at same time, settled on north- west quarter of section 22, where he remained daring his life.   Robert Mortimore came at same time from Madison County, Ohio, and located on northwest quarter of section 5. He was a wheelwright, and devoted considerable time to making chairs, spinning-wheels, and reels for the settlers here.   In February, 1837, Christian and John Gist came to the township. John located on east half and Christian on west half of northwest quarter of section 15, but both sold out and took leases on the school section. They both died some years since.   The same spring Jacob Peterman moved here from Coshocton County, and settled on northwest quarter of section 17. The next year, while assisting the raising of the first bridge across the St. Marys, at Mendon, he fell dead by a stroke of apoplexy.   Samuel Ross came from Miami County, and made improvements on southeast quarter of section. 22, where he spent the remainder of his   Christian Wertz came from Preble County, and settled on northwest quarter of section 36. He was a potter, and worked part of the time at this trade ; still resides on same farm.   The same year William Murlin and Samuel Shepherd came from Mr,. din County, Ky. Murlin located on southeast quarter of section 34, and Shepherd on southwest quarter of section 35.   This year David P. Protsman came here from Montgomery County, and settled on northeast quarter of section 18, which he subsequently sold, but still remained in this township. He now resides on section 18.   Daniel Arnold and John Hines, formerly of Pennsylvania, came from Wayne County, Ohio, at this time. Arnold settled on southeast quarter of section 13, and Hines on northeast quarter of same section.   Late the same year Michael Deniston came in, and lived a short time with his son-in-law.   Isaac Lamunion came from Hardin County, Ky., late in 1837, and, after changing about some time, finally became a permanent resident on southwest quarter of section 25, where he still resides.   In 1838 John B. Hickernell came from Wayne County, Ohio, and settled on southeast quarter of section 10. He was a tailor, and worked chiefly at his trade.   Jacob Sheaver, of Pennsylvania, located on southwest quarter of section 15 in 1838, but at length sold out and moved to section 22, where he died some years since.   James Anderson, also of Pennsylvania, came at same time and settled on southeast quarter of section 17, but finally moved to Van Wert.   John Pride of Licking County, came in this year, and located on northwest quarter of section 1, where he died a few years ago. He was a weaver, and worked largely at his trade.   Robert Platt came here and located on southeast quarter of section 16, but finally went to Illinois.   John Protsman came here from Montgomery County in 1838, and settled of southeast quarter of section 18, where he spent the remainder of his life.   In 1839 William Hussey came from Highland Co., Ohio, and settled on southeast quarter of section 24, where he died in 1865.   Everett Sinclair came here with Hussey, and bought land of B. Griffin, bat after a few years went to Indiana.   John M. Toland, of Miami County, came here the same season, and settled on northeast quarter of section 36, where he remained until about 1844, when he sold out, and soon after moved to Indiana. His brother Allred came here in winter, but died soon after, and his family returned to Miami County, Ohio.   In 1840 Jacob Krugh came from Wayne County, Ohio, and settled on section 17, but a few years later moved to southwest quarter of same section, where he lived until 1875, when he moved to Celina.   George Fireovid moved here about the same time, and bought the west half of south quarter of the section..   In 1840 Robert H. Dunathan, a son-in-law of John Protsman, commenced an improvement on east half of northeast quarter of section 18, and continued a permanent resident until his death. He served as justice of the peace, and one term as commissioner of the county. He was a native of Franklin County, Pa., from where he moved to Dayton, and afterwards to Sidney, Ohio. From Sidney he carne to this county, where he spent the remainder of his life.   