USA > Ohio > Mercer County > History of Van Wert and Mercer counties, Ohio, with illustrations and biographical sketches of some of its prominent men and pioneers > Part 107
USA > Ohio > Van Wert County > History of Van Wert and Mercer counties, Ohio, with illustrations and biographical sketches of some of its prominent men and pioneers > Part 107
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 | Part 99 | Part 100 | Part 101 | Part 102 | Part 103 | Part 104 | Part 105 | Part 106 | Part 107 | Part 108 | Part 109 | Part 110 | Part 111 | Part 112 | Part 113 | Part 114 | Part 115 | Part 116 | Part 117 | Part 118 | Part 119 | Part 120 | Part 121 | Part 122 | Part 123 | Part 124
The election for two years, a2 votes were cast. Mayor. Isaac Wister. man. Counedmen for one vear. C. Smith. Gov. Smith, and Henry Van Tilburg. Councilman for two years. F. M. Shafer, Abraham la Vassel man, and C. H. Bentz. Treasurer, %. A. Smith. Recorder, Win. T. Hunter. Marshal, John S. Extine. Street Commissioner, Henry Van. tilbury.
June 25, 1870, I-ase Westerman resigned the office of mevor pf Shane's Crossing. On June SD, John S. Exline. marshal, resigned. C. B. Whitley appointed mayor, Jort F. Moore appointed marshal.
On the Ad day of April, ISHI, 45 votes were cast. The following officers were elected: Manor for two years. C. B. Whithey. Reauch for two years, P. F. Robinson, Treasurer for two years. %. A. Such. Marshal for two years, F. R. Davis. Councilman for one year, five.
1822. July 24. 1 yard calico 14 1b. soap 45 you. gingham 1 light glass .
411
HISTORY OF VAN WERT AND MERCER COUNTIES, OHIO.
Smith. Councilmen for two years. George W. Keopple, J. H. Barks, and Joel F. Moore. Street Commissioner, C. B. Whitley.
On April Ist, 1872, 53 votes were east. The following councilinen were elected for two years: D. H. Robinson, H. K. Smith, and C. W. Alexander.
On April 7, 1873, 72 votes were east. Mayor, C. B. Whitley. Coun- cilmen, J. F. Moore, J. W. Barks, and G. W. Keopple. Recorder, G. W. Whitley. Marshal, P. F. Folkes. Street Commissioner, Henry Van- tilburg.
"On April 6, 1874, 59 votes were cast. Councilmen, C. Smith, D. II. Robinson, and L. Funalman. Recorder, P. F. Robinson. Treasurer, J. P. Dysert.
On April 5, 1875, 62 votes were cast. Mayor. C. B. Whitley. Coun- cilmen, G. W. Koeppet. J. D. MeKillip, and J. F. Moore, Marshal, S. B. Sidenbender. Street Commissioner, II. K. Smith. .
. On April 3, 1-76, 68 votes were cast. Councilnen, D. H. Robinson, C. Smith, A. L. Musselman, and H. Guy. Recorder, P. F. Robinson. Treasurer, J. P. Dysert. Marshal, John Bevington. Street Commis- sioner, John Bevington.
On April 2, 1877, 75 votes were cast. Mavor. C. B. Whitley. Coun- cilmen, David Ramsey, J. D. MeKillip, and G. W. Keopple.
On April 1, 1878, 69 votes were cast. Councilmen, G. F. Borchers, W. F. Hunter, G. W. Young, and Henry Miller. Recorder, C. W. Alex- ander. Treasurer, John P. Dysert. Marshal, Jonathan Bilfman. Street Commissioner, Jonathan Billman.
On April 7, 1879, 88 votes were east. Mayor. Geo. F. Borchers. Councilmen, Lewis Funalman, W. W. Covault, A. L. Musselman, and Henry Van Tilburg.
On April 5, 18-0, 96 votes were cast. Councilmen, W. D. Ralston, G. W. Keopple, and W. W. Covault. Recorder, Geo. W. Whitley. Treas- urer, John P. Dysert. Marshal, P. T. Nuit.
On April 4, 1881, 130 votes were cast. Mayor, Geo. F. Borchers. Councilmen, Lewis Funalman, J. J. Robinson, and Henry Van Tilburg. Marshal, J. C. Knight.
Schools.
The schools here are the outgrowth of the old subscription system, the only system at command in those days. It was not so complete, not so rounded, not so intellectual, as the system of today ; yet if force did predominate in rude huts, we know it was because it was impossible for culture to predominate in costly buildings. So down the years the school has moved along from subscription to State patronage, until to-day they are the creatures and care of the State. Oft District No. 1, Dublin Township, has become Shane's Crossing Village District, and consists of two departments.
