HISTORY OF SHELBY COUNTY, OHIO - 325 circuit was divided, and Sidney circuit formed. Sidney remained the centre of Sidney circuit until 1843, when it was made a station, and Rev. David Warnock was returned as the first stationed preacher of this church. In 1867 the present church edifice was erected under the supervision of the Rev. W. J. Wells, but was not completed until 1874, under the management of Rev. J. Wykes. It was dedicated by Rev. Bishop R. S. Foster August 11, 1874. Sidney held its first quarterly conference on the 19th of April, 1824, while John W. Clark and James W. Findlay were preachers on the circuit. Sidney has three times been the seat of the annual conference; first. in 1847, when Bishop Janes presided ; the second time in 1874, when Bishop Andrews presided ; the third time in 1882, when Bishop Warren was the presiding bishop. From 1825 to 1880 forty-five preachers have been appointed to the Sidney charge, whose names we will give in chronological order, though some of them have served the charge the second time: Levi White, George Gate'', Thomas Beacham, Joshua Boucher, John W. Clark, James W. Findlay, Thomas Simms, William M. Sullivan, William Morrow, John Stewart, Peter Sharp, Daniel D. Davidson, James Smith, W. C. Clark, George W. Walker, David Kempler, Wilson Smith, Silas Chase, L. P. Miller, David Warnock, Madison Hausley, Samuel Lynch, George Taylor, L. W. James, Jacob A. Brown, William M. Spafford, M. L. Starr, Elmer Yocum, W. G. Wells, Joseph Wykes, William Lunt, Lemuel Herbert, S. H. Alderman, L. C. Webster, Jacob Holms, C. W. Ketcham, J. W. Alderman, J. L. Bates, Franklin Mariott, Gershon' Lease, T. C. Reade, Oliver Kennedy, and Louis M. Albright, who is the present pastor, May, 1880. Sidney has been favored with the preaching of the following presiding elders, in the following order: David Young, John Collins, James B. Findlay, John F. Wright, William H. Raper, Robert 0, Spencer, William S. Morrow, Samuel P. Shaw, Wesley Brock, H. M. Shaffer, J. S. Kalb, Alexander Harmount, Joseph Ayers,'Joseph Wykes, Wesley G. Waters, and S. L. Roberts. In one half century Sidney has sent out from its number fourteen preachers,, viz., Isaac Hunt, Joseph Park, George M. Bond, George. W. Taylor, P. G. Goode, John H. Bruce, A. C. Shaw, David Bulle, N. B. C. Love, if. Maltbie, A. Clawson, D. Rhinehart, Elanson Barber, and Levi Moore. The original church consisted of eight members; it now numbers about three hundred. The semi-centennial of Methodism in Sidney was held in the M. E. Church November 26, 27, and 28, 1875, when the Rev. T. C. Reade was pastor. The opening sermon was preached by Rev. David Rhinehart. On Saturday, November 27th, at 2 o'clock P. M., the Rev. J. R. Colgan preached, after which a tea party followed. One hundred and twenty-five of the congregation and visitors sat down at the social repast together. This was followed by toasts and responses from laymen and ministers. Wesley G. Waters preached on Sunday, and T. C. Reade read a short historical sketch of Methodism in Sidney. At the beginning of the year which closed September 8, 1880, there was a debt of $3300 on the church, which had encumbered and impaired its energies for many years. The pastor, L. M. Albright, by personal solicitation, succeeded in raising the whole amount needed to pay the debt. The subscriptions were at once converted into money or negotiable interest bearing notes. The notes were sold, and the money applied on the debt, and the last dollar of the indebtedness wiped out. At the Annual Conference of 1880 Rev. L. M. Albright was appointed presiding elder of Lima District, and ,Rev. P. P. Pope succeeded to the pastorate of Sidney charge. A jubilee of thanksgiving service on account of the liquidation of the debt on the church was held September 19, 1880, conducted by L. M. Albright, and participated in by Rev. David Bulle, Judge Conklin, and others. At the close of the service the following resolution was offered by L. M. Albright, and unanimously adopted:— Resolved, That it is the sense of this congregation that no debt shall ever be made on church or parsonage property, and that the trustees be requested to indorse this resolution, and record it in their books. During the years 1880 and 1881, under the pastorate of Rev. P. P. Pope, though resting from the payment of its heavy debt, which paid in negotiable notes the close of the year previous was yet to be paid by the members individually, added improvements to the amount of $525, including a stone pavement and 'a bell weighing 1526 pounds, one hundred dollars of this sum being a legacy left for that purpose by the late Irwin Nutt. During the second year additional improvements to the amount of $750 were made in ventilation, painting, new carpets, frescoing, water privileges, etc., and for the first time in twenty-five years the financial report at each quarterly meeting conference showed a balance in the treasury after the quarter's expenses were paid. The twenty-seventh session of the Central Ohio Annual Conference was held in Sidney September, 1882, Bishop Henry W. Warren presiding. Rev. Joseph Ayers was returned to the Bellefontaine district, and Daniel a Strong, after ten years on the Pacific coast, was, by special request, transferred to this conference, and stationed at Sidney. He entered upon his work Sunday after conference, and up to this date, January, 1883, reports an aggregate increase of 57, and a total membership of 421. Presbyterian Church. The Presbyterian Church in Sidney had its beginning in 1820, or perhaps 1821. Then the first missionary effort was made to establish preaching. In a year or two an organization was effected, which for some reason had a brief existence. The first permanent organization was in the month of September, 1825. Through the efforts of the Rev. Joseph Stevenson, a little band of people was gathered together in the old court-house, standing where stands now the house of L. C. Barkdull, and formed into a church called the Presbyterian Church of Sidney. That old court-house is used now as a blacksmith shop, by George L. Robbins, standing on the bank of the canal, immediately west of the place where it stood sixty years ago. The church originally consisted of eight members : Dr. William Fielding and his wife Elizabeth, John Fergus and his wife Margaret, William McClintock and his wife Sarah, James Forsythe, and Sarah Graham. Of these eight Mrs. Elizabeth Fielding alone survives. William Fielding and James Forsythe were the first ruling elders. Preaching statedly was furnished by the Rev. Joseph Stevenson for a few years, and then by the Rev. Sayers Gaylay. Uniting with the church at an early period in its history were Joseph Cummins and his wife, Samuel McCullough and his wife, Hugh Wilson and his wife, Allen Wills and his wife. In the year 1833 the little congregation built its first house of worship, costing the round sum of $900; the house standing on the rear of the lot on which the new house now stands. In this little structure the people worshipped for thirteen years. The house still stands on the same street north of the railroad, doing service for the " Steel Scraper Company." During the year 1834 the Rev. Samuel Cleland became a stated supply to the church, which position he filled for five years. After him ministerial services were rendered for longer or shorter periods by the Rev. J. T. Hendricks, the Rev. - Greer, the Rev. - Hare, and the Rev. ___ Bonar. In 1842, on the 9th day of March, the church extended a call to the Rev. W. B. Spense, who was then preaching in Troy, which call he accepted, and labored as the first regularly installed pastor of the church for twenty-two years. Brother Spense still lives with his estimable wife, enjoying a happy old age in his home near Sidney. In 1845 the congregation resolved to build a larger and better house of worship; and the brick church which stood for more than thirty years was the result of their effort. After the resignation of the Rev. W. B. Spense the Rev. Daniel Bridge was called, and accepted the pastorate of the church, preaching for nine months, when, owing to ill health, he resigned the charge, and with that the ministry, and engaged in other work. On the 1st day of October, 1866, the present pastor, the Rev. R. McCaslin, came to this church, where he has been laboring, with little 'interruption, ever since. A few years ago a move was made to build, not a larger, but a better house of worship. With unity and zeal and liberality the work was undertaken, and the present house, complete in all its parts, a model of beauty and convenience, costing twenty-five thousand dollars, crowns the people,s efforts. United Presbyterian. Although services were held at Sidney under the direction of this denomination prior to 1829, that year must be taken as the foundation date of the Sidney congregation; During this year Rev. John Reynolds was sent here as a half-time supply by the First Associate Reformed Presbytery of Ohio. In October of the same year he organized a congregation of twelve members. The last survivor of the organization membership was Mrs. Abigail, who died Feb. 12, 1879. The first ruling elders were Mr. Rob,t W. Stephenson and Mr. Samuel Gamble, the latter having held the same office in the Associated Reformed congregation of Xenia, Ohio. During the first few years the congregation only had occasional preaching, but in October, 1834, Rev. James Porter was appointed stated supply for Piqua and Sidney, one-fourth of his time being given to the latter place. After two years, labors in this field the pastor was called elsewhere, and the congregation was again dependent upon occasional supplies until October, 1837. In this year the congregation extended a call to Rev. Samuel Sturgeon, who accepted and entered at once upon his labors. He remained until 1840, and saw the membership of the congregation increase to seventy. In March, 1841, Rev. C. T. McCaughan was appointed stated supply, and in the following June accepted a call to the pastorate, entering upon his pastoral duties July 10th. During his labors, which continued until the close of the year 1857, h received one hundred and two into church membership on profession, and sixty-three by certificate. Eleven adults and one hundred and thirty-seven children were baptized. Thirty members died, fifty-one were dismissed by certificate, and four were suspended. Prayer-meetings and a Sabbath-school were organized, and the building now occupied erected. The sixteen years, ministry of Rev. McCaughan was attended by great congregational growth and development. On May 25, 1858, the union of the Associate and Associate Reformed churches was consummated, 326 - HISTORY OF SHELBY COUNTY, OHIO. and from this time the Sidney congregation (Associate Reformed) took the name of the United Presbyterian Church of Sidney. A call was afterward extended to Rev. J. G. Armstrong, and he was ordained and installed Nov. 15, 1859. During his ministry of nearly four years the congregation gained thirty-three members. Rev. Armstrong was released to take charge of the First U. P. Church at St. Louis, and subsequently withdrew from the U. P. ministry to enter that of the Protestant Episcopal Church in Virginia. On the 31st of July. 1864, Rev. M. M. Gibson, a licentiate of Philadelphia Presbytery, was installed as the successor of Rev. Armstrong. During his labors the congregation enjoyed an accession of thirty-three members. In 1866 the Assembly saw fit to transfer Rev. Gibson to the mission field at San Francisco, where his subsequent labors were heralded with great praise by the whole church. On November 19, 1867, Rev. J. W. Bain was ordained and installed as pastor of the congregation. He was a preacher of great force, and gave promise of adding new life to the congregation; but at the end of about a year he was released to take charge of the U. P. congregation at New Castle, Pa. He was subsequently transferred to the Mission Church of Chicago, and finally to Hamilton, Ohio. He was soon succeeded at Sidney by Rev. J. A. Bailey, who began his labors on the first Sabbath of February, 1869, and was installed pastor on the 15th of the following June. He remained with the congregation until May 16, 1876, when he was released, at his own request, to accept the pastorate of the U. P. Church at Wellsville, Ohio. During his labors in Sidney about ninety persons were admitted into church membership, and a young people's prayer-meeting was organized. On April 2,1878, Rev. R. J. Miller was ordained and installed as pastor of the congregation, in which capacity he labored until December, 1880. He was succeeded by Rev. J. T. Wilson on the 1st of January, 1882, who served until October of the same year, when failing health admonished him to ask his release. He was succeeded by Rev. J. P. Sharp on June 1,1883; who is pastor at this writing. The present membership of the congregation is 152. The ruling elders are, Andrew Ritchey, J. C. Fry, J. T. Cunningham, R. Ewing, H. Wilson, and A. Leach. Deacons, H. Wilson, Andrew McClean, David Ritchey, George Hutchinson, and J. T. Fry. Trustees, J. T. Fry. M. Bonner, and D. Ritchey. The Sabbath-school, organized in 1842, has been maintained ever since, each year only serving to renew and increase its vigor and vitality. It is now under the superintendence of Samuel Gamble. Of the houses of worship it may be said, the old court-house was first used in 1835 a frame building, now occupied by the German Lutherans, was erected at a cost of about $700. This was followed in 1854 by the building now used, which was erected at a cost of $10,000. Altogether the church has enjoyed temporal prosperity and growth from the period of its organization up to the present. It has never suffered any decimation through dissensions, and can fully realize the meaning of the Psalmist when he exclaimed : "Behold, how good and how pleasant it is for brethren to dwell together in unity." First Regular Baptist Church. At a meeting of the Miami Union Baptist Association, held with the Fletcher Church in Aug. 1869, the attention of that body was called to Sidney by W. M. Whitaker, who had recently settled in the place. On the 13th of the following Nov. E. M. Thresher and G. N. Bierce, of Dayton, visited Sidney as a missionary committee of the association. They, together with W. M. Whitaker, visited every Baptist family known in the town. On the evening of that day prayer meeting was held at the house of Mary Whitman, and on Sabbath morning a meeting of like character was held at the home of Elizabeth Fletcher On Sabbath afternoon a Bible-class (out of which a Sabbath-school afterward grew) was organized at the home of John Grey. It was agreed to meet every Sabbath for the study of the Scriptures, and on every Thursday evening for prayer and conference. Thus foundations were laid for a society. After Dec. 1, 1869, preaching was frequently supplied by the ministers of the association, who voluntarily took turns in paying us these much needed visits. At this time the meetings were held in what was then, and is still known as, Union Hall. On Thursday evening, Jan. 27, 1870, a small company of members of different Baptist churches met at the home of Mrs. Mary Whitman. The result of that meeting was the organization of what has since been known as the First Regular Baptist ̊Church of Sidney, Ohio. The names of the seven original members are as follows : W. M. Whitaker, Mary Whitaker, John Grey, Anna Perrin, A. S. Moore, John Holverstolt, and Callie Holverstolt. At this meeting was adopted a church covenant, and also what is generally known as the New Hampshire Articles of Faith. At a subsequent meeting suitable officers were elected. On the 20th of May, 1870, a council convened with us, by which the society was recognized as a regularly organized Baptist church. On that occasion the sermon was preached by Dr. J. R. Banners, now editor of the Baptist Review. On Oct,. 1, 1870, Rev. A. Snyder became the first pastor of the church, preaching one-half of the time. But this arrangement did not long continue. On account of declining health the pastor offered his resignation, so that on Feb. 7, 1871, the little society was again without a pastor. In June, 1870, the little Bible-class alluded to above had assumed the proportions of a Sunday-school, and, under the pastorate of Bro. Snyder, the school was quite largely attended. But after the pastor's resignation it declined, and finally a brief suspension. But those most interested in the work felt ill at ease so long as nothing was being done in this important department of the Lord's work. About this time help came through J. Dann, of the Methodist Church, who agreed to aid in reopening the school. This was June 18, 1871, since which time there has been no suspension. On Feb. 4, 1872, having been without a pastor for just one year, a call was extended to Rev. T. J. Shepherd of Clyde, Ohio. This call was accepted, and he entered the pastorate March 1, 1872. Up to this time there was no permanent house for worship. After occupying Union Hall for one year, the lecture-room of the German M. E. Church was secured for a few months. But with the coming Of Bro. Shepherd a new energy was infused among the brethren, and they began to look about them for a church home of their own. It was ascertained that the old M. E. Church property could be bought. On the 25th of March a committee was appointed to purchase the property, and on April 20th the first payment was made, and a deed was executed in favor of the trustees by J. W. Carey, who was the owner of the property at that time. The amount paid for the property was $1700. The contract called for five hundred dollars to be paid in cash, and the balance in five annual payments with eight per cent. interest. The financial ability of the church was very weak at this time. The entire membership was only fifteen, and the only male members were Deacons W. M. Whitaker and J. Grey. But, led by an efficient pastor, and aided by numerous friends, the little church bore herself nobly. During the first year of Bro. Shepherd's pastorate almost $1200 were raised for different purposes and from various sources, and year after year the payments on the church property were net until the debt was cancelled. On May 1, 1876, after laboring four years and two months Bro. Shepherd closed his labors, and the church was without a pastor for eight months, when on Jan. 28, 1877, Rev. J. C. Tuttle, of Bellefontaine, accepted a call, and served for six months, when they were again left pastorless for eighteen months. During this interval preaching was enjoyed only occasionally, by visiting brethren. At a meeting of the society, held on Feb. 28,1878, a call was extended to Perry W. Longfellow of Jamestown, Ohio. This call was accepted, but on account of protracted illness the pastor did not enter the field until Jan. 3, 1879. He served until June, 1882. Oct. 1, 1882, Rev. E. B. Smith accepted a call, and is the present pastor. The present membership is forty-seven, with a Sabbath-school of eighty scholars and teachers. The present deacons arc W. M. Whitaker and R. R. Blue. Trustees, W. M. Whitaker, Jos. Herbert, and W. A. McAdoo. Holy Angels' Catholic Church, Sidney, Ohio. The history of this congregation is but a repetition of others that have formed themselves in America. In the year 1848 only a small number of Catholics resided in Sidney, but they formed themselves into a society. Poor and few as they were, they were obliged to assemble in a private dwelling-house and there hold their religious services. In 1850 Rev. Thomas Shehan ministered to these few; he was succeeded by Rev. John Quinlan, the lately deceased Bishop of Mobile, Alabama, who then resided at Piqua, but looked after, and cared for, the spiritual wants of the Catholics of Sidney. About this time a frame building, which had served as a cooper's shop, was purchased and soon converted into a place of worship. It was here where thc small band of Catholics assembled to worship according to the dictates of their conscience. Although humble and poorly furnished as this house of worship was, yet the then few members prided themselves in having their own church building. But this quiet and pleasantness was to be only of short duration, for in the year 1855 this was blown up with powder and stone, totally wrecking it. This again was a terrible stroke for the few members, but they felt determined that they must have a place to hold their religious service, but what could they do? For almost three years were services held in different halls of the town. The mission was during these years attended to by the then resident priests of Piqua, Fathers Hemstegger and Kennedy. In 1856 a subscription list was opened, and the site upon which the present church stands was purchased by Messrs. Mathias Wagner, Peter Wagner, and John Smith, trustees of the congregation, and the building of the church was at once begun, and in 1858 it was ready for service. Fathers Andrew, C.P.P.S. and Jacobs, C.P.P.S. were attending this mission at that time. At this time the few Catholics began to consider the necessity of a school in which to instruct their children ; but to or with what to do this was a problem difficult to solve. They knew that unless their children were reared up in their religion the future congregation would be neither increasing in number nor zeal. To solve this difficulty, a parti- HISTORY OF SHELBY COUNTY, OHIO - 327 tion was run across the west end of the church from north to south, which gave a room 23 by 50 feet, and here the school was opened with an attendance of twenty children. The mission was in charge of (from 1860-1862) Revs. N. Thisse, Hennyberry, and Prendergast, who resided at Wapakoneta. Rev. Florentine D'Arcy succeeded in 1862, and was the first resident priest in Sidney ; he set to work and had the church finished as it now stands. It became necessary to remodel the partition and also to get other school localities. Many perplexing questions presented themselves. At last it was resolved to fit up an old frame building which stood on the west end of the church lot; work was commenced, and in a few days it was all ready, a good, large and comfortable room, with thirty-two pupils in attendance. In 1865 Rev. Florentine D'Arcy was succeeded by Rev. William D'Arcy as pastor of the congregation, and he in 1866 by Rev. William O'Rourke, who remained only a short time. In 1867 Rev. John D. Kress became pastor and remained three years. In 1870 Rev. William Sidley took charge of the congregation, and was succeeded by Rev. Henry Rowecamp, and in March, 1875, Rev. Francis M. Quatman became the rector of Holy Angels' Church. At this time the church consisted of 110 families, and the pupils on the school roll numbered 95. He at once went to work with an iron will, by calling a meeting of the congregation, which was getting able to stand alone, he explaining his plans, infusing courage to all, he commenced by enlarging the gallery in the church and having the building to undergo a thorough renovation. In January, 1876, a subscription list was started for the purpose of raising funds for the erection of another school building, and in a few weeks the old frame school-house was removed to make place for the present building. In September of the same year it was opened, with 112 pupils. The cost of the building was $4756 ; the outside walls measure 40 by 60 with cupola and cross : two stories high, with basements ; contains four school-rooms, a library-room and entry, halls in both stories. At this date thcre are 185 names on the 'roll for the year 1883. It is a well-graded school, the course ten years—comprising six years primary, two intermediate, two years higher studies. There is also a department of music connected with the school in which instrumental and vocal lessons are taught ; this department is taught in the Sisters' residence. The rector of the church is ex-officio director of the school. All the branches of the school are taught by the Sisters of Charity from Cedar Grove, near Cincinnati. There are at present five Sisters engaged in teaching. The school is supported by a small monthly fee for tuition, by collections and donations from the members of the church ; those parents who on account of obvious reasons cannot contribute towards maintaining the school, no charge is made. In January, 1876, a lot north of the church grounds was purchased, and in the summer of 1880 the old frame building which had stood there for years was removed, and the present brick dwelling erected and occupied by the Sisters of Charity. The cost of the building alone amounted to over $3000. The seating capacity of the church is about 400 on the main floor, and the galleries will seat 150. The church building is 80 by 50 feet, 35 feet high, with a tower of 110 feet, which contains a peal of three bells. There are belonging to this church 610 communicants-160 families, and over 800 souls, counting men, women, and children. During 1882 there were '23 burials and 29 baptisms. Societies.