288 - HISTORY OF PREBLE COUNTY, OHIO

MONROE.

PHYSICAL FEATURES.

Monroe township lies in the northern part of the county, and is bounded on the east and west by Harrison and Jefferson townships. To the north lies Darke county, and on the south it borders on Washington town-ship. It is designated in the congressional survey as township nine of range two.

In appearance this township presents an attractive picture of rural life. The country is level and well cleared, and the eye can see long rows of fields extending into the distance, dotted here and there with the darker grouping of timber. Fortunately, a large quantity of the latter is still standing, and adds much to the appearance of the township. The soil is clay on limestone sub-soil, and is of a highly productive character. The cereals—such as corn, wheat, etc.—are raised in large quantities and form the staple articles of production. An improved system of agriculture is pursued and the prosperous condition everywhere apparent demonstrates the complete success with which this system has been met. The neat and tasty residences, the well kept farms, and the general air of plenty shows the cheerful and thrifty condition of the inhabitants. Those of them who engage to any extent in business or political life, are a wide-awake and energetic class, intelligent enough to comprehend how much to their advantage it is to follow closely the advance of progress. They are generally well read and well informed persons. Some exceptions exist, where, either through prejudice or from religious restraint, the people are debarred from the pleasure and instruction procured by an extensive knowledge of affairs at home and abroad. These latter, although belonging, at time; to the moneyed class, still cannot be classed among the intelligent or better read class of inhabitants. They rarely vote or show any interest in political affairs, and while by a peaceful disposition they do so much to insure the quiet of the township, they lend no assistance to its progress.

The land of the township was at first considered almost irreclaimable. The soil was boggy and treacherous, and, in consequence, Monroe township was among the last to be entered by the settlers. But, by means of drainage, the soil has been brought into a firm and productive condition. Immense labor has been expended, and many rods of tile laid, to bring the land into its present condition. There are three tile factories in the township, all doing a large business. Some of the older inhabitants can still recall the time when cattle were often found fastened in the bog in places now covered with fine harvest fields.

The woods are now composed mostly of beech and sugar maple. The growth of poplar and walnut which predominated at the time of the first settlers, has been exhausted. A few fine specimens of these trees are still found, but not in large enough quantities to make them valuable. An interesting incident is preserved relative to the age of some of these old giants of the forest. In 1865 Mr. P. M. Pense felled a huge poplar tree, and at the height of seven feet from the ground, found a flint embedded in the wood. It was evidently the head of an arrow. The bowman had broken off the stem, and left the head embedded. When found, the flint was in the heart of the trunk, and Mr. Pense asserts that he found three hundred growths outside of the flint. This seems almost incredible. If the belief that each year adds one growth, and only one to the girth of a tree is correct, the arrow was shot in the sixteenth century. To our mind there is nothing absolutely incredible in the story, although it is certainly marvellous. The flint is still in the possession of the finder.

There are four streams of some size in the township, but only two of them pass through any great extent of territory. Price's creek, named after Major Price, an early settler on its banks, crosses the township from northwest to southeast Parallel to the latter, about two miles to the northeast, is the Dry fork of Twin, which rises in section ten, and flows to the southeast. In the southwestern corner, crossing two or three sections, is Banta's fork, near whose junction with Twin creek in Lanier township is the famous mound, attributed to the Mound Builders. Twin creek itself crosses section one of Monroe township in the extreme northeastern part.

There are several small towns within the limits of the township; of these, Eldorado is the only one that is incorporated. The others are West Manchester, Hamburgh and Brown's station. Hagerstown is a place long since fallen into oblivion. Brown's station is a mere railroad station. Hamburgh was formerly a place of some local importance, but it is rapidly becoming an unrecognizable place. Eldorado and West Manchester are the two growing places, and will receive a detailed notice in the proper place. A railroad—the Dayton & Western, the only one in the township, passes through these two latter places, and its presence is chiefly instrumental in advancing the growth of these towns.

The roads are generally kept in good repair, not so well, perhaps, as in those townships where the supervisors are regularly elected. In Monroe the road directors are appointed at the discretion of the trustees. Several pikes cross the township to the north and south. The old I national road crosses the southern part from east to west,

288A - MR. AND MRS. GEORGE KIMMEL,

one of the most prosperous and influential fume's of Monroe township, was born in Jackson township, Preble county, April 30, 1827. His father, Jacob Kimmel, emigrated from Pennsylvania after this section of the State had been settled. George worked on his father's farm until he was twenty-one years old, when he learned the carpenter trade and soon became a contractor. He employed a large force of hands and superintended most of the building in Washington and Jefferson townships until 1856, when he retired from the trade and devoted his energies to improving the farm in Monroe township on which he now lives. He purchased this farm in 1851, it being two lots, one hundred and seventeen and one-half acres each, of the section set apart for the purpose of building up and maintaining a public school system.

Mr. Kimmel was married June 27, 1849, to Lettecia Harshman, whose father, Peter Harshman, was one of the first residents of Washington township. He was a Virginian by birth and for a few years after his coming to Ohio was compelled to live alone, the hostile disposition of the Indians who inhabited the forest by which his cabin was surrounded making it too dangerous for women to venture into the new country. He was a soldier of the War of 1812. He died, on the farm which he improved, in 1862. Mrs. Harshman, mother of Mrs. Kimmel, is yet living. She was born in New Hamshire in 1803.

The family of George and Mrs. Kimmel consists of seven children, as follows: John M., born August 25, 1850; William A., born September 20, 1852; Mary Frances, born May 25, 1857; J. P. Lincoln, born June 16, 1860; Ozroe Franklin, born June 1, 1863 ; Orlando Perry, born December 25, 1866; Flora Viola, born December 28, 1873. Sarah Ellen Potterf, a niece of Mr. Kimmel, born March 29, 1859, was received into the family in infancy. John M. is engaged in the clothing business in Eldorado. William resides in Dayton, and Lincoln in Kansas. All the other members of the family are at home.

The farm which George Kimmel purchased in 1851 was then almost entirely native forest, and a couple of log huts were the only buildings. The rich soil is now under excellent cultivation, and the improvements are substantial and commodious. In 1872, while the present handsome residence was being built, the frame house in which the family then resided caught fire, and, with most of the household furniture, was consumed.

Mr. Kimmel has always been a leading citizen. For fifteen consecutive years, with the exception of one term, he was trustee of his township, and for three years was township treasurer. He was for a long time an officer in the Universalist church, of which he and Mrs. Kimmel are members.

In politics Mr. Kimmel is a Prohibitionist; during the war he acted with the Republican party. He contributed liberally to the fund to exempt Monroe township from the draft. When Breckenridge's raid threw this section of Ohio into a furor, Mr. Kimmel enlisted in the home guard, but was never called into active service. He is a radical temperance man, and believes in radical methods of reform.

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tending a little to the south. The present Eaton and Greenville pike is the same as the old "Wayne trace," as it is called, made by Anthony Wayne on his march to Fort Greenville from Cincinnati or Fort Hamilton, as it was then a fort with only a few houses surrounding it. Owing to the level country, these roads are easily kept in order, and if they are at times found out of repair, it is in that part of the township where a slight elevation causes a "wash" in the road.