At the first election held as a village district. April 6, 1874. the fo !- lowing named members were elected a board of education ; C. B. White ley and C. Smith for a term of three years ; D. H. Robinson and Henry Van Tilburg for a term of two years ; P. F. Robinson and J. P. Dy-ert for a term of one year. The enumeration in 1874 showed 60 males and 42 females, a total of 102.
In 1875. P. F. Robinson and S. P. Hedges were elected members of the board. Enumeration. males, 66 : females. 56; total. 122.
April. 1876, D. H. Robinson and Henry Van Tilburg were elected. The enumeration for the year was 66 males, 52 females ; total, Ils.
April, 1877, C. B. Whitley and C. Smith were elected, and the enumera- tion for the year was, males, 68; females, 49; total, 117.
April, 1-78, P. F. Robinson and A. L. Musselman were elected. The enumeration was, males, 71 ; females, 49 ; total, 119.
April, 1-79. J. P. Dysort and Heury Van Tilburg were elected. Enmeeration, males, 65: females, 62; total, 127.
April, Isso. J. W. Miller and J. Wisterman were elected members of the board. Enumeration, males. 77 : females, 71; total, 118.
April, 1-s1. J. Pennel and C. B. Whitley were elected.
The board at present ( Iss1) is constituted as follows : C. B. Whitley, President ; Henry Van Tilburg, Treasurer; P. F. Robinson, Clerk; J. P. Dysert, J. Pennell, John W. Miller.
Business Interests and Directory.
At this writing the business interests are represented and conducted by the following-named persons or firme :-
T. J. bull & Co. proprietors of steam grist-mill, erected in Jos0. This is a brick building, having a sixty five horsepower engine, and employs four men. Miller & Bulger, proprietors of handle factory, established in 1-74, and employing seven men. Ramsey & Hardisty, proprietors of steam saw mill. D. H. Robinson, proprietor of Indie factory and planing mill. Sichles & Borchers, proprietors of brick-yard. J. P. Desert, proprietor of two workhouses in this town and one at Mercer : handles about 150,000 bushels of grain annually : I also degier in general goals, neboling hats, raps beats, shows, and clothing; come. menred store business in 1-12, and opened grain trade in Fois, Dass Small, proprietor of Burnett House, Yaut & Street, livery stable.
T. J. Courtwright, groceries. L. Funalman, groceries and queensware. L. Koepple, boots and shoes. 'J. H. Prim, dealer in butter and eggs, P. P. King, gunsmith. P. F. Robinson, cabinet maker and undert.ther. J. J. McLoughlin, furniture and undertaking. Miller & Levander, hard- ware. F. M. Davis, shoemaker. J. F. Wells, groceries. Mrs Harriet Fisk, millinery. Mrs. H. H. Smith, millivery. R. W. Holt, cooperage. Byron Whittly, barber shop. W. T. Hunter, tinware. J. Billa as. barber shop. J. J. Robinson, boots and shoes. S. A. Denman, wagon shop. C. B. Whitty, blacksmith shop. Isaac Wisterman, druggist. S. E. Miller, baking and restaurant. Van Filburg & Robinson, Ary good- and notions. Work & Alexander, meat market. Davis, Guy & Co., dny goods and clothing. G. W. Whitely, harness shop. W. I. Reed, con- fectioner. W. E. Moon, bakery and dining hall. T. J. Cook, saloon. E. M. Cook, saloon. J. F. Covault, saloon.
Physicians: Wm. Lynch, J. N. Hanmond, J. A. Estill, A. C. Vaughn, D. W. E-till.
Churches: There are two churches in the village, one being Preshy- terian, and the other Methodist Episcopal.
Statistics.
Decennial abstract, as returned by the appraiser for the year 1890 : Value of town and village lots, 82021.40; value of baiklings, $26.00; aggregate value of lots and buildings, $55.290.
The commissioners, as a board of equalization, struck off 143 of the aggregate.