—Branch No. 215 Catholic Knights of America. Sacred Heart Married Ladies' Sociality. Immaculate Conception Sodality for Young Ladies. St. Aloysius' Sodality for Boys. Children of Mary Society for Girls, Society of the Holy Childhood for Children, and orphan society for support of diocesan orphan asylum. SECRET SOCIETIES. Temperance Lodge No. 73 of Free and Accepted Masons was instituted at Sidney, Shelby County, Ohio, March 3, 1825. The officers of the R. W. Grand Lodge, who granted the charter, were W. W. Irwin, Grand Master; David R. Miller, Deputy Grand Master; Samuel Wheeler, Grand Senior Warden; G. R. Fitzgerald, Grand Junior Warden; A. McDonald, Grand Secretary. The petitioners were Dr. William Fielding, Robert Blakely, John Lenox, James Wells, Elisha Williams, John Blakely, James DePuy, John McCorkle, Abraham Kensinger, and Lemuel Loughrey. William Fielding was installed Worshipful Master ; Robert Blakely, Senior Warden; and John Lenox, Junior Warden. It was named Temperance Lodge, aftcr the first cardinal virtue of a mason, which teaches every brother to place a due restraint upon his passions and his appetites. The following brethren have filled the office of Worshipful Master. We give the date of their election and term of service: William Field- ing, 1825-'28; Thomas E. English, 1829-'30; Wm. Fielding, 1831-'51; Wm. V. Cowan, 1852-'53; Wm. Fielding, 1854-'58; Wm. V. Cowan, 1859-'61; Wm. Fielding, 1862-'64; Irwin Nutt, 1865-'66; G. C. Anderson, 1867-'74; Hartman Miller, 1875-'76; H. W. Thompson, 1877-'78; John E. Barnard, 1878-'80; David Oldham, 1881-'83. The present officers of the lodge are David Oldham, W. M.; John M. Nutt, S. W.; H. W. Thompson, T.; J. E. McCullough, S. D.; Abe Herz-stain, T.; James S. Crozier, J. W.; J. S. Read, G.; Wm. Crozier, J. D. The lodge holds regular meetings on — Thursday of each month on or before the full moon. Temperance Lodge No. 73 celebrated its fiftieth anniversary at Sidney Jan. 10, 1875. The attendance from the neighboring lodges amounted to four hundred brethren. Brother A. L. McKinney, of Troy, made the address. He was followed by Dr. Keifer, of Troy. After these speeches the brethren were invited to a magnificent banquet at the Odd Fellows Hall. Toasts and speeches followed the banquet. The impromptu speakers were Rev. T. C. Reade, Brothers John E. Cummins, Robert McMurray, A. B. Cole, N. R. Burress, and A. L. McKinley. The first lodge was held in the old hotel kept by Brother Hail-man, and now occupied and owned by Mr. Wagner on the north side of Poplar Street next to Messrs. Zinn & Hoover's store. The second was in the Union Hotel, on the south side of Poplar Street between Ohio and West streets, near the stone bridge, when an article of agreement was entered into between James Blair and the lodge for. six years from September, 1845. The third lodge room was in R. L. Fry's building, on the southeast corner of Main and Poplar streets, which the lodge has occupied since 1855. On account of the antimasonic excitement consequent on the death of William Morgan, the lodge suspended their labors in 1835, to be resumed at the call of the Worshipful Master. God in his Providence spared the life of their beloved Worshipful Master, William Fielding, to call the craft in 1845 to resume labor, and from that time forward the principles and tenets of the masonic order have been cultivated and promoted in Sidney and the surrounding country. We desire also to state in this connection that Brother W. Fielding had the honor of presiding as Worshipful Master for a period of twenty-seven years, to which may be added the nine years of the suspension of the lodge, making in all thirty-four years. During its suspension Bro. Fielding was de facto the Worshipful Master. We may state that the lodge never surrendered its charter, and the R. W. Grand Lodge of Ohio, at a meeting held in October, 1845, heard all the facts of the case from Brother Fielding, who was present, and they unanimously passed a resolution for Lodge 73 to resume their labors, as the charter had never been suspended, and during these nine years the brethren had carried out the principles of the order, being compelled by circumstances over which they had no control to suspend their labors. We now retrace our steps to June 24, 1826, when the lodge met for a twofold purpose, viz., the consecration of the Masonic Hall and the installation of officers. The lodge was opened in the court-house by Past Grand Master John Snow. The fraternity formed a procession, and marched to the lodge room, when the hall was consecrated and officers installed according to ancient usage. After these imposing ceremonies the brethren and the visiting brethren and officers reformed and marched to Mr. Blake's hotel, where the ladies and brethren partook of a sumptuous dinner prepared by the committee. Toasts werc read and responded to. Brother John Johnston, Indian agent of Piqua, being prevented by indisposition from attending, sent the following sentiment: "May the glorious immortal principles of Freemasonry ever continue in active operation to the latest posterity !" The lodge immediately thereafter passed the following resolution:— Resolved, That Brother James DePuy be appointed to communicate to our worthy Brother John Johnston, the brotherly and sympathetic feeling of this lodge on account of his privation, and to return him our sincere thanks for his active aid in forwarding some of the necessary preparations for this solemn occasion. The lodge, on January 28, 1847, passed the following preamble and resolutions:— Whereas, Our beloved institution has recently been assailed in this place by the enemies of our most ancient order in the most unjust and cruel manner: And Whereas, Those assailants were most ably and successfully met, and completely overwhelmed by the ability and eloquence displayed in the defence of our venerable fraternity by our worthy Brother William Fielding; therefore Resolved, unanimously, that the thanks of this lodge be tendered to the Worshipful Master Brother Fielding, for the ability, zeal, and eloquence displayed by him in successfully defending the masonic institution against the repeated, violent, and, as we sincerely believe, perfectly unjustifiable attacks of the enemies of our order. Brother Fielding took an active and efficient part in acquiring a full and perfect knowledge of masonry, its origin, and its principles. To understand one particular part of the order he wrote a letter to the celebrated Rev. Brother George Oliver, of England—the learned Masonic historian—whose name is familiar to every brother. From him he received an answer, with his views. This autograph letter Temperance Lodge 73 directed to be framed to adorn the hall of the lodge and preserve its sentiments, as well as hand down the names of Brothers Fielding and Oliver. We give it in full :- " COSSEWICK VICARAGE, England, March 29, 1849. DEAR SIR AND BROTHER: In answer to your enquiry whether I am able to give you instructions on Symbolic-Red-and-Black Masonry, together with all the Lectures 328 - HISTORY OF SHELBY COUNTY, OHIO. "technically correct" in the 33d of the Rite Anciens, I am sorry to confess altho' many years ago I was tolerably au fait at them, yet when I inform you that I am nearly seventy years of age, and that it is thirty years since I occupied the chair of a lodge, chapter, or consistory, you will not wonder that much of the technical lectures has escaped my recollection. It is probable that with some trouble I might succeed in recovering a considerable portion of them, but other pursuits will scarcely leave me sufficient leisure for the purpose. Besides even in symbolic masonry our lodges are not uniform in their system of lecturing. It is true our Grand Lodge imposed a series of lecturing at the great reunion in 1813, but they are not in general use, nor do I see how they can be, for some portion of them are scarcely orthodox. Many lodges, therefore, prefer the old formula which was introduced by Brother Preston about the latter end of the last century—in fact our lodges not only differ in working but also in recognition. In Scotland the system varies considerably from ours. They have no rough or perfect ashler—nor any allusion to the Masonic Ladder, or to Faith, Hope, and Charity. They have no deacons, and their mode of opening and closing a lodge is different. In like manner the Irish lectures offer many varieties, and with respect to the higher degrees the discrepancies are still more multifarious. To name only a single instance. The degree called "Kadosh" assumes many anomalous forms. As originally constituted at Lyons in 1763, it was for overturning .both civic and ecclesiastical government, at least so I am informed, for I have not seen a copy of the Petit Elu, as it was first called. It was afterwards converted by the Jesuitical Chapter, or College of Clermont, into a degree, where the candidate was taught to imprecate vengeance on all the opponents of the Templars. This was the original degree of Kadosh in the Rite Anciens; but for many years in France Kadosh has been changed into a Philosophical and very stupid degree, with nothing of the old Kadosh but the secrets. The Kadosh of Baron Hunde is the same as was practised in London before 1782, which I suspect is the ladder of seven steps alluded to in the certificate formerly given to Knights Templar by the Grand Conclave of England. In the College of La Rouge there is a Philosophical Kadosh, or Grand Elu Chevalier de L'Aigle blance et noir, and another in that of Peyroc. The twenty-seventh degree of Misraim is called Kadosh Prince de la Mort. Sometimes Kadosh is given as a separate order, and then it is composed of three steps or degrees : 1. Illustrious Knight of the Temple. 2. Knight of the Black Eagle. 3. Grand Elected. The Kadosh in Holland is totally different, and is rather a religious degree. It consists of three steps, the last being honorary and without secret. This is traditionally said to have been carried to the Cape of Good Hope by a Scotch-man, and brought from thence to Amsterdam. Under these circumstances I am afraid you will find great difficulty in rendering the various lectures in every system of Freemasonry to any degree of uniformity, nor are you likely to succeed in finding any person who will be able to devote sufficient time and attention to the task of collating all the various modes of working, so as to form one consistent and uniform course of lectures which may invest Freemasonry with the dignity of a progressive science. I think there is not a man in England at the present time who would be both able and willing to accomplish this great undertaking satisfactorily. Indeed we look to you (Americans) as our authority for the working of the thirty-three degrees of the Rite Anciens, and accepted as our Supreme Council-derives its existence from the United States, altho' I received and conferred the degrees many years ago, and delivered a series of lectures upon them, which differ essentially from those now in use. If, however, I can be of any assistance to you on particular points I shall be most happy. My masonic works may, any of them, be had of Brother James Herring, of New York, and also Brother C. W. Moore, of Boston. Believe me to be ever, Sir, your faithful brother, W. FIELDING, ESQ. GEORGE OLIVER. Sidney Chapter, No. 130, received a Dispensation March 11, 1871, and- the Charter was granted October 2, 1872. The following Companions were the officers of the M. E. Grand Chapter: C. F. Kieffer, Grand High Priest; Reuben C. Lemon, Deputy Grand High Priest ; I. P. Hovey, G. King ; James W. Underhill, G., Scribe ; James Nesbitt, Grand Secretary. The first officers of Sidney Chapter, No. 130, were, Eli B. Honnell, High Priest ; John G. Stephenson, King ; Thomas A. Dutton, Scribe. The charter members were, Companions John G. Stephenson, Thomas Dutton, J. R. Kendall, B. C. Epler, Jos. Wykes, W. H. Mitchell, Richard D. Bell, S. Verdier, and Alexander Green. The present officers of Sidney Chapter, 130, are : H. W. Thompson, H. P.; M. Pepper, S.; D. Oldham, P. S.; R. M. Zuver, G. M. 3 V.; J. M. Nutt, G. M. 1 V.; J. S. Crozier, K:; R. R. Blue, C. H.; W. M. Johnston, R. A. C.; T. F. "Wilkinson, G. M. 2 V.; A. Miller, G; James S. Read, Secretary. The regular meetings are held in the Masonic Hall on Thursday after full moon of each month. I. 0. 0. F. Sidney Lodge, No. 60.—This lodge was organized in 1846, and has since that time not only maintained its organization, but also gave evidence of continued prosperity and usefulness. The initial steps of its establishment will appear by the following entry, taken from the lodge records :- " Odd Fellows' Hall, Sidney, March 10, 1846 : Bros. J. Hallman, W. M. Ross, T. M. Carey, E. Pretzman, A. G. Wilder, M. Thompson, R. Rodgers, members of the I. 0. 0. F., residing in Sidney, being desirous of establishing a lodge in Sidney, and having petitioned the Grand Lodge of Ohio for a charter for the same, said charter was granted, and P. G. I. Kelly, of Piqua Lodge No. 8, was duly appointed with full powers to carry said charter into effect. Accordingly, a number of brothers from Springfield, Troy, and Piqua Lodges met the petitioners at the Masonic Hall for the purpose of instituting Sidney Lodge, No. 60. Bro. I. M. Kills, of Springfield Lodge, was called to the Noble Grand's chair; Bro. Webb, of Piqua Lodge, was appointed treasurer ; Bro. Tullis, of Troy Lodge, secretary ; Bro. Marlay, of Troy Lodge, guardian ; and Bro. Powers, of Troy Lodge, marshal: Special deputy Kelly then instituted Sidney Lodge No. 60 I. 0. 0. F. in form. The Lodge then proceeded to initiate and elect the necessary officers, which resulted as follows: Noble Grand, Jonathan Hailman ; Vice Grand, W. M. Ross ; Secretary, A. G. Wilder ; Treasurer, T. M. Carey. Bros. T. M. Carey and 0. Pretzman applied for the first, second, third, fourth, and fifth degrees, which were granted and dispensation issued for the conferring the same forthwith. The Lodge then adjourned till after the meeting of the Degree Lodge. After the above degrees were conferred the body again organized. The officers were then regularly installed into office by special deputy P. G. Kelly. The following petitions were then received and referred to Brothers Rodgers, Carey, and Ross, with instructions to report forthwith : Samuel Hutton, occupation, saddler; residence, Sidney : II. A. Stevens, occupation, boatman ; res. Sidney: Samuel Lamb, occupation, clerk ; res. Sidney : B. McClain, occupation, saddler ; res. Sidney : Thos. Blake, occupation, carpenter ; res. Sidney : D. Bulle, occupation, portrait painter ; res. Sidney : B. W. Carey, occupation, merchant ; res. Sidney : H. S. Conklin, occupation, physician ; res. Sidney : James Irwin, occupation, cabinetmaker; res. Sidney: W. B. Brown, occupation, saddler; res. Sidney : J. Fracker, occupation, saddler ; res. Sidney : F. A. Hardy, occupation, cooper res. Sidney : A. Coon, occupation, tailor ; res. Sidney : T. C. McQuilty, occupation, merchant ; res. Hardin. The committee on above petitions reported favorably in each case. The report was accepted, the committee discharged, and candidates balloted for separately. Dispensations were then granted by special deputy Kelly for the initiation of the above candidates, and all, with the exception of James Irwin, were then introduced and regularly initiated into the mysteries of Odd Fellowship. R. Rodgers and H. Beale were regularly admitted members on cards. The following brothers were appointcd to fill the subordinate offices : B. McClain, R. H. S. N. G.; W. B. Brown, L. H. S. N. G.; S. Hutton, S. W.; P. Blake, J. W.; D. Bulle, Con.; M. Thompson, J. G.; J. Fracker, 0. J.; R. Rodgers, R. H. S. S. ; S. Lamb, L. H. S. S.; B. W. Carey, R. H. S. V. G. ;    Stevens, L. H. S. V. G.; H. S. Conklin, A. S. Brother A. G. -Wilder tendered his resignation as secretary, which was accepted, and Bro. E. Pretzman was nominated, elected, and regularly installed in the office of secretary. The Lodge then adjourned to meet to-morrow, at 7 o'clock A. M. Pursuant to adjournment, the Lodge met and organized. On motion, the following orders were issued to pay bills : To R. F. Cole, for painting, $5; to J. Keely, $5.80; to J. Keely, for M $8.50; to R. Rodgers, for hat, $3.50 ; to R. Rodgers, for stationery, 20 cents ; to Mrs. Carr, for regalia, $2 ; to Mrs. Oglesby, for regalia, 75 cents. P. G. Joseph Kelly was appointed to procure three dozen M  Brother H. S. Conklin was appointed to procure one set chairs for the use of the Lodge. Brother Fracker was appointed to clean the hall. The petition of H. B. Thorn, inn-keeper, Sidney, was then received and referred to Bros. Rodgers, Pretzman, and T. M. Carey. The receipts of the meeting were, evh : S. Lamb, $7 ; T. M. McQuilty, $10; W. G. Brown, $7; B. McClain, $7; S. Hutton, $7; J. Fracker, $7; T. Blake $7; D. Bulle, $7; W. Carey, $7; F. A. Hardy, $7; H. S. Conklin, $7 ; Blake, H. Stevens, $7 ; making a total of $87. There being no further business, the Lodge closed in harmony. Attest: H. S. CONKLIN, A. S." At a meeting held March 24, 1846, the Committee on Contract with J. S. Updegraff for a room for hall purposes, reported a contract, which was approved and signed. Brother Blake was appointed to procure a plan of Piqua Lodge-room and furnish Mr. Updegraff with the same. Brother Bulle was appointed to paste the songs of the Lodge on cards. Brothers Conklin and T. M. Carey were appointed to procure a seal for the use of the Lodge. At a meeting under date of March 31, 1846, Bro. Thompson tendered HISTORY OF SHELBY COUNTY, OHIO - 329 his resignation as N. G., which was accepted, and Bro. R. B. Conklin appointed to fill the vacancy.  On the 7th of April, 1846, the Committee on the Draft of Constitution presented by the Grand Lodge, reported adversely and was discharged. On May 5, 1846, H. S. Conklin was elected secretary for one year. The election held June 16, 1846, resulted . as follows : Wm. M. Ross, N. G.; E. Pretzman, V. G. ; T. Blake, Sec. ; B. W. Carey, Treas. Election Sept. 15, 1846 : E. Pretzman, N. G. ; T. Blake, V. G. ; D. Bulle, R. S.; R. Rodgers, P. S.; C. Starrett, Treas. Election December 2,9, 1846: Thos. Blake, N. G.; D. Billle, V. G.; Benj. McClain, C. S.; Paul Mowry, Treasurer. The following list represents the Past Grands of the Society exclusive of those already mentioned : T. M. Carey, H. S. Conklin, B. McClain, David Bulle, J. A. Cox, A. Clawson, W. Mills, D. L. Bush, R. Given, A. J. Edwards, Jacob Fracker, D. W. Stockstill, W. W. Skillen, S. Alex. Leckey, John Sinks, George W: Metzker, George Kraft, A. J. Rebstock, J. J. Nutt, Henry Johnston, Levi Ewing, R. E. Johnston, Jasper N. Nutt, W. Snevely, P. C. Wicoff, N. R. Wyman, George Vogel, George D. Leckey, Alex. Ramsey, Jacob Y oung, .Ira J. Peebles, Daniel Toy, John Conner, H. W. Thompson, P. B. Birch, Daniel Yohe, W. D. Hughes, Geo. W. Hendershott, Lewis Huddle, A. S. Lanpher, R. Smeltzer, C. E. Bush, Sollenberger, W. M. Hall, T. M. Smeltzer, Tobe Weinstine, Enoch Anderson, James 0. Amos, Harvey Guthrie, Rev. J. R. Colgin, James A. Hall, C. W. McKee, Michael Smith, W. M.. Toy, Abe Herzstam, W. W. Robertson, C. E. Johnston, B. W. Joslin, J. S. Laughlin. The officers at this time are : Hudson Gartley, Noble Grand ; W. A. Morrow, Vice Grand; Samuel D. Voress, Secretary; Levi Ewing, Treas. The Lodge now embraces one hundred and twenty-nine members, and is in a prosperous condition. The lodge-room is well adapted to its uses, and is well and tastefully furnished. The Lodge meets on Tuesday evening of each week. Osceola Encampment No., 63.—This society organized in 1855, as shown by the following minute abstracted from the records. " Sidney, Wednesday, April 4, 1855. The following-named patriarchs, petitioners for a subordinate encampment at Sidney, assembled for the purpose of being instituted, to wit: Milton Bailey, A. S. Miller, D. Bulle, Wm. Snevely, J. E. Bailey, G. W. Boyer, and L. Bimel." R. W. G. Sec., J. Greswold, specially deputized by the M. W. G. Patriarch, being present, proceeded to the initiation of Osceola Encampment No. 63, and declared the same duly instituted. The following is the list of officers elected and installed: J. E. Bailey, Chief Patriarch ; David Billle, High Priest; Wm. Snevely, Senior Warden ; G. W. Boyer, Junior Warden ; M. Bailey, Scribe; L. Bimel, Treasurer. The Grand Patriarch granted a dispensation to receive the proposition of the following brethren: J. L. Roberts, Joseph, Conner, T. M. Phillips, and J. liaise, who were then introduced and initiated into the order. The following list comprises the names of the Chief Patriarchs since the organization of the body : M. Bailey, 1855; Abraham Clawson, 1856; C. Moulford, 1857; L. M. Cowan, 1858; J. W. Mills, 1859; D. L. Bush, 1859; S. A. Leckey, 1860; J. Tateham, 1860; E. Geer, 1861; M. Fares, 1861; Ignatz Weingartner, 1862; D. W. Stockstill, 1862; John liaise, 1863; J. W. Mills, 1863; J. W. Mills, 1864; J. J. Nutt, 1864; R. Given, 1865; R. E. Johnston, 1865; L. Ewing, 1866; R. E. Johnston, 1866; Geo. Vogel and J. Allinger, 1867; E. Anderson and G. Lenhart, 1868; lows: For the year 1882 Hudson Gartley, and for the year 1883, G. E. Allinger. Geo. Kraft and Alex. Ramsey, 1669; J. N. Nutt and Tobe Weinstein, 1870; Ira J. Peebles and Clay R. Joslin, 1871; Daniel Toy and Wm. Haslup, 1872; B. W. Joslin and John Conner, 1873; W. M. Toy and C. E. Bush, 1874 ; G. W. Hendershott and J. A. Hall, 1875; M. Smith and T. M. Smeltzer, 1876; D. L. Bush, 1877; Ira J. Peebles and T. M. Smeltzer, 1878; Elias Geer and W. M. Toy, 1879; D. L. Bush and S. C. Bonham 1880; P. B. Birch and A. S. Lanpher, 1881; J. S. Laughlin, 1882; Hudson Gartley, 1883. This society consists of an active membership of seventy-eight, and is in a good working and prosperous condition. Regular meetings are held on the first and third Fridays of each month. Patriarchal Circle. A Temple of this order was instituted in Sidney on May 18, 1882, by Deputy Supreme Oracle, H. M. Innis, of Columbus, Ohio, assisted by L. W. Sherwood, Oracle of Ohio Temple No. 1., P. C., with the following patriarchs as charter members : D. L. Bush, A. J. Robertson, J. S. Laughlin, Levi Ewing, Frank Fruchey, J. Newton Nutt, C. E. Bush; G. W. Hendershott, Hudson Gartley, B. W. Joslin, John Conner, J. G. McCune, E. B. Fristoe, R. Smeltzer, A. S. Lanpher, B. C. Epler, A. H. Kite, P. R. Hunt, T. M. Hussey, G. E. Allinger, Ira J. Peebles, T. M. Smeltzer, S. W. Boyer, Milton Bennett. The following officers were elected and installed for the first term: G. E. Allinger, Counsel , Ira J. Peebles, Venerable Oraele; J. S. Laughlin, Oracle; C. E. Bush, Vice Oracle; John Conner, Marshal; Hudson Gartley, Secretary ; Levi Ewing, Treasurer. The appointed officers for the same term were as follows: A. S. Lanpher, First Aid; J. G. McCune, Second Aid ; B. W. Joslin, Guard ; Frank Fruchey, Sentinel ; G. W. Hendershott, Chaplin. Representatives to the Supreme Temple have been elected as follows: For the year 1882 Hudson Gartley, and for the year 1883, G. E. Allinger Representatives to the Grand Temple have been as follows : For the years 1882 and ,83, Hudson Gartley and B. C. Epler. The military officers as follows : J. G. McCune, Commander ; Wm. Portsmouth, Subordinate Captain ; W. A. Morrow, Junior Captain. The past officers of the Temple are Hudson Gartley, G. E. A llinger, and Ira J. Peebles. The Temple has gained membership slowly but cautiously, until the present time, June, 1883, when the roll shows a membership of forty-one live, working members. Regular meetings are held on the second and fourth Thursday evenings of each month. This Temple, together with Miami Temple No. 2, of Piqua, and Golden Temple No. 13, of Troy, were united in an organization known as Ohio Battalion No. 1, P. C., in August, 1882, with the following Battalion officers : J. S. Laughlin, Colonel ; J. R. George, Lieutenant-Colonel ; Franklin Ellis, Major, and Hudson Gartley, Adjutant. K. of P. Summit Lodge No. 50, of Knights of Pythias, was organized April 25, 1873. The charter was granted by the Grand Lodge, March 13, 1873. The charter members were: Tobe Weinstein, 0. 0. Mathers, H. H. Sprague, S. A. Leckey, Robt. Given, H. Wagner, M.D., A. J. Robertson, Daniel Toy, B. F. Martin, J. A. Stipp, H. Guthrie, W. H. Goode, C. R. Joslin, and W. W. Robertson. The lodge met for organization in the Odd Fellows, Hall. Grand Chancellor, A. 0. Emerson, presided at the first meeting, initiated and passed the charter members through the several degrees. The following brethren were elected and duly installed as officers of the lodge: Past Chancellor, S. A. Leckey ; Chancellor Commander, T. Weinstein ; Prelate, Robert Given ; K. of R. and S., W. H. Goode ; M. of F., B. F. Martin ; M. of E., H. H. Sprague ; M. of A., J. A. Stipp; J. G., H. Wagner. The following are the names of those who have filled the offices of C. C., since the first election : Chancellor Commanders, J. A. Stipp, B. F. Martin, A. M. Weaver, J. H. Mathers, C. W. McKee, W. R. Moore, W. H. Barber, W. H. Goode, R. H. Trego, H. B. Blake, Wm. A. Hall, A. E. Abbott, A. J. Robertson, Wm. Toy, E. S. Maxwell, J. D. Barkalow, S. M. Bush. Vice Chancellors: B. F. Martin, A. M. Weaver, J. H. Mathers, C. W. McKee, W. R. Moore, W. H. Barber, W. H. Goode, A. E. Abbott, H. B. Blake, Win. A. Hall, J. N. Nutt, A. J. Robertson, Wm. Toy, E. S. Maxwell, J. D. Barkalow, S. M. Bush, and J. S. Crozier. Prelates : W. R. Moore, S. S. Brown, A. E. Abbott, T. Weinstein, H. B. Blake, R. H. Trego, Wm. A. Hall, E. Andersbn, R. H. Trego, H. W. Thompson, R. H. Trego, J. S. Crozier, J. S. Laughlin, D. M. Pruden, and R. R. Blue. The present officers are : C. C., R. R. Blue ; V. C., J. N. Nutt ; Prelate, J. N. Bearnes ; M. E., C. E. Bush ; M. F., R. H. Trego; K. of R. and S., W. P. Harmony ; M. A., E. Shinn ; I. Or., E. W. Stowell ; 0. G.,, A. E. Abbott. Trustees, J. D. Barkalow, J. S: Crozier, and W. H. Barber. In December, 1875, the lodge secured the Union Hall, of Zinn & Hoover, and have been using it since that date. In the spring. of 1883 the trustees of the lodge remodelled their hall, papered and painted it, and have made it one of the most pleasant and beautiful halls in the town. There is a membership of over fifty. G.A.R. Neal Post No. 62, of the Department of Ohio, was organized April, 1871, with twenty-two charter members, viz., C. W. McKee, E. E. Nutt, C. E. Fielding, C. R. Joslin, Saml. Silvers, W. A. Nutt, Wm. M. Van Fossen, J. E. Wilkinson, G. S. Harter, J. S. Laughlin, H. S. Ailes, Thomas Wright, H. B. Neal, W. H. Taylor, it Smeltzer, J. A. Montrose, J. C. Hainse, H. Stahl, W. A. Skillen, Dr. A. Wilson, H. Wilson, and P. B. Birch. The post was named in honor of Capt. Wm. Neal, of the 20th 0. V. I., who was killed at the battle of Kenesaw Mountain. The first officers were: C. W. McKee, Commander ; E. E. Nutt, Sen. Vice-Corn.; J. S. Laughlin, Jun. Vice-Com.; D. B. Rhinehart, Chaplin; W. H. Taylor, 0. D.; J. E. Wilkinson, 0. G.; C. E. Fielding, Q. M.; H. B. Neal, Adjutant. The present officers are: C. W. McKee, C. ; E. E. Nutt, S. V. C.;, F. M. Commack, J. V. C.; D. G. Strong, Chap.; Wm. Portsmouth, 0. D.; E. Davis, Q: M.; Thomas Wright, 0. G. ; G. S. Harter, Adjt. The present membership is about 135. The regular times of meetings are the first and fourth Monday evening of each month. MEMORIAL INSTITUTION. Monumental Building. This monument to the fallen soldiers of the late civil war is worthy of a proud and grateful people. It is also a worthy tribute to the men who kept their country,s flag above them whether they stood in life or 330 - HISTORY OF SHELBY COUNTY, OHIO. lay in death. It was in 1865, just at the close of the war, that a town meeting was held in Sidney to consider the proposition of erecting a suitable monument in memory of the martyr dead of Shelby County. Various speakers advanced various ideas, and numerous plans were suggested, but the meeting dissolved without taking any definite action. Here the matter rested for a time, but finally Messrs. C. W. Vandegrift, F. B ,Carey, and C. W. Frazier organized as a private association under the firm style of Carey, Vandegrift & Co., for the purpose of conducting a lottery, the proceeds of which should be devoted to the praiseworthy object of erecting a suitable monument to the deceased soldiers of the county. Before definite steps, were taken Mr. Frazier withdrew, and J. R. Fry became his successor in the association. A lottery was soon after established, with real and personal property as a basis, and the price of tickets fixed at one dollar each, thus enabling every citizen to assist the laudable enterprise. It was resolved to raise sixty thousand dollars, and after the publication of a prize list, the sale of tickets was commenced. When $40,000 had been realized from these sales, $30,000 was invested in real and personal property, which was judiciously divided into prizes, according to the original plan. When the sale of tickets was exhausted the lottery was drawn, the prizes distributed, and Messrs. Carey, Vandegrift & Frazier appeared before the City Council and delivered to that body the proceeds of the lottery, amounting to $11,473.97. This ended the responsibilities of Messrs. Vandegrift, Carey & Frazier; but their efforts received, as they deserved, the grateful encomiums of a whole community. On the 2d of May, 1871, the General Assembly of Ohio passed an act providing for the appointment of trustees and the disposition of moneys or other property held in trust for the erection of soldiers' monuments. This act provided for the appointment of trustees by the Court of Common Pleas, who should give bond for the faithful discharge of the duties of the office : that such board of trustees should not exceed seven members, each of whom should be a resident of the county in which a monument was to be erected : that the board, or a majority thereof, should determine whether to erect a monument or a monumental building: that permanent tablets should be provided, on which should be inscribed the name of each soldier who lost his life in the service of his country: that vacancies in the board should be filled by the Court of Common Pleas : that all monuments or monumental buildings should be forever free from taxation. On the 27th of May, 1871, W. P. Stowell, Esq., presented a petition to the Court of Common Pleas, asking that the funds held by J. F. Frazier, George Vogle, and J. R. Fry, being the proceeds of the lottery, be placed in the hands of trustees under the act of May 2, 1871. Messrs. Frazier & Vogle appeared in court, waived service, and on June 12th the Court determined, after due examination, that there were in the hands of said persons money, property, and assets to the value of $11,473.97, the same being a fund set apart for the erection of a soldiers' monument. The Court thereupon appointed a Board of Trustees, consisting of Levi C. Barkdull, Nathan R. Wyman, H. S. Gillespie, Daniel Staley, Hugh Thompson, Joseph C. Haines, and R. R. Lytle. The Court further directed the original trustees, Messrs. Frazier, Vogle, and Fry, to bring said amount of $11,473.97 into court on the 17th of June inst. This order was complied with, the new trustees gave approved bonds, and received the property in trust with instructions to loan the same in good and sufficient security. The trustees met on the same date and organized by electing Hugh Thompson, President; N. R. Wyman, Secretary; and Hugh Thompson, N. R. Wyman, and L. C. Barkdull, Executive Committee. On May 27, 1873, the trustees purchased the corner lot, known as the Ackerly corner, and being the south half of the lot on corner of Court and Ohio streets, Sidney. The consideration was $4500 and possession until the 1st of April, 1874. On February 15,1874, A. J. Robertson and Col. Harrison Wilson were appointed members of the Board of Trustees vice R. R. Lytle and H. S. Gillespie, who became non-residents. The property was then rented to John Mather for one year at $50 per annum. In the autumn of 1874 Mr. Robertson suggested the idea of requesting an additional legislative act to authorize the town and township to raise a joint fund which, with the amount already in the hands of the trustees, should be applied to the erection of a monumental building. This action was approved by the legislature, and the people were authorized to hold an election to determine whether the town and township should contribute to the project. Under this provision the corporation of Sidney and Clinton Township each voted $13,000, and issued bands for said amount. On March 21, 1875, the Board had resolved to erect a monumental building if sufficient aid could be obtained from Sidney and Clinton Township to make an aggregate fund of $40,000, and as noted above, said fund was raised by taxation. On May 30, 1875, Hugh Thompson and Col. H. Wilson were appointed to take proper measures to have another amount of $12,000 voted by Sidney and Clinton Township, or a tax of $6000 each. This was done March 15, 1876, the same having been changed to $7500 each, or an aggregate of $15,000. On the 14th of April the trustees rented a room for office uses in the residence of Hugh Thompson, and authorized A. J. Robertson to act for the Board in arranging terms with the town and township as to the rights and privileges of each concerning the proposed building. Levi C. Barkdull, Harrison Wilson, and N. R. Wyman were appointed a committee on plan of building, subject to the approval of the full board. Hugh Thompson and L. C. Barkdull were authorized to dispose of the building which occupied the lot already purchased. The trustees, town council, and township trustees elected representatives to report plans and confer in joint session. A. J. Robertson was chosen by the building trustees, Samuel McCune by the town council, and John Wagner by the township officers, as representatives of the three bodies concerned. Plans were received, and, after a full examination by the joint bodies, the plans submitted by Samuel Lane of Cleveland were adopted, and on May 10, 1875, a committee on contracts was appointed, consisting of A. J. Robertson, L. C. Barkdull, and N. R Wyman, their action to be subject to the approval of the whole Board. A J. Robertson was appointed to superintend the construction of the building. Description and Contracts.