EARLY SETTLEMENTS.

Owing to the lack of positive authority we are unable to state the exact date of the first settlement in Monroe township. That it was settled much later than the other townships is certain, as the land was in such a condition as to discourage the pioneers from any attempt at settling. The whole surface of the township was boggy, and in places covered with stagnant pools. This was due to the fact that a great many small streams found their rise in this part of the county. The township was severed from Washington township on the twenty-ninth of September, in the year 1817.

It is certain that the country was quite settled before that time. Although the only positive date of entry is that of Josiah Davisson, in 1816, on section fourteen. Several years before this, however, Charles Armantrout moved from Rockingham county, Virginia. He made a camp in the woods and lived in it until he could build his cabin. He is familiarly known as "old daddy Armantrout," by those who can remember him. At the time of his entry he was single, but afterwards married Christina Gray, a daughter of one of the next settlers who came after Armantrout. He entered eighty acres of land on the road passing through Hamburgh and Eldorado, and about one mile south of the former. His entry was at such an early date that he was accustomed to have Indians stop at his cabin to solicit permission to warm and to borrow some fire to roast their potatoes.

After Armantrout, came William Brown, from Pennsylvania. He settled on section twenty-nine, in the southeastern quarter, on the farm now known as the Brown place.

At an early date John Jellison settled in the southeastern part of section twenty-three.

Isaiah Adams, from New Jersey, settled on the eastern half of the section on which Hamburgh now stands. His house was the first one built there where the town is located.

Jacob Baker, from Rockingham county, Virginia, settled on section sixteen.

Aaron Chrisler, from the same place, entered one hundred and sixty acres in section twenty-six.

The above, together with the Murdocks, who settled in section five, were doubtless the first settlers, but whether they are arranged in the order of their entry is a question no one now living can decide.

Josiah Davisson was born in Rockingham county, Virginia, in 1742, and died in Monroe township, in 1825. He came to this State in 1816, and settled section fourteen of Monroe township. He was married twice, but none of his children are now living. By his second wife, Nancy Williams, who was born in Virginia in 1772, and whom he married about 1800, he had six children, all now deceased. Josiah, one of these children of the second marriage, was born in Harrison county, Virginia, in 1808. His first wife, whom he married in 1841, was Jane Blackford, born in Preble county in 1822. She died in 1845. Three children were born of this marriage, none of whom are now living. His second wife was Hannah Foos, born in Warren county, Ohio, in 1819. They have five children, viz.: Francis M., Elizabeth A., Oscar E., Edward C., and Sarah A. Mr. Davisson was township trustee for twenty-one years, and a justice of the peace from 1857 to 1863. He also held several minor offices. His farm contained two hundred and three acres. In 1863 he died at the old homestead, where his widow and children now reside. Mr. Davisson was a prominent citizen, and was always identified with the interests and improvements of the township and county. Francis M. Davisson was born in 1847. He was elected county surveyor in 1878, and is still holding that office, and gives general satisfaction.

Samuel Parks was born in North Carolina in 1771, and died in Preble county in 1848. His wife, Charity Runyon, was born in North Carolina in 1776, and died in Preble county in 1856. Eleven children were born to them, five of whom, are living. Curtis, born in 1804, lives in Indiana; Katharine, born in 1809, widow of Ambrose Huffman, lives in Indiana; Sarah, born in 1815, widow of Stephen Johns, lives in Illinois; Samuel, born in 1818, married and lives in West Manchester; Selina, born in 1820, wife of Thomas Murray, lives in Oxford, Ohio. Mr. Parks first settled in Dixon township, near Sugar valley. He was in the War of 1812.

Samuel Parks was born in Dixon township in 1818. In 1838 he married Lydia McDonald, born in Gasper township in 1822. They have seven children. His son Henry was in the war of the Rebellion for three years, as private in the Fifth Ohio cavalry. Mr. Parks owns a farm of two hundred and forty-three acres, part of which is farmed by his son. Hugh McDonald, father of Mrs. Parks, was born in Maryland in 1777, and died in 1856. Mrs. Parks is the only child now surviving.

Anderson Leas was born in Harrison township, Preble county. His father, John Leas was born in Lewisburgh, in 1809, and died in West Manchester in 1873. Anderson Leas was born in 1839. In 1864 he married Lydia A. Townsend, who was born in Darke county in 1844. They have two children—J. Warren and John Edgar. Mr. Leas has been township assessor for seven terms— from 1874 to the present date. He and his brother Asa furnished substitutes in the three years' service, although not drafted in. John Leas, father of Anderson and Asa Leas, established their present business in 1857, under the name of Townsend & Co. They were engaged in the dry goods and grocery business, and were also large buyers of grain and wool. They were the largest grain buyers in the county. In 1863 Anderson Leas was taken in partnership, and his brother Asa in 1867. They now carry on the business under the name of A. & A. Leas.

290 - HISTORY OF PREBLE COUNTY, OHIO.

Mr. Anderson Leas has been postmaster for about fifteen years. He has also had charge of the railroad office of the Pittsburgh, Cincinnati & St. Louis railroad for about twelve years. Their business amounts to about sixteen thousand dollars per year. Asa Leas was born in Harrison township in 1841. In 1867 he married Jennie Zarber, born in 1849. They have had four children, three of whom survive. Mr. Leas has been in business with his brother Anderson in West Manchester since 1867.

John Juday was the first of that family who came to Preble county. In 1805 he settled in Twin township. He was born in Maryland in 1768, and died in Darke county in 1868. His first wife was Mary Pense, born in Maryland about 1787, and died in Twin in 1833. Ten children were born to them, only three of whom are now living, viz: William, who lives in Jefferson town- ship; Samuel in Indiana, and Andrew in Monroe town- ship. He married for his second wife Margaret Swayne, by whom he had no children. At one period of his life Mr. Juday was township supervisor. Andrew Juday was born in Twin township in the year 1817. In 1840 he married Susan Disher, born in Monroe township in 1822. Ten children have been born them, six of whom are living. Mr. Juday has been a school director for seven years; also has held the office of township supervisor. His farm contains one hundred and sixty acres of land. He was elected ensign of the militia.

Jacob Shewman, sr., was born in Botetourt county, Virginia, in 1778. In 1800 he married Hannah Holder- man, who was born in Franklin county, Virginia, in 1786. Nine children were born to them, three of whom are living-Jacob, Martin and Susannah. In the early settlement Shewman came to Preble county and settled on Aukerman's creek, in Lanier township. He stayed there three years, and then moved to Gasper township. He had little or no capital when he came to this county, but had accumulated a property of a hundred acres of land before his death, which occurred in Monroe township in 1840. His wife died in 186r, in Darke county. Jacob Shewman, jr., was born in Gasper township in 1812. In 1837 he married Elizabeth Sayler, born in Gasper in 1820. They have had twelve children, seven of whom survive. Mr. Shewman was township trustee for thirteen years, from 1850 to 1863. Martin Shewman, born in Gasper township in 1817, married, in 1841, Sarah A. Cosbey. She was born in Hamilton county in 1822. They have had eleven children, five of whom are living. He was township trustee from 1864 to 1877. He now owns and farms one hundred and twenty-three acres in Monroe township.

