USA > Ohio > Shelby County > History of Shelby County, Ohio, and representative citizens > Part 40
Note: The text from this book was generated using artificial intelligence so there may be some errors. The full pages can be found on Archive.org (link on the Part 1 page).
Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 | Part 4 | Part 5 | Part 6 | Part 7 | Part 8 | Part 9 | Part 10 | Part 11 | Part 12 | Part 13 | Part 14 | Part 15 | Part 16 | Part 17 | Part 18 | Part 19 | Part 20 | Part 21 | Part 22 | Part 23 | Part 24 | Part 25 | Part 26 | Part 27 | Part 28 | Part 29 | Part 30 | Part 31 | Part 32 | Part 33 | Part 34 | Part 35 | Part 36 | Part 37 | Part 38 | Part 39 | Part 40 | Part 41 | Part 42 | Part 43 | Part 44 | Part 45 | Part 46 | Part 47 | Part 48 | Part 49 | Part 50 | Part 51 | Part 52 | Part 53 | Part 54 | Part 55 | Part 56 | Part 57 | Part 58 | Part 59 | Part 60 | Part 61 | Part 62 | Part 63 | Part 64 | Part 65 | Part 66 | Part 67 | Part 68 | Part 69 | Part 70 | Part 71 | Part 72 | Part 73 | Part 74 | Part 75 | Part 76 | Part 77 | Part 78 | Part 79 | Part 80 | Part 81 | Part 82 | Part 83 | Part 84 | Part 85 | Part 86 | Part 87 | Part 88 | Part 89 | Part 90 | Part 91 | Part 92 | Part 93 | Part 94 | Part 95 | Part 96 | Part 97 | Part 98
368
HISTORY OF SHELBY COUNTY
St. Michael's Catholic Church, Ft. Loramie, O .- Berlin was constituted a parish in 1838, at which time about 40 families were registered. Some Ger- man families had already been here for several years, and when the canal was constructed the population materially increased, many families coming here from Cincinnati and other cities. About that time a log church was erected and occasionally a priest came from Minster, read mass, baptized children, solemnized marriages and interred the dead. The priests of the society of "The Precious Blood" labored at Minster, to which place the Berlin catholics frequently went to attend services. In 1840 the parish of Berlin embraced over 100 families. They continued to worship in the log church until 1849, at which time a brick church, 60 by 30 feet, ground dimensions, was con- structed, and hung with a 700-pound bell. But the season of 1849-50 proved trying to the new community, for an epidemic of cholera broke out, which within two months, swept away 28 persons, some 200 dying from the same fell disease at Minster.
The plague, however, ran its course and the people resumed neglected undertakings. The new church was dedicated and the services of Rev. Augustus Berger, of the Grand Duchy, were secured by the congregation. Under his care the new priest's house was built. He was succeeded in 1857 by Rev. Henry Muckerheide, of Oldenberg, who labored here until 1863, with great zeal and ability. He was succeeded by Rev. M. Anton Meyer, of Canton Basel, of Switzerland, who had an addition of 20 feet made to the church, and a few years later carried the construction of a schoolhouse to completion. In 1873, on account of failing health, he resigned from active labor in this field.
In that year, 1873, the institution of the "Fathers of the Holy Spirit" was abrogated in Germany, and Archbishop Purcell, wrote to the Rev. General- chief of the society to procure some priests for this country. Accordingly, in January, 1874, four priests and twelve lay brothers of the society left Paris for the United States, among whom was Rev. William Bigot, who became pastor of Berlin parish, this county. He had seen arduous service during the Franco-Prussian war in ministering to the wounded soldiers, and in per- forming other important offices, for which services the French government had conferred upon him the Cross of Chivalry, the Legion of Honor and the Cross of Merit. He reached Berlin, Shelby county, O., January 20, 1874, and here he found plenty of work awaiting him. Old debts amounting to $700 had to be paid, the priest's house to be repaired, and the holy vessels to be renewed. All this was readily done, but the parish needed a new church, an enterprise which the congregation did not yet feel ready to undertake. Father Bigot himself gave a year's salary for the purchase of a 3,800 pound bell; but a new tower was needed for the bell, and a new church for the tower. By 1879 conditions had become more favorable and it was resolved to build. It was decided that, over and above the manual labor the members could perform, the building should not cost over $30,000. There already existed a fund of $4,000 for the purpose and a nine days' collection throughout the parish brought in $16,000 more. The collection for the year 1881 brought
369
AND REPRESENTATIVE CITIZENS
$8,000, which, added to a pew-rent surplus fund of $2,000, raised the aggre- gate to $30,000 before the completion of the church. Aside from this individual gifts were received, such as a stained glass window or a figure. One family contributed $800 for St. Mary's altar, while many others gave in a quiet manner, something over the regular subscription. By the 12th of Octo- ber, 1879, the foundation was completed and on that date the Most Reverend Archbishop laid the cornerstone with imposing ceremonies.
