(RETURN TO THE TITLE PAGE) 100 - HISTORY OF MERCER COUNTY grand old "monarch of the forest," and I tried hard to have the woodmen "spare that tree," but they craved the glory of slaying that giant, and I reluctantly yielded assent. It was attacked by eight men, working on four sides, and the whole company assembled near by to witness its fail. It stood in such erect majesty that there was doubt in which direction it would fall, and it was almost cut clear off before it finally yielded to the ruthless axe and came toppling toward the south with a crash which was said to have been heard at St. Marys. .It was 6o feet to the first limb, and in order to saw the trunk into timber it was necessary to split it into quarters. But the frolic ended, supper was served and everything cleared away to give place to the dance. This was kept up by many until morning, when all partook of a hearty breakfast and returned to their homes. There was neither accident nor disturbance occurred to mar the pleasure of the occasion, and all departed with pleasant thoughts of the memorable chopping frolic. The sun looked down approvingly and dried the mud, "a consummation so devoutly to be wished." The timber was first cut and rolled from the road, the brush was piled and burned and fencing and fire timber were procured by all who needed either. Hanley was employed to cut wood for the mill at 3r% cents per cord, and piled up regularly each day five cords of firewood. By spring a large quantity of the timber had disappeared, and grass came "creeping, creeping everywhere." During the fall and winter several new settlers arrived. Vincent Bee-bout, a merchant tailor, came from Fort Recovery. My brother-in-law, John Jay Beach, brought his wife Phebe and their three children here about this time. Being anxious to complete the Court House, my brother moved here, has already intimated, about the 1st of December. A severe winter ensued, and most of the timber calculated for firewood was used from that already fallen. The Public Square was.heavily timbered, and the ground wet. Upon it grew a number of large elm; ash and beach trees. The plat contained five acres, and was yet rather unsightly. We Whigs concluded to celebrate the inauguration of General Harrison by clearing off these grounds. Accordingly, Messrs. Beach, Beebout, Rood, Christian and Benjamin Maurer, Magoon, Henry L. Johnson and myself, concluded to :— Lay the giant forest low, chose the giants in a row ; Cut them down, nor spared a single tree; As they struck the ground below upward our glad shout would go, And the sunbeams kissed the square in soft but rapturous glee. A few days later, without solicitation, my brother received, through the mail, the appointment as register of the United States Land Office at Lima, AND REPRESENTATIVE CITIZENS - 101 Ohio, and to that town he moved in June. I accompanied him as deputy. The canal lands were now offiered for sale at $2.50 per acre, and during the summer and winter nearly all the lands were sold. It is a well authenticated fact, that the signature to my brother's commission was the last official act of President Harrison. When John Tyler succeeded to the presidency, he re-appointed my brother, but when the President joined the Democracy, James resigned the position of register. I removed to Mansfield, and my brother to Celina. This latter had then commenced to improve. Mr. Beach built a two-story brick dwelling on lots 238 and 255, fronting on Ash street and adjoining the alley. Benjamin Linzee built a two-story brick on the northwest corner of Main and Anthony streets. Several frame buildings were erected that spring . (1841). In order to hasten the completion of the Court House, situated on the northeast corner of Main and Livingston streets, I glazed the windows as. my contributions to the county. It was finished in time to be occupied at the spring term of the court, at which Judge Holt presided. My brother was elected to represent the district in the Legislature, and took the same seat in the old State House, which our father filled in 1823-24. He accordingly moved to Columbus in 1843, where he resided about three years, when he returned to Celina, and devoted his energies to the development of the county. Afterwards he was nominated and made a gallant contest for Congress in a district hopelessly Democratic. His opponent was . Hon. William Sawyer. James stumped the district, and reduced the Democratic majority from 2,500 to about 1,000. Not long after., his horse took fright, and he was thrown from his buggy and received spinal injuries from which he never recovered. To the foregoing account of the life of Mr. Riley by his brother, we add the following observations : Mr. Riley was born at Middletown, Connecticut, February 20, 1804, and died at Celina, January 1, 1870. In September, 1827, at Alexander, New York, he married Susan Ellis and to them were born six children—three sons and three daughters—all of whom survived him. The eldest son, Dr. William Willshire Riley, is located at Judsonia, Arkansas, where he is engaged in the practice of medicine. He has served in the Arkansas State Senate. Calvin Erastus Riley is a well-known resident of Celina, president of the Commercial Bank Company. James Watson Riley, Jr., the youngest son, who is a resident of Celina, distinguished himself in tlae Civil War. Amelia Ann. the eldest daughter, who is now deceased, was twice married; her first husband, Capt. William McMurray, was starved to death at Andersonville Prison, in the Civil War; she married as her second husband Clark 102 - HISTORY OF MERCER COUNTY Williamson. Susan, the second daughter, is the wife of Hon. E. M. Ashley of Denver, Colorado; she was the first president of the Colorado Federation f Women's Clubs. Mahala, the third daughter, is the wife of Judge A. J. Hodder, a prominent resident of Boston, Massachusetts. Mr. and Mrs. James W. Riley also reared six orphan children. Mrs. James W. Riley survived her husband many years, spending most of the period of her widowhood with her daughter, Mrs. Ashley. Mr. Riley's life was a long, eventful one and his name will be found identified with the foundation of towns, the survey of lands, public documents, official rosters and legislative and executive duties. He was one of the proprietors of the towns of Van Wert, Paulding and Celina—all now seats of justice—and was also associated with Horatio Curtis, Samuel Rice and W. Willshire Riley, his brother, in founding the towns of Antwerp in Paulding County. Throughout these pages the local matter will exhibit his name, showing his activity and enterprise in multiform directions and capacities. To those records the reader is referred for the public services, as exemplified )3( the public spirit of this ever active man, for greater justice will be done him to allow his public services to appear in connection with the enterprises md offices with which he was identified than if his life acts were compressed n one page of biography. To him the citizens of Mercer County are deeply and continually indebted, and his name will ever be found among the records )f the territory as one of the leading, influential spirits who knew how to miter the wilderness and carve out villages which should serve as nuclei for ;rowing, enterprising communities. His remains lie in North Grove Cemetery, at Celina. A monument marks the spot of burial, and bears the following inscription :— In Heaven Rest. Sacred to the Memory of our Father, JAMES WATSON RILEY. DIED January 1, 1870, AGED 65 years, 10 months and 11 days. There never lived a better husband, a kinder father, a truer friend. RESIDENTS OF CELINA FOR 50 YEARS OR MORE. We are indebted to P. A. Ellis, of Celina, for the following list of people who were residents of Celina in June, 1853, and are now (January, 1907) living here: Mrs. F. C. Le Blond, Mrs. Joseph N. Hetzler, Mrs. Ann EL Snyder. Mrs. William Dickman, Sr., Mrs. Henrietta Juneman, Calvin E. Riley. Mr. and Mrs. James W. Riley, Michael Feldheiser, Sarah Hole, Susan Fanger, Sophia Crockett, Judge Stephen A. Armstrong, Mr. and Mrs. Martin V. B. Greek, Mrs. Elizabeth Hole, Seymour Craig, Mrs. Christian Fanger, Susan P. Mack, P. A. Ellis, Kate Estry, Mahala Nungester, Mrs. Mary AND REPRESENTATIVE CITIZENS - 103 Cook, Mr. and Mrs. Joseph McDonald, Philo Le Blond, Broad Trenary, Mr. and Mrs. John M. Pohlman and Mrs. D. H. Richardson. David Overly will have been a resident of Celina for 5o years in March, 1907. John W. DeFord came here in 1858 and in another year will have lived here half a century. INCORPORATION OF THE VILLAGE AND ROSTER OF VILLAGE OFFICIALS. Celina was incorporated as a village June 2, 1860. The following have served as mayors: Dr. Joseph N. Hetzler, 1861; Noah Bretz, 1862; Alfred LeBlond, 1864; Joseph May, 1866; S. S. Snyder, 1868; Hiram Murlin, 1870; J. M. Davidson, 1872; R. G. Blake, 1874; J. W. Riley, 1876; Joseph May, 1878; S. S. Snyder, 1882; Joseph May, 1883; Charles C. Gable, 1892; Eli Bryson, 1894; Joseph S. Metzner, 1898; Edward Landfair, 1900; Franklin S. Collins, 1903; Edward Landfair, 1904; and C. G. 0. Miller, 1905. T. G. Tou Velle was village clerk in 1863. He was succeeded by Philo Le Blond, 1864; Keepers Alberry, 1867; T. G. Tou Velle, 1868; Jonathan Shepherd, 1872; Charles C. Gable, 1878; A. E. Murlin, 1882, serving to September, 1883; H. F. Juneman, appointed September, 1883; Charles C. Gable, 1884; Charles A. Kloeb, 1886 (resigned February 8, 1887) ; Charles C. Cable, 1887 (appointed vice Kloeb and afterwards elected to succeed himself ; Joseph S. Metzner, 1892; August Behringer, 1896; Ralph G: Le Blond, 1900; August Behringer, appointed February 13, 1901, vice LeBlond; Charles R. Bohrer, 1901; Frank Kreusch, 1903; and John M. Winter, 1905. The village treasurers since 1882 have been: Charles Fanger, H. F. Juneman, J. F. Timmonds, A. B. Grothjan, William J. Maehlman and George Kistler, who has been treasurer since 1903. Since 1872 the following have served as village marshal : George Tou Velle, George H. Houser, John G. Blake, George H. Houser, John Woods., John Younger, Thomas Houser and Jacob Weber, the present incumbent. Since 1882 the following have been solicitors of the village: Archelaus D. Marsh, H. B. Landfair, Byron M. Clen Dening, John L. Loree, R. L. Mattingly, C. G. O. Miller, Henry A. Miller and James D. Johnson, the present incumbent. The first Town Council consisted of four members, elected from the village at large, namely: Adam Baker, John Luck, John M. Pohlman and S. S. Snyder. Later it consisted of five members and still later was composed of six members—an arrangement that continued for a long while prior to 1892, when the town.was divided into four wards and one councilman from each ward and two at large made up the Council. In June, 1895, an ordinance was passed, changing the representation from each ward from one to 104 - HISTORY OF MERCER COUNTY two councilmen. When the new code was adopted in 1902, the Town Council became a legislative body of six members, elected at large. The first Town Council under the new code, elected in 1902 for a term of three years and re-elected in 1905 for another three-years' term, consisted of Henry Lennartz, R. R. Wyckoff, William Cron, Michael Linn,. Val. Fortman and Dr. G. J. C. Wintermute. The following have served in the Council from the incorporation of the village : Adam Baker, John Luck, John M. Pohlman, S. S. Snyder, W. E. Baker, Alexander Wyckoff, George W. Raudebaugh, James H. Day, R. W. Small, E. U. Shepherd, Noah Bretz, J. W. Crockett, H. F. Juneman, Jacob Winter, S. F. Deford, Hiram Murlin, A. P. J. Snyder, A. Fanger, Christopher Schunck, R. G. Blake, M. Winter, Gideon Le Blond, STREET VIEW IN CELINA IN 1890 From Howe's "Historical Collections of Ohio." David Murray, Peter Schunck, J. K. Brandon, S. B. Shipley, William Dickman, Adam Schunck, L. D. Tou Velle, Henry L. Johnson, Abner Davis, Keepers Alberry, Casper Smith, John Blake, H. H. Klare, Michael Feldheiser, C. H. Hitchens, John Milligan, Conrad Hierholzer, J. Hierholzer, Charles Fanger, L. Jones, H. H. Pulskamp, Fred Stedcke, D. J. Roop, Edward Landfair, J. F. Timmonds, John Hoppel, Jacob Kreusch, William Cron, Fred Stelzer, J. G. Blake, D. Guy, D. Rush, V. N. Estry, P. .A. Ellis, A. Purtcher, Val. Fortman, Michael Linn, Byron M. Clen Dening, Fred J. Laudahn, William J. Maehlman, George Winter, H. J. McKirnan, Eli Bryson, A. B. Grothjan, Daniel Pifer, A. Zender, S. P. McGriff, George Ayers, George Eichler, J. M. Winter, Ed. Snyder, W. H. Lemm, John Hein, C. M. Clark, Philip Beiersdorfer, Jacob Gerlach, J. A. Roemer, J. L. Morrow, John Leifeld, Bert. Corwin, A. B. Newcomb, J. A. Hoagland, John J. AND REPRESENTATIVE CITIZENS - 105 Schellic, George H. Houser, Theophilus P. Taylor, Ed. Wuest, Frank V. Short, W. F. McDaniel, M. V. B. Greek, Abraham Burris, J. M. Howick, R. R. Wyckoff, G. J. C. Wintermute and Henry Lennartz. OFFICIAL DIRECTORY OF CELIA. Mayor—C. G. O. Miller. Clerk—John M. Winter; deputy clerk, Nora Bryan. Treasurer—George Kistler. Marshal—Jacob \Veber. Solicitor—James D. Johnson. Council—Dr. G. J. C. Wintermute (president), R. R. Wyckoff, Henry Lennartz, Val. Portman, William Cron and M. Linn. Board of Public Affairs—M. J. Hemmert (president), John E. Hamburger (secretary) and James D. Johnson; clerk of the board, George A. Petrie. Jacob Gerlach and S. S. Scranton will take the places of Messrs. Hamburger and Johnson in 1907. Board of Health—Dr. Joseph Sager (president), Joseph Depweg (secretary), Dr. D. H. Richardson, C. A. Wyckoff and Dr. L. D. Brumm. Board of Education—Frank V. Short (president), W. W. Shock (secretary), John W. Loree, Samuel J. Vining and William Pumphrey. Board of Trustees, Free Public Library—Mrs. .Elizabeth S. McKim (president), John M. Schlosser (secretary and treasurer), Patrick E. Kenney, W. E. Tou Velle, and Elizabeth Cook; librarian, Myrtle Crockett. Board of Trustees, Law Library—Thomas J. Godfrey* (president), C. S. Younger (secretary), James H. Day, R. L. Mattingly and W. E. Tou Velle; treasurer, J. M. Schlosser; librarian, Frank V. Short. FIRE DEPARTMENT. Henry Weisman is chief of the Celina Fire Department, at a salary of $50 per month; he was appointed to this position October 15, 1906, and has served in the department since 1904. Val. Freeman is driver of the team and is a paid employee of the department at $45 per month. The equipment consists of a team, wagon, hose and ladders. The department does not have a-steam engine as a sufficient pressure is maintained in the water mains. POSTMASTERS OF CELINA. The names of those who have served as postmasters of Celina from the time the postoffice was established to the present time are as follows : Samuel *Deceased. 