—The size of the building is 165 feet on Court Street and 44 feet on Ohio Street ; three stories high, with basement in front 35 by 41 feet, and a cellar under the whole building, which is so arranged as to be converted into rooms if any necessity of this character should arise. The brickwork was let to W. W. Robertson for $9259.82. The cellar wall to Jacob Hopler for $954.26. Cut stonework to Thomas Jones for $9650. Additional work to Thomas Jones for $473. Woodwork to Mr. McCoy for $11,500. Painting and glazing to F. Gierman for $2963. Galvanized iron, tin, and slating to W. M. Service & Co. for $1915. Plastering to Fullers & Pecks for $6508. Iron columns to Manning & Son for $2887.29. Gas fitting to P. Smith & Bro. for $225. Frescoing and scene painting to E. F. Harvey for $1200. Steam heater to Brooks, Leight & Co. for $3397. Stage carpenter work to F. Fowler for $430. Cost of stone for cellar and area walls for $1479.85. A 1400 pound bell was furnished by the corporation of Sidney. Laying the Corner-stone.—The following order of exercises was observed on Thursday, June 24, 1875, being the occasion of the laying of the corner-stone of Monumental Building. Prayer, by Rev. T. C. Reade, after which the square, level, and plumb were masonically applied to the corner-stone, and the, corn, wine, and oil sprinkled upon it; whereupon the Grand Master struck the corner with his gavel, and the whole ceremonies were masonically explained. A box was then deposited in the corner-stone, containing the following-named articles: Programme of the day; list of discharged soldiers of Shelby County; list of officers and members of Company M, 1st Ohio Light Artillery of Shelby County; copy of Shelby County Democrat of June 24, 1875 ; copies of Sidney Journal of April 21, 1865, and June 18, 1875 ; list of Summit Lodge, No. 50 K. of P.; A $500 monumental bond of the village of Sidney, of issue of June 14, 1875; Wide-awake badge of J. C. Jacobs, Lieut.-Colonel of the 24th New York Cavalry ; list of Silver Star Cornet Band; copy of Cincinnati Gazette, Commercial, and Enquirer of June 24, 1875 ; charter of Orange Lodge, No. 152, and names of charter members; name of the former owner of the building site, George Ackerly ; names of survivors of the Mexican War, A. J. Robertson, George Ackerly, Amos Woaley, and W. H. Howell; names of building committee, A. J. Robertson, N. R. Wyman, and L. C. Barkdull ; name of architect, Samuel Lane, associate member of American Institute of Architects. It may here be observed that after this part of the ceremony, Sergt. W. M. Iran Fossen, who in the procession was color-bearer of the 99th Regiment, veiled the corner-stone with the flag, saying, "Done in memory of the fallen heroes of Shelby County, in the State of Ohio and town of Sidney, June 24, in the year of our Lord 1875." A Masonic address was then delivered by J. F. McKinney, Esq., of Piqua, to a large and enthusiastic assemblage in the public square. John G. Stephenson was appointed a member of the board February 9, 1877, ',vice L. C. Barkdull, resigned. On April 14, 1877, the trustees were authorized to issue bonds for the completion of the building, and H. Thompson and J. G. Stephenson were appointed to procure printed bonds. Messrs. Haines and Stephenson were instructed to collect $670 from Sidney and $100 from Clinton Township, to be applied to the payment for heating apparatus. On the 4th of May the trustees submitted a report to the Court of Common Pleas. Moneys received consisted of real estate, notes, &c., amounting to $59,538.32. Disbursements, $58,289.08. Balance on hand, $1249.24. On February 1, 1879, the trustees met to consider a proposition to receive the books and other property from the Library Association Trustees, and on February 10th the proposition was accepted on the following conditions: That the library be free to the clergy, their wives and minor children ; to soldiers and sailors of the civil war and their wives and minor children ; to the widows and mothers of such soldiers or sailors who may have died in the service ; to all others upon such terms as the trustees may prescribe ; the whole institution to be governed by such rules and regulations as the board may adopt. The Monumental Association, by the Board of Trustees, bound the corpora- HISTORY OF SHELBY COUNTY, OHIO - 331 tion to accept the proposition and comply with its provisions as soon as the funds of said association would justify full acceptance. Uses of the Building.—The front basement is occupied by the Sidney Wheel Club; the first floor on Ohio Street is occupied as two storerooms, one of which is 112 by 19 feet, and the other 75 by 19 feet. These have entrances on Ohio Street, as have also the library and hall, while the storeroom occupying the ground corner has also an entrance on Court Street. Next this is an entrance to the hall and second story. Adjoining the Court Street entrance is the room formerly occupied as the post-office, being 18 by 43 feet. West of this room is the engine-room of the fire department, this being 44 feet square, while one corner room, 18 feet square, is occupied as a polling-room. On the second floor is Library Hall, 42 by 75 feet, with a librarian's office and museum, 35 by 18 feet. In Library Hall are preserved the marble tablets upon which are inscribed the names of the illustrious patriots who died that the nation might live. Its splendid alcoves, arches, and decorations make it a fit place to enshrine the names of a county's dead. On the third floor is the Opera Hall, 42 by 126 feet, complete in ornament, scenery, and furniture, and capable of seating seven hundred and fifty people. West of this, on the same floor, is the Town Hall, 40 by 33 feet, which is used for public meetings of every character. Present Board of Trustees: Hugh Thompson, President; A. J. Robertson, Col. Harrison Wilson, J. C. Haines, Daniel Staley, N. R. Burress, C. W. McKee. The whole building stands a crowning credit to the originators, and all who in any way contributed to its construction. Republics are not always ungrateful, as shown by such magnificent tributes of love to those who went down in death beneath the old flag we love so well. These buildings are more than mere monuments, for they tell the history of that struggle which ensued when the arbitrament of logic gave place to the arbitrament of the sword, and the nation's life was suspended in the scales of war. It was when this shock of war burst upon our land, that these men, whom the nation delights to honor, threw down the implements and ornaments of peace to grasp and wield the weapons and agencies of -war. It was at that period when the nation was paralyzed, industry prostrated, plows and spindles idlc, and men gazed bewilderingly into each other's faces, fearing to hear the worst, that these men left the farm, the office, the counting-room, and the shop to rush to the rescue of the nation's honor, and prove themselves giants, not only willing but also able to grapple with the proudest species of the rebellion. At the roll call they rallied beneath the flag, and from Pilot Knob to Washington, from the misty lowlands of Vicksburg to the cloud-capped summit of Lookout, from the Ohio to the Gulf and the Ocean they carried their flag to victory, or lay in the embrace of death. From the midnight slumber of quiet to the continent-shaking thunders of Gettysburg; from Sumter to Appomattox, when the failing hearts of men, the desolation of Women, and the sobs of children told how fearful was the strife; when the heart strings of society were palpitating at their highest tension, and the pulse-beats indicated fever heat ; through that season of doubt and fear and death, the soldier of the Union stood at his post, with almost more than human fortitude and endurance. Living, the land for which he fought was still beneath his feet, her flag still floated above him, while the terrors of death could not assuage his love of country. Dead, he lay upon the same field, beneath the same flag, while mortality, with just scales, found his life a crowning effort, his death a glorified triumph. So it is that no holier trust is confided to any nation than that reposed in the United States for the veneration of her martyrs and the protection of their comrades, their widows, and their orphans. As a tribute these buildings form a vigorous protest against the clamored theory that republics are ungrateful, while the deeds of those who are thus commemorated stand as a reproof of that other theory that republics are not self-preservative, but are calculated only for the olive season of peace. The lives of these men vindicated the stability of popular government, and its vitality to survive not only the evolutions of peace, but also the revolutions of war. By their heroism they taught us it is not necessary to look to Marathon or Waterloo for deeds of martial courage, while they taught the world that freemen are born warriors, and cherish principles higher than life itself. Their history is not written in the hearts of their countrymen alone, but of every lover of freedom throughout the world, for the nobility of their deeds, the grandeur of their achievements, and the devotion of their heroism have called forth the plaudits of the world. They fought as men for man, and their lives did not end when they fell upon the field. There is an immortality on this side of the grave, and the immortal element of these men has gone forth carrying cheer to the dependents of European potentates, Asiatic despots, and even of African chiefs. They exploded the European theory of free institutions, and proved the violent assumption of those who proudly exclaimed across the water, "You must not judge of the structure while the scaffolding is up," for they removed the scaffolding to exhibit a finished temple with pillars of strength as well as pillars of beauty. But no words of ours can do justice to the soldier living, much less add to the glory of the soldier dead. The names of the latter are written on the thousand monuments and tablets of brass and marble, but when these shall crumble before all-destroying time, their acts will be seen emblazoned on the pyramid of glory, their deeds will be chanted in the upper corridors of the temple of fame, while the animating spirit of their dust will stimulate posterity to renewed life and courage should wrong for a moment become triumphant, or the rights of man be invaded. By their devotion, sacrifice, and death let us learn fidelity to principle, and duty to our country and its future. It is enough to know they secured for themselves the grateful benedictions of a liberty-loving people and a place on glory's roll, while for us they secured a land of liberty, a land of unity, a land of peace. On Fame's eternal camping ground Their silent tents are spread, And Glory guards with solemn round The bivouac of the dead. The monument is here, and on each recurring Memorial Day appropriate and touching tributes are carried to the graves of those who rest in the village cemeteries. It is fit, too, that once each year we Remember their valor Keep holy the sod, For honor to heroes Is glory to God. Bring flowers ! spring flowers, All fragrant to wave O'er the dew-spangled couch Of the undying brave. Unloose the shoe's latchet, The blood-sprinkled sod Is holy as that By the holiest trod ! TABLET ROSTER. The soldiers, tablets in Monumental Hall contain the roster as given below. The inscriptions at the head of the three tablets are also reproduced. AT REST. D. M. Crumbaugh, 55th Illinois. D. Elliott, Lincoln Guards. J. W. Michael, Co. D., 25th Ill. J. Quatman, 32d Ind. Cav. G. Turner, Co. K, 192d 0. V. I. J. McKercher, Co. C, 2d 0. Art. Lieut. R. B. Neal, 5th U. S. Col. Hv. Art. J. Bogar, 126th 0. V. I. P. S. Hodge, 45th 0. V. I. I. Gallimore, 31st 0. V. I. Isaac Rollins, 40th 0. V. I., Co. E. Frank Kemper, " Henry Segner, "  Sam'l Chambers, "      Co. I. John P. Born, 134th 0. N. G. John B. Dunham, John W. Denman, " George Line " Cyrus W. Jackson, " James R. McClure, " Jerry Ray, " Wm. Stone, " Wm. K. Wilkinson, " Thomas Wise, " Emerson Williams, " J. Rollin, 58th 0. V. I. Levi J. Bird, 12th 0. Cav. Ransom Gregg,           " John Green,    " John D. Struble, " Wm. R. Wright, " Samuel G. Brown, 9th 0. Cav. George Baldwin, " Neh. Baldwin, " George Hardesty, " Francis R. Honnell, " Virgil C. Hardesty,     " John P. Powell,           " Thomas Powell, " Austin E. Wright, " Amos Winks,  " Charles Beers, 78th 0. V. I. Anth. J. Wiford, 78th 0. V. I. E. Brust, 66th Ill. W. C. Elliott, 44th 0. P. O. Jacobs, 45th 0. H. H. Quillen, 1st 0. Inf., Co. E. J. B. Graham, " Co. G. E. Eisenstein, Schultz,s Battery. Henry Faust, " Ch. Katzabua, " August Nessler, " George Remfer " N. Theabold, " Chris. Wolforn,           " Samuel Ashby, 1st O. Cav. Wm. Boyer, " Thos. O'Neil, " John Slagle, " Jas. A. Steale, " Isaac R. Haney, 110th O.V. I., Co. E. Clark Morrow, " John Procter, " James U. Corwin, 42d 0. V. I. Isaac DeBoy, " Wm. Gray, Corporal, " Jas. McConnaughey, " John Baldwin, Benton Cadets. Clark J. Baker,            " Wm. W. Darnell,        " John Forsyth " Wm. Ginn, " W. T. Windle, " Wm. B. Crowell, 11th O. V. I. Co. F. Sam, Lippencott, " E. A. Morrow, " James Wolf,    " 332 - HISTORY OF SHELBY COUNTY, OHIO. SHELBY COUNTY'S FALLEN HEROES. 57th Regiment 0. V. I. P. Doolan, Co. A. J. Lotteridge, Co. A. J. W. Toland, Co. C. J. G. Meranda, Co. K. F. M. McCormick, Co. K. J. Merchling, " J. McCormick, Co. K. J. M. Rhodehamel, Co. K. Jas. J. Smith " David Smith, " S. Woodruff " J. W. Weatherhead, " 50th Regiment O. V. I. Co. B. J. T. Lucas, Lieut. David Bowlsby. Chris. Botkin. Henry L. Baker. Wm. Conway, A. C. F. Feinck. Wm. Flint. Robert Ginn. Moses M. Grey John Humphrey. Robert Jeffries. Jesse Lenox. J. Lippencott. W. Magginnis. J. W. McDonald. Wm. T. Peer. J. F. Polhanus. Thomas Day. John Jones. 20th Regiment 0. V. I. Co. B. Elias Baldwin. W. H. Borum. George Baldwin. David Baldwin. Perry Bailey. W. R. Campbell. Jas. H. Coleman. Gabriel Crawford. Daniel Eicher. T. J. Goble--L. Gump. Harlin P. Hall. Amos Hoffman. Francis M. Hall. J. Harshbarger. John Johnston. Abr. I. Mapes. Henry D. Minnick. Wm. Munch. J. B. McAlexander. Ben. J. F. Ogle. George Pence. John Rinehart. G. W. Rush. George W. Ragen. Joseph S. Schench. Henry Schench. Henry Staley. Martin L. Thrush. J. W. Wilkinson. William Waters Sylvester Wright John K. Wilson. Harvey Watts. J. C. Williamson Co. F. J. E. Blakely. William H. Coy. P. Crotenbiler. William F. Clancy. Cor. Davenport. Mathias Elliott. Lemuel Ellsworth. William Edwards. Robert Elliott. Levi Hughes. Philip Hall. John Hinkle. Albert Hines. William Heffelman. William Henman. John Hinskey. Martin Hale. Thomas Jackson. George W. Jordon. Thomas Minnear. George Olden. S. E. McManama. Nathan Russell. John S. Shaw. Thomas Smith. Daniel Vanate. John W. Vandever. Co. I. Theophilus G. Ailes. Demmitt Barker. Benjamin Dodds. Adam Englehart. Pierce Johns. Silas Kemp. J. G. McClelland. B. L. Shackelford. Co. K. Wm. D. Neal, Capt. William Airgood. William Baker. Oliver P. Bogart. Columbus Beeson. David C. Baker. Samuel. Bryan. Thomas Baldwin. Jesse Babcock. Elisha Bogue. Isaac 0. Cole. Thomas Duncan. James Dalton. Perry Deweese. George Deal. Jasper N. Davis. Jesse Day. William Dodds. E. S. Gallimore. F. Hawkins. Eli Hardesty. H. Hardesty. Christian Jelly. James A. Knox. John E. Kessler. Ozias Lambert. Martin Line. Abraham Lenox. Elias Manning. Jasper Miller. James Moore. George W. Quillen. George Ridenbo. Moses Sturgeon. William H. Sturm. John Umphrey John Wagner Andrew J. Watson Andrew Willis. 185th Regiment, O. V. I. Co. E. Jacob Bland Jacob Bogar. Jacob Cook. J. W. Hogan. John Shane. IN PEACE. 71st Regiment O. V. I., Co. Peter L. Haney. Jacob W. Miller. Wharton S. Woolery. 118th Regiment O. V. I. Co. C. Joseph Backman. George Baker. James H. Clawson. Thomas Clawson. Andrew Irwin. Joseph Kistner. H. Tholmier. E. Thompson. Co. I. C. Coulson. William Consoliver Frederick Dudy. Robert L. Gouge. Robert Julian. John H. Kessler. C. Mellinger. Aaron Morgan. John M. Stang. R. J. Thompson. B. F. Walker. J. Westfall 99th Regiment O. V. I. Co. C. David L. Brown. Christian Botkin. G. R. Beeson. Perry O. Babcock. Michael Beeman. W. H. Cover. David Clayton. Martin Denman. Joel Darnell. Joseph Delap. Dudenick Dearbolt. Frank Irwin. Charles 0. Frazier. John Fix. Henry Flesher. William Franklin. W. T. Graham. John Hartzell. John Kizer. Andrew King. James N. Luckey. William McClure. Joel Maddox. Stewart McElroy. John B. Morehead. Charles H. McMullen. A. Ringelspaugh. G. W. Sharp. Jerry Sullivan. J. T. Voorhees. W. R. Wilkinson. G. W. Windle. Co. H J. L. Goble, Lieut.. John August Robert Blakely William, Barker Edwin .Barker John Collins John Chambers N. F. Cannon Espy C. Dill. James R. Dodson George U. Dormire Lafayette Daviss S. Dunsbarger Lewis Haney Jonathan Haven Joseph Hume G. W. Kizer John Mapes James W. Murphy. W. H. Ogan Wm. C. Penrod Cyrus H. Russell Charles Streets John Swanders Aaron Swanders Alfred Swanders John Schrarer B. F. Stone G. W. Shearer George P. Wilkinson George Weimer Edwin Wooley. Co., B.. John W., Berry David Kizer PUBLIC WORKS. Sidney Waterworks. The officers of the incorporated village of Sidneyfeeling the necessity of a better protcction against the destruction of property by fire, took into consideration the purchase of a fire engine of some kind. After investigating the utility of the different kinds of engines and appliances used for extinguishing fires, they believed that waterworks would be of the greatest utility to the town, not only as a protection against fire, but for street and household purposes. Accordingly, in the winter or spring of 1873, they made an arrangement and entered into a contract with B. W. Maxwell to furnish the water for said works for a term of fifteen years at $800 per year. Said Maxwell agreeing to furnish the full capacity of Mosquito Creek, a, stream largely supported by springs. The supply of water is sustained by two reservoirs, which are supposed to hold a supply for every emergency. An agreement was made with the Holly Manufacturing Company of Lockport, N. Y., to furnish two engines and water-wheels, with all the necessary machinery for the same, for the sum of $10,000, they agreeing that the engines should have the power and capacity to throw four one and a half-inch streams of water over the highest building in the town of Sidney. A brick building was erected on the east bank of Miami River for the works. The works were put in complete and pipes laid in the fall of 1873. After the completion of the works a test was made; four streams were thrown over the Taylor building and the spire of the Presbyterian Church. The works stood the test and proved satisfactory, and were accepted. There is at the present time 44 miles of main pipe laid, with 42 fireplugs and 147 hydrants for private use. The main pipe was bought at $55 per ton, and was laid clown at $5 per ton. The total cost of the works, together with the building, pipes, etc., was $55,000. L. C. Barkdull, James Lamb, and F. E. Hoover were elected as the first board of trustees. L. C. Barkdull had the principal supervision during the construction of the works. The present trustees are G. W. Hendershott, Pres., J. W. Skillen, Sect., and Joseph M. Nutt. Fire Department. The fire department consists of one Ahrens No. 2 Steam Fire Engine, four hose and one hook and ladder companies. Each of the hose companies being located in different parts of the town, and one in the first, one in the second, one in the third, and one in the fourth ward. They HISTORY OF SHELBY COUNTY, OHIO - 333 have four reels and 1500 feet of serviceable hose; also about 1000 feet of hose for the steamer. These companies are composed of young, energetic, and reliable men, who are ever on the alert for the sound of the fire-bell, and are always prompt to respond to every call. Sidney is as well protected against fires, perhaps, as any town of its size in the State. Her waterworks have mains leading to almost every part of the town. Her steam fire-engine has access to the canal and river, While reservoirs (built expressly for that purpose), can be reached at all points not accessible by the waterworks. In from three to five minutes from the time the alarm is given, a stream of water can be thrown upon almost any building in the town. " Vigilance" is the motto of every fireman. Sidney Gaslight Company was incorporated as a stock company Jan. 1873. The original petitioners for the incorporation were Conrad Ritter, F. E. Hoover, John H. Mathers, N. R. Wyman, J. C. Haines, R. L. Fry, Charles Timeus, and L. C. Barkdull. The following were the first board of directors : N. R. Wyman, Pres., John H. Mathers, Jacob Piper, F. E. Hoover, and H. Guthrie. The capital stock subscribed was $16,000, in shares of $25 each. Only about $14,000 of this stock was collected. After the completion of the works there was found to be an indebtedness of about $8000. This indebtedness was assumed by the stockholders and paid by the revenue of the works; no dividends being made by the company for several years. Additional pipe was laid from year to year until the capital stock was $25,000, consisting of 1000 shares of $25 each. The works were completed and put in operation in the fall of 1873, since which time they have been in successful operation. There are at the present time over three miles of main pipe, 160 meters, 67 street lamp-posts. The present directors are: L. C. Barkdull, Pres., W. P. Metcalf, Treas., D. W. Pampell, H. Thompson and A. J. Robertson ; G. A. Hyde, Jr., Sect. and Superintendent. At the April election, 1880, the question of building a new court-house was submitted to the people of the county, and resulted in a vote of 2024 for and 1786 against building the same. The old court-house was sold to Henry Guckes for $295, he to remove the building by the 10th of March, 1881. On the 14th of August, 1880, the commissioners entered into a contract with G. H. Maetzel, architect, of Columbus, 0., to furnish plans, specifications, detail, and working designs for the contemplated building. Maetzel was to have the sole superintendency of the work, and to see that all materials were according to specifications. His compensation was to be five per cent. of the whole cost of the structure. The total cost of the building was estimated at $140,000, but will largely exceed that amount. Original contracts for material and work were let as follows : cast and wrought iron work to H. P. Clough & Co., of Middleton, 0., for $30,050; brickwork to Henry Guckes, $13,623 ; carpenter work to John Rouser, $10,086.30; cut stonework to Wittenmeir Bros., $35,500; tin, galvanized iron, and slating to W. R. Kinnear & Co., $9998 ; painting and glazing to Philip Knapf, $4977 ; plastering and stucco-work to Michael Hayes, $2900 ; gas-piping to Andrew Shwartz, $330 ; plumbing, same, $998 ; drainage, same, $392. The building is located in the centre of the public square, Sidney, and at this date, June, 1883, is rapidly nearing completion. The site is a beautiful one, and is richly ornamented by forest trees, which make it one of the most desirable sites in the State. The building is substantially built, very commodious, and will be elegantly furnished and finished. Being centrally located in the public square, it fronts all the cardinal points. It will be heated by air conducted in pipes from the heating building at the rear of the jail. The whole structure is theoretically and practically fire-proof. The four corners rise into towers, while the central tower, about one hundred and seventy feet in height, looks down upon all other buildings and spires within the city. It is furnished with a clock which presents a dial on the four sides or faces. Each side of the upper square of the building presents the emblematic and significant goddess, blindfolded, holding the sword and scales of justice. When fully completed it will be the finest structure in this section of Ohio. Touching the ceremonies at the laying of the corner-stone, July 4, 1881, we insert the following account furnished the readers of the Shelby County Democrat in the issue of July 8th. " The 4th of July in Sidney." "The celebration of the 4th of July was the most imposing ceremony of the kind ever held in Sidney. The laying of the corner-stone was an important attraction, and brought a large number of persons from the surrounding towns. The ripening fields kept many farmers and their families at home, and the horrible tragedy at Washington was discouraging to all who love their country as they ought, and cast a gloom over the celebration which every person felt. There was a fine display of flags from offices, stores, and many of the private buildings, and everybody felt it a duty to honor the National birthday, notwithstanding its Chief Magistrate was approaching death through the relentless act of an assassin. From early dawn the boys made things lively by using fire-crackers. At Heiser's shop two anvils were improvised, and used in place of firing' the cannon. Tappe's Band was on hand early and put in a hard day's work, and the band from Anna came in early. The efficient Committee of Arrangements did their work faithfully and were promptly at their posts. " The arrival of the train from the west brought in the first delegation from a distance—the Union City firemen—a splendid set of boys, who are always met with the best feeling by their host of friends in Sidney. They were accompanied by the Union City Band, one of the largest and best in the State. They were the guests of our firemen, and were met at the depot by the firemen of Sidney, Committee, and Tappe's Band,. and cscorted into town. When the time for the train from the north arrived, the Sidney Lodge of Knights of Pythias, accompanied by the band, reported at the depot, and after waiting half an hour for a delayed train, met the Shawnee Commandery from Lima, and other visiting guests from Lima, .Wapakoneta, and other points north. They were escorted to the. square, and the same reception was given to the Coleman Commandery from Troy, and other visitors from Troy, Piqua, and other points south. The hotels were crowded, and a large number of persons went to the M. E. church, where the ladies of the church had provided a fine dinner. On the arrival of the train from the east, the Committee on Arrangements, accompanied by a band, went to the Bee Line depot and received the Bellefontaine Lodge of Masons, accompanied by the Bellefontaine Band. " The places of meeting for the different Orders were as follows Knights of Pythias, at their hall over Zinn's store ; Odd Fellows, in their hall in Thompson's building ; Shawnee and Coleman Commanderies, in Piper's Hall ; and Blue Lodge of Masons, in Temperance Hall, in Fry's building. The Lodge from Bellefontaine came in as the procession was being formed, and entered it without going to any hall. The Masonic Lodges of Shelby County and visiting brethren met with the Sidney Lodge; the Firemen met at the headquarters of Valley City No. 2. Each organization appointed its own marshals, and the whole was under the direction of Chief Marshal E. M. Green and his Assistants, J. S. Laughlin, W. H. Taylor, E. E. Nutt, J. B. Edgar, and H. M. Lehman, " The following is the order of the procession ; Anna Band ; County and City officials in carriages ; Pioneers in carriages ; Citizens in carriages; Martial Band ; Grand Army of the Republic; Piqua Band ; Knights of Pythias; Union City Band ; Fire Department; Odd Fellows; Lima Band ; Shawnee and Coleman Commanderies; Bellefontaine Band ; Bellefontaine Lodge of Masons; Tappe's Band and Sidney Lodge No, 73, Masons, which included the members of Stokes Lodge, at Port Jefferson, and Epler Lodge, at Jackson Centre, and visiting members. " The following was the line of march North on Main Street to Poplar; East on Poplar to Miami ; North on Miami to North West on North to Ohio ; South on Ohio to Dallas ; East on Dallas to Main ; North on Main to Poplar ; thence to the squares where the ceremonies were conducted. " The Grand Marshal proclaimed as follows:— " By authority of the Most Worshipful Grand Master of Masons in the State of Ohio, and in obedience to his order, I do now command and require all persons here assembled to preserve silence, and to observe due order and decorum during the performance of the. ceremonies of this occasion. 