Abstract of personal property, moneys, and credits, Shane's Cross- ing District : Number of horses, 37 ; value. $1540. Cattle, 49 ; value, $590. Sheep, 20; value, 860. Hogs, 53: value, $160. Carriages, 11; value, 81>0. Other personal property subject to taxation, and not in- cluded in foregoing or subsequent items, $780. Value of all moneys on deposit, subject to order, or in possession, 890. Value of all credits, after dedneting bona fide debts, 350. Bank, or other corporation prop- erty, returned to auditor, $1540. Total value of all taxable property, except per capita tax on dogs, 54990. Number of dogs, 6 : tax, 86
Shane's Crossing Corporation .-- Horses, 122 : value, $4950. Cattle, 167 ;. value, $t10. Mules, 7; value, $300. Sheep, 353; value, $500. Ilage, 210; value, 8770. Carriages, >7; value, 823-0).
All other personal property, not included in the preceding or sub- sequent items. >5670. Watches, 46; value, $530. Pianos and organs, 19; value. 81140. Merchants' stock, ×14.370. Manufacturers' stack, $3960. Moneys in possession or on deposit, subject to order. 220. Value of all credits, after deducting bona jude debts, 86230. Moneys invested in bonds, stocks, etc .. $400. Bank and other corporation prop- erty, $2500. Total value of all taxable property, except per capita tax on dogs, $49,270. Number of dogs, 42; tax, $42.
Societies.
Shane Lodge, No. 577, of Free and Accepted Masons, was organized under a dispensation from the Grand Lodge of Ohio on December 27. 1366. A. D., A. L. 5x68. and the following are the charter members: II. C. MeGavren, Smith 11. Clark, Joshua Vanfleet, John Rolston, J. F. Tomlinson. H. Clay. Win. Clay, P. P. MeKeig. JJoseph Palmer.
Stated meeting January 8th, 5867. The following are the first regn- Jarly clerted officers of the lodge at the first stated meeting : Smith H. Clark, W. M. ; William Clay, S. W. ; Joshua Vanffret. J. W. : I. C MeGavron, S. D. ; Henry Clay. J. D. ; John Resler, Tyler ; C. W. Alex. ander, Secretary pro fem. ; Joshna Palner, Treasurer.
At a stated meeting on the 21st day of November, 5seS. A. L., the following officers were elected : Smith H. Clark, W. M .; Wilfien Clay, S. W. ; Joshua Vanfleet, J. W. ; Levi L. Dysert, Secretary ; G. Lauk- art, Treasurer ; John P. Dysert, S. D. ; E. A. Smith, J. D .; Chas. Ber- ington, Tyler.
The next'election of officers was held November 20, 1849, with the following result: Smith I. Clark, W. M .: William Clay, S. W. ; el F. Momr. J. W .; G. Lankart, Pressmer: Levi In Desert, Secretary : Joshua Vanfleet, S. D .: David Roboron. J. D .; Chas, Bevington. Tyler.
At a stated meeting held November 19, 1.70, the following officers were elected: William Clay. W. M .: John P. Dysent, S. W .; Joshua Vanfleet, J. W .; Levi La Dysent. Secretary: G Lankart, Treasurer; South H. Cbirk. S. D : John Bevington, J. D .; Chas, Bevington. Tyler,
Ata stated meeting held November 1. A. La misil, the Following other were elected: Smith H. Clark. W. M. John P. Desert, S. W. ; Joshua Vandert. J. W .: Levi P. Dysert. Secretary: Gabriel Lankart, Diese Witham Clas. S. D .: J. F. Moore, J. D .; Chas. Bevington. Tyler.
At a state meeting held the 4th day of January. 5973 A. I ... the fool- lowing officers were elected: John P. Dysert. W. M .; Joel F. Moore, S. W .: D. W. FateH. J. W .: Levi L. Dasect. Secretary : Jolm Bevington, Treasurer: Smith H. Clark. S. D .; David H. Robinson. J. D .; W. R. Halliwell, Tyler.
The following officers were elected November 15, 5-73 A. L. : Smith H. Clark, W. M .; Joel F. Mamie. S. W .; Lv . Desert. W .: David 1. Robinson, Secretary : Jela P. Basert. Tira-mer; E. W. Moore. S. 1 ; John Bevington, J. D .; John D. Roberson, Tyler.
112
HISTORY OF VAN WERT AND MERCER COUNTIES, OHIO.
The following officers were elected November, 5874 A. L .: S. HI. Clark, W. M .; Joel Moore. S. W .; Levi L. Dysert, J. W .; John P. Dysert, Treasurer; W. E. Moore, S. D .; D. H. Robinson, Secretary. On November 20, 5875 .A. L., the following officers were elected; S. 11. Clark, W. M .; L. L .. Dy-ert, S. W .; Jas. Estill, J. W .: John Smith, Secretary; John P. Bysert, Treasurer; Benj. Roebuck, S. D .; W. E. Moore, J. D .; J. D. MeKillip, Tyler.
