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 62
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 62
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UNION TOWNSIIIP.
One of the north tier of townships is bounded north by Paulding County, east by Hoaglin, south by Pleasant, and west by Tully town- ships.
Organization.
The following action was taken by the commissioners at a session held December 1, 1845 :-
"A petition being presented, signed by a number of citizens of Town- ship 1 S., R. 2 E., praying for the organization of said township: There- upon it is ordered, that the aforesaid township be and is hereby struck off' from Hoaglin and Tully townships, and is hereby constituted a civil township to be known by the name of Union. Ordered, that the Audi- tor give notice to the qualified electors of said township to meet at the house of Samuel Nestric on the 20th day of this inst., for the purpose of electing officers for said township."
It may here be observed the name Union was adopted by the petition- ers at the instance of Samuel Nestric.
General View.
The surface of the township is flat, but no swamps abound as in other districts. Prairie, Ranks, Pottawattomie, Hoaglin, and Maddox Creek form the streams and natural drainage. The timber is heavy and perhaps culled less than that of any other township in the county. The soil is a black, strong loam, and especially adapted to the production of corn.
Early Settlers.
1836. John Ramsey, Jonathan Smith, and Wm. Stripe.
1837. H. Jordon.
1838. Jacob Stripe, Israel Kaizer, John Penn. Horatio Kane.
1839. George Wolf, Joseph Hoover, James Carmean, Wm. Young, Jno. A. Welch, Alex. Ramsey, E. M. Hoaglin, Michael Frantz, T. R. Anderson, L. A. Major, Jacob Speeler, James Kirkendale, Elias Evers, Alex. Caldwell.
1840. John Sands, Isaac Sheaffer, George High, Samuel Fritz.
1841. Jacob Nigh.
1842. Matthew Black and Richard Williams.
1843. Stephen Barr.
During all these years, there were probably others whose names and dates we have not secured.
The original Entries of Union Township as copied from the Records
up to 1854.
Bec. Samo.
Acres. Year. Sec. Name.
Acron, Year
1 Matthew Black, 40 18 12
4 Jonathan Hoper.
1851
Peter Swoveland. 80 1844 Zach. Ward, 80
Daniel Loudenback,
40
John Bales. 40
G. A. Briggs,
80)
Abraham Lucas, 40
.4
George Faulk.
40 =
5 Benj. B. Winans,
155 1851
Witham MeMullen,
80
=
William Douglas, 155 =
John Ellis,
40
=
1849
Thomas Hall. Nancy Dillon, William Moure.
40
=
John Brown,
2 William H. Donald,
Samuel Mar-h. John MeElvm.
Andrew I .. Grimes,
91
Frank hn Halelay,
160
James Webben,
01
=
3 Franklin Hadaday, Walban Holt,
159
1831 William Summerville, 40
Matthew Hack. 40 1~12
Sammel Farerson,
320
7 James Kirkemale,
4 Samuel Jales
1851 Alex. Caldwell,
G Peter Deusel, 160
1851
1850
1-1
..
John Stock, 160
40
1852
199
217
IHISTORY OF VAN WERT AND MERCER COUNTIES, OHIO.
HISTORY OF VAN WERT AND MERCER COUNTIES, OHIO.
321218
Kamse
Acres, Year. bước
Same.
Acres. Year.
7 John Schiffale,
80
1639 21 M. M. Rittenhouse,
160
Win. Murphy,
Samuel Nestrie, James Murphy,
John Handley, Matthew Black, James Hattery, Henry Reese.
It is hereby certified that the number of electors at this election amounts to thirteen.
James Murphy, Samuel Murphy, Samuel Nestric, Judges. James Hattery, Michael Beck, Clerks.
At this election Wm. Johnston had 3 votes, and Reuben Wood 10 votes for the governorship. For Congress, James W. Riley had 3 votes. and Alford P. Edgerton 10 votes.
Initial Incidents.
Hereules Kane erected the first log-, D. Taylor the first frame-, and Michael Beck the first brick-house. The pioneer school-house was buik on the land of Wm. Harvey and John Murphy in section 23. In this building E. M. Hoaglin taught the first term of school. O. H. Harvey was one of the original class at this school, although this was after his marriage. George Zellers was the first blacksmith.