334 - HISTORY OF SHELBY COUNTY, OHIO. " This was followed with prayer by Grand Chaplain Rev. 0. Kennedy, and singing by the choir. " The following articles were deposited in a receptacle made in the corner-stone: A list of the present officers of the county ; a copy of the Constitution and By-laws, and a list of the present members and officers of Temperance Lodge No. 73, F. & A. Masons ; a list of the officers and members of Stokes Lodge No. 305, F. & A. Masons ; a list of the members of Summit Lodge No. 50, Knights of Pythias; and the name of the architect, and a list of the names of the contractors and workmen employed on the stone and brickwork of the new court-house; a list of the members of Tappe,s Cornet Band ; a copy of the Shelby County Democrat; a copy of the Sidney Journal; a copy of the Sentinel; a copy of the record of the three first sessions of the Court of Common Pleas of Shelby County in 1819; " The following is a copy of the report of the first three courts in the county: The first Court of Common Pleas for Shelby County met in the village of Hardin, in Turtle Creek Township, on the 16th day of May, 1819: President, Judge Jos. H. Crane, of Dayton ; Robert Houston, Samuel Marshal, William M. Cecil, Associates : Harvey B. Foote, Clerk. The term lasted only one day. The Journal of the ,Court mentions no one as Sheriff. Henry Bacon, of Dayton, was appointed by the Court as Prosecuting Attorney. The next term was held Sept. 13th and 14th, 1819, at same place, by the foregoing named Judges and officers. The third term was held at the same place, beginning Dec. 13th, 1819, same Judges and officers, and also Daniel V. Dingman as Sheriff. At the close of the December term, 1819, the Court ordered the next term to be held at the then newly situated county seat, viz., the village of Sidney, where the Courts have all been held ever since. " The covering was then lowered to its place with appropriate ceremonies by Past Grand Master of the State, A. H. Newcomb, and the ceremonies closed with prayer by Grand Chaplain 0. Kennedy. " The oration was delivered from the stand erected by A. L. McKinney, of Troy, and was a brilliant, eloquent address. The ceremonies closed about half-past four o,clock. " There was a large crowd in town, including a great many strangers from abroad. The people came in from the country in the afternoon, and the city was filled with people. There were not less than five thousand people present. The procession was long and made a fine display. Good order prevailed throughout the whole day and evening, and every one seemed to be gratified with the entire success of' the celebration." Shelby County Agricultural Society. On the 12th of April, 1839, the Legislature of the State passed "An Act to Authorize and Encourage Agricultural Societies in the Several Counties in the State and Regulate the Same." Under this a call was made by William Murphy, Esq. (then auditor of the county), for a meeting of the county to be held in the court-house, on the 21st of August, 1839, to form an agricultural society. The meeting was organized by calling Stephen Wilkin to the chair, and appointing J. S. Updegraff secretary. At this meeting seventy-one names were recorded as members of the society. The organization was perfected by the election of the following officers: President, H. Thompson; Vice-President, Luke Fish; CorrespondingSecretary, William Fielding ; Recording Secretary, W. A. Carey,, Treasurer, John Shaw. A committee, consisting of George D. Leckey, William Fielding, and J. S. Updegraff, was appointed to draft a constitution. An adjournment was then had until the second Monday in September, at which time a constitution was reported and adopted, and 150 copies ordered printed. The first annual meeting of the society was held on the 27th day of June, 1840, when the following officers were elected: President, Stephen Wilkin ; Vice-President, James McLean; Treasurer, Samuel Mathers ; Corresponding Secretary, H. S. Conklin ; Recording Secretary, H. Thompson. John Shaw, late treasurer, made his report. 'Balance in the treasury $27.811. A committee was appointed to wait on the county commissioners and solicit a donation from them in aid of the society in accordance with law. On the 8th of October, 1840, the board met at the office of Dr. H. S. Conklin, and fixed the time for holding the first county fair on the 17th of October, and at the same time prepared a premium list amounting to forty-five dollars. Among the premiums awarded at this fair was one of $5 to George D. Leckey for the best acre of corn, 99,3- bushels; one to Stephen Wilkin of $2 for the best bushel of potatoes, 146 bushels; and one to J. H. Kirkindall, $5, for the best stallion, Tuckahoe. At this fair there were twenty-six premiums awarded. The record shows that the fair was considered a success, and augured well for the future success of the society, and that Shelby' County was destined to take a prominent rank among the grain-growing and stock-raising counties of our flourishing Miami Valley. The second annual meeting was held at the court-house on the 12th of June, 1841; when the following officers were elected: President, Benjamin Fulton; Vice-President, David Reynolds; Treasurer, H. Thompson; Recording Secretary, William Murphy; and Corresponding Secretary, J. S. Updegraff. The second annual fair was held at Sidney September 28th and 29th. The list of premiums at this fair amounted to fifty-two dollars. The prediction made by the secretary at the first fair was not realized, for we find that there were but two fairs held under that organization ; and that on the 9th day of August, 1845, a meeting was held at the court-house for the purpose of reviving the society (a period of four years having elapsed since a fair was held). But we cannot learn that an organization was completed until April, 1851, when a constitution was reported and adopted, and an election for officers was held under it, as follows: President, Irwin Nutt; Vice-President, H. Walker; Secretary, J. P. Haggott ; Treasurer, T. Stephenson. The fair for this year was held October lb, 1851. March 26, 1852, the annual meeting was held, and the following officers were elected: President, Irwin Nutt; Vice-President, Curtis' Kelsey ; Secretary, J. P. Haggott ; Treasurer, Thomas Stephenson. At a meeting of the board held in August, it was resolved to have but one day of fair, as there was a show advertised for one of the days of the fair. This fair was held on the 28th of September. The exhibition of stock was very good. Twenty-three premiums were awarded on horses,, fourteen on neat cattle, with a fair display of sheep, hogs, farm products, and miscellaneous articles. At a meeting on the 6th of December, 1852, the treasurer made his report: Receipts $186, $67 of which had been received from the county ; $73.59 paid for premiums; balance in treasury, $112.41. An election for officers was held : President, W. J. Thirkield; Vice-President, Sam. Stephenson; Secretary, S. Alexander Leckey ; Treasurer, T. Stephenson. The third annual fair was held on the 5th and 6th days of October, 1853, on the grounds west of Sidney (known as the Jordan property), then owned by Dr. H. S. Conklin. There were 181 premiums awarded at this exhibition, consisting of silver cups, money, and diplomas. A greater display and variety of domestic and miscellaneous articles were on exhibition than at any previous fair held in the county. The display of poultry was the largest that had been seen in the county. A premium was awarded to Dr. Conklin for a fine specimen of rat terrier dog. December 6, 1853, the following were elected officers : President, Col. J. W. Carey; V ice-President, Hugh McElroy; Secretary, S. Alexander Leckey ; Treasurer, W. J. Thirkield. April 22, 1854, die board met. The constitution was amended fixing the second day of the fair for the election of officers. The fourth annual fair was held October 12th and 13th, on the grounds of B. W. Maxwell, east of the river. A fine display of thoroughbred Cattle was exhibited by Dr. Thirkield, Spense, J. W. Carey; and others. An election of officers was held during this fair, which resulted as follows: President, A. F. Munger,; Vice-President, H. Walker;, Secretary, W. P. Stowell; Treasurer, W. J. Thirkield. The fifth annual fair was held on the grounds of I. T. Fulton, on the 4th and 5th days of October, 1855. There does not seem to have been the same interest taken at this time that there had previously been, for we find that this was the. last fair held for several years, or until 1860, when the present independent society was organized,- under the name of the Shelby County Agricultural Institute. The grounds, now owned by the Institute were purchased from W. P. Reed and J. L. Thirkield, as administrators of the estate of W. J. Thirkield, deceased, and contain twenty acres. Deeds were made on the 12th day of November, 1860, to John H. Mathers, S. Alexander Leckey, James A. Wells, I. F. Fulton, and J. C. Coe, as trustees for the Institute. For the payment of the purchase-money and the improvement of the ground there Were 229 shares of stock subscribed, at $10 per share, by 222 persons, on which had been paid $2299.15, leaving a balance on stock subscribed and unpaid $290.85. From the above it will be seen that the grounds are not the property of the county, but belong to individuals who have invested their money for the purpose of furnishing a place for the accommodation of the agricultural and mechanical industries of the county to exhibit their productions, and from whrch the stockholders have never received one cent in the shape of dividends or interest on the investment—the annual receipts from fairs having been expended in the improvement and beautifying of the grounds, and much more is -required at this time to make further improvements that must be made. At the first election in 1860 for officers of the Institute the following were elected: President, James A. Wells; Vice-President, E. Lytle; Secretary, S. Alexander Leckey; Treasurer, John Duncan. The first annual fair was held on the 4th, 5th, and 6th days of October. At the second election in 1861 the same officers were re-elected, and the second annual fair was held on the 1st, 2d, 3d, and 4th days of October. At the election in 186,2 the same officers were re-elected, and the third annual fair was held on September 30th, October 1st, 2d, and 3d. At the election in 1863 the same officers were re-elected, with James I. Elliott as secretary. The fourth annual fair was held in October, 1863. At the election in 1864 the following afters were elected,: President, E. Lytle; Vice- President, H. M. Reed; Treasurer, John Duncan; Secretary, A. B. C. 336 - HISTORY OF SHELBY COUNTY, OHIO. Hitchcock. The fifth annual fair was held on the 27th, 28th, and 29th of September. On the 16th of January, 1864, J. A. Lamb was elected trustee to supply the vacancy occasioned by the death of I. T. Fulton. January 21, 1865, at the annual election the same officers were continued, and the annual fair held in October. J. C. Coe tendered his resignation as trustee, and Edmund Lytle was elected to supply the vacancy. The annual fair was held in October. January 20, 1866, the following were elected officers: President, William Shinn ; Vice-President, James A. Wells; Treasurer, John Duncan ; Secretary, A. B. C. Hitchcock. The annual fair was held in October, 1867. The same officers were elected. At the annual meeting in 1868 the following were elected: President, John Duncan; Vice-President, W. A. Carey; Secretary, J. S. Read; Treasurer, 0. J. Taylor. At the annual meeting in 1869 the following were elected: President, J. A. Wells; Vice-President, J. R. Kendall, with secretary and treasurer as before. The tenth annual fair was held in October. At the election in 1870 the following were elected: President, J. R. Kendall; Vice-President, Morris Honnell ; secretary 'and treasurer same as before. The eleventh fair was held in October. In 1871 the following were elected: President, J. R. Kendall; Vice-Presiednt, Morris Honnell; Treasurer, L. E. Mathers ; Secretary, H. B. Blake. The twelfth annual fair was held in October. In 1872 the following were elected: President, R. Joslin; Vice-President, D. M. Line; Treasurer, L. E. Mathers; Secretary, J. S. Read. The thirteenth annual fair was held in October. In 1873 the following were elected: President, R. Joslin ; Vice-President, S. Alexander Leckey ; Treasurer, C. C. Weaver; Secretary, J. S. Read. In 1874 the officers were : President, S. A. Leckey ; Vice-President, M. Honnell; Treasurer, 0. 0. Mathers ; Secretary, J. S. Read. The fifteenth annual fair was held Sept. 22d, 23d, 24th, and 25th, 1874. At the election held Jan. 1875, the following officers were elected: Pres., Francis Bailey ; Vice-Pres., Morris Honnell ; Treas., 0. 0. Mathers ; Sect., J. S. Read. The sixteenth annual fair was held Sept. 21st, 22d, 23d, and 24th, 1875. Officers elected Jan. 15, 1876: Pres., Francis Bailey ; Vice-Pres., M. Honnell; Treas., John Duncan ; Sect., J. S. Read. The seventeenth annual fair was held Sept. 19th, 20th, 21st, and 22d, 1876. Officers elected Jan. 20, 1n77: Pres., S. Alex. Leckey ; Vice-Pres., Ed. E. Nutt ; Treas , C. C. Weaver ; Sect., J. S. Read. The eighteenth annual fair was held Sept. 25th, 26th, 27th, and 28th, 1877. The total amount of receipts for the eighteenth annual fair from all sources was $2081.28. Total disbursements were $2084.94, leaving a deficit of $3.66. The election for officers for the year 1878 resulted as follows : Pres., S. Alex. Leckey ; Vice-Pres., Ed. E. Nutt ; Treas., C. C. Weaver ; Sect., J. S. Read. The nineteenth annual fair was held Oct. 1st, 2d, 3d, and 4th, 1878. The total number of entries made in the different classes was 1320, an advance of more than fifty per cent. over that of the year before, showing that the Institute was at this time in a flourishing condition. The result of the election held Jan. 18, 1879, was the re-election of all the officers of the preceding year. The time of the twentieth annual fair was Sept. 30th and Oct. 1st, 2d, and 3d. The total number of entries made at the twentieth annual fair was 1618. Total receipts from all sources $2590'.08. This included $106.63 in treasury from the last year. Total disbursements $2160.30, leaving a balance of $419.76 in treasury. At the election held Jan. 17, 1880, the same officers were elected as those of the preceding year. The time of the twenty-first fair was the last three days of Sept. and the first of Oct. 1880. This year, 1880, the Institute purchased six and a half acres of ground in addition to their former grounds, for which they paid the sum of $1300. The number of acres in the grounds at this date was twenty-six and a half. Cash value of the grounds and improvements was $8000. Sept. 6, 1880, S. Alex. Leckey, the president of the Institute, died.. By his death the society lost one of its most efficient members. Appropriate resolutions were passed in honor of his memory, and the same were recorded in the secretary's book. At a meeting held Jan. 15, 1881, the following officers were elected: Pres., Morris Honnell ; Vice-Pres., Daniel Staley ; Treas., 0. J. `Taylor; Sect., H. Guthrie. The time of holding the twenty-second fair was Sept. 27th, 28th, 29th, and 30th. During the year 1881 the Institute purchased one and a half acres of land adjacent to their grounds, for which they paid the sum of $325. The receipts for the fair held in Sept. 1881, were as follows: Received from sale of tickets, $2190 ; entrance fees, $209 ; received from State, $120.68; balance from last year, $180.77; from all other sources, $593.40; making a grand total of $3293.85. Total disbursements, $2433.22. Balance in treasury, $860.63. At the election for officers for the year 1882 the same persons were re-elected of the year previous. The twenty-third annual fair was held Sept. 26th, 27th, 28th, and 29th. This was one of the most successful fairs ever held in the county, although the weather was very unfavorable, raining every day. The entries in all the departments (excepting that of fruit) were better than those of any previous year. The general attendance was better, and it is safe to say that if the weather had been favorable the receipts of the fair would have exceeded those of the year previous by from $500 to $1000. The total receipts for this fair were $3061.71. Balance on hand from previous year, $860.63. Total, $3922.34. Disbursements for the year, $3545.03. At the annual meeting of the society held Jan, 1882, a resolution was offered to prohibit the sale of ale, beer, and wine on the fair grounds. This resolution met with some opposition, but was adopted by the board. The year previous they had received for the permit of the eating-house and the sale of beer, ale, and wine the sum of $135. This year they could get no offer for the privilege of an eating-house. It accordingly was given to the ladies of the First Presbyterian Church of Sidney free of charge, who made a success of it and gave universal satisfaction. A noticeable feature at this fair was the quietness and good behavior of the large crowd of people in attendance. No drunkenness or disorderly conduct was seen. This proved, not only to the board of directors but to all who were there, that beer, ale, and wine are not essential to the succoss of a fair in Shelby County. The election for officers held Jan. 1883, resulted as follows : Pres., Daniel Staley ; Vice-Pres., Isaac Betts ; Sect., Harvey Guthrie ; Treas., 0. J. Taylor. BUSINESS. Stone Bridge Grain Elevator. Nutt Bros. This enterprise was originally known as the Stone Bridge Warehouse, the building of which was erected in 1858 by Mathers & McGrew, and was a two story frame 70 by 70 feet, but without an elevator. It was first sold to J. F. Frazier, next to Frank Levering, again to J. R. Kendall, and finally to Kendall & Conroy. In 1871 it became the property of Forsyth, Nutt & Co.; but two years later E. E. Nutt purchased the interest of all his partners, attached a steam elevator, added a story to the building and a drive-way through the centre on the ground floor. About a year later Mr. Nutt associated his brothers in the business, and the firm style became Nutt Bros., the members being E. E., J. N., and J. M. Nutt. The building has a capacity of about 50,000 bushels ; the annual handling of grain amounting to about 150,000 bushels. This showing assumes extra proportions when it is remembered there are thirteen other grain-dealing establishments within the county outside of Sidney. Sidney Grain Elevator. Moore f Marshall. The building used by this firm was erected about 1849 by Lamb & Zinn, but in 1853 it was converted into a steam flouring mill with six run of stones, by Mathers, McGrew & Co., who operated until about 1862. At this date it was reconverted into an elevator. It was afterward operated as an elevator until 1878 by J. B. Wilkin, who removed the milling machinery. It then passed through the hands of John Hart, H. M. Reed, and finally came in possession of W. R. Moore in 1875. Its style then became the Sidney Steam elevator, and an addition 24 by 55 feet was made to the main building, the dimensions of the whole building being now 55 by 825 feet and two stories high. In 1876 T. J. Orbison bought a half interest, and the firm became Orbison & Moore. About a year later Mr. Moore repurchased the whole interest, and operated alone until 1879, when he sold a one-half interest to 0. S. Marshall, since which time the firm style has been Moore & Marshall. In 1880 additions were made to both the building and the machinery. Hardware. O. J. Taylor. O. J. Taylor commenced the hardware business in 1854 under the firm name of McLain & Taylor, and continued under this style until 1856. First opened in the old Piper building, but in November moved into the room now occupied by G. C. Kelsey, and -three years later to that now occupied by the German American Bank. In 1863 left here and moved into a building on Main Street. In 1859 the firm became Taylor & Stephenson, and in 1864, Taylor St. Bro. In 1881 Mr. O. J. Taylor assumed sole proprietorship. In 1873 he erected a building 50 by 120 feet, on the corner of Main and Poplar, facing on Main. It contains two storerooms on first floor ; the second floor is used for offices, and the third floor as an opera hall with a seating capacity of about 1000 persons. The lower corner room is 100 by 25, with an iron room to the rear 22 by 66 feet—these being used as hardware sales and storeroom by Mr. Taylor, who carries a stock of from $18,000 to $20,000 at all times. Pork House. G. F. Yenney. The proprietor of this establishment came as a grocer from Piqua in 1863 and opened a grocery in Sidney, with which he was connected until 1875. In 1865 he commenced the pork-packing business, having erected a main building 40 by 60 feet, an addition 20 by 60, and other buildings of a shed character. About 2800 hogs are slaughtered annually, which gives employment to about twenty-five men. In connection with this house the proprietor keeps a meat market in Sidney, where meats of all kinds are constantly on sale. Aside from the demands of this market, his pork is packed and shipped, to a greater or less extent, all over the country. HISTORY OF SHELBY COUNTY, OHIO - 337 Buggies and Spring Wagons. In March, 1876, W. M. Hall established a buggy and spring wagon salesroom in Sidney, but kept enlarging his stock until it embraces wagons, reapers, mowers, and portable steam-engines. At present he handles the Haydock, Emerson & Fisher, Lewis Cook, Anderson, Harris & Co., and United States Buggy Co.,s buggies, as well as the best manufacture of wagons in the market. His agricultural machinery and implement stock embrace the best makes of the various machines or implements. To all this stock he also added firebrick, cement, fireclay, and stove-flues. He is doing a very extensive and successful-business. Nursery. In 1855 George Hemm started a small nursery in South Sidney, where may now be found elegant and opulent residences. In a few years his business had assumed such proportions that he was compelled to seek greater elbow-room, and so moved out to the "Blair" farm. His business kept swelling, and he kept increasing his area until he now has 280 acres. Twenty-five acres within the city limits are planted in fruit and ornamental trees ; while he has about 300,000 trees and shrubs of different kinds ; and roses of the choicest varieties may be found lending a charm at almost every turn on his lands. Having made a special study of his business, he has been enabled to produce some happy results from experimental cultivation. Citizens, Bank. This institution was organized July 15, 1870, and has since been in successful management. The original stockholders were: J. H. Mathers, L. E. Mathers, Edward Smith, William Johnston, J. A. Lamb, Jacob Piper, Samuel Rice, John Barkalow, Hugh Thompson, C. L. Pomeroy, James Murray, George Hemm, L. Marx, W. L. Alfele, and Kindall & Conroy. The capital stock was $34,000, which was a few years later increased to $82,100. First Board of Directors: J. A. Lamb, President; L. E. Mathers, Cashiers John Mathers, William Johnston, and Samuel Rice. Present Board: J. A. Lamb, President;' W. A. Graham, Cashier ; S. Carey Cummings, Assistant Cashier ; Hugh Thompson, William Johnston, 0. 0. Mathers, and William P. Medcalf. CLASSIFIED BUSINESS INTERESTS. Manufactories: Sidney, Steel Scraper Co., American Steel Scraper Co., and Slusser & McLean, Steel Scraper Co.; Sidney Agricultural Works; P. Smith, Bro. & Co. Machine Works and Foundry ; Eagle Plow Works; Sidney Plow Works; Sidney Planing Mills and Lumber Yard; J. F. Black, Planing Mills and Lumber Yard ; " D" Handle Factory; Excelsior Works; J. M. Blue, Sawmill and Lumber Yard; Flax Mill; Sidney Lime Kiln; J. S. Crozier, Carriage Factory; A. Miller, Carriage Factory; Sidney Marble Works; Shea & Buell, Marble Works ; Sidney Wheel Works ; New York Spoke Works; Sidney Hub and Spoke Factory; J. Dan, Hub and Spoke Works; Automatic Vise Works; Collar and Fly Net Factory ; John Wagner's Brewery. Dry Goods: N. C. Deweese, William Piper, Wilkinson & Graham, I. H. Thedieck, E. Zinn & Co., Moehring Bros. Hardware: Wagner & Son, O. J. Taylor, Kah & Rostron. Stoves and Tinware: Gould & Fruckey, L. J. Buyler, Kah & Rostron. Boots and Shoes: W. B.. Forsyth, C. Frey, B. C. Bennett, Fares & Mumford, George Kah & Son, Burkhart & Sons, W. R. Horner. Druggists: A. W. Thompson, Wilson & Ayers, Clemans Amann, H. B. Blake. Books and Stationery: H.. W. Thompson, Wilson & Ayers, C. W. McKee Clothing: Abe Herzstam, E. C. Bush, A. Mayer & Son, Eagle Clothing House. Notions and Fancy Goods; H. H. Loth & Co., I. B. Detwiler. News Dealers: Charles Rogers, C. F. Hickok. Groceries and Produce: G. L. Bush, S. D. Voress, J. Piper, Jr., T. L. Robinson, A. Kline, Schafer & Albers, R. Murray, J. C. Haines, L. Ewing, R.. Joslin & Son, W. A. Rliinehart, G. B. Sterline, J. P. Clark, C. Timeus, Piper & Son, H. Bird, Crusey & Bro., E. Store. Millinery: Mrs. Dewey, E. Wight, Clara E. Fry, Mrs. Weingartner, Mrs. E. McNutt, Miss E. Callahan. Bakeries: Charles Timeus, J. Piper, Jr., Schafer & Albers, R. Murray, Ed. Storr, Grusse & Bro. Restaurants: W. H. Barber, George Brenner. Furniture and Undertaking: Louis Grimm, Jacob Menerges, Salm Morton & Co. Jewelry: C. W. McKee, C. Schwerer, W. O. Amann, J. Kirchdoerffer. Butchers: J. F. Schaub, M, Wagner, George Yenney, Busstetter & Weingartner, J. Weingartner & Son. Agricultural Implements: John Valentine, Clark & Partington, Price & Epler, and W. M. Hall. Photographers.: C. W. Vandegrift, W. S. Fish. Musical Instruments : William Pfeil, C. W. McKee, C. Schwerer, W. 0. Amann. Hotels: M. S. Barber,s Florentine Hotel; H. H. Elliott,s Burnett House; Bush's Bush Hotel; D. W. Reese,s Reese House. Livery Stables: Clay It. Joslin, Musselman & Wharton, L. Robins, McClure & Johnston. Cigar Manufacturers: C. C. Sollenberger, H. S. Schultz, John Pfeil, A. Scherer. Grain Elevators: Stone Bridge Grain Elevator; Sidney Grain Elevator. Harness Makers : George Hendershott, James E. Irwin, Chism & Hausman. Banks: German American; Citizens'. Barbers: Christopher Dickas & Son, Charles Lawrence, Charles Pefferle. Insurance and Real Estate: J. S. Laughlin, Samuel McCullough, Bunnelle & Huddle, G. C. Anderson (ins.), C. Arbogast (real est.), Dan. Cochlin (ins,), J. W. Curd (ins.). Saloons: William Shine, A. C. Alge, Ben. B. Amann, Mary Brice, J. L. Bush, Edward Crusey, Barbary Holder, J. C. A. Herstein, Emert Hays, Dennis Mulvihill, G. W. Moeller, Lewis Pfaadt, J. T. Riordon, J. M. Scott, George Schafer, Henry Steinle, Wagner .House, Frank Shillmiller, H. J. Taylor, Charles Wolf, Joseph Weingartner, Nicholas Wallace, L. Zimpfher. Wholesale Liquors: Charles Timeus, G. C. Kelsey, A. C. Alge. Attorneys: H. Wilson, D Oldham, N. R. Burress, J. M. Staley, S. L. Wicoff, E. L. Hoskins, G. A. Marshall, W. D. Davies, J. S. Conklin, J. C. Royon, J. McKercher, J. E. McCullough, A..J. Rebstock, T. J. McSweney, J. E. Way,' S. J. Hatfield. Physicians: H. S. Conklin, W. R. Keve, H. S. Conklin, Jr., H. E. Beebe, S. M. Collins, P. B. Beeman, A. Reddish, C. E. Johnston, D. R. Silvers, A. Wilson, C. W. Carroll, B. M. Sharp, J. D. Geyer. Dentists: B. D. Wikoff, C. B. Orbison, J. A. Throckmorton. Churches: Methodist Episcopal, D. G. Strong, Pastor; Presbyterian, R. McCaslin, Pastor; United Presbyterian; Baptist; German Lutheran ; German Evangelical; Reformed; German Methodist Episcopal; Catholic; Colored Baptist. Lodges: Temperance Lodge No. 73 F. & A. M. ; Sidney Chapter; Sidney. Council; I. 0. 0. F. No. 60; Osceola Encampment ; Sidney Temple Patriarchar Circle; Summit Lodge K. of P.; Neal Post No. 62 G. A. R. Newspapers: Weekly Valley Sentinel and Daily Sentinel, Democratic, J. T. Hearn, Editor and Proprietor; Shelby County Democrat, Democratic, Gen'l J. 0. Amos, Editor and Proprietor; Sidney Journal, Republican, Trego & Binkley, Proprietors. NEWSPAPERS. The Shelby County Democrat was established by William Ramsey in 1849. The first issue was published on the first of January of that year. It was then called the Democratic Yeoman. Mr Ramsey continued its publication for about two years, when he died, and the paper passed into the hands of S. Alexander Leckey. On the 30th of January, 1852, under Mr. Leckey's management, the name of the paper was changed to Shelby Democrat. It was subsequently changed to Shelby County Democrat, but the exact time when it assumed the present name cannot be ascertained. During the time that Mr. Leckey had charge of the paper he took in partnership with him A. M. Hollabaugh, and in 1856 he sold his interest to Mr. Hollabaugh. Mr. Hollabaugh ran the paper a short time, and sold it to J. M. Miller, who only managed it a short time, and sold it to A. M. Dumbaugh.            