On November 7. 1-77. the following officers were elected : L. L. Dy- sert. W. M .; J. P. Dysert, S. W .; A. C. King, J. W .; John W. Smith, Secretary; D. H. Robinson, Treasurer ; S. I. Clark, S. D .; T. J. Dall, J. D. ; W. E. Moore, Tyler.
On November 16, Is7., the following officers were elected: S. H. Clark, W. M .; J. A. Estill, S. W .; L. L. Dysert, J. W .; J. W. Smith, Secretary; J. P. Dysert. Treasurer; A. C. King, S. D .; W. E. Moore, J. D. ; J. D. MeKillip, Tyler.
. On November 16, 1879, the following officers were elected : John P. Dysert, W. M .; L. L. Dysert, S. W .; A. C. King, J. W .: W. E. Moore, S. D .; W. IL. H King. J. D .; J. W. Smith, Secretary; D. H. Robinson, Treasurer ; Jackson Joues, Tyler : Charles Ward, Chaplain.
Present officers : A. C. King, W. M .; L. L. Dy-ert. S. W .; W. H. H. King, J. W .; J. P. Dysert, Treasurer ; D. J. Brown, Secretary ; J. A. Estill, S. D .; Win. Shaffer, J. D .; J. C. Jones, Tyler; C. Ward, Chaplain.
MERCER.
This village is situated in the southeast part of the township, and while it has never attained a great growth. it is still venerable with age, Its greatest promise of improvement was made by the narrow gauge rail- road making it a junction, which has served as a fresh impetus to growth.
The town was laid out for Bernard Brewster. August 20, 1-33, and contained thirty lots. It is not incorporated, but was created into a special school district, being the old town-hip district number two. As such special district it was organized in August, Isso, and at a special election, held the same month, the following board of education was elected: J. S. Kieth, Abel Harden, Jackson Harris; Jacob Counterman, Treasurer, and O. P. Phares, clerk.
At the regular election held in April, 1877. Jacob Counterman was elected to succeed Jackson Harris. Enumeration in September, 1850, 139. The school contains two departments, and is as well managed as any in the county.
Business Interests.
Michael Adams, dry goods and groceries. Samuel Elherson, groceries and liquors. Albert Wertz. groceries, H. Davis, dry goods, groceries, boots, shoes, queensware, and hardware. Graham and Thompson. steam saw mill. Abel Harden, blacksmith shop. J. Mckaig, proprietor Mercer House.
Physicians : Joseph Harris, O. P. Phares.
Churches: The town contains a Baptist and Methodist Epi-copal church, but no resident ministers.
BIOGRAPHIES.
CAPTAIN SMITH HART CLARK, Mercer, Ohio.
In 1837, Win. Clark and wife Elizabeth came from West Virginia and settled in this county. Mr. Clark had served two terms in the War of 1812-the first with the Army of the Northwest, and again with the Army of Virginia. His father, John Clark, served throughout the Revolutionary War. and participated with the American army in its operations in Pennsylvania, New York, New Jersey. Delaware. Mary- land, and Northern Virginia Smith H. a son of War and Elizabeth Clark, was born at Point Pleasant, West Virginia. December 11,' 1×17, and came to this county with his parents in 4×37. His father and mother finally moved to Indiana, where they both died. Their son. Smith I., was born and reared on the frontier, and so had but limited educational advantages. It was sometimes necessary to attend school at a distance of three or four miles, and even then the terms of school would be of two or three months' duration Still he never despaired, but, with the light of a pine knot, beside his mother and her spinning wheel, he pursued his studies by night. It was his rule, too, after his weary mother had retired, to continue his studies away into the night. let the hook be of whatever character it might. By borrow- ing whatever books he could, and purchasing as many as his limited means would pormit, he gained a knowledge of the rudimentary sciences, and afterward applied hunself with success to the study of the higher mathematics. In this undertaking he was so successful as to be able to engage in civil engineering, which profession he practiced in connection with farming through a period of many wears, With a thirst for fur- ther knowledge, he thought he saw a truithe field in the brotherhood of Free and Accepted Masons, and became one of the most active it m. bers of the order. The Celina and Shane's Crossing lodges bear the Impress of his energy and foresight. In this connection it may be sant
1
that in every educational or benevolent movement of this community Mr. Clark has taken a leading part. In his capacity as school director and member of the township Board of Education, he labored indefatig. ably for the advancement of education, although his labors ran cross purposes with some of the strongest and even malignant prejulives. After a period of servier on the school board, covering a period of some- thing like a quarter of a century, he may point with pride to the graded schools of Shame's Crossing and Mercer as monuments of his zeal in the cause of education Aside from these offices, he served as justice of the peace one teria, as deputy county surveyor during 1952-3. as postmaster from 1550 to 1860, and as enumerator of Dublin Township in Ise0. After all these years of activity he is still a youth in feelings and as- pirations, while his zeal in educational affairs never for a moment loses its fire.
