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GEN
ALLEN COUNTY PUBLIC LIBRARY
3 1833 01268 6918
GENEALOGY 977.101 SH4HA
History of ‘ Shelby County, Ohio
AND
Representative Citizens
BY A. B. C. HITCHCOCK SIDNEY, OHIO
"History is Philosophy Teaching by Example"
PUBLISHED BY RICHMOND-ARNOLD PUBLISHING CO. F. J. RICHMOND, Pres .; C. R. ARNOLD, Sec'y and Treas. CHICAGO, ILL.
The reproduction of this book has been made possible through the sponsorship of The Lewis Boyer Chapter Daughters of the American Revolution, Sidney, Ohio.
A Reproduction by UNIGRAPHIC, INC. 4400 Jackson Avenue Evansville, Indiana 47715 Nineteen Hundred Seventy Three
Binding by MODERN PRE-BINDING CORPORATION Portland, Indiana
1771083
PREFACE
The aim of the publishers of this volume and of the author of the history has been to secure for the historical portion thereof full and accurate data respecting the history of the county from the time of its early settlement and to condense it into a clear and interesting narrative. All topics and occurrences have been included that were essential to this object.
The reviews of resolute and strenuous lives that make up the biographical part of the volume are admirably calculated to foster local ties, to inculcate patriotism and to emphasize the rewards of industry dominated by intel- ligent purpose. They constitute a most appropriate medium for perpetu- ating personal annals and will be of incalculable value to the descendants of those commemorated. These sketches are replete with stirring incidents and intense experiences and are flavored with a strong human interest that will naturally prove to a large portion of the readers of the book one of its most attractive features. In the aggregate of personal memoirs thus collated will be found a vivid epitome of the growth of Shelby county, which will fully supplement the historical statement, for its development is identical with that of the men and women to whom it is attributable. Sketches un- revised by subscribers are marked by a small asterisk placed after the name of the subscriber.
The publishers have avoided slighting any part of the work, and to the best of their ability have supplemented the editor's labors by exercising care over the minutest details of publication, in order to give the volume the three-fold value of a readable narrative, a useful work of reference and a tasteful ornament to the library.
Special prominence has been given to the portraits of many represent- ative citizens, which appear throughout the volume, and we believe that they will prove not its least interesting feature. We have sought in this department to illustrate the different spheres of industrial and professional achievement as conspicuously as possible.
To all who have kindly interested themselves in the preparation of this work, and who have voluntarily contributed most useful information or rendered any other assistance, we hereby tender our grateful acknowledgments.
CHICAGO, ILL., February, 1913.
THE PUBLISHERS.
5
$15,00 - p.0.417
.
CONTENTS
CHAPTER I .-
INTRODUCTORY 19 Geographical Location of Shelby County-Its Origin and Area- Loramie Trading Post and Its Founder-The French and Indians- Naming of the County-The Pioneers and Their Hardships-The Mound Builders-The Largest Glacier.
CHAPTER II
DISCOVERY OF AMERICA. 24 An Account of the Early Explorers and the First Settlements Made in America.
CHAPTER III
INDIAN OCCUPANCY 31 Character of the Indians, with an Account of the Principal Indian Tribes East of the Mississippi River Subsequent to the Discovery of America by the Whites-Their Wars and Treaties.
CHAPTER IV
THE OLD NORTHWEST. 52 The Northwest Territory as Defined in the Ordinance of 1787- State of Ohio Formed-Character of Its Citizenship-Indian Inhab- itants-Prohibition of Slavery-Provision for Education-Settle- ment of Marietta-Appointment of Governor St. Clair-Law and Order Established-George Rogers Clark and His Work-Conflict- ing State Claims-Their Settlement-Treatment of the Indians- Story of Black Hawk-The Last of the Indians-The Greenville Treaty.
CHAPTER V
GEOLOGY AND TOPOGRAPHY .. 60 Situation and Boundaries of Shelby County-Its Elevation- Topography-Drainage and Soil-Rainfall-The Loramie Reservoir -The Drift-Bowlders-Remains of Human Art-Extinct Animals -Bedded Stone-The Niagara Formation-Physical Features.
7
8
CONTENTS
CHAPTER VI
ORGANIZATION OF SHELBY COUNTY. 77 Date of Organization-Naming of the County-Selection of County Seat-Organization of Townships-Extracts from Com- missioners' Journal-Court Minutes-Early Marriages-Pioneer Conditions-Land Entries-Population-Political Parties-County Officials.
