150 - HISTORY OF SHELBY COUNTY, OHIO.


$3440; tax, $3. Wm. J. Martin, income, $960; tax, $2; John H. Ryers, income, $720 ; tax, $1.50.


Practising Physicians.—Julius Dippe, income, $960 ; tax, $2. W. L. M. Le Fevre, income, $480; tax, $1. Lewis A. Davis, income, $480 ; tax, $1. Samuel B. Musselman, income, $240; tax, 50 cents ; Park Beaman, income, $720 ; tax, $1.50. William Fielding, income, $1200 ; tax, $2.50 ; Ezekiel Thomas, income, $1200 ; tax, $2.50. Henry S. Conklin, income, $1200 ; tax, $2.50. Horace C. Mann, income, $960 ; tax, $2. James H. Stewart, income, $720 ; tax, $1.50. Robert C. Johnston, income, $1200; tax, $2.50. Levi Houston, income, $1200; tax, $2.50. Peter Julian, income, $240; tax, 50 cents. Wm. C. Ayers, income, $480; tax, $1.


June 1, 1840. The Board, together with the auditor, did estimate the annual income of each of the practising lawyers and physicians residing in Shelby County, as returned and listed by the assessor and deputy assessors of said county in 1839, and did assess a tax on each as follows, to wit :-


Practising Attorneys.—J. S. Updegraff, income, $1440; tax, $3. J. S. Conklin, income, $1440 ; tax, $3. Patrick G. Goode, income, $1440 ; tax, $3. William J. Martin, income, $960; tax, $2. Wm. Armstrong, income, $720 ; tax, $1.50.


Practising Physicians.—Ezekiel Thomas, income, $1200 ; tax, $2.50. Henry S. Conklin, income, $1200; tax, $2.50. Wm. Fielding, income, $1200 ; tax, $2.50. Robert C. Johnston, income, $1200 ; tax, $2.50. Levi Houston, income, $1200; tax, $2.50. Julius Deppe, income, $960; tax, $2. Horace C. Mann, income, $960; tax, $2. T. V. W. Young, income, $960 ; tax, $2. Park Beaman, income, $720 ; tax, $1.50. Lewis A. Davis, income, $480, tax, $1. Samuel B. Musselman, income, $240; tax, 50 cents.


June 6, 1843. .Practising Physicians.—R. C. Johnston, N. Updegraff, H. S. Conklin, James Stewart, P. Beaman, Win. Fielding, E. Thomas, H. C. Mann, W. V. Cowan, M. Zitzler, — Ewing, S. B. Musselman, A. Moyze, L. A. Davis, J. H. Drum, J. Deppe, — Duffengweller, — Little, 0. H. P. .Baer, L. Houston, C. Emerson, A. C. Bliss.


Attorneys.—J. S. Conklin, R. C. Poland, J. H. Byers, Edward Smith, B. F. Metcalf, W. J. Martin, J. S. Fry.


1846. Practising Attorneys.—.J. H. Byers, Wm. J. Martin, J. S. Conklin, B. F. Metcalf, P. G. Goode, R. C. Poland, E. D. Smith.


Practising Physicians.-P. B. Beaman, R. C. Johnston, H. S. Conklin, H. C. Mann, Wm. Fielding, H. S. Stewart, N. Updegraff, O. H. P. Baer, W. C. Cowan, Charles Emerson, L. Houston, P. Julian, J no. C. Leedom, J. Deppe, L. A. Davis, S. B. Musselman, A. Moyze, A. W. Pinkerton, Wm. Manson, M. Zitzler, John Little.


March 5, 1845. The Board made final settlement with James Blair, contractor for the building of the jail, per John W. Carey, sub-contractor, when it was found that a balance of $52.50 was due said contractor on the original contract and supplemental contracts for extra work performed, which made. an aggregate cost of $3750.18, inclusive of said balance due of $52.50.


June, 1846. Under section 20 of an act for levying taxes on all property in the State according to true value, passed March 2, 1846, the full Board and auditor present, proceeded under said law to divide the county into districts as follows: District No. 1 to include Orange, Green, Perry, and Salem townships. No. 2 to include Clinton, Turtle Creek, Franklin, Dinsmore, and Jackson townships. No.3 to include Washington, Loramie, Cynthian, McLean, and Van Buren townships.


Assessors were appointed as follows: 1st district, David Buchanan; 2d district, Samuel A. Croy; 3d district, Elijah Stoker. The per diem allowance of assessors was fixed at $1.50.


It was ordered, under provisions of " An act to authorize county commissioners of the State to lay out and establish State roads," passed February 27, 1846, that all free turnpike roads within the county of Shelby be and are hereby declared to be changed into State roads, to be constructed and repaired as other State roads are by law constructed and repaired.


October 30, 1848. Under " An act for incorporating the Bellefontaine and Indiana Railroad Company," passed February 25, 1848, an election was held on the second Tuesday. of October, 1848, to vote for or against the subscription for capital stock in said road.


The returns of said election showed that 1659 of the qualified voters at said election voted for said subscription, and 350 voted against it, being a majority of 1309 in favor thereof.


The Board then proceeded, agreeably to the will of the people of said county thus expressed, to subscribe the amount of $50,000 to the capital stock of said road as the law provided ; and the auditor, Andrew Waucop, was directed to subscribe the same on the books of said company.


Lowman, Dill, and Marshall, Commissioners ; Waucop, Auditor.


March 6, 1850. A petition was received from citizens of Cynthian Township, praying for the following alteration in said township, to wit : That fractional section 34, in town. 12, range 4 east ; also sections 1, 2, 3, 10, 11, and 12 in town. 11, range 4 east ; also fractional section 35 in town. 11, range 5 east ; also sections 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, and 11 in town. 10, range 5 east, be attached to McLean Township in said county ; and the Board being satisfied that said petition was signed by a majority of the householders residing in the bounds of said proposed alteration, also that thirty days' notice of the presentation of said petition had been given, do order and direct that the alteration as prayed for be granted, and that the above described territory be attached to McLean Township for all civil purposes.


April 9, 1850. Under an act entitled "An act to authorize the Commissioners of Shelby County to subscribe stock in the Bellefontaine and Indiana Railroad Company," $60,000 was subscribed by the Board.


Abstract of votes cast for and against the subscription of $60,000 to the capital stock of the Bellefontaine and Indiana Railroad; election held April 1, 1850.



Townships

For Subscription.

Against Subscription

Clinton

Turtle Creek

Washington

Loramie

Cynthian

Orange

Green

Perry

Salem

Dinsmore

Jackson

McLean

Van Buren

Franklin

319

118

74

108

109

105

78

102

39

49

35

34

27

97

5

6

66

4

26

36

77

12

193

21

74

29

16

18

 

1294

583





Being a majority of 711 in favor of capital stock.


December 6, 1850. The Board authorized the council at Sidney to erect a market-house in the northeast corner of the Public Square, said building to front on Poplar and Main streets, and to be a good substantial brick, at least as large as the one at Piqua.


June 9, 1852. Under the act of April 13, 1852, providing for the assessment and taxation of property, the county was divided into four districts, as follows: First district to-embrace Clinton, Orange, Green, and Perry townships. Second, to include Washington, Loramie, and Cynthian townships. Third, to embrace Turtle Creek, Van Buren, and McLean townships. Fourth, to embrace Salem, Jackson, Dinsmore, and Franklin townships.


December 8,1852. The Board being satisfied by the testimony of John C. Elliott, of .Jackson Township, that there are more than twenty legal voters residing in the original town 7 south, range 7 east, in Shelby County, it is ordered and directed that an order be issued, requiring the qualified electors residing in said original township to meet at some place as near the centre of said township as is convenient (five days' notice having been given) for the purpose of electing three trustees and one treasurer, to perform all and singular the duties of trustees and treasurer as pointed out by law.


April 8, 1853. Election ordered in original town. 2, range 12, M. R. S., situate in Shelby and Miami counties, to be held at some place near


HISTORY OF SHELBY COUNTY, OHIO - 151


the centre of the township, for the election of three trustees and one treasurer, under act of March 14, 1831.


September 5, 1853. The Board sold six hundred shares of Bellefontaine and Indiana Railroad stock to the incorporated village of Sidney for $30,000 in village bonds, to be issued under the act incorporating the D. & M. R. R. Co., said bonds to bear interest at the rate of seven per cent., and be redeemable March 15, 1865.


January 26, 1854. Sold $10,000 worth of B. & I. R. R. stock to the trustees of Clinton Township, to be paid for in township bonds.


March 6, 1855. Joseph Elliott presented the following petition : To the Commissioners of Shelby County, Ohio. Your petitioners, inhabitants of sections 31, town. 6 south, range 6 east, sections 6, 7, 18, 19, and 30, town. 7 south, range 6 east, of Van Buren Township, would respectfully represent that the public convenience and wants require that the above-named sections be attached to Dinsmore Township ; also to attach sections 31, town. 7 south, range 6 east, and section 6, town. 8 south, range 6 east, to Franklin Township. This petition was granted.


March 7, 1855. A petition was granted attaching sections 31 and 32, town. 6 south, range 5 east; also sections 5, 6, 7, 8, 17, 18, 19, 20, 29, 30, 31, and 32, town. 7 south, range 5 east, to Van Buren Township; also attaching sections 1, 2, 3, 4, and so much of 9, 10, 11, and 12, as belongs to Van Buren in town. 8 south, range 6 east, to Turtle Creek Township.


COMMON PLEAS COURT MINUTES.


May term, beginning May 17, 1819. Court at Hardin. Present: Honorables Joseph H. Crane, President; Robert Houston, Samuel Marshall, and Wm. W. Cecil, Associate Judges.


Harvey B. Foote was appointed clerk of the court pro tempore, and gave bond in the sum of two thousand dollars, with Daniel V. Dingman and Samuel Stewart his sureties, approved of by the Court, and took the oath of office, and the oath to support the constitution of the State of Ohio and that of the United States.


Henry Bacon was appointed by the Court prosecuting attorney for Shelby County.


The Court order that an election be held according to law in Turtle Creek Township, for the election of an additional justice of the peace for that township.


Monday, May 17, 1819. The Court grant a license to Teagle Trader to keep a store in Perry Township, on his paying into the county treasury the sum of ten dollars.


License also granted to Robert Aldrich & Co. to keep a store in Turtle Creek Township, on the payment of ten dollars.


On petition and proof of publication the Court grant a license to Hezekiah Stout to keep a tavern at his house in Hardin for one year, on his compliance with the law.


The Court then adjourned without day.


Signed, JOSEPH H. CRANE.


Shelby County, Court of Common Pleas of September term, 1819. Monday, September 13, 1819. Present: Honorables Joseph H. Crane, President; Robert Houston, Samuel Marshall, and Wm. W. Cecil, Associate Judges. Harvey B. Foote, Clerk pro tempore. Daniel V. Dingman, Sheriff. Henry Bacon, Prosecuting Attorney.


The sheriff returned the following venire to serve as grand jurors : John Francis, foreman; John Manning, James Lenox, Joseph Mellinger, Conrad Ponches, Zebediah Richardson, Joseph Steinberger, Henry Hashan, John Stevens, Archibald DeFrees, Cephas Carey, Peter Musselman, John Bryant. and Richard Lenox.


John Kennard, who was summoned, not appearing, the sheriff was ordered to fill the panel from the bystanders, whereupon Abraham Davenport was summoned, who, with the jurors aforesaid, were sworn and charged, and retired to perform the duties assigned them by the Court.


Monday, September 13, 1819. Thomas McClish and James Wells appeared and surrendered Hugh Scott to Court, for Whom they were bondsmen, and the recognizance was therefore declared void.


Application being made for the appointment of an administrator for the estate of Robert Hardesty, deceased, Nancy Hardesty is appointed with James Marshall and Jacob Wise as her security, to give bonds in the sum of four hundred dollars. Administratrix was sworn in open court. The Court also appointed John Houston, John Wilson, and Conrad Ponches as appraisers of said estate.


Jacob Wise was appointed guardian of Elizabeth Philips, aged nine years, Mary Philips, aged eight years, Wm. Philips, aged seven years, and George Philips, aged six years, minor heirs of George Philips, deceased; the bond of one hundred dollars was given, with Leonard Danner as security.


Monday, September 13, 1819. Criminal docket.


State of Ohio vs. Hugh Scott. Taken before A. Harkness, Esq., and held in $300. Recognized to answer.


State of Ohio vs. Thomas Driver and Wm. Underwood. Recognized to testify in sum of $100. Taken before A. Harkness, Esq.


State of Ohio vs. Rebecca Gerrard. Recognized to answer. Taken before James Lenox, Esq., in $100.


State of Ohio vs. Harvey Sturms. Recognized to testify. Taken before James Lenox in $50.

State of Ohio vs. Rebecca Gerrard. Indicted for larceny. Plea of.not guilty.


Thomas Driver being three times called, and failing to appear, his recognizance is therefore forfeited, $100.


State of Ohio vs. Rebecca Gerrard.


There having been no jurors returned from the proper officers of the different townships to serve as jurors as appears to this Court,. it is ordered that a venire issue, commanding the sheriff to summon twelve good and lawful men to try the issues aforesaid; the sheriff thereupon returned that he had summoned Thomas Hurley, Wm. Cecil, Wm. Berry, Benjamin Blankinship, John Craig, Nathan Coleman, Robert Aldrich, Jacob Wise, James Crossman, Alexander Miller, and Elisha Courtland, who being duly elected, tried, and sworn, say upon their oaths that the defendant is guilty in manner and form as she stands indicted.


State of Ohio vs. Hugh Scott. Assault and battery. Plea of not guilty.


The defendant with Thomas McClish recognized in the sum of one hundred dollars conditioned for the appearance of said defendant to answer to said indictment from day to day during the present term.


The grand jury came into court, and presented sundry bills of indictment, and having no further business were discharged.


The court then adjourned until to-morrow morning at nine o'clock. Signed, JOSEPH H. CRANE.


Tuesday, September 14, 1819. The Court met pursuant to adjournment. Present : same Judges as yesterday.


State of Ohio vs. Hugh Scott. Assault and battery. The defendant personally appeared, withdrew his plea of not guilty, and entered a plea of guilty. Judgment, to pay a fine of ten dollars and cost of prosecution.


Wm. Underwood ; claim three days, $3.00.


State of Ohio vs. Rebecca Gerrard. Indictment for larceny. Defendant set up a motion for a new trial. Motion granted. The defendant with Wm. Cecil recognized in the sum of two hundred dollars conditioned for the appearance of said defendant to answer to said indictment at the next term to be held in and for the county of Shelby, and not to depart the court without leave, and abide the decision of said court, then this recognizance to be void, otherwise to remain in full force and virtue in law.



Hunt and Forsyth vs. Hugh Scott. Attachment. On motion of defendant's counsel writ was quashed at cost of plaintiffs.


It appearing to the satisfaction of the Court, that there are no justices of the peace in the township of Orange, the Court orders that an election be held, according to law, in the said township of Orange for two justices of the peace.


Robert Broderick was appointed inspector for the county, who, with James Lenox, his surety, is to give bond in the sum of five hundred dollars, conditioned as the law. directs.


The Court appointed Harvey B. Foote Clerk pro tern. until next term.


The Court allowed Henry Bacon $15.00 for his services at this term.


Whereupon the Court adjourned sine die.


Signed, - JOSEPH H. CRANE.


152 - HISTORY OF SHELBY COUNTY, OHIO.


Shelby County, Court of Common Pleas, December term, 1819. Monday, December 13,1819. Present: Joseph H. Crane, President; Robert Houston., Samuel Marshall, and Win. W. Cecil, Associates. Harvey B. Foote, Clerk pro tern. Daniel V. Dingman, Sheriff. Henry Bacon, Prosecuting Attorney.


State of Ohio vs. James Jackson. Assault and battery. The defendant being arraigned pleads, and says he is guilty in manner and form as he is charged, whereupon it is considered that he pay a fine of three dollars and costs of prosecution.


Then came the grand jurors, to wit: James Francis, foreman ; Wm. Minnear, James Bryan, Daniel Vandemark, Joseph Bennet, John Mellinger, Zachariah Hurley, Robert Aldrich, Wm. Bush, David Coon, John Kennard, Gideon Wright, Charles Weeks, John Hathaway.


Wm. Richardson being several times called and not appearing, the sheriff was ordered to fill the panel from among the bystanders, whereupon the sheriff summoned John Wilson, who, with the jurors aforesaid, was sworn and charged, and retired to enter upon the duties assigned them.


State of Ohio vs. Joel Hurley. Affray. Plea of guilty; fined five dollars and costs.


State of Ohio vs. Alex. Jackson. Recognized to answer before D. Henry in sum of $25.00.


State of Ohio vs. Isaac Lemasters and John Hathaway. Recognized to testify. Taken before D. Henry in sum of $25.00.


State of Ohio vs. Rebecca Gerrard. Larceny.


The sheriff returned the venire, whereupon came a jury, to wit: John Johnston, Joseph Aldrich, James Buchanan, Daniel Mellinger, Wm. Mellinger, A. Cecil, Isaac Robins, Wm. Robinson, Wm. Marrs, James Green, John Hathaway, Joseph Bennett.


The aforesaid jurors being elected, tried, and sworn, say, upon their oaths, that the defendant is guilty in manner and form as she stands indicted.


State of Ohio vs. Alex. Jackson. Assault and battery. Plea of guilty, and fine of five dollars and costs.


The grand jury reported after finding an indictment, and were discharged.


The Court then adjourned until to-morrow at 9 o'clock.

Signed, JOSEPH H. CRANE.


Tuesday, December 14, 1819. Court met pursuant to adjournment, with same judges present as yesterday.


The Court allowed Henry Bacon $15.00 for his services as prosecuting attorney at this term.


State of Ohio vs. Rebecca Gerrard. Appearance for sentence. Sentence of two hours' imprisonment, a fine of twenty-five dollars, and costs.


On petition, the Court grant a license to Michael Dickey to keep a house of entertainment at Cynthiana, by his paying into the county treasury the sum of five dollars.


On petition, the Court grant a license to Wm. A. Houston to keep a house of entertainment at St. Marys, by his paying into the county treasury the sum of five dollars.


The Court appoints David Henry director of the town of Sidney, to be laid off upon the ground selected by the Commissioners for the seat of justice of Shelby County, who gave bond with Rodham Talbott, Edward Jackson, and Thomas W. Ruckman, his securities, in the sum of six thousand dollars.


The Court further orders that the director proceed to lay off a town upon the premises aforesaid, in lots of five rods wide by ten rods long, in blocks of eight lots each, with alleys one rod in width running through the centre of each block, at right angles with each other and with the streets, the alleys to divide the blocks into four equal parts; that the streets be laid out six rods in width, and that a public square be laid out in said town by striking out the centre block of lots.


That the Director, so soon as the said town shall be laid out, shall, after giving one month's notice thereof in six of the most public places in this county, and in the Gazette printed in Dayton, shall proceed to sell, at public sale, one-third of said lots, upon the following terms, to wit: one-fourth in ninety days, one-fourth in nine months, and one-fourth in fifteen months, and the residue in

two years ; to be secured by a lien upon the lots until the whole shall be paid ; reserving one lot upon or adjacent to the public square to be selected by the Commissioners for the purpose of erecting temporary buildings for the county.


The Court appoints Harvey B. Foote Clerk of the Court of Common Pleas for Shelby County for the term of seven years, who gave bonds with Daniel V. Dingman and Samuel Stewart, his securities, approved by the Court, and took the oath of office and the oath to. support the Constitution of the State of Ohio and that of the United States.


The Court orders that an election be held in the township of Auglaize f^)- two justices of the peace. The Court orders that the Inspector be directed to fix the bounds agreeable to the bounds of Miami County—only substituting the word " Shelby" instead of Miami. The Court orders that the next Court of Common Pleas for Shelby County be held at the town of Sidney, the seat of justice established by the Commissioners appointed by the Legislature to fix the seat of justice of said county.


The Court then adjourned sine die.


Signed, JOSEPH H. CRANE.


Monday, April 24, 1820. Held at Sidney. Present: Joseph H. Crane, President ; Robert Houston, Samuel Marshall, William W. Cecil, Associates; Harvey B. Foote, Clerk ; Thomas W. Ruckman, Sheriff; Henry Bacon, Pros. Atty. Grand jurors: John Lenox, foreman; Samuel Stewart, Richard Lenox, Jacob Wise, John Houston, Henry Hershaw, John Bryant, Archibald Defrees, George Barker, John Underwood, John Manning, John Stewart, Philip Coleman, Wm. Johnston, and Wm. Cecil.


On application by petition, license was granted Abraham Cannon to keep a tavern at his house in Sidney for one year, on his paying five dollars into the county treasury.


It appearing to the satisfaction of the Court that there are no justices of the peace in the township of Green, lately laid off by the Commissioners, it is therefore ordered by the Court that the trustees of said township order an election according to law, for the purpose of electing two justices for said township.


The last will and testament of Charles Botkins was proved by the oaths of Aquilla Ellsworth and William Ellsworth, subscribing witnesses thereto, and ordered to be recorded. David Henry and George Chiles, executors therein named, were sworn in open court. Wm. Marrs, Samuel Robinson, and Charles Johnston were appointed appraisers.