Officers .- At the election held Dec. 20, 1-45, Samuel Nestrie and Samuel Murphy were elected Trustees ; O. H. Harvey, Clerk: Robert Pollock, Justice of the Peace; John Murphy, Constable; and Win. Harvey, Assessor.
The following list is compiled from the records :-
1846. Trustees, Jno. Murphy, Samuel Murphy, and J. A. Wells; Treasurer, Win. Harvey; Clerk, Jacob Hagerman; Constable, James Murphy ; Assessor, Win. Harvey, Jr.
1847. Trustees, Samuel Nestrie, Samuel Murphy, M. Beck: Treas- urer, Win. Harvey; Clerk, Robert Pollock; Justice, Robert Pollock: Assessor, John Murphy ; Constable. John Neal.
1848. Trustees, Samuel Murphy, Samuel Nestrie, George High; Treasurer, Win. Harvey; Clerk, Robert Pollock; Assessor, J. High; Constable, James Hattery.
1849. Trustees, Win. Beck, P. Densell. Henry Reese; Treasurer, W. Harvey; Justice and Clerk, M. Black; Assessor, O. H. Harvey.
1850. Trustees. D. Nestrie, Samuel Murphy, J. Murphy; Treasurer. J. Handley; Clerk, J. Murphy: Assessor, John Hattery.
1851. Trustees, M. Black, J. Reese, D. Sands; Treasurer, J. Hand- ley; Clerk, James Hattery; Assessor, M. Beck.
1852. Trustees, S. Murphy, James Murphy, and S. Nestreek; Asses- sor, John Murphy; Treasurer, G. W. Hawiley; Clerk. James B. Me- Dermot; Constable. John Murphy; Justice of the Peace, James Hattery.
1853. Trustees, Jacob High, George Medly, and Henry Reese: As- sessor, M. Beck; Clerk, M. M. Rittenhouse; Treasurer, M. Beck; Con- stable, D. Sands.
1854. Trustees, George Meely, Jacob High, and Henry Reese: Clerk, M. M. Rittenhouse, Treasurer, M. Beck; Assessor, M. Black; Consta- ble. D. Taylor.
1855. Trustees, Jacob IFigh, Samuel Murphy, and II Reese: Clerk, M. M. Rittenhouse, Treasurer, M. Beck : Assessor, J. Rank; Constable. D. Taylor: Justice of the Peace, M. Beck.
1856. Trustees, Jacob High, Jacob Kannel, and H. Reese: Clerk. M. M. Rittenhouse; Treasurer, M. Beck; Assessor, John Murphy; Con- stable, D. Taylor.
1857. Trustees. Jacob Kannell, Jacob High, and John Murphy; Clerk, M. M. Rittenhouse; Treasurer. M. Beck; Assessor, Nicholas Hoaglin; Constable, Jennes Murphy.
1858. Trustees, Jacob High. George Meely, and M. Black; Clerk, M. M. Rittenhouse; Treasurer, M. Beck; Assessor. J. Slagle; Constable, Henry Barr. Justice of the l'eace, M. Bock.
1859. Trustees, George Medly, Jacob High, and M. Black; Clerk. M. M. Ritt nhouse; Treasurer, M. Beck; Assessor, Noah Miller; Con- stable, D. Sauds.
1860. Trustees, Jacob High, M. Black, and Jas. Murphy; Clerk, M. M. Rittenhouse; Treasurer, M. Beck; Assessor. Noah Miller ; Consta- ble, John Murphy.
1861. Trustees, Jacob High, George Meely, and H. Reese: Clerk, M. M. Rittenhouse; Treasurer. M. Beck; Assessor. John Murphy ; Con- stable, D. H. Fackler; Justice of the Peace, James Lowrey.
Reuben Frisbie,
8 )
John M. Franklin,
1-49
Conrad Show.
80
=
36 William Stripe.
SO
1-10
Mik . Conrad,
40
.4
160
1-18
Ahner Lyman,
1~32
Jacob Stripe, Sr., Henry Kanter, JJacob Haller,
¥0
1×39
21 Michael Beck.
120
William Peter.
.
Matthew MiPer.
George Hellist.
44
R. H. Cibo4.
180
Henry Roiling.
40
1-38
John Scal.