CHAPTER VII
SIDNEY, THE COUNTY SEAT I71 Name of Sidney-Early Settlers-Sidney Made County Seat- First Houses and Roads-Jail and Court House-Benefit of the Canal-Sidney's Growth-Mayors-Police and Fire Departments- Commercial Club-Cemeteries-Wagner Conservatories, etc.
CHAPTER VIII
MANUFACTURES AND COMMERCE. .188 Sketches of the Principal Manufacturing Industries of Sidney.
CHAPTER IX
TRANSPORTATION .205 Construction of Roads and Highways-Taverns --- The Canal- Railroads and Electric Lines-The Mails.
CHAPTER X
PUBLIC INSTITUTIONS. . .. .214 The Infirmary-The Shelby County Children's Home-Sidney Public Library.
CHAPTER XI
BANKS AND BANKING. .22I Origin of Banking-Uses of Modern Banks-Bank and Bankers of Shelby County.
CHAPTER XII
THE PRESS. . 228 The Newspapers of Shelby County-Sketches of the Daily News, Democrat, Journal, Republican, etc .- The Editors and the Pro- prietors.
9
CONTENTS
CHAPTER XIII
AGRICULTURE
. . . . . . .. 234 History of the Shelby County Agricultural Society.
CHAPTER XIV
RELIGIOUS DEVELOPMENT. .243 Pioneer Preachers-History of the Principal Religious Denomina- tions in Shelby County-Churches and Pastors.
CHAPTER XV
THE MEDICAL PROFESSION 256 The Pioneer Doctor-Prevailing Diseases in Early Days-Crude Methods of Cure-Great Medical Discoveries-Some of the Early and Later Physicians of Shelby County-The Shelby County Med- ical Society-Present Physicians and Surgeons.
CHAPTER XVI
EDUCATION . 262 Lack of Educational Facilities in Early Days-The Old Log Schoolhouse-Introduction of Graded Schools-The Schools of Sid- ney and Shelby County-Superintendents and Teachers-The New High School.
CHAPTER XVII
MILITARY RECORD . . 269 Shelby County in the Civil War-Regimental Histories-Neal Post, G. A. R .- Company L in the Spanish-American War.
CHAPTER XVIII
THE BENCH AND BAR. . 322 Organization of the Courts-Interesting Cases-Old Time Judges and Lawyers-The Shelby County Bar of Today.
CHAPTER XIX
THE TOWNSHIPS (I) . 332 Historical Sketches of Clinton, Cynthian and Dinsmore Townships -Organization-Early Settlement-Villages-Schools-Churches, etc.
10
CONTENTS
CHAPTER XX
THE TOWNSHIPS (II)
. 349 Franklin, Green and Jackson Townships.
CHAPTER XXI
THE TOWNSHIPS (III) 361 Loramie, McLean, Orange and Perry Townships.
CHAPTER XXII
THE TOWNSHIPS (IV) 381 Salem, Turtle Creek, Van Buren and Washington Townships.
CHAPTER XXIII
MISCELLANEOUS . 395 Singing Schools-The Old Shoemaker-Some Well Known Citi- zens, John Blakeley, John E. Bush, S. I. Gamble, Morris Honnell, Nathan Moore, Philip Smith, Dr. Hezekiah Stout Ailes, Dr. J. A. Throckmorton, Silas D. Young.
INDEX
Achbach, Henry .612
Ailes, Hezekiah S. .400
Bingham, R. O. 665
Ailes, H. P. .801
Blake, John M. . 540
Ailes, John F. .809
Blakeley, John .417
Albers, J. Henry. .551
Blakeley, L. E. .643
Allen, Anthony J. .608
718
Altenbach, Frank J.
.640
Borchers, Henry J. ·549
Borchers, Frank J. 548
Althoff, H. J. 857
Borchers, John B. . 501
Amann, W. O. 485
Amos, Ernest C. .231
Amos, Howard A.
232
Amos, James O. 230
Amos, W. T. 231
Anderson, George D.
594
Apple, Fernando W.
773
Apple, Henry A.
598
Apple, H. H.
600
Apple, H. W.
604
Apple, J. J. .