106 - HISTORY OF MERCER COUNTY Ruckman, Levi Dibble, William McMurray, John J. Rickley, James Bell, Thomas Williamson, A. LeBlond, J. Broadwell, A. J. Linzee, William Dick, man, Jacob Hight, Charles McKee, P. Guffey, John Dickman, John W. McKee, W. E. Tou Velle, Jacob Kreusch, C. A. Wyckoff and C. A. McKim, the present incumbent. PUBLIC BUILDINGS AND IMPROVEMENTS. Until 1884, when it was destroyed by fire, the Court House that preceded the present .one was used as a Town Hall. In 1890 the present handsome Town Hall, or "City Building" as it is usually called, was constructed at a cost of about $20,000, the contractors being Kreusch & Fanger, residents of Celina. The structure is a large, commodious building, constructed of brick with red sandstone trimmings. A considerable portion of the building is given up to the City Opera House, a nicely decorated assembly room with a seating capacity of about 500. A large council chamber, mayor's office, township office, city bastile, water works and electric light plant offices, and quarters for the Celina Fire Department take up the remaining space in the structure. At the time it was erected, Joseph May was mayor; Charles C. Gable, clerk; H. F. Juneman, treasurer; while B. M. Clen Dening, William J. Maehlman, Fred J. W. Laudahn, George W. Winter, D. Pifer and C. Schlosser constituted the Town Council. In 1895 the present water-works building in the north end of town was erected and plant installed at a total cost of $50,000, under the supervision of J. P. LeBlond, John Milligan and C. D. Hierholzer, who constituted the first Board of Water Works Trustees elected. The water supply is obtained from drilled wells. In 1900 in connection with the water-works plant and in the same building an electric light plant was installed at a cost of nearly $50,000. Both the water and electric light plants are owned and operated by the city under the immediate control of the Board of Public Affairs, on which board the following named gentlemen have served : J. P. LeBlond, John Milligan, C. D. Hierholzer, D. Pifer, L. D. Brumm, M. J. Hemmert, Jacob Gerlach, S. S. Scranton, John E. Hamberger and James D. Johnson. Celina Free Public Library.*—To the Shakespere Club the credit is given for establishing a library here. One evening in the spring of 1897, the dub invited those whom they thought would take kindly to the library move- *For much of the information respecting the early history of the Celina Free Public Library appearing in this article, we are indebted to the Celina Daily Standard. AND REPRESENTATIVE CITIZENS - 107 ment to meet them at the Calvin E. Riley home. There papers were read and a general discussion of the suggested work followed. The same season the club conducted a lecture course, from which the surplus funds were to be expended for books. While the course was a success, the surplus funds were not extensive and so a book "shower" was given at Riley's Hall. The books obtained that night, together with a donation from E. M. Ashley, of Denver, Colorado, formed the nucleus of Celina's first permanent library. Miss Grace Riley, now Mrs. Griffith, Miss Cora Snyder and J. T. Kenney carried the books to the Town Hall and then and there the library assumed shape and form in the township trustees' room. Miss Riley and Miss Snyder had charge the first afternoon it was opened. The library was maintained through the efforts of the Shakespere Club from that time until the new Public Library was opened. Among those who have made important donations of books to the library may be mentioned the following: W. L. Blocher, of Dayton, Ohio, W. F. McDaniel, of Washington, D. C., and W. S. Lipps, former residents of Celina ; and Mrs. Olivia Paul, Ford Lewis and Dr. Joseph Sager, of Celina. Aside from these books, the major portion of the volumes that now stand upon the shelves of the new library have been bought by the Shakespere Club. The History Club of Celina, which had always been in sympathy with a• free public library and which had aided in supporting the one started by the Shakespere Club, brought forward the idea that Celina ought to have a library building, so the members of this club started in to secure a building for the stock of books that their younger sisters were gathering together in such goodly numbers. After hard work the sum of $5oo was raised by various entertainments given by the club. About this time the Shakespere and History clubs held a joint conference to discuss the subject of a library building, which was caused in a large degree by the report that the village authorities needed the space occupied by the library in the Town Hall. The Shakespere Club reported that they also had a surplus of $500 to be devoted to the project. As the $1,000 of the two clubs was not a large enough amount to buy even a site for a library, it was decided to ask Andrew Carnegie for assistance. He promised to donate a sufficient amount to build and furnish a building, provided a site was assured and a guarantee made that the library would be maintained by the town authorities. There was considerable trouble in securing an eligible site, but finally there came a chance to secure the property on the corner of Main and Fulton streets, where the building now stands, for the sum of $2,200. In order to secure this site meant the raising by the ladies of $1.200 more and they at once started upon their quest for subscriptions. The Altrurian Club entered into the movement at this time and assisted in raising the money. John W. De Ford, S. A. Bowman, W. E. Tau Velle and 108 - HISTORY OF MERCER COUNTY other citizens of Celina began to interest themselves in the movement, as the enthusiasm and faith of the members of the clubs rose. The Board of Education, through whom the funds for the maintenance of a public library are obtained under the Harris library law of Ohio, agreed to make the needed levy. At last the site was bought, the levy was assured and the Town Council guaranteed that the library would be maintained. On January I, 19o4, Andrew Carnegie's secretary, James Bartram, responded to the appeal of Samuel J. Vining, acting as clerk of the Board of Education, for a library donation by writing that the sum of $ro,000 had been set aside for the Celina library fund. The work of erecting the building was intrusted to a board of trustees .elected by the Board of Education and made up as follows : W. E. Tou Velle, S. A. Bowman, Patrick E. Kenney, J. M. Schlosser, Mrs. Elizabeth S. McKim (president of the History Club), Elizabeth Cook (president of the Shakespere Club) and Mrs. J. F. Dysert, succeeded by Mrs. W. C. Stubbs (president of the Altrurian Club). Andrew DeCurtin designed the building and John Tennent was the contractor. The new building and its furnishings represent a total cost of $12,000, Mr. Carnegie having generously added $2,000 to his original gift of $10,000. It is a model structure with all modern conveniences, built of Bedford stone with tile roof. The annual levy made by the Board of Education maintains the library and the citizens have access to the books without any charge. It was formally opened on Tuesday evening, January 1, 1907. The work of cataloguing the bOoks and getting them in order was performed by Miss Myrtle Crockett, Celina's first librarian, under the supervision of Miss Alice Smith, of Van Wert. In 1902 Fayette street was paved with brick and the following year Livingston street was paved, after which Walnut and East Market streets were improved in like manner. Main street, upon which most of the business of the town is done, was paved in 1905. All these streets were paved with a hard-burned brick except East Market, which was paved with asphalt block. In 1906 the contract was let for the paving of West Market street. With this street paved, all the principal streets of Celina, so far as business is concerned, will be paved. No nicer or better thoroughfares can be found in a town of its size anywhere in the country. MANUFACTURING ESTABLISHMENTS. Celina has a limited number of manufacturing establishments, chief among which is that of The Mersman Bros., Brandts Company, manufacturers of both medium and high-grade extension dining tables, who give em- AND REPRESENTATIVE CITIZENS - 109 ployment the year round to 125 men in the factory and to traveling salesmen on the road. Shipments are made to nearly every State in the Union and to Canada, the annual business amounting to over $200,000. The business was established in 1900 by J. B. Mersrnan, who at that time manufactured beds and parlor tables. At a later date the manufacture of dining tables was added and this has been the specialty of the company ever since. Before many months will have passed, the company will have the largest table factory in the United States. In 1901 J. B. Mersman sold the business to his sons. Edward H. and Walter J. Mersman, and Henry Lennartz, who conducted the business under the firm name of Lennartz & Mersman Brothers. In 1904 Edmund Brandts purchased one-half of Mr. Lennartz's interests, but the firm name was continued until May, 1906, when the Mersman brothers and Mr. Brandts purchased the remainder of Mr. Lennartz's interest, the firm becoming Mersman Brothers & Brandts. In September, 1906, the business was incorporated as The Mersman Bros., Brandts Company, under the laws of Ohio with a paid-up capital stock of $130,000 and the following officers: Edward H. Mersman, president and manager ; Walter J. Mersman, vice-president and superintendent; and Edmund Brandts, secretary and treasurer. The board of directors consists of five members and includes the officers above mentioned, together with Albert Mersman and Hugo Brandts. Buggies, surries, stanhopes and bikes are manufactured by William Cron, who has been in business at Celina for many years and has built up a lucrative trade. His is the largest carriage factory in Mercer County. A large force of men is employed in building carriages and also in general blacksmithing. A. B. Grothjan conducts an extensive business in general black-smithing, in connection with the building of carriages, buggies and all kinds of vehicles. John Leifeld has also built up a large trade in the manufacture of carriages, buggies, surries and all kinds of vehicles, in connection with general black-smithing. The wood-working factory of the Ames Bending Company was brought here from Indiana some five years ago. The company enjoys a nice business and gives employment to quite a force of men. The plant has a capacity of two car-loads per day. The Crampton Canning Company recently established a factory here for the canning of tomatoes, peas, sweet corn and other vegetables, for which this locality is justly noted. Employment is given to a large force in the canning season. Estry & Stephenson operate a planing-mill and lumber business, which been established for over 3o years. In 188o Timmonds & Estry came possession of the plant. In 1892 Edgar E. Stephenson purchased Tim- 110 - HISTORY OF MERCER COUNTY monds' interest and the firm became Estry & Stephenson as at present. The business includes dealing in lumber and planing supplies and all kinds of building materials. BANKS. The town has three banks, which furnish all the capital that the town requires for the ordinary purposes of carrying on its trade. All are recognized as safe depositories for the money and valuables of its customers. Each and every one of them are looked upon as being honestly conducted by safe and reliable men. The Citizens' Banking Company, the oldest of the banks, was organized on May 1, 1873, as the Citizens' Bank of Celina. In 1897 it was incorporated as the Citizens' Banking Company. The bank is capitalized at $50,000, has a surplus fund of $10,000, and has over $500,000 on deposit. John W. DeFord was cashier from the organization of the bank for 25 years, when he became president, which position he now holds. Henry Lennartz is cashier. The Commercial Bank Company is the successor of the Celina Building & Loan Association, the first building and loan association organized here, on February 2, 1870. Two years later, Thomas J. Godfrey, with Dr. D. Milligan and his son, bought the entire stock of the association, surrendered its charter and proceeded to organize a banking house, which came into being in February, 1874, as Milligan, Godfrey & Company. This was later succeeded by Godfrey & Milligan, which firm continued until 1888, when Calvin E. Riley became a partner. The business was incorporated in 1893 and on January I, 1901, it was merged into the Commercial Bank Company. This financial institution is capitalized at $50,000 and has a surplus fund of $10,000. Calvin E. Riley is president and J. B. Pulskamp, cashier. The First National Bank began business January 1, 1901, and is the first and only national bank in the town or county. The deposits of this bank on September 4, 1906, were $639,419.42. The bank is capitalized at $5o,00o and has a surplus fund of $17,500. James H. Day is president and C. H. Howick, cashier. NEWSPAPERS. The first newspaper was established in Celina, August 4, 1848, and bore on the first page, "J. S. Millard, Printer, L. G. Smith, Publisher." In 1850 the paper passed into the hands of W. L. Blocher and S. S. Snyder and was published by this firm under the name of The Western Standard until 1854. A. P. J. Snyder came to Celina in 1851 and worked in the office as compositor until 1854, when he bought Judge Blocher's interest in the paper. The partnership lasted until 1865, when the paper was sold to D. J. Callen. In AND REPRESENTATIVE CITIZENS - 111 1866 A. P. J. Snyder again took the office and became sole owner of the newspaper that has attained long life under the name of the Mercer County Standard. In 1895 and 1896 the Standard was a twice-a-week publication. It then resumed the weekly form. After Mr. Snyder's death in 1901, the publication of the Standard was continued under the management of his son, F. A. Snyder. In December, 1905, the publication of the Daily Standard was begun in connection with the Weekly and this marked a new era in local newspaper enterprise. The Standard points with pride to the fact that it is one of the oldest newspaper plants in Northwestern Ohio and that its long career has been devoted exclusively to the upbuilding of Celina and Mercer County. The Western Democrat, now the Mercer County Observer, was established in September, 1874, by J. B. Perwessel & Company, D. J. Callen being the editor, who was succeeded by J. G. Loughridge. J. E. Blizzard purchased and took possession April 27, 1876, and changed the name to the Mercer County Observer. L. S. Jameson & Company, in August, 1880, purchased the establishment. They sold it in 1893 to G. S. Harter, who sold it to the present owners, Gilberg & Chapman, in July, 1895. The paper is Republican in politics and the only Republican newspaper in the county. The Bote, a weekly German paper, was established in 1883 by Mr. Stelzer, who was owner and proprietor for a long time. It is now edited and published by George J. Pulskamp. The Democrat was established in 1895 and is a weekly sheet, Democratic in politics. It was formerly published by Carlin & Phillipps, but is now owned and published by Charles Carlin. The Advocate was established a few years ago by the present proprietor and publisher, George Phillipps, who was formerly interested with Charles Carlin in publishing the Democrat. SCHOOLS. Until the fall of 1859, school in Sub-District No. 4, of Jefferson township, at Celina, which sub-district was established some years before by virtue of a public meeting held for this purpose, was taught in various buildings, chiefly, however, in the old Presbyterian Church on East Fayette street. Two teachers were usually employed in the winter season and one in the ummer. In 1859 a brick schoolhouse on the west side of town, containing 1 I ur rooms, was built and two teachers employed. This house answered the purpose for 15 years. In the early '6o's an agreement was entered into, by 112 - HISTORY OF MERCER COUNTY the terms of which the territory in the sub-district lying outside of the incorporated village was attached to the village for school purposes. An agreement was also entered into with regard to the Union schoolhouse. In June, 1871, the board resolved to have the German language taught