80
Isaac Morse,
40
1831
=
25 John Pena,
120
1838
Ebenezer Stibben,
40
William Young,
Henry Wallick,
40
Jacob B. Haller,
40
John Garner,
40
€
Adam Lutz.
Abra. Urrag. John Hough.
40
1853
John A. Welch,
80)
11 Daniel H. Haight,
160
1851
Jacob Nigh.
1511
Jesse Morre. Ann Castick.
160
=
26 John Swanger,
120
1839
William Welch,
160
Alex. Ramsey.
80
Henry Pomroy,
20
1811
E. M. Hoaglin,
40
44
Henry Keifer,
1814
Michael Frantz,
160
46
James Larmer,
160
1851
Geo. Elliott.
Jonathan Bales.
40
1851
13 Joseph Hoover,
27 H1. Koan.
160
1937
James Cameron,
160
John Swanger,
40
1-39
Christopher Rees,
210 1811
A. Hayden,
160
George W. Handley,
ICO
Stephen Barr,
160
1×43
14 William Harvey,
Joseph Kline, Sanford Smith,
25 Heury Panels,
100
16.19
15 James C'or,
160
Reuben P. Mann,
80
1851
Adam Beamer,
140
John F. Dodds,
160
Adam Myers,
ICO
1018
John Moore.
160
1-51
Thomas Cantwell,
40
1-16
30 John High,
1×39
16 John M. Keighner.
160
Thomas A. Anderson, John Sands.
45
1440
. Daniel Thigh,
160
David Rem.
40
1-12
Joseph Livensparger,
..
James Ander-on.
40
15
Peter Hartzill,
160
1850
31 John Fuller. 100
1836
James Hatchics,
300
lest
Jonathan Smith,
Daniel Elwell,
100
Mary Ramsey,
18 William Dal,
40
1850
Thomas Kube,
Lewis Young,
40
Isaac Stuch.
1851
William Richard,
125
1-12
Robert Hay kins,
1×2
Thomas Ilich,
4.7
J-10
Mory Lang.
80
Richard Williams.
40)
1-12
19 Valentine G. Hash, David Hepp,
40
Jacob Mellon.
160
..
Joseph Moore,
160
1851
John Gilkison.
40)
V. D. D.A.
91
1852
Genre March.
Ronh & Frisbie,
182
33 Jacob Heller,
160
1539
R. H. Gil-mn.
80
John Bargholder.
1-51
George We-t.
40
31 Elias Evers.
1×19
Miles Cowen,
40
John Burgholder.
320
Andrew Smith,
80
35 Samuel 1. Major,
Samuel Pintbie
10
Erastus Porter.
100
..
1862. Trustees, freutge Medly. D. Sands, and I. Reese: Clerk. M. M. Rittenhouse; Treasurer, M. Beck; Assessor, John Murphy ; Consta- ble, John Murphy.
1863. Trustees, George Mely, U. Reese, and John Smith; Tressa- rer, M. Beck ; Clerk, M. M. Rittenhouse; Assessor, Noah Miller; Con- stable, Noah Miller.
1864. Trustees, George Medly, HI. Reese, John Smith ; Treasurer. M. Beck; Clerk, John Murphy; Assessor, John Murphy; Constable, D. II. Fackler; Justice of the Peace. M. M. Rittenhouse.
1865. Trustees, It Reese, John Murphy, and E. M. Green; Treasurer, M. Buck; Clerk, Richard Burr; Assessor, D. H Fackler; Constable. D. H. Fackler ; Justice of the Peace, David Tracy.
The following list exhibits the names of the voters of Union Town- ship at the election held October 8, 1850 :-
Samuel Murphy,
1819
David Prowhit,
80
22 James MeDermut,
160
1:42
John Melhor-ot,
John Neal,
George Fon!k.
80 1852
William Neal,
1813
John C. Miller,
4.
James Donaldson,
1-31
John Miller,
43
James B. MeDermit,
1-14
8 Henry S. Beeson,
1839
John Baker,
160
1-17
..
23 Samuel Kuistrick,
40
100 1812
Samuel Myers.
160
1831
Witham Collins,
40
1×18
John C. South,
Henry Foulk,
20 1451
Fred. Boyer,
80
1-51
Wilham M. Farland,
160 41
24 Jacob Speiler.
1×39
Wilham Tavler.
