USA > Ohio > Shelby County > History of Shelby County, Ohio, and representative citizens > Part 42
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In the face of what must have appeared almost insuperable difficulties, the early settlers sturdily went about improving their section of the county and there seems to have been a great unanimity of sentiment concerning many of the enterprises of a public nature. Roads were among the first necessities and in 1816 the Hardin and Wapakoneta road was laid out and a few years later William Davis did much of the cutting. The second road in the township, connecting Hardin to Sidney, was laid out in 1817 .. As a fine quality of gravel was at hand, it was not long before use was made of this material and at the present time there are many miles of some of the finest turnpike roads running through the township. Among the principal ones may be mentioned the Turtle Creek Valley pike, the Sidney and Hardin, and the Russel, these running north, south, east and west and intersecting, with turnpikes from other counties. Hardin Station, which is located one mile south of Hardin village was established by the C. C. C. & I. railroad, which runs along the southern boundary of the township. Transportation is no longer a problem in Turtle Creek township and many of the residents own stock in organized companies of this nature. In 1831 William Davis built the first brick house, the first frame one having been erected by Joseph Stein- berger in 1829. On June 3, 1818, occurred the first marriage in the township, Cephas Carey, justice of the peace, uniting Richard M. Cannon and Mary Brodrick.
SCHOOLS
As soon as the actual necessities of life were provided, the residents of Turtle Creek township began to consider ways and means to provide for the education of the children. After a primitive round log structure was erected, which was accomplished in 1816, a Mr. Gibson became the first teacher and among the other early instructors were Richard Lenox, Mrs. Eliza Wells, Mr. Cohoon and Mr. Rosby, a second building having, been put up in 1820, on the bank of Turtle creek in the village of Hardin. In 1824 a third school building was erected on land belonging to R. M. Cannon. The cause of
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education has never since languished in Turtle Creek township and here reside some of the county's best informed and most intelligent citizens. Further information in regard to the schools may be found in the chapter on education.
HARDIN
The town of Hardin has been the principal center of affairs in Turtle Creek township from the beginning of community life, although its present nearness to larger centers of population has had its influence in limiting expan- sion. At the organization of the county in 1819 it became the seat of justice but in 1820 that honor was transferred to Sidney. The name of Hardin was given in honor of Col. John Hardin, whose prominence as a man and soldier need not be more than recalled in this connection, every Ohio history dwelling on the life and exploits of this brave explorer and victim of Indian treachery. He was assassinated on the spot on which the village of Hardin now stands, in 1792, and it seems appropriate that a memorial should be thus preserved of one who so deserved the admiration of his fellow countrymen The original plat of the village of Hardin bore date of October 5, 1816, and con- sisted of thirty-six lots, exclusive of the public square. The original pro- prietors were Thomas McClish, Joseph Steinberger and James Lenox. The first merchants were Robert Aldrich and Aaron Harkness; Hezekiah Stout kept the first hotel and travelers were satisfied with even its limited capacity and accommodations; William Herr found a public needing his work as cabinetmaker, his business including the making of coffins; Robert Brodrick was the first village blacksmith and Lewis Steinberger probably the first car- penter. The first wagon shop was built in 1840 by Joseph Jackson and C. P. Lenox and W. H. Stephenson were among the early shoemakers. In 1854 William and Hugh Patten built a sawmill near Hardin, on Turtle creek, which was later operated by the Wilsons until it was destroyed by fire in 1868. In 1869 William, John and Frank Thomas built a mill on the east bank of Turtle creek. It burned down some years later, was rebuilt and then burned down again, after which it was not rebuilt. In 1880 the firm of Ewing & Dinsmore established spoke and bent works at Hardin Station, one mile south of the village, it being in the hands of Ewing Brothers for a number of years. The business was abandoned about 20 years ago, and the old frame building, bought by H. V. Wilson, is now used as a barn, it having been moved to a location half a mile south of Hardin. Hardin Station is chiefly important as a shipping point for stock and grain and as a station for the village of Hardin. The latter place constitutes an independent school district and has a substantial school building. Capable professional men are among its resi- dents and church bodies are well represented. Its present population is 146 individuals. There are two general stores and one blacksmith shop. At Hardin Station, one mile south of Hardin, there is an elevator and grocery store.
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UNO
Uno is a small settlement of about twenty-two persons in the northwestern part of the township.