Joseph Severns came here from Miami County, Ohio, and located on northwest quarter of section 12, where he became a permanent resident.   But we must pause: we have reached 1840, and find settlers scattered throughout the township. We have recalled those pioneers, noted their arrival, and stated their nativity. They came from New York, from Pennsylvania, from Virginia, but especially from Kentucky and the older counties of Ohio,. They followed closely in the wake of the red man, whose tracks were yet fresh, and whose shadow was yet visible as he pursued his way towards the west after his cession of lands by the treaty of St. Marys.   His retreating form bad scarcely disappeared from view when the settlers approached from the south and east. Instead of bows and arrows, they were armed with axes and spades instead of chasing wild beasts, they cleared away the forests and instead of fishing in the murky streams, they cultivated the soil. They were a different people, who, instead of subsisting by hunting and fishing, threw away the rifle and hook, and wooed the virgin soil, until from her abundance she lavished upon them the necessities and comforts which they craved. Even this required time, for the soil is coy and modest, and must first be wooed and won—wooed by kindness and won by industrious worth. That these qualities wcre possessed by the pioneers of Union Township; that they were frugal, honest, industrious, and determined, is amply attested by the achievements of their lives. They were far removed from luxuries, and necessities were only supplied by hard labor and constant exposure.. Still, they were accustomed to toil, and so neither privation nor labor, nor yet both combined, could rob life of any of its charms. They were not disappointed here: they sought the privilege of carving homes out of the wilderness, and enjoyed that privilege. They sought an opportunity to provide a home for their children, and embraced that opportunity here. They did more: they builded better than they knew ;—they laid the foundation of a new community, and gave expression to the laws of a new social fabric ; they laid the foundation of a local society, of its enterprises, industries, and institutions, with the hopes that cluster and linger about them. Their impress is upon the township to-day, and their character may be largely read by a contemplation of the social, industrious, enterprising, and intelligent citizenship of Union Township.   " Their history is written In their race., and like the stars They quietly fulfil their destiny."   Civil Organization.   The north part of the county was originally comprised in Dublin Township, but, as already indicated, Union Township, with Centre attached for business purposes, was organized in 1828.. Pursuant to local notice, the electors of Union Township met for the first time at the school-house in the township, on the 20th day of December, 1828, and proceeded to an election of the several township and school-section officers as were designated by law. On counting the ballots it appeared that the following persons were severally elected to the offices prefixed to their names: Trustees, Benjamin .Roebuck, Andrew Coil, Jr., and Peter Coil. Clerk, Justin Hamilton. Treasurer, George Wilson. Trustees of School Lands, Samuel Hanson, Peter Coil, and Justin Hamilton. Treasurer of School Lands, Michael Hamer. Constable, Samuel Hanson. Overseers of Poor, John Van Gundy and Thomas Parrott. Fence Viewers, Peter Coil and Justin Hamilton.   The same day the several officers elect appeared and took the necessary oath except Michael Hamer, who was absent, and Justin Hamilton, who took the oath as clerk, trustee of school lands, and fence viewer before John Greaves, a justice of the. peace for Dublin Township.   - 40 -   394 - HISTORY OF. VAN WERT AND MERCER COUNTIES, OHIO.   