On January 25, 1844, in the house he now occupies, he married Nancy Archer, daughter of Judge Joseph and Catherine (Bird) Greer. Juder Greer and wife had come here from Clark County, Ohio, in 1821, and settled on the farm now owned and occupied by Mr. Clark. Mr. Greer was a native Virginian, while the Birds were early settlers of Clark County, this State, On the farm their daughter Nancy was born, Jan- uary 2, 1524, married in 1844, and still resides on the old homestead. When the Greers came here they found a native wilderness, and Indians and wolves for almost regular visitors. Mr. Greer served some time as justice of the peace, and ten years as associate judge. As he was an old-line Whig, his official career ended in 1935, and the remainder of his life was devoted to the improvement and cultivation of the farm he en- tered in 1821. His youngest daughter, Mrs. Clark, is the only member of his family now in this part of the country. In 1861, Mr. Clark re- cruited a full company of volunteers, which was designated as Company D. TIst O. V. I., of which he was elected Captain. They at once took the field, and shortly afterward participated in the sanguinary battle of Shiloh on the 6th and 7th of April. 1-62. Mr. Clark was captured at Clarks- ville, Tennessee, and afterward, owing to some regimental imbroglio, was dismissed because of his advocacy of the cause of his colonel, against whose courage damaging charges were preferred. On investigation. however, his order of dismissal was revoked, and he was restored to his former rank. but declined to again take the field.
Mr. and Mrs. Clark have had many days of grief and pain, as may be known when we state that of ten children, seven died in youth. Of the other three, Lemen Taylor was born September 21, 1846; served as commissary sergeant of the 1950 O. V. I. until the close of the war; graduated at the Ohio Wesleyan University of Delaware, Ohio. in the class of 1871. and took pastoral charge of Perrysburg Station, Missouri Conference of M. E. Church, where he died December 1, 1-7%, leaving a widow, two sons, and numberless friends to mourn his untimely death. Of the other two children, Rosalus Guyun was born July 2, 1950, and resides at Mercer; while the youngest chill, Bertha Edna, born March 22. ISTI, is still living with her parents, the sunshine of the old home. It is only necessary to add that Mr. and Mrs Clark are enjoying the ac- quaintanceship of a large community, and enjoy also that community's highest respeel.
JOHN SUTTON.
Zachariah Sutton, a Revolutionary soldier, came from Westmoreland County, Pennsylvania, and settled in Butler County, Ohio, In Is12 he was drafted as a teamster into the army of General Hult, but his son John acted as substitute, and was assigned to full's command. On the march to Detroit they crossed Hardin County by way of Fort Me Arthur. and thence to Fort Necessity, where they passed the winter. Sutton het with hun two yoke of oxen. Being satisfied Hull was about to surrender. he and five other teamsters awaited that event. and immediately seized two Indian canoes and crossed the lake to where Cleveland now stands From here they walked back to Butler County. and finally re- ported at Cincinnati. During this long and weary march through a gloomy and desolate forest their privations and sufferings wele : al. as the Indians throughout the country were roused to hostility against the whites. On demanding pay at Cincinnati for his services and oxen he was paid " fiat " money. so depreciated that two dollars were required for a single dianuer. In 1920 he came to this county, accompanied by John Chevington, a relative who had also been a teamster in the sam war. Chevington was wagon-master, with the rank of Ist lieutenant. He remained bete, although Mr. Sation returned to Butter County. He came back, however, in a short time to this county, where he be -une a permanent settler. He was thus here early enough to do his trading at the old Indian store of Anthony Shane. The following incidents may be related of his early experience. Shortly after coming here his hopes were taken sick, and while he was at the creck bank gathering will roots for medicinal use he was bitten on the foot by a spotted rattlesnake " Major" Love being with him, immediately buried the lotten foot the earth, where it was held same hours, while he returned for the ux. team to carry Mr. Sutton to bos home. Anthony Shane was then sent for. who asked if they had any Black cats, asstring them he could etter the bitten foot in a " short time." When he could not procure the cats he
:
61 Horst
Entrance to Farm & Residence
E
HOMESTEAD FARM, RES. OF PETER DULL, DUBLIN TW'P. MERCER CO. OHIO.