100
David Baker.
160
10 Charles Olevine,
1851
Charles Dally.
John C. Ratelall,
..
Christopher Reese,
40
1:11
'Thos. B. Tiltop,
100
Charles Hagen,
80
1-39
James Cor,
80) 1:51
Aaron Hoaghin,
81
John Wersner,
40
Isaac Connell,
40
John Ling.
40
40
..
John & Catherine Ebert,
44
160
..
Alfred Wright, (بخ
12 Isaac Hagerman,
1: 10
William Young,
.6
Andrew L. Grimes, Eli Taylor,
1 .: 30
Jacob Brandt,
40
1:51
18. 0
John Beeler.
10
Peter Arndt,
29 John F. Dahls,
640
136
Joseph V. Chambers,
Jacob Shaffer,
..
Michael Beck,
17 Heury Jordan,
John Amlerson,
1.
:
..
:
:
1837
Leutel Linch,
360
1851
Renben Frishic.
1=19
George Sanderson.
120
..
20 daoch Myers,
Jana . Ihn-t. n.
Jacob Myers,
1>19
Israel Keiser,
=
80
Benj. Beach,
40
1818
9 Robert Mel'ontell. William MeMulh n,
I
1.532
John Murphy,
40
1:11
Mark M. MeDermit,
160
Michael Bock,
John Marphy, Jr., Daniel Sands,
John Murphy,
Dewalt Ritter, George Wolf.
William Harvey, John Murphy,
John & I-aac Grubbs, Joseph Hoover,
160
811
139
=
=
..
John Neal,
..
Matthew Black,
Henry Hoest,
Matthew Hughg
1-51
1-37 Reuben Frisbie,
Oliver Dial.
Jesse Georgr.
Robert Work.
32 Emanuel Swinford.
11.246 4h -chronder,
40
=
1840
160 1×49
John McDermit,
William Feray,
Jacob High,
219
MICHAEL BECK.
€
.
MRS. MARY ANN BECK
4
1
RES. OF MICHAEL &
MARY ANN BECK, UNION TWP, VAN WERT CO. OHIO.
ct
VIEW LOOKING NORTH WEST
RES. OF WM. FRECH. TULLY TW'P, VAN WERT CO. OHIO.
RES. OF A. MENTZER, TULLY TW'P, VAN WERT CO. OHIO.
220
221
HISTORY OF VAN WERT AND MERCER COUNTIES, OHIO.
1866. Trustees, H. Reese, M. M. Rittenhouse, and David Tracy; Treasurer, Joseph Rank; Clerk, Richard Barr; Assessor, J. Kannell; Constable, J. Kanell.
1867. Trustees, Henry Reese, M. M. Rittenhouse, and Daniel High ; Treasurer, Joseph Rank; Clerk, Richard Barr; Constable, Jas. Kannell; Justice of the Peace, James Rank.
1868. Trustees, Daniel High, Daniel Snyder, and M. Berk; Treas- urer, John Rank; Constable, Jas. Kannell; Clerk. Richard Barr.
1869. Trustees, Daniel High, Jame, Kannell, A. F. Beck; Treasurer, M. Beck; Clerk, Richard Barr; Constable, Israel Tracy.
1870, Trustees, Daniel High, James Kannell, A. F. Beck: Treasurer, M. Beck; Clerk, Richard Barr; Constable, J. Tracy; Justice of the Peace, 1. Tracy.
1871. Trustees, Daniel High. James Kannell, and D. Counsellor; Treasurer, I. Burtsfield; Clerk, Richard Barr; Constable, D. T. Smith. 1872. Trustees, Thomas Brown, J. Tracy, and George Flager: Treas- urer, J. Burtstield; Clerk, M. M. Rittenhouse; Constable, Richard Barr; Justice of the Peace, Jno. Burtslicht.
1873. Trustees. J. Tracy. Thomas Brown, James Kannell; Treasu- rer, J. Burt-field; Clerk, A. F. Beck; Constable. Richard Barr.
1874. Trustees, Daniel High, J. Rank, and Thomas Bowers: Treas- urer, J. Burt-field; Clerk, A. F. Beck; Constable, Richard Barr.