The consecration ceremonies took place on Sunday, October 2, 1881, the Most Rev. William H. Elder presiding. The inhabitants had previously decorated their houses, and on Saturday afternoon the highly venerable con- secrator was met at the boundary of the parish by forty young men mounted on horses and was by them received and escorted to Berlin, to the accompani- ment of pealing bells and a salute fired by cannon. The procession passed under triumphal arches. Soon after the arrival of the Rt. Rev. Bishop the relics destined for the high altar in the new church were transferred and carried over in solemn procession, in which all Berlin participated, to the old church, and there set to view during the night for reverence by the faithful. At 4.00 A. M. on Sunday morning the holy masses began, and at 6.00 A. M. the solemn and imposing ceremonies of the consecration began and were con- tinned until after ten o'clock, four priests being present. After the consecra- tion the Most Rev. Archbishop celebrated a pontifical high mass, assisted by the clergy, deacons and other officials present. The Rev. N. Nickols then ascended the pulpit and preached the festal sermon in the German language, after which the Most Rev. Archbishop made an address to the congregation. In the afternoon solemn vespers were held, after which the General-vicar P. Otto Jair, O. S. F., preached. During the pontifical high mass the Maenner- chor of Piqua, sang, and during vespers, the church choir of the congregation. At the close of vespers the festivities closed with the singing of the Te Deum.
St. Michael's church is a really magnificent structure. It is built in the Italian-Gothic style. Four slender pillars alternately divide the interior into three naves. The decorations are rich and the glass painting of the windows magnificent. The side windows contain respectively paintings of St. Augustine and St. Boniface. Of the fourteen other windows five are in fresco painting, while upon the remaining are represented St. John the Baptist, the most blessed Virgin Mary, St. Anna, St. Elizabeth, St. Catharina, St. Henricus, St. Anthony, St. Lawrence and the child Jesus. The three altars are masterpieces, namely : the high altar, whose table is supported by six small pillars. The fields between the pillars are filled up with emblems, of which the middle one con- tains the book with seven seals with the lamb. The tabernacle has richly ornamented folding doors; above these is a niche for the ostentation of the Most Holy Sacrament, beside which two worshipping angels are standing under canopies. The altar picture is the crucifixion-group in a niche under a canopy which terminates in turrets with buttresses and finials richly provided with carved ornaments. The side fields contain the statues of both apostle- chiefs, likewise under canopies, with richly articulated tower and pyramid. Beside the altar there are placed on both sides pedestals for worshipping
370
HISTORY OF SHELBY COUNTY
angels. Both of the side altars (St. Mary's and St. Joseph's altars) are wrought correspondingly with the high altar, and contain in the chief respect- ively St. Mary's and St. Joseph's statue. The St. Mary's altar contains in the side niches the statues of St. Rosa and St. Theresa. The altar table, decorated in the Gothic style, contains the statue St. Mary. The St. Joseph's altar con- tains in the side niches the statues St. Francis Xavier and St. Alois; the altar table the signature "St. Joseph." Pulpit and communion table are held in like style and are splendid works. Likewise is the organ, in its outward appear- ance corresponding with the building style of the church held in rich Gothic. The building is 150 by 65 feet and represents a cost of over $40,000. It is numbered among the most beautiful churches in all America. The present pastor of St. Michael's is Rev. Anthony Moeller.