At the annual election, held at the house of Justin Hamilton, April 4, 1831, the following persons were elected to the offices indicated : Justice of the Peace, Peter Coil. Trustees, Justin Hamilton Andrew Coil, Jr., and Joseph Rider. Clerk and Constable, Win. Hamilton. Treasurer, Michael Hamer. Supervisors, District No. 1, George Parrott ; District No. 2, Justin Hamilton ; District No. 3, Benjamin Roebuck. Overseers of the Poor, Barnabas Coon and Peter Coil 2d. Fence Viewers, Jeremiah Coil and I. D. Murlin. .   The election of April 5, 1832, was held at the house of Justin Hamilton, and the following-named officers elected : Trustees, Joseph Rider, Andrew Coil, Jr., and Benjamin Roebuck, Clerk, William Hamilton. Treasurer, Michael Hamer. Constable, S. E. Barber. Fence Viewers, Justin Hamilton, Thomas Parrott, and John Heath. Overseers of Poor, George Parrott, Samuel Hanson, and Benjamin Roebuck welt tied. After drawing cuts, George Parrott and Benjamin Roebuck were duly declared elected.   Trustees of School Lands, Joseph Rider, Abel Wright, and Samuel Hanson. Treasurer of School Lands, Michael Harper. Supervisors, District No. 1, Peter Coil ; District No. 2, Isaac Coil ; District No. 3, Benjamin Roebuck.   Entry : 1829.-The trustees met agreeably to law this day, being the first Monday in March. No accounts being brought forward nor claims laid in against the township, the trustees proceeded to lay the township off in road districts as follows, to wit: The township to be divided into three districts, as follows:-   District No. 1 to include the north part of Township 4 S., R. 3 E. in :Mercer County, as far south as the county road running from St. Marys to Shanesville, and including all the hands living immediately on said road, on either side thereof, which district is to include the said county road as far as it runs through said township, and no other road. Likewise to include all hands between said road and the north line of said township of Union.   District No. 2 to work on the State road from Amanda to Shanesville, so far as it passes through the township of Union, and to include all the hands between the State road from St. Marys to Shanesville, and the county road between the same places, within said township, except the hands residing immediately on the county road on the south side, which hands so excepted are to work on the county road in district No. 1.   District No. 3 to work the State road from St. Marys to Shanesville, so far as it passes through the township of Union, and to include all the hands south of said road, in said township of Union, and including those living on said road.   Attest, JUSTIN HAMILTON, Clerk.   At the election held April 1, 1833, at the house of Justin Hamilton, the following officers were elected : Trustees, Joseph Rider, Benjamin Roebuck, and Andrew Coil, Jr. Clerk, Justin Hamilton. Treasurer, Michael Hamer. Constable, Asahel Forbes. 0 verseers of Poor, Samuel C. Barber and William Hamilton. Fence Viewers, Benjamin Roebuck, Justin Hamilton, and Jeremiah Coil. Supervisers, District No. 1, Peter Coil 2d ; District No. 2, Isaac Coil ; District No. 3, Lorenzo Roebuck.   Special Election.-An additional justice having been granted by the Common Pleas Court, an election was held June 22, 1833, and William Hamilton was chosen by receiving twenty-seven votes, or the full number cast.   An annual election was held at the house of Justin Hamilton, April 7, 1834, with the following result: Justice, John N. Brown. Trustees, Benjamin Roebuck, Abel Wright, and Richard Palmer. Clerk, Justin Hamilton. Treasurer, Michael Hamer. Overseers of Poor, Peter Coil, 2d, and Samuel Parrott. Fence Viewers, Justice Hamilton, Peter Coil, 1st, and Andrew Coil. Constable, Asahel Forbes. Supervisors District No. 1, George Rupert ; District No. 2, Peter Coil, 2d; District No 3, S. C. Barber; District No. 4, Benjamin Roebuck.   