599
Applegett, A. E. 758
Brown, J. W
475
Applegate, J. F. 465
Arkenberg, Ferdinand C. 556
Bull, Broachey T. 779
Arling, John 567
Burkhart, John 562
Aselage, Bernard 469
Atkinson, J. L. 486
Bush, John 1
412
Baker, Allen 730
Baker, Elza A. 697
Baker, E. M. 563
Baker, Emory E. 674
Carothers, Wilson 811
Baker, George M. 617
Baker, Lewis W. 837
Cashner, William 558
.606
Baker, Orla A.
.720
Baker, William C.
728
Cecil, B. S ..
611
Christian, Forest D.
673
Clancey, James W.
810
Barhorst, Bernard
445
Barhorst, Joseph H.
.651
Clawson, Fred A.
642
Clayton, Francis M. 748
Clinehens, David T.
.726
Cole, Joshua 622
Coleman, W. E. 687
Conklin, Dr. H. S. 258
Conklin, Hon. Jacob S. 325
Conklin, John W.
.328
Cook, Orrie W. 710
Coon, Marshal K. .454
Billing, Edward H.
778
Billing, George H.
535
Cowan, Dr. Wilson V
259
Croft, Louis G.
785
11
Billing, William F. .694
441
Beebe, Hugh McD., M. D. .517
Bender, J. Clemens.
465
Benjamin, Charles W 773
Bennett, Harry E. 771
Bensman, Anthony
820
Barhorst, Anthony
Clark, Fred D., D. O
778
Barnes, Joseph D. .572
Beaman, Robert K. 788
Beamer. T. M., M. D. 584
Campbell, John .681
Cargill, Henry 798
Carity, August 586
Carpenter, F. M. 508
Baker, Milton 782
Caven, H. W.
Caven, William M.
582
Bambauer, Henry 56
Bornhorst, Frank .551
Bowen, Joseph 473
Bowen, William H. 531
Boyer, Calvin O. 767
Boyer, George W. 694
Brandenburg, Shelby J. 491
Brandewie, Bernard 455
Broerman, Charles F. 488
Buirley, S. T. .499
Borchers, William J. 506
Border, Jesse E. .634
Borger, John .617
Altenbach, Joseph .512
Bonnoront, Phillip 746
Booher, S. J. .621
Allton, William L.
Bingham, Evan W. 431
Burress, Nathan R. .327
Beebe, Henry E., M. D.
.788
Cotterman, Harry 821
12
INDEX
Crumbaugh, Samuel D.
781
Fortman, Henry .491
Fosnight, Albert J. 828
Cummins, John C. 856
Foster, Benjamin F. .474
Cummins, John E. .327
Curtner, R. D. 430
Danzig, Bernard
516
Danzig, Frank
498
Davies, William D.
807
Davis, A. W
807
Deam, F. M. 581
Gaier, Joseph V. 537
Gaines, Waldo M., M. D.
738
Gamble, Samuel 1. 4II
Gearhart, George L.
727
Dickensheets, Harry N 512
Dill, Wilson .759
Dillon, Benjamin E. 497
Dirksen, H. B. .815
Doorley, Owen
469
Given, Charles E. . 509
Dorsey, Charles M.
.492
Dorsey, John E.
. 569
Dorsey, Samuel M.
. 532
Goode, Sampson G., M. D. 443
853
Duncan, S. J. .843
Duncan, Thomas .509
Dundon, Patrick
587
Dunn, E. A .. .662
Dunson, John K. 708
Du Vall, Wallace S 731
Ehrhardt, George .521
Ehrhardt, Henry W. -507
Eilerman, Frank J. 467
Eilerman, Henry A. 595
Eilerman, Peter J. 583
Eldredge, J. C., V. S.
819
Emert, J. F. 620
473
Enders, Christopher
.659
Enders, Nicholas C.
761
Epperson, James J.
.791
Ernst, Frank
.584
Ernst, Henry A. .530
Eshman, Hon. Irenus A
.749
Evans, Robert B.
.519
Everley, L. F. . 522
Eversman, Henry 667
Faler, George W 756
Faulder, George 661
Fergus, William A. 528
Ferree, Jeremiah D 718
Fessler, Levi D .608
Fey, John C .. .477
Higgins, W. H. .532
Hipple, George K. 468
578
Finkenbine, John, Sr.