McLEAN TOWNSHIP
ORGANIZATION
McLean township, which lies on the west side of the county, where its boundary is Auglaize county, has Cynthian township as its nearest neighbor on the south, Van Buren and Turtle Creek townships on the east and Van Buren township and Auglaize county on the north. In answer to petition made to the county commissioners, the order for its organization was issued March 1, 1834, the legal description being as follows: "Beginning at the county line between Darke and Shelby counties, where the old Indian boundary line made at the Greenville Treaty Conference, in 1795-intersects said county line, and running thence with said Indian boundary line in an easterly direction to the southeast corner of section 8, in town 8 south, range 5 east; thence north with the section line to the county line between Shelby and Allen ( Auglaize) coun- ties ; thence west with the said line to northwest corner of Shelby county; thence south and west with the west boundary line of Shelby county to the place of beginning; and the board orders that said township be known and designated by the name of McLean."
SURFACE AND DRAINAGE
The surface of McLean township is generally level, the soil is easily worked and agriculture flourishes here. The Loramie reservoir, covering an area of about 6,000 acres, is located mainly in McLean township, about 1,000 acres being in Van Buren. This reservoir is formed by the damming of Loramie creek and constitutes a feeder for the Miami and Erie canal, which traverses the township from north to south. Loramie creek, flowing from Dinsmore township, waters a large section and Mill creek and Second run have afforded ample outlet for drainage.
EARLY SETTLEMENTS
McLean township was mainly settled by Germans. They brought with them to what was a primeval wilderness, their home-making qualities, their
371
AND REPRESENTATIVE CITIZENS
thrifty habits and plodding industry, and found their reward in the possession of. land that responded to their cultivation and an independence that they could never have secured in Germany. Not all who have built up McLean township, however, came from that country, for there are many names that proclaim other native lands, but at the present day they are all so thoroughly American that no difference is noted. Perhaps politics have interested the residents here to a larger extent than in some other sections and a few early election statistics may be of interest.
In the state election of 1850, ninety-three votes were cast, seventy-nine of these being for the democratic candidate for governor, Reuben Wood. At the election in 1851 which was for the adoption or rejection of the new con- stitution and for or against the sale of intoxicating liquors, the vote for license stood 118, five votes being cast against. In the presidential election of 1852, 122 votes were cast for the democratic electors and twenty-eight for the whig electors. In 1864 the democratic electors received 219 votes and the republican electors 20 votes.
SCHOOLS
No section of the county has been more interested in the spread of educa- tion than has McLean and as early as 1850 the trustees of the township divided it into six school districts, the board consisting of Henry Whermann. Joseph Sherman and Philip Hoffman, Henry Sherman being township clerk in 1850 when this division was made. The officers serving as members of the boards of education in the different special school districts in McLean town- ship in 1811-12 are:
Berlin Special School District for 1911 : John Borger, president; Ferdinand C. Arkenberg, treasurer; J. B. Ratermann, clerk and Adolph Ratermann and John Seger. In 1912 the same president and treasurer served, Bernard Aselage becoming clerk and Henry Wendler and John Seger being the other members.
Sherman Special School District : John Seigel, president; Clemens Wolke, treasurer; Adolph Sherman, clerk, and Henry Ernst, W. J. Meyer and Bar- ney Ernst, no change being made in 1912 except that Bernard Barhorst became a member.
Walkup Special School District : Charles Winner, president; Henry Stur- wold, treasurer; Henry Borchers, clerk; and Anton Hilgefort and Joseph Poeppelman, for 1911, the same president and treasurer serving in 1912, with John Holthaus, clerk and Anton Hilgefort and Fred Broermann, members.
Deiter Special School District for 1911-12: Anton Riethmann, president: Henry Schnitmeyer, treasurer; Stephen Schmitmeter, clerk; and Herman Berning, Clem. Prenger, Anthony Wolfe and Bernard Knob.
Dirksen Special School District for 1911 had Bernard Seger for presi- dent; August Schmiesing for treasurer; Henry Fortman for clerk, with Bernard Brandewie, Frank Bornhorst and J. Henry Albers as members. The same body with the addition of Clem. Hoying served in 1912. Further school statistics may be found in the chapter on Education.