At the June session of the county commissioners Centre Township was set apart, and the residence of Benjamin Roebuck falling within Centre Township a vacancy was declared in the board of trustees of Union Township, and Daniel Murlin appointed to fill said vacancy.   The next election was held April 6, 1835, at the house of J. N. Brown. Officers elected : Justice, James Smith ; Trustees, Abel Wright, Richard Palmer, and Daniel Murlin. Clerk, J. N. Brown. Treasurer, Michael Harner. Constables, Asahel Forbes and Samuel Parrott. Fence Viewers, A. D. Murlin, Jeremiah Coil, and Thomas Parrott. Overseers of Poor, Eli Cook and Justin Hamilton. Supervisors, District No. 1, J. N. Brown ; District No. 2, William Cook ; District No. 3, S. C. Barber; District No. 4, John Van Gundy.   Election held April 4, 1836. Officers elected: Trustees, Daniel Murlin, Peter Coil, and George Parrott. Clerk, William Hamilton. Treasurer, Michael Hamer. Constables, Samuel Parrott and Elhanan Porter. Overseers of Poor, Eli Cook and Justin Hamilton. Fence Viewers, James Wright, Thomas Parrott, and Aaron L. Johns. Supervisors, District No. 1, J. N. Brown ; District No. 2, Peter Coil, 2d; District No. 3, A. D. Murlin ; District No. 4, Michael Harper; District No. 5, Z. P. Lott; District No. 6, John Van Gundy.   At the election held April 3, 1837, the officers elect are exhibited by the following list : Justice, William Hamilton. Trustees, Daniel Murlin, George Parrott, and Peter Coil, 2d. Clerk, J. N. Brown. Treasurer, Peter Coil, 1st. Constables, W. E. Panabaker and Samuel Parrott. Overseers of the Poor, Eli Cook and .Justin Hamilton. Fence Viewers, Nathan Perry, Thomas Parrott, and James Wright. Supervisors, District No. 1, Samuel Parrott; District No. 2, George Wilson ; District No. 3, Edward Upton ; District No. 4, Justin Hamilton ; District No. 5, J. E. Dutton ; District No. 6, John Van Gundy; District No. 7„T, D. Hundley. School Examiners, J. Hamilton, Samuel Thatcher, and James Smith. School Land Trustees, Peter Coil, 2d, S. C. Barber, and J. N. Brown. School Land Treasurer, no votes cast.   Election held at Guilford, April 2, 1838. Trustees, A. D. Murlin, George Parrott, and J. T. Webb. Clerk, Justin Hamiltom. Treasurer, Peter Coil. Constables, Asahel Forbes and Amos M. Barber. Supervisors, Samuel Parrott, John Coil, 2d, Richard Tomlinson, Andrew Coil, Peter Coil, 2d, J. N. Wright, Asa Presho, Achilles Irvin. Overseers of Poor, Justin Hamilton and Eli Cook. Fence Viewers, A. D. Murlin, Gorge Parrott, and John Fish.   Election April 1, 1839, held at Mendon. Trustees, George Parrott, Isaac Lamunion, William Murlin. Clerk, Justin Hamilton. Treasurer, Peter Coil. Constables, Samuel Parrott and A. M. Barber. Overseers of the Poor, J. N. Brown, Justin Hamilton. Fence Viewers, William Hamilton, A. L. Johns, Thomas Parrott. Supervisors, E. S. Wright, Robert Platt, John Ross, Thomas Parrott, Nathan Perry, A. D. Justin Hamilton, Greenly Roebuck.   Election held at Mendon April 6, 1840. Trustees, E. S. Wright, John Bolton, Thomas Upton. Clerk, Justin Hamilton. Treasurer, Peter Coil. Constables, J. F. Tomlinson, Daniel Arnold. Overseers of Poor, J. Hamilton, Daniel Murlin. Trustees of School Land, William Hamilton, William Murlin John Tomlinson. Fence Viewers, Samuel Parrott, S. C. Barber, J. G. Wright. Supervisors, E. S. Wright, J. B. Hickernell, John Ross, Isaac Lamunion, James Bolton, Samuel Shepherd, Michael Hamer, Wesley Hanson.   Election April 5, 1841, held at Mendon. Justice, James Smith. Trustees, John Bolton, John Protsman, Isaac Lamunion. Clerk, Justin Hamilton. Treasurer, Peter Coil. Constables,• A. L. Johns, Daniel Arnold. Overseers of Poor, J. Hamilton, And mew Coil. Fence Viewers, Thomas Parrott, S. C. Barber.   Election held at Mendon, April 4, 1842. Trustees, John Protsman, John Bolton, Andrew Coil. Clerk, James Harney. Treasurer, Peter Coil. Constables, Samuel Parrott, George Wilson. Overseers of Poor, J. Hamilton, Daniel Murlin. Fence Viewers, J. 0. Miller, James Anderson, A. M. Barber.   