The grand jury reported sundry true bills and were discharged.


On application by petition, the Court grant license to Hezekiah Stout to keep a tavern in the town of Hardin by the payment of five dollars.



Ordered by the Court that the Director of Sidney offer for sale at public vendue, giving one month's previous notice in six public places in the county and in the newspaper published at Troy, one-third of the lots now remaining unsold in Sidney, on the following terms, viz., one-fourth of the purhase-money in hand, one-fourth in nine months, one-fourth in fifteen months, and the remaining fourth in two years ; the purchaser to give bond and approved security for the payment of the three deferred instalments, and to receive from the Director a certificate for the lot or lots purchased, stipulating that a deed shall be executed on the completion of the payments ; and the Director is further authorized to dispose of at private sale any lots remaining unsold at the public sale hereby ordered, on the terms prescribed by this order.


The Court allow Henry Bacon fifteen dollars for his services as prosecuting attorney.

Trial Docket:—


Isaiah Duncan vs. Moses Hicks. Replevin. Discontinued.


Niel Thompson vs. Daniel V. Dingman, late sheriff of Co. Trespass. Discontinued at plaintiff's cost.


Abraham Cannon vs. Bryan McNamer. Slander. Continued.


Niel Thompson vs. Daniel V. Dingman. Trespass. Continued.


Court adjourned sine die.


Signed, JOSEPH H. CRANE.


State of Ohio, Shelby County, Court of Common Pleas. Monday, September 4, 180. Present : Hon. Joseph H. Crane, Prest. ; Robert Houston, Wm. W. Cecil, Associates ; Harvey B. Foote, Clerk ; Thomas W. Ruckman, Sheriff; Henry Bacon, Prosecuting Attorney. Grand


HISTORY OF SHELBY COUNTY, OHIO - 153


Jurors : Aaron Harkness, Foreman ; Henry Levally, Gideon Wright, Cephas Carey, Jeremiah White, Abraham Minnear, Alex. Miller, Wm, Gibson, Thomas Hurley, Samuel McClure, Win. Morrow, C. Aldrich, Isaac Robbins, Hezekiah Hubble, Philip Coleman. James Coleman, Constable.


Abraham Cannon vs. Bryan McNamer. Slander. Rule for Declaration in 60 days. Continued.

State of Ohio vs. Abraham Cannon. Adultery. Plea of not guilty continued on affidavit of defendant. The defendant, with Robert Aldrich and William Johnston, is recognized in the sum of two hundred dollars conditioned for the appearance of said defendant to answer said indictment at the next term of court to be held in and for the county of Shelby, and not to depart the court without leave, and abide the decision of the court, then this recognizance to be void ; otherwise to remain in full force and virtue in law.


State of Ohio vs. Jacob Trout. Larceny. Plea of not guilty. Continued on affidavit of defendant, whereupon the defendant with John A. Cavan is recognized in the sum of three hundred dollars, conditioned for the appearance of said defendant to answer to said indictment at the next term to be held in and for the county of Shelby, and not depart the Court without leave, and abide the decision of the Court, then this recognizance to be void, otherwise to remain in full force and virtue in law.


The grand jury reported after finding several true bills, and were discharged.


State of Ohio vs. Justus Cooper. Assault and battery. Defendant taken into custody of sheriff, and recognizance of Thomas Hurley declared void.


License was granted to Alex. Miller to keep a house of public entertainment at the town of Cynthiana for one year, by his payment of five dollars.


State of Ohio vs. Joseph Bennett. Recognized to answer.


State of Ohio vs. John Carey and C. Mason. Recognized to testify.


State of Ohio vs. Justus Cooper. Recognized to answer.


State of Ohio vs. Henry Zamer, Zachariah Hurley, Moses Hicks, John Borders, and Wm. Hicks. Recognized to testify.


Upon application, the Court. appoints Wm. Robinson guardian to Thomas Ralph Robinson, aged seven years, and Sally Robinson, aged eleven years, to give bond in the sum of two hundred dollars with David Henry his security.


State of Ohio vs. Joseph Bennett. Assault and battery. Plea of guilty. Fine of two dollars and costs.


State of Ohio vs. Justus Cooper. Assault and battery. Plea of not guilty. Tried before a jury consisting of John Ai Maris, John Gilbert, Jas. Coleman, James Lenox, Conrad Poucher, Wm. Skillen, Azariah Julian, James McCain. Isaac Minnear. Robert McClure. Thomas Young and

and Edward Jackson. The jury returned a verdict of guilty as charged, whereupon the defendant was sentenced to pay a fine of five dollars and costs, and be imprisoned in the county jail for a term of ten days.


State of Ohio vs. John Borders. Assault and battery. Plea of not guilty. Recognized with security in sum of seventy-five dollars to appear.


Jacob Scott vs. Zebediah Richardson. Continued on showing.


Jacob Haak vs. Zebediah Richardson. Continued.


Neil Thompson vs. Daniel V. Dingman. Trespass. Damages $5.00. Jury trial. Verdict of not guilty. Notice of appeal by plaintiff.


The Court allow the prosecuting attorney fifteen dollars for his services at this term.


Peter Pallanque, an alien, formerly a subject of the king of France, now a resident of this county, came into court, and gives notice of his intention to become a citizen of the United States, and took an oath of such his intention, and to renounce forever all allegiance and fidelity to every foreign prince, potentate, or sovereign, and particularly to Louis XVIII., king of France.


Wm. Dunlap, an alien, formerly a subject of Great Britain, now a resident of this county, came into court, and gives notice of his intention to become a citizen of the United States, and took an oath of such his intention, and to renounce forever all allegiance and fidelity to every foreign prince, potentate, or sovereign, and particularly to the king of England.


Robert Montgomery is appointed by the Court administrator of the estate of John Bennett, deceased,—the widow having relinquished the administration thereof—and gave bond in three hundred dollars, with Alexander Miller and Archibald Defrees his sureties, conditioned as the law directs. John Miller, Wm. Gibson, and John Houston were appointed appraisers.


The Court then adjourned without day.


Signed, JOSEPH H. CRANE.


State. of Ohio, Shelby County, Court of Common Pleas, December term. Monday, December 11, 1820. Present: Hon. Joseph H. Crane, President ; Hon. Robert Houston, Hon. Samuel Marshall, and Hon. Wm. W. Cecil, Associates. Harvey B. Foote, Clerk. Thomas W. Ruckman, Sheriff. Henry Bacon, Prosecuting Attorney. Grand jurors: George Chiles, Win. Houston, Thomas Wyatt, Abraham Davenport, Wm. Robinson, Samuel Robinson, Joseph Steinberger, Wm. Johnston, John Mellinger, Win. Robinson, Jr., John McClure, Daniel Vandemark, John Kennard, James Marshall, and Elisha


Jacob Haak vs. Zebediah Richardson. Continued on showing at cost of plaintiff.


State of Ohio vs. Abraham Cannon. Adultery. Jurors: Richard Bush, Win. Flinn, Thomas McClish, Jacob Crane, Wm. Buirley, Abraham Medaris, Wm. Kendall, Win. Mellinger, Jr., Henry Sturms, Rufus Carey, Aaron Cecil, and John Johnson. Verdict of not guilty, and judgment of acquittal.


Abraham Cannon vs. Bryan McNamer. Slander. Nonsuit.


Upon application the Court appoint Samuel Robinson guardian to Wm. Robinson, aged fifteen years, minor heir of Thomas Robinson, de-eased, who gave bond with Wm. Robinson in the sum of two hundred dollars.


The Court grant license to Samuel Spicer to solemnize marriage according to law, upon proof of ordination.


State of Ohio vs. John Davis. Affray. Plea of guilty. Fine of one dollar and costs imposed.


The Court, on application, grants a license to John Blake to vend merchandise at his house, in Sidney, for one year, on payment of ten dollars into the county treasury.


The Court then adjourned until Tuesday morning at 9 o'clock.


Signed, JOSEPH H. CRANE.


Tuesday, December 12, 1820. Present the same judges as yesterday.


The State of Ohio vs. Jacob. Trout. Larceny. Verdict of " not guilty" by the jury.


Atchinson Blakely vs. John Blake Appeal. Declaration filed. Case continued.


Robert Gibson vs, Wm. Johnston and Wm. Wiley. Action in Declaration filed and case continued.


The grand jury reported and was discharged.


State of Ohio vs. John Borders. Assault and battery. Continued


State of Ohio vs. Riley Moore. Affray. Plea of guilty. Fine of one dollar and costs.


State of Ohio vs. John Blake. Dealing without license. Plea of guilty. Fine of two dollars and costs.


Letters of administration granted to Charles Roby to administer upon the estate of Ruel Roby, deceased.


The Court allows Henry Bacon, Prosecuting Attorney, twenty-five dollars for services this term.


David Henry, Director of the town of Sidney, presented his account for moneys expended and services performed as Director aforesaid which account, amounting to $121.00, is hereby allowed.


Benjamin S. Cox, Jr., is appointed by the Court County Surveyor for the county of Shelby.


Court adjourned sine die.


Signed, JOSPEH H. CRANE.


The State of Ohio, Shelby County, Court of Common Pleas, April term, 1821.


Tuesday, April 24, 1821. Present : Samuel Marshall, Wm. W. Cecil, Associate Justices Harvey B. Foote, Clerk Thomas W. Ruckruan, Sheriff; Henry Bacon, Prosecuting Attorney.


154 - HISTORY OF SHELBY COUNTY, OHIO.


There not being a quorum of judges, court was adjourned until tomorrow.

Criminal docket :-


State of Ohio vs. Win. Drake, Jr. Recognized to answer.


State of Ohio vs. Alex. Jackson and Jesse Hathaway. Recognized to testify.


State of Ohio vs. Levi Talbott. Recognized to answer.


State of Ohio vs. Jonathan Beatty and Benjamin S. Cox, Jr. Recognized to testify.


State of Ohio vs. Ira Dickson. Recognized to answer.


State of Ohio vs. Ira Dickson. Recognized to answer.


State of Ohio vs. Joseph Cabbinan and James Blake. Recognized to testify.


State of Ohio vs. David Houston. Recognized to answer.


State of Ohio vs. Samuel McClure, Eleazer Hathaway, and John Gates. Recognized to testify.


State of Ohio vs. Robert Hurley and Edwin Barker. Recognized to answer.


State of Ohio vs. Thomas Safford and Otho White. Recognized to testify.


State of Ohio vs. John Tilberry, Benjamin S. Cox, Jr., and Win. Drake. Recognized to testify.


H. B. FOOTE, Clerk.


Wednesday, April 25, 1821. A quorum of judges not being in attendance, the sheriff again adjourned court until to-morrow at 9 A. M.


HARVEY B. FOOTE, Clerk.


Thursday, April 26, 1821. There being no quorum of judges, the sheriff adjourned court without day.


HARVEY B. FOOTE, Clerk.


The State of Ohio, Shelby County, Court of Common Pleas, September term, 1821. Tuesday, September 4, 1821. Present: Hon. Joseph H. Crane, President; lion. Samuel Marshall, Hon. Wm. W. Cecil, Associates. Harvey B. Foote, Clerk. Thomas W. Ruckman, bheriff.


The Court appointed Stephen Fails Prosecuting Attorney pro tern.


Grand jurors : John Francis, foreman ; Elisha Kirtland, Cephas Carey, Joseph Bennett, John Stoker, Philander Ketchum, Wm. Minnear, John Johnston, Wm. Richardson, Elisha Williams, Archibald Defress, Edward Jackson, Peter Musselman, Wm. Cecil, John Lenox.


Charles Roby vs. James Lenox, J. P. Declaration filed. Continued.


License is granted to John Blake to keep a tavern at his house, in the town of Sidney, for one year from the 4th day of September, 1821, upon the payment of five dollars.


The Court orders that an election be held according to law in Perry Township for the election of an additional justice of the peace.


The Court grants that Robert Montgomery, administrator of the estate of John Bennett, deceased, be allowed until next session of the Court to settle the accounts of the estate aforesaid.


State of Ohio vs. John Borders. Assault and battery. Continued. State of Ohio vs. William Anderson. Assault and battery. Plea of guilty. Fine of one dollar and costs.


State of Ohio vs. James Myers. Assault and battery. Nollied.


Jacob Haak vs. Zebediah Richardson. In debt. Jury disagreed. Cause continued.


Jurors : John Mellinger, Eleazer Stephens, Daniel V. Dingman, Thos. Butte, James. Buchanan, Thomas McKee, James Bryan, Richard Lenox, Wm. Flynn, Wm. Houston, John Stephens, Henry Cahoon.


On motion the Court orders that Charles Roby, administrator of Ruel Roby, deceased, show cause why he should not be removed, and account to the Court at 2 P. M. to-morrow to answer affidavit filed.


The grand jury reported sundry indictments, and again retired to consider further matters.


Frederic Bray vs. Andrew Russell. Action for debt. Quashed at plaintiff's cost.


Robert Gibson vs. Wm. Johnston and Wm. Wiley. Debt. Judgment against Johnston by default.


John Alexander vs. James Dingman. Debt. Declaration filed. Continued.


Jacob Replogle vs. Henry Wing. Debt. Settled at plaintiff's cost.


Samuel Marshall, Treasurer of Turtle Creek Township, vs. Wm. Flynn. Action for debt. In this case it appears to the Court that one of the associate judges is the father-in-law of the defendant, and one other of the associate judges is plaintiff in the case, and there not being a sufficient number of disinterested judges to try the cause, it is therefore ordered that the cause be certified to the next Supreme Court for the county.


The State of Ohio vs. Atchison Blakely. Recognized to answer.


The State of Ohio vs. Charles Roby. Recognized to answer.


The State of Ohio vs. Rebecca Gerrard, John Childers, John Kennard, and Win. Harrell. Recognized to testify.


The State of Ohio vs. Isaac Lemasters. Recognized to answer.


The State of Ohio vs. Wm. Skellen. Recognized to testify.


The State of Ohio vs. John Mathews. Recognized to answer.


The State of Ohio vs. Thomas Butte, Thomas Cassell, Jacob Shageley, Alex. Miller, Robert Steen, and Henry Haskall. Recognized to testify.


The Court then adjourned until Wednesday at nine o'clock A. M.


Signed, JOSEPH H. CRANE.


Wednesday, September 5, 1821. Court convened pursuant to adjournment. Same judges as yesterday.


The State of Ohio vs. John Mathews. Assault and battery. Verdict of guilty. Sentenced to pay a fine of three dollars and costs, and a recognisance of $100 for his good behavior for the time of twelve months.


Atchison Blakely vs. John Blake. Debt. Verdict for the plaintiff.


Moses Sticks vs. Samuel McClure. Debt. Continued.


Wm. Flinn vs. George Johnston. Damage. Continued.


Abner Glassmire vs. Robert Miller. Damage. Continued.


Robert McClure vs. Nancy Hardesty, administratrix of the estate of Robert Hardesty, deceased. Continued.


Henry Levally, assignee of H. Hagerman and Alex. Miller, vs. Thomas Butte. Debt. Continued.


The same vs. Win. Houston. Debt. Continued.


Frederick Bray vs. Andrew Russell. Debt. Continued.


The grand jury made final report and was discharged.


The State of Ohio vs. Benjamin S. Cox, Jr. Assault and battery. Verdict of guilty.


The State of Ohio vs. Robert Hurley. Assault and battery. Plea of guilty. Fine of three dollars and costs.


The State of Ohio vs. Atchison Blakeley. Assault and battery. Verdict of guilty. Fine of three dollars and costs.


The State of Ohio vs. Charles Roby. Theft. Continued.


The State of Ohio vs. Levi Talbott. Assault and battery. Recognizance forfeited.


The State of Ohio vs George Johnston. Assaults and battery. Recognizance forfieted.


James Marshall vs. Griffith Mendenhall and Erastus Smith. Attachment discontinued at plaintiff's cost.


The State of, Ohio vs. David Houston. Assault and battery. Recognizance forfeited.


The State of Ohio vs. John Mathews. Assault and battery. Bond to keep the peace.


Court then adjourned until to-morrow morning at eight o'clock.


Signed, JOSEPH H. CRANE.


Shelby County, Common Pleas Court, September 6, 1821. Present : the same judges as yesterday.


The State of Ohio vs. Benj. S. Cox, Jr. Assault and battery. Verdict of guilty. Fine of three dollars and costs.


Gideon Wright vs. Commissioners of Shelby County. Appeal. Continued.


The Court allows Stephen Fails, Prosecuting Attorney, thirty-five dollars for services at this term.


Thomas McClish and Jeremiah White vs. Charles Roby, administrator of Ruel Roby, deceased. On rule to show cause why defendant should not be removed. Administrator removed and ordered to account at next term.


HISTORY OF SHELBY COUNTY, OHIO - 155


The State of Ohio vs. Charles Roby. Stealing. Continued.


The Court appoints Elisha Williams and John Kennard administrators of the estate of Ruel Roby, deceased, in the stead of Charles Roby, removed.


The State of Ohio vs. Charles Roby, James Wells, Ralph Roby, Elizabeth Roby, Thomas Dart, Thomas Safford, and Wm. Davis. Recognizance taken before James Lenox, J. P., for appearance of Charles Roby in $500. Recognizance forfeited.


The Court then adjourned without day.


Signed, JOSEPH H. CRANE.


Court of Common Pleas. At a called court, held on the 12th day of November, 1821, to grant letters of administration, etc. Present: Hon. Robert Houston, Samuel Marshall, Wm. W. Cecil, Associate Judges ; Harvey B. Foote, Clerk.


Susanna Porches, widow of Conrad Porches, deceased, having relinquished her right to administer the estate of the deceased, therefore letters of administration are hereby granted to Henry Hushaw, who, together with Robert McClure, Jr., and Thomas Butte, his securities, entered into bond in the sum of six hundred dollars, conditioned as the law directs, and the administrator was sworn in open court. Appraisers : Wm. Gibson, Esq., John Houston, Esq., and John Miller.


The Court adjourned without day.


Signed, ROBERT HOUSTON, A. J.


Attest, H. B. FOOTE, Clerk.


Shelby County, Court of Common Pleas. Tuesday, December 11, 1821. Present, Hon. Joseph H. Crane, Prest. ; Samuel Marshall, Wm. W. Cecil, Associate Judges; Harvey B. Foote, Clerk; Thomas W. Ruckman, Sheriff; Henry Bacon, Pros. Attorney.


Grand Jurors: Benjamin S. Cox, Jr., foreman ; Archibald Defrees, Wm. Marrs, George Berry, Samuel Robinson, Wm. Underwood, David Coon, Charles Johnston, John Medaris, Jacob Lemasters, Abraham Davenport, John Ellsworth, Charles Weeks, Israel Post, Henry Sturms.


The Court grant letters of administration to Mary Hurley, administratrix of Thomas Hurley, deceased, who gave bond with Robert Hurley and Zachariah Hurley in the sum of three hundred dollars. Win. Gibson, John Miller, and Alexander Miller were appointed appraisers of said estate.


Snow Richardson is appointed administrator of the estate of John Mangan, deceased, and gave bond accordingly. Robert McClure, Jr., Henry Hushaw, and William .Gibson were appointed appraisers of said estate.


The State of Ohio vs. John Borders. Assault and battery. Verdict of acquittal.


Moses Hicks vs. Samuel McClure. Appeal in debt. Continued.


John Alexander vs. James Dingman. Action in debt. Judgment for $100 and costs by default.


Charles Roby vs. James Lenox, J. P. Misconduct. Continued.


Robert McClure vs. Nancy Hardesty, administratrix of Robert Hardesty, deceased. Settled.


The grand jury reported after finding one true bill, and was discharged.


Frederick Bray vs. Andrew Russell. Debt. Judgment by default for $300 and costs.


The State of Ohio vs. John Blake. Indictment for bartering liquor to an Indian. Plea of guilty. Fine of five dollars and costs.


The State of Ohio vs. George Johnston. Assau t and battery. Plea of guilty. Fine of three dollars and costs.


The State of Ohio vs. James Dingman. Assault and battery. Plea of guilty. Fined two dollars and costs.


The State of Ohio vs. David Houston. Assault and battery. Plea of guilty. Fine of five dollars and costs, and recognizance to keep the peace.


License was granted John Blake to keep a store in the town of Sidney for one year by paying the sum of ten dollars.


The State of Ohio vs. Elisha Williams. Assault and battery. Plea of guilty. Fine of three dollars and costs.


Abraham Glassmire vs. Robert Miller. Appeal. Continued.


The State of Ohio vs. Charles Roby. Theft. Set for to-morrow.


The Court then adjourned until Wednesday at 9 A.M.


Signed, JOSEPH H. CRANE.


Shelby County, Common Pleas. Wednesday, December 12,1821. The same judges present as yesterday.


On motion, further time is granted Robert Montgomery, administrator of the estate of John Bennett, deceased, to settle up the estate.


The State of Ohio vs. Charles Roby. Theft. Verdict of acquittal.


The State of Ohio vs. Levi Talbott and Wm. Drake. Recognizance forfeited.


The State of Ohio vs. Levi Talbot, Benjamin S. Cox, Jr , and Jonathan Beatty. On recognizance. Recognizance forfeited.