RES. OF BRANSON ROEBUCK , DUBLIN TW'P, MERCER CO.OHIO.
413-414
415
HISTORY OF VAN WERT AND MERCER COUNTIES, OHIO.
substituted black chickens, which he killed and applied to the wound. After the third appheation, he pronounced the cure complete. Again, the wolves became so destructive to stock that they killed all his sheep, twenty in number, although they were protected at the end of the house, being practically in the chimney corner. It was after this event, coupled with the death of his horses, that he became discouraged and went back to Butter County, but soon returnel, and started anew with greater Success.
Zachariah Sutton, a son of John Sutton, the subject of the foregoing sketch, was born in Butler County, Ohio, July 20, IsIt. and with his parents came to this county in Is20. In March, 1837. he married Charity Donavan, of this county. Mr. Sutton is thoroughly identified with the development of the township, being here so early that he well remembers W. P. Hedges, Root Roebuck, Carsin Denison. Joseph Grier, John Chevington, and others of the pioneers, most of whom have passed away. He was thus present at the organization of the township, and has been one of the leading citizens, and has reared a large family, several of whom are still living at the old home.
SAMUEL SCHLATER,
a native of Pennsylvania, came to Ohio in 1828, and settled first in Car- roll County. He was born in 1774. After living in Carroll County, a short time he removed to Tusearawas, and finally came to Dublin Township. He was accompanied by his sons, William and Peter, in 1>37. His wife died prior to this removal, and he only survived it about one year, his death occurring in 1838. The sons were thus left alone, but lived together, and did their own cooking, as well as ficht-work. for some time.
William, the elder, was born in Pennsylvania in 1820, and, as above stated. came here with his father. Speaking of the difficulties attending their early experience, we use his own words: " When my father died I was myself sick in bed, and did not know when he died. All the clothing I had to wear consisted of a pair of bed-ticking pantaloons ; a pair of low shoes; a tow-linen shirt ; a linsey coat, and a cap. We had a few acres of land underbrushed which we planted in corn. To get this ground we had to go to Piqua, or beyond Fort Wayne. Some time after this there was a horse-mill built over on Black Creek, about five miles dis- tant, to which I have carried corn on my back. I had a neighbor, named Jordan, who packed a bushel of corn meat from Fort Wayne to his home on his back. I have myself carried a baif bushel of salt a distance of nine miles after paving 82,50 for it. At one time a neighbor planted some beans which the chickens scratched up and ate. Owing to the scarcity of seed the chickens were at once kilb.t. and the beans recovered from their erops. I used to carry eggs to market when I would get two cents per dozen for them. Our dressed pork was taken to Fort Wayne and sold for $1.25 per hundred. Our first sales of corn brought only 62 cents per bushel. In 1811 | married Phobe Putnam, by whom I have ' reared six children, four of whom are still living. We commenced house- keeping where'we now live. On my land I have found muskets, spears, and other relies of Gen. Wayne's march."
-
RCEL ROEBUCK
was one of the original settlers of the county, and must be placed in the list with Shane. Godfrey. Madore, and Helges, having come to this township March 17. 1819. . He had married Sarah Jones, and when they arrived in the county the family consisted of six children. which was afterwards increased to eleven, as shown by the following family record : George, born October 30, 1507 : Ishmar, born September 15, 1509; Garrison born June 23, 1&11 ; Branson, born June 24, 1813, Eliza, born, April 1. 1$15 : Polly, born July 23, 1817: Olive P, bora October 6, 1×19: Elias B., bora August 5. 1821; Washington, born March 23. 1824; Demais G., born September 11, 1527; Joseph IL .. bora June 29, J:31. Washington died September 3, 1827. Olive P. is said to be the first white parld born in the township. Branson, the fourth son, was about five years old when his parents moved into the town- ship. He was born in Fayette County, Ohio, August 22, 1599. He married Mary Eicher, who died shortly afterward. In March, 1-1, he was married again to Phobe A. Mechristy, who also died ; and in No- vember, 1.56, he married his third wife. His children are named as follows: Albert, dead; Catharine, Margaret, John; the latter dead ; Nancy J., Melissa, Wesley, Olive. Lewis, and William. The living all reside in the county excepting Nancy J., who is a resident of Indiana.
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.