1875. Trustees, G. Lossey, N. Miller, and S. S. Price; Treasurer, J. Burtsfield; Clerk. M. M. Rittenhouse; Constable, Richard Barr; Justice of the Peace, J. Burtsfield.
1876. Trustees, N. Miller, R. Davidson, and D. Counsellor; Con- stable, Richard Barr.
1877. Trustees, D. Counsellor. O. IL. Harvey, and Daniel High : Treas- urer, J. Burtsfield; Clerk, M. M. Rittenhouse: Coustable, Richard Barr. 1878. Trustees, D. Counsellor. Daniel High, and James Kannell : Treasurer, J. Burtsfield : Clerk, D. S. Schockey; Constable, Richard Barr; Justice of Peace, Juo. Burtsfield.
1879. Trustees, D. Counsellor, Daniel High, and Emanuel Waltz; Treasurer, J. Burtsfield; Clerk. D. S. Schockey; Constable, Richard Barr. 1880. Trustees, H. F. Snow, L. Stacey, and George Unger; Treas- urer, Jacob Rank; Clerk, R. V. Meely; Constable, B. W. Harvey.
CHURCHES.
Evangelical Lutheran.
This church was founded by the organization of a society by Rev. C. Caskey in 1857. The original membership consisted of the following- named persons: Michael Beck and wife, George Meely and wife, and Joseph Rank. Their first place of meeting was the school-house in sec- tion 16. The spring succeeding the organization brought such acces- sions that the membership numbered about forty. They still continued holding their meetings at the school-house until the year ISTS. when they erected a neat frame building at a cost of $1700. The following list exhibits the names of the pastors since the organization of the so- ciety : Rev. C. Caskey, Rev. F. Biddle, Rev. George Exline, Rev. Valen- tine Exline, Rev. George Halderman, Rev. M. Dustman, and Kev. A. Leathers.
North Union Methodist Episcopal Church
was organized in the fall of 1860, by Rev. Mr. Kauffinan. The church was built on seetion 21. Union Township, which was a frame building, but was burned down in 1865. Another frame church was erected in 1869. The present membership is 73.
The ministers who have been stationed in the circuit have been Rev. Mr. Kauffman, Rev. Mr. shaffer, Rev. Mr. Lee, Rev. Mr. Ferguson, Rev. T. W. Priddy, Rev. J. C. Clemmens, Rev. Harrison H. Harper, Rev. . Dan. B. Rhinebart, Rev. Noah Hutt, Rev. J. M. Kath, Rev. G. W. Patrick, Rev. J. F. Crooks, Rev. Caleb, Hill, Rev. J. F. Mount.
BIOGRAPHIES.
THOMAS UPDEGROVE
was born in Pennsylvania in 1802. and come to Van Wert County in 1849 with his wife and seven children, and located in Ridge Township. In 1850 Mrs. Updegrove died, and about one year afterwards ho mar- ried again and kept his family together, but two years only elapsed and death entered the household and took from them its head. He died in 1-53. There are but two of the sons now living in the county-H. II. Updegrove, the present efficient postmaster of Van Wert, and I. R. Up- degrove, of U'nion Township. The latter was born in Pennsylvania in 1835, and when fifteen years of age went to the blacksmith trade, and continued at the business until Best, when he enlisted and served nearly five years. He enlisted in Company E, Fifteenth Ohio Volunteer In- fantry, in April. 1861, served three months, and was discharged. He resenlisted for three years in the same regiment, and filled the office of orderly sergeant; afterwards he was promoted to be 24 lieutenant, then first lieutenant, and finally captain of the company, which position he
held until he was mustered out of the service in 1864. Capt. Updegrove was wounded three times, losing an eye at the battle of Chickamauga and suffering from a wound in the breast at the same time. He was after. wards wounded in the head at Pickett's Mills. In 1864 he married Miss A. O. Quick, by whom he has four children. He was appointed sherist of Van Wert County, occasioned by the death of Sheriff Lewis Ever -. and was afterwards elected in 1865 for the full term. In 1869 he moved to Union Township and located on section 23, where he now resides.