The Court allow Henry Bacon, Prosecuting Attorney, twenty-five dollars for his services at this term.


On motion, further time is granted to Charles Roby, administrator of Ruel Roby, deceased, to settle the account of said estate until next term of this court.


Jacob Haak vs. Zebediah Richardson. Appeal in debt. Continued.


Gideon Wright vs. County Commissioners. Appeal on road case. Continued.


Wm. Flinn vs. George Johnston. Appeal. Continued.


Hugh Levalley, assignee, vs. Thomas Butte. Appeal, etc. Continued.


Henry Levalley, assignee, vs. Wm. Houston. Appeal. Continued.


Charles Roby vs. James Lenox. Certiorari in error. Continued.


Charles Roby vs. John Kennard, Elisha Williams, and John Stevens. Trespass, assault and battery, and false imprisonment. Continued.


The State of Ohio vs. Charles Roby, James Wells, Ralph Roby, Elizabeth Roby, Thomas Dart, Thomas Lafford, and Wm. Davis. Recognizance. Dismissed.


John Shays vs. Callen Aldrich. Debt. Alias ordered.


Ira Dickson vs. Elisha Williams. Trespass, assault and battery, false imprisonment. Continued.


The Court appoints Harvey B. Foote, administrator of the estate of Asa Hubble, deceased, to give bond with Wm. Drake and James Forsythe, sureties, in the sum of $200. Appraisers, John Johnston, Robert McClure, and Wm. Richardson.


Jeremiah Bodkin, aged fifteen, and Lydia Bodkin, aged thirteen years, minor heirs of Charles Bodkin, deceased, came into court, and chose John Bodkin their guardian, who gave bond accordingly.


Thomas W. Ruckman produced in court a commission as sheriff of the county of Shelby, and gave bond in the sum of $2000, conditioned as the law directs.


Robert McClure produced a commission as coroner of Shelby County, and gave bond in the sum of $1000.


Upon application, the Court appoints John Bodkin guardian of Saul IL Bodkin, aged eleven, and Moses T. Bodkin, aged ten years, minor heirs of Charles Bodkin, deceased; said John Bodkin to give bond in the sum of $300, with I). Henry and Wm. Richardson as securities.


The Court then adjourned without day.


Signed, JOSEPH H. CRANE.


Shelby County, Court of Common Pleas. Monday, May 20, 1822. Present: Hon. Joseph H. Crane, President; Hon. Samuel Marshall, Hon. Robert Houston, and Lion. Wm. W. Cecil, Associate Judges. Harvey B. Foote, Clerk. Thomas W. Ruckman, Sheriff. Henry Bacon, Prosecuting Attorney.


The sheriff returned the venire facias, and had summoned as grand jurors John Manning, Esq., foreman; Daniel Vandemark, George Berry, Abraham Minnear, Frederick Steinberger, Conrad Fink, John Houston, Thomas Wyatt, Wm. Marrs, Aquilla Ellsworth, Edward Conroy, David Jerome, James Forsythe, Joseph Steinberger, and John McCreight.


Petit jurors: Israel Post, John Gilbert, Win. Robinson, Thomas Dart, James Marshall, John Miller, Jonathan Nichols, Silas Dorsey, George Morrison, Daniel Gobble, John Mathews, Archibald Defrees. Alexander McKey, Constable.


Jacob Haak vs. Zebediah Richardson. Appeal in debt. Judgment.


Tabitha Davis chose Philip Coleman as her guardian.


Upon application, the Court orders that an election be held in Clinton Township for an additional justice of the peace, public notice having been given according to law.


Abraham Glassmire vs. Robert Miller. Appeal. Verdict of not guilty.


Moses Hicks vs. Samuel McClure. Dismissed at plaintiff's cost..


Wm. Flinn vs. George Johnston. Dismissed at plaintiff's cost.


156 - HISTORY OF SHELBY COUNTY, OHIO.


Henry Levalley, assignee, vs. Thomas Butte. Dismissed at plaintiff's cost.


Henry Levalley, assignee, vs. Wm. Houston. Dismissed at plaintiff's cost.


John Shays vs. Collin Aldrich. Dismissed at plaintiff's cost.


Charles Roby vs. John Kennard, Elisha Williams, and John Stevens. Continued.


Ira Dickson vs. Elisha Williams. Continued.


Andrew Russel vs. Frederick Bray. Bill in chancery. Dismissed at plaintiff's cost.


Frederick Bray vs. Andrew Russell and Francis Sunderland. In chancery. Continued.


Wm. Minnear vs. Cyrus Wilson. Continued.


John Blake vs. Atchison Blakely. Bill in chancery. Motion to dissolve injunction.


The State of Ohio vs. Abraham Glassmire. Resisting officer. Continued.


On motion of Wm. McGean, the Court removed Robert Montgomery from the administration of the estate of John Bennett, deceased, on account of the removal of said Montgomery from the State, and appointed Alexander Miller administrator de bonos non of said estate.


The Court then adjourned until Tuesday at 8 o'clock A. M.


Signed, JOSEPH IL CRANE.


Shelby County, Common Pleas Court, Tuesday, May 21, 1822. Present : Hon. Joseph H. Crane, President ; Hon. Robert Houston, Hon. Wm. W. Cecil, Associates. Harvey B. Foote, Clerk. Thos. W. Ruckman, Sheriff. Henry Bacon, Prosecuting Attorney.


George C. Johnston, Robert Johnston, and James Johnston, former aliens, subjects of Great Britain, but now residents of this county and State, severally came into court and gave notice of their intention to become citizens of the United States, and severally took an oath of such their intentions, and to renounce forever all allegiance and fidelity to every foreign prince, potentate, State, or sovereignty, and particularly to George IV., King of Great Britain and Ireland.


The grand jury reported several bills, and was discharged.


On motion leave is granted to withdraw from the file of the Court a promissory note, executed by James and Daniel Dingman in favor of John Alexander, whereon judgment was entered against said James Dingman at the December term, 1821.


John Blake vs. Atchison Blakely. Injunction dissolved and bill dismissed.


Charles Roby vs. James Lenox. Continued under advisement.


Charles Roby vs. James Lenox. Certiorari writ quashed at plaintiff's cost.


The State of Ohio vs. Abraham Glassmire. On recognizance. Recognizance cancelled.


The Court allows Henry Bacon twenty-five dollars for services as Prosecuting Attorney this term.


Gideon Wright vs. County Commissioners. Alteration of road. Continued.


Charles Roby, former administrator of the estate of Ruel Roby, deceased, produced his accounts and vouchers for settlement, agreeable to the order of the Court, by which it appears that assets in the hands of said administrator amount to $542.581. Vouchers and credits allowed by Court, $617.44. Leaving a balance in favor of the said Charles Roby against the estate of the said Ruel Roby, deceased, of $74.84.


Ira Dickson vs. Elisha Williams. Trespass, assault and battery, and false imprisonment. Damages claimed, $500. Pleadings filed and cause continued.


The State of Ohio vs. Abraham Glassmire. Perjury. Continued.


On motion of Charles Roby, it is ruled and ordered that Elizabeth Davis, formerly the wife of Ruel Roby, deceased, and Wm. Davis, her present husband, show cause, on the first day of next term, why a guardian should not be appointed for Ruel, Augustus, Adeline, and Harriet Roby, children and heirs of the said Ruel Roby, deceased.


The State of Ohio vs. Abraham Glassmire. Resisting officer. Continued.


The State of Ohio vs. Abraham Glassmire. Perjury. Continuance set aside by agreement and consent. The jury returned a verdict of guilty. Motion for a new trial.


Court adjourned until Wednesday morning at 8 o'clock.


Wednesday, May 22, 1822. Same judges present as yesterday.


The State of Ohio vs. Abraham Glassmire. Perjury. Motion for new trial. On motion, in arrest of judgment, the case was continued, and the defendant, failing to give bond, was committed.


It appearing to the Court that Alexander Miller, appointed.at this term as administrator of the estate of John Bennett, deceased, was one of the sureties of Robert Montgomery, removed, and as the said Alexander Miller has not yet received letters of administration, it is ordered that the clerk withhold the letters until the further order of the Court, and the said Miller show cause at the next term of this Court why he should not be removed from the said administration, and some suitable and disinterested person be appointed administrator of the goods and chattels yet remaining to be administered of the said John Bennett, deceased.


The Court then adjourned without day.


Shelby County, Court of Common Pleas, Monday, August 12, 1822. Present : Hon. Joseph II. Crane, President ; Hon. Robert Houston, Hon. Samuel Marshall, Hon. Wm. W. Cecil, Associates. Harvey B. Foote, Clerk ; Thomas W. Ruckman, Sheriff; Henry Bacon, Prosecuting At torney.


Grand jurors : David Carter, foreman ; John Bryant, Joseph Bennett, Nathan Coleman, Jacob Sclosser, Charles Johnston, John Murphy, Rufus Carey, Zebediah Richardson, John Miller, John Peck, William Minnear, Benj. Blankinship, George Poole, James H. Coleman.


The grand jury retired, but returned no findings, and was discharged.


Gideon Wright vs. County Commissioners. Road petition. Continued for report.


Charles Roby vs. James Lenox, J. P. Misconduct in office. Demurrer sustained.


Charles Roby vs. John Kennard, Elisha Williams, John Stevens. Trespass. rlaintiff failed to appear. Judgment of nonsuit.


Frederick Bray vs. Andrew Russell and Francis Sunderland. In chancery. Contin tied.


Wm. Minnear vs. Cyrus Wilson. Trespass. Appeal. Continued.


Joseph Steinberger vs. Ralph Roby. Appeal in debt. Continued.


The Court order an election in the township of Cynthian for two justices of the peace.


Ira Dixon vs. Elisha Williams. Trespass. Discontinued by consent. Costs to be shared equally.


Mary Hurley, administratrix of Thomas Hurley, deceased. Petition to sell land. Order of sale.


The State of Ohio vs. Abraham Glassmire. Perjury. New trial granted and case continued


The State of Ohio vs. Abraham Glassmire. Resisting officer. Continued.


Ordered that Alexander Miller be removed from the administration on the estate of John Bennett, deceased ; and, on application, Samuel McClure is appointed said administrator.


Court adjourned without day.


Signed, JOSEPH H. CRANE


At a session held September 20, 1822, letters of administration were granted Isabel Russell, who gave bond and was sworn to perform the duties of administratrix of the estate of Andrew Russell, deceased. Robert Broderick, James Thatcher, and Thomas McClish were appointed appraisers of said estate.


At a special session, held September 28, 1822, letters of administration were granted unto Aaron Hicks and Lyman Myers upon the estates of Moses Hicks and George Myers, both deceased.


On the 14th of October, 1822, a called court granted letters of administration to John McCorkle upon the estate of Isaac Parks, deceased.


PROBATE COURT RECORDS.


A search among these records revealed some things which are deemed worthy of permanent record on account of the interest attaching to them by many of the citizens of to-day. Among these things are the


HISTORY OF SHELBY COUNTY, OHIO - 157


records of early marriages, of which a full list is given for the first few years which the records embrace. Aside from this, the record of one marriage and that of a will are given, not because of their antiquity, but on account of their curious natures. While the one may provoke a smile at its seeming incongruity, the other must carry with it a sadness which will impress itself upon the reader who contemplates the murmur of despair which escapes the testator. It is the wail of undone manhood and expiring hope.


EARLY MARRIAGES.


1824. June 3—Lewis Nevite and Charity Mason, by Augustus Richards, M. G. October 14—Archibald Defrees and Jane Wilkinson, by Augustus Richards, M. G. November 25—Hiram 1. Wilson and Elizabeth Vandemark, by Augustus Richards, M. G. December 28—John Widney and Caroline Brodrick, by Arthur W. Elliott.


1825. June 23—Michael Kizer and Amelia Jackson, by James Kinkennon, E. C. C. June 28—Abel Grossley and Ann Rouse, by Elisha Williams, J. P. July 3—Elisha Grady and Maria Schoonover, by Levi White, C. P. July 10—David Mellinger and Sarah Safford, by John McClure, J. P. August 11—James Cannon and Nancy Hardesty, by John McClure, J. P. September 29—Thomas Wilkinson and Nancy Jackson, by Philip Locker, J. P. October 6—Benjamin Croy and Mary Holmes, by James Kinkennon, E. C. C. October 13—Reuben Jackson and Christena Le Fevre, by D. Henry, J. P. November 3—Robert Chambers and Hannah Moyers, by John Houston, J. P. November 17—John Marrs and Elizabeth Johnston, by John McCreight, J. P. November 21—Wesley Ditts and Cynthia Kennard, by G. W. Maley, M. G. November 29—Thomas Wilkinson, Jr., and Annie Kirtland, by John McCreight, J. P. November 26—James McKinney and Catharine Long-worth, by Joseph Bennett, J. P. December 1—John Blakely and Mary Weeks, by John Francis, J. P.


1826. January 5—James Thatcher, Jr., and Abby Carey, by Abraham Davenport, J. P. January 17—Thomas Weeks and Eliza Henderson, by John Francis, J. P. January 22—John Julian and Caroline Powers, by John McCreight, J. P. February 9—Wm. Ruggles and Sarah Cecil, by Joseph Bennett, J. P. February 14—Benj. Coleman and Margaret Tilberry, by J. H. Coleman, J. P. March 6—Wm. Wright and Elizabeth McCune, by James Coe, V. D. M. March 16—Clark Levally and Susan Childers, by Joseph Bennett, J. P. March 21—George Morgan and Eliza McKee, by John Francis, J. P. March 30—John Matthews and Priscilla Clayton, by D. Henry, J. P. April 10—John Jackson and Rachel Smith, by J. Kinkennon, E. C. C. April 26—Jonathan Julian and Mary Matthews, by Augustus Richards, M. G. April 20—Wm. Young and Margaret Madden, by Jno. Francis, J. P. Joseph Garver and Eliza Ann Foote, by Augustus Richards, M. G. May 14—Charles Mason and Sidney Shaffer, by D. Henry, J. P. May 18—Wm. Carey and Phebe Levally, by Joseph Bennett, J. P. June 10—Samuel Day and Hannah Jackson, by J. H. Coleman, J. P. June 15—John Adams and Mary Flinn, by Jno. Francis, J. P. August 3—Christopher Tilberry and_ Mary Moore, by J. H. Coleman, J. P. August 8—Joseph Baltzel and Minerva Kisling, by Jno. Francis, J. P. A ugust 15—J. R. Caldwell and Elizabeth Stewart, by A. Davenport, J. P. August 28—John Carey and Catharine Kennard, by Geo. Gatch, M. E. M. September 12—Samuel Cannon and Susan Ilam, by Robt. Houston, Jr, J. P. September 23—Wm. Miller and Lucinda Gabble, by J. H. Coleman, J. P. December 6—Samuel Blakely and Elizabeth Latterell, by Joseph Steinberger, J. P. December 28—Livius Matthews and Sally Brown, by D. Henry, J. P.


1827. February 19—Aaron Harter and Sally Miller, by Samuel Washburn, J. P. February 27—M. Withers and Drusilla Carey, by Joel Frankeberger, J. P. March 27—Samuel Tilberry and Polly Tilberry, by J. H. Coleman, J. P. .April 12—Joseph Hughes and Hannah Black, by James Coe, V. D. M. April 12—Benj. Skillen and Catharine Hartman, by D. Henry, J. P. June 5—Wm. Taylor and Mary Cannon, by D. Henry, J. P. June 21—Thos. Leally and Elizabeth Hubble, by Joel Frankeberger, J. P. July 19—James Fugate and Miller Brown, by John Francis, J. P. July 26—Abraham Burdett and Catharine Hearn, by Booth Burdett, J. P. August 9—Elisha Freeland and Wilmott Medaris, by J. Nichols, J. P. September 18—J. S. Luttrell and Elizabeth Mellinger, by Joseph Steinberger, J. P. September 27—R. D. McKinney and Mary Levally, by James Lenox, J. P. September 27—Joseph Cox and Anna Thompson, by James Coe, M. G. October 4—Jabez Lucas and Osi Peace, by Jonathan Nichols, J. P. October 6.—Henry Jackson and Drusilla Bush, by Joel Frankeberger, J. P. October 18—J. H. Pepper and Sally Ellsworth, by Jonathan Nichols, J. P. November 1— Isaac Minnear and Lydia Weaver, by Joseph Bennett, J. P. November Steinberger and Elizabeth Kenuse, by Joseph Steinberger, J. P. November 3—Joseph Barnett and Betsey Bluejacket, by Samuel Washburn, J. P. November 30—John Buffington and Sarah Hurley, by J. Kinkennon, E. C. C. December 6—Abraham Goble and Effa Drake, by John Francis, J. P. December 18—David Mellinger and Mary McVay, by Joseph Steinberger, J. P. December 27—Jesse Ruggles and Amanda M. Lambert, by John Francis, J. P. December 31—George Barker and Polly Phillips, by John Miller, J. P.


1828. January 3—Isaac Botkin and Elizabeth Sargent, by J. Nichols, J. P. January 24—Abner Gerrard and Susan Taylor, by Joel Frankeberger, J. P. January 24—John Turner and Jane Blakely, by James Lenox, J. P. January 31—David Shipley and Anna. Harvey, by Robt. Houston, J. P. March 18—Edward Ladd and Susan Tilberry, by Joel Frankeberger, J. P. April 17—Joel Johnston and Elizabeth Cecil, by Joseph Bennett, J. P.. May 15—John Schooler and Elizabeth A. Randall, by Booth Burdett, J. P. June 26—John Bush and Elizabeth Henshaw, by John Miller, J. P. September 11—Thomas Holmes and Jane Childers, by John Francis, J. P. November 7—Hiram Coon and Nancy Levally, by Solomon McKinney, E. C. C. November 21—Samuel Wise and Malinda Enos, by Robert Houston, J. P. December 2—James Wilson and Elizabeth Duprey, by James Lenox, J. P. December 9—John Blake and Matilda Kennard, by W. H. Raper, M. G, December 18—Nicholas Sturm and Catharine Davis, by Ezekiel Leavgeant, J. P. December 25—Wm. Carey and Hannah Jackson, by D. Henry, J. P.


1829. January 1—John Minnear and Jane McKee, by John Francis, J. P. January 1—Richard Henry and Barbara Jackson, by D. Henry, J. P. January 8—Thomas Hubble and Mary Harrison, by .Joel Frankeberger, J. P. January 8—Robert G. Sturgeon and Rosanna Marshall, by James Coe, M. G. January 18—James Davis and Jane McCullough, by James Lenox, J. P. January 26—John McCullough and Eleanor Marshall, by Joseph Steinberger, J. P. February 18—John Valentine and Rebecca Kinkinnon, by Solomon McKinney. February 19—Hiram Young and Charity Clauson, by John Francis, J. P. March 17—George Butte and Lucinda Mann, by John Miller, J. P. March 18—George H. Ward and Mary Robinson, by John Miller, J. P. March 19—Wm. Hawkins and Nancy Williams, by J. Kinkinnon, E. C. C. March 22—: Benjamin Keneese and Catharine Mellinger, by Joseph Steinberger.


April 7—John LeFevre and Margaret Stout, by R. M. Cannon, J. P.

April 11—Samuel Butt and Leah Hathaway, by John Miller, J. P.

April 14 --Jesse Jackson and Susanna Jones, by John McClure, J. P.

April 29—Wm. Skillen and Fannie Cromer, by E. Hathaway, J. P.

April 23—Henry Levally and Mary Funks, by Jonathan Nichols, J. P.

May 30—Levi Houston and Permelia Cassel, by Win. Wright, J. P. May 30—David Coon and Mary Bush, by James Lenox. June 9— Richard W. Valentine and Ann Eliza Cecil, by David Clark, M. G. June 11—Alexander Beers and Margaret Sargent, by D. Henry, J. P. July 12—Solomon LeFevre and Sally Stout, by Joel Frankeberger, J. P. July 15—James Houston and Desdemona Sample, by William W right, J. P. July 16—Robert Graham and Polly Burditt, by Joel Frankeberger, J. P. September 24—Milton Keyser and Silence B. Ellsworth, by John Furrow, M. G. October 6—Joseph Hamilton and Mary Gamble, by W. H. Roper, M. G. October 8—John Hetzler and Margaret Redinbaugh, by J. W. Valentine, J. P. October 8—J. R. Ellsworth and Mary Parke, by John Furrow, M. G. October 31—James Thatcher and Elizabeth Manning, by J. H. Coleman, .J. P. November 5—Silas Richards and Elizabeth McClanahan, by Caleb Worley, M. G. November 1—Jesse Jackson and Hannah Masters, by J. H. Coleman, J. P. November 30—Wm. Thatcher and Sarah Masters, by J. H. Coleman, J. P. December 1—Win. C. Dills and Nancy Carey, by Joshua Boucher. December 24—Joseph Wyatt and Catharine Ellis, by William Wright, J. P.


1830. January 3—David LeFevre and Eliza Mellinger, by Joseph Steinberger.


158 - HISTORY OF SHELBY COUNTY, OHIO


Marriage Certificate.


The State of Ohio, Shelby County, ss.