and accordingly appointed Theodore Geithouse as German teacher. The original schoolhouse of four rooms proving inadequate for the needs of the growing town, the board, on August 16, 1873, awarded to Rouzer & Gill the contract for making certain desired changes and additions, which added eight rooms to the first structure and made it a three-story building. On February 27, 1874, the Board of Education passed a resolution to close the school early that spring for the purpose of building the new schoolhouse, with the understanding that all teachers then employed should have the preference when school should be resumed. Dr. Joseph N. Hetzler was appointed superintendent of construction, to see that the contractors took no privileges that the contract did not allow. Shortly after this, in April, Rouzer & Gill disposed of their contract to Gable, Sanders & Company. On June io, 1874, the board awarded the contract for a slate roof to Bovinger & Brothers. Seats for six rooms were contracted for at a total cost of $1,155. On September 19, 1874, the board contracted with Mr. Long for a fence, similar to the one put around the Court House. On October 5, 1874, the building was accepted from the contractors as being finished in accordance with the plans and specifications, and bonds were accordingly issued. The whole amount of bonds was $24,892; these bonds were refunded some years later and were finally paid off in 1899. Twenty years later, in 1894, the growth and progress of the schools making another schoolhouse a necessity, a model two-story brick schoolhouse was built on the east side of town, at a cost of $13,034. With this addition, ample room was secured for all the school children of the town as well as a great many pupils from all parts of the county, who were educated in the common and high school branches and also fitted for entrance to colleges and universities. But finally, in 1906, after many years of service, the West school building, erected in 1874, was condemned by the State building inspector, who ordered it torn down. For the purpose of building a new, modern, two-story, brick schoolhouse on the site of the old West school building the Board of Education was authorized at a special election held for this purpose to issue bonds to the amount of $35,000. Wilbur T. Mills, of Columbus, submitted plans for this building, which were accepted and bids for the construction of the same were received from various contractors. The contract was awarded to John P. Ferment & Son, of Celina, their bid being $41,586.73, which included bid of $300 for the old building. As this bid exceeded the amount of money that AND REPRESENTATIVE CITIZENS - 113 the Board of Education could apply for this purpose and as about $6,000 more would be required to install a heating apparatus, besides the amount required for necessary furnishings, the board has decided to submit a proposition to the people to issue an additional amount of bonds in the sum of $15,000 in order that the building may be erected according to the architect plans. This additional amount will also pay for the furnace. It is confidently expected that this additional issue of bonds will be authorized by the people. When this new building is complete, it will indeed be a credit toi the town and will at the same time be large enough to meet the requirements of the school children for a number of years to come. The total enrollment of the Celina schools is in excess of 600, of which amount too pupils attend the High School. Sixteen teachers, of whom four are in the High School, look after the interests of the children. The schools at the present time are under the superintendency of Prof. Sylvester Wilkin, while Prof. J. W. Pogue is principal of the High School. The following have been the superintendents of the public schools of Celina since 1857: M. C. Culver, S. F. DeFord, Stephen A. Armstrong, Edward Landfair, I. F. Raudabaugh, Frank J. Barnard, John W. Brock, Professor Clippinger, John W. Loree, Van B. Baker, Professor Kennedy, George S. Harter, R. W. Mitchell, P. C. Zemer and Sylvester Wilkin, the present incumbent, who has held the office since January 11, 1905. A High School has been maintained at Celina for at least 4o years, for on September 14, 1866, S. F. DeFord was elected superintendent of the Celina schools and teacher of the High School. The Celina High School is classed as a first-grade school and its diplomas receive as much recognition from the leading colleges of Ohio as diplomas from schools in larger towns and cities of the State. The territory of the Celina schools reaches beyond the limits of the corporation and the school district for school purposes alone takes in additional territory much larger than Celina corporation. For several years past the smaller school districts in the vicinity have been hauling their children to the Celina schools, thinking it cheaper to follow this plan than to hire teachers and maintain their schools at home. The present Board of Education consists of the following named gentlemen: Frank V. Short (president), W. W. Shock (secretary), John W. Loree, Samuel J. Vining and William Pumphrey. The following are the flames of most of the school directors for the period embraced by the years 1859 and 1880: Joel K. Brandon, John Luck, Dr. Milton M. Miller, Abner Davis, Hiram Murlin, W. E. Baker, A. W. Wyckoff, S. S. Snyder, _George Petrie, James H. Day, Joseph May, F. C. LeBlond, R. G. Blake, George .Stuck, J. B. Perwessel, Thomas J. Godfrey, Dr. Joseph N. Hetzler, Chris- HISTORY OF MERCER COUNTY - 114 topher Schunck, Edward Landfair, Jacob Kreusch, H. H. Pulskamp, T. G. Tou Velle and Davis Guy. * * * Mention of the Immaculate Conception Parochial School, of Celina will be found on another page of this volume, in the chapter devoted to the Roman Catholic churches and institutions of the county. CHURCHES. First Presbyterian Church.—The original proprietors of the town of Celina donated, for the use of the Presbyterian Church, lot 149, which was to be used for no other than church purposes. Rev. I. N. Taylor was the first pastor of the New School Presbyterian congregation, whose church building was erected in 1840. The eldership consisted of Andrew Crockett; and the members were Maria M. Crockett, Samuel Jackson, Nathan E. Mead, Abigail Mead, Ezra Hyatt, Mrs. John Brown, Mrs. Davenport, Mr. Ruckman and wife and Mrs. C. Maurer and sister. Mr. Taylor resigned his charge and moved to Indiana in 1844, having been elected to a professorship in Liber College. The church building was occasionally occupied by Methodists and other denominations until 1847. For the period between 1844 and 1847 the Presbyterian congregation had no regular minister. In 1847 it was re-organized by Rev. Templeton. The elders were Samuel Ruckman and Stephen Hight ; the members : Mrs. Catharine Timmonds, Miss Frances A. Timmonds, Catharine Hight and William Hight. Preaching was held part of the time by all denominations until 1854; in this period Rev. Boggs and Rev. Halliday were pastors of the Presbyterian congregation. Rev. Smith, who came after them, remained with the congregation one year, after which the organization was disbanded. On June 12, 1870, the presbytery appointed a committee of ministers, consisting of Rev. A. Telford and Rev. Samuel Cunningham Kerr, to reorganize the church at Celina. The sermon was preached by Rev. A. Telford and the following persons produced letters of dismission and recommendation for membership: William Hight, Teresa Hight, M. C. Culver, Helen H. Culver, Lydia J. Miller and Mrs. G. W. Timmonds, of the St. Mary's Church, who were organized as the First Presbyterian Church. Mrs. Catharine Miller, on June 4, 1871, Mrs. Mary Eriton, on March 6, 1875 and Mrs. Susan Snyder, each produced certificates and were received in membership. William Hight and M. C. Culver were elected and ordained ruling elders. On July 19, 1878, Rev. E. S. Scott, of Delphos, Ohio, and Elders Oliver Jay,. of St. Marys, and B. W. Roebuck, of Center Presbyterian churches, AND REPRESENTATIVE CITIZENS - 115 re-organized the church, which ceremonies were held in the Lutheran Church. The following persons were admitted : M. Schuyler, Mrs. M. Schuyler, Mrs. Eliza Schuyler, Miss Mahala Stevens, Mrs. Helen Smith and John P. McAfee, from the United Presbyterian Church. On July 20, 1878, M. Schuyler and J. P. McAfee were elected and ordained ruling elders, and were ordained by Rev. E. S. Scott and Rev. Thomas Elcock on the following day. Rev. Lawson took temporary charge as pastor on April I, 1879. On October 2, 1879, James Broadwell, L. S. Jameson and Mrs. Matilda Jameson were admitted as members. On January 15, 1881, the trustees of the First Presbyterian Church of Celina met to organize. Those present were Gideon LeBlond, Davis Guy, Thomas J. Godfrey, J. P. McAfee and A. P. J. Snyder. Davis Guy was elected chairman, J. P. McAfee, secretary and Gideon LeBlond, treasurer. The first Presbyterian Church was erected on lot 149 and was 20 by 3o feet in dimensions. The ceiling was finished with planed boards instead of plastering and it was weather-boarded. After the church was dissolved, it was used as a schoolhouse and the following teachers occupied it as such: In 1842-43, Dr. Milton M. Miller; in 1854 and subsequent years, L. D. Carlin, Cynthia Prouty, Jemima Breckon, Annie Armstrong and Miss Timmonds. The new brick church, which is the one now in use, was erected in 1882 on lot 305, on the corner of Walnut and Fulton streets. The church was dedicated in August of that year and is nicely finished and furnished. A new house for the pastor was built a few years ago and is an up-to-date dwelling, costing about $3,000. The estimated value of the church property is $7,500. The ministers who have filled the pulpit since 1878 are: Revs. Lawson, J. M. Anderson, Thomas Elcock (supply for a short time), J. S. Axtell (who served the church longer than any other minister), John Wilson, Bartlett, A. Barber, F. J. Kreager, John McMurray and F. M. Kumler, the present pastor, who recently moved here from De Graff, Ohio. The present membership of the congregation is 6o. The average Sunday-school attendance is 6o. The Sunday-school was organized June 23, 1878, with 8o scholars and five teachers, by Rev. La Porter. St. Paul's Methodist Episcopal Church.—The first Methodist class formed in Mercer County was in 1832, in a log schoolhouse, and consisted of seven members, namely : Mr. and Mrs. Isaac Forbes, Mr. and Mrs. Samuel Hanson, Mr. and Mrs. Joseph Rider and George Parrott, who was the leader of the class. In 1838 a Methodist class was organized at Celina by Revs. George Armstrong and Greenburg Vincent, the members consisting of Thomas Martin and wife, Enos Hays and wife, Susan Riley, William Dibble, Alonzo Hays 116 - HISTORY OF MERCER COUNTY and wife, William Allen and wife, Zophar Williams and wife and Samuel Dellinger. The establishment of the Celina Church, however, did not really take place until 1843. In the preceding year Rev. Edward Williams, of the St. Marys Circuit, held a meeting in Celina, which resulted in the establishment of a church in the following year. David Gray was appointed class leader and exhorter. The members of the class were : George Allen and wife, Ellen Culbertson, Mrs. McMahon, Mrs. Kable and Levi and Eliza Dibble. In 1856 the first Methodist Episcopal Church was built at Celina. The present structure known as St. Paul's Methodist Episcopal Church was erected in 1892 under the supervision of the pastor and trustees, being built on the site of the old frame church. It is a handsome brick structure, 5o by 104 feet in size, and cost about $15,000, which includes furniture and organ all complete. It is nicely furnished with up-to-date furniture and has a fine pipe organ, which cost $9oo. The seating capacity of the auditorium and the large Sunday-school room is 85o people. The parsonage, adjoining the church on East Fulton street, with the lot, is valued at $3,000. St. Paul's has a membership of 43o and the average attendance at Sunday-school is 215. The following pastors have served the church since 1842: Revs. Edward Williams and J. W. McNabb, Samuel Beatty and Amos Wilson, Alexander Harmount and C. H. Owens, John R. Jewett and James M. Barr (succeeded by Thomas W. Bowdle), C. B. Brandebury and Elisha Hock, Samuel L. Yourtee, Samuel P. Guiberson, N. 0. Conn and Samuel P. Guiberson, Ralph Wilcox, Joseph W. Wykes, G. Lease, Wesley Brock, George 0. McPherson, Samuel Boggs, James F. Mounts and Amos Lee, Lemuel Herbert and James F. Mounts, Philip A. Brown and Caleb Hill, David Bull and A. J. Frisbee, David Bull and Amos Lee, E. G. Longsworth and Harrison Maltbie, E. G. Longsworth and John , F. Miller, Cornelius Weaner, John C. Clemens, 0. A. Palmer, P. Le Masters, J. S. McKean, Reuben Rauth, Peter Biggs, Caleb Hill, Lyman E. Prentiss, Joseph H. Cater, Alexander Harmount, W. R. Seuman, A. E. Smith, Daniel Carter, Joseph H. Bethards, Stewart Baumgardner, Clayton Smucker and Parker P. Pope, who has been pastor since 1903. Free Methodist Church.—A class of this denomination has held services for some time past in the church building formerly the home of the Evangelical Lutheran and Reformed Church. the membership of the congregation is 20. The pastor at the present time is Rev. 011ie Judy. St. John's Evangelical Lutheran Church was organized in Celina in 1868 and the church building was completed in 1872. This is a frame building, 40 by 26 feet in dimensions, with a) steeple and bell." It was AND REPRESENTATIVE CITIZENS - 117 erected at a cost of $1,800. The first pastor of the church was Rev. Conrad Eppens, in 1872, who served one year in Celina and in Liberty township. He was succeeded by Rev. Burkhardt, who in turn was followed by Rev. Crouse, who also preached at St. Marys. The fourth pastor, Rev. Charles Bohner, served three years; he was followed by Rev. J. G. Schwemley and he by Rev. A. J. Fager, who served in 1878 and 1879. From the latter date to 1892 there was no regular pastor and services were only held occasionally. In 1892 Rev. Ernest Shultz became pastor and filled the pulpit until 1898, when he was succeeded by Rev. E. Lehne who served from 1898 to 19oo. After his departure there was no regular pastor for a year or so. In 1901 Rev. William Duch became pastor and served to 1903, Rev. E. J. Mack followed, 1904-05, and Rev. J. E. Harman, the present pastor, assumed charge in 1906. During the ministry of Rev. Ernest Shultz a parsonage was built on the church lot at a cost of $1,5oo. The church property itself is estimated to be worth about $1,000. The congregation has a membership of 120 and the average attendance at Sunday-school is 74. Evangelical Lutheran and Reformed Church.—This church was organized January 6, 1868, and continued in existence for quite a number of years but it is now extinct and for many years the church, building has been used • as a meeting place for other denominations. The church structure was commenced in 1868 and finished in 1870, being 26 by 4o feet in ground dimensions, 20 feet high and with a steeple 45 feet in height. It cost about $1,800. It was dedicated January 14, 1871. The lot upon which the church stands _ . donated by Mrs. Maria Breo. The trustees at the organization of the church and who took subscriptions were: John M. Pohlman, Frederick Schwaberon, William Dickman and H. H. Klare. From 1853 to date of completion of the church-1871—Lutheran services were held in Celina by various pastors from other towns, the preaching being held in the schoolhouse, in private houses and in the Presbyterian Church. Subsequent to the erection of the church the following were the first pastors : Revs. Conrad Eppens, Newschmidt, Rehsteiner (a Jewish convert), Krauser, Burkhardt and Charles Bohner. Immaculate Conception Catholic Church.