544
Hoelscher, Henry F.
638
Finkenbine, Lewis H. .683
Finkenbine, William
678
Hoewisher, William
774
Hohn. Lewis
825
First National Bank, The, Jackson Center . 777 Forrar, William H .699 Holscher, John B. 518
Hagelberger, George 631
Hance. Willis N .458
Hansellinan, George W. .455
Harbour, Elmer E. 769
Harbour, Wallace R. 800
Harp, John W 487
Harris, Paul .724
Harrod, Henry F
.640
Harshbarger, Isaac 420
Hatfield, Sinclair J. 780
Heiser, John 450
Helmlinger, Jacob 861
Helman, J. A. 735
Hemm, George 804
Herring, John W. 737
Hess, Andrew J.
834
Hetzler, V. C.
Heneisen, Frank G. 570
744
Hickok, C. F. 592
Hiegel, Anthony .624
Hiegel, Charles A.
.713
Higgins, B. P. .519
Higgins, Samuel .502
Higgins, Thomas L. 736
Fielding, Dr. William .257
Finkenbine, Jacob M. -717
Foster, George W. .611
Francis, George N. .610
Frankenberg, Joseph 675
Frazier, George A. .696
Fretz, Walter E.
831
Fristoe, Earl D. .662
Fristoe, William H.
481
Deiters, John .768
Denman, Martin F .660
De Weese, Robison J.
726
De Weese, Wyant A.
.724
Gerber, John C. 758
Gilfillen, Willianı E. 707
Ginn, C. G. 488
Ginn, Johnson .530
Given, John F. 855
Goode, Hon. P. G .. 324
Dreses, Joseph 596
Graham, William A.
Grau, Gotleib .703
Green, Thomas
.431
Griffis, Elias J.
.664
Grisez, John F 838
Gross, Lewis Phillip. .690
Gudenkauf, August B., M. D. 466
Emmons, Wilbur J.
Crusey, Conrad 663
Hitchcock, A. B. C.
Hoelscher, Henry, Sr. .641
13
INDEX
Honnell, Morris .408
Hoskins, Hon. Emery L. .329
McCormick, E., M. D. .680
Howell, P. A. 564
Mccullough, C. D. .786
Hubbell, Flint L., M. D 570
Mccullough, John E. 327
Huber, Joseplı 746
McKinstrv. D. A. .619
Huffman, John J.
5.38
McLean, William T. 811
Hughes, John M
862
McNeil, Fred .571
Mc Vay, Edd 808
Mc Vay, Frederick R., M. D. 649
McVay, Herbert R. 823
Jackson, C. A. .730
Johnston, Charles A. .683
Marrs, Emory F ..
593
Johnston, J. W. 597
Marshall, Armstrong L.
.458
Johnston, William T. .574
Marshall, Charles C.
8.36
Jones, Henry .632
Marshall, George A.
.328
Jones, Robert V. 762
Marshall, Hon. Samuel
.323
Kah, Edward E. . 520
Kah, Louis, Jr. .821
Mathers, Hon. Hugh T. 439
Kaiser, Joseph .812
Kauffman, Jonas .517
Maurer, Allen
608
Kemp, John H.
496
Maurer, Chas. A.
860
Kerr, O. L .. .644
858
Mayer, William H. 468
480
Key, Orlando Burton
706
Meighen, William F. 490
Kies, George
676
Mentges, George .577
Kiggins, John C. F.
.479
Kilborn, Wilber E.
425
King, Joseph O.
460
King, Prof. Webster C.
.652
Meyer, William J.
. 527
Kirsch, Christian 457
Miller, Frank B.
.435
Klase, John M. 835
Miller, Dr. John L.
.260
Klipstine, William 446
Miller, Samuel
.725
Kloeker, Herman 637
Milliette, Delphis R., M. D.