I certify that I have this day solemnized the marriage of Mr. Alexander McCune with Miss Sarah Clark.


Witness my hand this 24th day of November, A. D. 1850.

R. DINSMOOR, J. P.


Black is the cloud without one sunbeam;

Long is the day that hath no noon ;

But blacker that heart which could refuse

To marry Miss Clark to Alex McCune. R. D.


James Cook's Will and Probate, filed October 19, 1855.


The last will and testament of James Cook, of Shelby County, Ohio. Having been left ten times by a wife whom I took in poverty from necessity, and who after slandered me and charged me with every crime that disgraces humanity; who has destroyed my character by her infamous lies ; robbed me six times, and cost me directly and indirectly more than three thousand dollars, and now having stolen my property six times, and broke my heart, and then left me without cause; now know that I, James Cook, do make this will.


Item. If I die before Susan W. Cook gets a bill of divorce then it is my will that Susan gets one-half of my personal property in the house by choice or sale; one-third of my other personal property, including notes after paying my debts, which are small, and one-third of the rents and profits of my real estate, and so to remain while she is single, and if Joshua Peck outlives her then to him during his lifetime. If she gets a bill of divorce then the law to decide.


Item. If I die before she settles our case, then I wish the gold watch to be left, and Mary, mare, and the buggy taken as an offset to the watch, as I do not wish my name on anything she keeps.


Item. I wish after complying with the former provisions that all my other estate be properly disposed of, and that the interest be equally divided between Allen Cook and Thomas Cook, and when one dies all the interest to go to the children, leaving out the heirs entirely of any biothers I ever had, as they before have been provided for.


Item. My gold watch to be given to the best daughter of Allen Cook, to be left to Wm. E. Cook, now of Rock Island City, Illinois, to decide.


Item. I do not wish to be buried on my land nor here, but make a place in some burying ground, or by my codicil to be left to certain M.D.'s to Make an examination, etc.


Item. I leave my wife to the tender mercy of an everlasting God, and may he forgive as I have forgiven her, for I have forgiven her- not only seventy times seven but one thousand times.


Item. I will not place on record my curse. God will do that. I pity a poor half-deranged woman whom I have loved, deeply loved, and truly love now, if pure and free from vice.


Item. In making this will I am not intending to cast any reflections on humanity. All have their faults. May God assoilzie the guilty. I am not.


This will made on Sunday the 10th day of April, 1853.


Given under my name on said day.


JAMES COOK. [SEAL.]


Witnesses present Monday, April 11, 1853:—

HENRY ROSE,

JOSEPH THOMPSON,

G. N. FURMAN.


Sworn to and subscribed, October 19, 1855, by

THOMPSON & FURMAN.


VOUCHERS FOR WOLF SCALPS TAKEN WITHIN THE JURISDICTION OF

SHELBY COUNTY.


The State of Ohio, Shelby County, ss :


Before me, an acting justice of the peace for Turtle Creek Township, personally appeared Ebenezer Stevens, who being duly sworn according to law, produced a wolf scalp over the age of six months, killed within the State of Ohio, for which he is entitled to four dollars.


Given under my hand and seal this 10th day of May, 1819.


JAMES LENOX, J. P. [SEAL.]


The State of Ohio, Shelby County, ss :


Personally appeared before me, the subscriber, an acting justice of the peace for Turtle Creek Township, Hezekiah Hubble, who being duly sworn according to law, produced a, wolf scalp over the age of six months, killed within the State of Ohio, for which he is entitled to four dollars.


Given under my hand and seal this 1st day of May, 1819.


JAMES LENOX, J. P. [SEAL.]


State of Ohio, Shelby County, ss :


Personally came before me, a justice of the peace in and for said county, Zebediah Richardson, a resident of Loramie Township, Shelby County, who being duly sworn according to law, produced one wolf scalp above the age of six months, for which he is entitled to four dollars, agreeable to the act of the General Assembly in such cases made and provided.


Given under my hand and seal April 26, 1819.


HUGH SCOTT, J. P. [SEAL.]


I do hereby certify that John Plummer, residing at Camp No. 3, near Defiance, did on the 17th of September, 1819, produce two wolf scalps to me. Said Plummer being sworn, says he killed the wolves within this State and within thirty days of this date ; that he believes them both to be more than six months old, and for which said Plummer is entitled to eight dollars.


Given under my hand at Wapakoneta, Shelby County, State of Ohio.


ROBERT BRODRICK, J. P. [SEAL.]


The State of Ohio, Shelby County, ss:


Personally came before me, the undersigned, an acting justice of the peace for Turtle Creek Township, Cephas Carey, who being duly sworn according to law, produced two wolf scalps over the age of six months, killed within the State of Ohio, for which he is entitled to eight dollars.


Given under my hand and seal this 13th day of Aug. 1819.


JAMES LENOX, J. P. [SEAL.]


The State of Ohio, October 12., 1820:


I do hereby certify that Michael Hamer, living at Shane's Prairie, on the St. Mary's River, is entitled to twelve dollars for killing three wolves over the age of six months, agreeable to a law of this State for the encouragement of killing wolves.


ROBERT BRODRICK, J. P.


July 19, 1819. I hereby certify that Thomas Young produced a wolf's scalp under the age of six months, and took the necessary oath according to law; that he killed it in Shelby County, Perry Township, for which the law allows him two dollars.


JOHN HENDERSHOTT, J. P. for Miami Co. [SEAL]


The State of Ohio, October 17, 1820:


I do hereby certify that Samuel Hanson, living on Shane's Prairie, on the St. Mary's River, is entitled to four dollars for killing one wolf over the age of six months, agreeable to a law of this State for the encouragement of killing wolves.


ROBERT BRODRICK, J. P. [SEAL.]


The State of Ohio, Shelby County, ss:


Personally came before me, the undersigned, an acting justice of the peace for Turtle Creek Township and county aforesaid, Jesse H. Wilson, who being duly sworn according to law, produced a wolf scalp over the age of six months, killed within the State of Ohio, for which he is entitled to four dollars.


Given under my hand and seal this 22d day of October, 1819.


JAMES LENOX, J. P. [SEAL.]


The State of Ohio, Shelby County, ss :


Personally came before me, the undersigned, an acting justice of the peace for Turtle Creek Township, Nathan Coleman, who being duly sworn according to law, produced a wolf scalp over the age of six months, killed within the State of Ohio, for which he is entitled to four dollars.


Given under my hand and seal this 13th day of December, 1819.


JAMES LENOX, J. P. .[SEAL.]


HISTORY OF SHELBY COUNTY, OHIO - 159


State of Ohio, Shelby County, November 25, 1819:


I do hereby certify that James Pertu, living near Fort Defiance, is entitled to eight dollars for killing two wolves over six months old, agreeable to an act for the encouragement of killing wolves.


Given under my hand this date above written.


ROBERT BRODRICK, J. P.


Shelby County, Ohio, November 11, 1819:


I do hereby certify that James Pertu, living at Camp No. 3, near Fort Defiance, is entitled to receive sixteen dollars for killing four wolves over the age of six months, agreeable to an act of the General Assembly to encourage the killing of wolves.


Given under my hand the date above written.


ROBERT BRODRICK, J. P.


You, Richard M. Cannon, do solemnly swear that the scalps now produced are the scalps of eight wolves taken within the county of Shelby, Ohio, by you within twenty days last past, and that you have not spared the life of any she wolf within your power to kill, with a design to increase the breed. R. M. CANNON.


Sworn and subscribed to this 29th day of May, 1835, before me,

C. A. WELLS, Clerk Shelby Common Pleas.


Indorsed : R. M. Cannon, $20.


You, George Short, do solemnly swear that the scalps now produced by you are the scalps of ten wolves taken within the county of Shelby, Ohio, by you within twenty days last past, and that you have not spared the life of any she wolf within your power to kill, with a design to increase the breed, and that you verily believe one of these to have been over six months old.

GEORGE SHORT.


Sworn and subscribed to this 24th day of May, 1,837, before me,

J. A. WELLS, Clerk of Shelby Com. Pleas.

Indorsed : Received the within order May 24, 1837, $26.75.

GEORGE SHORT.


You, Benjamin Wallingford, do solemnly swear that the five scalps now produced are the scalps of wolves taken within the county,of Shelby, Ohio, by you within twenty days last past, and that you verily believe the same to have been over six months old, and that you have not spared the life of any she wolf within your power to kill, with a design to increase the breed.


BENJAMIN WALLINGFORD.


Sworn to and subscribed before me this second day of June, 1847.

C. W. WELLS, Clerk, by JONA. COUNTS, Dep. Clerk.


You do solemnly swear that the scalp now produced is the scalp of a wolf taken within the county of Shelby, Ohio, by you within twenty days last past, and you verily believe the same to have been over six months old, and that you have not spared the life of any she wolf within your

power to kill, with a desire to increase the breed.


WM. X JOHNSTON.

mark.


Sworn to and subscribed before me this 17th day of Nov. 1854.


JONATHAN COUNTS, Clerk.


List of Wolf Scalps, showing valuation, by whom taken, and when.





1819 May 1.

“ ”

" July 29.

“ " 22

“ August 13.

" Septem'r 22.

" October 22.

“ ” 21

" December 11.

" " 11

" “ 11

“ ” 13.

1820 January 1

" April 24.

" February 23.

“ ” 7.

" Septem'r 18.

Hezekiah Hubble, one wolf

E. Stevens, “

Thos. Young, “

Z. Richardson, “

Cephas Carey, two wolves

John Plummer, "

Jesse H. Wilson, one wolf

John Hunt,

James Pertee, four wolves

 “ ” “

Michael Horner, one wolf

Nathan Coleman, "

Charles Johnston, "

John Hebber, “

Wm. Groove, “

Daniel Flinn, “

John Gallant, two wolves

$4 00

4 00

4 00

4 00

8 00

8 00

4 00

4 00

16 00

8 00

4 00

4 00

4 00

4 00

4 00

4 00

8 00

1820 June 23.

“ August 22

“ February 23

“ March 9.

“ :

“ November 23

“ December 22.

“ February 26.

“ ” 26.

“ June 13.

“ December.

“ October.

“ December

“ ”

“ April

“ February

“ March

“ November

“ May

“ February

“ January

“ June.

“ March.

“ April.

“ ”

“ ”

“ February

“ April.

“ ”

" March.

1821 January.

“ ”

“ ”

“ ”

“ ”

“ February

“ ”

“ ”

1822 March.

" April.

“ May.

“ ”

" December.

“ ”

“ ”

“ ”

“ ”

1823 May.

William Bush, one wolf

John Bush, ".

Thos. McClish, two wolves

John Gallant, ".

Charles Johnston, one wolf

John Gates, two wolves

Samuel Hanson, one wolf

William Ike, ".

" two wolves.

" one wolf.

Thomas McClish, "

Michael Horner, three wolves

John Hunt, one wolf

Nathan Coleman, one wolf

Thos. McClish, two wolves

John L. Steinberger, one wolf.

Thos McClish, "

Isaac Larrison, "

John Gallant "

Thos. McClish, two woles.

Samuel Tilberry, one wolf.

James Coleman, ".

William Sturm, ".

Benj. Coemn, ".

John Carey, ".

Thos. Coleman, ".

Ricar Cannon, "

Wm.Roinon ".

Nathn Coleman, two wolfes

Isaac Larrison oe wolf

Samuel Howell, "

Cephas Carey, "

Ben. Skillen, "

Thos. McCis, "

Josiah Sclosen “

Thos. McClish, "

John Steves “

James Coleman, two wolves

     “ ”

Thos. McClish “

William Hicks one wolf

James Coleman "

Nathan Colean, "

Samuel Washbur, five wolves

Benj. Clean, one wolf

Thoas Coleman, "

Wm. Wilkinson, "

Ebenezer Lucas, two old, eight young

$4 00

4 00

8 00

8 00

4 00

8 00

4 00

4 00

8 00

4 00

4 00

12 00

4 00

4 00

8 00

4 00

4 00

4 00

4 00

8 00

4 00

4 00

4 00

4 00

4 00

4 00

4 00

4 00

8 00

4 00

4 00

4 00

4 00

4 00

4 00

4 00

4 00

8 00

8 00

8 00

4 00

4 00

4 00

20 00

4 00

4 00

4 00

18 00

 

 

$264 00


Number of Wolves killed and amount paid in the following years :



In year

Wolves

killed

Amount

paid

In Year

Walves

killed

Amount

paid

1819

1820

1821

1822

1823

1824

1825

1826

1827

1828

1829

1830

1831

20

 45

19

15

66

33

51

44

22

18

11

35

17






$132 00

204 00

176 00

1832

1833

1834

1835

1836

1837

1846

1847

1848

1849

1850

1851

1854





5

13

6

7


2


1

1



&16 00


20 00

46 00



COMMISSIONERS' OFFICE, 1825.


Records of the metes and bounds of the different Townships in Shelby County, as they have been established by the Commissioners, and entered by their orders.


PERRY TOWNSHIP


Begins on the southeast corner of section 4, town. 2, range 13, east line of Shelby County ; north with the aforesaid county line to the northeast corner of the county ; thence west with the county line to the line between sections 29 and 30, town. 1, range 7; thence south with the line between the aforesaid sections, continued on to Miami River, and across the river ; thence with the river down to the land between sections 10


160 - HISTORY OF SHELBY COUNTY, OHIO.


and 9, town. 1, range 13 ; thence with the last said line east, to continue on to the place of beginning.


GREEN TOWNSHIP


Begins at the southeast corner of the county ; thence north to the south line of Perry Township, between sections 3 and 4 of town. 2, range 13 ; thence west with the sections line to the east line between sections 33 and 34 in the aforesaid town. 2, range 13 ; thence south to the county line between sections 34 and 28, town. 2, range 12; thence with the county line east to the beginning.


ORANGE TOWNSHIP


Begins at the south line of the county, on the Miami River ; thence east to the west line of Green Township, on the line between sections 34 and 28, town. 2, range 12 ; thence north to the south line of Perry Township, in the middle of the 13th range; thence west with the line through the middle of the 13th range aforesaid to the Miami River ; thence down the river to place of beginning.


CLINTON TOWNSHIP


Begins at the northwest corner of Perry Township, on line between sections 29 and 30, town. 2, range 5 ; thence with the line between said sections south, and continued on to the Miami River ; thence down the river to where the line between sections 15 and 18, town. 7, range 6, intersects the same river; thence north between said sections 15 and 16, and continued on to the county line ; thence east with said line to the beginning.


TURTLE CREEK TOWNSHIP


Begins at the Miami River, between sections 15 and 16, town. 7, range 6 ; thence north with the west line of Clinton Township to the county line ; thence west to the line between sections 35 and 36, town. 11, range 5 ; thence south between sections 34 and 35 to the south line of the county, between sections 26 and 25, town. 9, range 5 ; thence east to the river, and thence up the river to the place of beginning.


LORAMIE TOWNSHIP


Begins between sections 25 and 26, town. 9, range 5, at the county line at southwest corner of Turtle Creek Township ; thence north with said Turtle Creek Township line to the line between sections 35 and 36, town. 10, range 5 ; thence west to the county line ; thence south to the southwest corner of the county ; thence east to place of beginning.


CYNTHIAN TOWNSHIP


Begins on the west line of the county, between sections 27 and 34, town. 11, range 4; thence east to the west line of Turtle Creek Township; thence north to the county line ; thence west to the northwest corner of the county ; thence south to the beginning.


On June 18,1825, the description of Cynthian Township proving to be inaccurate, was corrected, as set forth in the following entry:—


Record of Cynthian Township, agreeable to the petition for the organization of the same : Beginning at the west line of the county, on the line between towns. 10 and 41, range 4 east ; thence east to the west line of Turtle Creek Township ; thence north to the county line ; thence west to the northwest corner of the county ; thence south to the place of beginning.


The record of this township was found to be incorrect, and ordered by the Commissioners to be corrected. All the numbers marked to be on the north line of the county are on the old Indian boundary, there being no numbers known on the north line. Still, in that case the north line of the county is to be considered the north boundary of such townships.


Examined and approved by the Commissioners.


THE INFIRMARY.


On the 23d of March, 1866, the County Commissioners purchased of Joseph Rollins a farm of 158 acres, being the southwest quarter of section 10, town. 7, range 6, for the purpose of building an infirmary. The purchase wasccuredfor $8500, payable as follows: $4500 cash, $2000 in one year, and $2000 in two years from date of purchase. The deferred payments to be secured by mortgage bearing 6 per cent. interest from date. On March 24th the Commissioners, under the act of February 20, 1865, appointed a Board of Infirmary Directors, consisting of C. King-seed, M. J. Winget, and 11. Guthrie. This Board met March 31, 1866, and, after being qualified by George L. Bush, N. P., proceeded co organize by electing C. Kingseed President, and H. Guthrie Clerk. On the same date Jacob Lehman was appointed Superintendent of the infirmary farm, at a salary of $50 per month; and Christ. Kingseed was authorized to procure a two-horse wagon, a spring wagon, and such other articles as may be immediately necessary. A resolution was then adopted providing that the quarterly meetings of the Board be held on the last Saturday of May, August, November, and February.


On August 20, 1866, Jesse B. Howe was appointed Superintendent, vice Jacob Lehman, retired.


In 1866 James F. Johnston was elected to the Board of Directors. At a meeting of the County Commissioners, held February 16, 1869, contracts were let for a new infirmary as follows : Slate, tin, and galvanized iron work awarded Gephart and Sanders for $8400. Cut stone, of Dayton stone, awarded Webber & Lehman for $2400. Carpenter and joiner work awarded Rouzer & Rouzer for $14,400,-this to include glazing. Plumbing and steam-fitting awarded Brooks & Light for $6845. Brick work awarded Samuel and John McCune for $8000. Said parties to allow $2000 for brick already on the ground. Plastering awarded Wm. C. Wyman at 35 cents per yard. Painting awarded F. Leaman for $1700.


This building, which is an elegant and substantial brick, is situated about three miles southwest of Sidney, in Clinton Township, and both the structure and its whole surroundings reflect great credit on the citizens of the county. The farm is kept in a creditable condition, and everything indicates taste and business ability. On the 26th of February, 1875, Superintendent J. B. Howe resigned, and was at once succeeded by Wm. Widner, who is still in charge of the institution.


POLITICAL PARTIES.


The county has been overwhelmingly Democratic since the birth of the Republican party, and at the last Presidential election gave General W. S. Hancock a majority of 1046 ; the vote standing: Hancock, 3320 ; Garfield, 2274. At the State election, in 1881, John W. Bookwalter received 26'5 votes, and Charles Foster 1844 votes for Governor, or a majority of 841 for Bookwalter. Notwithstanding these overwhelming odds, the townships of Orange, Perry, Salem, Turtle Creek, and Washton give reliable Republican majorities. On the other hand, Cynthian, Dinsmore, Greene, Jackson, Loramie, McLean, and Van Buren give large Democratic majorities, while Franklin and Clinton are Democratic by small majorities. It may be observed here that the old Congressional District to which this county belonged was largely Democratic ; while the Fourth District, under the late (April, 1882) redistricting law, consists of the following counties, which gave Democratic majorities at the last Presidential election, as indicated by the numbers to the right of each county name: Auglaize, 1762; Allen, 984; Darke, 1121; Mercer, 1894 ; Shelby, 1046; or a total Democratic majority of 6807.


STATISTICS.


Population of the County for each Decade beginning with the Fourth

Decennial Census.




1820

1830

1040

1850

1860

1870

1880

2106

3611

12,154

13,958

17,493

20,748

24,137


Popultion by Townships including Villages.



Township

1870

1860

Clinton

Cynthian

Dinsmore

Franklin

Green

Jackson

Loramie

McLean

Orange

Perry

Salem

Turtle Creek

Van Buren

Washington

3591

1597

1700

889

1254

1461

1707

1309

951

1208

1428

1230

1381

1092

4618

1835

2257

999

1447

1852

1730

1545

984

1242

1576

1359

1647

1046


HISTORY OF SHELBY COUNTY, OHIO - 161



VILLAGES

Sidney

Port Jefferson

Anna

Lckington

Berlin

Botkins

Newpot

Pemberton

Pattsville         .

Dingsmansburg

Houston

Tileton

Palestine

Russia

Swanders

Kirkwood

2808

3823

421

266

219

388

314

248

228

104

200

99

103

98

91

75

65


Abstract of Votes cast at the last PresideFrankhnd Gubernatorial

Elections.



 

Townships

For President, 1880

For Governor, 1881

 

J.A.

Garfield

W. S. Hancock

JB


Weaver

Neil


Dow

Total

Vote

Charles


Foster

John W. Bookwalter

Abraham R. Ludlow

John Seitz

Total

Vote

Clinton

Cynthian

Dinsmore

Franklin

Greene

Jackson.

Loramie

McLean

Orange

Perry

Salem

Turtle Creek

Van Buren

Washington

586

87

125

108

156

135

103

22

117

172

204

188

110

156

600

253

362

151

201

271

275

323

90

143

189

126

231

105



2

1





5





1


3


5





3

1186

340

489

260

358

406

386

345

217

315

393

314

341

264

535

68

90

104

127

78

76

13

114

139

176

134

82

108

554

215

298

114

153

202

210

234

86

108

173

97

173

68

25

5

3

1

11


4


15

20

3

10


18



1






1



1

1114

288

392

219

291

280

290

247

216

267

352

242

255

194

Totals

2274

3320

8

12

5616

1844

2685

115

3

4647



School Fund and Enumeration.