—The history of this flourishing Celina church will be found elsewhere in this work, in the chapter devoted to Roman Catholic churches and institutions of the county. CELINA CEMETERY ASSOCIATION. The North Grove Cemetery, Celina's silent city of the dead, dates from the year 1870, when the Celina Cemetery Association was formed. The 118 - HISTORY OF MERCER COUNTY articles of association, bearing date of September 26, 187o, read as follows: "We. the undersigned citizens of Celina, Mercer County, Ohio, hereby associate ourselves together for cemetery purposes, to be known as the Celina Cemetery Association, to purchase, in the aggregate, not to exceed fifteen acres of land, to be held and controlled by said Association exclusively for cemetery purposes, in pursuance to the statute in such case made and provided." These articles were signed by Henry L. Johnson, M. Bailey, Gideon Le Blond, H. H. Klare, Keepers Alberry, John M. Pohlman, Hiram Murlin, S. S. Snyder, F. C. Le Blond, J. K. Baker, A. P. J. Snyder, John Shepherd, J. W. Crockett, Charles Fanger, William Dickman, J. H. Beam, D. Rush, Daniel Kable, A. Fanger, Samuel Welty, D. F. Parrott, M. Schuyler, Joel K. Brandon, J. O. Schuyler, John Luck, D. Hellwarth, E. U. Shepherd, Milton M. Miller, N. A. Meeker, P. P. King, S. F. DeFord, R. W. Small, Adam Baker, N. P. Guffey, Calvin E. Riley, William Nickel, S. N. Tou Velle, George Stuck, Joseph N. Hetzler, T. G. Tou Velle, S. B. Shipley, James H. Day, S. L. Ehret, Thomas J. Godfrey, Davis Guy, Alexander Wyckoff, Abner Davis and J. W. Riley. The by-laws, adopted October 22, 1870, provided for five trustees, a secretary and a treasurer, who were elected on the same day, as follows : Trustees—Gideon Le Blond (president), Thomas J. Godfrey, Joel K. Brandon, William Dickman and Henry L. Johnson; secretary, Keepers Alberry; and treasurer, Abner Davis. The trustees and officers for 1906 were as follows Trustees—Charles Fanger (president), John M. Pohlman, P. A. Ellis, Dr. D. H. Richardson and Thomas J. Godfrey; secretary, R. R. Wyckoff; and treasurer, Calvin E. Riley. FRATERNAL AND BENEVOLENT ORGANIZATIONS. Celina Lodge, Free and Accepted Masons, No. 24I.—The Masons residing in Celina, believing it to be their duty as well as their desire, presented a petition to the M. W. William P. Hubbard, Grand Master, on May 28, 1853. The petition was signed by Smith H. Clark, Robert L. McGinnis, E. T. Williamson, F. C. Le Blond, L. C. Finley, Daniel Hartkopf, M. M. Miller and William Hunter, and was granted by the Grand Master. The first meeting under the dispensation was held June 16, 1853, in a hall prepared for the occasion. The officers named in the dispensation were : Smith H. Clark, worshipful master; Robert L. McGinnis, senior warden and E. T. Williamson, junior warden. F. C. Le Blond was appointed treasurer; -William Hunter, secretary; L. C. Finley, senior deacon; Milton M. Miller, junior deacon; and Daniel Hartkopf, tyler. The Grand Lodge of Ohio, in annual session October 2o, 1853, at Chillicothe, Ross County, Ohio, granted the charter prayed for in their dis- AND REPRESENTATIVE CITIZENS - 121 pensation on May 28, 1853, the charter being signed by the following grand officers: L. V. Pierce, R. W. G. M.; W. B. Dodds, R. W. D. G. M.; Matthew Carro, R. W. G. W.; M. D. Brock, R. W. J. G. W.; and John D. Caldwell, R. W. G. S. Under the charter the following brethren have filled the office of worshipful master of Celina Lodge, and accordingly rank as past masters : Smith H. Clark, U. D., 1853; William Hunter, 1854, 1855, 1856; Smith H. Clark, 1857, 1858, 1859. 1860; A. P. J. Snyder, 1861; W. E. Baker, 1862; Philo Le Blond, 1863, Thomas J. Godfrey, 1864; Joseph N. Hetzler, 1865, 1866, 1867, 1868; Alexander Wyckoff, 1869, 1870; Joseph N. Hetzler, 1871, 1872, 1873: Thomas J. Godfrey, 1874, 1875, 1876, 1877, 1878; D. J. Roop, 1879; Thomas J. Godfrey, 1880, 1881; Alexander Wyckoff, 1882, 1883; H. A. Raudabaugh, 1884; G. J. C. Wintermute, 1885; J. M. Lisle, 1886; John W. Loree, 1887, 1888; G. J. C. Wintermute, 1889; J. 0. Schuyler, 1890, 1891; H. \V. Hassman, 1892; W. F. McDaniel, 1893; G. J. C. Wintermute, .1894, 1895, 1896, 1897, 1898; W. F. McDaniel, 1899; S. S. Scranton, 1900, 1901, 1902, 1903; Frank V. Short, 1904; and Fred Olnhausen, 1905, 1906. Since the organization of the lodge, 19 brethren have served as worshipful master. The longest service was that of the late Thomas J. Godfrey, who held the office eight years in all. Joseph N. Hetzler and G. J. C. Wintermute each held the office seven years. The officers for Celina Lodge for 1906 were as follows: Fred Olnhausen, W. M.; K. D. Hellwarth, S. W.; I. F. Raudabaugh, J. W.; Calvin E. Riley, treasurer; Ashley M. Riley, secretary; B. R. Shipp, S. D.; J. E. Berry, J. D.; and A. W. Meister, tyler. The lodge has a membership of 85. Celina Chapter, No. 120, Royal Arch Masons.-A dispensation was granted December 3, 1869, to Companions F. C. Le Blond, Philo Le Blond, Joseph N. Hetzler, Theophilus G. Tou Velle, Gideon Le Blond, John W. De Ford, A. P. J. Snyder, James Johnson, Hiram Shaw, S. R. Mott, J. M. Davidson, C. W. Alexander, John D. Ralston, John P. Dysert and N. P. Shanklin. The officers under the dispensation were: Joseph N. Hetzler, H. P.; Gideon Le Blond, K.; James H. Day, S. The charter was issued September 14, 1874, and signed by the following grand officers : Charles C. Keifer, G. H. P.; J. A. Riddle, D. G. H. P.; W. F. Rudensten, G. K.; J. A. Retteg, G. S.; John D. Caldwell, grand secretary. The officers installed under the charter were the following: Joseph N. Hetzler, H. P.; F. C. Le Blond, K.; James Johnston, S. Companion Joseph N. Hetzler served as high priest from 1870 to 1886, inclusive, with the exception of a single year, when James H. Day filled the office. Companion Gideon Le Blond served as secretary from 1870 to about 1886. The following companions have served as high priest of Celina 122 - HISTORY OF MERCER COUNTY Chapter since Joseph N. Hetzler: G. S. Harter, 1887, 1888, 1889, 189o, 1891; E. F. Everist, 1892; S. S. Scranton, 1893, 1894, 1895, 1896, 1897, 1898, 1899; G. J. C. Wintermute, 19oo; J. E. Hattery, 1901, 1902, 1903; John W. Loree, 1904; 1905; and Kenneth D. Hellwarth, 1906. Ashley M. Riley has been secretary for the past six years. The officers of Celina Chapter for 1906 were : Kenneth D. Hellwarth, H. P.: G. J. C. Wintermute, K.; Isaac N. Medford, S.; Fred Olnhausen, C. H.; S. S. Scranton, P. S.; B. R. Shipp, R. A. C.; H. W. Hassman, G. M. 3rd V.; W. E. Wilson, G. M. 2nd V.; D. H. Richardson, G. M. 1st V.; John W. DeFord, treasurer; Ashley M. Riley, secretary; P. A. Ellis, G. The chapter has 75 members. Celina Chapter, No. 91, Order of the Eastern Star, was granted a charter at a meeting of the Grand Chapter of Ohio, held October 14, 1898, having worked under dispensation from January, 1898, to October i4th. The grand officers at this time were Mary C. Gladding, grand worthy matron; John Blythe, grand worthy patron; and Ella B. Shearer, grand secretary. The charter members of the chapter were the following: Susan Snyder, G. J. C. Wintermute, S. S. Scranton, Martha E. Scranton, Henry Morningstar, Emma Morningstar, P. A. Ellis, Harriet Ellis, Lorinda Godfrey, J. E. Hattery, Mary Hattery, W. F. McDaniel, Mary McDaniel, William Hassman, Rhetta Harring, Elvira Harring, Mary L. Tou Velle, Mary E. Tou Velle, Savella Tou Velle, Lizzie Feldheiser, Tennie Zay, Sarah J. Roop, Evelina Riley, Susan A. Riley, Mary Schuyler, Emily P. Le Blond, Alice Brownlie and Anna Struckman. The first officers of the chapter were Susan A. Riley, worthy matron; G. J. C. Wintermute, worthy patron; Harriet Ellis, associate matron; Tennie Zay, secretary; and Emily P. Le Blond, treasurer. The following have served as worthy matrons: Susan A. Riley, 1898, 1899; Lydia Lisle, 19oo; Gabrilla Dickman, 1901, 1902; Mary Schuyler, 1903; Alice Brownlie, 19o4;•Kate H. Bretz, 1905, 1906; and Agnes Snyder, elected for, the year 1907. The officers for 1906 were the following: Kate H. Bretz, worthy matron; S. S. Scranton, worthy patron; Anna Struckman, associate matron; Ida Stubbs, secretary; Mary L. Richardson, treasurer; and Beryl L. Scranton, pianist. The following are the officers elected for 1907: Agnes Snyder, worthy matron; B. R. Shipp, worthy patron; Martha E. Scranton, associate matron; Gabrilla Dickman, secretary; Mary L. Richardson, treasurer; and Beryl L. Scranton, pianist. Celina Chapter, which has a membership of 125, holds its meetings in Masonic Hall. Gabrilla Dickman, past worthy matron of Celina Chapter, No. 91, was elected grand worthy matron of the State of Ohio at the meeting of the Grand Chapter held at Toledo in October, 1905. Celina Lodge, No. 399, Independent Order of Odd Fellows was con- AND REPRESENTATIVE CITIZENS - 123 stuted at Celina by M. W. Brother, John A. Lee, grand master of the State of Ohio, on July 20, 1867. The grand officers' names attached to the charter of the lodge are: John A. Lee, M. W. grand master ; James A. Semple, R. W. deputy grand master; Henry Lindenberg, R. W. grand warden; G. D. Winshall, R. W. grand treasurer; and W. C. Earl, R. W. grand secretary. The following are the names of some of the brethren who have served as noble grand of Celina Lodge and by reason of such service are members of the Most Worshipful Grand Lodge of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows of the State of Ohio : Milton M. Miller, Keepers Alberry, Jonathan Shepherd, Stephen A. Armstrong, M. Schuyler, J. F. Timmonds, Charles Fanger, William Dickman, A. Fanger, S. P. McGriff, J. P. McAfee, M. Feldheiser, George Smith and M. B. Alberry. The officers of the lodge for 1907 are as follows : 0. D. Wagner, N. G.; S. M. Fisher, V. G.; Frank J. Pierstorf, recording secretary; J. S. Pumphrey, financial secretary; and Charles McComb, treasurer. Judge C. S. Younger is the representative to the Grand Lodge for District No. 29, comprising 10 lodges in Mercer and Auglaize counties. Celina Lodge has a present membership of 175 and meets in the I. 0. 0. F. Hall, which is located at the corner of Main and Fayette streets in the third story of the building erected by Messrs. Dickman and Hellwarth. Celina Encampment, No. 231, Independent Order of Odd Fellows.—The present officers of the encampment are: Charles McComb, chief patriarch; Otis Monroe, senior warden; J. S. Pumphrey, recording secretary; A. C. F. Gilberg, financial secretary; and James F. Monroe, treasurer. Queen Rebekah Lodge, No. 245, Independent Order of Odd Fellows, was instituted May 18, 1888. The following were charter members : William Krenning, E. F. Krenning, D. J. Roop, Sarah J. Roop, L. S. Jameson, Mattie Jameson , William Dickman, Ettie Dickman, Phene Shepherd, Clarinda Clark, John Raudabaugh, Stephen A. Armstrong, M. McDaniel, Jennie McDaniel, George S. Smith, Ella Smith, Mollie Timmonds and Lizzie Feldheiser. The officers for 19o7 are as follows : Nora Bryan, P. N. G.; Blanche Andrews, N. G.; Anna Ayers, V. G.; Savella Staeger, R. S.; Jessie Raudabaugh , F. S.; and Lizzie Kistler, T. The lodge has a present membership of 125 and meets in the I. 0. 0. F. Hall. Celina Lodge, No. 129, Knights of Pythias, was organized and instituted at Celina on the 8th day of September, 1881, by C. D. Iddings, P. G. C.,of Dayton, Ohio. The charter members of the lodge were: J. C. Porterfield, J. P. McAfee, Charles P. Winslow, John W. DeFord, John W. Loree, J. W. Dickman, J. W. Riley, G. E. Nungester, A. J. Knox, G. W. Williams, Ed. Shaffer, S. R. Kimble, Wm. C. Snyder, C. H. Snyder, Harmon Myers, W. W. Timmonds, V. N. Estry, C. C. Gable, Eli Bryson, G. W. Smith, John 124 - HISTORY OF MERCER COUNTY Nickel, P. A. Ellis and John W. McKee. The first officers were : John W. McKee, P. C.; John W. Loree, C. C.; Charles P. Winslow, V. C.; G. E. Nungester, prelate; Charles C. Gable, M. at A.; J. P. McAfee, K. of R. & S.; C. H. Snyder, M. of E.; J. W. Dickman, M. of F.; G. W. Williams, I. G.; and Edward Shaffer, O. G. The officers for 1907 are: R. C. Nungester, C. C.; Harry Beam, V. C.; Edgar Baker, prelate; L. L. Marsh, M. at A.; A. J. Zender, M. of W.; William E. Reynolds, K. of R. & S.; Ashley Al. Riley, M. of E.; V. N. Estry, M. of F.; Lewis Tennent, I. G.; C. E. Burkholder, O. G.; trustees—C. A. Wyckoff, H. D. Miesse and J. A. Hoagland. The present membership of the lodge is 100. Celina Temple, No. 197, Pythian Sisters, was organized in 1903. The first officers, who were also charter members, were: Kate Estry, past chief; Alice Brownlie, M. E. C.; Mayme Arbaugh, E. S.; Lela Thompson, E. J.; Anna Howick, manager; Laura Dysert, M. of R.; Minnie Bretz, M. of F.; and Minnie Applas, secretary. The temple has a present membership of 5o. The officers for 1907 are as follows : Ada Vining, M. E. C.; Kate Estry, E. S.; Hannah Brumm, E. J.; Hazel Dull, manager; Nora Kistler, M. of R.; Nora Bryan, M. of F.; and Mrs. John Raudabaugh, secretary. Le Blond Post, No. 175, Grand Army of the Republic, was organized December 7, 1881, with the following charter members : D. J. Roop, Frank M. Work, J. W. Riley, L. B. Robbins, Peter Cegrand, James Hedrick, Israel Cook, John A. Walter, L. S. Jameson, G. J. C. Wintermute, J. H. Murphy, Gideon Le Blond, D. Rusti, M. V. B. Greck, John Hess, J. F. Timmonds, S. R. Beam, S. C. McBarren, John Hoppel, J. Charter, W. H. Smith, Hiram Long, C. H. Hitchens, C. W. Bodkin, C. R. Coate, D. D. Keller, Abraham Stephens, S. H. Clark. The first officers were the following : D. J. Roop, commander; J. W. Riley, senior vice-commander; J. H. Murphy, junior vice-commander; J. F. Timmonds, adjutant; G. J. C. Wintermute, surgeon; L. S. Jameson, chaplain; Peter Cegrand, quartermaster; C. W. Bodkin, officer of the day; John Hoppel, officer of the guard ; Israel Cook, sergeant major; Hiram Long, quartermaster sergeant; and S. R. Beam, aide-de-camp. The post surrendered its charter some time ago. German Independent Aid Society of Celina.