CHURCHES
Hardin Methodist Episcopal Society-As early as 1819 the Methodists organized a society with a class of eighteen members, who met for worship in private homes. Between 1832 and 1834 they erected a church edifice on a lot donated by Thomas McClish, in the southeast part of Hardin village. In 1865 a commodious and structurally beautiful building was erected in the northern part of the town and when it was dedicated in August of that year, Rev. Philip A. Drown was the pastor. To this church belong the descendants of the Careys, the Davenports, the Whites, the Bushes, the Carters, the Stephens, the Shaws, the Thatchers, and the Cannons, and other well-known families of Turtle Creek. Rev. Parker is present pastor, as also of Cole chapel.
Cole Chapel Methodist Episcopal Society-About 1832, Rev. John Stewart organized the above society at the home of Joshua Cole and until a building was erected the members met at the home of Mr. Cole. In June, 1865, a frame church building was erected, at a cost of $2,000, near the Turtle Creek Valley pike. in section 5, in which services were subsequently held, to the advancement and growth of life in the community.
White Feather Christian Society-This church organization was founded in 1839, by Elder Joseph Warbington and others, who met at the home of Samuel Harshbarger. The membership was but nine individuals at that time but the spirit of this little body never gave out and while the society did not feel justified in building a church edifice until about 1855, it 'was ever a vital and influential body of Christian people. The first church building was on the southwest corner of the northwest quarter of section 2, this land, for building and also for cemetery purposes, being donated by Samuel Harshbarger. In 1881 a more commodious building was erected on the Sidney and St. Mary's turnpike road, in section 1, much of the cost of labor being freely given by the members. Services have been discontinued by this society for several years.
Turtle Creek Presbyterian Church-In 1865 the Presbyterians in Turtle Creek township decided upon plans to erect a suitable place for their religious meetings. Prior to the completion of this building meetings were regularly held at the residence of William Patton. The edifice then erected cost $4,500, is of brick construction and is located a short distance north of Hardin Station. A number of able and convincing pastors have been in ministerial charge here. Rev. S. A. Dean is present pastor.
There is also a Catholic church in the township, located at St. Patrick.
INDIAN RELICS
At various times scientists have shown much interest in Indian relics found in this section and doubtless many museums have been enriched by gifts of
24
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the same. There can be little doubt but that at one time the gravelly eleva- tions where the majority of these relics, including bones, skulls and such vessels as Indians were known to have the habit of interring with their dead, were Indian burying grounds, but of how ancient a date it has probably never been yet decided.
JUSTICES OF THE PEACE
The following is a list of justices of the peace who have held office in Turtle Creek township: James Lenox, 1819; Elisha Williams, 1820; James Lenox, 1822; A. Davenport, 1823; Robert Aldrich, 1823; John McClure, 1824; James Lenox, 1825; Richard M. Cannon, 1827; Robert Brodrick, 1827; James Lenox, 1828; D. P. Williams, 1830; R. M. Cannon, 1830; James Lenox, 1831; James A. Graham, 1832; David Carey, 1834; James Lenox, 1834; R. M. Cannon, 1836; John Hutchison, 1839; R. M. Cannon, 1839; William Doak, 1842; James Lenox, 1842; William Doak, 1844; R. M. Cannon, 1845; John Hutchison, 1845; John Williams, 1847; William Doak, 1848; John Hutchison, 1848; F. C. McQuilty, 1850; William Critton, 1851 ; C. P. Lenox, 1851; F. C. McQuilty, 1853; John Hutchison, 1853 (resigned in 1855) ; William Doak, 1854; S. M. Sharp, 1856; C. P. Lenox, 1856; Julius Sharp, 1857; Casper Yinger, 1859; John Hutchison, 1859; John W. Graham, 1860; Fleming Hall, 1862; C. Yinger, 1862; J. P. Heston, 1863; Edwin A. Bell, 1865; C. P. Lenox, 1866; William Doak, 1866; C. P. Lenox, 1869; William Doak; 1869: C. P. Lenox, 1872; George Quillin, 1872; Richard F. Bell, 1873; C. P. Lenox, 1875; Isaac Johnston, 1876; Joseph Hamilton, 1876; John R. Wilson, 1878; Noah Rauch, 1879; John R. Wilson, 1881; Andrew Guin, 1884: John R. Wilson, 1884; Jacob M. Hensel, 1887; H. E. Bell, 1887 ; A. G. Allton, 1890; A. N. Shaw, 1890; Jacob Hensel, 1891 ; A. N. Shaw, 1893; J. M. Hensel, 1894; Mark Wilson, 1896; J. M. Hensel, 1897; James Farley, 1898; Mark Wilson, 1899; S. D. Ike, 1901 ; F. B. Brown, 1903; S. D. Ike, 1904; J. J. Huffman, 1908; Isaac Beery, 1910; John D. Huffman, 1912. The present township officers are: L. A. Richards, of Sidney, clerk; and A. W. Buirley, Watt Loughlin and James E. Burress, trustees.