Payment to school fund of county, $12,327.90. Payment from school fund of county, $9999.25. Excess of payment to county, $2328.65. Number of youth between 6 and 21 years, 8353.


Banks and Capital Stock.


Number of banks, 2 (unincorporated).. Capital, $108,250.


Railroads in 1881.


Main lines, 43.54. Sidings, 6.44. Total miles, 49.98: Value of realty, $560. Value of personalty, $720,800. Total valuation, $721,360. Taxes for 1881, $11,674.24.


Land Transfers in 1881.


Number of sales, 468. Number of acres sold, 23,760. Average price per acre, $34.10. Total consideration, $810,361.51.


Sales of town lands valued by acres : Whole number, 4. Average price per acre, $471.25. Total consideration, $1885.


Sale of town lots: Whole number, 402. Total amount of consideration, $261,501.64.


Mixed sales of land: Number of sales, 35. Total amount of consideration., $16,751.


Sale of land for consideration of one dollar: Number of sales, 16. Total number of all recorded sales, 925. Total amount of consideration, $1,090,490.15.


Agricultural.


Wheat—Number of acres, 39,031; number of bushels, 662,803; average per acre, 16.9; number of acres sown for harvest of 1881, 40,648; cost of commercial fertilizers bought for 1881, $438.


Rye—Number of acres, 134; number of bushels, 1734.

Buckwheat—Number of acres, 182; number of bushels, 2706.

Barley—Number of acres, 1343; number of bushels, 30,975.

Oats—Number of acres, 12,397; number of bushels, 348,354.

Corn—Number of acres, 35,718, number of bushels, 1,550,500.

Timothy (grass other than clover)—Acres, 8326; tons of hay, 8084.

Clover—Number of acres, 4096; tons of hay, 1967; bushels of seed, 1395; acres ploughed under, 1248.

Flax—Number of acres, 2699; number of bushels, 23,693; number of pounds of fibre, 30,622.

Potatoes—Acres, 792; bushels, 47,965.

Sweet potatoes—Acres, 10 ; bushels, 414.

Tobacco—Acres, 116; pounds, 90,720.

Sorghum—Acres, 156; gallons of syrup, 7699.

Maple sugar—Pounds of sugar, 1538; gallons of syrup, 1801.

Bees—Number of hives, 955; pounds of honey, 10,085.

Butter—Pounds produced, 395,702.

Eggs—Number of dozens, 305,605.


Horticultural.


Orchards—Number of acres, 3341. Apples, number of bushels, 156,074. Peaches, number of bushels, 6677. Pears, number of bushels, 750. Cherries, number of bushels, 517. Plums, number of bushels, 123.


Vineyards—Number of acres (1880), 16, Pounds of grapes, 11,190. Gallons of wine, 153.


Wool Culture.


Pounds of wool shorn, 55,627. Number of sheep killed by dogs, 412. Value of sheep killed by dogs, $1403. Sheep injured by dogs, 136. Value estimate of injury, $257. Aggregate amount of injury to sheep by dogs, $1660.


Domestic Animals.


Horses, 8335; value, $484,742. Mules, 181; value, $11,645. Cattle, 15,234; value, $205,584. Sheep, 16,729; value, $52,110. Hogs, 23,023; value, $76,124. Total value of horses, mules, cattle, sheep, and hogs, $830,215.


Number of Animals which Died from Disease.


Hogs, 2748; value, $9391. Sheep, 434 ; value, $1251. Cattle, 321 ; value, $5053. Horses, 178; value, $9795.


Agricultural Lands.


Under cultivation, 123;718 acres.. Pasture lands, 11,890 acres. Timber lands, 56,857 acres. Waste lands, 2993 acres. Total number of acres owned in 1880, 195,458.


Mineral Products.


Lime—Bushels burned, 12,960; value, $5880.


Iron Manufactures.


Iron castings; tons cast, 16,464. Tin, copper, and sheet iron ware, value, $6347. Mowing machines manufactured, 390. Threshing machines manufactured, 85. Plows manufactured, 936.


Wood and Leather Manufactures.


Cabinet. ware, value, $12,600. Carriages and buggies, value, $18,420. Wagons,. drays, and carts, value, $890. All other manufactures of wood, $89,700.


Leather, value, $18,728. Saddles, harness, and other manufactures of leather, $9600.


Pottery.


Drain tile, number of feet, 74,200; value, $6541.


General Manufactures.


Clothing, $18;430. Cut meats, beef, or pork, packed, $50,000. Malt liquors, $35,000. Cigars and tobacco, $12,246. All other manufactures, $54,800.


Buildings Erected in 1881.


Dwellings, 96; value,. $37,105.FactoriesS, 3; value, $3300. Hotels, 1; value, $1000. School-houses, 4; value, $5436. Stores, 1 ; value, $800. Stables and barns, 33; value, $12,260. All other buildings, 9 ; value, $1750. Total number of buildings, 147; total value, $61,651.


162 - HISTORY OF SHELBY COUNTY, OHIO.


Buildings destroyed by fire, 3; value, $1100. Buildings destroyed by other causes, 3; value, $650. Total buildings destroyed, 6; value, $1750.


Value for Different Years.


Lands and buildings-1846, $1,794,900. 1853, $2,955,071. 1859, $3,863,993. 4670, $5,396,232. 1880, $6,599,369.


Village property-1846, $193,480. 1853, $371,587. 1859, $417,093. 1870, $761,291. 1880, $1,321,733.


Valuation of Real Property in 1880.

Number of acres, 254,221. Aggregate value

Aggregate value of buildings

Aggregate value of lands and buildings

Average value of land per acre

Average value of lands and buildings

Value of lots and lands in towns

Value of buildings in towns

Aggregate value in towns

Aggregate value of real property

Rate per cent. deducted by Board

Average value of lands as equalized

Average value of lands and buildings

Total value as equalized

Aggregate deductions

$6,270,220.00

750,385.00

7,020,605.00

24.66

27.62

704,537.00

701,552.00

1,406,069.00

8,426,694.00

.06

23.18

25.96

7,921,092.00

505,602.00

Real Property Exempt from Taxation

Public schools—Value of lands

Public schools—Value of buildings

Churches—Value of lands

Churches—Value of buildings

Charitable institutions—Value of lands

Charitable institutions—Value of buildings

Other property—Value of lands

Other property—Value of buildings

Cemeteries and public parks

Aggregate of exempt property

$16,350

82,745

15,600

61,270

9,520

50,000

69,420

130,440

14,287

449,632


Local Taxes for 1881.


County tax, $24,038.05. Bridge tax, $17,170.03. Road tax, $14,308.37. School tax, $39,293.85. Poor tax, $9157.33. Building tax, $17,170.04. Township tax, $18,006.44. Special tax, $1232.94. City, town, and village, $17,672.75. Debts for which the county is responsible, $8,584.96.


Debts.


County, $129,900. Township, $15,000. Villages, $45,700. Separate school district, $1260. Aggregate, $191,860.


Marriages in 1881.


White, 222. Colored, 4. Total, 226.


Births.


White males, 2-96. Colored males, 2. White fcmales, 255. Colored females, 1. Total, 554.


Deaths.


White males, 145. Colored males, 6. White females, 150. Colored females, 3. Total, 304.


COUNTY OFFICERS:


COMMISSIONERS.


The first Board of Commissioners consisted of Robert McClure, Wm. Berry, and John Wilson, and held the first session in the village of Hardin, commencing June 7, 1819. John Wilson and Wm. Berry, the former to succeed David Henry,. resigned ; John Lenox—Lenox resigned the same year (1822), and, the term of Joseph Mellinger having expired, an election was held for two members and resulted in the selection of Wm. Berry and Joseph Mellinger, who entered upon the duties of office at the December session, 1822. Tne members elected for each succeeding year will appear by the following list. At the October scssion, 1819, Joseph Mellinger succeeded John Wilson, David Henry, Joseph Mellinger, John Hathaway, and Charles Johnston John Wilson, Peter Musselman, Charles Johnston, John Francis, Samuel Marshall, Peter Musselman, Samuel Gamble, Samuel Marshall, John Francis, Wm. W. Cecil, John Houston, A. K. Hathaway, James G. Guthrie, Wm. N. Flinn, A. K. Hathaway, J. G. Guthrie, Andrew Waucop, Henry Houston, J. G. Guthrie,* George Clancy, Stephen Blanchard, Jeremiah Layman, Richard C. Dill, Samuel Marshall, Jeremiah Layman, Joseph Mendenhall, Andrew Waucop, Wm. Mellinger, Joseph Mendenhall, John C. Elliott, Curtis Kelsey, Cornelius Arbagast, John C. Elliott, Isaac Short, David K. Gillespie, Samuel Maxwell, H. H. Dressman, D. K. Gillespie, Samuel Maxwell, H. H. Dressman, Eliakim Ludlam, John Gartley, H. H. Dressman, Eliakim Ludlam, Wm. L. Woolley, Wm. M. Baker, Milton J. Winget, Wm. L. Woolley, Win. M. Baker, John Walkup, Wm. Johnston, John Hale, John Walkup, Wm. Johnston,. W. R. Jackson, John Linker, Christian Kingsecd, John E. Bush, John Linker.


TREASURERS.


James Lenox, June 7, 1819 ; Jonathan Beatty, June 5, 1820 ; James Forsythe, June 6, 1826; Elijah McGrew, 1835; Richard Hathaway, 1839; resigned 1840; succeeded by Benj. K. Brandon, appointec ; Wm. Murphy, 1841; John Duncan, 1853; Milton Bailey, 1855, dec'd July 30, and succeeded August 3 by Guy C. Kelsey, appointee; John Duncan, 1857 ; Daniel L. Bush, 1861; Hubbard Hume, 1865; A. J. Robertson, 1869 ; Ferdinand Amann, 1873 ; Joseph S. Laughlin, present incumbent, 1877.


AUDITORS.


David Henry, June 7, 1819 ; James Wells, March 13, 1821 ; David Henry, April 23, 1824 ; Thomas W. Ruckman, March, .1825; Wm. Murphy, 1833 ; Samuel A. Croy, 1840 ; Milton Bailey, 1844 ; Andrew Waucop, 1848 ; Wm. Murphy, 1852 ; Samuel A. Leckey, 1856 ; E. M. Green, 1862; Harvey Guthrie, 1868; J. P. Forsythe, 1873; O.O. Mathers, 1875; H. S. Ailes, 1880, present incumbent.


PROSECUTING ATTORNEYS.


Henry Bacon, May 17, 1819; Harvey Brown, 1822; Robert Young, 1.828; Patrick 0. Goode, 1832; D. G. Hull, 1834; J. S. Updegraff, 1836; Wm. J. Martin, 1840 ; Jacob S. Conklin, 1846 ; Edmund Smith, 1848 ; Hugh Thompson, 1850; John E. Cummins, 1854; Silas B. Walker, 1856; Jacob S. Conklin, 1858 ; John H. Mathers, 1862; A. J. Rebstock, 1868; N. R. Burress, 1870 ; B. F. Martin, 1874 ; Jacob S. Conklin, 1880.


SHERIFFS.


Daniel V. Dingman, 1819 ; Thomas W. Ruckman, 1820 ; Adam Hull, 1825; A. Defrees, 1829; A. D. Kennard, 1831; Richard Hathaway, 1837; Joseph II. Kirkendall, 1839 ; A. D. Kennard, 1841 ; J. H. Kirkendall, 1847 ; J. R. Francis, 1851 ; J. C. Dryden, 1853 ; J. F. Skillen, 1857 ; J. C. Dryden, 1859 ; Matthew Ensey, 1861 ; Benjamin McLean, 1863 ; Isaac Harshbarger, 1867 ; Charles Eisenstein, 1871 ; H. M. Lehman, Present incumbent.


CLERKS OF THE COURT.


Harvey B. Foote, May 17, 1819 ; James A. Wells, 1826 ; James A. Wells, Jr., 1839; Charles W. Wells, 1847; S. B. Walker, 1849; Jonathan Counts, 1850; Samuel Cowan, 1854; Jonathan Counts, 1857; James A. Irwin, 1860 ; James Haney, 1863 ; H. H. Sprague, 1869.


RECORDERS.


H. B. Foote, 1819 ; Augustus Richards, 1824 ; James Wells, 1825 ; Amos D. Kennard, 1835 ; James Wells, 1838 ; William Skillen, 1844 ; James A.. Irwin, 1856 ; George L. Bush, 1859 ; A. L. Marshall, 1868 ; A. J. Rebstock, 1874; Hudson Gartley, present incumbent.


SURVEYORS.


Benjamin S. Cox, 1819; Joseph Stewart, 1822; Daniel Hopkins, 1825; N. F. Broderick, 1828; B. K. Brandon, 1.834 ; Jonathan Counts, 1837 ; J. A. Wells, 1840; Jonathan Counts, 1841 ; Harrison Maltby, 1850; W. J. Sherman, 1853 ; D. W. Pompeii, 1865 ; A. M. Weaver, 1871.


PROBATE JUDGES.


Vincent Guerin, 1852; W. W. Skillen, 1854; N. R. Wyman, 1860; John G. Stephenson, 1869.


* November, 1844, Jeremiah Layman appointed vice Guthrie, deceased.





HISTORY OF SHELBY COUNTY, OHIO - 165


COUNTY OFFICERS-1882.


H. S. Ailes, Auditor. Hudson Gartley, Recorder. J. S. Laughlin, Treasurer. Frank Hunter, Clerk of Court. George C. Marshall, Prosecuting Attorney. H. M. Lehman, Sheriff. C. M. Hughes, Common Pleas Judge. David Bowersox, Probate Judge. C. R. Joslin, coroner. C. H. Flinn, Surveyor. John Linker, Christian Kingseed, John E. Bush, Commissioners. Fielding L. Dye, George Ackerly, Samuel McCune, Infirmary Directors. S. Wilkin, George S. Harter, A. B. C. Hitchcock, School Examiners.


Benjamin Le Fevre, Member of Congress. Jennison Hall, State Senator. E. M. Green, Representative.


POST-OFFICES AND POSTMASTERS-1882.


Sidney, J. E. Wilkinson. Pemberton, Newton Miller. Hardin, Robert Ewing. Russia, A. Diedier. North Houston, Wm. Akin. Plattsville, P. L. Frazier. Tawawa, J. D. De Velvis. Oran, C. Arbogast. Wynant, B. F. Foust. Loramie, Henry Menke. Swanders, James A. Killian. Anna, P. W. Young. Botkins, P. W. Speker. Kirkwood, John McKee. Lockington, J. A. Althoff. McCartysville, P. McCarty. Montra, John Iserman. Pratt, William Lowe. Maplewood, R. D. Earl. Kettlersville, William Kettler. Jackson Centre, O. Cargill.


ORANGE TOWNSHIP.


Early Events.


Life in the woods, with all its attendant evils and privations, had its charms and enjoyments ; and there are but few early settlers who, in later years, relating the events of those days, do not look back to the spot where stood the cabin, and to the friends who surrounded them at its cheerful fireside, with fond and tender recollections, and acknowledge that the days and years spent in their pioneer cabin homes were the happiest- in their lives. The social gatherings of the scattered settlers were enjoyed with real delight. They were almost entirely free from collisions and strife, which so often distract older and larger communities. The quiet scenes of nature, the deep solitude of the forest, their dependence one upon another, all exerted an influence on their minds, and restrained their grosser passions.


We love to look back to these early scenes. Each epoch has its attraction to, us, whether memory or fancy brings it to our minds. When we go back in memory to 1806, to the date of the first settlement in the present limits of this township, and then trace along in. our minds the

succeeding years up to the close of the War of 1812, many incidents rise up before us, and with them the faces of those who were associated with the events of that day. It was the age of the log cabin, when nothing but a dense forest Covered the whole land ; and the Red men, still scarcely disturbed, hunted their game in their native forest. The only roads were paths made by the natives, or that of the deer seeking a place to quench their thirst. With these early recollections are associated the names of the Cannons, Berrys, Phillipses, Valentines, Jacksons, Youngs, and a few others who had dared to brave the danger and hardship of trying to make a home in this wild and unbroken forest. Of these sturdy pioneers not one is now left to tell the story of their struggles. It is only from their descendants, some of whom were quite young, or were born here, and have heard their fathers and mothers tell of their many hardships, that we have to depend for all we can learn of them. It must be remembered that more than threescore years and ten have passed away since the first settlement of those we have mentioned was made within the limits of this township.



The imagination of the present generation cannot conceive, much less the pen describe, the life of the early pioneer. In a country of dense, unbroken forest, miles from the habitation of civilization, without roads or means of communication, without schools or churches, or any of the advantages they had enjoyed in their former homes ; almost invariably poor, without any means of support., except their strong and willing hands, they find themselves in a rude cabin, without a floor or chimney, and perhaps without an article of furniture, except such as they could improvise out of split puncheon, clap-boards, poles, and bark. Their slumber disturbed by the howling wolves at their doors—which were made of blankets—and frequently startled by the entrance of Indians in their cabins without warning, seeking shelter, or something to eat. Then, as if this was not enough to discourage their brave hearts, just as they were beginning to make a little opening around them and raise something to live on, the War of 1812, with all its horrors, broke out upon them, and the Red man, who heretofore had been friendly, became hostile. The massacre of the Dilbones and Garrards in their midst caused them to seek protection for their wives and children.. They were compelled to build forts and block-houses, to which they fled to save their lives.


A block-house was built at the site of the Berry mill, and another at the home of Edward Jackson, both within the limits of this township. Some who were children at that time, and were taken to these places of security, still survive, and can call to mind the horrors of ‘hose days. This black cloud hung over them for the space of more than two years. Some of the settlers returned to their former homes in the older sections of the country, and did not return for several years. Others braved the danger until the war was over. No man attempted to leave his house without his trusty rifle. His eye and ear were always open to danger. With his axe in due hand and his gun in the other he went forth to his daily labor. To add still more to their measure of suffering, some of them while in the fort had their horses and cattle driven off by the Indians.


If one of these old pioneers could be called back to earth at the present time, and be shown his former home, where once stood his rude cabin, he would find in its stead the more substantial brick or frame. Well-cultivated fields, without a stump, where used to be a dense forest of timber where once stood the Indian wigwam now stands the church with its steeple, or the brick school-house, offering a free Gospel and free education to his worthy posterity. Instead of his ears being saluted by the howl of the wolf, or the " blood-curdling" war-whoop of

he would be startled by the whistle of the locomotive, with her long train of freight or passenger cars, as she flies along with lightning speed on her iron-bound track. Show him the many inventions that the ingenuity of man has brought forth since his day to save labor,—the reaper, the thresher, the sewing-machine, and many other labor-saving machines. Then take him to the seat of justice of your county, show him the new court-house. Take him into your fine churches, let him hear the Gospel preached by the modern preacher, and let him listen to the church choir with their pipe organ.. Let him see the wonderful growth of the county seat, with all its manufacturing interests,—the same place from which he had helped to take out the first grub and erect the first cabin. Let him drive your fine team and carriage along your gravelled roads. Show .him all the improvements that have been made since his day. Let him pass through the strife of one political campaign and see its corruption. Take him to your home, into your parlor; let him mingle but for a day in fashionable society. Show him the fashionable young gentleman and young lady of the day. Then ask him, What do you think ? Which do you prefer,—the past as you know it, or the present as you find it ?



It is easy to imagine what his answer would be. Give me hack the days of old ; let me, go back to my log-cabin home beside the Miami, where I took my youthful bride; where with empty hands; but with brave and honest hearts, we fought out the battle or life; where we knew nought of envy, strive, or pride, or any of the evils that have arisen among you since we left. give me the social 'greeting and warm sympathy that were extended from one to another, the hearty welcome given to the cabin fireside, the honest friendship of the Pioneer, and you may have all your riches and modern improvements, with the selfishness that attends them.


Location.


This township is situated in the southern part of the county, and borders on Miami County. It embraces parts of town. I and 2, of range 12 and 13, and has an Area of about twenty-three square miles. It is bounded on the east by Perry and Green, on the south by Miami County, and on the north and west by Clinton and Washington townships.


Organization.


At a meeting of the Board of Commissioners, held at Hardin, September 13, 1819, it was ordered that Perry Township be divided as follows: Running through the middle of the thirteenth range, and that the south part of said township be organized into a new township by the name of Orange, and that the election for township officers be held at the house of William Minnear on the 23d instant.


It will be seen by the above description that Orange Township up to this time embraced all the territory within the present limits of Orange and Green.


At a meeting held at Hardin by the Commissioners, March 7, 1820, it was ordered that all that part of Orange Township that is east of the west tier of sections in the second township of both 12th and 13th ranges be erected into a new township by the name of Green.