George Coppock was born in Tennessee about 1785, and from that State he emigrated to Ohio, and in 1812 settled in Washington township. His death occurred in Arkansas in 1830. During the War of 1812 he served under General Jackson. His wife, Elizabeth Zellers, was born in Virginia in the year 1797, and died in Monroe township in 1878. Six children were born to them, two of whom survive, viz: Louisa (Hammon) who lives in Indiana, and Charles. The latter was born in Washington township in 1822, and in 1850 married Mahala Pense, who was born in 1831, and who died in 1869. He had six children, four of whom survive. Mr. Charles Coppock owns a farm of one hundred and forty acres in this township. 

Elias Bunger was born in Virginia in 1809, and in 1817 came to Preble county with his father. In 1830 he married Nancy Utz, who was born in Virginia in 1812. They have eleven children, all married. Mr. Bunger commenced in Preble county with a capital of fifty cents after paying the preacher for marrying him. By dint of hard labor he has accumulated two hundred acres of land, which he has given to his children. 

Jonathan Shurley was born in Augusta county, Virginia, in the year 1801. He came to Ohio in 1805, with his uncle, John Neff, and his mother. In 1826 he married Mary Pense, who was born in Rockingham county, Virginia, in 1810. Eleven children were born to them. Annie, Julia, Mary, Clinton, Jane, Eliza, Harriet, Josephine and Sarah are the only ones now living. In 1815 he moved to Monroe township, and settled on section sixteen, where he lived until his death in 1879. Mr. Shurley was justice of the peace for twelve years, up to 1868, and also filled many other offices in the township. He owned one hundred and seventy-one acres in Monroe township, all of which he had helped to clear. At one time he owned over nine hundred acres. Before his death he gave each of his children a start of eighty acres. Mr. Shurley was always identified with the improvements in the township. Clinton Shurley was born in Preble county in 1836. In 1864 he married Minerva Delavan, born in 1844, in Montgomery county. They have five children, namely: Jonathan, Jerome, Julia, Minerva and Clinton. Mr. Shurley has been a justice of the peace for eleven years. In 1868 he succeeded his father, and has held the office ever since. He served in the war in the One Hundred and Fifty-sixth Ohio volunteer infantry. He now farms forty-five acres part of the old homestead, and also lives in the old house. 

Peter Pense was born in Rockingham county, Virginia, in 1795, and in 1818 moved to Ohio, and settled on section thirteen of this township. His wife, Elizabeth Harshman, was born in Virginia, and died in Monroe township. Ten children were born to them, of whom seven survive, namely: Rosabel (Fudge), living in Mon- roe township; Barbara (Duffield) and Sarah (Stebbins) in Jefferson; Elizabeth (Cooper) in Washington; Andrew J. in Monroe township; Reuben in Illinois, and Peter M. in Monroe. Mr. Peter Pense was drafted into the War of 1812, but was not called on to serve, as his company had more than was necessary to fill out the complement. 

Peter M. Pense was born in Monroe township in the year 1836. In 1858 he married Rebecca Hoover, born in Washington township in 1837. They have two children living. He has held several offices of importance in the township. His farm contains about one hundred and thirty-eight acres.

Daniel Disher was born in 1787 in Virginia, and was first married to Lydia Sheets, and after her death to Hannah Baker. By his first wife he had six children, two of whom are living. By his second wife he had nine

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children, five of whom are living. In 1844 two of his daughters were killed by lightning. He came to this county in 1819, and settled in Monroe township, section ten, where he owned one hundred and eighty-four acres of land. He was about to go into the War of 1812, when the war closed. He suffered all the hardships incident to pioneer life, but by hard work secured a fine farm. He died in 1864.

His son, Peter, was born in 1827 in Monroe township. In 1854 he was married to Elizabeth Jane Fudge, born in 1836 in Somers township. Five of their six children are living. Mr. Disher has been township trustee for seven or eight years, and was militia captain for three years. He owns one hundred and twenty-two acres of land, and is a leading citizen.

Evin, son of Daniel Disher, was born in Monroe township in the year 1840. In 1860 he married Mary A. Creager, born in Washington township in 1841. Five children were born them, four of whom are still living. Mr. Disher was township constable in 1874. In 1877 he was elected township trustee, which office he still holds. He is also one of the school directors.

John Mills, a native of Ireland, settled in this township in 1820. His son, William C. Mills, a well known resident of Jackson township, was born in Monroe in 1821; married in 1843 Miss Harriet West. He was elected justice of the peace in 1861, and held the office nine years. In 1865 he was elected county commissioner, which position he held six years, when he was succeeded by Eli Conger. He is now township trustee, having officiated in that capacity for some fourteen years.

John Banfill was born in New Hampshire. He first settled in Washington township, where he died about 1839. He was drafted into the War of 1812. Nine children were born him, two only of whom survive: Asa, living in Tennessee, and Lina, widow of Enos Price, in Indiana. John Banfill, son of the above, was born in New Hampshire in 1791, and in 1 812 married Hannah Price, born in Virginia in 1796. They had nine children, four of whom are still living—Rachel, John P., Elizabeth and Julia Ann. Mr. Banfill was in the War of 1812. He was township trustee for a great many years, and also a school director. He owned one hundred and sixty acres of land. He at one time ran a saw-mill in Washington township. His death occurred in 1866, four years after that of his wife. John P. Banfill, son of the above, was born in 1823. In 1855 he married Mary E. Kestler, born in 1838. He has had nine children, eight of whom survive. Mr. Banfill has been road commissioner and school director. He is at present the owner of one hundred and eight acres in Monroe township.

William Pense was born in Rockingham county, Virginia, in 1781, and in 1825 came to Preble county and settled in Monroe township, section thirty-one. In 1800 he married Christina Seller, who was born in Virginia in 1786. He died in Monroe township in 1849, and his wife died in the same year. He served as captain in the War of 1812. For a number of years he was township trustee. He owned one hundred and twenty acres of land, which he cleared himself. He was the father of eleven children, seven of whom are living.

Isaac Pense was born in Virginia in 1816. In 1840 he married Mary Ann Swerer, who was born in Preble county in 1819. They have had six children, five of whom survive. He owns two hundred and sixty acres of land.

The first man to build in Eldorado was Leroy McWhinney, who built a dwelling house, store, mill, depot and grain warehouse in 1852. He owned the land on which the town is built, and also platted and named the town. He carried on the business for six years, and then sold out to his brother Frank, who in turn sold to Henry Lawrence in 1865. In 1870 it was bought by M. T. McWhinney, the present owner. Mr. L. McWhinney moved to Dayton in 1858, and afterwards to Crestin township, where he rip resides. His first wife was Mary Clevinger, born in Wayne county, Indiana. She died of cholera in Jackson township in 1849. They had four children, three of whom are now living. In 1851 he married Amy Shaffer, and has one child, Mary.