Dumbaugh, did not succeed in the paper, and it was purchased in 1858 by A. Kaga, who came from Tiffin. Mr. Kaga was then a young man, and he made the paper an excellent one. In 1861 he went into the army, first as a three-month soldier, and afterward as captain of a company in the 20th regiment. For a time after he went into the service the Democrat was run for him by a committee of Democrats. In the early part of 1862 Gen,l Thomas L. Young purchased the Democrat, and published it until October, 1862, when he went into the 118th regiment as major, and the paper again was taken charge of by a committee of Democrats, and placed under the management of W. N. Skidmore. In the summer of 1863 McGonagle & Lewis, of Cambridge, Ohio, purchased the paper, and it was published by them until 1871, when H. Hume bought out the interest of Mr. Lewis, and he and McGonagle published it until April 1, 1874, when J. S. Van Valkenburg, then a member of the Constitutional Convention from Sandusky County, purchased the paper, and placed it under the editorial charge of W. N. Skidmore until the close of the Constitutional Convention, when he took control himself. Mr. Van Valkenburg died in December, 1875, and, on the 28th day of January, 1876, James 0. Amos purchased the Democrat from 0. 0. Mothers, the administrator, and. has been the editor and proprietor ever since. During the time Van Valkenburg owned the paper he enlarged it from a twenty-eight to a thirty-two column paper, and afterwards to a thirty-six column paper. On the first of February, 1882, Mr. Amos changed the size from a four page to an eight-page paper, with fifty-six in place of thirty-six columns. HISTORY OF SHELBY COUNTY, OHIO - 339 Under Mr. Amos's management it has largely increased its circulation, and ranks as one of the best and most enterprising papers in Northwestern Ohio. It has always been true to the principles of the Democratic party. The Valley Sentinel.—The first number of this paper was issued September 1, 1880, by John T. Hearn and Van B. Baker. The latter gentleman retired from the paper after the second number was issued, and it has been under the management of Mr. Hearn, the present proprietor, since that time The paper was started in response to a popular demand, and the fact that the Sentinel has grown in circulation and influence, with a large subscription list and a liberal advertising patronage, is evidence that there was an opening for the paper. The Sentinel is Democratic in politics, but has always been noted for fairness and candor in treating political questions. March 12, 1883, the proprietor of the Sentinel issued the first number of the Daily Sentinel, and that too has proved a success. It has received a generous support from the business men of Sidney, and its subscription list has been quite satisfactory to the publisher. The establishment of a daily paper in a town like Sidney is no ordinary event, and requires no small amount of nerve, but its success would indicate that its .publisher had the judgment to perceive that the people would support his enterprise if it proved worthy of support. The. Sidney Journal, the oldest paper in the county, was established by J. Smith in 1832. Smith appears to have been an eccentric individual, and it is said he frequently walked from Sidney to Cincinnati, a distance of ninety-eight miles, where he purchased his paper and carried it to Sidney on his back. About 1842 the paper passed into the hands of William Armstrong and became the Bugle-blast of Freedom. The name afterward became the Aurora. A little later it became the Herald, and was published by Clinton Edwards until 1851. It next appeared as the Sidney Banner, and was published by J. P. Haggott about two years, when it was, purchased by Samuel H. Matthews, who changed its name to the Sidney Journal, under which title it is still published. In 1861 it passed into the hands of P. A. Ogden, and was subsequently edited by J. H. McElroy, J. Dubois, and Bliss & Adgate. In 1869 it came into the possession of the present proprietors, Messrs. Trego & Binkley. The Journal is an eight-page paper, ably editcd, and Republican in politics. BIOGRAPHIES. HON. PATRICK GAINES GOODE. This name is found not only in judicial records of Ohio, but also in the legislative records of the Nation. Judge Goode was born in Prince Edwards County, Va., May 10, 1798, and came to Ohio, near Xenia, with his father in 1805. Here he worked on a farm until sixteen years of age, when he entered the classical school of Professor Espy at Xenia. Three years later hc followed the same instructor to Philadelphia, Pa., where he remained about two years, and then removed to Lebanon, Warren County, and began the study of law under Judge Collett. At the age of twenty-three he was admitted to the Lebanon bar, which then boasted of such legal lights as Thomas Corwin, Benjamin Collett, and other advocates of celebrity. Removing to Madison, Indiana, h entered upon the practice of law, but in 1828 he moved to Liberty, Indiana, and again in 1831 to Sidney, Ohio. At the latter place he stepped to the front rank of his profession, but as the country was yet new, he devoted a portion of his time to teaching. About the year 1832 he was appointed agent of the State Sabbath-school Society, for Shelby and the counties north of it. For several months he was zealously engaged in this field, organizing Sabbath-schools and otherwise laboring in the interests of the society's cause. In 1833 he was elected to the Ohio House, and was honored by a re-election the following year. In 1835 he was a candidate for the Ohio Senate and received the certificate of election ; but as a number of votes for his opponent, Colonel Hunt, had been thrown out on technical grounds, the judge refused to claim the office to which he did not believe himself fairly elected. The following year he was elected to Congress from a district extending from Dayton to Toledo, and comprising fourteen counties. He was twice re-elected, but after the redistricting of the State he refused to be a candidate for a fourth term. In Congress he was an indefatigable worker, and received great praise from his constituents for his successful labors in behalf of improvements in the Maumee Valley. In 1844 the sixteenth judicial district was created, and was composed of Shelby and Williams, with all intervening counties, ten in number. Judge Goode was elected President Judge of this district by the General Assembly, for seven years, when the district was remodelled and the old constitution was superseded by the new. He then resumed the practice of law at Sidney, but finally abandoned this profession to enter the ministry. In 1855 the M. E. Conference gave him a temporary appointment to fill a vacancy, and the next year he was regularly appointed, so that by 1857 his full time was devoted to Gospel duties. In the fall of 1862 he attended the conference at Greenville, Darke County, where, owing to his knowledge of parliamentary law, he was burdened by grave responsibilities. These, taken in connection with the arduousness of his preceding labors, seem to have overtaxed his endurance, for he only survived the conference about two weeks, his death occurring at his home, October 7, 1862. On July 3, 1832, he was united in marriage with Miss Mary, daughter of Benjamin and Catherine Whiteman, near Clifton, Greene County, 0. They had three children, of whom two survived childhood. These were Catherine, who married Wm. McCullough, of Sidney, 0., and Benjamin W., who married Miss Anna S. Evans, of Franklin, 0. Judge Goode was a lover of books, a classical scholar, and an earnest, persuasive advocate. In all the stations and relations of life he won the confidence and esteem of the constituency which he served and the people who had opportunities of knowing him. Everywhere he was given credit for high-mindedness and a keen perception of justice, whether in the halls of Con- gress, on the bench, or in the pulpit. As a lawyer, too, he was said to have arisen above the abuses of that profession, and to have relied, not upon trickery or technicality, but upon the broader principles of fairness and justice. At the establishment of the Ohio Wesleyan University at Delaware, he became a member of the board of college trustees, and held the same relation to the institution up to the time of his death. As nearly as we can to-day estimate his life-work and individual character, we feel safe in saying he shed a lustre upon Shelby County, and is entitled to the grateful veneration of the people not only of this county, but throughout that larger field to which his work and influence extended. HON. BENJAMIN LE FEVRE, M.C. This gentleman needs but little introduction to the people of Ohio, less to the people of the 4th Congressional district, and none to the people of Shelby County, where it may be said he is familiarly known to every man, woman, and child. He is one of those large and genial individuals who can adapt himself to almost all the conditions incident to the organization of political forces. Although he lays no claims to ability as a public expounder of the principles of statesmanship or as an orator, he is possessed of that ease of manner and agreeableness of address which are calculated to make friends as they come in contact with the people.. He belongs to an old family, and was born in Salem Township, October 8, 1838. During youth he worked on his father's farm, and did his reading largely at night by the light of a burning knot. During the school years he attended the log school-house until thirteen years of age, when he entered the Sidney school, then taught by a Mr. Arnott, in the old Presbyterian Church. After about a year's study here he worked along at farm labors until 1856, when he began teaching during the winter seasons and working and studying during the summer. He afterwards attended Miami University about three years and read law with Smith & Cummings, of Sidney, and in the mean time taught school to defray his expenses. He entered the army as a private in the Benton Cadets, and served through the Missouri campaign of Generals Fremont and Seigel, and was mustered out of the service at St. Louis in the spring of 1862, the Secretary of War having decided against the regularity of the organization. After the forced march at Springfield, Mo., he was promoted to 6th corporal upon the recommendation of Capt. Thos. L. Young, since Governor of Ohio. He next entered the 99th Ohio at Lima, and at the organization was promoted to adjutant, and served through the Kentucky campaign. At the battle of Stone River, upon recommendation of brigade, division, corps commanders, and General Rosecranz, he was promoted major, and served with the regiment in all its campaigns about Chattanooga. When the 99th and 50th Ohio regiments were consolidated he was retained as major of the consolidated regiment, and was mustered out at Salisbury, S. C., in the summer of 1865, after the surrender of Johnson. After final discharge at Camp Dennison, Ohio, he returned home, and, after a spirited contest, was nominated by the Democrats as representative in the Ohio General Assembly, to which office he was elected. While serving in this position he took an active interest in legislation, and devoted his energies to the passage of the free pike bill, which had been introduced by the Hon. James Hall, of Toledo. He was then the youngest member of the 65th and 66th General Assemblies. While serving in the Legislature he was nominated for Secretary of State by the Democrats, but suffered defeat, with his ticket, as the Republicans carried the State by about 40,000 majority. At the close of his House term, he was appointed Governor of Washington Territory by President Johnson, but on account of his youth the appointment was withdrawn, and he was appointed Consul to Neuremberg, Germany, in the spring of 1867. After his return to the United States he spent a few months in various interests, and was finally employed by Col. Thos. A. Scott to look after the revenue cases of that gigantic corporation, the Pennsylvania Railroad. During the period he was with this corporation he organized the First National Bank of Lima, and held the office of vice-president of the institution about six years. His resignation of the position he held with the P. R. R. was caused by his nomination to the 46th Congress by his home district. The contest for this nomination was one of the fiercest ever waged in a mass convention in this State, and lasted three days and three nights. On the 218th ballot Le Fevre was nominated by a majority of one and one-half vote. The contest was embittered and acrimonious, and from it sprang crimination and recrimination. Still Le Fevre was elected at the general 340 - HISTORY OF SHELBY COUNTY, OHIO. election, although by a greatly reduced vote. Entering Congress, he served on the committee on agriculture and the committee on military affairs, and introduced the first House bill for the suppression of contagious diseases among domestic animals. He also introduced the resolution providing for a department of agriculture and was made chairman of the committee. Espousing the cause of the soldiers, he introduced bills for the equalization of soldiers' bounties. His old district was composed of the counties of Shelby, Parke, Auglaize, Mercer, and Miami; but before the 47th Congress the State was redistricted, throwing him into a district composed of the counties of Auglaize, Allen, Mercer, Paulding, Putnam, Defiance, Shelby, and Van Wert. Five of these counties had been represented by Hon. W. D. Hill, and as the two members were thrown into the same district, a contest arose in the nominating convention which was held at Lima. The contest, however, was soon over, as Le Fevre was nominated on the first ballot. He was reelected by a majority of about 8000, although at the previous election his majority was only about 1800. During the 47th Congress he served on the appropriation committee. During this Congress, Ohio was redistricted, and Le Fevre found himself in the 4th district, composed of the counties of Allen, Auglaize, Darke, Mercer, and Shelby. The Demo- cratic nominating convention was held at Wapakoneta, and such was Le Fevre's hold upon the party that he was nominated by acclamation and elected to the 48th Congress by a large majority in 1882. In the life of this man we can read the favoritism of fortune, for capricious as she may be, she has smiled upon him at almost every turn in his life. Make all the calculations you may as to probabilities, abilities, and determination, and yet it must be admitted that fate decides the general affairs of life. Le Fevre has been opposed by men of eminent ability and commanding oratory, and yet he has succeeded almost beyond his most sanguine expectations. Once in Congress, it is readily seen how Le Fevre has retained his position, for as a campaigner he is tireless and never sleeps. While at home he mingles with the people so freely and happily that the term mixer acquires a broad significance. While absent at his place in Congress his constituents are kept under continual obligations to him, or at least in constant recollection of him, for that family is not to be found in his district to whom he has not sent out from Washington an occasional report, pamphlet, printed speech, package of garden seeds, or box of bulbs. Besides all this, by some apparent concert or coincidence, he receives more press notices touching his personal appearance, affability, and gallantry than any other member of any Congress. It is fate which favors him, and no one individual will presume to account for the caprices of this destiny. JUDGE WILLIAM C. WYMAN. The parents of Wm. C. Wyman were natives of County Wexford, Ireland, where the father was born in 1780, and the mother in 1782. Their lives were passed in their native land, although their children drifted away to the land across the waters. Mrs. Wyman, née Mary Furlong, was a close relative of Bishop Furlong, Prelate of the Diocese of Ferus, Ireland. Mr. Wyman, well advanced in years, passed away March 14, 1870, while his wife survived him some seven years, her death occurring September 7, 1877. They both died in their native county, and were survived by but two of their nine children. It will be proper here to relate an incident which was of much interest to the family and partakes somewhat of the tint of romance. The oldest son, John, when eleven years of age, left home and shipped on board a merchant vessel, but the storms and calms of a series of years failed to bring any tidings to the anxious parents. Eighteen years elapsed and his brother William, then a boy of ten, was attending school at the "National School-house," when a stranger in the dress of a sailor one day approached the school children and made special inquiries concerning the Wymans, which at once suggested the thought to William that the stranger was his own brother whom he had never seen, but of whom he had heard much from an ever anxious mother. So, satisfying himself, he hastened to his home, and almost overcame the feelings of his parents by announcing the return of their long absent and unexpected son. The scene of joy which followed can only be imagined. The returned sailor was first mate under Capt. George H. Flanders, of the brig Keying, then lying in Liverpool harbor. William C. Wyman, the boy who carried the glad news of his brother's return to their mother, was born in County Wexford, Ireland, September 29, 1832, and remained with his parents until his eleventh year, when he shipped with his brother as cabin-boy on the brig Keying, which with a cargo of salt left Liverpool for Newburyport. The destination was safely reached, and William commenced attendance at the "West Male Grammar School," while his brother shipped again in charge of one of Captain Cushing's vessels. From that time the brothers never met, as William had himself gone to sea before the return of John from his first voyage. Ill health soon compelled John to abandon the sea, and he located in Norfolk, Virginia, where he married• and reared a son and daughter. His health, however, never returned, and in 1857 he died in his adopted State. His family afterward moved to Scottsville, Albemarle County, Va., where the mother and daughter still live, the son having died in 1863. William, on leaving Newburyport, secured a position as cabin-boy on the brig Ark, commanded by Captain Johnston. From Beverly, Mass., the vessel started for Charleston, S. C., and made a boisterous and dangerous voyage. Off Cape Hatteras a storm raged with great violence, and the cabin-boy resolved that if once he reached the land he would give up entirely the " rolling deep." On reaching Charleston he applied himself to a search for work, but stood confronted by slavery, an institution of which he had never dreamed, and which he contemplated with aversion and 'hatred. That hatred did not die out, and so when the great issue came, although a Democrat, h gave his vote to the author of the " Emancipation Proclamation." Disappointed at Charleston he again turned seaward, and through the kindness of Captain Black, secured a position on the Sarah Penerington, commanded by Captain Penerington, and bound to Liverpool. With this vessel he made two trips across the ocean. While returning the second time a three weeks' dead calm was encountered off the island of Cuba, where he first heard of the city of Cincinnati, to which some of the passengers were bound. From what he could learn of the town he resolved to seek it, and escape ocean life if possible. On arriving at New Orleans he was confronted again by that giant curse, Slavery ; but still he thought of Cincinnati, for which place he set out at once. On his arrival, his first friend was of the despised race, a free negro, who secured him a position in a grocery store. Soon afterward he was apprenticed at the plastering trade, which he followed until 1853 in that city. Coming to Sidney on something of a prospecting tour, he was pleased with the town and so settled here and followed his old trade. He was married in 1856, and has a family of seven children living. In 1875 Mr. Wyman was elected Probate Judge of Shelby County, to which office he was re-elected in 1878. His official career was highly satisfactory to his constituents and very gratifying to his host of friends. During his whole life he has been a Roman Catholic in religion, and a Democrat in politics. Of his brothers and sisters not already mentioned, we may add he has one brother living in Westmoreland County, Pa.; one sister died in Ireland ; his brother James came to America in 1856, and died the samc year; another brother, Francis, enlisted in the 27th Horse Dragoons of the British Army, and died in the East Indies. A. J. ROBERTSON. The great-grandfather of the above—a Scotchman by birth—emigrated to the American Colonies about 1770: his family consisted of his wife and three sons. They located near Philadelphia, Pa. These three sons all took a part in the struggle for independence. One of the three Samuel—married a Miss Hendricks, near Philadelphia, in New Jersey, about 1784. They moved to Southern Ohio at the close of the last century and located within the present limits of Warrcn County ; here he died, but the date of his death is not known. Of his family we will only speak of Samuel, the second son, who was born near Elizabethtown, N. .1., in 1787. He learned the brickmason trade, and is said to have built the first brick house in Preble County, Ohio. This was in 1811. While building this house he formed the acquaintance of Miss Susan Van Winkle, of Preble County, whom he married the same year. In 1814 he entered the U. S. Army and received a commission as a major, by which title he was ever afterward known. They reared a family of eight children. About 1812 he entered a piece of land in Preble County, to which he moved his family and where he made his home during the remainder of his life. He died April, 1872; his wife died Oct. 1881, aged eighty-six years. Major Robertson was a prominent man in his community ; he was an extensive contractor on public works, was Associate Judge of his county, and also Justice of the Peace for many years. ANDREW JACKSON, his eldest son, was born in Preble County in 1825. He remained at home with his parents on the farm until seventeen years of age, at which time he went to learn the trade of stone-cutting. He worked as an apprentice about two years. In 1844 he, with a partner, went to Hamilton, Ohio, and built a mill on the Hydraulic, for the purpose of sawing stone for monumental and building purposes. They ran the mill about two years, when a freshet destroyed the Hydraulic, and left him without power to work. This was in 1846, the time of the war with Mexico. In May, 1846, he enlisted in the 4th 0. V. I. under Charles Brough. They left Cincinnati the last of June, and went down the Ohio and Mississippi to New Orleans ; from there to the mouth of the Rio Grande and up that river to Matamoras ; from there to Vera Cruz ; from there they marched to Pueblo, where they remained until the close of the war, when they returned to Cincinnati and were mustered out of the service. After his return from Mexico Mr. Robertson remained at home until 1851, when he came to Sidney and entered into partnership with Patrick Fehan in the marble business. This partnership continued about three years, when they dissolved, and Mr. R. went into the business for himself, which he has carried on until the present time. In 1860 he married Miss Mary E., a daughter of George D. Leckey, of Sidney. By this union there were six children born, viz., Lulu G., Clement W., Lillie S., George S., Mary I., and Nellie. Mrs. Robertson died May, 1874. She was an estimable lady, beloved by all who knew her for her amiable and self-sacrificing HISTORY OF SHELBY COUNTY, OHIO - 341 disposition. At her death her loss was felt, not only by her devoted husband and loving children, but by the whole community in which she lived. It would not be out of place here to notice briefly some of Mr. Robertson's public life. While he has always been a man of rather retired and timid disposition, never having, aspired to public honors or emoluments, yet he has ever been prominent in all the public enterprises of his town and county. After the close of the late rebellion, the citizens of Sidney and vicinity took steps toward the erection of a soldier's monument. After a certain amount of funds had been raised for that purpose, but before anything was done toward its erection, Mr. Robertson conceived the idea of a monumental building instead of monument. He suggested his idea to some of his friends, who heartily indorsed it. The conception was original with him, for at that time there was no such building anywhere in the United States. He was one of the Board of Trustees, and was appointed by them the Superintendent of the construction of the building, and to him more than any other one man is due the credit, not only of the conception, but the planning and erection of a structure that is a credit to Sidney and Shelby County, as well as an honor to their fallen heroes. Mr. Robertson has always been an ardent Democrat of the old Bourbon stamp. Although a strong partisan, he has never been a politician, nor an aspirant for office. Years ago, when his township was strongly against him in politics, he was elected as justice of the peace, much against his own desires and wishes. His abhorrence of having anything to do with law inclined him to resign the position, but by the advice of his friends he retained the office during the term, but did as little business as possible, always advising settlement to litigation. In 1869 he was elected to the office of County Treasurer, which he filled two terms. On his election to the second term he received a greater majority than any other man on the ticket. Beside these offices, he has filled the various municipal as well as township offices, all without solicitation on his part. As a compliment to him, his comrades in arms at the organization of the Ohio State Mexican Veteran Association in 1874, held at Dayton, elected him President of the Association, and again re-elected him in 1882 and 1883, a position of which any man might be proud, for among the veterans are found such men as Gen. George W. Morgan, Gen. Thomas L. Young, Gen. Geo. W. McCook, and other men of national fame and reputation. D. L. BUSH. The Bushes are of German descent, came to the American Colonies about the middle of the last century, and located in Eastern Pennsylvania, where Henry Bush was born in 1754, and married, Eva Huffman about 1780. They reared a family of ten children, viz., Sarah, Catharine, George, John, Henry, Jacob, Mary, Charles, Michael, and Elizabeth. Of this family five came to Shelby County; Catharine, the wife of Daniel Vandemark, was the first who came ; Charles came in 1821, and located in Sidney. The others came some years later. Jacob, the father of Daniel L., was born in Pennsylvania in 1794. He married Anna Labor in 1818. They raised a family of twelve children ; Daniel was the second of the family; he was born in 1820, and came to Sidney in 1844 and worked at the carpenter trade until 1853, when he received the appointment of postmaster, which he held for a term of eight years. He was then elected treasurer of the county, which office he filled for two terms. Since that time he has been justice of the peace two terms, and mayor of Sidney two terms. In 1846 he married Sarah J. Bush (a daughter of Charles Bush), who came to Sidney in 1821. Esq. Bush's family consisted of five children, viz., Charles E., Albert, Anna, James J., and Eva. WILLIAM FIELDING, M.D., was the son of Daniel Fielding and Elizabeth Henderson Fielding, and was born in Canonsburg, Washington County, Pa., on May 1, 1796. Mrs. Fielding was the daughter of Daniel Henderson. Daniel Fielding removed with his family to Cynthiana, Harrison County, Ky. There his son William received his scientific education, which qualified him to commence the study of medicine under Dr. Burnet at Falmouth, twenty miles from Cynthiana. After a full medical course h commenced the practice of medicine in 1816 in Madison County, Ohio. He was in the war of 1812, and served six months under Col. Johnston. In 1818 Dr. Fielding married Miss Elizabeth Vail, and they have born to them five sons and seven daughters, eleven of whom reached maturity. In the same year.he settled in Franklin, and remained there, engaged in his profession, until 1824, when great inducements were proffered him, and he settled in Sidney, Shelby County, Ohio. In 1825, the date of the organization of the Presbyterian Church, he was elected one of the ruling elders, the church being under the pastorate of the Rev. Joseph Stephenson. Dr. Fielding was one of the original petitioners of Temperance Lodge No. 73, in 1825, whose history is given at length in this work. Had the honor of naming the Temperance Lodge, because he not only practised but taught that cardinal virtue, and was honored with being its first Worshipful Master, which position he held during his life at different times for twenty-seven years. The brethren of the lodge to this day annually on his birthday assemble in the lodge room, and pay their fraternal visit to his beloved and aged widow, now in the eighty-second year of her age. Dr. Fielding had the honor of representing this county in the Legislature for seven years. In order to educate his children he removed to Clinton County, and