.700
Kloeker, J. Williamı 548
Minniear, T. K
800
Knoop, Samuel M. 745
Monnin, F. 1. 652
Moore, Hon. Emerson V. .436
Moore, Nathan .405
Moothart, John .630
Lacey, Martin 821
Lallemand, J. P. 633
Moyer. Nathan .536
Lamb, James A. 522
Moyer, Perry 642
Laughlin, William Watt 833
Munk, Jacob .624
Murphey, William G. 675
Murray, Gen. James. 326
LeFevre, Jacob M. 744
LeFevre, Gen. Benjamin .653
Nutt, Capt. Edmund E 432
Lemaster, O. O., M. D .857
Oldham, John
827
Lindhaus, Frank .547
Lininger, Ernest 510
Lochard, John W. 567
Lochard, Wallace A. 793
Partington, John D. 704
Partington, M. E. 569
Paulus, N. A. 547
Paulus, Peter 606
Pauwells, Mrs. Elizabeth. 429
Pence, John Q. A. 757
McCashen, Charles M. 716
Pence, W. O.
832
McCloskey, William H.
568
Pepper, Charles
674
787
Key, David R.
750
Meighen, John F.
Meranda, J. E. .693
Metz, Jacob 765
Metz, Lewis J. .793
Middleton, Elva N.
485
Kiser, Elmer D. 794
Mills, D. Finley . 506
Knoop, L. L. 449
Koenig, John C. 649
826
Kuether, Henry
Mowry, John H .682
Leapley, Jacob R. 539
Lee, Earl 854
Lengerich, John 837
O'Leary, William 777
Partington, E. W. 563
Lorton, John W .628
Loudenbach, George R. 782
Loy. Michael
495
Lucas, Marcellus N. 705
McClure, John C. .540
Hunt, Preston R. .740
Hussey, Dr. Stephen C. 260
Mader, Edward C. 623
Martin, Ora A. 628
Martz, Mrs. Lilly M. .550
Mathers, John H. 326
May, John, Jr ..
Kettler, Julius W. C.
14
INDEX
Perry, William A. 572
Persinger, William H. 487
Sherer, J. W 302
Pickering, W. T. .535
Sherman, Adolph F. .511
Piper, Samuel 498
Sherman, Henry F. 607
Poeppelman, Joseph 550
Sherman, John B. 633
Sherman, John J. 427
Sherman, W. J. 426
Pope, G. A. 826
Short, George W. .543
Short, John, Sr. 541
Short, J. C. . 548
Showers, Lauson C. .509
Shroyer, Elmer .803
Pruden, David M.
557
Shroyer, Henry 688
Siegel, John 587
Quellhorst, J. Henry. 732
Quigley, P. Wright.
695
Silver, Arthur, M. D.
844
Quinlisk, Hon. Martin 723
Silver, Dr. D. R.
259
Simmons, Judson Ward. .747
Skillen, T. C. 608
Sleeter, Frederick H. .462
Sloan, Hugh B 83.3
327
Ratermann, Louis P.
.615
Smith, James E.
714
Rausenberger, John W. 8.47
Smith, Philip
668
Redinbo, C. O. .815
Smith, William J.
792
Rheinish, George A. . 780
Snow, William Marion
816
Rhoades, William F. .671
Springer, Solomon
648
Richards, Jacob W. 482
Richeson, Dr. J. Frank
852
Riethmann, Anton
816
Roberts, Marion
.789
Roeth, Ernest
.650
Rogers, S. H., D. V. S.
.803
Roth, Michael A.
.677
Staley, John Thomas 684
Rottinghaus, J. W
515
Staley, Joseph P. 696
Royon, Joseph C.
Staley, Roger W.
.743
Runkle, Daniel
.845
Staley, Squire Nicholas
.707
Russell, Fred J.
.828
Staley, Orrin C.
720
Russell, Grant E.
Stangel, John C.
.685
Russell, Hon. J. Edward.
Stein, Charles
859
Stengel, George
739
Stephenson, John G.
328
Stockstill, P. O. 615
Stockstill, Thomas 799
Sanderson, William D., V. S. 843
Sayre, Frank M .. 470
Schneeberger, William 861
Schenck, Edgar A. .459
Struble, Emanuel J. 766
Sullivan, M. C. .650
Schiff, John M., Jr. .678
Schnelle, Louis H 824
Taylor, Harry J. 466
Taylor, Oliver J. 447
Taylor. Percy R. 618
Thedieck, I. H 851
Thie, J. G. .769
Thompson, D. T. 772
Shafer, Edward J .647
Thompson, Hon. Hugh 325
Shanely, Lewis Grant. 716
Thompson, J. W. 738
Shearer, Christopher . 672
Thompson, Robert P.