Election held at Mendon, April 3, 1843. Trustees, Andrew Coil, John Bolton, John Protsman. Clerk, James Hamner. Treasurer, Peter Col. Assessor, Peter Coil. Constables, James Harney, Samuel Parrott. Overseers of Poor, J. Hamilton, Daniel Murlin. Fence Viewers, S. C. Barber, A. M. Barber, Lewis Tomlinson.   Election held at Mendon, April 1,1844. Trustees, Andrew Coil, James Smith, R. H. Dunathan. Clerk, Daniel Marlin. Treasurer, Peter Coil, Assessor, Robert Mortimer. Overseers of Poor, Thomas Upton, Amos Barber. Constables, W. E. Panabaker, Jacob Johnston.   Election held in Menden, April 7, 1845. Trustees, Robert H. Dunathan, Lewis Culver, Simon Ross. Clerk. A. L. Johns. Treasurer, Peter Coil. Assessor, Litman Prichard. Constables, A. M. Barber, Daniel Arnold. Overseers of Poor, J. Hamilton, Daniel Murlin. School Land Trustee, William Hussey.   Election held April 6, 1846, at Mendon.. Justice, Wm. Hamilton. Trustees, Andrew Coil, Peter Siler, Christian Wertz. Clerk, J. Hamilton. Treasurer, Peter Coil. Assessor, Laman Prichard.   Election held at Mendon, April 5, 1t47. Trustees, Wm. Cook, Daniel Murlin, John Fryer. Clerk, James Smith. Treasurer, Win. :Hamilton. Assessor, Litman Prichard. Trustees of School Land, A. M. Barber, Michael Denison, Peter Siler. Justice, Robt. E. Dunathan.   Election April, 1848. Trustees, John Protsman, Thomas Upton, Christian Wertz. Clerk, James Smith. Treasurer, Win. Hamilton. Assessor, Laman Prichard.   Election April 2, 1849. Justice, Wm. Hamilton. Trustees, John Protsman, A. D. Murlin, Win. Cook. Clerk, James Smith. Treasurer, Wm. Hamilton. Assessor, Laman Prichard.   Election held April 1st, 1850. Justice, R. H. Dunathan. Treasurer, William Hamilton. Trustees; John Protsman, Wm. Cook, B. D. Strother. Clerk, Win. Nelson. Assessor, Wm. Nelson.   Election held April 7, 1851. Trustees, Daniel Murlin, Everett Sin-Clair, B. D. Strother. Clerk, W. C. Nelson. Treasurer, J. H. Harbison. Assessor, NV. C. Nelson.   Election April 5, 1852. Justice, Wm. Hamilton. Trustees, B. D. Strother, John Edge, Isaac Lamunion. Clerk, J. F. Tomlinson. Treasurer, J. H. Harbison. Assessor, C. F. Nelson.   Election held April 4, 1853. Justice, J. F. Tomlinson, 103 votes Trustees, Isaac Lamunion, 86 votes ; John Edge, 95 votes ; J. F. Tomlinson, 119. votes. Clerk, James Shepherd, 116 votes. Treasurer, J. H. Harbison, 127 votes. Assessor, C. F. Nelson, 125 votes.   Election held April 3, 1854. Trustees, Joseph Tomlinson, Isaac   HISTORY OF VAN WERT AND MERCER COUNTIES, OHIO - 397   Lamunion, Daniel Murlin. Clerk, Creed F. Greer. Assessor, John H. Harbison.   Election held April 4, 1855. Justice, Wm. Hamilton, 121 votes. Trustees, Justin Hamilton, 117 votes; D. P. Protsman, 116 votes ; Samuel Nichols, 114 votes. Clerk, Austin Barber, 119 votes. Treasurer, J. F. Tomlinson, 121 votes.. Assessor, Isaac Chevington, 120 votes.   Election held April, 1856. Trustees, Samuel Nichols, Orlando Murlin, Christian Wertz. Assessor, Isaac Chevington. Clerk, Isaac Chevington. Treasurer, A. L. Moncriff.   Election held April 5, 1858. Trustees, John Bolton, Samuel Nichols, Henry Patterson. Assessor, Isaac Chevington. Clerk, Austin Barber. Treasurer, A. S. Moncriff.   Election held April 4, 1859. Justice, Joseph May. Assessor, Isaac Chevington. Trustees, John Bolton, Samuel Nichols, Joseph Tomlinson. Clerk, Austin Barber. Treasurer, A. S Moncriff.   Election held April 1, 1861. Trustees, Joseph Hesser, Christian Wertz, Daniel Murlin. Clerk, Warren Barber. Treasurer, J. H. Hussey. assessor, Isaac Chevington.   Election held April 7, 1862. Trustees, Christian Wertz, J. F. Tomlinson, Wm. Clay. Clerk, Warren Barber. Treasurer, D. J. Davis. Assessor, Isaac Chevington.   Election held April 6, 1863. Trustees, Joseph Tomlinson Christian Wertz, John Parrott. Clerk, Creed F. Greer. Treasurer, D. J. Davis. Assessor, .J. A. Protsman.   Election hcld April, 1864. Justice, Wm. Hamilton. Trustees, Joseph Tomlinson, Christian Wertz, J. H. Parrott. Clerk, Creed F. Greer. Treasurer, D. J. Davis. Assessor, James Shepherd. r Election held April, 1865. Justice, Joseph May. Trustees, Michael Miller J. M. Hussey, J. A. Raudabaugh. Clerk, J. J. Phillips. Treasurer, D. J. Davis. Assessor; James Shepherd.   