after those duties had been performed he returned to Sidney, and again resumed a laborious practice. But age was telling upon his constitution, and he, and his friends deemed it prudent. for him to settle on his farm one mile from the court-house, which he named Evergreen. But even this removal did not free him entirely from the labors of the medical profession, and to his death he administered relief •to a few families, especially those of his early associates when he first settled in Sidney. We may truthfully state, that to his death, which occurred on the 17th day of Feb. 1873, he enjoyed the confidence of the whole community. His moral deportment and his high intellectual attainments, combined with his Christian character, not only made him a welcome visitor at every fireside, but a dear and cherished friend among his fellow-citizens. Truthfully may we say with the poet— Mature for Heaven—the fatal mandate came, With it a chariot of ethereal flame ; In which, Elijah like, he passed the spheres, Bright joy to Heaven, but left the world in tears. HON. HUGH THOMPSON Judge Thompson was neither the child of luxury nor penury, but of that exalted station of comfortable labor which draws out the best elements of the individual. His father, also named Hugh, was a native of County Down, near Belfast, Ireland. While yet a mere youth he came to America, and located at Winchester, Va., at least as early as 1795. Here he worked himself into the mercantile trade, which he prosecuted about four years, when -he resolved to move westward. Low water left him at New Geneva unable to proceed farther, and so he went to work at this place until such time as he could resume his westward trip. Trifling circumstances sometimes seize a character and mould a destiny. It was so in this case. Love, that potent, rightful sovereign of every life, interposed, and the young man acknowledged allegiance. James Davenport, an Irish gentleman, who with his family was en route to Tennessee, like young Thompson, found his travel arrested by the low stage of water. Of this family a young lady, Rebecca, was thrown into the society of young Thompson, and we need not repeat the old, old story" of- " Two minds with but a single thought, Two hearts that beat as one." It was in March, 1800, when they were married, and as the romance of real life is soon over, the trip of the one to the West and that of the other to Tennessee Was abandoned, and the travellers, who met by misfortune, now husband and wife, resolved to begin anew the duties and responsibilities of life, and to that end returned to Winchester, Va. The next year, however, they returned to Geneva, and shortly afterwards Mr. Thompson abandoned mercantile life, and settled on a farm near Uniontown, where he at length became an extensive landholder. Mrs. Thompson, née Rebecca Davenport, as stated, was the daughter of James Davenport, a man who coming from Ireland with his family, went to Tennessee to take possession of a large tract of land on the Cumberland and Tennessee rivers, one thousand acres of which lay in Kentucky and three thousand five hundred in Tennessee. It was an inheritance which came through Mrs. Davenport's brother, Captain Windsor Brown, to whom the land was granted by the Government, for services in the Revolution. Here Mr. and Mrs. Davenport and one or two of their younger children passed away. Mr. Thompson took the other members of the family to his home in Fayette County, Pa. On this farm, after a residence of about sixty-three years, and at the age of about eighty-four, Mr. Thompson passed from life in 1864. He has been preceded to the silent land by his estimable wife, who died in 1837 at the age of about fifty years. The son of this parentage, Judge Hugh Thompson, well known to the citizens of Shelby, his adopted county, was born near Uniontown, Fayette County, Pa., Nov. 30, 1807. After some years of farm life at home he entered the mercantile trade in Uniontown in association with his father. Later he moved westward, and settled in Shelby County in 1831, coming to Sidney to find it a village of 637 inhabitants. Here he entered the business of merchandising, and continued about two years, when he returned to Uniontown, where he married Miss Lucretia, daughter of Silas Bailey, of that place. Returning to Sidney he went forward with his chosen business, but diversion awaits all except specialists. In 1834 he was chosen an associate justice for Shelby County, while yet in his twenty-eighth year. This appointment was to fill the unexpired term of Hon. Samuel Marshall, resigned. At the expiration of this term Mr. Thompson was continued in the office for the ensuing full term by appointment of the General Assembly. He then continued in this position until 1841, when, finding his researches as a jurist had qualified him for the ,practice of law, he entered that profession, and remained in the practice until 1875. 342 - HISTORY OF SHELBY COUNTY, OHIO. He also served as a member of the State 'Constitutional Convention of 1851, to which he was elected to represent Shelby and Darke counties. During seven years preceding this period he had held the office of prosecuting attorney of this county, and in 1857 to '59, inclusive, he served as a member of the lower house of the General Assembly. Being one of the most enterprising and active of the earlier citizens of the county, he did much to leave his impress upon the county history. In a certain sense, too, he is a self-made man, and to-day in his abundance only enjoys the reward of earnest toil. In religious matters his convictions are deep and abiding. His parents were of the old Reformed Church stock and faith, but for many years the Judge has been an ardent adherent of the Presbyterian body. Standing, as he does to-day, with the sunbeams of his seventy-fourth year falling toward the east, he is a representative citizen, wearing the honors and enjoying the confidence of all his associates. 0 f his family we need only say two children, one son and one daughter, still survive. The son, Hugh W., is actively engaged in the drug business in Sidney. The daughter, Elizabeth, became the wife of John Mathers, Esq. Mr. Mathers died about seven years since, leaving his widow in the enjoyment of an easy competence. Another child, George M., attained the estate of manhood, became a lawyer of rare talents, and died in San Francisco in December, 1869. He was universally esteemed for his rare qualities of head and heart. GEN. JAMES O. AMOS. Although not a pioneer of Shelby County, Gen,l Amos is entitled to rank among the foremost men of the county, as well as among the prominent men of the State. His ancestry traces back to the settlement in Maryland under the Lord Baltimore grant by Charles II. in 1629. The descendants of this original stock are now distributed throughout the United States. He was born near Beallesville, Monroe County, Ohio, on the 30th day of March, 1833, a little more than a half century ago. He was reared on a farm, but after attaining his eighteenth year his time was divided between the labors of a teacher and those of a farmer until he was twenty-seven years of age. With the exception of one academic year, his education was acquired in the public schools and by private study at his home. While at his farm home he studied law, and was admitted to the bar in 1859, when he immediately entered upon the practice of his profession. In 1861 he was elected prosecuting attorney of Monroe County, and was honored by a re-election in 1863. In 1860 he became a member of the board of school examiners of his county, which position he retained until 1870, when he resigned, and refused to further serve. In 1869 he was elected to the State Senate from the 20th senatorial district of Ohio, comprising the counties of Monroe and Geurnsey and a portion of Noble. He was re-elected to the General Assembly at the succeeding election, and thus served two terms in the Senate. In 1874 Governor William Allen honored him by his appointment as adjutant-general of Ohio, an office which he held two years. During his administration the present system of volunteer militia was inaugurated, and he also actively engaged in the settlement of the ordnance accounts between the State of Ohio and the United States. By this action he secured an exchange of the condemned arms, which were charged to the State account in 1863, for the new and improved arms now used by the Ohio National Guards. Since the close of his administration as adjutant-general he has been engaged in the newspaper business. In 1876 he came to Sidney, and purchased the Shelby County Democrat, and has since retained its editorship and proprietorship. Being a man of practical ideas, liberal views, and social qualities he has carried the Democrat to a higher level of ability and success than it ever before attained. The Democrat enjoys the distinction of ranking among the best Democratic weeklies in Western Ohio. General Amos was married September 9, 1856, to Miss Nancy J. Craig, whose ancestors were among the earliest settlers of Westmoreland County, Pa., she, however, being a native of Ohio. They have reared a family of eight children. Of these, M. Emma is married to Monroe C. Pegg, and resides near Columbus, Ohio. The others are all at home, and are named Delia E., who is connected with the local business department of the Democrat, Clara E., Kate J., William T., Ernest A., Howard Allen, and Frank Beeman. HEZEK1AH S. AILES. Moses H. Ailes, of Welsh descent, was born in Salem, New Jersey, in 1793. He served through the war of 1812 in a Virginia regiment. Moving to Ohio he settled in Franklin Township, Shelby County, where he reared a family of five children. Of these children Hezekiah S. Ailes is the only survivor. He was born in Harrison County, Virgrnia (West), May 19, 1840, before the removal of his parents to Ohio in 1842. From his eighteenth year he was engaged chiefly in the profession of teaching until August 18, 1862, when he enlisted in Company I, 118th Regiment 0. V. I. He entered the service as a private, was wounded at the battle of Resaca, May 14, 1864. He participated in the battles of Franklin and Nashville, and the other important engagements in which his regiment took part. He was promoted to sergeant-major of his regiment, and was mustered out at the close of the war. Returning home he resumed teaching, which he followed until 1875, when he was appointed deputy auditor of Shelby County, and served five years, at the expiration of which period (1880) he was elected auditor. h is at this time the candidate of the Democrats for re-election to the same office. He was married in October, 1867, to Miss Jane Elliott, of this county. Three sons and four daughters are the result of this union. HON. JACOB S. CONKLIN. Judge Conklin was born in Jackson Township, Champaign County, Ohio, December 4, 181.5. His father, Jacob Conklin, was born in Virginia in the vicinity of Harper's Ferry, in 1767. He was of English parentage, his father coming to this country as early as 1765, or perhaps a year or two earlier, locating in Virginia, where the father of Judge Conklin was born. The removal of the family to Ohio was not long after the close of the last war with Great Britain, about 1814, or something over sixty-five years ago. He located in Champaign County, Jackson Township, remaining there something over twenty-two years, coming to Sidney in 1836. The mother of Judge Conklin was of Irish descent. Her maiden name was Barnes, her Christian name Margaret. Her birthplace was in Pennsylvania. She was several years younger than her husband, her birth occurring in the year 1776. Mr. Conklin died in 1837, aged sixty-eight. Mrs. Conklin in 18t3, aged sixty-seven. His death occurring soon after their removal to Sidney. Our subject spent his early youth at the family home in Champaign County, and it was therc that the foundation of his education was laid. It was during his seventeenth year that he left for Clarke County, where at the county seat, Springfield, he found employment in the outer court of the sanctum judicium; that is to say, in a clerkship in tire offices of both county recorder and county clerk for over four years, both offices being held by the same person, the Rev. Samuel Haskle. This brings us down to October, 1836, when he came down upon his present locality, planting himself for a life residence in Sidney, Shelby County. At this point we find him commencing the practice of the law with the late Judge Goode. The reputation he won in the early part of his career gave him the opportunity to extend his practice over a large amount of territory. The judicial district embracing Marion, Mercer, and Allen, including also Auglaize, after its creation into a county in 1848, were regularly visited in connection with court sessions, extending his visits occasionally into Logan, Putnam, Darke, Union, and Champaign, when cases of unusual importance were to be adjudicated. He attended also the first courts that were held in Celina and Wapakoneta. In 1844, then in his twenty-ninth year, he was elected prosecuting attorney for this county. He however filled but tire one term, refusing to be a candidate for re-election. But in 1847 his name was brought forward for representative in the Ohio Legislature from the district composed of the counties of Darke and Shelby. The result was decidedly in his favor, hut he did not fill out his term, being brought forward the next year as candidate for State senator for the senatorial district composed of Miami, Darke, and Shelby. In this capacity he served his constituents for a whole term, making in all three years in the two branches of the Legislature. For six years after his services in the Legislature, Mr. Conklin devoted himself solely to tire duties of his profession. But in the year 1856 came on that memorable Presidential contest between the first nominee of the Republican party and the last successful candidate of the Democracy, Col. John C. Fremont and ex-minister James Buchanan. Mr. Conklin was one of the Fremont and Dayton electors. His vote, with the others from Ohio, was cast for the gallant Fremont. In 1858 he was elected again as prosecuting attorney for this county, serving two years in that capacity, and also one term of court, to fill a vacancy occasioned by the resignation of Edmund Smith, Esq. He was not a candidate for re-election. But in 1864 Judge William Lawrence was elected to Congress, leaving a vacancy on the Common Pleas bench. The eloquent and famous Democratic orator, John Brough, swept by the war feeling into the Republican party, had been placed in the Gubernatorial chair by a majority wholly unprecedented in Ohio. By his appointment Mr. Conklin was placed in the judgeship to fill out Judge Lawrence's term. The following year, however, h succeeded to that office for a full term by a still higher authority, the vote of the people of the judicial subdivision composed at that time of Shelby, Logan, Hardin, Marion, and Union counties. He declined to run again for the office at the expiration of this term, and returned to the practice of law in Sidney, where had long been his family, residence. In the recent election in this State he allowed his name to come before the electors of Shelby County once more as a candidate for prosecuting attorney, and, though the opposite party has the undisputed political ascendency, he was successful, and was elected by an unexpectedly large majority, indicating the hold he had upon the friendship and favorable regards of the citizens of the county. Judge Conklin was married in 1841, and has seven children: two sons, J. Wilson and Edward ; and five daughters, Clara, Alice, Florence, Minnre, and Etta. HISTORY OF SHELBY COUNTY, OHIO - 343 COLONEL HARRISON WILSON. Colonel Wilson, now a leading member of the Shelby County bar, was born near Cadiz, Ohio, March 15, 1841, and is a son of Thomas and Mary Wilson. His grandfather, Thomas Wilson, served as a private throughout the Revolutionary war, while he with five brothers served during the civil war. In 1846 his parents moved to Belmont County, Ohio, where our subject lived until 1854, when he entered a manual labor university in Athens County, where he remained two years, working at eight cents an hour to pay for boarding and tuition. At fifteen years of age he began teaching during the winter months, and entered upon a college course at the Ohio University at Athens. An older and a younger brother were pursuing the same course. The older brother, William, began teaching at the same time, and with Harrison he helped to support the younger brother, Lewis, until he was able to teach and support himself. At the beginning of the war Harrison was teaching school in Noble County, and dismissed his school one evening in May, wrote on the blackboard, " Gone to war," walked eighteen miles that night, and enlisted in the company of Captain John Mosley at Summerfield, Ohio. The company was assigned to the 25th 0. V. I. His two brothers had already enlisted, William in the 3d 0. V. I., and Lewis in Company C, 25th 0. V. I. Harrison served seven months in the ranks of the 25th, and was ordered home, and received a commission as second lieutenant without knowing to whom he was indebted for it. He was then assigned to the 79th Ohio, then recruiting at Athens. This regiment was consolidated with the 75th at Camp McLean, and as there were then more officers than needed by the regiment, Lieut. Wilson was transferred to the 20th Ohio, then recruiting at Cincinnati. He was assigned to Company I, and successively held commissions as second lieutenant, first lieutenant, adjutant, captain, major, lieutenant-colonel, and colonel of the regiment, and was finally mustered out with the regiment July 15, 1865. He was in forty-two battles and skirmishes, at the siege of Fort Donaldson, Vicksburg, and Atlanta, and lastly went with Sherman "to the sea." His brother William was in Libby prison a long time, and thereby deprived of promotion. Lewis was killed at Gettysburg, while ranking as second lieutenant. Three other brothers were in the army, making six of the family who volunteered. His father was a self educated but thoroughly educated man. He died at the age of seventy-six. His mother died in 1845, while he was a mere infant. His father's family consisted of nine children, six sons and three daughters. After the war Col. Wilson settled in Sidney, and studied law with Gen. James Murray. Since his admission to the bar he has pursued the practice of law with that energy and zeal which have placed him at the head of his profession. Aside from the law profession he is an active, public-spirited citizen, ever taking an active interest in all enterprises and institutions of a praiseworthy character. He is also one of the leading Republican workers in the county, and in all departments of life he sustains the confidence of his fellow-citizens. He married Mary C., daughter of J. T. Fry, of Sidney; on the 1st of January, 1867. JOSEPH E. WILKINSON, a son of Isaac A. and Ruth R. (nee Persinger) Wilkinson, was born in Shelby County, Ohio, and is the youngest of six brothers. He was reared on a farm, and remained with his parents until eighteen years of age, when he enlisted in the 99th 0. V. I., Company C, the regiment being organized at Lima. The date of his enlistment was August 1, 1862. He was with his regiment in the Kentucky, Tennessee, and Georgia campaigns, participated in the battles of Stone River and Chickamauga, one of his brothers being killed at the latter engagement. On Sunday after the battle he was with a wounded comrade, rendering him such assistance as he could, when he was captured by the rebels. After serving a long period of imprisonment he was finally released, and returned home in March, 1865. He then attended school for a time, and prepared himself for teaching, which profession he followed about eight years. In 1875 he married Mary A. McKee, of Piqua, Ohio, and soon afterward located at Sidney, and engaged in the lumber and planing mill business. In 1881 he sold his interest in this industry to accept the appointment of postmaster of Sidney, a position he still retains. Mr. Wilkinson's family consists of his wife and two children, Kate S. and John A. Having spoken of his long imprisonment during the war, it is fitting that we speak more fully of this subject as one illustrating some of the horrors and barbarities inflicted by a people of pretended civilization and culture upon the helpless prisoners of war. We will present a sketch of Mr. Wilkinson's life in Southern prisons just as he narrated it to us:- " I was captured at Chickamauga September '20, 1863, and conveyed to Belle Island, Virginia, where 1 was confined a few days. I was then taken to the city of Richmond, and confined there until in December, at prisoners, and proved very malignant in type. Unfortunately, I was prostrated by the disease, but passed through it, and acted as nurse for several weeks in what they called the hospital., It did not deserve the name, for we had no medicines whatever except red pepper pods, which we boiled, and administered the tea to the sick with apparent beneficial results, as it seemed to hasten the striking out of the disease. At this time there were twenty-three of my regiment with me, but, alas! nineteen of the number died in the prison pen, and only four ever saw the old flag again. In April, 1864, we were removed to Andersonville, Ga., a distance of about seven hundred miles. We were transported over this distance in close box cars, there being from sixty to ninety of us in each car. The trip occupied seven days, and during that time none of us were permitted to leave the cars for any purpose whatever. When we reached Andersonville a number of dead men were found in each car. The sight of this new prison made many of the boys look down-hearted, as they contemplated the evidences of horrid cruelty, and thought of the governmental policy which refused exchange of prisoners. The question, Can we endure another eight months of this torture? was staring us in the face, and demanding an answer we could not give. Arriving April 19, 1864, we found but few prisoners on our arrival, bait each day brought in old prisoners from other places of confinement. Andersonville is situated about 160 miles south of Atlanta, and is quite an. obscure place scarcely worthy of a village name. The prison pen was out in the open field, in which a number of trees and stumps were yet standing. We made good use of the time, laying in a supply of wood, which we buried in the ground, and then slept over it to prevent its being stolen. All the time our number increased by the arrivals of each week, until in August the number reached 35,000. We remained until September, 1864, when the advance of Sherman after the capture of Atlanta alarmed the rebel government touching our safety, and it was determined to remove us. We were then transported to various points in the South, about one-third being sent to Florence, S. C., a similar prison, but one which proved even more destructive to life than Andersonville. With many others I was sent to Charleston, S. C., and put in such position as to defy our Government, and prevent our army from further shelling the city. After being kept in this position about thirty days, we, too, were sent to Florence. My experience at Andersonville is too horrid to relate, and almost beyond belief. It is sufficient to say, the rebel history makes this statement touching the fatality in the prison:— April, 1864, one in every sixteen died. May, one in every twenty-six. June, one in every twenty-two. July, one in every eighteen. August, one in every eleven. September, one in three. October, one in two; and November, one in every three.' Think of it for a moment. To realize it fully put yourself in our position and see the increase of the death-rate, until after risking a thousand chances you find in November that the chances are even, and then think of that mortality which carried off 13,000 of our boys, actually starved to death in a land of civilization and plenty! To add one more horror to the picture, recall the infamous and diabolical order of John H. Winder, commander of prisons, who, hearing of the capture of Atlanta, and fearing for our safety, issued the following notice, which he posted prominently before the prisoners:— 'Order No. 13. ‘The officers on duty and in charge of the Battery of Florida Artillery at the time it became understood there would be no further exchange of prisoners, and about five thousand of us were transported to Danville, Va., and confined in tobacco houses until the following April. During our confinement at this place smallpox broke out among the lery at the time, will, upon receiving notice that the enemy has approached within seven miles of this post, open upon the stockade with grape-shot, without reference to the situation beyond these lines of defence. (Signed) JOHN H. WINDER, Brig.