Matthew T. McWhinney was born in Jackson township in 1842, and married in 1860. His wife, Mary A. Wilder, was born in Worcester, Massachusetts, in 1842. They have two children—Frank and Bertha. Mr. McWhinney was the first mayor of Eldorado, being elected in 1876 and serving until 1878. He was also a member of the school board. He commenced his present business in Eldorado in 1870, under the firm name of M. T. McWhinney, general merchandizing and dry goods, also purchaser of grain and wool. He does a business of twelve thousand dollars, a year. He has been agent for. the Pittsburgh, St. Louis & Cincinnati railroad at Eldorado since 1870, and also express agent for the American Express company

Adam House was born in Virginia in 1805 and died in Monroe township in the year 1871. His wife, Sarah (Locke), who was born in Maryland in 1809, is still living in Monroe township. Twelve children were born to them, eleven of whom are still living, namely: John, living in Washington township; George, in Darke county; Levi, in Harrison township; Phillip, in Monroe township; Catharine, in Harrison township; William, in Knox county, Missouri; Andrew, in Lewisburgh, Adam, in Monroe township; Sarah, in Illinois; Sophia, in Lewisburgh; and Simeon, in Harrison township.

Phillip House was born in Monroe township in the year 1834. He was married first in 1860, to Mary Kirkoff, who died in 1869. Two children were born to him by this marriage, only one of whom, Mary Ellen, is now living. He was married again in 1870 to Lydia M. Baker, who was born in Washington township in the year 1836. Three children were born them—Elsie F., Ezra C. and Charles L. John House was born in Monroe township in 1829. In 1852 he married Elizabeth Hoerner, who died in 1864, leaving three children, viz.: Adam, married and living in Monroe township; Amanda C. and Mary E. His first wife dying, John House married Eliza J. Bickel in 1866. She was born in Monroe township in 1830. Three children were born to them, two of

292 - HISTORY OF PREBLE COUNTY, OHIO.

whom, Dora B. and Sylvia E. J. are still living. Mr. House was in the war of the Rebellion during the hun- dred days' service. He is the owner of eighty acres of land in Washington township, sixty-four acres in Harrison, and one hundred and eighty acres in Monroe township. The latter is held in the name of Eliza House.

William M. Fowble was born in Maryland in the year 1825. In the same year he came to Ohio with his father, George Fowble. In 1854 he married Catharine Byers, who was born in 1835. They have three children—Susannah, Cosiah C. and Mary S. Mr. Fowble was called out in the hundred days' service, but sent a substitute. He is farming at present. His farm contains one hundred and forty acres. For ten years he was in the dry goods business in Eldorado, and also ran a steam saw-mill. He afterwards sold out to R. J. Robinson and returned to his farm.

F. K. Smith was born in Germany in 1798, and when a child was brought over to this country. The first place where they settled in Ohio was in Butler county. In the year 1828 they settled in Jefferson township, Preble county. F. K. Smith married Sarah Reed, who was born in Pennsylvania in 1800. Twelve children were born to them, nine of whom survive, namely : Daniel, W. G., Elias P., Silas A., Mary, Eliza, Nancy, Sarah and Elizabeth. William G. Smith was born. in Butler county in 1824. When four years of age he came with his father to Preble county. In 1848 he married Katharine Stakebake, who was born in Preble county in 1830. They have four children-Matilda Ann, Sarah E., Theodore S. and Sadie. Mr. Smith has kept a hotel at Eldorado for seventeen years. He also owns a farm in Jefferson township.

John H. Ford was born in Rockbridge county, Virginia, in the year 1808. From that State he moved to Ohio, and in 1830 settled in section nine of Monroe township. He bought eighty acres of land and immediately built a log cabin. The first winter after his arrival was so severe that he was compelled to fell beech trees on which his cattle could brouse. His death, which oc- curred in 1840, in this township, was occasioned by injuries received from a falling tree. His wife, Rebecca Cooper, was born in Virginia in 1814, and is still living. Four children were born to them, only one of whom is living.

Alexander C. Ford, the eldest son of the above, was born in the year 1837, and in 1863 married Margaret F. Juday, born in 1843 in Monroe township. Seven children were born them, four of whom are still living. His farm contains seventy acres—a part of the old homestead. During the war of the Rebellion Mr. Ford saw some hard service. He enlisted in 1861 in company E, Fifth Ohio volunteer cavalry. He was third sergeant of his com- pany. In 1863 he was discharged on account of disability resulting from a gunshot wound in his right arm and breast, received at Corinth, Mississippi.

Jonathan Wearley was born in Virginia in 1806. About 1832 he moved to Ohio and settled in Preble county. He died in 1879 in Eldorado. His wife, Elizabeth Petry, was born in Pennsylvania in 1813. Four children were born them, two of whom are now living, viz.: Magdaline, wife of James T. Murphy, and Levi. Mr. Wearley settled in section eighteen in Monroe township. He had no capital when he commenced, but accumulated a property of about eighty acres.

Levi Wearley was born in 1835 in Monroe township. He has been township supervisor. His business is that of a butcher, which trade he has followed for several years. Besides a lot in Eldorado, he is the owner of a farm of eighty-seven acres.

Joseph Lee was born in the year 1829. In 1832 he came to Ohio with his mother, the widow of Abraham Lee. They settled in section twenty-two of Gratis township. In 1849 he married Elizabeth Shewman, of Gratis township. Three children were born to them, two of whom are still living. Mr. Lee was township trustee for one term. He has also held the office of township supervisor and school director. During the war of the Rebellion he served as corporal of company B, of the One Hundred and Fifty-sixth Ohio national guard. He enlisted in May, 1864, and was mustered out in September of the same year.

William Brown was born in Monroe township in 1835. In 1856 he married Sarah Kyle, who was born in this township in 1838. They had eleven children, nine of whom are now living. Mr. Brown was a justice of the peace for fifteen years; he has also been trustee, clerk and assessor or the township. His farm is situated on section twelve of this township and contains one hundred and two acres.

Jeremiah Blackford came to Preble county in 1835. He was born about the year 1814. His first wife was Sarah Kennedy, who died in 1854. He had seven chil- dren by his first wife, three of whom survive: Abigail, John H., and Rev. L. P., of Connecticut. In 1858 he married Maria Long; of Cincinnati, born about 1830, by whom he has had three children: Alfred, Charles and Mary.

John H. Blackford was born id Preble county in 1843. He married Julia A. Kessler in 1865. Five children have been born to them, four of whom are now living: Harry, Lenore, Frank and Grace. Mr. Blackford is a minister in the Universalist church. Was pastor of church in Eldorado until 1879. He now officiates in Connover, Miami county.