The surface of this township is generally undulating, and along the river somewhat broken and hilly. The soil is of a mixed character, consisting of gravel and clay loam, and is well adapted to the growing of the cereals as well as. grass. Springs abound, and the whole township is well watered by living streams. The north and west side is bordered


166 - HISTORY OF SHELBY COUNTY, OHIO.


by the Great Miami River; besides this the more central parts are crossed by Brush and Rush creeks, and several smaller streams.


A sufficient quantity of good gravel is found within its limits for road purposes. There are. some twenty-eight or thirty miles of gravelled roads within the township. There is an abundance of limestone found along the banks of the river. Nearly all the limestone found in the county is found within thiS township. Lime of the very best quality is burned and shipped in large quantities from the various kilns along the bank of the river.


Orange is one of the best improved townships in the county. The farms are generally small, containing from 40 to 160 acres. The improvements denote enterprise and thrift on behalf of the owners.


Early Settlements.


The first white settlement made within the present limits of Orange was made on section 16, by the Cannon family in 1806, but they remained on this land but a short time, when they removed to where the town of Sidney now is located. The Cannons were soon followed by John Phillips and William Berry in the spring of 1809. In August of the same year Daniel Valentine came in. Also the same fall Edward Jackson located here.


The following year (1810) Thomas Young, Abram Glossmire, John Matthews, Luke Norris, John Gilbert, and Harman Dildine were found here. The above are the names of all that we can learn of that were here prior to the war of 1812. Judge Francis must have come shortly after the close of the war, but the exact time of his settlement cannot be ascertained.


The FIRST FRAME HOUSE was built by Wm. Berry, who also erected the first flouring mill. This mill was built prior to the war of 1812, for it is known that flour or meal was ground in this mill for Harrison's army on its march to the northwest. This mill ground the grain for the early settlers, who came from a distance of forty and fifty miles. There also was a block-house erected near the mill for the protection of the settlement. There also was one at the home of Edward Jackson, a couple of miles farther up the river. The first brick house was built by Edward Jackson. The first orchard was planted by Wm. Berry or Thomas Young. The first birth was Isaac Young, born March 17,1811. He is now the oldest resident in the county who was born here. The first school-house was built on the land of Thomas Young in the year 1817. The first teacher was Joseph Rollands or Jas. B. McKenney. Of the scholars who attended school there is but one left in the county, viz., John McKenney.


The first preacher was a M. E. minister by the name of John Furrow, who preached at the house of Edward Jackson as early as 1815. He was soon followed by a U. B. minister, named John McNemer, and Jacob Antrim, at the house of Daniel Valentine.


List of Township Officers.


The following is a list of the township officers, as complete as could be gathered, from the organization of the township in 1619 to the present time:-


Trustees: John Manning, Michael Young, and Wm. Richardson in 1819. John Bryan, Daniel Vandemark, and Win. Berry in 1820. John Manning, Daniel Vandemark. and Wm. Berry in 1621-22. John Bryan, Daniel Vandemark, and Daniel Valentine in 1823-24. John Bryan, Geo. Layman, and Daniel Vandemark in 1825. Jacob Hetzler, Thomas Mc- Kee, and John Francis in 1826. John Musgrove, Henry Musgrove, and Jonathan Eldridge in 1827. Henry Musgrove, Wm. Minnear, and Jacob Hinkle in 1828. Wm. Gibson, John Underwood, and Samuel Miller in 1829. Wm. Gibson, James Bryan, and Daniel Vandemark in 1830. Win. Gibson, George Hetzler, and Daniel Reynolds in 1832. Wm. Gibson, James Patten, and David Hoover in .1833. Thomas McKee, John V. Higgins, and Samuel M. Miller, in 1834. Samuel M. Miller, James McLean, and Richard W. Valentine in 1835. John V. Higgins, James McLean, and David Adams in 1836. Wm. Mendenhall, R. W. Valentine, and John V. Higgins in 1837. R. W. Valentine, James McKnight, and James McLean in 1838-39. R. W. Valentine, David Reynolds, and .Jas. McLean in 1840. R. W. Valentine, David Reynolds, and James Patten in 1841-43. R. W. Valentine, David Reynolds, and James McLean in 1844-45. R. W. Valentine, B. D. Duboise, and James McLean in 1846. David Reynolds, David Buchanan, and George Hetzler in 1847. B. D. Duboise, David Buchanan, and George Hetzler in 1848. B. D. Duboise, Jacob Rhodehamel, and Luke Fish in 1849. George Hetzler, George Layman, and Luke Fish in 1850. Luke Fish, Peter Pruden, and J. D. Barkalow in 1851-52. James J. Bryan, George Hetzler, and Thomas Higgins in 1853. David Buchanan, George Hetzler, and Thomas Higgins in 1854-55. Sand Stephenson, George Hetzler, and Thomas Higgins in 1856. Joseph Fergus, Joseph T. Barkalow, and Thomas Higgins in 1857-58. S. M. Shaw, Joseph T. Barkalow, and Thomas Higgins in 185.9-60. S. M. Shaw, J. K.. Pruden, and Thomas Higgins in 1861. S. M. Shaw, Asa A. Evans, and Thomas Higgins in 1862. S. M. Shaw, J. K. Pruden, and Thomas Higgins in 1863. S. M. Shaw, M. Berry, and Thomas Higgins in 1864. Joseph T. Barkalow, J. A. Voorhees, and Thomas Higgens in 186.5. Joseph T. Barkalow, J. A. Voorhees, and J. B. Braden in 1866. J. A. Voorhees, Wm. Shaw, and J. B. Hetzler in 1867. J. A. Voorhees, Reuben Voorhees, and Thomas Higgins in 1868. R. C. Hamilton, Francis Hetzler, and Thomas Higgins in 1869. R. C. Hamilton, J. D. Barkalow, and Thomas Higgins in 1870. Thomas Stockstill, J. D. Barkalow, and Frank Hetzler in 1871. Thomas Stockstill, J. D. Barkalow, and T. J. Martin in 1872. Thomas Stockstill, G. MT. Littlejohn, and T. J. Martin in 1873. Levi Cofield, G. W. Littlejohn, John McKee in 1874. T. J. Martin, G. W. Littlejohn, and John McKee in 1875. J. D. Barkalow, John Knoop, and F. Hetzler in 1876. William Simes, John Knoop, and F. Hetzler in 1877-78. D. M. Pruden, Wm. Simes, and J. G. Higgins in 1879. D. M. Pruden, William Simes, and Okey Voorhees in 1880. J. D. Barkalow, Fred. Pense, and W. W. Haney in 1881. Okey Voorhees, J. D. Barkalow, and John B. Hetzler in 1882.


Clerks: Wm. Berry in 1819-23. John Francis in 1824-25. William Minnear in 1826. George Layman in 1827-33: John W. Valentine in k34-35. W. A. Carey in 1636-40. B. D. Duboise in 1841-45. Wm. M. Mendenhall in 1846. George Layman in 1847. Solomon Rhodehamel in 1848-49. B. D. Duboise in 1850-51. T. S. Patten in 1652. B. D. Duboise in 1853-55. Wm. Shinn in 1856-57. Wm. M. Knox in 1858. Wm. B. Lefferson in 1859-63. J. D. Barkalow in 1864. Lewis Ethrington in 1865. L. C. Manning in 1866. F. L. Bull in 1867. J. G. Robinson in 1868-70. Wm. B. Lefferson in 1871-74. F. Hetzler in 1875. J. L. McKee in 1876-78. Samuel D. Voorhees in 1879-80. James E. Pruden. in 1881.


Treasurers: Daniel Vandemark in 1819-25. George Layman in 1826. Wm. Beatty in 1827-31. Henry Musgrove in 1832-33. Wm. Minnear in 1834. David Hoover in 1835. Henry Musgrove in 1836. John Boggs in 1837. John Barkalow in 1838-44. Luke Fish in 1845-48. Daniel Rasor in 1849-54. Peter Pruden in 1855-58. John C. Simes in 185960. Joseph Fergus in 1861-67. J. C. Sines in 18.68. Wm. Gillespie in 1869-70. J. G. Robinson in 1871-78. John Knoop in 1872-81.


Constables: Samuel Marrs in 1819. Richard Bush and Thomas McKee in 1820. Philander Kitchen and Thomas McKee in 1821. Joseph Bennet and Richard Bush in 1822. Wm. Minnear and Thomas McKee in 1823. George Botkins in 1826. Thomas McLean and Wm. Berry in 1827. Jonathan Eldridge in 1829. Richard Valentine in 1830. Samuel Miller and George Layman in 1832. Aaron Young in 1833. Aaron Young and Wm. Higgins in 1834. Robert Doak and S. M. Miller in 1835. John Boggs and J. M. Shaw, 1836. James Bryan and Robert Doak in 1837. Wm. N. Keesee and J. I. Bryan in 1838-39. Daniel Valentine and J. I. Bryan in 1840. Aaron Young and William Fish in 1841. Aaron Young and Josiah P. Harman in 1842. William Patten and Thomas C. Wiley in 1843. D. G. Barkalow and Thomas Higgins in 1844-46. Solomon Rhodehamel and Thomas Higgins in 1847-49. Sam. Stephenson and J. B. Brading in 1850. John M. Hetzler and W. A. Carey in 1851. John M. Hetzler and S. M. Shaw in 1852. Adam Lynn and John M. Hetzler in 1853. S. M. Shaw and F. L. Bull in 1854. J. E. Bush and Joseph Cooper in 1855. J. E. Bush and Thomas Proctor in 1856. B. F. Bull and John Higgins in 1857. Lewis. Webster and John Higgins in 1858. J. E. Bush and R. W. C. Buchanan in 1859-60. John Faulder and R. W. C. Buchanan in 1861. George Faulder and James Wilson in 1862. Wallace Young in 1863. Wm. Wooley and W. Young in 1864. J. II. Dunn and William J. Wiley in 1865. J. K. Bennet and John F. Kiggens in 1866. R. Willson and Ennis Sherwood in 1867-68. M. T. Lane and J. Faulder in 1869. M. T. Lanc and J. A. Eldridge in 1870. M. T. Lane and A. Emmick in 1871. M. T. Lane and W. Faulder in 1872. R. P. Hammond and Moses Hetzler in 1873. George Faulder and Wesley Lyon in 1874. F. Lillien Kamp and Wm. Sanders in 1875. James Smith and Wm. Sanders in 1876. Wm. Sanders and F. M. Bull in 1877. Wm. Sanders and E. Cooper in 1878. Wm. B. Lefferson and Elias Randolph in 1879. W. H. Bryan and H. A. Hubbard in 1880. H. A. Hubbard and J. G. Sarver in 1881.


Justices of the Peace: John Francis, 181.9-22-31. John W. Valentine, 1832. Lewis Cooper, 1834. J. W. Valentine, April 4, 1835. Sexton Mount, December 8, 1836. John V. Higgins, November 18, 1837. John H. Wykoff, April 16, 1840. W. A. Carey, November 9, 1840. J. H. Wykoff, April 11, 1843. W. A. Carey, October 25, 1843. J. H. Wykoff, April 22, 1846. Win. M. Mendenhall, October 24, 1846. W. A. Carey, December 18, 1847. W. A. Carey, April 14, 1854. Wm. Shinn, Jr., February 23, 1855. Lewis Cooper, April 15, 1858. D. Buchanan, April 7, 1860. R. P. Higgins, April 22, 1861. W. A. Carey, April 17, 1863. R. P. Higgins, April 23, 1864. W. A. Carey, April 11, 1866. R. P. Higgins, April 5, 1867. W. A. Carey, April 12, 1869. J. B. Brading, April 8, 1870. W. A. Carey, April 5, 1872. Christopher Hetzler, April 11, .1873. W. A. Carey, April 9, 1875. J. G. Higgins, April 8, 1876. George Frazer, April 8,, 1878. Levi Cofield, April 17, 1879. Isaac Redenbo, April 14, 1880.


KIRKWOOD (OLD PONTIAC).


Pontiac was laid out for W. M. and H. S. Gillespie, and A. R. and J. G. Robinson, May 20, 186S. It is located in section 28, town. 1, range 12 M. R. 8. Main Street is one chain and nine links wide, and bears south 884̊ east. All other lines parallel to or at right angles with Main


HISTORY OF SHELBY COUNTY, OHIO - 167


Street except those bordering on the railroad. The distance in chains of regular lots is 250; that of irregular lots is marked upon the respective lines. All alleys are 23 links wide.


Acknowledged by Gillespie & Gillespie, and Robinson & Robinson, May 20, 1868, and recorded April 20, 1869.


The plat consisted of nine lots, four by eight rods. It is located on the D. & M. R. R., six miles south of Sidney. The first building erected was by G. W. Holley in 1863. It was a small warehouse for the purchase of grain, but before commencing operations he sold to D. K. Gillespie, who enlarged the capacity and commenced buying grain in 1864. The next place of business was a store built by H. S. Gillespie & Thomas McKee in 1866. Gillespie & McKee were succeeded by J. G. & Andrew Robinson. The latter sold his interest to J. G. Robinson, who carried On the business for several years, then Sold to J. L. McKee, who is the present occupant. Kirkwood contains only nine dwellings, and has about forty-five or fifty inhabitants. It has one store, one grain elevator, one blacksmith shop, one physician (J. J. Millhouse), one U. B. Church, and one school-house. There is not, perhaps, a shipping point in the county outside of Sidney that buys and ships more grain than this place.


The town was originally called Pontiac, but owing to the fact that there was another town and post-office of the same name, it was changed to that of Kirkwood in 1879, in honor of D. Kirkwood Gillespie, the proprietor of the elevator at that place.


CHURCHES.


United Brethren Church.


As early as 1816 or 1817 the missionary preacher of the United Brethren Church came to the wilds of this township to preach the gospel to the scattered few who had found their way to this almost unbroken wilderness. Here he found a few who had formerly belonged to this denomination ; among them the Valentines and Youngs. The first public religious service held within the present limits of this township was held at the house of Daniel Valentine about 1816 or 1817. We cannot learn that there was any class or society formed until several years afterward, when a class was formed at the house of Jacob Boyer. The class consisted of Daniel Valentine and wife, Jacob Boyer and wife, Thomas Young and wife, E. Boggs and wife, — Heath and wife, and — kerns and wife. Meetings were held at the home of Jacob Boyer and others for years. In 1844 the place of worship was changed to a school-house near the present site of Kirkwood, where it continued a couple of years, then was removed to the house of Isaac Evans, near where the Berry Mill formerly stood. In 1847 they erected a frame church on the land of R. W. Valentine, near the site of the present church. This church was about thirty by forty feet square, and built by James Fergus, under the supervision of George Warvel, the preacher in charge, and dedicated the same year. The trustees were Isaac Young, E. Boggs, Daniel and Jacob Rasor, and Isaac Evans. This house was used as a place of worship until 1876, when a more neat and Commodious structure was erected in Kirkwood. This church was built under the administration of E. Counselor at a cost of about $2500. The trustees of the new church at the time of its erection were, James Fergus, Isaac Young, Milton Valentine, J. H. Valentine, W. B. Lefferson, Wm. Bally, and David Dunn. The present pastor is R. W. Wilgus.


Methodist Episcopal Church.


The first meetings established by this denomination were at a very early date, but just the time is not known. But knowing the missionary spirit that prevailed among the early Methodist preachers, and also owing to the fact that Orange Township was one of the first settled in the county—her settlement dating back as early as 1806—it is fair to presume that the pioneer minister sought out this early settlement to give to them the bread of life as early as there was a sufficient number who would associate themselves together to form a class.


The first class that we have any knowledge of being formed was at the, house of John Stoker; it consisted of John Stoker and wife, Israel Post and wife, Michael. Young and wife, George Berry, and perhaps some others whose names are now forgotten. This society existed for some length of time, but was finally abandoned.


In 1832 another society was formed by Rev. Daniel D. Davidson at the house of John Stoker. The first class consisted of Israel Post, —Braden and wife, John M. Bull and wife, John Stoker and wife, John Underwood, and Thomas Holmes. Meetings were held for a number of years at the house of John Stoker until his removal; they were then held at the house of Wm. Minnear until 1843, when they built a frame church on the land of Israel Post. The first trustees of the church were John M. Bull, Wm. Shinn, Butler Randolph, .John Hart, and Israel Post. The society is known as Orange Chapel, and has a membership of about forty. The present pastor is Rev. Young.


Wesley Chapel.


As early as 1833 the Rev. Arza Brown formed a M. E. Society in the southern part of this township. Meetings were held in private houses, mostly within the border of Miami County. The members who constituted the first class were, Henry Rhodehamel and wife, Father Kerns and wife, Jacob Tabler and family, and Amos Gray and family. In 1840 the society built a brick church in the south part of the township, near the Miami County line, and it is known as Wesley Chapel.


Spring Creek Baptist Church,.


The following sketch of this church is taken from one written by Richard A. Denman for the Miami Union Association in 1879. This society originally was known as the Salem Church, and dates its existence from about 1816, at which time they met in private houses for worship; but eventually built a log Cabin on the banks of Spring Creek, which served the purpose well for a time, as the settlement was sparse.


There were a number of the members of the church living in Piqua and its immediate vicinity who had no means of conveyance of their own. Therefore a move was made to remove the place of meeting to Piqua. It was objected to at first, but upon due deliberation the country members withdrew their objections, and decided to go to town. At this time Elder Willis Hance was pastor of Salem Church; he was so much of a pioneer woodsman that he could not consent to go to town as pastor, and preach to the lawyers, doctors, and gentry; but put him in the log cabin or leafy grove, and he could wield the sword of the spirit with power.


The Rev. Daniel Bryant became the first pastor, and preached the first sermon to the church in its new location. At this time Elder Bryant lived in Hamilton, Ohio. The distance was so great, and having to travel on horseback, he soon gave up the pastorate, and Elder J. L. Moore was called to fill his place. The church in Piqua now having become numerically strong, and the members of Spring Creek not having lost their preference for country life, some twenty-one of them counselled together as to the propriety of asking letters of dismission from Piqua, in order to join in a church constitution on Spring Creek. On the first day of August, 1840, letters were granted, and on the 22d of the same month they held their first meeting, and resolved to go into a constitution on the 9th of October.


On the 17th of October the church met for the purpose of electing officers Sand calling a pastor. The first call was made to Elder Eaton, of Troy, to which he agreed, and entered upon his duties, which he filled until July, 1842, when Elder Fuson accepted the pastoral care of the church. Previous to this time the church had occupied a log cabin school-house most of the time as a place of worship. An effort was made to build a suitable house. A kind neighbor leased a lot of ground, upon which a neat church was built.


Elder Fuson continued to labor in the pastoral office of the church until March; 1846, when he declined serving the church any longer as pastor. Robert Duncan, a licentiate of the church, then served as pastor until January, 1847. Evan J. Thomas was then called, and served acceptably until July, 1849. David Scott then accepted a call, and labored until 1851.. In May, 1851, Elder E. W. Clark was called, and accepted the charge of the church, but remained but a short time. In September, 1852, James Jackson, a licentiate of the church, was ordained to preach, and served the church until August, 1854. Elder Mason Pearce served from this time to 1855. He was succeeded by Samuel Bower, who continued to serve until 1859. Newton Frazer served from February, 1860, until April, 1862, when J. W. lcenberger was called to the pastorate, and served until July, 1864. In May, 1865, Elder Daniel Bryant accepted the pastoral work. It was during Rev. Bryant's pastorate that the subject of building a new church edifice more centrally located was agitated, a number of the members living south of the church having changed their location a more central place for the church was desired. After mature deliberation a lot was given by John F. Hetzler, just north of the Shelby and Miami Company's line, upon which they built a substantial frame house. It was built in a neat but plain style at a cost of $3500. It was dedicated Sunday, December 15, 1867. The dedicatory sermon was preached by Elder Daniel Shepherdson. Elder Bryant continued as pastor for some time after the completion of the church, when he was succeeded by G. W. Taylor, who labored for some time. He was followed by Rev. Christy, and he by Elder Z. Ross. Afterward the pulpit was filled by Elder W. R. Thomas, who served as pastor until February, 1879. The society has licensed and sent forth to preach four ministers, viz., Robert Duncan, James Jackson, Samuel DeWeese, and Abner Denman, all of whom are now dead, and gone to their reward.


BIOGRAPHIES.


THE VALENTINE FAMILY.


Away back during the colonial period, back almost a century prior to the Revolution, back about the year 1680, the Valentines were found among those Sturdy Dutch immigrants who sought the hospitality of the western world, which was as yet too, young to have reared oppression, tyranny, or persecution. On reaching America they settled in New York, but a little later 'drifted to New Jersey, where several generations of the family name have passed their lives, and where the descendants


168 - HISTORY OF SHELBY COUNTY, OHIO.


of the original stock may still be found. In the course of years the Revolution was fought out, and its close inaugurated a new era of immigration, for the "star of empire" at this period resumed its westward course.


The Ohio Valley, with the vast expanse of territory north and west, was yet an almost untracked. unknown, and inhospitable wild. Obeying the same irresistible law to which the celestial stars are subject, the "star of empire" of migration moved westward, until it paused for a moment and shed its benignant beams upon the valley of the Ohio, until that valley became the home of teeming thousands.