-Gen'l Com,g.' Think of a man issuing an order for forty guns to open a deadly fire upon 35,000 unarmed, sick, and helpless prisoners! It is a wonder God himself would permit such an order to be issued! It is an infamy so diabolical that history need not be asked for a parallel. It has been said this man Winder 'died a peaceful death!, Perhaps so; in such case justice had not yet been meted out to him, and stern must that justice be which will ever pay him back in currency of his own coinage. At Florence the prisoners numbered about 11;000. Most of us had already been imprisoned about twelve months, and were wearing the same clothing in which we were captured. That clothing had become so ragged and tattered that it scarcely covered our nakedness. Winter was approaching, and no prospect of release further than the advance of Sherman. Mortality was thinning our ranks, and our prison was a charnel house. Rations were reduced. For four months one pint of coarse corn meal was a daily ration, no salt meat of any kind, and half the time no wood to cook it. All we could do was to mix our meal in water, and drink it without boiling or otherwise cooking it. Such surroundings, such starvation and exposure told terribly against us, and the monthly mortality footed up fifty per cent. In my eighteen months of prison life, none was more severe than that of Florence. From Florence I arrived at Richmond March 10, 1865, about one year after leaving it. We were sworn to not take up arms again against the Confederate Government until duly exchanged. Six hundred of us were then taken 344 - HISTORY OF SHELBY COUNTY, OHIO. down the James River, and turned over to United States officers. Quite a number of these were old prisoners. For myself, it had been eighteen months since I had seen the old flag beneath which I had marched and fought. We were all sick and weak, but as we came in sight of the starry banner we yelled wildly and crazily at the top of our voices. The rebel authorities threatened to prevent our outbursts of cheers, but we were in sight of men, and could not be restrained. We told them we would yell, and every one of us kept our word. The happiest moment of my life was when I stepped ashore. Stepping from the boat we were met by Northern ladies, who had provided coffee and sandwiches for our reception. One of them, she seemed an angel, handed me a cup of coffee, which I gladly accepted and drank, but my stomach revolted at an article it had not known for a year and a half. The lady saw and appreciated my difficulty, and, as if I were her own child, she uttered the words `poor fellow I' so sympathetically that they almost overcame me. Those words were the first I had heard uttered by a woman from the time of my capture, and they came like an angel's benediction. This is all long since past, but while memory lasts I will not forget that the prisons of the South were conducted by heartless and murderous agents." It is needless to add anything to this brief recital. The words convey horror enough, but a more revolting chapter may be read between the lines. We know the South, with all the dignity of insulted pride, has denied the charge of inhuman treatment of war prisoners, but the boys who suffered, as well as the thousands who died, attest the truth or the charge with an unanimity which cannot be challenged by a reasonable man. B. M. SHARP, M.D. Dr. B. M. Sharp, a grandson of Robert Sharp and son of Joseph Sharp, is of Scotch descent, his father having emigrated to this county in 183'2, when he settled in Turtle Creek Township. Here he found a few scattered neighbors in what was only an inhospitable wilderness. He at once applied himself to the improvement of a piece of land, and soon found himself alone, his last neighbor having moved away. Dr. Sharp was born on the old homestead of his father in Turtle Creek Township in 1844. His mother died when he was but eight years old, thus relegating him to the care of others, and placing him under the necessity of attending school with, limited opportunities as best he could. When the first wild tocsin of war was sounded at Fort Sumter he was but about sixteen years of age, yet his enthusiasm would give him no rest until he had enlisted in his country's service. He was enrolled in the 15th Ohio, April 17,.1861, at Camp Jackson, where the regiment was organized, and proceeded at once to Virginia. After participating in the battle of Phillippi, the regiment went into camp for the remainder of the period of enlistment. Young Sharp then returned home and attended school until the summer of 1862, when he re-enlisted in the 99th Ohio, and was with his regiment at the battles of Nashville, Chattanooga, Kenesaw Mountain, Mission Ridge, Lookout Mountain, and Atlanta. During these campaigns he rose to the rank of corporal and orderly sergeant. From Nashville he participated in the pursuit of Hood, until the forces of that troublesome general were scattered and his strength destroyed. After the battle of Nashville the regiment was so badly cut up that it was consolidated with the 50th Ohio. At Kenesaw Mountain Mr. Sharp was knocked down by a spent ball but soon recovered, and during his whole service was never disabled enough to be unfit for duty. He was finally discharged at Raleigh, N. C., and mustered out of service at Camp Dennison, when he returned home and again attended school in the spring of 1865. The next year he married Miss M. J. Moreland, of Turtle Creek Township, and moved to Logan County, where he lived on a farm eleven years, during four of which he was superintendent of the Union Schools. He alSo taught about five years in other schools. In 1874 he began the study of medicine, and, after a reading course of three years, he attended the Columbus Medical College, from which he graduated with honor. After looking about for a time he finally located at Sidney, and began the practice of medicine May 1, 1879. Since that time he has built up a growing and lucrative practice. After marriage he united with the M. E. Church, and has held important positions in that organization during the past ten years. His family consists of four children, named Frank M., Mary, Carl N., and Earl B. D. R. SILVER, M.D. Dr. Silver was born near Wooster, Ohio, April 1,1844, and was reared on a farm. When eighteen years of age he entered upon an academic course at Vermillion Institute, Haysville, Ohio. At the completion of this course he entered upon the study of medicine with Drs. Robinson and Weaver of Wooster, and was finally graduated from the Jefferson Medical College of Philadelphia in March, 1868. Returning to Wayne County, 0., he practised medicine three years at Apple Creek, and then removed to Sidney, Ohio. During the war he enlisted in Captain Robinson's company 102d 0 V. I., but was rejected on account of disabilities. About the close of the war he taught school two terms in Wayne Co. On the 7th of June, 1872, he married Miss Jennie E. Fry, of Sidney. They have two children, Bertha, aged ten, and Arthur, aged three years. Dr. Silver is a member of the Shelby County Medical Society, and also of the Ohio State Medical Society. In 1873 he was elected elder in the First Presbyterian Church at Sidney, and is at present a member of the .school board and board of health of the city. CHAS. W. CARROLL, M.D. Dr. Carroll was born in Sidney, March 5, 1860. He attended the public schools and assisted his father in the mercantile business until he was about fifteen years old. He then taught school in the county about two years, and entered the Homoeopathic College of Medicine at Cleveland, Ohio, where he attended two successive courses of instruction, and was graduated with a class of fifty members. During his college life he was a mcmber of the Cleveland Humane Society and the College Society, of which he was librarian one year. Finishing his studies, he returned to Sidney and began the practice of his profession, in which he is achieving that success which comes only at the bidding of persistent application. Prof. J. N. BEARNES. Professor Bearnes was born in Licking County, 0., and worked on his father's farm; attended public school, and devoted some time to teaching during his minority. He entered the Ohio Wesleyan University, and in 1878 was graduated from that institution with a class of thirty-two. He was editor of his college society's paper, class historian, and valedictorian of his society. He acted also as tutor of mathematics during a portion of his course, and was one of fifteen students selected to deliver orations on commencement day. After devoting two years to the study of law and completing the legal course, he accepted the superintendency of schools at Upper Sandusky, Ohio, but a year later resigned to accept the same position in the Sidney schools. In June, 1883, he abandoned the profession of teaching to embrace that of law, for which h had already prepared himself. LOUIS HUDDLE. Mr. Huddle was born in Crawford County, 0., where he remained, assisting his father on the home farm until he had attained his twenty-eighth year. In 1859 he married Miss E. E. Harshbarger, and four years after his father's death moved to Tiffin, where he resided about seven years. In 1873 he came to Shelby County and worked on a farm nearly three years. He was appointed janitor of the Sidney schools and of the M. E. Church of Sidney, both of which positions he is filling acceptably at this time. H. S. CONKLIN, M.D. Almost a half century ago Dr. Conklin came to Sidney, a town which then had a population of about one thousand. The country for miles about was wild and largely occupied by wild beasts. For the most part the roads were merely trails or paths through the almost interminable wilderness, and much travel was done by the guidance of the sun and north star. Sidney as yet was without manufactures and the county was without gravel roads. Great changes have been wrought during the past forty-seven years. So many years ago rudeness, labor, hard- ship, and hospitality joined hands, and as years rolled by development went on apace. Even a few Indians yet remained in this section, and found here hunting grounds as rich as they desired. A physician's prac- tire extended over a large area and carried with its lucrativeness a great deal of genuine exposure and hardship. Sleep was often found in the saddle, while the saddle-bags were capacious enough to carry both medicines and surgical 'instruments. In accouchement cases all the women and men of the whole community were invited, and whiskey was indispensable. Chickens, too, had to suffer, for a bounteous meal was to be provided. On such occasions the physician became the victim of all jokes, and of course bore the ordeal with fortitude if not enjoyment. Such were the general experiences of Dr. Conklin during his first years in this county. He was born in Champaign County, O., in 1814, and remained with his parents until he went to Springfield, where he read medicine with Dr. Robt. Rogers. He finally graduated from the Ohio Medical College of Cincinnati in 1836, and at once located at Sidney, where he is still in the practice of his profession. He was surgeon of the State militia about fifteen years, and in visiting Cincinnati, a distance of about one hundred miles, he could only travel on horseback. He has held the offices of Vice-President and President of the State Medical Society, and aided largely in securing the D. and M. and C'. C. C. and I. (old B. and I.) railroads for Sidney. He was called to Columbus as an examiner during the war, and was surgeon with Genl. Fremont. He is a great fancier of stock, and has a splendid collection of bees. In 1838 he married Miss Ann Blake, who was a native of London, England. After a long and useful medical career the doctor still devotes his whole energies to the practice of his profession, in which he has met decided success. REV. DAVID BULLE. Rev. Bulle was born in Barclay County, Virginia, to which county his father had removed from South Carolina prior to the Revolutionary war. His father saw the shadows of coming events, and, turning his property HISTORY OF SHELBY COUNTY, OHIO - 345 over to the care of his brother, left his southern home. That brothel' was murdered in his own house, and the property. confiscated. Mr. Bulle afterward went South to take measures toward reclaiming his property, but finding the old records were destroyed at the burning of Charleston, h abandoned all further efforts. He then went to Cincinnati, and went down the Ohio on a flatboat. David Bulle went from Hamilton to Greene County, and settled on a piece of wild land. Fourteen years later he moved to Sidney, and located on North Ohio Street, on the lot now occupied by the Crozier Carriage Factory. At that time there was little business in Sidney, as the town only contained two small stores, kept by Jesse Bryan and F. W. Ruckman. Here Mr. Billle followed cabinet-making about fourteen years, during which time he was once burned out and lost everything. He afterward turned his attention to painting, and has in his luxurious home several specimens of his artistic skill, which indicate a high order of merit. In 1855 or 1856 he joined the Central Ohio Conference, and has since labored in the ministry, at times travelling over a circuit of three hundred and fifty miles in four weeks. During his long experience as a pioneer of Methodism, Mr. Bulle has undergone a great many privations and hardships. At times he was compelled to swim his horse through streams filled with floating ice, and then build his fire at the appointed place of services. He married Miss Elizabeth Bird February 14, 1826, the ceremony being performed by Rev. William Dixon. They have reared ten children, named Mary, Ann Amelia, Rachel Ann Maria, Wilbur, Fisk, Emeline, M. Zatilla, David H., Caroline, and Elizabeth Josephine. Of, these four are now living, viz., Mrs. Mary Reede, Mrs. Ann Crockett, Emeline McNutt, and Caroline Robertson. G. F. YENNEY was born November 8, 1835, in Germany, and came to America in 1854, landing at New York. Coming to Ohio h stopped at Piqua, but soon went into the neighborhood of Troy, where he worked in a brick-yard for five dollars per month. The following autumn he worked for a farmer at eight dollars, but left this situation to work at a saw-mill in town. The next year he returned to farm work at ten dollars per month, but after three months' service began working at fifty cents per day, wherever he could find anything to do. He afterward worked a farm two years, receiving one-third of the crops, and then tried farming on leased land. Again he sold out his farming utensils, and embarked in the mercantile trade as a clerk at one dollar a day. In 1863 he came to Sidney, and engaged in the grocery business with Mr. Piper, under firm name of Yenney & Piper. In 1870 he moved to Dayton, and embarked in the ice trade, but soon returned' to Sidney with less capital than he took away. Again he entered the grocery business with his former partner, under firm style of Piper & Yenney. 111'1878 he turned his attention to pork packing, and erected buildings at a cost of $9000. Three years later he was able to carry the business alone, and also opened a meat market. At this time his business employs a capital of about $45,0'00 per year. In 1864 he married Miss Elizabeth Piper, a daughter of his old partner. They have reared two children, named Katie Ella and Bettie Wilhelmina. Mr. Yenney also has a stock farm, which he manages in connection with his town industries. B. D. WIKOFF, D.D.S. was born in Sidney August '20, 1859, and moved with his parents to Michigan, where his father died in 1870 or '71. The young man then returned to Sidney, where he attended school, and afterward entered the office of Dr. Stipp as a student of dentistry. Four years later he went to Cincinnati, and attended the Ohio College of Dental Surgery, and after graduation returned to Sidney, where he took charge of the dental office of Dr. Orbison for about one year. He then went to Bellefontaine, and entered the office of Dr. Loofbourrow, but subsequently returned to Sidney, and opened an office of his own. While in college he was a prize member of his class, and was presented a fine case of filling instruments by the Dean of the Faculty, Prof. H. A. Smith, D.D.S., O.D.C. He was one of the youngest members of the class of 1879—'80, which consisted of thirty-one members, and has now a growing and lucrative practice. DR. CHARLES B. ORBISON was born in Miami County, Ohio, October 27, 1848, and is a son of Thomas J. Orbison, whose grandfather was one of the pioneers of Miami County. He remained with his parents, working on the home farm, until he was about twenty years old. He afterward moved to Sidney, and in 1876 was married to Miss Anna L. Fulton. He read dentistry with Dr. B. F. Rasson for some time, but returned to farming. Again in 1879 he resumed the study of dentistry in the office of J. A. Stipp, and afterward purchased the office. He graduated from the Ohio College of Dental Surgery March 3, 1881, having embraced the usual three years' course in one year. He has now a good practice, and besides has an interest in the old homestead and other pieces of property in different localities. He has held the office of trustee in the Presbyterian Church, of which he is a member. His family consists of his wife and one child, the latter named Julia Inez. DR. JOHN ALLEN THROCKMORTON was born in Wapakoneta, Ohio, October 5, 1849. When six years of age he was taken to Virginia by his father, and there attended school and worked on a farm. Finally he began teaching, which profession he followed about five years. He then travelled for E. Buttrick & Co. through the States of Virginia, North Carolina, and Tennessee, but after two years resigned his position to study dentistry with Dr. Long, of Martinsburg, Va. He then attended a course of instruction in the Baltimore Dental College, and returned to Virginia. A little later his parents died, the old Virginia farm was sold, and he moved to Sidney, where he entered upon the practice of dentistry, having taken an additional course of instruction at Ann Arbor, Michigan, University. He has since 1879 been an active member of the State Dental Society, and is quite an inventive genius in his profession, as is attested by some professional instruments of his device. One such instrument is for holding the teeth under the process of grinding. This was deemed so important an invention that the Dean of the College of Dental Surgery spoke of it in terms of high encomium, and recommended it to the profession. JOHN M. BLUE was born in Union County, Ohio, near Marysville, June 19, 1840. At five years of age he was taken to Delaware County, where his parents moved, and settled for some time. Eleven years later he was back at the old Union County home, where he attended school about a year, and then began working on a farm for twelve dollars per month. Sixteen months later he received twenty dollars a month, and at the expiration of two years began splitting rails, which he followed about two years, and again resumed farming for a period of three years, this time working with his uncle. He then spent a few months at home, and resumed his old occupation as rail-splitter. He was a member of the 135th Ohio Regiment, Col. Legg, and was stationed at Harper's Ferry and Camp Kearney, and was mustered out of service at Camp Chase. He afterwards took jobs of getting out railroad ties, bought timber, and contracted in lumber. He married Miss Elizabeth M. Valentine February 11, 1867. He moved to Quincy, where he remained about four years, and labored to pay off some old debts. He continued in the lumber and timber business until he acquired a little capital. In 1876 he moved to Sidney, and went into the lumber and stave business In 1877 he met severe reverses. Again the next year he suffered a loss of $2750, but kept right along in his business. In 1881 he cut seven hundred cords of wood, and handled over three million feet of lumber, at a net profit of $6100. In 1882 he handled eighteen hundred cords of wood, and over two million feet of lumber. His children are William L., Charles C., Harry S., and Alta May. CHARLES TIMEUS, Grocer, was born in Baden, Germany, April 4, 1838, where he lived until 1857, when he came to America with his mother and landed at New York. From New York he came to Sidney, arriving in December, 1857. The next spring h bought a farm three miles south of town and moved to it In 1864 he moved back to Sidney and engaged in the grocery business on Poplar Street in the place now owned by Mrs. Sophia Young. In 1865 he moved to his present place of business. In 1860 he married Miss Sophia Rensch. They have seven children, named Jacob G., Maggie S., Edward C., George L., Lena, Jennie, and Carrie. When he first started in Sidney he handled groceries and liquors exclusively, but soon afterwards put wagons on the road, and in 1870 conducted a bakery and confectionery with his other business. In 1870 he also started the first street ice-wagon. In 1872 he engaged in butchering and pork packing, and in 1876 bought a slaughter-house, enlarged his business and began handling as many as two thousand hogs annually. He also purchased large quantities of wool which he shipped to Philadelphia. He has always taken a lively interest in city affairs. He is a director of Graceland Cemetery, and was its treasurer a number of years. BENJAMIN SLUSSER was born June 6, 1828, in Franklin Township, and worked on a farm until sixteen years of age. He then spent five years in Philadelphia and other places studying the principles of applied mechanics. Returning; to Sidney he turned his attention to mechanical inventions of a laborsaving nature. His large scraper factory is fitted with various appliances of his own invention. Among these inventions is a steel scraper, a self-loading excavator which will plow, load, and unload while in motion, and several devices used in the manufacture of scrapers. He has also invented a reversible water wheel and a sulky plow. He has operated as railroad and street excavator on various roads and in different cities throughout the country. At Sidney he established an extensive scraper works, known as the "American Steel Scraper Co.," which he operated about three years, and, selling out, started his present works, the machinery being his own inventions. In 1852 he married, and his wife died in 1868, leaving one child. In 1870 he married again, by which union he has a second child. 346 - HISTORY OF SHELBY COUNTY, OHIO. DR. C. E. JOHNSTON was born in Perry Township, this county, July 16, 1850, and lived on a farm until twenty-one years old, when he entered the Ohio Wesleyan University, of Delaware, Ohio. After completing the collegiate course he began teaching in Logan and Shelby counties, which vocation he pursued some two or three years. He next engaged as travelling salesman about one year, and took up the study of medicine in the office of Dr. W. H. Shaw, of Plattsville. After two years at this place, he finished his reading course in about one year in the office of Dr. D. T. Gillian, and graduated from the Starling Medical College of Columbus in February, 1880. About the same time he married Miss Mizzie, daughter of W. R. Jackson, of this county, and began the practice of his profession in Sidney. During the past two years he has been secretary of the Shelby County Medical Society, and is a member of the I. 0. 0. F. With his wife he is also a member of the Presbyterian Church of Sidney. JAMES A. LAMB. This gentleman came to Sidney early enough to become identified with its whole material development and growth. He was born in Pennsylvania, December 14, 1815, and remained working upon a farm and clerking in a store until 1833. In 1834 he came to Richland County, 0., and went into partnership in a drug store at Mansfield. Eighteen months later he engaged in the same business at Lancaster, but in Jan. 1840, he went into the dry goods trade with Col. Zinn. In the spring of 1842 he came to Sidney, and found a village of about fourteen hundred inhabitants, and even a large element of this population belonged to the floating class. With Mr. Zinn he started a factory for the manufacture of pearlash, in which business he was engaged about three years. His principal market was Sandusky, and wagons formed the method of transportation, for although the trip consumed as high as twelve days it was yet cheaper than canal transportation. He 'continued this business with Colonel Zinn until 1868, when he sold out to Mr. Hoover, bought a farm and worked it until he could settle up his old business. About two years later he sold the farm and soon after went into the Citizens' Bank, Sidney, as President of the institution, which position he still retains. He was a member of the city council about eight years, and while R member of that body introduced the ordinance which provided for securing the Holly Waterworks, and was largely instrumental in other ways in carrying the project to a successful issue. He built the warehouse now occupied by Moore & Marshall as well as his own fine residence, besides engaging in other building projects. The new Presbyterian Church and parsonage may be pointed to as his work, as well as splendid work. He is a man who has conducted a varied business with partners, and yet can say he never had a word of disagreement with these men. Although he had to struggle at times with financial difficulties he never permitted his note to go to protest. His retail and jobbing stock aggregates about $75,000 a year, which placed him among the foremost business men of the city. GEORGE ACKERLY was born in Bavaria, December 27, 1821. When twenty-three years old he came to America and landed in New York, proceeded at once to Dayton, Ohio. He entered the Mexican war with the 1st Ohio Regiment, Colonel Weller, and started for Mexico on the 1st of July. Reaching New Orleans about the twelfth of the month, he went into Camp Jackson a few days, when crossing the Gulf he landed at Point Isabel. Crossing the Rio Grande the troops with which he was proceeded to Cerro, where they joined the main force of General Taylor. Moving on they went into camp at Monterey, but on the 21st of July left camp for Black Ford and saw the rout of the first Mexican force. About four months later they went to Buena Vista expecting an engagement, but found, the city deserted and returned to Monterey. While driving a wagon train he was attacked by Mexicans and lost fifty-three wagons, the commandant being Major Joshua Rab. Giddings. After serving out his full enlistment, Mr. A ckerly was honorably discharged at New Orleans and given transportation to Dayton, Ohio. In November, 1848, he married Philakua Eicher, this being three days before he cast his first vote for Genl. Taylor. His first wife died, and after a period of three years he married her sister Barbara. They had six children. In 1856 Mr. Ackerly bought a farm in Shelby County and moved to it in 1858. Eight years later he moved to Sidney and bought the "Farmers, Hotel," which he managed about nine years when he sold out and moved to his present home. Was engaged at merchant tailoring and clothing business about five years. He was a member of the city council three years, and at this time is an infirmary director of the county. When he came to this country h had no means but his energy, but by labor and persistence he has procured .a competency of worldly goods. THOMAS STEPHENSON was born in Bourbon County, Ky., March 16, 1799, and at fourteen years of age moved to Xenia, Ohio. In 1825 he returned to Kentucky, where he married Miss Elizabeth Shaw and removed to Sidney, Ohio. He bought two hundred acres of land and began improving it. His nearest grocery market was Piqua, twelve miles distant. A few years later he opened a store and traded largely with the Indians, who were his best and most numerous customers. This store was on a plat near the present site of the Journal office. His goods were transported by wagon from Dayton, a distance of fifty miles. Mr. Stephenson followed merchandising about twenty years. His wife died about 1860, and a year or so later he married Miss Mary Elliott, who died four months after marriage. He then married Miss Sallie Carey, who is still living. They had two children, both of whom are now dead. M. T. HENSON. Mr. Henson is the patentee of Henson's Automatic Vise of seven different kinds of groove and four different kinds of iron. The sizes vary from the delicacy of a jeweller's instrument up to the ponderousness of three hundred pounds. The advantage claimed for this device over the ordinary vise is its accommodation or adjustment to any irregular surface. In other words, it is claimed to be self-adjustable and automatic. A specially noteworthy feature is the preservation of the parallelism of the jaws at all times, all widths, and on any shaped article. Besides these advantages, it lays claim to simplicity, strength, durability, and cheapness. They are shipped to all points, and vary in price from six to twelve dollars. GEORGE H. BUNNELLE was born December 23, 1837, at Xenia, Ohio, and remained in the city of his nativity until twenty-one years old. He had contemplated a collegiate course of study, but owing to business reverses suffered by his father he changed his plans and turned his attention to marble sculpture and engraving. After working in Cincinnati, Chicago, and other towns until 1860, he came to West Liberty, Ohio, and started business for himself. In 1861 he sold his business and came to Sidney merely to look over the business prospects of the town. Satisfied that the town presented a good field for enterprise he concluded to remain, and again engaged at his trade. Two years later he married Miss Mary L., youngest daughter of Dr. Beemen. Being of a speculative turn he began dealing in sheep, and succeeded for a time, but went West at the request of his parents, who needed his advice in their old age. After six years he returned to Sidney and resumed his old business speculations, opened an office and turned his attention to real estate, insurance, and general speculation. We insert the following reference to him which appeared recently in a daily paper:— "Mr. Geo. H. Bunnelle, a real estate dealer, collector and money broker, has been of great service to a large number of people here, who have secured homes almost before they knew it. He has had a great deal of lands subdivided into lots, and sold them on the monthly plan system, 512 of them, during the past three years. Mr. Bunnelle is an enthusiast in regard to Sidney, and thinks its era of prosperity has just begun to dawn." HARVEY GUTHRIE was born in Pulaski County, Va., July 23, 1828, moved to Shelby County with his parents the following year, when they settled at Lockington. In 1850 he went to California. Still, as time passed along, he kept buying out the shares of the other children in the old farm, which finally came into his possession. In 1869 he moved to Sidney. He held the office of justice of the peace about nine years, and that of township trustee about twenty-two years. He was also clerk of the township during a number of these same years. In 1859 he was elected auditor of the county, which office he held two terms. He was elected to the Constitutional Convention to fill the unexpired term of Mr. Smith. While attending the convention he was elected mayor of Sidney and justice of the peace, holding the former office two years, and the latter three years. Against his earnest desires he was elected a member of council, and served during the period of water works, construction at the solicitation of friends. After his retirement from the mayoralty he served two terms as trustee of the township, and was elected a member of the board of health, and secretary of the Agricultural Society. He has also been appointed administrator and assignee of many estates. In 1851 he married Ella F. Mellinger. They have three children : James W., Mary E., and Cora J. Mrs. Guthrie is a daughter of William Mellinger, who settled in this county about 1808. After a long life of activity in politics, holding the offices of justice and commissioner for many years, Mr. Mellinger died in 1870. James G. Guthrie, father of Harvey, was a Virginian, who had held offices of trust and distinction. GEORGE L. BUSH was born December 19, 1826, in Pennsylvania, and came to Sidney December 16, 1848. Here he worked at the carpenter trade until January, 1869. He was three times elected county recorder, serving nine years. He afterward opened a grocery and provision store, to which he attached a bakery. He was a trustee of the water works two years, and member of the board of education three years. In 1854 he married Miss Mary HISTORY OF SHELBY COUNTY, OHIO - 347 Ann Hailman, who died in March, 1864. They had three children: Stanley M., Carrie A., and one child which died in infancy. In 1865 he remarried. When he came here there was no town south of the Catholic Church, while west of the D. & M. R. R. was one wild forest. JACOB PIPER was born June 27, 1817, in Germany, and came to America in 1831. He worked on a farm in Pennsylvania two years, and then learned the wagon-making trade. In 1836 he came to Dayton, Ohio, but after two years returned to Germany, and passed one winter, when he came to Sidney, and opened a wagon shop. In 1862 he entered the grocery trade. He was a director of the gas works nine years. He was twice a member, of city council, and