525
Sheets, Herbert E. 629
Threlkeld, Kirhy
666
Polhamus, D. G. 593
Polhamus, G. S. .478
Potts, Harrison M. 588
Prince, D. N., Sr.
637
Princehouse, William H.
.441
Pruden, C. K. .521
Randolph, William 453
Ratermann, Adolph F. 538
Raterman, A. P. 442
Ratermann, Frank J., M. D.
. 507
Smith, Edmund
Retter, Sanford C. 709
Snodgrass, Link T.
527
Rhodehamel, James H. .839
Snyder, Charles F
475
Stackhouse, A. 583
Stafford, Parker L. 704
Staley, Edward F. 559
Staley, George P. .667
Staley, George W. 686
Staley, John M. .328
Russell, Moses R. 505
Russell, William A. .603
Salm, William F. 738
Stolly, Hon. John B .653
Stout, Jonathan 761
Studevant. Lafayette M. .790
Schurr, J. H. M. .629
Schwartz, John 585
Scott, D. W. .500
Segar, Bernard .552
Sexauer, Carl A. .444
Schiff, George C. .713
.591
.647
425
Shellenbarger, Christian 840
Siegel, Reinhart 496
15
INDEX
Throckmorton, Dr. J. A.
. 399
White, J. E. 735
Toland, R. M.
749
Wildermuth, F. M. 685
Toy, Daniel
.595
Wiley. James W. .501
Tucker, Col. James B. 753
Valentine, Milton
8,35
Wilson, Col. Harrison .329
582
Van Demark, Henry V.
446
Windle, Charles L.
.631
Van Demark, Jacob N.
Winemiller, C. J
844
Van Riper, Capt. James L.
561
Winner, Charles
845
Verdier, P. F.
814
Winner, Joseph
537
Vertner, Howard
787
Wise, August
627
Vondrele, Bernard 529
Wolke, Clemens
461
Vordemark, William
859
Wolaver, Charles A. .610
Wagner, Bernard P. 754
Wagner, George H.
660
Wagner, Henry
770
Wagner, L. Cable
698
Wagner, Louis F.
804
Wagner, Louis R. 762
Wagner, William H.
573
Ward, John C.
479
Yates, Earl A., M. D . 596
Ward. Thomas H.
797
Yost, Elisha 555
Warner, Darwin H.
526
Young, Philip W.
639
Watkins, C. E. 822
Young, William M.
760
Wendeln, Henry 489
Z.edeker, George W. 659
Wenger, George
714
Wenger, John F.
832
Zedeker, John W 732
Weymer, J. W.
. 560
Zedeker, Oliver C. 715
Wheaton, A. G.
500
Zimpfer, Henry J. 728
Wheaton, Thomas
428
Zimpher, Walker
736
Wyatt, George M. 836
Wyman, Hon. Chas. M 860
Wyman, Hon. William C.
.739
Valentine, William F.
460
Wilson, L. C.
.690
Wilkinson, Isaac M. 748
Wilson, Dr. Albert .258
Wones, John C .. 709
Woolley, William E. 499
Yager, Charles F. 848
Young, Silas D. .398
Wehneman, Simon 477
A. B. C. HITCHCOCK
History of Shelby County
CHAPTER I
INTRODUCTORY
Geographical Location of Shelby County-Its Origin and Arca-Loramie Trading Post and Its Founder-The French and Indians-Naming of the County-The Pioneers and Their Hardships-The Mound Builders- The Largest Glacier.
By way of preface I hasten to assure the reader that while I have the prime qualification for a historian of a hoary head I have not that of being indigenous to the soil and may often have to say "I read that" or "I was told that" instead of "I recall that." I have been here since 1861, a period of more than fifty years and less than one hundred years will cover the marvelous changes in our brief history.
We are all interested in first things-in the oldest things-whether they be the work of man or of nature. In the founding of a great state, a county or a city, the interest is just as intense, and we of today love to read the names and recall the deeds of those who felled the primeval forest, bridged the stream, and made the valley blossom like the rose. We are interested in them because they made possible the comforts and refinements of today and it is not only a duty but a pleasure to recall the names and deeds of those who were truly pioneers.
A little more than a century ago Shelby in common with all western Ohio was swamp and forest, the battle ground of Shawnees, Delawares, Wyan- dottes, Pottawattomies, Ottawas, Miamis, Chippewas and the Wabash tribes. In 1794, only one hundred and eighteen years ago, a council of the big chiefs met in Greenville and discussed scalps and wampun and boundary lines instead of electric light plants, armories, water works, and street paving.