It was at this period of general agitation and public ferment that Daniel Valentine was born in New Jersey. His natal year was also that of the nation, for he was born in 1776, the year in which the nation sprang into being. His youth was spent amid the excitements incident to the Revolutionary War and the western expeditions of Clarke, of Harmar, of St. Clair, and ere he had attained his majority General Wayne had dictated terms of peace to the Indians of the Northwest. He had heard and read of all these stirring occurrences in the Northwest, and looked upon the admission of Ohio into the sisterhood of States from his distant home in New Jersey; but, in 1805, the tide was too strong, and he was carried with it to the Mad River Valley, of which he had read.and dreamed for years. In 1799 he had married Rachel Winans, and six years later they were found within the present limits of Champaign County, where they remained about four years.


In the year 1809 they moved within the present boundaries of Orange Township, near where the old Berry mill was afterward erected. At this time the family consisted of four small children, and this family probably constituted the fourth within the township, the other three, as nearly as can be ascertained, being the Cannon, Berry, and Phillips families, who probably settled here prior to 1809.


Daniel Valentine entered land immediately upon his arrival here, but was only able to make partial payment, and so was under the necessity of borrowing the greater portion of the purchase money. Still he was not dependent upon the farm alone, for he carried with him the skill of a shoemaker, and at the outset found himself in command of this trade for an area greater that which is now comprised,within the whole county. In 1820 his wife died, and a few years later he married Isabel Jameson, who survived him several years, his death having occurred in 1849.


From the date of his arrival here in 1809 up to the time of his death he continued a permanent resident of Orange Township, and was one of the leading spirits of the settlement.


One of his sons, Richard W. Valentine, an honored pioneer of this county, is now living a retired life, somewhat enfeebled, but surrounded by the comforts of life, and in the full enjoyment of the respect of the whole community.


He was one of the four children already mentioned as comprising his father's family in 1809, and was born in Champaign County in 1806. He was thus three years of age when his parents, took their second step westward, and settled in a country largely occupied by the red man and animals of different species His education was such as was diffused by virtue of short school terms held in the proverbial log house, so characteristic of the early days of every Western community. When he reached his sixteenth year he was apprenticed by his father to a blacksmith, named Alexander Moreland, with whom he remained until he reached his majority.


In 1828 he opened the first blacksmith shop within the township at the old site of Berry's mill. The following year, or 1829, he married Miss Annaliza, daughter of William and Betsy Cecil. She was born in Virginia in the year 1811, and was brought to this county by her parents in 1814.


After his marriage Mr, Valentine continued working at his trade, until failing health compelled him to abandon his forge and seek other employment. He had purchased fifty-five acres of timber land, which he cleared, and to which he has since added about two hundred and fifty acres, making about three hundred acres in his home farm, while elsewhere within the county he owns some five hundred acres, making in all about eight hundred acres. Such is thc reward of industry, perseverance, and economy, that no man in the enjoyment of health should know such word as fail. Mr. Valentine may be said to have battered and drilled those acres out of his anvil, for at the outset he stood with empty hands. The rewards of industry and honesty are his to-day, as evidenced by his comfortable home surroundings, and the esteem in which he is held by a whole community. He has reared a family of seven children, live of whom are still living. Their names and dates of birth are as follows: Samuel, born 1832; John, born 1836 ; Rachael, born 1840; William, born 1843; and Mary, born 1856.


Since writing the above we learn of the death of Richard W. Valentine. He died April 12, 1882, and was buried at Wesley Chapel, April 14th, by the Masonic fraternity, of which he had been a consistent member for many years.


WILLIAM C. VALENTINE, a son of Richard W., was born in 1843; was married to Mary C. Higgins in 1865. She died in 1872, leaving two children, viz., Estella E. and Frances R. In 1874 hc married Sarah C.


Fergus, a daughter of Joseph Fergus. By this union they have one child, Mamie B. Mr. Valentine is a resident and owner of the old homestead of his father, a view of which is shown in this work.


THOMAS H. FERGUS, a son of Samuel M. and Eliza A. (Hull) Fergus, was born in Shelby County in 1854. Married Mary A. Valentine, a daughter of Richard W. Valentine, in 1876. They have three children, Frank P., Lottie E., and Leonard C. They reside on section 23, near Kirkwood, on part of the Valentine farm.


DAVID VALENTINE, the fifth of the family of Daniel Valentine, was born about two years after his father settled on the banks of the Great Miami. He was born May 12,, 1811. He lived on the farm with his father until eighteen years of age, when he went to learn the blacksmith trade with his brother Richard. He served an apprenticeship of three years, then continued to work at his trade for six years. During this time he taught one term of school, for which he received $6.25 per month. In 1837 he bought a small piece of land from Thomas Young, in section 23. March 14, 1838, he married Nancy Cecil, a sister of Mrs. Richard W. Valentine. They shortly afterwards settled on this little farm. It was not long before he had added to his home fifty acres more land. In a few years he, together with his brother Richard, bought the home place of his father ; then a few years later he bought his brother's interest, and moved on to the old homestead. They raised a family of five children, as follows : Cynthia A., Milton, Lewis, John H., and Ellen.. Only three are now living.


Mr. Valentine was an industrious and energetic man, and lived to accumulate a fine property. Before he died he was the owner of about 700 acres of land in the county, he being one of the wealthiest men in the township at the time of his death. He died in 1867 on the same' farm on which he was born. His widow is living on the old homestead, where her husband was born, with her son, John H.


WILLIAM CECIL, the father of Mrs. Richard W. and Mrs. David Valentine, was married to Betsey Guthrie in 1809, in Virginia, and came to Shelby County in 1814, and located on what is now the Infirmary farm.


MILTON VALENTINE, a son of David Valentine, was born in Orange Township in 1844. He was raised on a farm, and educated in the corn-, mon schools of his neighborhood. In 1869 he married Matilda Myers, a daughter of Harman and Matilda Farrow' Myers. She was born in Shelby County in 1853. Mr. Valentine is located on section 23, where he has one of the best improved farms in the township. In fact it is a model Wm.



JOHN H. VALENTINE, another son .of David Valentine, was born in 1849. He also was raised on a farm. In 1872 he was married to Sarah Jane Taylor. By this union they have four children., viz., Anna B., born 1873 ; Otella M., born 1876; Maggie D., born 1879 ; and Joseph C., born 1881. John H. is now the owner of the old homestead of his grandfather and his father, it being one of the first settled farms of the county, settled in 1809.


THE CAREY FAMILY.


For the history of the ancestry of this pioneer family of Shelby County we go to the Carey Memorials, published by General S. F. Carey. From this we learn that John Carey, the first of the name to come to America, was born in Somersetshire, England. He joined the Plymouth Colony, about 1634. Also one James Carey joined the Massachusetts Colony about 1635, and settled on a farm near where Boston now is located. It is still known as the Carey farm.


We will not attempt to trace the genealogy of this large family name in a chronological order, but will skip to the fifth generation from John Carey, and come down to Ezra Carey, who was born in Morris County, N. J., 1735; he married Lydia Thompson, and removed to Western Pennsylvania in 1777; from thence to Western Virginia, and from there to the territory of Ohio about 1795 ; crossing the river near Marietta ; he remained here until 1610, when he came to the present limits of Shelby County, where he died in 1828, at the age of 93 years.


CEPHAS CAREY, a son of Ezra Carey, was born near Elizabeth City, N. J., December 25, 1775. He accompanied his father to Western Pennsylvania, Virginia, and Ohio. In the year 1800 he was elected a justice of the peace, in accordance with an act passed by the Legislative Council of the Northwestern 'Territory, he being the first justice of the peace in the territory. In 1803 he was commissioned a captain of militia, and the same year married Jane Williamson.


In the year 1810 they came to the wilds of Shelby County, and settled on the west fork of Turtle Creek, near where now stands the town of Hardin, where he, assisted by a few neighbors, erected a blockhouse, which gave them protection and shelter from hostile Indians. He was several times in Cincinnati when there were but two or three log cabins there, and made two or three trips to New Orleans on flat-boats


HISTORY OF SHELBY COUNTY, OHIO - 169


with produce, returning by New York, there being no direct communication south of the Ohio River. This was prior to steam navigation, which was inaugurated in 1811, under the direction of Mr. Roosevelt, of New York.


The year 1811 was an eventful one to the early settlers of the Northwest. The Indians were very troublesome, making frequent incursions into the settlements, carrying off horses, cattle, and supplies, and now and then killing a settler. Earthquakes, comets, eclipses of the sun, false prophets in diverse places predicting that three-fourths of the inhabitants were to be destroyed by the direct visitation of God ; and last, though not least, the battle of Tippecanoe was fought on the 7th of November, which brought grief and distress into every house in the land, as there were but few who had not some relative or friend among the gallant slain or wounded.


In the course of a few years following the successful march of the United States army against the British and their allies, the country filled up rapidly, and civilization pushed forward with rapid strides.


Thus it was while the young nation was growing rapidly, and everything was bright and joyous, the war had closed, high hopes of the future were entertained, when the relentless hand of death entered the family of Mr. Carey and took from him his companion, leaving him with eight small children. This sad event occurred in 1814. The names of these children were as follows: Lydia, John W., Wm. A., Nancy W., Drucilla, David, Thomas M., and Jeremiah. The following year, 1815, he married Mrs. Rhoda Garrard, whose husband had been killed by some Indians near Piqua in 1813. By his second marriage they had eight children, viz., Benjamin W., Stephen C. Sally A., Simon B., Mary T., Harvey G.., Jason S., and Milton T. C., second wife died' about 1850. He then married for his third wife Elizabeth Mendenhall. By industry and frugality he was enabled to secure for himself and family a competency. he was noted for his high-toned honor and liberality, and spent much of his time dispensing charities to the poor, and in promoting education and the spread of the Gospel.


He reared a family of eight sons and eight daughters, all of whom lived to adult age, and he lived to see enumerated as his direct descendants sixteen children, eighty-three grandchildren, seventy great-grandchildren, and three great-great-grandchildren, making a total of one hundred and seventy-two.


Mr. Carey lived to the ripe old age of ninety-four years. He died March 13, 1868. A number of years prior to his death he sold his farm, and moved to the town of Sidney.


JUDGE WILLIAM A. CAREY, a son of Cephas Carey, was born January 9, 1806; was brought by his father to this county in 1810, they being among the first, if not the first, settlers in Turtle Creek Township. It was here in the woods, "amid the howling of the wolves" and the " hooting of the owls," that young Carey received his early education from nature. It was not until after the war that there were any schools, and by this time he was big enough to pick brush and help his father clear his land. He received (by a few months' instruction in the winter season) the rudiments of arithmetic, and learned to read and write. After arriving at manhood he had a desire to learn something of English grainmar and geography. He came to Sidney to see if he could find a teacher there ; but found they did not teach those branches there. He then went to Piqua, but with the same result. He then bought himself a copy of Kirkham's Grammar, and studied it at home. In this manner he acquired all the education he ever received. During the war of 1812 there was a block-house built on the land of Mr. Carey, which was occupied by a squad of soldiers for more than a year for the protection of the settlement.


In May, 1833, Mr. Carey was married to Miss Catharine Vandemark, a daughter of Daniel Vandemark. Soon after their marriage they moved to the town of Sidney, where be engaged in teaching school, which he continued for about one year. He then bought land in Orange Township, and moved on to it, cleared his land, and made for himself a comfortable home. Mr. Carey was successful as a farmer, and accumulated a large body of land, but through misfortune lost the most of it.


Judge Carey has, from his early manhood to the present time, had the confidence and esteem of his fellow citizens, which has been evidenced by his election to the more important offices of his township. He has been justice of the peace for many years, and was also clerk of his township several terms. He was twice honored as associate judge of the county. He was also Government revenue assessor for five townships. Judge Carey and wife reared a family of five children, viz., Catharine J., William F., Henry Clay, Josephine, and Clementine. Mrs. Carey died some months ago, since which time the Judge has made his home with his children.


WILLIAM F. CAREY, son of William A. and Catharine Carey, was born in Shelby County, November 9, 1837. In 1872 he married Miss Margaret V. Glick (a daughter of Peter and Elizabeth (Stockstill) Glick). They have born to them two children, Catherine E., born 1814, and Glick, born 1877.


CHRISTIAN FOSTER (deceased)


was born in Baden, Germany, in 1827, came to America, and settled in Shelby County in 1847. In 1855 he married Elizabeth Winter. They had born to them twelve children, nine of whom are living, viz., Kate, Martin, Christian, Sarah, Frank, George, Anna, Rosa, and Elizabeth. Mr. Foster commenced on sixty-five acres of land in the woods; to this he added until he had 160 acres of well-improved land. After making for himself a comfortable home he was attacked by that dread disease, consumption, which took him away in 1875, in the prime of manhood. Since the death of her husband Mrs. Foster and her children have carried on the farm, cleared land, and built a house. There are but few families of children who have managed and succeeded in business as has the family of Mrs. Foster.


THE BULL FAMILY.


Robert Bull was a resident of South Carolina prior to the Revolutionary War. He was a Quaker, and on account of his religious belief, being opposed to war, and desiring to avoid any collision with the government in raising an army, left his native State and removed to Virginia just prior to 1776; but instead of escaping the strife, he went to where it was hotter. He had, prior to his removal to Virginia, married Sarah Millburn, the widow of Robert Millburn. By this marriage Mrs. Bull had three sons—Robert, John, and David—they being half brothers of Nathan Bull. By her marriage with Robert Bull there were five children, of which Nathan was the youngest. He was born in Virginia in 1776, in Barclay County; where, in the same county in 1797, he married Frances Lilburn, and in the year 1814 moved to Greene County, Ohio, with his wife and six children. Two children were afterward born to them in Greene County. As early as 1816 Mr. Bull came to the present limits of Orange Township and entered one-half section of land. He died June 12, 1822; his wife died January 18, 1842. The names of the children were: Amelia, Rachel, John, David, Robert, William, Sarah, and Hiram.


HIRAM BULL was born in Greene County, Ohio, in 1818. When at the age of four years his father died. He remained with his mother on the Dome farm until he reached his majority. He was educated at the common schools of his day. In 1839, after he became of age, he came to Shelby County to look after the land his father had entered in 1816. He immediately commenced the improvement of this land, and built himself a cabin for a home. In 1841 he married Elizabeth Fish and immediately settled on his land—the same he now occupies. They have reared a family of six children, one having died young. The names of his family are as follows: Nathan S., Francis M., Mary C., Emma L., Joanna M., James M., and William 0. Mr. Bull has been a resident of the county for forty-four years, and has one of the fine homes of Orange Township. Having spent a long life at hard labor on his farms 'and acquired a competence, he, on account of failing health, has retired from active duty on his farm, and is now giving much of his time to the improvement of his mind, that he had the desire to do in his younger days, but did' not have the time to give. Mr. Bull has one of the finest and most complete archaeological cabinets in the county, having some very rare specimens of a primitive race who inhabited this country long before the red man that was found here when the continent was first discovered.


FRANCIS M. BULL, a son of Hiram Bull, was born in Orange Township 1845, and married Mary E. B. Applegate in 1866. They have a family of seven children, viz., Jesse H., Charley C., Hattie L:, Bertie E., Marion L., Millie E., and Emerson O.

 

JOHN M. BULL,. the eldest son of Nathan Bull, was born in Barclay County, Va., in 1806. When eight years of age he came with his parents to Greene County, Ohio. Here, in 1828, he married Miss Eliza Littler, of Highland County, Ohio. In 1832 he brought his wife and two children to the wilds of Shelby County and settled in the woods. They reared a family.of five children, viz., Sarah E., Francis L., Rachel J., Julietta, and Ellen. Mr. Bull lived to improve his farm and make it one of the best improved places in the township. He took pride in having his place in a good state of repair. A number of years ago he .commenced the cultivation of ornamental trees, of which he had his beautiful farm nearly surrounded. He and his wife were among the pioneer members of the M. E. Church at Orange Chapel, and were members of the first class .organized, and retained their membership in the same society as long as they lived. Mrs. Bull died December 20, 1862. Mr. Bull died December 2, 1881', leaving the homestead to his two youngest daughters. He died as he .had lived, respected by all who knew him.


JOHN HART


Thomas Hart, a German by birth, married and came to the United States about 1790, and located in Bucks County, Pa.; where, the same year, William Hart was born. Wm. Hart was reared in Bucks County and received a liberal education. After arriving at manhood he engaged in teaching school in New Jersey, where he formed the acquaintance of


170 - HISTORY OF SHELBY COUNTY, OHIO.


and married Elizabeth Petit in 1810. They remained in New Jersey until 1818, when he removed with his wife and three children to Hampshire County, Virginia, where he remained until 1827. Becoming heartily disgusted with the institution of slavery, he determined to seek a hOme in a free State so be sold his farm at a sacrifice and removed to .Dayton, Ohio, where he remained until 1836, when he moved to Darke County, Ohio, and died there in 1849. His wife died in 1870.


John Hart was the eldest son of William Hart. He was born in New Jersey in 1811. He lived with his father until he came to Dayton. In 1836 he married Nancy Hosier. The same year he married he came to Shelby County and purchased eighty acres of timber land in section 5, Orange Township. In the spring of 1837 he commenced clearing to make a home,. erected a cabin, and brought his wife. They cleared up their home and had made a very desirable place. In 1867 he bought for one of his sons the present place on which he lives, but owing to the death of his son in 1868 he was compelled to move to it himself. Mr. and Mrs. Hart raised a family of four children, viz., William, Rhoda Ann, Isaac, and Robert. Of these four children only one now is living, viz., William. Rhoda Ann lived to be twenty-two years of age, when she was burned to death by her clothes taking fire. Isaac, the second son, lived to be twenty-five years of age. He was a graduate of Delaware College, having received his diploma in a scientific course in 1865. Robert, the youngest son, died in 1868. Mr. and Mrs. Hart are now living by themselves as they first commenced, not in the log cabin in the woods, but on a well-improved farm with good buildings, with a competence for their remaining days, all acquired by toil, industry, and economy.


William Hart, a son of the above, was born in 1837, and married Margaret J. Russum. They have three children, viz., Sarah E., John, and Manning W. He is located on the homestead of his father in section 6, where he carries on the farm and is also proprietor of a sawmill.


REUBEN VOORHEES.


A short time prior to the Revolutionary War three brothers, John, Abram, and Abel Voorhees, came to the American colonies from Germany. One of the three—John Voorhees—located in New Jersey. The other two went farther westward, but just where they located to us is not known, but we afterwards find them in. southern Ohio. John was the ancestor of the Voorhees of whom we write. During the war of the Revolution he went one day to New York to see some friends that had come from Germany. The city at that time was in the possession of the British. He was captured as a spy, but they could prove nothing against him, so they released him on condition that he would enlist in either the navy or cavalry service of the British army. He chose the cavalry, but did not serve long before an opportunity occurred to escape, by stealing away in the night time, and returning home to New Jersey. Very shortly after this occurrence he married, and afterward raised a family of five children. He died about the year 1800.


Samuel Voorhees was the eldest of these five children. He was born in 1793. In 1812 be married Elizabeth Brown. The following year1813—he entered the army, and served his time of enlistment, and was honorably discharged. They had raised a family of two children, when his wife died. He married for his second wife Ann Applegate in 1819. They had six children, viz., John A., Holmes, Okey, Samuel, Elizabeth, and Amy. They came to Ohio in 1831, and located in Montgomery County, then removed to Shelby County in 1838. Samuel Voorhees died March, 1866. His wife died March, 1876.


Reuben Voorhees was the first born of Samuel Voorhees by his first wife. He was born in New Jersey in 1813, while his father was in the army. He came with his father to Ohio in 1831, and in 1836 he married Anna Ford. In 1846 they moved to Shelby County, and located in Orange Township. By this marriage there were live children, Joseph B., Charles F., Julius T., Elizabeth, and Joseph V. The first died young. Julius died in the army. Mrs. Voorhees died in 1849. In 1850 he married Anna Fiddler, with whom he lived until 1863, when she died. In 1864 he married his present wife, Jane A. Cahill, widow of Dudley Cahill. She was the mother of four children, viz., Louella, James W., Kate E. and Emmet O. Mrs. Voorhees' maiden name was Shinn, daughter of William Shinn, who settled in Shelby County in 1833. Mr. Voorhees has been a consistent member of the M. E. Church for over fifty years, has ceased laboring for worldly goods, and is now striving for an inheritance that will never pass away, where he shall enjoy an immortal life.


JOHN A. VORESS


was the first born of Samuel Voress by his second wife. He was born in New Jersey in 1820, came with his father to Shelby County when he was eighteen years of age. He lived with his father until he was twenty-three years of age, helped to clear the farm, and provide for the family. In 1843 he married Eliza C. Layman. By this union they have had twelve children, eleven still living, viz., Mary A., Jeremiah L., Eliza C., John F., George W., Martha E., Lucinda M., Mark E., Emma J., Ermina B., and Willie T. Mr. Voress commenced in the woods on his place that he now lives on in 1845. Here he has raised his large family. He has always been an industrious and successful farmer, and has madc a good home for himself and family.


JOHN F. VORESS


is a son of John A. Voress. He was born in Shelby County in 1852. He married Emeline Showell in 1872. They have had two children, one now living, viz., Dora C., born in 1874. Mrs. Voress is a daughter of Edward and Ellen (Wilkins) Showell, who settled in this county in 1839.