Martin V., son of William C. Randall, was born in Jefferson township in 1839. He married Zerilda Adams in 1861, who was born in Monroe township in 1839. They have had two children, only one of whom now survives. Mr. Randall has been township assessor eight times. During the late war he was first lieutenant of company B, of the One Hundred and Fifty-sixth Ohio national guard. He was out in the one hundred days' service, and was present at the engagement of Faulk's Mills, Maryland. He went out in 1864, and was mustered out in 1865. Mr. Randall is engaged in business with J. M. McWhinney. He was elected mayor of Eldorado in 1879, and is the second to hold that office since the incorporation of the town.

James W. Richards was born in 1842, in Monroe town-

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ship. His first wife, Louiza Fry, whom he married in 1865, was born in 1848. After her death, which occurred in 1868, leaving one child, he married Nancy -Huffman, born in Gasper township, in 1841. They have one child. Mr. Richards has been township super- visor and school director.

Leander R. Brasier was born in 1842 in Preble county. In 1865 he married Margaret Harris, who was born in 1844, and who died in 1867, leaving one child. In 1869 he married Rebecca Lawrence, who was born in Darke county in 1849. They have had five children born them: Cora, Jennie, Addie, Bessie, and Stella. Mr. Brasier was elected township trustee in 1874, and again in 1880. He served for three years in the war of the Rebellion. He enlisted in company C, of the Seventy-fifth Ohio volunteer infantry, and served under Pope and Siegel, in Virginia. He served most of the time in the Shenandoah valley, and also during the last part of the war in Charleston and Georgia. He was at Hawley's Island at the fall of Fort Sumter. He was taken prisoner in Virginia, and confined in Belle Island, Andersonville, and Savannah. He was taken prisoner again in 1864 but was released at the end of the war. He was wounded in the side at the second battle of Manassas, and was engaged in the battles of Chancellorsville, Cedar Mountain, Gettysburgh, Siege of Charleston, and several minor engagements. He commenced business in Eldorado, in 1865, in a sawmill. In 1875 he was burned out. He then moved to Indianapolis, but returned after a year's absence, and started in business. He keeps a livery stable, grocery and restaurant. Mr. Brasier is fitting up his building for a hotel. He does a business of eight or ten thousand dollars a year.

Charles Schreel was born in Pynnont, Montgomery county. in 1842. He came to Preble county in 1854. In 1869 he married Mary Oswalt, who was born in Darke county in 1849. They have had three children, two only of whom survive, viz: Jennie and Franklin. Mr. Schreel commenced business in Eldorado in 1870; his business was dry goods, groceries, and general merchandise, and purchaser of wool. He has carried on the business ever since. In 1878 he was elected town councilman. He was in the war of the Rebellion for over three years. He served in the Seventy-first veteran Ohio volunteer infantry. He was with Sherman till they left Atlanta and then with Thomas. He was engaged in the battles of Shiloh, Resaca, Atlanta, and many others.

Jacob Beard was born in Washington county, Maryland, in 1820. In the year 1855 he moved to Ohio and settled in section four of Monroe township. In 1845 he married Mary E. Byers, born in Maryland in 1825. They have had twelve children, eleven of whom are living. For six years Mr. Beard was a constable of the township, i. e. from 1866 to 1872. He was also for nine years one of the board of directors of the schools, and has held the office of township supervisor. He owns and farms eighty acres of land in Monroe township. Two of his sons are school teachers. 

Isaac N. Henderson was born in Montgomery county, Ohio, in 1831. In 1858 he came to Monroe township and settled in Eldorado. In 1850 he married Sarah Hamilton, born in 1834. She died in 1861, and in 1868 he married Katharine C. McCabe, born in 1842. He had two children by his first wife and two by his second, all of whom are living. Mr. Henderson has a farm of eighty acres. He has been township treasurer for five years, and was twice elected township assessor. During the war of the Rebellion he served as captain of company B, One Hundred and Fifty-sixth Ohio national guard.

William H. Stokely was born in Darke county in 1833. In 1869 he married Emma B. Allen, who was born in the year 1854. Two children were born to them—Albert Ellsworth and Forest Verner. In 1877 Mr. Stokely was elected township clerk and has served four terms. He came to Preble county in 1870, and settled in Eldorado, where he has practiced his trade as tinner ever since. He was in the late war for over four years, enlisting in 1861, and mustering out in 1864. He served in the First Ohio zouaves, in the Thirty-fourth Ohio volunteer infantry. He served most of the time under Sheridan, in Virginia, but was afterwards with Hancock in Washington and Baltimore. He was engaged in the battle of Charleston, and in some thirty-eight smaller engagements. Mr. Stokely's father, Thomas Stokely, Sr., settled in Lexington, Preble county, in 1815. He came from Pennsylvania to Preble. From there he moved to Greenville, Darke county, where he died in 1855.

H. J. Lefevre" was born in Warren county in 1834. In 1856 he married Eliza J. Stewart, who was born in Pennsylvania in 1835. They have had one child (now deceased). Mr. Lefevre came to Preble county and settled in Eldorado in 1873. He commenced in the drug business, which he has followed ever since. Since 1874 he has been postmaster. He studied the drug business under his brother, Dr. N. D. Lefevre, of Anna's station, Shelby county.

John Vance was born in Montgomery county in 1824. He moved to Preble county in 1875, and started in business with George Shreal, in Eldorado, under the firm name of Shreal & Vance. Their business is general dry goods and groceries, also purchasing grain and wool. They do a business of from sixteen thousand to twenty thousand dollats a year in Eldorado. In 1847 Mr. Vance married Emeline Davis, of Montgomery county. They have had five children born to them, three of whom sur- vive—Rebecca Jane, Sarah, Emeline and Violetta Laura Belle. 

Albert W. S. Lock was born in Fredericksburgh, Maryland, in 1851. In 1877 he married Keziah Fowble, who was born in 1857. Mr. Lock is a great-grandson of Captain John Lock. In 1872 he came to Preble county and worked in the grist-mill of Mr. Fowble. In 1878 he bought Mr. Fowble's saw-mill, and has since that time run it himself. The mill has a capacity of about eight thousand feet a day.

William Shewman was born in Gasper township in 1838. In 1866 he married Olivia Eidson, born in 1845, in Montgomery county. They have one child, Daisy L. Mr. Shewman is a carpenter by trade, and has worked in Eldorado for twelve years. He was in the war of the

294 - HISTORY OF PREBLE COUNTY, OHIO.

Rebellion, first as corporal in company D, of the Twentieth Ohio volunteer infantry, and afterwards in the Fifth Ohio volunteer cavalry. He was discharged in 1862 for inability. In 1864 he re-enlisted in the Fifty-fourth Ohio volunteer infantry, and served until he was mustered out in August, 1865. He was with Sherman during his campaign against Johnston, and was at Greensborough at the time of Johnston's surrender.