twice a cemetery director, holding the latter office at present. He has also been a leading spirit in the Methodist Church (German), and actually built the church with his own funds, and gave the congregation all the time desired to compensate him. In December, 1838, he married Miss Catharine B. Shine, and has reared six children, viz., Elizabeth, William, Mary, Jacob, Samuel, and Ella. Mr. Piper came to Sidney early enough to find a village of about eleven hundred inhabitants, and lived to see it become quite an active little city. JOHN B. EDGAR. Mr. Edgar was born in Sidney, September 21, 1847. In 1863 he began clerking in the store of S. M. Todd & Co., which position he held until the spring of 1864. In 1864, however, he enlisted in the 147th 0. N. G., and was mustered in at Camp Dennison, and went by way of Washington to Fort Ethan Allen, Virginia, where he remained until September, when he was ordered to the Shenandoah Valley, but went back to Washington two weeks later, and was mustered out at Camp Dennison. From 1865 to '67 he worked on a farm. He then went into R. L. Fry,s store, where he continued until 1876, when he was taken into partnership under the firm name of Fry & Edgar. In 1881 he turned his attention to labor contracts, his first work being the excavation for the new court-house at Sidney. He has also had a large number of pike contracts, and other work of various kinds. He was chief of the fire department three years, and during the past two years has been lessee and manager of Monumental Hall, Sidney. He is one of the charter members of the Royal .Arcanum and also one of its most active members. He married Miss Jennie Fry, of Sidney, December 3, 1867. They have six children: Edna L., John F., Robert B., Lizzie Anna, Carrie, and an infant. PETER GOFFENA was born in Beaver County, Pa., February 14, 1838, and came with his parents to Darke County, Ohio, where he remained until 1868, when he moved to Shelby County, and started in the dry goods trade at Newport. In 1861 he enlisted in the 66th Ohio, and went with his regiment to the protection of the B. & 0. R. R., and in about two months to Martinsburg. Owing to sickness he lay in the hospital about three months, but followed the regiment through Virginia and Maryland until finally discharged. He went to California, where he remained two years for the benefit of his health, and then returned to this county to engage in farming and stock-raising. He afterward moved to Newport, and engaged in general merchandising about fifteen years. In 1876 he took a three months' trip to Europe, visiting England, Belgium, and France. In 1881 he was elected treasurer of the county, sold his Newport store to his brother, and moved to Sidney. He had held the offices of trustee and treasurer of the township a number of years. He was married June 17, 1872, to Tracy Schwartz. They have three children living, named Peter M., John J., and Samuel F. Mr. Goffena was fifteen years old before he attended school, and then his whole school life was compressed into a period of six weeks, so that his educational opportunities, might be said to have been very limited. IGNATIUS WIENGARTNER was born in Baden, July 19, 1831, and learned the shoemaking trade. He came to America, in 1851 and came to Cincinnati in April of the same year, where he worked a few days and moved to Hamilton. Here he worked at his trade about two years at $4 per week for the first six months, and then, working by the piece, earned from $5 to $8 per week. He then visited Sidney, Dayton, Richmond, and Indianapolis, and finally again to Sidney, where he worked at his trade about two years. In 1855 he moved to Freyburg, Auglaize County, and opened a hotel, but in two years returned to Sidney and opened the Farmers' Hotel, which he conducted about nine years, his brother Joseph being associated with him about two-thirds of this time and his brother Louis the other third. At length he sold his interest in the hotel, and a year or so later began butchering and opened a meat market with his brother Joseph. Sixteen years later he bought his brother,s interest, and in 1882 took his son, Wm. E., into partnership with him. In addition to his town interests, he with his brother owns a farm below the cemetery, which they rent from time to time. He married Miss Amelia Yount). in August, 1855, and reared eight children, of whom two are now dead. Those living are named, Wm. E., Mary E., Lena, Jacob H., Frank, and Flora. PHILIP MONTANUS was born in Baden July 18, 1818, came to America in 1854, and the following year to Sidney. Here he opened a grocery store, which he conducted one year, when he went into the saloon business, in which he was engaged a number of years. He married Elizabeth Wal, April .1, 1842, and has four children. O. J. TAYLOR was born in Sidney, September 26, 1830, and after attending the Sidney schools took a commercial course at Cincinnati. He then engaged in civil engineering a few years, and made the preliminary survey of the Bee Line Railroad, and also surveyed several months for the Pan Handle Company. In 1854 he went into business in Sidney, which will be found treated under business interests. He was married in June, 1855, to Miss Sarah Harrison. They have reared six children, named Harrison J., May Belle, Jennie 0., Willis R., Oliver E., and Charles J. JAMES JOHNSTON was born February 27, 1818, in Sidney, Ohio, his father, William, being a native of Virginia, who had come to Orange Township at an early day. The subject of this notice remembers the old block house which stood near the house now owned by Peter Wagner. He worked on his father,s farm until sixteen years old, when he went to Port Jefferson and worked on his uncle,s farm. When twenty-four years of age he entered the law office of Martin & Metcalf, and after two years' study was admitted to the practice of law, but only practised the profession one year. He then went into the hardware business, in which he continued until 1874, when failing health admonished him to retire from active business. He left the business in the hands of his sons. He was married August 10, 1848, and has four children living. In his youth he attended the old " Buckeye" school, a log building which stood to the rear of the site now occupied by the Union school building. It was then taught by William Murphey. CHRISTOPHER H. DICKAS was born in Bavaria, Feb. 18, 1829, and lived with his parents until fourteen years old, when he served an apprenticeship of six years under Dr. Smidtt. He was then drafted into the army and served as hospital steward and surgeon. In 1854 was ordered to the Crimea, but only went as far as the Austrian border, where, after eight months, was ordered to hospital. He was promoted in 1856 and discharged the next year. He arrived in New York in Nov. 1857, where he married Miss Ida Jacobs, and in a few weeks went to Baltimore. After a few months he moved to Sidney, in Feb. 1858, leaving his wife in the East for want of funds to bring her along. He opened a, barber shop, and after about three months his wife rejoined him here. He opened a shop near where Wiengartner's meat shop now is, but about seven months later moved his place of business to the rear of Thompson's drug store, where he worked about fifteen years, when he built the large and commodious three-story building which- he now occupies at a cost of $7000. In 1879 he took his eldest son, Daniel, into partnership in his lucrative business, while he pays the other sons a salary. He has three children now living, named Daniel, George H. and Charles 0. One child, Frederick, was thrown out of a buggy and killed when twenty-two years old. He came home about six o'clock, went to his room, undressed himself and retired. His mother visited his room, found him unable to speak, and called his father. In about fifteen minutes he reached the room and found the boy dead. After six years' labors in this country Mr. Dickas returned to the "fatherland" and visited all his relatives and friends. In 1862 his parents came to America and both died about ten years afterward at Washington, D. C. Mr. Dickas is agent for the Teutonia Fire Insurance Co. and the Hamburg Packet, Bremen, Lloyd Steamship, and Inman Steamship Line of Liverpool. He now has the leading business in his line in Sidney, and by labor, economy, and determination has acquired considerable property. ABRAHAM CLAUSON was born in Fairfield County, Vt., in 1815. He lived in Albany, N. Y., two years, and then moved to Cincinnati, Ohio, where he also remained about two years. He then came to Salem Township, this county, where he lived eight years and moved to Dayton, where he learned the mason trade. About three years later he came tO, Sidney to help build the court-house, And finally settled here and prosecuted his business about eighteen years when he went into the grocery trade. Six years later he sold out and entered the lumber business, in which he was. engaged eight years. Since coming here he has built thirty-four houses, which he either sold or rented. He saw the infancy of Sidney, a mere village, with one store, kept by John Blake. The first log school-house was built the year after he came here. He thus witnessed all the rudeness and underwent all the privations incident to life far removed from society, institutions, and markets. In 1836 he married Miss Nancy Hawkey, and reared two children, John W. and Mary E. He was assessor twenty- 348 - HISTORY OF SHELBY COUNTY, OHIO. two years, deputy sheriff six years, and constable four years. He belonged to that rude period of the town's history when 'coon skins, ginseng, and beeswax formed the currency of the community, and when salt was worth $18 per barrel. SAMUEL SILVER is a native of Wayne County, Ind., and was born February 7, 1832. In 1885 his parents moved to Sidney, where he worked with his father on a farm, and finally found employment in a brick-yard at $4 per month for the first season, $6 for the second, and $8 for the third. He then worked along at his trade and boating until 1862, when he entered the employment of the Government as wagon-master, at which he served about eighteen months and returned home. He then took the captaincy of a boat again until 1864, when he enlisted in the 99th Ohio Regiment under Colonel Bope, and served until the close of the war as wagon-master of division. Again he resumed boating, but soon went to Michigan, where he was engaged in lumbering, about seven years; four of which he was foreman of the lumber camps. Returning to Sidney he entered the grocery business, which he followed about five years, when he was elected city marshal, in which office he is now serving his sixth year. He has also been engaged in the city ice trade since his return to this place, his son chiefly attending to the business. He was married Nov. 8, 1871, and has four children, Harry, Mary, Webster, and Maudie. MRS. SUSAN ROBINSON, widow of Fredrick Robinson, deceased, was born in March, 1809, married May 15, 1831, and moved to Sidney in 1834. At that time there were but about 400 inhabitants in Sidney, while religious bodies were yet without houses of worship, and so met from time to time at the residences in the village. Mr. Robinson engaged in the boot and shoe trade a number of years, and finally embarked in the grocery business, which he followed about one year in connection with a bakery. He was justice of the peace during several years, and was classed as an upright and estimable man by all who knew him. He died May 7, 1857. They have two children living, viz., Thomas L., who married Miss M. J. Silver in January, 1858, and has one child named Webster W., and Margaret I., who married Wm. H. Clark in December, 1868, and has one child, named Clara E. ROBINSON JOSLIN was born in Vermont, April 12, 1810, and remained in his native State twenty-six years, during the few latter of which he worked at carpentering. He then moved to Akron, Ohio, where he worked at his trade, contracting and building, for three years, when he came to Sidney and pursued the same business about one year. The next two years he worked at Wapakoneta, but returned to Sidney in 1842 and entered into partnership with J. C. Coe as general contractors and builders. They built many of the most important structures in Sidney, embracing churches and mills. In 1855 Mr. Joslin went into the livery business with Daniel Morey, when he soon after bought out and conducted the business himself where the McClure & Johnston stable now is. Three years later, in partnership with another man, he bought the planing mill, which they operated about one year. In 1862 the mill burned down and the partnership was dissolved. He then entered into other enterprises until 1867, when he sold out his interests in some projects and turned his attention to the building and remodelling of tenements. He was married Feb. 6, 1833, to Miss Susan Wells, who was born in Vermont, July 1, 1811. They had six children, viz., Clay R., Byron W., and Myra E., now living, and Rosella, Amanda, and an infant son, deceased. Mr. and Mrs. Joslin have reached an age of fulness of years, but seem almost as vigorous as when they first assumed the responsibilities of life. On February 6, 1883, they celebrated their golden wedding anniversary, surrounded by children, grandchildren, and a host of friends. GEORGE REDDISH a native of Union County, Pa., was born January 23, 1820. When he was ten years old, his father was drowned in the Susquehanna River, and at fifteen, George started to work to help the family along. After four years, work with one uncle and three years with another, he moved to Montgomery County, Pa., where he worked on the Philadelphia and Pottsville Railroad bridge over the Schuylkill, about four months. After boating for a time he returned to Union County, where he worked three years in a woollen mill. I n 1841 moved to Crawford County, where he worked one season and then came to Summit County, Ohio. In a few weeks he came to Sidney and engaged to some extent at his trade, and doing such other work as he could secure. In 1852 he went to California, but after nearly three years of rough experience returned to Sidney and began the butchering business, which he followed about three years. In 1844 he married Miss Rebecca Girrard, who bore him two children, named Joseph B. and Elizabeth S. On his return from California he was married to Miss E. M. Dott, who bore him six children. Mr. Reddish came to Sidney while it only gave the impression of rudeness and uninvitingness, but he lived to see it become an active village of concentrated industries and various institutions. CAPT. BENJ. W. MAXWELL was born in Montgomery County, Ohio, Nov. 27, 1817. When he was seventeen years old his parents moved to Sidney. On Jan. 5, 1843, he married Miss Mary Jane Shaw. They had two children, Almira Jane, born Dec. 4, 1844 ; died Feb. 2, 1860; and Samuel W., born May 15, 1848. Mr. Maxwell enlisted in the 134th Ohio May 2, 1864, under Col. Armstrong. He was mustered in at Columbus, and was discharged Sept. 1, 1864. He entered the old State militia in 1838, was elected Captain of the 1st Regiment in 1841, and in 1842 was elected Lieut.-Colonel, which rank he held until the militia was disbanded by act of General Assembly. He also became a captain of home guards in 1863. He has served as trustee, but declined other offices which were within his reach. He was President of the German American Bank a number of years, lint at length refused to longer serve. During his whole life he has been engaged in milling operations, which he has conducted on an extensive scale and in a successful manner. DANIEL YORE was born Oct. 8, 1820, in York County, Pa., and when fifteen years old came with his parents to Richland County, Ohio. Three years later he went to Missouri, but in two years moved to Piqua, Ohio, where he lived until 1843, when h moved to Sidney, and for a few years worked at the carpenter trade. The next year he began working in the Maxwell flouring mill's„ in which employment he continued about thirteen years. He then went to Champaign County, where he worked twelve years, when he returned to Sidney and resumed his old position, the mill then being owned by Mr. Armstrong. Five years later he again entered the employment of Mr. Maxwell, which position he has since retained. He was married Sept. 2, 1847, to Miss Ann Partington, who has borne him seven children, named Mary Ellen, Jemima Ann, Celestia Jane, Benjamin F., Alice C. (died in 1861), Dora May, and Tina N. W. M. HALL was born in Champaign County, Ohio, May 11, 1838. Until twenty years old he remained with his parents, engaged in farming and running a saw-mill. He then went to Illinois and secured a position as clerk in a clothing store, where h remained two years and then returned to Ohio. When the war broke out, Putnam like, he left his plow standing in the field and shouldered his musket. He enlisted in the 45th Ohio Vol. Inf., Colonel Benj. Runkle, and was mustered into service at Columbus, and, serving his enlistment, returned home. About a year later he re-enlisted, this time in the 192d Ohio; Colonel Butterfield, and was mustered with Company C as orderly sergeant. He went at once to Harper's Ferry, thence to Charleston, Winchester, Aquia Creek, and Mt. Jackson. He then participated in all the movements of his regiment, and was finally discharged Sept. 7, 1865, at Columbus, Ohio. Returning to the peaceful walks of life, he resumed farming, which he followed until 1872. In 1875 he moved to Sidney and engaged in the agricultural implement business, which he has since conducted. He was city marshal two years. He was married April 23, 1861, to Miss Mary E. Woodard, who has borne hire five children, named Uretta E., Alice J., Sarah E., Anna F., and James P. (died April 18, 1873). W. M. TOY was born in Brant Township, Miami County, 0., in 1850, and remained there with his parents during his youth. After working two years in Fort Wayne he came to Sidney and engaged, with others, in the manufacture of plows, but eventually bought the whole business, and is now sole proprietor. He was married February 22, 1873, to Miss Mary W. Haslup, and has reared four children, named Fannie F., Daniel, Robert H., and Thomas H., all of whom are living. DAVID EDGAR. This pioneer of Sidney was born in Westmoreland County,. Pa., Feb. 29, 1808. When he was three years of age his parents moved to Beaver County, Pa., and remained twelve years, when they moved to Stark County, Ohio. Here David worked with his father in improving a farm about four years, when he went to learn the cabinet trade, April 1, 1828. After serving an apprenticeship of three years he started a shop for himself at Dalton. After six years he moved to Sidney in 1839, and found the village of feeble growth. Here he prosecuted his trade about six years, and in 1845 embarked in the hardware trade, which he conducted some nineteen rears. His store stood on part of the ground now occupied by the "Burnett House." Selling out his stock, he took the agency for agricultural implements, in which business he continued from 1860 to 1877, when he sold out his stock. He was married in 1834 to Miss Jane Fulton. They reared five children, named Silas F., Margaret J., Sarah E., Benjamin W., and John B. His wife fell a victim of the HISTORY OF SHELBY COUNTY, OHIO - 349 cholera September 26, 1850, and he again married in October, 1852, his wife's maiden name being Sarah H. Ramsey. She died June 26, 1878, and Nov. 8, 1881, he married Mrs. Carrie Garity, daughter of Abraham Dix, of Philadelphia, and niece of Hon. John A. Dix, of New York. In 1882 Mr. Edgar sold his old Court Street residence to the present treasurer of the county, and built three neat dwellings, one on Ohio Street, in which he now lives, and two on Miami Street. For fifty years he has been a member of the Presbyterian Church. He is the grandson of Col. David Kilgore, the oldest of a family of twenty brothers, who went into the Revolutionary War as a captain, and rose to the rank of Colonel, which he held throughout the war. He was in the battles of Bunker Hill, Brandywine, and other sanguinary conflicts. He died in the year 1810. NATHAN MOORE was born in Summit County, Ohio, January 30, 1823, and moved, when thirteen years of age, with his father, to Bowling Green, where he remained until the spring of 1856, when he came to Sidney. He at once engaged in the nursery business on the premises on which his house now stands. his first planting was about four acres, in a general 'nursery stock, but he was compelled to increase his acreage from year to year in order to meet the demands of his increasing trade. He finally bought a large tract across the river, and saw his business swell until about one hundred acres were occupied. Besides this amount, he had twenty acres devoted to orchard-tree experimentation, wherein he tested the quality of different varieties of fruits. After a number of years he abandoned the business of growing nursery stock and located east of town, on the Orbison farm, where he already has a large number of acres set out in the different varieties of fruits and flowers. He was married Dec. 24, 1847, to Miss Julia Eliza St. Jobn, of Wood County, Ohio. They have six children, viz., Estella M., Ezra F., Alice C., Milton Q., Albert G., and Charles H. E. D. STOCKSTILL moved to Salem Township in 1833, where he built a log cabin and moved his family to it. He was married to Miss Elizabeth Shroyer, of Frederick County, Md., in 1829. He entered four hundred acres of land, two hundred of which he cleared by hard and persistent labor. In 1838 he helped to build a log school-house, which was also used as a church, and had to go ten miles to buy all his supplies. In 1874 he moved to Sidney without disposing of his farm. He has reared eleven children, named Elizabeth C., Thomas, David W., Henry I., Francis M., John P., Mary E., Jacob W., Andrew W., Sarah S., and Elias. GEORGE A. MARSHALL was born in Turtle Creek Township, Sept. 14, 1849, where he remained until after his father,s death, attending and teaching school. He was one of the eleven children of Samuel Marshall, a pioneer of Turtle Creek Township, in the personal history of which will be found a sketch of his life. G. A. Marshall studied law in the office of Conklin & Burress, in Sidney, some three years, and was admitted to the bar in February, 1876, by the Supreme Court. He remained with his tutors about one year atter his admission and then opened an office alone. In February, 1878. he formed a partnership with Judge Conklin, which was dissolved in February, 1882. Since that date he has been alone. He was elected prosecuting attorney on the Democratic ticket in 1877, when he served one term. Again in 1882 he was elected to the same office, which he holds at this time. On December 22, 1881, he married Miss Lou. Cowan. They have three children, Benjamin and Samuel McCaslin (twins), and Frank. GEORGE HEMM was born in Baden, Germany, June 1, 1834, and in 1846 entered the Bavarian army and served seven years in the 6th Cavalry Regiment. h then came to America September 1, 1853, arriving at New York, but proceeding directly to Buffalo, where he worked in a butcher shop until the following March. He then moved west to Toledo and worked in a nursery until April, 1855, when he came to Sidney and started in the nursery business, which he has since followed with success. He was married April 20, 1857, to Miss Bernadina Dickas, of Bavaria. Their first child died at birth, while two are living, named Nettie and George. When Mr. Hemm came to this country he was poor, but by industry and hard labor has worked out a competence, at the same time securing and maintaining the respect of his neighbors. M. WAGNER was born in Alsace, France, April 24, 1818, and in 1830 came to America, and drove a team through to Pittsburgh, where he met his father, who had preceded him by stage from Baltimore. Here he began to work in a tobacco factory for one dollar a week, but a few months later went to Butler County, Pa., where he followed farm work about eighteen months. After this he moved back to Pittsburgh and labored about at whatever work he could find. Coming to Ohio he settled in Columbiana County and engaged at farming. From there he went to Steubenville, Wheeling, and other places, working as best he could at the different points. In this way he worked and struggled until 1837, when he started for Allen County, and after a little while came to Sidney, where, with his brother Peter, he worked on the canal until the winter arrested the work. He then returned to the Allen County farm and began improving it. Again he returned to the canal work, and finally started business in Sidney, opening a meat market and prosecuting other enterprises, until he has become one of the strongest financial men of the town. In 1844 he married Miss Mary Rauth, and has seven children livings named Mary, William, Milton, Benjamin, Flora, Lewis, and Bertha. Four children, named Charles, John, Ellen, and Amelia, are dead. JOSEPH WIENGARTNER was born in Baden, July 9, 1827, and came to America in 1850, landing at New York on the 27th of September. Going to New Jersey, he found work in a factory for a few weeks, and afterward came to Auglaize County, 0., by way of Toledo. He then worked on a farm for a time, but changed about as necessities demanded until February, 1853, when he came to Sidney and worked at the butchering business for Matt. Wagner. He next engaged in the saloon business until 1855, when he went to St. Paul, Minn., and worked at different occupations for a time and moved to Chicago. Returning to Sidney he worked at butchering again and also in a grocery which belonged to a Mr. Young. In 1856 he went to St. Marys and started a meat market on a small scale, but seven months later came back to Sidney. He then bought the old " Wagner House," changed the name to " Farmers, Hotel," and conducted a hotel business nearly seven years, when failing health compelled him to abandon the business. After embarking in different enterprises in Missouri and Illinois, he returned to Ohio and went into the hotel business at Wapakoneta. About a week afterward the house burned to the ground, and he came back once more to Sidney and the butchering business, which he followed until 1867, when he sold to his brother. In 1874 ,he bought the Reede farm near Sidney and lived on it until October, 1.882, when he bought the property he now occupies on Ohio Street, Sidney, fitted it up and opened a saloon. He was married in October, 1858, to Miss Gertrude, daughter of Michael Fares, and has reared six children, named Louie H., Mary, Mena, Louise, Callie, and Mica. WILLIAM D. DAVIES was born in Iowa City, January 20, 1850. He attended the Ohio State University, read law three years, and was Omitted to the bar in Iowa City in 1870. He then travelled for different railroads until 1875, when he came to Sidney and bought the office and business of Judge Thompson. He was married in November, 1880, to Miss Belle Mathers of Pennsylvania, and has one child, Amelia. Mr. Davies is a son of David and grandson of Thomas Davies, who were both natives of Wales. David Davies moved to Iowa and settled on the prairie. W. D. Davies is now well established in the practice of law in Sidney, and gives promise of taking high rank in his profession. HIRAM BURCH was born in Hamilton County, 0., on the 7th day of March, 1821. With his father's family he moved to Butler County, 0 , in 1833, being the eldest of five brothers and one sister. In 1835 he moved near Fort Recovery, Mercer County, 0., but the next year came to Shelby County and located on a farm four miles north of Sidney, in Franklin Township. On the 8th of April, 1838, he moved to Sidney and became an apprentice as a bricklayer and plasterer, which trade he has since followed. On the 18th of April, 1843, he was united in marriage with Miss Elizabeth Tuttle. To them were born three sons and five daughters, of whom the three eldest have "gone to that bourne whence no traveller e,er returns." During the month of his marriage Mr. Burch moved to East Sidney or Dingmansburg, where he resided until April 4, 1855, when he moved to his present residence on South Main Street, Sidney, GEORGE CRAWFORD ANDERSON was born in Warren County, Ohio, on the 14th of January, 1834. Of his paternal ancestors but little is known. His grandfather, John Anderson, came to Pennsylvania from the north of Ireland about the year 1780. In 1779 he emigrated to Kentucky, settling six miles below Lexington, where, on the 6th of March, 1800, James Anderson, the father of the subject of this sketch, was born. In 1806 the family came to Ohio, and settled down in the wilderness a few miles east of the present site of Loveland, in Clermont County, where the grandparents died, having reared a family of twelve children. About the year 1825 James Anderson and Julia Dunham were married at Lebanon, Warren County, Ohio. To them were born Rudolph Warren, Oscar Josephus, Semantha Adeline, and Adelbert Huntington (the subject of this sketch), whose name, after the death of his mother in 1835, was changed to George Crawford, on his adoption by George B. and Adeline C. Crawford, his maternal aunt.