OAKEY VORESS


was born in New Jersey, June 13, 1828; was brought by his parents to Shelby County when about ten years of age. He was raised without any privileges of school instruction' until sixteen years of age. His first education was in picking brush, and as soon as old enough was given an axe, and he and his oldest brother did the principal clearing of the farm. He remained at home until his majority, when he commenced life for himself by working at from six to nine dollars per month. As soon as he had saved a little money he bought a small piece of land, which he sold at a small advance, then bought forty acres on which he made his first home for himself. January 1, 1852, he married Mary E.. Dickensheets (a daughter of David. Dickensheets, who had settled in .the county in 1832). A. short time after this he added to his little farm sixty acres more land. In 1868 he bought the homestead of his wife's father, on which he now resides. Mr. Voress has been successful in accumulating property. He is one of the heaviest tax payers in Orange Township, and it has all been made by his own industry and economy, never having received any help in making his start in life. He perhaps loans more money than any man in the township. They have raised a family of eight children, whose. names are as follows : Samuel D., Elizabeth J., Charles L., George W., Josephine, Jesse L., Lulu D., and Ida M.


JEREMIAH LAYMAN


was born in Pennsylvania in 1799, removed to Hamilton COunty, Ohio, early in the present century. Here in 1822 he married Mary Cummings, a daughter of Robert and Amy Cummings. Mr. Layman remained in Hamilton County until 1839, when they removed to Shelby ..County, and located in Orange Township. They raised a family of seven children, only two of whom are now living, viz., Eliza C., wife of John A. Voress, and Amy II., wife of D. Brelsford. Mrs. Layman died June 15, 1869, aged seventy-three years. Mr. Layman died April 8, 1875, aged seventy-six years.


CHARLES F. VOORHEES,


a son of Reuben Voorhees, was born in Montgomery County in 1839. In 1861 he enlisted in Freemont's Body Guards, and served until the regiment was discharged. In 1862 he married Miss Jemima A. F. Holmes, The issue of this marriage is six children, viz., Julius T., Anna Dorcas, Mary E., Cara Jane, Thomas R., and Kate R.


JOSEPH V. VOORHEES


was born in Shelby County in 1849. In 1872 he married Miss Margaret L. Long. By this union they have two children, Jane M. and Reuben. They are located on part of the homestead of his father in section 35, Orange Township.


DAVID K. GILLESPIE.


The ancestors of the above are from Ireland. George Gillespie was the first to come to America. He came a young man, about 1740, and located in Pennsylvania. Here he married Jane Allen, and raised a family of ten children. About the year 1795 this family removed to Butler County, Ohio, where the father died in 1823.


WILLIAM GILLESPIE, son of the above, was born in Pennsylvania in the year 1783, and was twelve years of age at the time they came to Ohio. In 1816 he married Miss Mary Miskimmins. They raised a family of eleven children. They came to Shelby County in 1838, and settled in Washington Township. Here he purchased a farm, or rather a piece of land, in the woods, having but little means after the payment of his land. His family was large, the country new and malarious. They all took sick ; provisions were high ; before they got well, or able to work, their means was all spent, and they were left in the woods destitute, without means of support. They did the best they could, raising, spinning, weaving, and making their own clothing. saving every penny they could, they managed to live until they had cleared enough land to raise grain to sell; but grain by this time was very low in price ; they could only get from fifteen to twenty cents for corn. Mr. Gillespie lived here to clear his farm by the aid of his boys, and died in 1862, at the age of 80 years. Mrs. Gillespie died in 1872, at the age of 73 years.


DAVID KIRKWOOD GILLESPIE, the subject of this sketch, a son of Win. Gillespie, was born in Warren County, Ohio, in 1821 ; lived with his father on the farm, and came with him to Shelby County


HISTORY OF SHELBY COUNTY, OHIO - 171


when he was sixteen years of age ; helped his father to clear the farm, and remained with him until he was twenty-eight years of age. In 1850 he went to Lockington to engage in the grain trade. His capital stock in trade, all told, was only six hundred dollars. In 1651 he married Miss Martha McKee. He at first commenced buying grain on commission, but it was not long before grain took such a declined that the men for whom he was buying sent him word that they could not furnish any more means, as the markets would not justify. He then determined to buy and ship for himself. He invested in an old boat and team, and loaded it with grain. This took all the capital he had. The boat on its first trip was, through the carelessness of its manager, so badly injured that it sank, and its cargo of grain was almost a total loss. Mr. G. was now left without a dollar. He felt almost discouraged, but his brave wife said to him," We are vet young and strong, let us try again." He then went to his father and asked him what he should do ? His father told him that he could not help him any, but if he could find anybody who would let him have money he would give him his name as security. The next day he went to Piqua, where the first man he met he asked if he knew where a. boy like him could get some money to use by giving good security ? The man told him he would let him have all he wanted without security. So with this assurance he returned home, repaired his boat, commenced buying and shipping grain. The markets were favorable, and it was not long before he was out of his financial trouble. -Within that year he paid off all his indebtedness and. had several thousand dollars left. In 1854 his wife died, having borne him two children, both of which died in infancy. In 1856 he again married, this time to Miss Marian McKee, a cousin of his first wife, with whom he lived till 1875, when she died. There were by this union eight children, four of whom are now living, viz., William H., born 1857 ; James M. born 1861; Lee W., born 1864 ; and Anna S., born 1869. In 1878 he was married to Sarah J. McKnight, with whom he is now living. He con tinued the purchase and shipment of grain at Lockington until the year 1864, when he sold out his business there and removed to a, farm of 350 acres he had purchased in Miami County, known as the Johnston farm, in Upper Piqua, for which he had paid $33,600 cash. A few years later he bought the old homestead of his father, for which he paid $8800. Beside this he owned the Lockington mills, and his property in Kirkwood, where he now lives. This property was all made while he lived in Lockington, during fourteen years. In 1859 Mr. Gillespie was elected commissioner of the county, which office he filled till 1864, when he moved to Miami County. He remained on his farm in Miami until 1877, when he returned to Shelby and located in Pontiac, now called Kirkwood, in honor of Mr. G.'s middle name.


JOHN B. FRANCIS


was born in Shelby County in 1852. In 1879 he was married to Miss Elizabeth Wrigley. They have one child, viz., Jennie. He resides on the homestead of his father, in Orange Township.


JUDGE JONATHAN FRANCIS


was one of the pioneer settlers of Shelby County. He came here from New Jersey about 1812, and located in what is now Orange Township. Here he raised a family of seven .children. Isaac was the youngest of the family ; he was born in 1825. In 1850 he married Sarah A. Wert.


JOHN E. BUSH.


HENRY BUSH, Sr., grandfather of the above, was born in Germany ; came to America prior to the Revolutionary war ; enlisted as a soldier in that war, and was wounded at or near New York City, and died from the effects of the wounds several years afterward. He was located in Monroe County, Pa., where Henry Bush, Jr., the father of John E., was born in 1790. In 1811 he married Sarah Smith, who was born in 1789. They lived in Monroe County until 1838, when they removed to Shelby County, and located on section 8, Orange Township. John E. was the sixth child of the family. He was born in 1828, consequently he was ten years of age when he came to this county. He lived with his father until 1849, when the gold fever for California broke out. Young Bush took this fever, and he and his brother, C. W. Bush, and M. W. Jackson determined to see this El Dorado. They fitted up a team of ponies and wagon with provisions and accoutrements, and left home April 19, 1849, and arrived at St. Joseph, Missouri about the first of June. Here they fitted another team of two yoke of cattle and joined in company with about a dozen other teams, and about the middle of June started for the plains. To give a history of this trip across the plains would take more space than we can give, but suffice it to say that they suffered all the privations that the early emigrants suffered who crossed the great American Desert at that early day. They were compelled to abandon their wagons, take it on foot without water or provisions ; finally arrived at the settlement in the Upper Sacramento Valley November 1st, after being seven months on the road. He remained in California until 1853. During this period he spent the most of his time mining and packing. About two months he followed hunting. There are but few men now in Shelby County that have given the time to. the rifle that Mr. Bush has. The first deer he killed was in 1848, when he killed three in one clay, near where Swanders Station now is. He has killed deer almost every year from that time to the present. The past year (1881) he, together with a party of others, went to Wisconsin for a deer hunt. Mr. Bush killed seven deer and a lynx. While in California he within two months killed fifty deer and one black bear. He and his partner, Nathan Travers, killed ninety-three deer, and sold $777 worth of venison, beside what they traded for provisions to live on during that time. In 1853 he returned home by vessel by way of the Isthmus, arriving at home between Christmas and New Year's. He then remained at home with his father until 1863, when he married Miss C. E. Rauth. By this union they have seven children, viz., Charles M., born 1n65; Edmund R., born 1868 ; John H., born 1870 ; William- W., born 1873 ; Frederick, born 1875 ; Maud M., born 1877 ; and George, born 1879.


Mr. Bush has the confidence of his fellow-citizens, having filled the office of infirmary director nine years, and at the present time is one of the commissioners of the county.


Mr. Bush, while in California in 1851, went out one day with a party of others in pursuit of a wounded grizzly. After being out some time the party separated. Shortly afterward Mr. Bush heard. the bleating of a cub bear. He supposed she was calling for her dam, but, when he came up to where he supposed the cub was, he not only found a cub, but a hill-grown grizzly and four cubs. Mr. B. concluded these were not the parties he was looking for, and the sooner he could get away from. there the better,—so he took to his heels and ran as fast as he could, the bear after him. He threw his hat, ran about fifty yards to a leaning tree, which he attempted to climb. Just as he reached the tree the bear was upon him, and struck at him and knocked his gun from his hand He succeeded in getting part way up the tree when the bear caught him by the boot and held on. Both fell to the ground. The bear then ran to her cubs, and John made good time for the bushes ; but before he reached them the bear was upon him again. Just as the bear reached him he sprang over. a 'large pine log. the bear Stopped on the log, and John reached the bushes and got away. During all this time his partner, who was near him, saw the whole affair, but climbed up a tree, and kept out of danger, never offering any assistance.


Mr. Bush has killed buffalo, antelope, mountain sheep, bear, wolves, and almost all, kinds of wild game of the country.


THOMAS YOUNG


was born in Maryland in 1766. From there he went to Virginia, where, in about 1793, 'he married Mary Parker. The Youngs are of German descent, the Parkers of Irish extraction. Shortly after their marriage they moved to Kentucky, then .to Hamilton County, Ohio, then to Montgomery County, where they lived a few years, then came to what is now Shelby County about 1808, and located on section 16, Orange. Township, and took a lease on said school section. The land on which he settled had been previously settled on by Abram Cannon in 1806. It was here that Isaac Young was born March 17, 1810, he being the first white child born within the present limits of Orange Township. In 1832 he married Wilmuth Lucas. They have, raised a family of five children; whose names and date of birth are as follows : Wallace, born 1833 ; Lydia, born 1840 ; Elizabeth, born 1842 ; Minerva, born 184.4 ; and Naaman, born 1849. Mr. Young is no.w the oldest settler in the township, and perhaps in the county, who was born here ; he having lived in the same township, and within one mile of the same place, for seventy-two years. He cast his first vote for President for Andrew Jackson, the has voted at every presidential election since that time; but after the first election he voted the Whig ticket until 1856, since which time he has been an unswerving Republican. Mr. Young has been a member of the United Brethren Church for over forty years. He has retired from active life, having accumulated a competence for the remainder of his life. He has always had the confidence and esteem of his neighbors; always doing as he would wish to be done by ; never. having had a lawsuit in his life. Mr. Young says he has bought corn at 8 1/3 cents per bushel, and had six months' time to pay for it. They sold wheat at 25, cents per bushel and hauled it to Piqua. To give the history of hiS commencement in life, his hardships and privations, would be but to repeat the old story, so often told. I will close by giving the Manner they used to. catch fish before they were able to buy twine to make seines. They would make what was called a brush drag or kind of seine made of brush, and woven together and supported by grape-vines. A sufficient number of the neighbors would gettogether to. handle one of these drags; they would sweep the river from one side to the other, and sometimes would catch barrels at one haul.


Naaman Young, son of Isaac Young, was born in Shelby County in 1849, and married Margaret J. Barton in 1879. They have two children, viz., Stanley D. and Mary D.


WM. P. BARKALOW.


The ancestors of the Ruckalows—now written Barkalow—wcre among the first emigrants from Holland to New York—then New Amsterdam


172 - HISTORY OF SHELBY COUNTY, OHIO.


They were worthy descendants of the hardy, industrious, and honest Dutch nation. The indomitable perseverance and success of the Dutch is everywhere proverbial. After aiding in the settlement of New York and New Jersey, some of the descendants. of the Barkalows emigrated to Kentucky, from thence to Ohio. William P. Barkalow, the worthy ancestor of the Shelby County Barkalows, was born in New Jersey in the year 1768. Just when he removed from New Jersey we have been unable to ascertain, but we next find him in Maysville, Ky. In 1790 he married Mary Tapscott. It was in Maysville that their first child, John Barkalow, was born. In 1804 they removed to Warren County, Ohio, where he died in the year 1852, his wife having died in 1843, at the age of seventy years.


JOHN BARKALOW,


as stated above, was born in. Maysville Ky., in the year 1801, and came with his parents to Warren County, Maysville, in 1804. In 1821 he married Catharine De Nise, and in 1823 removed to Shelby County and settled on a tract of wild land in Orange Township. This land he cleared and cultivated, and built a good dwelling, where he resided until 1861, when his dwelling and household goods were almost totally destroyed by fire, and in his efforts to save his family, in which he succeeded, he came near losing his own life. He then removed to the town of Sidney, where he resided until his death,' September, 1872. His widow survived him until January 31, 1882, when she died at the home of her daughter, Mrs. J. S. De Nise. They raised a family of eight children, whose. names and date of birth are, as follows : Mary A., born Sept. 21, 1822 ; James D., Sept. 12, 1824; Eleanor, .May 2, 1827 ; Sarah, May 22, 1829.; Lydia M., Feb. 26, 1832; Celina, May 6, 1834; Nancy 11, Nov. 19, 1836; and George D., March 4, 1839.


JAMES D. BARKALOW


was born in Shelby County in 1824, on the bank of the Great Miami River, four miles below Sidney, in Orange Township, on land entered by Wm. P. Barkalow, his grandfather, and has lived on the same farm from that time to the present. In 1849 he married Elizabeth Jackson, a daughter of Edward and Jane Morris Jackson, who settled within the present limits of Orange Township in 1809. They have by their marriage two children, William W. and Frank A. Mr. Barkalow is now among the oldest residents of the township who were born here, having lived here fifty-eight years without intermission.


JOSEPH T. BARKALOW,


a son of Wm. P. Barkalow, and brother of John Barkalow, was born in Warren County, Ohio, in 1817, lived with his father until 21 years of age, when, in 1839, he married Abba De Nise, who was born in Butler County, O., in 1821. By this union they had three children, viz., Eleanor, Mary, and Eliza ; the last two only now living. In 1842 Mr. B, Moved to Shelby County and located on section 22, Orange Township: they lived here two years, then returned to Warren County and remained about four years, then returned to his former home in Orange Township, where he lived until 1872, when he retired from the farm and moved to Kirkwood, where he and his wife live in a comfortable home with a Competence for their remaining days. They are now living in the enjoyment of plenty, having spent a life of hard toil. It is to be hoped .that their last days may be their happiest.


JAMES S. DE NISE.


William De Nise was a native of New Jersey. He came to Butler County, Ohio, in 1808. Daniel De Nise, his son, was two years old at the time of their settlement in Ohio. He married Eliza J. Shank. He died in 1878, having lived on the same farm for seventy years. James S., a son of Daniel, was born in Butler County in 1832, and came to Shelby .County in 1854. In 1853 he married Lydia M. Barkalow. They have had born to them five children, viz., James A., born 1855 ; Mary E., born 1857; George B., born 1859 ; Daniel, born 1868 ; and John B., born 1872. They are located on part of the old Barkalow farm in sec. 18.


ISAAC FULTON


was born in Shelby County in the year 1842. He is a son of Robcrt and Rebecca Bigham Fulton, who settled in Shelby County in 1839. In 1866 he married Nancy Barkalow, a daughter of John Barkalow. They have one child, Wm. B., born 1867. They -are located on part of the Barka-low homestead in Orange Township.


HENRY P. JOHNSTON,


a son of Christopher Johnston, was born in Mercer County, Ohio, in 1840, where he lived, and was raised on a farm. In 1862 he entered the army in the 118th 0. V. I., and served until the close of the war. During his service in the army his father moved to Miami County. When Mr. Johnston came home from the army he again made his home with his father. Here he formed the acquaintance of Miss Mary Barkalow, a daughter of Joseph T. Barkalow, of Shelby County. They were married in 1866, and the following year located in Orange Township, on section 28. They have by this marriage four children, Nellie C., Rowland E., Lulie J., and Mary E. J. A brief sketch of the Johnston family will be found in the Washington Township history, under the head of Esq. John and S. A. Johnston, who are brothers of Henry P.'s father.


THOMAS DUNCAN.


The father of the above—James Duncan—was born in Pennsylvania in 1806, came to Montgomery County, where, in the year 1828, he married Matilda Wise. In 1834 they removed to Shelby County, and located in Washington Township. They raised a family of seven children. Mrs. Duncan died in 1853. Thomas Duncan is the oldest of this family; he was born in Montgomery County in 1812; he lived at home with his father until he was twenty-one years of age. In 1853 he married Sarah J. Doak. By this union they have raised' a family of six children, Mary .A., Clarinda, Sarah J., Samuel, James, and .Viola M. Mr. Duncan is locatcd on part of the old Doak homestead.. Samuel Doak, the. father of Mrs. Duncan, was born in Pennsylvania in 1798, came with his father—Patrick Doak—to the present limits of Shelby County in 1810, and located in what is now Washington Township, but had entered land in Orange; but on account of Indian troubles did not settle on his land until several years afterward. In 1827 he married Esther Heath, and raised a family of five children, John C., Sarah J., Chambers, James, and Samuel. Samuel Doak, Sen., died in 1845; his wife died in 1881...


HIRAM SARVER.


The Sarvers are of German extraction. Their first settlement in America was in Virginia.. The first of whom we can get any knowledge was Samuel Sarver, who was born in Virginia about 1790. He served as a soldier in the war of 1812. After his term of enlistment in 1814 he married Sarah Brill. They raised a family of six boys. This family came to Shelby County in 1825, and located in Green Township. When they came. to Ohio all the effects they had they brought on the back of one horse. Mrs. Sarver rode on this same horse together with the two youngest children. Mr. Sarver and the other children walking all the way. When they landed they had no money. They squatted on a piece of land, which several years afterward they bought. It. is not necessary to describe the hardships through which they had to pass in a new country, with a family of six small children and no means of support, except the hands of one man to provide food and clothing for his wife and children in the "woods without an acre of cleared land. It was here in the woods that Hiram Sarver was born in the year 1828, three years after their settlement. He lived with his father until he died in 1843. He then hired Out for six years at $25 a year and his everyday clothing. In 1853 he married. Nancy Dickensheets, by whom he has had eleven dren, seven of whom are living, viz., Margaret L. J., Mary C., Charles H., .William G., Ella M., Carrie M., and Emery C. Mr. S. bought his present home with the money he earned- before he married, working at $25 per year, except $100 he received from his father's estate. They are located on section 32. Henry Dickensheets, the father of Mrs. Sarver, was born. in Maryland about 1795. When a young man he went to Kentucky, where he formed time acquaintance of Mary Hines, and came with her to Montgomery County, Ohio, about 1814, and was there married. It was here that Mrs. Sarver was born in 1831, and brought by her parents to Shelby County in 1832.


SAMUEL BIRD


was born in New Jersey in 1785. He was married to Alice Voorhees. They raised a family of eleven children. This family removed to Shelby County in 1832, and settled in Green Township. Here he entered a piece of land, which he cleared and made himself a home. He died in 1846. His wife died in 1853. Of the children there are six now living. Mrs. A ngcletta Frazer was the sixth of these eleven children. She was born in New Jersey in 1824,and was brought by her parents to Shelby County when eight years old. She lived at home with her parents until 1887, when she married John L. Sarver. A short time after their marriage they bought eighty acres of land in the timber. They had but one hundred dollars to pay on this land. They erected themselves a cabin, and commenced to make themselves a home. Within six years of the time they commenccd on their place they had it cleared, and paid for, and good buildings erected. A few years further on they had added to this three more eighty acre lots, which were soon put under cultivation. Mr. Sarver was one of the successful farmers of Orange Township. He was born in Virginia in 1817, and died in 1874. They raised a family of six children, whose names and date of birth are as follows: Samuel B., 1848; Perry Lee, 1849; Rebecca M., 1852; Elizabeth A., 1855 ; John G., 1859; and Jesse, 1862. At the death of Mr. Sarver he left an indebtedness of $1500, which Mrs. Sarver with the help of her children paid off, besides building their home. She has since the death of Mr. Sarver managed the farm herself. In 1875 she married George Frazer, with whom she lived until 1880. She resides on section 36.