—This society, which was organized for the mutual benefit and aid of its members in case of sickness and death, was chartered February 6, 1881. The charter members were 35 in number, as follows: John E. Hamburger, Peter Schunck, John Hoppel, Peter Cegrand, Joseph K. Zender, John H. Wenning, John Kistler, John Stark, B. Griewe, A. L. Zender, O. H. Andreas, J. C. Schmitt, Michael Schmitt, John Hasse, William Dickman, Leonard Gebele, Phil. Sauer, George Kroeger, Joseph Schmitt, Fred Stelzer, David Hellwarth, George Gebele, Henry Bernard, Charles Stachler, Charles Schlosser, Jacob Kreusch, William AND REPRESENTATIVE CITIZENS - 125 Leifeld, Henry Walter, John H. Gast, Mathias Winter, Charles Wehrle, Mathias Kreusch, Joseph Kreusch, Frank Miller and Michael Linn. William Dickman was president for many years in the early history of the society. The following have served as officers from 1902 to the present time: John Beiersdorfer, president; John E. Hamburger, vice-president; Barney Otting, recording secretary; Fred Laudahn, financial secretary; and 0. H. Andreas, treasurer. The board of trustees consists of five members, namely: Val. Fort-man (president), Anton Schunck (secretary), Frank Wolf (treasurer), Charles Muther and Edmund Brandts. White Oak Camp, No. 41, Woodmen of the World, at Celina, was instituted January 25, 1898, with the following officers and charter members Leonard B. Pumphrey, consul commander; Milton M. Betz, adviser lieutenant; P. T. Waters, banker; Dr. Frank E. Ayers, clerk; William Ayers, watchman ; Thomas B. Clark, sentry; Dr. D. H. Richardson, John S. Goodell and George Orr, managers; Dr. Frank E. Ayers, physician: The present officers are as follows: W. H. Conner, consul commander; Lewis Colton, adviser lieutenant; Charles Franks, banker; Leonard B. Pumphrey, clerk; Harry Weamer, escort; Newton Miller, watchman; Luther Baucher, sentry; and Lewis Hoel, C. J. Kistler and Charles Hoel, managers. The membership is 107. Celina Home, No. 68, Home Guards of America, was organized in 1899 with the following charter members, 3o in number : Abraham Burris, Charles Fox, A. J. Richardson, Fred J. Laudahn, John C. Moore, John C. Kistler, John Q.. Mesarvey, Simon Krigel, Peter Krigel, Philip Linn, S. F. Nixon, Minnie B. Stemen, Joseph F. Stemen, L. J. Brandon, E. J. Ley, Firmas Miller, Charles E. Slusser, George A. Brown, Cyrus C. Major, J. E. Hattery, Katie Krigel, W. B. Jackson, Mary J. Jackson, Richard Betz, Henry F. Knoth, John B. Krigel, George A. Petrie, Elmer Baisinger, Joseph F. Tebben and Joseph J. Krigel. The officers for 1907 are as follows : William Curry. W. C.; Charles Schlosser, Jr., P. C.; Nelson Hoenie, V. C.; Attie Hoenie, chaplain; Francis Bils, secretary ; S. J. Pumphrey, treasurer; Joseph Huesing, collector; Dr. P. E. Riley, medical director ; Abraham Burris, guide; Laura Karr, conductor; Nobe Weaver, 1st shield; Josephine Mesarvey, 2nd shield; Alvenia Kistler, musician. Celina Aerie, Fraternal Order of Eagles, was instituted January 16, 1906, and has a present membership of 108. The following are the officers for 1906: A. J. Zender, worthy president; J. J. Bedell, worthy vice-president ; L. L. Marsh, chaplain; William Pumphrey, conductor; Philip Linn, inner guard; Urban Hinders, outer guard; Frank J. Wolf, treasurer ; W. E. Reynolds, secretary; and P. H. Schunck, Ed. Ungerer, Joseph Depweg, trustees. St. Sebastian's Commandery, No. 303, Knights of St. John, of Celina, HISTORY OF MERCER COUNTY - 126 was chartered February 14, 1897, with 69 charter members, by Gen. H. J. Werst, supreme president of the Knights of St. John. There were 3o uniform members and 39 non-uniform members. The first officers were: President, J. B. Pulskamp; secretary, Frank C. Stark; captain, Lawrence Schunck. The present officers of the commandery are: Spiritual director, Rev. George Hindelang; president, J. H. Winkeljohann; 1st vice-president, Joseph F. Meyer ; 2nd vice-president, J. H. Pulskamp; recording and corresponding secretary, John M. Schlosser; financial secretary, John B. Schmitt; treasurer, Peter Stachler; trustees—W. F. Schunck, John Dorsten, Joseph F. Tebben, Joseph Schmitt and J. B. Pulskamp; commander and captain, J. H. Pulskamp; 1st vice-commander, Joseph F. Meyer; 2nd vice-commander, John B. Schmitt; delegates—John M. Schlosser and W. F. Schunck. The commandery is in a fairly prosperous condition, although the membership is only about 35 at this time. It has accomplished much good for the sick and needy and has helped out many a brother knight in times of affliction and death. Literary Clubs of , Celina.—The History Club was organized in 1892 and was federated in 'goo. Mrs. C. A. McKim served as president or leader of the club until 1906. Mrs. Landfair served as the first secretary and continued as such for a number of years. Mrs. R. R. Wyckoff and Mi-s. W. E. Tou Velle have also served as secretary. No calendars were printed until 1898, informal meetings having been held previous to that •time. The membership of the club is limited to 20. The present officers are as follows: Mrs. B. H. Griffith, president; Mrs. G. W. Struckman and Mrs. C. H. Howick, vice-presidents; Mrs. W. E. Tou Velle,, secretary; and Mrs. J. O. Schuyler, treasurer. The Shakespere Club was organized in 1894 and was federated in 1900. The following were members in 1894: Elizabeth Cook, Grace Riley, Elizabeth Crockett, Kate Crockett, Ella Raudabaugh and Zora L. Smith. The club is limited to 20 members. The officers at the present time. are: Myrtle Leiser, president ; Jessie Snyder, vice-president; Nellie Winter, secretary; and Effie Fanger, treasurer. The Altrurian Club was organized in 1899, the first officers elected being Martha E. Scranton, president; Alice Brownlie, vice-president; Jessie Raudabaugh. secretary ; and Sue Raudabaugh, treasurer. The club was federated in 1902. It has a present membership of 23 active members and six honorary members. The regular meetings are held on Thursday of each week. The present officers are: Ida Stubbs, president; Ella Leiser, vice-president; Minnie Bretz, secretary ; Tabitha Nichols, treasurer; and Alverda Shipp, corresponding secretary. CHAPTER IV CENTER, UNION, DUBLIN AND BLACK CREEK TOWNSHIPS CENTER TOWNSHIP Was organized June 2, 1834, and by order of the County Commissioners the first election was held at the house of William Bonafield, June 21, 1834, This township extends north to the Union township line, east to the Auglaize County line, south to the Jefferson township line and west to the Hopewell township line. The surface is generally level, although rolling enough to drain very nicely; tile drains are used wherever any kind of ditching is found necessary. The land of Center township has a rich soil, and all kinds of grain art raised in abundance, but corn is "king." The farms of the township are highly cultivated and well improved. The timber lands are nearly all cleared, leaving only scattered groves which serve as wind-breaks in time of storm and protect man and beast from the scorching rays of the Meridian sun. The township contains 19,188 acres of land, valued at from $75 to $100 per acre. The population in 1880 was 1,456; in 1900 it was 1,493. The township has some of the best residences in the county. It has also good schools and churches, and as a whole the people are a church-going people, lovers of education and religion, the population being almost exclusively of English descent. The present officers of the township are as follows: Trustees—Jesse Willcutt, F. Kruger and C. F. Lutz ; clerk, J. H. Murlin; treasurer, George D. Lewis: justices of the peace—D. W. Hawkins and G. W. Bogart. NEPTUNE, seat of the township, has a history extending over nearly 7o years. Its William Bonafield, was one of the pioneers of Mercer County, coming county as early as 1823 or 1824, and settling first in Dublin township, near the village of Mercer. About 1827 or 1828 he entered land in Center 128 - HISTORY OF MERCER COUNTY township where Neptune is now located and moved there with his family. He was the first settler within three miles of the site of the present town except a man by the name of Crawford, who lived half a mile east of Mr. Bonafield. On December 2, 1837, he laid out a town, which he called Neptune. Shortly after he settled here, he engaged in the hotel business, keeping what was called a travelers' home for the accommodation of the extensive travel on the old Fort Wayne road. He was a carpenter by trade and followed this in connection with farming and hotel-keeping throughout life. He died January I, 1841. About 1838 Benjamin Nichols came to Center township from Pennsylvania and stopped with Mr. Bonafield at Neptune for several years and after the death of Mr. Bonafield took charge of the hotel and store and conducted the business for many years. Jason and Atwater Hall and their families settled in Neptune in 1839. Soon after came "Doc." Keyser, who spent a long life in the town. Henry Lakamp moved to the town in 1865 and opened up a large country store, which he conducted for many years. The fact that the old plank road from St. Marys to Fort Wayne, Indiana, ran through the tow made Neptune quite a good trading point in its early history, but this has all passed away and we.find the old town to-day with not as much business as it had many years ago. Owing to its favorable location in the township, it formerly had a postoffice but now it has none; Uncle Sam through his rural mail carriers makes Celina the distributing point for Neptune and the people have their daily mail delivered at their doors—no more hack or horseback mail for Neptune. The Center township High School is located at Neptune and is considered one of the best in the county. The town also has a number of churches. The present population is about 150. PIONEERS. The pioneers of Center township came from all sections of the country. Some did not take up permanent homes or remain long in this district. In mentioning the pioneers, we are ableto refer only to a few of those who lived here for an extended period. Michael Harner was one of the earliest pioneers of the county; he was born in Maryland, January 18, 1794, fought in the War of 1812 and came to Mercer County in 1819, locating in Dublin township, ,half a mile south of where the village of Mercer now stands. In 1820 he moved into Center township and settled on 160 acres of land, where he passed the remainder of his clays. William Bonafield was also one of the earliest settlers of Center township, as were other early residents of Neptune mentioned previously. Wesley Copeland located here as early as 1834. In 1835 the Spicer family moved to Center township, Mercer County, from Miami County, Ohio, being AND REPRESENTATIVE CITIZENS - 129 among the first settlers in the township. Samuel Davis came to Mercer County in 1834 and at first located in Union township, afterwards moving into Center, where he passed the remainder of his days. William Cain and C. L. S. Shanklin, natives of Virginia, also came to this township in 1837. Stephen Howick, who came from England to America in 1831 and landed at Quebec, proceeded thence to Buffalo and thence to Lancaster, Ohio, where he was engaged in brick-making until 1835; in that year he removed to St. Marys, where he remained until 1837, when he moved upon an 8o-acre tract of land in Center township, where he made his home until within a few years of his death, which occurred at the home of his son David in Celina. Mr. Howick lived to see the forest cleared away and beautiful farms with elegant homes surround him where once was the habitation of the wolf, wild deer and turkey, *hich "Uncle" Stephen delighted to hunt when he first came to the county. The Hankins family were early pioneers in this and adjoining townships. Rev. Timothy Hankins came to Mercer County in 1837 from Coshocton County, Ohio, and settled in Liberty township on the northeast quarter of section 7. His cabin was the third built in the township. There were then no roads in the township except as they were made by the axe wherever the pioneers wished to go. There was a trace leading from Fort Recovery to Willshire through Liberty township on the section line and one mile east of the Indiana line and another trace, crossing that from east to west, where the settlement known as Skeel's Cross Roads is now. In 1837 John Bolton and William Watkins settled adjoining him, and in 1838 Philip Deitsch and Adam Bollenbacher. In 1838 Mr. Hankins moved to Center township. 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. 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 wnship. Rev. James Drury and his wife came from Kentucky in 1838 and located in Center township, where they passed the rest of their days. He was one of the first Baptist ministers in the county. In 1839 Jesse Keyser came to the township of Center and located on a farm of 160 acres, which he cleared and upon which he lived until a few years ago. In 1840 Amos Stanberry and his son Stanley moved to Center township. In the same year Enos Hays settled on a tract of land in section 16, ter township, where he lived until 1868, when he sold his farm and moved to Carroll County, Missouri. In the spring of 1841 Luther Newcomb came to Center township, Mercer County, erected a cabin, cleared a small plat and planted it in potatoes on land that his father had entered in 1837. The family consisted of three boys—Miletus M., Joseph B. and Miloann; these boys grew 130 - HISTORY OF MERCER COUNTY to manhood here and helped to make the farms that their children enjoy to-day. James Malick came to the county in 1847 from Clinton County, Ohio. In the same year Zophar Williams and wife migrated to Mercer County and located in Center township, where Mr. Williams lived until his death. The following settled in Center township later than 1850.—Henry J. McKirnan has been a resident of Center township since 1851 and has contributed largely to the development of the township. In early life he learned to bear the burdens cast upon him, being left at the age of 15 years with the responsibility of caring for the family and looking after the farm ; with heroic courage, energy and industry he cleared the farm and made a beautiful home for himself and sisters and widowed mother. Smith and Moses Townsend came to the county, about 1852, from Columbiana County, Ohio, and settled in Center township. Both helped to clear farms and build houses and lived to see the county cleared up from an almost unbroken wilderness to fine, well-cultivated farms. Lyman Dibble came to the county in 1846 and settled in Jefferson township ; in 1853 he moved to Center township and located on a farm which is now owned by his son, Charles F. Dibble, who lives on the place. Frederick Lutz, born in Germany, emigrated to America in 18153, came to Mercer County in 1854, and settled on a farm of 120 acres of land in section 22, Center township, where he passed the remainder of his days; Charles F. Lutz, his only son, now lives on the farm and is one of the leading farmers of Center township. In 1854 Abraham Fast came to Mercer County from Fairfield County, Ohio, and settled on a farm in Center township. Casper Schnarre, a Prussian soldier, came to Center township in 1856. Another pioneer of Center township who passed away not many years since was George W. Raudabaugh, a native of Hocking County, Ohio. Mr. Raudabaugh first came to Mercer County in 1842, but spent the winter of 1842-43 in Champaign. County, Ohio; in the spring of 1843 he moved to Hopewell township, Mercer County, where he engaged in farming from 1843 to 1864, filling the offices ,of justice of the peace, county auditor and county treasurer. In 1864 he moved upon a farm in Center township and in 1876 was elected to the Ohio Legislature. John M. Wright, a pioneer of this county, came from Clinton County, Ohio, in 1830, with his parents, Abel and Mary Wright, who located on land in Union township on Eight-Mile Creek where the Bethel Church now stands. In 1878 Mr. Wright moved to Center township. CHURCHES. There are two Methodist Episcopal churches in Center township—Center Chapel and Copps' Chapel—both of which belong to the Celina circuit and are in charge of Rev. C. M. Baker, who resides at Celina. The history of Center AND REPRESENTATIVE CITIZENS - 131 Chapel dates back to 1843, when Rev. David Gray, at the residence of Enos Hays, organized a class of io members, viz. : Enos Hays and wife, Alanson Hays and wife, Rhoda Newcomb, Luther Newcomb and wife, Charles Smart and wife and Daniel Martin. Enos Hays acted as class leader and steward. The present church building was erected at a cost of about .$1,800, being dedicated in April, 1875, by Rev. James F. Mounts. The present value of the church property is $3,000. The present membership is 115, with an average attendance at Sunday-school of 7o.