Election held October, 1865. J. R. Goodwin elected Justice of the Peace.   Election held April 2, 1866. 'Trustees, Daniel Murlin, J. H. Colwell, Michael Miller. Clcrk, J. R. Goodwin. Treasurer, D. P. Davis. Assessor, Orlando Murlin.   Election. held April6, 1868. Trustees, Michael Miller, Samuel Nichols, henry Archer. Clerk, J. H. Patterson. Treasurer, D. J. Davis. Assessor, Orlando Murlin.   Election held April 5, 1869. Trustees, Samuel Nichols, Hugh Hamilton, J. P. Patterson. Clerk, J. H. Patterson. Treasurer, C. B. Collins. Assessor, J. H. Patterson.   Election held April, 1870. Justice, Wm. Hamilton. Trustees, Samuel Nichols, Hugh Hamilton, Henry Clay. Treasurer, C. B. Collins. J. H. Patterson.   Election held April 3, 1871. Trustees, Samuel Nichols, J. F. Tomlinson, J. W. Presho. Clerk, J. J. Phillips. Treasurer, C. B. Collins.   Election held April 1, 1872. Trustees, J. W. Presho, John Small, G. G. Parrott. Clerk, J. J. Phillips. Treasurer, C. B. Collins.   A special election was held June 20, 1872, for the purpose of voting for the construction of a narrow-gauge railroad through the township, and resulted as follows:: Whole number of votes cast, 220 ; in favor of tax, 216; opposed to tax, 4.   Election held April 7, 1873. Trustees, John Small, I. B. Robbins, Justin Hamilton. Clerk, J. J. Phillips. Treasurer, C. B. Collins. Etc   Election held April 6, 1874. Trustees, Henry Clay, Alex. Partner, J. W. Presho. Clerk, S. S. McGee. Treasurer, C. B. Collins.   Election held April 6, 1875. Trustees, Henry Clay, Hugh Hamilton, G. G. Parrott. Clerk, J. W. Ash. Trcasurer, C. B. Collins.   Election held April 3, 1876. Trustees, Henry Clay, J. W. Presho, Samuel Nichols. Clerk, S. S. McGee. Treasurer, C. B. Collins.   Election held April 2, 1877. Trustees, Henry Clay, F. S. Collins, Justin Hamilton. Clerk, J. W. Presho. Treasurer, C. B. Collins.   Election held April 1, 1878. Justice, L. A. Baker. Trustees, Justin Hamilton, Henry Clay, L. F. Lamunion. Clerk, Andrew Ayers. Treasurer, C. B. Collins.   Election hcld April 7, 1879. Justice, J. W. Presho. Trustees, Henry Clay, L. F. Lamunion, Hugh Hamilton. Clerk, Andrew Ayers. Treasurer, C. B. Collins.   Election held April, 1880. Trustecs, Hugh Hamilton, Joseph Tomlinson, N. F. Griffin. Clerk, J. H. Moore. Treasurer, C. B. Collins.   Election held April 4, 1881. Trustees, Justin Hamilton, J. F. Tomlinson, N. T. Griffin. Clcrk, J. H. Moore. Treasurer,. C. B. Collins. Assessor, Philip Hankins. Constables, W. F. Barber, J. W. Ash. Supervisors, names in order of number of districts, J. M. Protsman, Hugh Hamilton, I. B. Robbins, Christian Shearer, L. P. Hays, George Griffin, G. P. Murlin, Henry Clay, Riley Jones, Geo: Fahnestock, Philip Hankins, James Nelson—in all, 13.   Education.   Such is a cursory review of the civil organization and official roster of township from its foundation to the present year. We may now glace for a moment at the educational advantages on a corporative basis. It is not necessary to enter into details in this connection. It is the old story of a rude beginning, a continuous development, and a golden promise. The first building was a log house, built by the volunteer labor of the settlers in 1827 on the northwest corner of the southwest quarter of section 28, being the land of Justin Hamilton. In the winter of 1827 and 1828 a subscription school was taught in this building by J. Hamilton, for which he received $10 per month and boarded himself. Even then he had to accept trade of any and every kind as an equivalent for his wages. In 1829 and 1830 a second term was taught by Henry Hoagland for the same wages, but he boarded among the householders. In the spring of 1831 another log cabin school was built by volunteer aid on the land of Peter Coil, on the west bank of Twelve-mile Creek, on section 27. A first term was taught here by Miss Matilda Freeman, at the rate of $1 per week and boarding free. Another term was taught here in the winter of 1832 and 1833 by William Hamilton at $10 per month. The regular attendance during this term was over 40. This building was used to some extent until a log house was built in Mendon and another near Bethel.   