Charles S. McCoy was born in Maine in 1812. In 1826, at the age of fourteen, he was brought to this country by Leander Roberts. In the year 1842 he married Maria Lugar, born in Virginia in 1822. Twelve children have been born to them, eight of whom survive; Elizabeth Caroline, Samuel L., George W., Lavina, William F., Huldah Jane, Mary Ellen, and Clara B. Samuel L. was born in Monroe township in the year 1844. In 1874 he married Martha A. Pense, who was born in Preble county in 1850. They have one child, LeRoy A. Samuel L. McCoy was in the late war in the One hundred and Fifty-sixth Ohio volunteer infantry, and also in the One Hundred and Eighty-seventh Ohio volunteer infantry. He was engaged at Fox's Mills. After the war he was agent for the Indianapolis Wagon Works, and sold the first wagons ever sold in Preble county. In 1874 he started in business for himself, as harness maker, with two hundred dollars. He now has an extensive business in agricultural implements, buggies, wagons, harness, etc. He is agent for the Singer Sewing Machine company. In 1879 he did a business of twenty thousand dollars, and in 1880, of thirty thousand dollars.

Jacob Bickle came to Preble county from Augusta county, Virginia, in 1814. He was the first of the family who came to Ohio. His son, William C., is now living in Monroe township.

James Fudge was born in Washington county in the year 1812, and died in this township in 1865. His wife was Rosabel Pense, born in Rockingham county, Virginia, in the year 1818. He had seven children born to him, three of whom are living, viz: Mary E. (Richards) and David L, in this township, and Peter M., in Indiana, David L. Fudge was born in 1853, and in 1874 married Sarah Young, who was born in Preble county in 1854. Four children have been born to them. His farm, which is situated in this township, contains sixty-seven acres.

ELDORADO.

This is the only regularly incorporated town in Monroe township. It was incorporated May 13, 1872, although the plat was recorded by L. R. McWhinny December 31, 1852. At the time of the recording of the first plat there were only eighteen lots laid off. Additions, since that time, have been made by A. C. Ford, Henry Lawrence, and Samuel Banfill. The first officers were elected in the year 1876 as follows : M. T. McWhinney, mayor; J. M. Campbell, corporation clerk ; M. L. McWhinney, treasurer; J. H. Shoemaker, marshal; M. V. Randall, W. H. Stokely, W. G. Smith, J. W. Juday, John Disher and John Eddins, councilmen. The board of education was composed as follows: M. V. Randall, president; J. M. Campbell, clerk; M. T. Mc Whinney, treasurer; John Disher, W. G. Smith, and J. F. Irvin. The present officers are: M. V. Randall, mayor; J. M. Campbell, clerk ; George Schreel, treasurer; J. W. Clayton, marshal; J. F. Irvin, J. H. Shoemaker, J. W. Cawley, Charles Schreel, C. G. Mastin, and Benjamin Fouts, councilmen.

Eldorado is situated in the southeastern part of section five. It is a thriving business place, and is growing rapidly. Its growth is due entirely to the Dayton & Western railroad. The first settlement that could be called a town was at Hamburgh, a mile south of Eldorado, where Samuel Adams built the first store, on the place now owned by Mrs. Polly Kitson. It was in this place that. the church interest first sprung up, and .here the first churches were built. After the building of the railroad through the northern part of the State, the business gradually centered at Eldorado, and finally Hamburgh became deserted. It is now only recognized by a few houses standing at the cross roads. In 1852 Leroy R. McWhinney built the first store in Eldorado. Samuel Rhodes had built a cabin on the lot where the residence of Rev. J. H. Blackford is now standing, in the northern part of the town. One had been built by Edward Dyell, near by. Since that time the town has grown rapidly until today it is a place of considerable importance. Several manufactories are located within its limits, and the several branches of business are well represented, as the following list will show: Groceries, J. Eddins, L. R. Brasier, and Nelson Beard; dry goods, M. T. McWhinney, Charles Schreel, and Schreel & Vance; drugs, H. J. Lefevre; harness, S. M. McCoy; agricultural implements, S. M. McCoy and McCabe Brothers; clothing, J. M. Kimmell; millinery, Mrs. Sall/ Beard; tinware, W. H. Stokely. There are two hotels in the township, kept by W. G. Smith and L R. Brasier. The latter has just opened his house, with the modern improvements. The house kept by Mr. Smith is the oldest in the town, and for many years was the only house of its kind around. Besides the above there is a large flour- and grist-mill in town, rented by Stubbs & Company, which is doing a large business, also a tile factory,' owned by F. P. Campbell, and two carriage shops run, one by Harvey Ault, and one by McCabe Brothers.

There are three church buildings in Eldorado, two of which are strongly supported, and are handsome edifices. The third is now not regularly used. The people are a quiet and prosperous class. No intemperance is found, as the people do not tolerate the sale of spirituous liquors.

The business of M. T. McWhinney is by far the largest in the town. Besides his store he has a large grain warehouse. He is a wheat buyer and handles immense quantities of grain every year.

The school board of the town is composed of the following gentlemen: M. V. Randall, president; J. H. Campbell, clerk; M. T. McWhinney, treasurer; J. H. Blackford, J. F. Irvin, and John Disher. The school building is a large, tasty structure, standing in the northeastern part of the town. There are two grades, each headed by a competent and experienced teacher.

Eldorado is about twelve miles north of Eaton, and

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about fourteen miles southwest of Greenville, the county- seat of Darke county. The streets are clean and well kept, and the whole town presents an attractive appearance.

MANCHESTER,

or West Manchester, as it is more properly called, is a thriving village of about one hundred and fifty inhabitants, in the northeastern part of the township, in sections two and eleven. It has never been incorporated, although some attempt has been made in that direction, and the probabilities are that it will soon be a regularly incorporated town. Its growth is rapid, and the business increases to such an extent as to justify the expectations of some of its inhabitants that it will, some day, be a place of more than local importance. Like Eldorado West Manchester has grown up entirely since the building of the Dayton & Western railroad. The first collection of houses in this part of the township was at Hagerstown, a place about a mile northeast of Manchester. At Hagerstown the first post office in the township was opened August 29, 1832, and was kept by Jacob F. Miller. This office was afterwards moved to West Manchester on the fifth of December, 1855, and there kept by John Felton. Hagerstown is now scarcely recognizable. All of the business is concentrated at Manchester, and Hagerstown exists more in its name than in anything else. The following list shows the principal business houses in West Manchester: James W. Richards and James M. Trone, groceries: A. and A. Leas, dry goods; J. E. Bodine, drugs; George Grottle, tinware, and John Schram, harness. Besides the above there are several minor businesses, such as blacksmithing, barber shops, etc. The lodges of both the secret organizations of the township are located here. The business of Messrs. A. & A. Leas is the largest in the township, and equals that of any house in the county. Besides their extensive dry goods establishment, they are heavy buyers of grain, handling many thousands of bushels of wheat annually. There are two physicians in the town: Drs. J. E. Horn and F. C. Estabrook. The only church building in Manchester belongs to the United Brethren. West Manchester is on the Eaton & Greenville pike, about eleven miles from the former place.

Brown's station is a small place, a mile and a half east of West Manchester, on the Dayton & Western railroad. It is only a stopping place, and is not deserving of the name of town.

ECCLESIASTICAL HISTORY.