—Copps' Chapel was organized in 1851 at Jacob Copps' residence by Rev. Wilcox, with seven members, namely : Jacob Copps and wife, Gilbert Sinift and wife, Mrs. Ezekiel Hitchens, Mrs. Horace Loomis and Mrs. Cain. Jacob Copps was class leader and steward. The present church is a frame building, 46 by 32 feet in dimensions, erected at a cost of about $1,800 in 1873, being dedicated in July of that year by Rev. Wilcox. The present estimated value of the church property is $1,500. The church has a membership of 50. The Sunday-school has an average attendance of 45. Center township has three societies of the Church of God, viz.: Beery Bethel, Fairview and Neptune, all of which are served by Rev. H. B. Croft. The Church of God at Beery Bethel was organized by Elder Cump in 1853, with to members, namely : Christian Beery and wife, Benjamin Beery and wife, Daniel Beougher and wife, Jesse Gile and wife and Joseph Good and wife. Jesse Gile was the first elder and Benjamin Beery, the first deacon. A frame church building was erected in 186o at a cost of about $600.—The Church of God at Fairview was organized at the home of Jesse Keyser in 1866 by Elder Small with some 12 or 15 members. A frame church building was erected in 1867 at a cost of about $800.—The Church of God at Neptune was organized in 1869 by Elder Warner with 43 members. They built a frame church in 1878 at a cost of about $1,000. When the society was organized, A. J. Fast was elected elder and Edward Kelly, deacon. The Mount Zion United Brethren Church in Center township was organized in September, 1850, by Rev. James Lay in the schoolhouse on Twelve Mile Creek. The original class consisted of eight members, namely: Mr. and Mrs. Michael Hamer, Mr. and Mrs. James Harner, Mr. and Mrs. Lewis Bolton and Mr. and Mrs. Sylvester Rider. This class and the Old-town United Brethren class in Jefferson township have been served by the same ministers. The present pastor is Rev. J. P. Hight, who is also Pastor of the Old-town and the Montezuma United Brethren churches. The church is in a flourishing condition. The Mount Gilead Baptist Church was organized in 1843 on Eight-Mile , Creek one and a half miles north of Neptune, with 10 constituent members. Michael Craft and wife were baptized into the fellowship of the church soon 132 - HISTORY OF MERCER COUNTY after the organization. The first meeting-house, a hewed-log structure, was built in [845 on the Mendon road, two and a half miles from Neptune, on land then belonging to Rebecca Moore. The present house of worship is a frame building in Neptune, erected in 186o, which with lot is worth about $1,000. The present church membership is 6o. The pastors have been: Revs. James Drury, H. Gordon (ordained in 1849), G. N. Drury, J. Jackson, J. H. Manning (ordained in 1870), G. C. Graham, E. S. Griggs, V. D. Willard, H. F. Perry, W. H. Gallant, L. E. Baker, D. B. Reckard, A. W. Yale and J. C. Kazee, the present pastor. UNION TOWNSHIP Occupies the northeast corner of Mercer County, being bounded on the north by Van Wert County, on the east by Auglaize and Van Wert counties, on the south by Center township, and on the west by Dublin township. It comprises an area of 36 square miles. The principal stream of the township, flowing from east to west, is the St. Marys River, into which. Eight-Mile Creek and Twelve-Mile Creek empty, thus affording good drainage for the land. The surface of the township is on the whole level, except along and near the watercourses, where it is rolling and somewhat broken. The soil is fertile and very productive. The population of the township in 1880 was 1,820; in 1890, 2,001 ; and in 1900, 2,238. ORGANIZATION. Originally Union township, together with the rest of the northern part of the county, was included in Dublin township. In 1828 it was set off from Dublin township, at which time it also included Center township, which became a separate organization six years later. The first election in Union township was held in the schoolhouse on Justin Hamilton's land on December 20, 1828, nearly four-score years ago, at which time the following officers were elected: 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 the poor—John Van Gundy and Thomas Parrott; fence viewers—Peter Coil and Justin Hamilton. The present officers are: Trustees—Warren Barber, Ira T. Wollam and William M. Shelley; clerk, J. A. Murlin; treasurer, J. W. Hesser; justice of the peace, Milton O. Krugh. Mendon has a handsome Town Hall, which was erected jointly by the village and township in 1904 at a cost of $12,000. It is a two-story red brick structure, trimmed with light-colored brick. AND REPRESENTATIVE CITIZENS PIONEERS - 133 It is now more than four-score years since the first permanent settlers came to this township, which was then a wild and unbroken wilderness with no roads, schoolhouses nor churches and without a white man or woman living within a day's journey. The year 1822 marks the year of settlement. It was early in this year that Andrew Coil and his family, including his son-in-law, Thomas Parrott, came to Union township and reared for themselves a cabin on the banks of Twelve-Mile Creek. The corn and vegetables that they raised this year on their land was the first crop produced in Union township. The next year Mr. Coil laid out a town which he named Coiltown, which competed with St. Marys and Shanesville for the seat of justice in 1824. Samuel Duncan also settled in Union township in 1822. He had settled in the county as early as 1818, taking up his residence in that year on Shane's Prairie in Dublin township. James Green also settled in the township in 1822, but remained only a year or two. In 1823 Michael Harner came into the township from Dublin township where he had located as early as 1819. John Van Gundy also came here in 1823, locating on a farm on which he spent the remainder of his life. In 1823 Samuel Harrison, John Heath and Justin Hamilton came into the township. Mr. Hamilton, who was a native of the State of New York and a pioneer of Kentucky, at once became prominent in the affairs of the northern section of Mercer County. He was elected justice of the peace for Dublin township in 1825 and, being re-elected in 1828, he became the first justice of the peace of Union township. He also held the offices of county assessor and surveyor, while Allen and Van Wert counties were attached to Mercer. He served several terms in the Ohio Legislature and afterwards served as an associate judge of the court of common pleas. He resided upon his farm in section 28 for 4o years, dying there in 1863 when in his 67th year. In 1824 acob Van Gundy and Achilles Irvin became residents of the township; in 1827, George Wilson and Peter Coil (end) ; and in 1828, Joseph Rider and Asahel Forbes. Soon after Justin Hamilton located here, he was joined by his brother William, who left his home in Ontario County, New York, in 1825, and walked to Buffalo, took a schooner for Sandusky Bay (city) and then walked to this township. Justin and William Hamilton moulded and burned the first brick made in Union township. Samuel C. Barber and family and his wife's brother, Abraham D. Murlin, came from Kentucky in November, [828. The same year Aaron Abbey became a resident of the township but later returned to New York. In 1829 Michael Miller and his sister Elizabeth, two orphans, were brought to the township by their brother-in-law, George Wilson, who had located here two years before; Michael, when he grew up, settled permanently in the township 134 - HISTORY OF MERCER COUNTY and lived here all his life, becoming a wealthy man. At his death, a few years ago, he left each of his children a valuable farm besides other property. He was respected as an honest man by all who knew him. Abel Wright and family located on the northwest quarter of section 35 in 1.829. The following settled in the township in 1830: Isaac Coil, James Coil, Jacob Fultze and George Parrott. Eli Forbes joined his brother, Asahel Forbes, in 1831, but remained only a few years, moving then to Illinois. Joseph Sidenbender came into the township in 1831. George M. Shepherd, Amos M. Barber and Richard Palmer all became residents of the township in 1832. The last-named owned many hundreds of acres of land at his death. In that and in the following year William Cook, James Wright, James Smith, John D. Hundley, Henry and Samuel Parrott, Leonard Miller, George Rupert, John W. Brown, John N. Brown, Edward Upton, James T. Heath and Alfred Bigelow came into the township. The arrivals in 1834 were : Samuel Davis, Benjamin Nolan, Abraham Abbey, James Watts, William McMichael and Daniel Murlin. Soon after this Thomas Upton became a resident of the township. In 1835 came John Tomlinson, John Ross, Wesley A. Parrott and his father, John Parrott, John E. Dutton and Resin P. Webb. In 1836 came John Edge. Early the same year came Jacob Panabaker, who located at Mendon (then known as Guilford), and built a saw and grist-mill on the St. Mary's River. Adam Panabaker came also the same year, as well as Asa Presho, Elhanan Porter, Job Harmon, Nathan Perry, Eleazer S. Wright and Robert Mortimore, who was a wheelwright by trade and devoted considerable time to making chairs, spinning wheels and reels for the early settlers. The year 1837 brought quite a number of new settlers, among whom were Christian and John Gist, Jacob Peterman, Samuel Ross, Christian Wertz, William Murlin, Samuel Shepherd, David P. Protzman, Daniel Arnold, John Hines, Michael Deniston and Isaac Lamunyon. In 1838 John B. Hickernell, Jacob Sherer, James Anderson, John Price, Robert Platt and John Protzman came into the township; in 1839, William Hussey, Everett Sinclair and John M. Toland; in 1840, Jacob Krugh, George Fireoved and Robert H. Dunathan. The Sevens came into the township at an early date and improved large tracts of land. Their children are respected citizens of the township to-day. These are not all of the pioneers that came to the township in the years prior to 1840. There were still others but to recall all of the names would make a large volume. The sacrifices that these pioneers made in order to leave a heritage to their loved ones will be told by their children and their children's children for many years to come. The influence for good that was exerted by these hardy sons of toil will last for all time. AND REPRESENTATIVE CITIZENS - 135 SCHOOLS. The people of Union township, from the earliest settlement, have manifested great interest in educational affairs. In 1827 a log school house was erected on the land of Justin Hamilton by the voluntary labor of the settlers. The first term, of school, held in the winter of 1827-28, was taught in this building by Mr. Hamilton, who received $10 per month and boarded himself. Even then, he had to trade out his wages, money being very scarce. Henry Hoagland followed Mr. Hamilton at 'the same wages, but did not board himself, the custom of "boarding around" among the patrons of the school being adopted. Two other school buildings were erected in the early years of the 'settlement by volunteer labor and contributions. The schools were supported by subscriptions until a tax was levied for the maintenance of the common schools of the township, the earliest record of such tax levy being in 1838. From year to year the schools made regular advances and kept pace with the development of the county, and to-day we find the district schools accommodated with good and commodious brick structures and officered by efficient teachers, who are paid a fair salary for their services. The Mendon High School is maintained nine months each year, and all the district schools in the wnship not less than six months each year. CHURCHES. The Mendon and Wesley Methodist Episcopal churches in Union township, and the Tomlinson Methodist Episcopal Church in Van Wert County, are in one charge, which has been served by the following pastors since 1879, namely : Revs. Lemuel. Herbert, John T. Bower, Rudolph R. Bryan, C. S. Barron. Josiah F. Crooks, W. R. Seuman, Philip Lemasters, W. R. Shults, R. E. Woodruff, F. S. Robinson, T. A. Zimmerman, M. M. Markwith, D. G. Strong, C. B. Cramer, Lemuel Rich and H. J. Keister, who became pastor in 1906. The total membership of the three churches is 316. The three church buildings are valued at $11,000. The parsonage, located at Mendon, is valued $1,800. The charge has three Sunday-schools, in which there are 50 officers teachers and 360 scholars, the average attendance being 215. There are three societies of the Church of God in Union township, namely : Mendon, Union and Anderson, which are served by Rev. O. O. Tracy. Union township has two Baptist churches—Pleasant Grove and Mendon. The Pleasant Grove Baptist Church was organized November 22, 1871, with four constituent members, to whom were added two more immediately after the organization. They were received into the Auglaize Baptist Association at its annual meeting held at Van Wert in 1872. It was 136 - HISTORY OF MERCER COUNTY called the Mendon Church until 1879, when the present building site four miles northeast of Mendon, on the Spencerville road, was purchased, and the name was changed to Pleasant Grove. A meeting-house, costing $I,200, was completed thereon in 1881. The present value of the church property is estimated at $2,000. The present membership is 49. The following have served as pastors : Revs. J. H. Manning, G. C. Graham, W. H. Gallant, J. F. Smith, William Price and B. F. Tucker.