28
372
HISTORY OF SHELBY COUNTY
FORT LORAMIE
Students of history can easily recall the annals of the French and Indian war and of the military maneuvres which made this section, in 1756, a battle ground and many yet living can remember the tales of their grandfathers of the building and occupancy of old Fort Loramie, which was situated less than one mile from the site of the present village of the name formerly known as Berlin, and later as Loramie, for which the name Fort Loramie has been recently substituted. This village was surveyed December 2, 1837. and all its lots are 4 by 8 rods except fractional ones. Its principal streets are Main, Walnut, Water, Elm and High. It is situated on the Miami and Erie canal. Not far away flows Loramie creek, the mouth of which is below Lockington, south of the county line. Many lines of business are successfully carried on here and the people in general are prosperous.
The following is a list of business enterprises at Fort Loramie :
August Wise, saw-mill; John Bramlage, flour-mill; Loramie Banking Company, established in 1904, B. J. Wuehker president, J. D. Inderrieden vice-president, A. F. Ratermann cashier, W. J. Sherman assistant cashier ; Willmann Bros., general merchandise; J. D. Inderrieden, hardware, imple- ments and lumber ; Barney Krampe, implements, stoves and ranges ; John Albers and Company, hardware and lumber; Henry - Tecklenburg, hotel and livery; W. J. Borchers, general merchandise and livery; C. C. Wagler, brick manufacturer; Gregor Fleckenstein, tile manufacturer; Bernard Danzig fur- niture and undertaking; Herman Pleiman, groceries; W. H. Quinlin, drugs; Clem Daniel, groceries; John H. Romie, saddlery ; M. Gregor, meat market ; Herman Gaier, bakery and groceries; Peter Rieger, shoe store; J. H. Behrns, tailoring; Peter Krampe, blacksmithing; John Seger, carpentering; Carl Freitag & Son, masonry; Peter Kessler, cider-mill; Albert Anthony, barber; Peter Kiefer, plastering; Mat Brucken, saloon; Ben Vogelsang, saloon; John Tecklenburg, saloon; Paul Borger, poultry; Joseph Henke, poultry; Wm. H. Niederkorn, poultry; Kramer and Dickman, skimming station.
JUSTICES OF THE PEACE
On November 18, 1837, W. C. Ayres became a justice of the peace in McLean township and the record from then until 1911 is as follows :
Isaac Edwards, June 8, 1841, resigned May 25, 1842; Jacob Hauss, June 18, 1842; resigned October 14, 1843; Frances Pilliod, November 11, 1845; Alexander H. Hayes, October 24, 1846; William A. Edwards, January 18, 1850; William A. Edwards, January 22, 1853; Joseph Mendenhall, January, 1856; John Walkup, April 14, 1857, resigned June 2, 1857; Andrew Ginn, October 21, 1857; J. B. Rottinghaus, April 12, 1859; Milton Kemper, Novem- ber 10, 1860; J. B. Rottinghaus, April 22, 1862 ; William Ginn, April 17, 1863; J. B. Rottinghaus, April 14, 1865; Henry Menke, April 11, 1866 (refused to serve) ; William Ginn, June 24, 1866; Henry Sherman, April 13, 1868; J. W. Barber, April 12, 1869; Henry Rottinghaus, October 12, 1872; Henry Rotting- haus, October 20, 1875; David K. Brown, April 20, 1877; Joseph Raterman,
AUGUST WISE SAW AND PLANING MILL
L
MAIN STREET, SIDNEY, O.
CITIZENS BANK, SIDNEY. O.
POPLAR AVE., EAST, SIDNEY, O.
373
AND REPRESENTATIVE CITIZENS
October 14, 1878; Henry Rottinghaus, May 26, 1880; Albert Hasebrook, October 14, 1881 ; Albert Hasebrook, 1884; J. H. Rottinghaus. 1886; Albert Hasebrook, 1887; J. H. Rottinghaus, 1889; William H. Quinlin, 1890; Wil- liam H. Quinlin, 1893: J. H. Rottinghaus, 1895; John Barhorst, 1896; J. H. Rottinghaus, 1898; John Barhorst, 1899; J. H. Rottinghaus, 1901; John Barhorst, 1902; J. H. Rottinghaus, 1904: John Barhorst, 1906; Adolph Sher- man, 1906; Adolph Sherman, 1908; John Barhorst, 1909; John Barhorst, 1910; Adolph Sherman, 1911.