There are seven religious organizations in the township: Three of the United Brethren, one of the Methodists, one of the Universalists, one of the Baptists, and one of the Dunkers, or German Baptists, as they prefer being called. The first church building of which any account can be fouud, was built in 1830, on section twenty-three, by the United Brethren, on Aaron Chrisler's place, now owned by Daniel Grubbs. It was trim down over twenty years ago. Isaac Robinson was one of the first preachers. In 1832 a log church was built by the Baptists in section fourteen. A building used as a union church was burned down in 1873. It stood in section one. There is no organization there now.

THE BAPTISTS.

The Dry fork of Twin church was organized about the year 1822. In 1832 their first building was erected. It was built of logs and weather boarded, and was situated in the eastern part of section fourteen. This old building stood until 1880, when it was torn down. A new building had been erected a few months before, 'near the old one, at a cost of four hundred dollars, having a seating capacity of about two hundred. The present pastor is the Rev. G. M. Peters. The membership is twenty-three.

THE FIRST UNIVERSALIST CHURCH

at Eldorado was organized in 1849, by the Rev. E. Moore. He was originally a preacher in the Baptist church. In 1845 he began to preach the doctrine of Universalism in Eldorado, and four years after the present church was organized with thirteen members, as follows: Daniel Disher, Hannah Disher, Franklin Baker, Mildred Baker, George Fudge, Mary Fudge, William Eddins, Sarah Eddins, Mary Disher, Henry Fudge, Sarah Fudge, Evan Baker, and Jane Baker; of these only Mary and Henry Fudge and Mary Disher survive. A meeting-house was erected immediately and dedicated in 1850, by Rev. Messrs. E. Moore and D. A. Sweet. The house was built on Daniel Disher's farm, and was known as the Monroe Universalist church. The house is still standing on section nine. It is used now for occasional services and for funerals, as it stands near the cemetery. After the building of the railroad and the consequent growth of Eldorado, the church thought proper to build at the latter place. In 1869 a brick church was built in Eldorado, and was known as the First Universalist church at Eldorado. The present pastor is the Rev. J. N. Blackford. The active membership is about fifty.

THE UNITED BRETHREN

of Eldorado were organized in Hamburgh, about the year 1838, by Rev. Samuel Adams. For a good many years they held meetings around in the houses of the members. In 1848 they built their first building, a frame house, which stood directly west of Hamburgh. In 1868 the congregation was induced to build at Eldorado, and a tasty building was erected, which stands in the northern part of the town. The present pastor is the Rev. H. M. Ambrose. The church has now seventy-three members.

THE UNITED BRETHREN

at West Manchester built their church building in 1868, a short time after their organization. The first class numbered only about twelve persons. The Rev. George Gilbert was the first pastor. Soon after the building of the church the Sunday-school was organized. The house is a frame building, built at a cost of one thousand seven hundred dollars, and will seat about two hundred and fifty persons. The present membership is about fifty-seven. The Rev. H. M. Ambrose is in charge.

THE UNITED BRETHREN

built their present church building in the year 1864, on land donated by Vincent Homan. This class had origi-

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nally belonged to one which had existed as early as 1835, in the central part of the township, and who had a church building on what was called the Chrisler place in section twenty-three. The class afterwards divided, and those living in the southeastern part reorganized and built a church building in the eastern part of section twenty-five, on the township line. The Rev. Charles Miller was the starter of the church, and during its erection worked as a laborer. He was also the first pastor. The building is a frame one, capable of seating about three hundred persons. The Sunday-school was organized at the time of the building of the church. The members at present number about forty. The Rev. J. D. Holsinger has charge of the parish.

THE METHODIST EPISCOPAL CHURCH

at Eldorado was organized in Hamburgh, about the year 1850. Andrew Sterling was the class leader, and the Rev. Levi White the first preacher. The class at first used a two-story building owned by Frank McWhinney at that time. It is now in the possession of W. G. Smith. In 1859 their church building was built, at a cost of one thousand one hundred and fifty dollars, dedicated, and their Sunday-school was organized at the same time. The church gradually grew too weak to support a preacher, and since 1877 they have had no regular preaching. At the time of closing the members did not number over twelve. The Rev. Mr. Hull was preacher at the time the organization ceased.

THE GERMAN BAPTISTS

claim to have been organized in this township about sixty years ago. Their present district extends six miles north and reaches into Darke county, east to Twin creek, east of Lewisburgh, south about one mile south of the township line, and west into Indiana, near Richmond. They have about one hundred and forty members, and have their church buildings, two in this township and one in Darke county. One of those in this township was built in section twenty-two, on Price's creek, at a cost of two thousand five hundred dollars. The other is a Union church, but it was necessary for some denomination to hold the deed, and it was deeded to the German Baptists. It is situated on Twin creek, in section twelve. Messrs. Samuel Petrey, R. Stephens, and H. P. Wehrley are the preachers for this denomination.

EDUCATIONAL INTERESTS.

The first school in the township was taught by Jerry Pense, about the year 1825. The school-house was located on the southwestern quarter of section ten. This building was burnt down in 1829, during the time Isaac Robinson was teaching. He lacked one month of completing his term, and during this month he taught school in a smoke-house. Mr. Robinson was one of the most prominent of the early teachers of this township, and is remembered by those of his former pupils who are still living, with esteem. A school building was erected the year after the destruction of the one mentioned above, and Isaac Robinson again taught there. After his retirement the school was taught by Miss Lucy Walker. About 1828 a school-house was built on section twenty- nine, and for several years there was a regular school held there. No record can be obtained regarding its teachers. The building was burnt down afterwards. The blame is laid on some of the women, although no reason, however, has been assigned. This was the second house destroyed in the same manner. The first was doubtless done by one of the pupils, and this last probably by some woman who was jealous of the teacher's ascendancy over his pupils. A school-house was soon afterwards built in the southwestern corner of the township. As the settlements grew and the population increased, a number of schools sprang up all over the township, taught by competent teachers. There are now as many as ten school buildings in the township. One of these, at West Manchester, is a large two story building. The board of education is composed of the following gentlemen: Samuel Miller, president; W. H. Stokely, clerk; J. M. Moren, Jacob Beard, Samuel Coovert, Daniel Fudge, Jacob Gauch, William Waters, L. K. Deem, J. H. Kisling and William Brown.

SECRET ORGANIZATIONS.

There are two secret organizations in Monroe township, both of which have their lodge rooms in West Manchester, one lodge of Odd Fellows and one of the Improved Order of Red Men.

LODGE NO. 520 INDEPENDENT ORDER OF ODD FELLOWS

was organized and chartered May 10, 1872, with fifteen charter members, viz.: Henry Snell, W. C. Corwin, N. G.; F. M. Martin, N. G.; William Braum, N. G.; George Cox, treasurer; J. W. Corwin, N. G.; J. Braddock, warden; J. A. Lee, N. G.; J. C. Banta, N. G.; William Miller, J. D. Phillips, N. G.; F. A. Black, guardian; M. Pickering, Corwin, and Banta. Their present officers are as follows: J. S. Schram, N. G.; J. P. Banta, V. G.; Jacob Bentley, S. P. G; Orland Ford, recording secretary; Russell Muck, permanent secretary ; and C. Pease, treasurer. The lodge numbers about thirty-eight members, and has a fine lodge building in West Manchester.