—The Mendon Baptist Church w as organized in 1883, with six members. On May 6, 1884, it was recognized by a council of io churches of the Auglaize Baptist Association as a regular Baptist Church. The church had 13 members at the time of recognition. About this time a fine corner lot was purchased, which in 1893 was leased for oil, from which the church realized about $200. During the summer of 1899, several hundred dollars were subscribed and-the basement of a house of worship was constructed, but for want of sufficient funds in sight nothing more has been done to the house. The church has been able to maintain preaching only at irregular intervals by using the house of another denomination. The church has a present membership of seven. The estimated value of the church property is $1,000. The following have served the church as .ministers : Revs. V. D. Willard, J. H. Manning, R. L. Ingrain, B. F. Tucker, H. F. Perry, D. D. Spencer, A. W. Yale, J. F. C. Sherich, S. Colborn, H. J. Julian and J. C. Kazee, the present pastor. AGRICULTURE. The township is purely an agricultural one, and great crops of corn, wheat, oats and rye are raised. The orchards of this township can not be excelled in the county. Good gravel roads are found all over the township. Union tow n-ship claims the credit for originating, and maintaining for a number of years, the society known as the Mercer County Pioneer Association, which held its meetings for a number of years at Mendon; they are now held in August of each year at Celina, where the stories of the past are told and forecasts of the future made. MENDON. In 1834 Justin Hamilton and Thomas Parrott laid out the town of Guilford, in the southeast quarter of section 21, on the south bank of the St. Mary's River. The plat and description were acknowledged for record on May 29, 1834, and recorded on June 2nd. The proprietors soon after changed the name to Mendon. For years, the chief features of the town were a schoolhouse, a horse-mill and a store. The log schoolhouse gave place in time to a frame building and this in AND REPRESENTATIVE CITIZENS - 137 turn to the present two-story, eight-room, brick building of modern design and up-to-date equipment, which was erected in 1888. R. E. Offenhauer is super- ' intendent of the village district schools and Milton 0. Krugh is principal of the High School, in which there are two teachers and 41 pupils. Mr. Krugh has held this position since 1897. The High School, which is supported jointly by the township and village, ranks as second grade. P. W. Fishbaugh, A. W. Copeland, B. T. Price, J. B. Maurer and J. W. Hesser constitute the Board of Education of the village school district. The horse-mill yielded to a mill run by water power, which finally was succeeded by the steam grist-mill of to-day. The greater part of the changes that have resulted in the upbuilding of the town and the infusing of new life into its commercial activities, date from the building of the railroad, which is now a branch of the Cincinnati, Hamilton & Dayton Railway, through the town. The new railroad brought trade, particularly by bringing facilities for the shipping of grain and other products of the farm and field. Mendon is the only village in the township and has its share of all kinds of business, including one bank, one hotel, a large undertaking business, two or three dry goods houses, groceries and meat markets, a grain elevator, two implement and vehicle stores, steam grist-mill and newspaper. The town also has churches to suit all kindly disposed people, a number of fraternal societies, two physicians (Dr. P. W. Fishbaugh and Dr. J. W. Ridenour), and one dentist. The Mendon Bank was organized in February, 1902, by the Voke Brothers, L. F. and Edward, as a private bank with capital stock of $10,000. The officers of the institution are as follows : L. F. Voke (of Columbus, Ohio), president; Edward Voke (of Mendon), cashier; and Miss Maggie Norris, assistant cashier. The bank has deposits amounting to $85,000. The bank building was erected in 1991. Hussey & Barber conduct a general store; George Bauter, a drug-store; Frank Disher operates the steam grist-mill ; Gordon, Hauss & Folk are the proprietors of the grain elevator and also deal in agricultural implements, wagons and buggies, a line of business in which William Hankins is also engaged; W. M. Miller has a well-established undertaking business and also deals in furniture. The Mendon Herald, a weekly newspaper, independent in politics, was established in 1895. Frank Geiger is proprietor and editor. The following are the fraternal societies: Mendon Lodge No. 586, F. & A. M. (chartered in 1902) ; Lodge No. 750, I. O. 0. F. —also a Rebekah lodge; Mendon Lodge No. 416, K. of P. ; Mendon Tent, No. 214, K. 0. T. M.; and McKendree-Murlin Post, No. 319, G. A. R., was • organized with about 23 members some time in 1880. Among the first members were George Custer, John A. Murlin, James H. Moore, William Lemunyon, Orange Leymond, Wesley Presho, John Bevan, Henry A. W. 138 - HISTORY OF MERCER COUNTY Collins, Cyrus B. Collins, David Ayers, Elifah Patterson, Valentine Moses, William Johnson, Van Myers, Labin P. Hays, John Ash and Milton Hussey. The records of the post were destroyed in the disastrous fire that recently visited Mendon, so accurate information cannot be obtained. The post has now 19 members in good standing. The officers are: James Shanklin, commander; Christ. Kinkley, senior vice commander; Daniel Vesper, junior vice commander; George Custer, quartermaster; W. W. Parrott, officer of the day ; John Boroff, officer of the guard; Philip Hankins, chaplain; Samuel C. Duff, sergeant major; and James H. Moore, adjutant. Mendon was incorporated as a village in 1881. The village's first officers were : Mayor, L. A. Barber; clerk, J. H. Moore; treasurer, William Hamilton; marshal, William Rider; councilmen—A. J. Lininger, F. S. Collins, J. W. Murlin, John Bevan and Joseph Hesser. The present village officers are as follows : Mayor, Milton O. Krugh; clerk, C. W. Rish; treasurer, P. W. Fishbaugh; marshal, L. Duffey; councilmen—V. T. Siberts, Zed. Watts, Ed. Protzman, Harry Barber and Frank Small. E. E. Hussey is postmaster. The population of the village in 1880 was 342; in 1890, 400; and in 1900, 599—showing a steady growth. In the last year Mendon has suffered from two very destructive conflagrations. In February, 1906, the west side of Main street was visited by a fire that destroyed some of the best business structures in town. The loss was nearly total. Again, on January 12, 1907, the business portion of the town on the east side of Main street, opposite the burned district of last year, was destroyed by fire, few business houses being left on that side of the street. DUBLIN TOWNSHIP Was organized June 7, 1824, at which time it included all the northern part of the county. Other townships were struck off and organized in the succeeding years until Dublin was reduced to the size of a congressional township as it is to-day, containing 36 square miles. It is bounded on the north by Van Wert County, on the east by Union township, on the south by Hopewell township and on the west by Black Creek township. The St. Mary's River flows across the township by a winding course from the 'eastern side to the northwest corner. The soil is fertile and well adapted to the raising of all kinds of grain, the crop most cultivated being corn, although wheat and oats receive their share of attention. Fruit is grown in abundance. Livestock is raised on an extensive scale by the farmers of the township, who take pride in their cattle and horses, while the breeding of hogs and sheep is not neglected. The records showing who were elected township officers for the first 12 AND REPRESENTATIVE CITIZENS - 139 or 15 years in the township's history have wholly disappeared and the first record that is extant is of the spring election of 1839, when the following officers were chosen: Trustees—Philip S. Hitchner, Asa J. Petro and Horatio G. Blossom; clerk, A. R. Hunter; and treasurer, David Hays. At the election of April 6, 1840, the following were elected: Trustees—Philip S. Hitchner, Horatio G. Blossom and Abraham Miller; clerk, G. S. Barks; treasurer, David Hays; and justice of the peace, Asa J. Petro. The present officers are: Trustees—J. C. Chivington, Albert Miller and W. B. Tingley; clerk, D. C. Kinder; treasurer, William Christian; justices of the peace—Cornelius Smith and G. M. Counterman: The population of the township in 1880 was 2,027; in 1890, 2,625; and in 1900, 2,751. RAILROADS. The township has two railroads. The Cincinnati Northern, which has for its southern terminus, Cincinnati and for its northern, Jackson, Michigan, passes through Rockford, which is the market for the entire northern part of the county and the only town of any importance in the township. A branch of the Cincinnati, Hamilton & Dayton Railway passes through Mercer, a settlement in the southeastern corner of the township. This section of the county is, therefore, afforded good shipping facilities. The first railroad built in the township was the old Toledo, Delphos & Burlington Railroad, a narrow-gauge line, from Delphos to Rockford by the way of Mercer, with the main line running from Delphos to Dayton, via Celina. In a few years, however, the branch from Mercer to Rockford was abandoned. The main line at a later date was absorbed by the Cincinnati, Hamilton & Dayton Railway and became a standard-gauge road. INDIAN RESERVES. During the War of 1812, before this section had been opened for settlement by the whites and, indeed, before the formation of the county, there was an Indian village on the St. Mary's River in this township known as Old-tol‘n, which was near where the present village of Rockford is now located. Among the Indians having lodges here were: Anthony Shane, Louis Godfrey, the Crescent, Labadie and Rushville. These Indians were always friendly and rendered every possible service to the government. Grants of land near the present village of Rockford were made to several of these Indians. Among these was a grant of one section of land on the banks of the St. Mary's River, at Shane's Crossing (now Rockford) to Anthony Shane; six sections of land on the north side of the St. Mary's River, above the reservation of Shane, to Louis Godfrey; one section on the north side of HISTORY OF MERCER COUNTY - 140 the St. Mary's River, and below the section granted to the Crescent, to the chief, Charlie; one section on the St. Mary's, below the section granted - to Charlie, to Peter Labadie; and to Alexander T. Godfrey and Richard Godfrey, adopted children of the Pottawatomie tribe, one section of the tract ceded to the United States by the Pottawatomies, Ottawas and Chippewas. At the special request of the two Godfreys, they were given the right to choose and locate said section of land within said tract after a survey should be made; they finally located it within the present limits of Dublin township. These lands have all since passed into the hands of the whites either by gift or purchase. L. G. Roebuck was given a tract of land by Godfrey on account of his being a namesake. The remainder of the Godfrey grant was purchased by William B. Hedges, one of the earliest permanent settlers of this section, who at a very early period clerked for a French trader named Anthony Madore, who had established a trading post at Shane's Crossing, which was the first store of any kind in the township. When the first settlers came, they found Anthony Shane on his reservation, occupying a double log house on the north side of the river, a short distance from the piesent site of Rockford. Louis Godfrey lived at this time on the north bank of the St. Mary's River in the Indian village Old-town, located about a mile and a half up the river from Shane's Crossing. Other Indians, also, at this time occupied lodges upon the reservations in the township. PIONEERS. The first white settlement was made in 1819 immediately after the cess of lands by the Indians under the treaty of St. Marys. Among the first tiers who came in during the years of 1819 and 182o were : William B. John P. Hedges, John,, Ruel and Benjamin Roebuck, Dr. Lilley, Sam Lilley, Jonathan Antonides, Anson Goddard and sons, Michael Harner, Samuel Harrison, William and Jacob Baker, John Van Gundy, John Sutton, J Chivington, Henry Bevington, Peter Edsall, Calvin Denison, Joseph G and Samuel and Isaiah Duncan. They found, upon their arrival, Madore, French trader, trading with the Indians and ready to trade with the settl William B. Hedges became a clerk in this trading post, for which the g were obtained at Piqua, being transported by wagon to St. Marys and the by water to their destination. Madore was succeeded by Mr. Hedges and by John T. Greaves, whose daughter he later married. John P. Hed married the daughter of an Indian chief and settled at Fort Wayne, Indian In the years 1821 and 1822 David Hays, Joseph Henkle, Timothy Green and Col. A. R. Hunter moved here and settled on or near Shane’s Prairie, a level tract of land about six miles in extent east and west and four AND REPRESENTATIVE CITIZENS - 143 miles north and south, along the St. Mary's River, within the present limits of Dublin township. Isaac Coil, John and Jesse McChristy, John K. Evans, Eli Compton and son Elihu, Philip S. Hitchner, and Messrs. Brewster, Trellis and Updyke were among the first to enter land on Shane's Prairie. William Frysinger, who was born in Virginia in 1798, settled in Dublin township in 1827 with his wife and six children. He was the second man to settle north of the river. Joseph Baltzell took up his residence in the township in 1828. Robert Wiley came here in 1835 and lived here until his death in 1862; he was twice elected sheriff. Other early settlers of the township were; William Clark and his son, Smith H. Clark; David Work, John Lilley, Joel Wood, John W. Stoker, William Bonafield (who afterward moved to Center township and founded Neptune), Resin P. Webb (who later became a resident of Union township), Samuel Schlater, C. B. Whitley, John H. Dysert, Jeremiah Shingledecker, John Shellabarger, Peter Dull, G. C. Koeppel and the Schumms and the Putmans. The Sidenbender family came in at an early day and grew up with the township. The Smith family, now prominently represented at Rockford in the persons of Cornelius and H. K. Smith, has long been established in Dublin township. The Van Tilburg and Robinson families are also connected with the early history of the township. Of the first settlers it may be said that for the most part they came from Ross, Warren and Athens counties, Ohio, and from Kentucky. Many of them were, however, natives of New York and other Eastern States. It is thought that the first marriage of residents of Dublin township was that of James Duncan and Sarah Roebuck, who walked all the way to Wapakenta to be married by the missionary of the Society of Friends, Isaac Harvey, as there were no ministers in the township. The journey home was also made on foot. The first term of court held in the county was-convened Shanesville (Rockford) by Judge Nathaniel Low. The first flour mill erected on the St. Mary's River, within the bounds of Dublin township, was by John Rhodes. John W. Stoker was one of the early mail carriers between Piqua and Fort Wayne, and often made the journey on foot, carrying the mail on his back. CHURCHES. Dublin township has two Methodist Episcopal churches, namely: Rockford and Mercer, both of which belong to the same charge, which has been served by the following pastors since 1879, namely: Revs. W. R. Shults, James F. Mounts, M. M. Markwith, C. B. Hickernell, William Dunlap, Jesse Carr, William Hook, J. D. Simons, Jefferson Williams, M. M. Markwith, G. H. Priddy and W. W. Curl, pastor since 1903, who resides in the parsonage at Rockford, which is valued at $1,200. The membership of the two churches 144 - HISTORY OF MERCER COUNTY totals 319. There are 30o scholars and 4o officers and teachers in the two Sunday-schools, with an average attendance of 250. The Methodist Episcopal Church at Rockford was organized many years ago. The church has a splendid brick structure. The church at Mercer was built not a great many years ago and is a very nice, modern, brick building, whose erection was mainly due 'to that eminent Christian man, Jacob Counterman, who was a stanch supporter of Methodism. The Presbyterian Church at Rockford was organized March 3, 1856, with nine charter members, by Rev. Thomas Elcock, one of the pioneer home missionaries of the Presbyterian Church in Northwestern Ohio. The congregation worshiped in the Methodist Church for many years until the fall of 1877, when a brick church building was erected at a cost of $3,000, being dedicated in the spring of 1878. In July, 1905, this building underwent a complete remodeling at a cost of $5,000. As a result of this, the congregation now worship in a modern church home and enjoy all comforts and conveniences requisite for most advanced church work. As the property now stands it is worth at least $8,000. The church has a present membership of 160, with a Sabbath-school enrollment of 130. The following have served as pastors of the church: Revs. Thomas Elcock, 1856-82; J. M. Anderson, 1882-85; J. S. Axtell, 1886-91; G. A. Wilber, 1894-98; Marshall Herrington, 1899-1905 ; and Richard Spetnagel, the present pastor, who has served since 19̊5. The String-town United Brethren Church was organized in August, 1841, at the home of Mrs. Elizabeth Eichar, 