VAN BUREN TOWNSHIP
Situated in the northwest corner of Shelby county, Van Buren township has for its northern boundary, Auglaize county; on the west lies Auglaize county and a part of McLean township; on the east Dinsmore and Franklin townships, and on the south, Turtle Creek and McLean. Although, in 1912, it contains thirty-six full sections, it was originally still larger. "At a meet- ing of the county board of commissioners held at Sidney, December 1, 1834. a petition was presented, signed by sundry persons to the number of seventeen, praying for the setting off of a new township of the following bounds, viz. : Commencing at the old Indian boundary line at the southeast corner of McLean township, thence east with said line to a point so as to take one tier
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of sections off of the west side of range 6, thence north to the Allen county line, thence west to the northeast corner of McLean township, thence south to the place of beginning. The board being satisfied that legal notice of the presentation of said petition had been given, and that said petition was signed by a majority of the householders residing within the boundary of said proposed new township, and believing it necessary to erect said new township, they therefore ordered that said new township be set off and known by the name of Van Buren." Notice was given to the electors of the new township to meet at the home of Moses E. Baker, January 1, 1835, for the purpose of electing township officers. From that date until the present, Van Buren township has been well governed, its officials being men of sterling character in their neighborhoods. A list of those who administered as justices of the peace from 1835 until 1912 is as follows :
Joseph H. Park, June 24, 1835; Moses E. Baker, June 24, 1835; Moses E. Baker, April 30, 1838; Elias Harner, April 30, 1838; George Speaker, April 16, 1841, April 11, 1844; Moses E. Baker, April 20, 1847; Michael Quinn, April 17, 1848; Robert Ried, June 24, 1848; Samuel Reese, May I, 1851; Joseph H. Park, April 17, 1852; George Speaker, April 14, 1853; William Grothaus, April 12, 1859; George Speaker, July 2, 1859; William Grothaus (resigned March 17, 1863) April 22, 1862; George Speaker, April 22, 1862; S. M. Mccullough, April 17, 1863; George Speaker, April 14, 1865: S. M. Mccullough, April 11, 1866; P. W. Speaker, April 5, 1867; S. M. Mccullough, April 12, 1869; P. W. Speaker, April 8, 1870; S. M. McCul- lough, April 5, 1872; P. W. Speaker, April 11, 1878; S. M. Mccullough, April 9. 1875; Harmon Quillhorst, April 20, 1876; . William M. Baker, October 19, 1877; Charles Maurer, April 17, 1879 and 1882; William M. Baker, November 10, 1880; William M. Baker, 1883; Charles Maurer, 1885; C. F. Quellhorst, 1886; William M. Baker, 1886; C. F. Quellhorst, 1889; William Mckinley, Jr .; August Maurer, 1892; William M. Baker, 1892; E. H. Meckstroth, 1895; Willaim M. Baker, 1895; E. H. Meckstroth, 1898; John Wood, 1898: E. H. Meckstroth, 1901 ; John Wood, 1901 ; E. H. Meck- stroth. 1904; John Wood, 1905 : E. H. Meckstroth, 1908; Michael Drees, 1908; E. H. Meckstroth, 1910. In 1912 Julius Kettler was elected township clerk to succeed Henry Roettger, deceased. In the above year the board of trustees of Van Buren township consisted of William Henkener, Christian Therman and Henry Blanke.
SOIL AND DRAINAGE
Van Buren township, situated as it is, on the watershed, has superior advantages as to drainage, while it is well watered by Loramie creek and numerous other streams. Loramie creek is the most important body of water, passing through the township from the east and flowing in a south- westerly direction and emptying into the Loramie reservoir, a part of which is situated in this township. On this account the Loramie is not a rapid stream, the reservoir to some extent damming the water at the outlet. With level
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surface and fertile soil, agriculture can be successfully carried on here and in many sections modern methods have produced phenomenal crops. Farming engages the attention of the majority of the residents and in 1875 Van Buren Grange No. 269 was organized. It continued in active operation until 1879 when, for various causes, the work was dropped until 1883 when interest was revived and it enjoyed a new growth.