PHYSICIANS.

The medical staff of Monroe township is composed of the following gentlemen: B. F. Crumrine, alopathy, who resides at Eldorado, and J. E. Horn, of the same school, at West Manchester. The eclectic branch of the profession is represented by Drs. B. F. Beane, of Eldorado, and F. C. Estabrook, of West Manchester. Dr. Joseph Beck, of the Physio-Medical school, lives at Eldorado.

The first physicians of the township, as well as can be ascertained at this late day, were: William Frazy, who came about the year 1845, from Lewisburgh, and located in Hamburgh, where Dr. Robert G. Norris soon afterwards practiced, and also Jeremiah Williams.

CEMETERIES.

The several cemeteries in Monroe township have all been placed under the supervision of the township trustees. There are five burying-grounds in the township, situated as follows: Brown's cemetery, situated in the eastern part of section twelve-it is here that Isaac

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Robinson, one of the first school teachers in the township, is buried; he is remembered by many of the old men of the township with mingled feelings of love and respect, feeling aroused alike by his naturally amiable disposition and the skilful method of applying the chastening birch; Stump's cemetery, located on section nineteen, in the extreme southern part of the section; the Monroe church cemetery was so called because it stands near the old Universalist church, which went by the name of the Monroe Universalist church, at the time of its erection; this cemetery lies about a mile directly east of Hamburgh, in the southeastern part of section nine; Hamburgh cemetery, near Hamburgh, on section seventeen, and the Wherley cemetery, near the center of section twenty-two. This latter is used almost exclusively by the German Baptists, or Dunkers, as they are better known.

MILLING INTERESTS.

Owing somewhat to the poor supply of water-power within the township, but more to the fact that the adjoin- ing townships were well supplied with mills, no mill was ever erected at an early date in Monroe township. A few miles either east or west there could be found mills at an early date, and the pioneer thought little of driving a greater distance than that to get his milling done. The only mill in the township is the one at Eldorado, built about 1854, and rented by Stubbs & Co. It is owned by Baliss, Vaughn & Co.

The first saw-mill was owned by Mr. Foos, on the present Foos farm. It was built by Stephen Johns, on Price's creek, before the year 1840. There are at present in Monroe township three establishments of the kind, two at Eldorado and one at West Manchester. At an early day there were several portable mills in the township. These were placed at some convenient place and when the work in that neighborhood was exhausted, the mill would be moved to some more favorable locality. The mills at Eldorado are owned by Messrs. Ervin & Sherman, and by Mr. Lock, and the one at West Manchester by Michael Cotterman. Besides these mills there is a planing mill at West Manchester, owned by Messrs. Poe and Burke. It was built in the year 1878, and has done a large and increasing business since its erection. The value of such an establishment is fully appreciated by the inhabitants and is regarded as a favorable sign ot future growth and prosperity of the town.

Besides the milling interests mentioned above there are several manufactories in the township. The low and swampy nature of the country necessitates a thorough and careful drainage system and to supply the demand for drainage facilities, several tile manufactories have been started. There are three of these in the township. The oldest is the one at Eldorado, started in about 1868 by Messrs. Hilderbolt & Murray. It was at that time run by horse-power. Mr. F. P. Campbell is the present owner. It has had several improvements added since its first erection, the most important of which is the introduction of steam-power. The establishment has a capacity of some fifteen thousand rods of tile a year, about double that of either of the others. In addition to the tile manufacture Mr. Campbell is extensively engaged in making brick. At the southeastern quarter of section eight there is a tiling establishment, started in 1875 by Messrs. Coovert, Beck & Brasier. It is now owned by Messrs. Coovert, Doyle & Doyle. They can turn out about seven thousand rods of tiling a year.

J. L. Coovert has a small tile factory near West Manchester, started in 1879. Quite a quantity of sorgum is grown in the township, and there are a few sugar or cane mills, as they are called, located in different sections. The largest is owned by Henry Hapner, in the southeastern part of the township. There is another owned by Mrs. John Buck, about a mile and a half southwest of Manchester. The cane is carried there and ground and the syrup made on the spot.

MISCELLANY.

The first brick house which was built in the township, was built by Darius Miner in 1830, for Daniel Disher. It is still standing on section nine, on the farm now owned by J. P. Banfill. The original contract between Miner and Disher is still in possession of Peter Disher, son of the first owner of the house. The next brick house was built in the following year (1831), on section thirty-three, now owned by J. J. Bantz. It was built for Jeremiah Blackford.

The first distillery ever started in the township, as well as can be ascertained from existing authority, was owned by Otto Brumbaugh. This was destroyed over thirty years ago. As has been stated elsewhere, the township is now strictly temperate, and nothing of the kind is tolerated within the township limits.

The oldest person now living in the township, who was born there, is Mrs. Benjamin Louk. She was Hester, daughter of Jacob Baker, one of the early settlers of the township. She was born in 1820, on section sixteen, and in 1839 married Mr. Louk. She has to her possession a bed spread made in Virginia in 1808, and brought here by her family. It is in a perfect state of preserva- tion

PRESENT OFFICERS.

The following list shows the officers, who are, at pres- ent, in office: Evan Disher, Levi Creager and L R. Brasier, trustees; Anderson Leas, treasurer; W. H. Stokely, clerk; M. V. Randall, assessor; J. H. Shoemaker and S. H. Overholser, constables; Clinton Shurley and William Brown, justices of the peace. The super- visors are appointed by the board of trustees. The board of education is given under the head of "educational interests."

The elections are held alternately at Eldorado and Manchester. There is now a town house. By some means, a slight disarrangement has arisen in the meetings of the officers. The meetings of the school board have managed to fall behind, so that now instead of meeting in the same place with the other officers, they are, by the rule of alternation, meeting at the other side. If the council meet at Eldorado, the school board meet at West Manchester, and vice versa. It would seem to be easy enough to remedy this by one of the two meeting twice

298 - HISTORY OF PREBLE COUNTY, OHIO.

in the same place, but the officers will take no move in that direction.

POPULATION AND VALUATION.

The present number of inhabitants of the township is one thousand nine hundred and one. Of these, about four hundred and fifty are voters. The township has generally voted the Democratic ticket. The above estimate of the voters does not include those persons whose religious scruples prevent their presence at the ballot box. It is incredible how anybody as a denomination can refuse to its members the privilege of voting; thus shutting them out from any participation in the affairs of government, and yet expecting to have the interests of that body protected by those very laws they refuse to create or maintain.

The property of the township, as given by the latest assessor's returns, is rated as follows: Land valuation, seven hundred and ninety-nine thousand four hundred and fifty-nine ,dollars; valuation of chattels, etc., one hundred and seventeen thousand four hundred and thirty-five dollars; total value of township, nine hundred and sixteen thousand nine hundred and ninety-four dollars.