These momentous questions were not settled by Messrs. Brown, Smith and Jones from the first, second, and third wards, but by Little Turtle, New Corn, Tetaboskke, Agoosshaway and Mashipansiwish. The French and the English both claimed this land. In 1749 Celeron de Bienville was sent from Quebec tc bury plates in Ohio and claim it for the French. The same year the English under direction of the Ohio company built Pickawillamy as a trading post with Indians. The exact location is disputed. Some say it was at the junction of Loramie creek with the Miami. Pickawillamy is important as it was the first British settlement in Ohio. Marietta, 1788, the first permanent settlement. There were often as many as fifty traders here at once, among then, Christo- pher Gist, Trent, Platt, Weiser, Chartier. The Twig tree branch of the
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HISTORY OF SHELBY COUNTY
Miamis was friendly to the English. Pickawillamy did not endure long, but was destroyed by the French, Chippewas, and Ottawas in 1752. Peter Lora- mie, in 1769, was sent as a missionary to the Wyandottes and Shawnees but Loramie did not long perform the function of priest for the Jesuit order was suppressed by Pope Clement XIV in 1773. He then became a trader at the place that bears his name. In 1782 Gen. George Rogers Clark was sent to punish these Wyandottes and Shawnees, friends of Loramie's, and Clark burned Loramie's store.
Peter Loramie escaped and made arrangement with Colonel Johnston, Indian commissioner, to emigrate with several hundred Shawnees to a reserva- tion west of the Mississippi. In 1791 St. Clair and Col. Parke were defeated at Fort Recovery in Mercer county. In 1792, General Harmar with Col John Hardin, proceeded against the Indian towns at St. Joseph.
Miami embracing Shelby was at first a part of Montgomery when Miami was detached in 1807. In 1819 Shelby was detached and named after Gen. Thomas Shelby, of Kentucky, who had much to do in wresting Ohio from the Indians. It had at first jurisdiction over Auglaize and Allen which formed the original Auglaize and Amunda townships of Shelby county. Hardin was treacherously killed by the Indians, where the village of Hardin now stands. In 1794 Gen. Anthony Wayne went north to the Indian village of Maumee, which he captured. He built Fort Wayne and on his return he visited the site of Loramie's store and old Pickawillamy. He rebuilt Fort Loramie, which was occupied till 1812.
Those pioneers who migrated to a forest-encumbered country a cen- tury ago to carve a home confronted a most serious proposition which can hardly be realized by those of the present day.
The implements to perform the life-work were clumsy and crude when the struggle for the necessities of life commenced. The luxuries, now so seemingly essential to comfort, were not thought of or were scrupulously eliminated from their thoughts. They faced untiring work no matter which way they looked and were every inch heroes, and not the less were their helpmeets in the brave encounter. When one contrasts what these mothers fared in raising their children in their meager households as compared with the present time he feels that each one deserves a lasting monument of grati- tude.
The mound builders, which left traces of their existence in the southern and southeastern part of the state, never invaded this county. This strange people whose origin is unknown, were swept from the earth by a fatal epi- demic more universal than the cruel edict of Herod-as it spared neither young nor old-or were exterminated by the ravages of a superior foe, or perhaps smothered under a blanket of mephitic vapor that issued from the earth's gaseous interior. In any event their advent and their fate are alike unknown and unknowable mysteries, but the strange mounds they built defy the corroding tooth of time and are gazed upon with ever increas- ing interest and are the fruitless source of the wildest and most conflicting conjecture.
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AND REPRESENTATIVE CITIZENS
Sometime in the dark ages of the past a huge glacier sauntered through here from the frozen north and with irresistible force plowed the groove through which the ' Miami river courses to the Ohio, rounding the cobble stones and grinding rocks to sand and depositing it along the river in numer- ous banks. In its leisurely travel this glacier looscned its grip upon a huge cubical rock, containing over 1,200 cubic feet and weighing over 100 tons, and left it about one mile east of Sidney. This rock, antedating in antiquity the pyramids of Egypt or even profane or sacred history, has been visited by many archæologists and geologists of note. It is said to be by far the largest rock deposited by a glacier in Ohio.
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