12 members constituting the original class. Thomas Shell was the first leader. Rev. Abraham Shingledecker was the first pastor. A log building was erected for church purposes about 1850. This was succeeded by a more pretentious and comfortable church edifice, built at a cost of $1,600 in 1869. Otterbein United Brethren Church, belonging to the Branch called "Radical," has a membership of 80 and an average Sunday-school attendance of 50. The hick church building owned by this class was erected at a cost of $2,000 subsequent to 1892. Rev. J. L. Culbertson is pastor of this church, as well ass of the Union United Brethren Church in Hopewell township. Mr. Culbertson was preceded by Revs. James Sherer, A. J. Stemen, Thomas Harvey and C. S. Johnson. The United Brethren Church at Rockford was organized December r, 1896, by Rev. Thomas Coats with 3o members. The church has grown and prospered and at the present time has a membership of 90, while the Sunday-school has 95 members. The church building, erected a few years ago, is modern structure, built of veneered brick at a cost of $4,000. The following have served as pastors for this church : Revs. Thomas Coats, one year; J. AND REPRESENTATIVE CITIZENS - 145 F. Miller, one year; E. M. Burrows, three years; Charles Alexander, one year; J. P. Hight, two years; and E. G. Stover, the present pastor, who has been in charge for the past two years. The Church of God at Oak Grove is in charge of Rev. E. Turner. The Mercer Baptist Church was first organized in 1845, but later became extinct. During this period the church was served by Revs. J. G. Van Valkburg, Henry Gordon and J. Jackson. The present organization was effected in 1875, in which year a meeting-house was built, The church has a present membership of 68. The church property is worth about $2,000. The following pastors have served the church from the reorganization to the present time: Revs. G. C. Graham, W. H. Gallant, J. H. Manning, H. F. Perry, B. F. Tucker, V. D. Willard, G. B. Jackson, J. F. Smith, A. W. Yale, J. F. C. Sherich and J. C. Kazee, the present pastor. The Friends' Church at Rockford was organized in 1906, being the result of a tent meeting held at Rockford in July by Rev. A. J. Furstenberger and others. The frame church building erected at a cost of about $1,500, was dedicated on Sunday, December 16, 1906, Rev. Allen Jay, of Richmond, Indiana, preaching the dedication sermon. The society has a present membership of about 70, and an average Sunday-school attendance of about Rev. 60. A. J. Furstenberger is pastor. SCHOOLS. The schools are the outgrowth of the old subscription system, which was the only one at command in the early days.. It was not so complete, not so rounded, nor so intellectual as the system of to-day; yet if force did predominate in rude huts, we know it was because it was impossible for culture to predominate in costly buildings. So down the years the schools have moved along from subscription to State patronage, until to-day they are the creatures and care of the State. Joseph Green taught the first term of school in District No. 2, and was paid by subscription. Lovinski Circassian Ninham, an Indian, who was educated by Abraham Shingledecker, Sr., for the ministry, taught a school northeast of Shane's Crossing. District No. I became Rockford Village District and District No. 2 became Mercer Special District. At the first election held in Rockford Village District, April 6, 1874, the following were elected as the first Board of Education : C. B. Whitley, Cornelius Smith, D. H. Robinson, Henry Van Tilburg, P. F. Robinson and J. P. Dysert. The present Board of Education is constituted as follows: William Ketcham. William Frysinger, C. S. Behymer, J. V. Sidenbender and Lewis Eckhart. The village has a two-story, eight-room, brick school building which was erected in 1886. The building and grounds are valued at 146 - HISTORY OF MERCER COUNTY $18,000. Eight teachers are employed. J. H. Barnett has been superintendent of the schools for the past three years. S. Cotterman, the principal of, the High School, which ranks as second-grade and has 75 pupils, has been a teacher in the Rockford schools for many years. The Mercer Special District was organized in August, 1880. At a special election held that month, the following Board of Education was elected : J. S. Keith, Abel Harden, Jackson Harris, Jacob Counterman and 0. P. Phares. Alva J. Spaeht is superintendent of the Mercer schools. Three teachers are employed. The High School, which ranks as third-grade, has to pupils. The public school building is a two-story, three-room, structure erected some years ago. ROCKFORD. This town, the second in the county in the point of population, is not only the oldest settlement in the county but also one of the oldest in Northwestern Ohio. As a laid out town, duly platted and recorded, it is older than any of the surrounding county seats. Lima, Van Wert, Sidney, Kenton, Findlay and Ottawa—all seats of justice in their respective counties—are of more recent origin. Willshire in Van Wert County and this town were the first ones located and occupied in this part of. the State after the founding of Piqua. The distinction of being the seat of justice of Mercer County once belonged to it. Shanesville (as Rockford was originally known), St. Alarys and Coiltown were early contestants for this honor and when the prize subsequently passed from Shanesville to St. Marys, the f6rmer still lived, while Coiltown passed from sight and became a cultivated field. Rockford is situated on the south bank of the St. Mary's River, a little west and north of the center of Dublin township. The old Indian village, Old-town, was located about a mile and a half further up the river. The town was settled as early as 1819 but prior to this date a trading post had been established here by Anthony Madore, a French trader, at a period too early to be discovered from the records. The memory of the Indians—Anthony Shane, the Crescent, Labadie, Charlie and the Godfreys—cluster about the town. Here too may be found the recorded statement of the ice blockade, which hemmed in the pirogues which were making a desperate effort to transport provisions from the old base of supplies at Fort Barbee to the suffering army of General Winchester. The town of Shanesville was laid out by Anthony Shane on land on the St. Mary's River granted him by the United States government and was platted and surveyed in June, 1820, and the plat acknowledged before John Beers, a justice of the peace of Darke County, on June 23rd. Shane, who Has a half-breed, Indian, made something of an improvement here and re- AND REPRESENTATIVE CITIZENS - 147 mained until 1832, when as government agent he accompanied the Shawnees in their removal from Ohio to Kansas. The name Shanesville was applied to the town from its foundation up to its incorporation, although the post office name was Shane's Crossing from the first. At the incorporation of the town in 1866, the name was changed to Shane's Crossing instead of Shanesville in order to correspond with the postoffice name. The name was both significant and appropriate, as Shane's Crossing was the old home of Anthony Shane and the place where the army of General Wayne crossed the river Shane's Crossing continued to be the name of the village until the name was changed I by decree of court to Rockford, November 10, 1890. From the first, the growth of the town was slow and marked by no particular or fictitious increase of population. In the past quarter of a century, however, the town has made a very satisfactory growth in population and general resources. In the 1880 population was 404; 10 years later it had increased to 993; and at t census, in 1900, the population was 1,207. The pioneer store, as has been indicated, was the one originally conducted by Anthony Shane and later by Anthony Madore, the French trader, who was engaged in trading with the Indians when the first settlers arrived. William B. Hedges became a clerk in this store and later succeeded Madore. John T. Greaves next entered the business but only continued for a few years. David Work, one of the earliest settlers of the township, opened a tannery on his arrival and afterwards did a large business. William Baker was the pioneer blacksmith. Drs. Tippie and Budd were the earliest physicians of the town. After John T. Greaves, Dr. John H. Barks engaged in the mercantile business; he introduced dry goods in connection with the usual supplies, for which the principal exchange or currency was skins and furs. Some years after his arrival in the county in 1831, C. B. Whitley took up blacksmithing at Shanesville. Among the residents of the town in 1838 the following can be recalled : William B. Hedges, a landholder and justice of the peace; Basil Lint, a tavern-keeper ; Robert Gordon, a storekeeper; David Work, a tanner; J. D. Ralston, a shoemaker; Samuel Drayer, a wheelwright; C. B. Whitley and Abraham Meller, blacksmiths; and Solomon Barks, a farmer. George F. Borchers, a native of Hanover, Germany, settled in the town in 1849, and opened a clothing store and tailor shop, which he conducted until 1861. when he retired from business. He was appointed postmaster of Shane's Crossing in 1853 and filled the office for 18 years. He also served as justice of the peace and as mayor many years. As early as 1854 or 1855, Jacob S. Collins and Henry Van Tilburg opened a store. Collins died about a year later and Abel Gondy entered into partnership with Van Tilburg. The firm was changed to H. F. Holbrook & Company a few years later and again, in 1869, to H. Van Tilburg & D. H. Robinson, which 148 - HISTORY OF MERCER COUNTY continued until Van Tilburg moved upon his farm adjoining the town. After continuing in business alone for some time, Mr. Robinson sold it and engaged in the banking business, in which he has continued to the present time. The village of Shane's Crossing was incorporated on June 12, i866. At the first election held in the incorporated village on the 24th day of September, 1866, 44 votes were cast and the following officers were elected Mayor, P. F. Robinson; clerk, C. W. Alexander; treasurer, H. C. McGavren marshal, H. F. Holbrook ; councilmen—Henry Van Tilburg, Davis Guy Lewis Funalman, C. R. Bientz and Joshua Van Fleet. The present officers of Rockford, whose terms will expire in 1908,, are as follows: Mayor, Cornelius Smith ; clerk, F. W. Miller; treasurer, William Ketcham; marshal, George Kimbel; councilmen—John Hoffman, George Frisinger, Jacob Ehret, Charles Blossom, James Dull and Perry Cisco. E. E. Jackson is village solicitor and U. Grant Coats is postmaster; Coats was first appointed in 1897 by President McKinley and has served ever since, having been reappointed by President McKinley and by President Roosevelt. The village has a town hall, which was built quite a while ago. The brick flouring mill owned by the Rockford Milling Company has been operated ever since it was erected in 1880. It has a capacity of 80 barrels of flour per day. The special brand manufactured is "Baker's Pride.” Some eight or nine years ago the proprietors put in a small electric light plant for their own use, which was the first plant of this nature installed in Mercer County. When the mill was. erected, the company owning it was entitled T. J. Dull & Company. About 20 years ago this firm was succeeded by the Dull Milling Company, which was owned by four brothers, namely : T. J., J. M., F. P. and J. B. Dull. In 1893 the name of the firm was changed to die Rockford Milling Company. In May, 1896, the interests of T. J., F. P. and J. B. Dull were acquired by three sons of J. M. Dull—Arthur P., Maurice L. and Edgar M.—who with their father now own and operate the plant. They also have a grain elevator and do a great deal of shipping of grain and at Celina they carry on a branch business. Behymer Brothers also operate a grain elevator at Rockford. Included among the manufacturing plants of the village are the tile-mill and brickyard owned by William Ketcham and others. the hoop factory owned by A. J. Hawk and the plant for the manufacture of lumber planing machines, owned by Lewis Brothers. J. E. Dellinger and John Graham conduct blacksmithing establishments. Rockford has three dry goods stores, owned respectively by L. A. Burgess, R. J. Wagers and H. Klein ; two millinery stores, conducted by Mrs. H. K. Smith and Miss Pifer ; two drug-stores, conducted respectively by Mr. Mallory and Mrs. Vance; the jewelry store of Frank Wisterman; the boot and shoe store of Joseph Burgess ; the clothing and gents' furnishing estab- AND REPRESENTATIVE CITIZENS - 149 lishments of W. F. Pixler and Burgess and Burgess & Company; the grocery and notion stores of Taylor King, J. W. Dysert, Mr. Tickle and August Burgress, the last named also selling clothing; the undertaking and furniture establishment of William Ketcham and the agricultural implement depots of Coppersmith & Smalley and J. F. Barks. The latter also handles buggies, as does J. E. Loyd. Rockford has two hotels—the Burnett, owned by Al. Davis and the Putman, owned by Luther Collins; there are two livery barns, whose respective proprietors are Frank Miller and Dysert Brothers. The Farmers & Savings Bank Company, of Rockford, was incorporated under the State banking laws on August 1, 1904, being the result of a merger of the Farmers' Banking Company, of Rockford, of which D. H. Robinson was president and Frank. E. Robinson, cashier, and the Rockford Savings Bank, of which Cornelius Smith was president and J. S. Riley, cashier. The officers end directors of the present company elected upon its organization have since continued in office and are as follows : D. H,. Robinson, president ; Cornelius Smith, vice-president J. S. Riley, cashier; J. C. Van Fleet, assistant-cashier; and D. H. Robinson, Cornelius Smith, J. S. Riley, C. S. Behymer and Frank E. Robinson, directors. The bank has a capital stock of $50,000 with undivided profits of $18,015.70. According to the last report of the bank's condition, the deposits were $191,802.43, while the loans and its discounts aggregated $198.761.81. The bank owns the building in which it carries on its business. The Rockford Free Press, a weekly, .newspaper, independent in politics, of which D. C. Kinder is publisher and proprietor, was established in 1883. Rockford has four churches—Methodist Episcopal, Presbyterian, United Brethren and Friends.; a modern, brick, school building; two attorneys—E. E. Jackson and A. E. Stewart; six physicians—Drs. W. W. Beauchamp, W. C. Zellers, A. C. Vaughn, Downing, Symons and Hughes; and two dentists---- Drs. Randolph and Smith. Rockford has the following fraternal societies : Shane's Lodge, No. 377, Free & Accepted Masons; Chapter, No. 152, Order of the Eastern Star; Shane Lodge, No. 297, Knights of Pythias; Rockford Lodge, No. 790, and a Rebeckah lodge, Independent Order of Odd Fellows; Home No. 31, Home Guards of America; Dolph Graves Post, No. 429, Grand Army of the Republic; and a tent of the Improved Order of Red Men.—Shane's Lodge, No. 377, F. & A. M. was organized under dispensation December 27, 1866, with the following charter members Smith H. Clark, H. C. McGavren, Joshua Van Fleet, John Ralston, J. F. Tomlinson, Henry Clay, William Clay, P. P. McKaig and Joseph Palmer, all of whom are now deceased except Henry Clay. The records of the first stated meeting, held January 5, 1867, show the following officers : Smith H. Clark, W. M.; William Clay, S. W.; Joshua Van