The next school building was erected on the land of John Van Gundy, on Twelve-mile Creek, making the third school-house in the township. Such was the foundation of the school system of the township, being the result of volunteer labor and contribution by the early settlers.   In 1838 we find the auditor's apportionment of school funds for the different districts : District No. 1, $26.764 ; District No. 2, $20.392; District No. 3, $18.692 ; District No. 4, $13.594 ; District No. 5, $11.895 ; District No. 6, $11.045. Total, $102.382.   Report of District No. 2, Sept. 21, 1838. Joseph Santly employed for a term of six months, commencing Nov. 12, 1838, for $100. 1st quarter—number of pupils enrolled, 48 ; males, 30 , females, 18; average daily attendance, 24.5. 2d quarter—enrolment, 44 ; males, 27 ; females, 17 ; average daily attendance, 14.2.   Report, of District No. 4, Sept. 30, 1839. Clerk reported no school taught for the year, no tax raised, and no public moneys received.   Apportionment of school money. for 1839. District No. 1, $27.941 ; District No. 2, $21.288; District No. 3, $19.524; District No. 4, $14.192; District No. 5, $12.418 ; District No. 6, $11.531; Fractional District, $3.548. Total, $110.442.   Apportionment for 1844. District No. 1, pupils, 38; funds, $22.80. District No. 2, pupils, 42; funds, $25.20. District No. 3, pupils, 55; funds, $30.60. District 4, pupils, 35; funds, $21.00. District No. 5, pupils, 37 ; funds, $22.20. District No. 6, pupils, 58 ; funds, $.34.80. District No. 7, pupils, 27 ; funds, $16.20. District No. 8, pupils, 37; funds, $22.20. Total funds, $195.00   Apportionment for 1845. District No. 1, pupils, 35 ; funds, $17.774. Distrust No. 2, pupils, 34; funds, $17.262. District No. 3, pupils, 47; funds, $23.863. District No. 4, pupils, 31 ; funds, $15.739. District No. g, pupils, 33; fends, $l6.755. District No. 6, pupils, 56; funds, $28.432. District No. 7, pupils, 40; funds, $20.309. District No. 8, pupils, 42 ; funds, $21.324. Total funds, $161.458.   Apportionment for 1849. District No. 1, pupils, 34; funds, $17.05. District No. 2, pupils, none; funds, none. District No. 3, pupils, 53; funds, $26.62; District No. 4, pupils, 32 ; funds, $16.05. District No. 5, pupils, 52; funds. $26.10. District No. 6, pupils, 64; funds, $32.10. District No. 7, pupils, 40; funds, $20.06. District No. 8, pupils, 39; funds, $19.60. District No. 9, pupils, none ; funds, none. Total funds, $157.58.   Apportionment for 1850. District No. 1, pupils, 40 ; funds, $21.324. District No. 2, pupils, 24 ; funds, $12.810. District No. 3, pupils, 61 ; funds, $32.552. District No. 4, pupils, 32 ; funds, $ 17.064. District NO. 5, pupils, 49 ; funds, $26.142, District No. 6, pupils, 62 ; funds, $33..082. District No. 7, pupils, .36; funds, $19.202. District No. 8, pupils, 37 ; funds, $19.812. District No. 9, pupils, 13 ; funds, $6.911. Total funds, $188.899.   The enumeration for 1880 shows the following numbers of youths of school age in the limits of the several sub-districts :-   District No. 1, males, 30; females, 34; total, 64. District No. 2 (Tendon), males, 54 ; females, 63; total, 117 District No. 3, males, 28 ; females, 31 ; total, 59. District No. 4, males, 40; females, 32 ; total, 72. District No. 5, males, 33; females, 23; total, 56. District No. 6, males, 49 ; females, 31 ; total, 80. District No. 7, males, 30; females, 24; total, 54. District No..8, males, 25; females, 21: total, 46. District No. 9, males, 33; females, 24 ; total, 57. District No. 10, males, 32 ; females, 30; total, 62. District No.11, males, 31 ; females, 31; total, 62.   Total for all the districts, 729.   Report of the Board of Education for the School Year ending August 31, 1880.