EARLY SETTLEMENTS
The first settlements within the present limits of Van Buren township do not date as far back as in some other localities, 1832 probably witnessing the first permanent locations. Elias Spray was a resident here in the above year and a Mr. Cory lived for about a year on land owned by Judge Marshall, and also, among the transient settlers of this year were the families of Moses Redman, George Goins, Humphrey Clinton and some others. By 1833 many others had come to this part of the county, its natural advantages attracting those who proposed to become permanent home builders, and the names that have been preserved are: Moses E. Baker, Richard Elliott, Mrs. Philip J. Maurer, Adam Paul, Adam Braun, John McCullough, Jackson Traverse, Morris Jackson, Andrew Sanders, Robert Reed and Henry Van Brarigan. Others who had become landowners here prior to the organization of the township were Victor Schnelle, Christian Brockhoff, Frederick Abler, Victor Lanfersieck and another family by the name of Bather than that already mentioned. In the fall of 1833 occurred the birth of the first white child, Charles Maurer, and the first wedding ceremony was performed by Moses E. Baker, justice of the peace, uniting Allen Lupton and Sarah Rush. As in other settlements the first buildings were of logs and frame followed and in 1841 Joel Goins put up the first brick house, for which he made the brick.
VILLAGES
Van Buren township has two villages-Kettlersville and McCartyville. Several others have been platted at different times, as Pulaski (1837), Molike, and Rumley ( 1837), but these never attained importance.
Kettlersville .- In 1873 Christopher Kettler laid out and platted the village to which he gave his family name. The tract consisted of seven lots, to which, subsequently, Christopher and William Kettler added forty-five lots. Here in the spring of 1882 was organized the German Evangelical Lutheran church, with thirty-five members under the pastoral guidance of Rev. A. Merkley. In 1883 the society erected a frame church edifice at a cost of $3,500. Kettlersville has good schools, the first schoolhouse in the township having been erected on the land of George Speaker. The present population is 149.
The village of Rumley was surveyed May 19, 1837, for Amos Evans, proprietor, and the first hewed log house was built by Colonel Evans and was utilized for both store and dwelling.
McCartyville is a small village with a population of forty-seven. There is
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considerable wealth in Van Buren township and many of its citizens have served creditably in public office. The township is well provided with churches of several different denominations.
WASHINGTON TOWNSHIP
This township was originally named Grayson, by Col. Jesse Wilson, in honor of his native county in Virginia. The township was settled many years before its organization in 1825. The petition for organization was filed with the commissioners in March of that year, and an election of officers was called for April at the home of Joseph Stewart. The election was post- poned until September of that year, however, owing to an appeal being taken to the common pleas court on the creation of the township. The township was created from parts of Loramie, Turtle Creek and Clinton townships, and is a small township, containing twenty-five square miles, but is possibly the best watered and drained in Shelby county. The Miami river forms nearly all of the township's east border line, besides which it is penetrated by Loramie creek, Turtle creek and numerous smaller streams. The Miami and Erie canal with it feeder crosses the township. The feeder enters the canal at Lockington, the summit of the canal, from which point water flowed both ways. It was a highly important point in the active days of the canal and of distinguishing characteristics. The Big Four railroad crosses the township along the north boundary and affords transportation facilities.
The settlement of what now is Washington township antedates that of any other part of the county, at least James Thatcher, who made actual settlement in the northwest part of the township in 1805, is generally accredited with being the first to take up permanent residence here. The following year, John, Joseph and David Mellinger took up their abode near the present village of Lockington, and Thomas Earl also came in 1806. In that early period, new arrivals were few and far between, but from the meagre facts available, it is fairly certain that John Wilson settled along the bank of Turtle creek in 1807; Samuel Marshall came in 1808; Samuel McClure in 1810; the Lenox brothers, Richard, James and John, came in 18II. The manner of life they led, the hardships and privations, also their homely pleasures, are handed down in the history and traditions of every newly developed community. That they were men of the right type, brave and hardy spirits, has been demonstrated by their accomplishments as well as those of their progeny, in the years that have intervened. Julia Ann Lenox, dangh- ter of Richard Lenox and afterward wife of William Stephens, has always been accorded the honor of being the first white child born in Washington township. The first marriage is supposed to have been that of William Manning and Ruth Julian. In 1816, John Wilson built a brick house, the first of that construction here, and the first sawmill in the township or county was that of Samuel Marshall on Turtle creek.