The present township clerk is William H. Niederkorn. Trustees-Fred Holthaus, Joseph Boltheimer, and Clem Daniel.
There are two fraternal orders that have lodges in McLean township, namely : the Knights of St. John, having 50 members and the Catholic Knights of America, with 12 members.
McClean township has two churches, Emanuel Reformed church, Rev. Albert Grether, pastor; and St. Michael's Catholic church, Rev. Anthony Moeller, pastor.
ORANGE TOWNSHIP
Located in the southern part of the county, with its southern boundary touching Miami county, lies Orange township, which is one of the best improved sections of the county, the well tilled farms and general air of pre- vailing thrift giving evidence of successful agriculture. It has an area of about twenty-three square miles and embraces parts of town I and 2, of range 12 and 13. Perry and Green townships lie along its eastern line and Clinton and Washington townships, separated from it by the Great Miami river, on the north and west.
Orange township was formed from Perry township. On September 13, 1819, the county commissioners, at their meeting held at Hardin, ordered that Perry township should be thus divided: a line running through the middle of the thirteenth range should have the southern division organized as a new township which should be called Orange, and that decision made Orange township include all the territory embraced within the present limits of Orange and Green townships. At a meeting held at Hardin by the commissioners, March 7, 1820, it was ordered that all that part of Orange township that is east of the west tier of sections in the second township of both ranges 12 and 13, be erected into a new township and that it should be given the name of Green.
SOIL AND WATER
The surface of Orange township is generally undulating and along the water courses somewhat broken and hilly. The soil is well adapted to the growing of grains and grasses, consisting of gravel and clay loam, while the gravel beds have supplied sufficient gravel for the construction of many miles of fine roads. Along the banks of the Great Miami river there is an abund- ance of limestone, which has been worked more or less at different times. This
374
HISTORY OF SHELBY COUNTY
township is well watered, principally by the Great Miami river, on the north and west side, and additionally by Brush and Rush creeks. There are also numerous fine springs.
EARLY SETTLEMENTS
In 1806 the Cannon family located on section 16, this being the first white settlement made within the present limits of Orange township. In the spring of 1809 came John Phillips and William Berry and in the fall of the same year came Daniel Valentine and Edward Jackson. Still others, who settled here prior to the War of 1812, were Thomas Young, Abram Glossmire, John Matthews, Luke Norris, John Gilbert and Harman Dildine, and Judge Francis located here very soon after the close of the war. The first frame house was built by Wiliam Berry, who also erected the first flouring mill, and it is known that flour and meal came from this mill for General Harrison's troopers on their march to the Northwest. This was the only mill within a radius of fifty miles. With the outbreak of the War of 1812, the settlers found that the heretofore friendly Indians had become hostile to the settlers and hence it was deemed advisable to build block-houses in which the families could take shel- ter in case of a sudden alarm. One was accordingly built near the Berry mill and another on the farm of Edward Jackson, who later built the first brick house that was ever put up in Orange township. On March 17, 1811, the first white child was born in the settlement-Isaac Young, who lived to an advanced age.
Orange township people soon showed interest in education and religion, the first schoolhouse being built on the farm of Thomas Young. The earliest teachers were Joseph Rollands and James B. McKenney, while Edward Jack- son opened his house for church purposes in 1815, services being held by an itinerant Methodist preacher, the Rev. John Furrow. Without question, he had a large and deeply interested congregation. Shortly afterward preaching followed at the home of Daniel Valentine, by Revs. John McNemer and Jacob Antrim.