The following is a list of the justices of the peace of the township and the respective years of their election : William Mellinger, 1835 and in 1838;
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James G. Guthrie, 1839; John Munsey, 1841; James G. Guthrie, 1842; Wil- liam Mellinger, 1843; John Munsey, 1844; Robert Dinsmore, 1846; William Mellinger, 1846; Robert Dinsmore, 1849; William Mellinger, 1849; Robert Dinsmore. 1852; Amos Mohler, 1855; Harvey Guthrie, 1855; William Mel- linger, 1858; Harvey Guthrie, 1858; William L. Burns, 1861; M. Wilson, 1862; William L. Burns, 1864; Harvey Guthrie, 1865; John N. Stewart, 1867; Robert Dinsmore, 1869; John Johnston, 1870; Robert Dinsmore. 1872; Jacob Everly, 1873; Isaac Betts, 1875; Joseph Johnston, 1876; J. K. Dinsmore, 1878; John Johnston, 1879; J. K. Dinsmore, 1881 ; J. K. Dinsmore, 1884; John .Johnston, 1885; John Johnston, 1888; J. K. Dinsmore, 1888; J. L. Mellinger, 1891; J. D. Williams, 1891; Robert J. Dinsmore, 1894; J. K. Dinsmore, 1894; R. J. Dinsmore, 1897; Charles Adams, 1897; Gordon Parents, 1900; Jacob Everly, 1900; Charles Adams, 1902; A. T. Warwick, 1905; A. T. Warwick, 1907; and Jacob Everly, 1908.
Washington township has been fortunate in its schools, each district being provided with a good building and the instruction being of the highest character. This condition was not brought about in a day, but represents generations of progress and improvements. This subject is dealt with more fully in the chapter on education, to be found on another page of this work.
CHURCHES
In its churches also Washington has been fortunate, and of the various church societies few have passed out of being. Those that did, at one time flourished and their records show much in the accomplishment of good. The work of the church in the early period reflects much of the life the pioneers led, as church and social life were closely interwoven.
The Methodist Episcopal denomination was active here long before a church was built. We find missionaries of that faith visiting the community at the very earliest settlement. However it was some few years before there were any regularly organized societies. Even then they met for worship first in one cabin and another until they were somewhat more firmly established. No records being kept, such knowledge as we have of the church in those pioneer days has come through the vale of years by word of mouth. In 1825 or thereabout, a class consisting of James Thompson and wife. Jane Thomp- son, Joseph Caldwell and wife, Jane Patterson, Thomas Plummer and Amos Travers, was organized at the home of James Thompson, who was the first class leader. After some years meetings were held at the home of John Legg. upon whose property the society built a hewed log church building in 1838, dedicating it as Ebenezer church. The church held its own for many years. but as other more conveniently located churches became established, inroads were made upon its membership until in 1872 it ceased to exist, most of the members joining the Lockington body.
The Lockington Methodist Episcopal church was organized at the home of Wilkinson Post, în December, 1847, by Rev. Jacob W. Young, the first members being: Wilkinson Post and wife, Isaac W. Legg, who was the
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leader, Mrs. Patten, Mrs. Munson and Mrs. Harper. A subscription was taken for a church building in 1848, but owing to an epidemic of cholera it was not until 1850 they completed their frame edifice, which was dedicated in June of that year by Rev. Michael Marley. It was a good substantial building and has been remodeled and enlarged twice since, in 1881 and again in 1812. Rev. Mr. Stafford is the present pastor.
The United Brethren church in Washington dates back to 1844 when Rev. James Winters organized a society at Rock Run, the original members being Francis Bailey and wife, Sarah Rasor, William Dunlap and wife, John Bower and wife, and Blakeley Dunlap and wife. Francis Bailey was the leader. Although they kept up their organization for years, they never built a church and the members gradually joined with other societies which had churches. In 1850, the society at Lockington was formed by the Rev. Henry Toby and for two years or more they worshipped in a schoolhouse. In 1851 they erected a new church, which was dedicated in 1854 by Rev. Henry Cumler. The first leader was Jacob Rasor and the following were the mem- bers : William Valentine and wife, W. Furnce and wife, C. Beadle and wife, Abram Rasor and wife, Jacob Rasor and Stephen Alexander and wife. The building served them well until 1887, when the present edifice was erected. The present pastor is Rev. J. H. Mayne.
The Disciple church in Lockington was organized in 1871 by Elder John M. Smith, with the following members: Joseph T. Wilkinson, John P. John- ston and wife. S. A. Johnston and wife, .C. Johnston and wife, Joseph P. Barkalow and wife, William Beauchamp, Henry P. Johnston and wife, Mrs. Molly Mellinger, Harriet Johnston and Sarah A. Johnston. For a year they held meeting in a schoolhouse, at the end of which time they bought the building and remodeled it. The first elders of the church were Joseph T. Wilkinson and Christopher Johnston. The first deacons were William Beau- champ and S. A. Johnston.
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