United Brethren Church-The Valentines and the Youngs, prominent among the early settlers, had left, reluctantly, their old church connection when they came into this wilderness but very early began the organization of a United Brethren communion in the new settlement. The members of this faith were scattered but when the missionary preacher arrived he found a warm welcome and left with an assurance that the faith was not dead nor yet sleeping, only awaiting the time when the believers could assemble together and form the nucleus which, many years afterward, became the United Breth- ren church at Kirkwood. The early meetings were held at the houses of Daniel Valentine, Jacob Boyer and others until 1844, when a schoolhouse that had been erected on the present site of Kirkwood was utilized. In 1847 a frame edifice was constructed on the land of R. W. Valentine, and George Warvel was the name of the first preacher. It was used as a place of worship
375
AND REPRESENTATIVE CITIZENS
until 1876, when a more commodious church building costing $2,500 was put up at Kirkwood. The present pastor is Rev. Mayne, of Lockington.
Wesley Chapel-The Methodist Episcopal church early sent missionaries to visit the settlers in Orange township. In 1833 regular meetings were held in the private houses of the members of this faith, by Rev. Arza Brown, and in 1840 the society built a brick structure, near the Miami county line, which became known as Wesley Chapel. Among the early members of this society were Henry Rhodehamel and wife, Father Kerns and wife, and Jacob Tabler and Amos Gray, with their families. This society did good Christian work in the community until a few years ago, when it disbanded.
Spring Creek Baptist Church-The society originally known as the Salem church was organized as early as 1816. Like other struggling religions bodies its first meetings were held in private houses but later a log house was built on Spring creek and services were held there, the membership including the pioneer families of the neighborhood and also some from Piqua. As the society grew it was found desirable to have separate churchi bodies and in August, 1840, measures were taken for the organization of the Spring Creek Baptist church, the first pastor being Elder Eaton and the second, Elder Fuson. During the latter's pastorate a church edifice was erected. A number of pious and zealous elders succeeded. In 1867, during the pastorate of Elder Daniel Bryant, a new church was built, it being located north of the Shelby and Miami company's line on a lot presented to the society by John F. Hetzler, in which services were subsequently held. This church has maintained its organization up to the present time, its present pastor being Rev. John T. Young.
JUSTICES OF THE PEACE
The following is a list of the justices of the peace who have served 'in Orange township from 1819 until 1912:
John Francis, 1819-22-31. John W. Valentine, 1832. Lewis Cooper, 1834. J. W. Valentine, April 4, 1835. Sexton Mount, December 8, 1836. John V. Higgins, November 18, 1837. John H. Wykoff, April 16, 1840. W. A. Carey, November 9, 1840. J. H. Wykoff, April 11, 1843. W. A. Carey, October 25, 1843. J. H. Wykoff, April 22, 1846. William M. Men- denhall, October 24, 1846. W. A. Carey, December 18, 1847. W. A. Carey, April 14. 1854. William Shinn, Jr., February 23, 1855. Lewis Cooper, April 15, 1858. D. Buchanan, April 7, 1860. R. P. Higgins, April 22, 1861. W. A. Carey, April 17, 1863. R. P. Higgins, April 23, 1864. W. A. Carey, April 11, 1866. R. P. Higgins, April 5, 1867. W. A. Carey, April 12, 1869. J. B. Brading, April 8, 1870. W. A. Carey, April 5. 1872. Christopher Hetzler, April 11, 1873. W. A. Carey, April 9, 1875. J. G. Higgins, April 8, 1876. George Frazer, April 8, 1878. Levi Cofield, April 17, 1879. Isaac Redenbo, April 14, 1880. Milton Valentine, 1885. I. N. Redenbo, 1886. Milton Valentine, 1888. H. L. Housen, 1889. F. W. Bown, 1891. Leander Walter, 1892. F. W. Brown, 1894. George W. Wiley, 1895. F. R. Higgins, 1897. G. William Vorlss, 1898. W. B. Fulton, 1900. P. O. Stockstill, 1901.
376
HISTORY OF SHELBY COUNTY
A. D. Rhinehart, 1903. P. O. Stockstill, 1905. Ed Elsner, 1908. James Doak, 1908. P. O. Stockstill, 1911. In 1912 the trustees of Orange town- ship are : S. T. Buirley, H. W. Caven and John Beaman, and the township clerk is James W. Wiley, of Sidney.
Need help finding more records? Try our genealogical records directory which has more than 1 million sources to help you more easily locate the available records.