MICHAEL BECK
was born in Lancaster County, Pa., in 1816. When nine years of age his father, Daniel B., left for Stark County, Ohio, and remained in Stark and Richland counties until 1815, when he settled in Van Wert County. In 1840 Michael married Miss Mary A. Foighner, by whom he has had seven children. In Iste he settled in Union Township on section 21. and entered 120 acres of land, which he moved on in the fall of 1845. When he settled here it was necessary to ent out a road from Van Wort to his place. He first left his family in a cabin owned by O. H. Harvey for a few days until he could build himself a cabin, which he accomplished before he had cleared any ground, and as quick as his cabin was finished he moved his wife and three children into it. Mr. Beck now has 320 acres of land, and in 1871 he built himself a fine brick house, the first of the kind in the township. He also has a large frame barn. He has one of the best improved farms in this township, all gained by industry and perseverance. Two of his sons died in the hospital in the army. Mrs. Beck died December, 1879. Mr. Beck has filled nearly every office in the township, was elected justice of the peace for three terms, and hay the entire confidence of all his fellow-citizens as an honest and honorable man.
O. IT. HARVEY
was born in Jefferson County, Ohio, and when four years of age went with his father's family to Ashland County, where he lived about sis years. He then removed to Richland County, where they lived until the year 1841, when he came to Van Wert County. In 1846 he married Miss Rose Zillabe Hoaglin, by whom he has had thirteen children, nine of whom are living. He first settled in Union Township. From that time to this he has built twenty-two houses for himself to live in, and has removed his family twenty-five times. He has cleared with his own hands not less than 150 acres of land in Van Wert County, and experi- rieneed as much of the hardships of pioneer life as any man in the county.
GEORGE MEELY
was born in Wittenberg, Germany, in 1798, and immigrated to America in 1815. His time was sold for four years to pay for his passage to this country. He first located near Laneaster, Pa., then moved to Adams County, Pa., where he married Miss Margaret Stock in 1826. by whom he had eleven children, seven of whom are still living. Mrs. Megly dist in 1877, aged sixty nine years. Mr. Merely is now in his eighty-third year, and has been an invalid for several years, having had a stroke of paralysis. Mr. Meely came to Van Wert County in 1850. He is a , weaver by trade. Ifis boys cleared and worked the farm, while be worked at his loom to support the family.
JOHN BURTSFIELD
was born in Pennsylvania in 1819, and moved to Richland County, Ohio, in 1843, where he lived until 1870, when he settled in Van Wert County, and located on section 21, Union Township, where he now resides. He married Miss Catharine M. Kendte in I>45, by whom he has raised twelve children. In 1871 he was elected township treasurer. which office he held nine years, and is now in his third term as a justice of the peace. Mr. Burtshield bought his land in 1856, but did not settle on it until 1870. He has it all cleared, in a good state of cultivation. and good buildings upon it. He has devoted his entire time to farming. and justly reaps the benefits arising therefrom.
SAMUEL A. SCHOCKEY
was born in Champaign County, Ohio, in 1930, and when eleven month- old he was taken by his father to Allen County, where the family settled on the border of the Indian reservation. He married Miss Susan Sny- der in 1852, by whom he has had five children, four of whom are still living. Mr. Schockey came to Union Township in Fact and located on section 26, where he still resides. His residence is four miles from Van Wert, yet the roads were of such a character when he first located that he had to travel over nine miles to reach the town.
E. L. QUICK
was born in New York in 1836, and came with his father to Van W .. in Post, married Miss Mary E. Holmes in 1971, and has two children. and is settled on section 23.
HISTORY OF VAN WERT AND MERCER COUNTIES, OHIO.
M. M. RITTENHOUSE
was born in Wayne County, Ohio, in 1527, where he lived antil 1310, when he went to Richland County and lived there matil loso, at which time he removed to Van Wert and located on section 21. Union Township. Hle married Christina Meety in 1850, by whom he had six children, five of whom are living. Mr. Rittenhouse entered his land where he now lives from the government, ent the first stick that was cut upon it, and has cleared it all himself. He commence without means, and has made for himself' a comfortable home, all by the industry of himself and wife.
DANIEL SNYDER
was born in Perry County, Ohio, in 1831. He married Miss Mary A. Smith, of Allen County, in 1953, by whom he has had five children, three of whom are living. Mr. Snyder came to Van Wert County in 1562, and settled on sretion 23. in l'hion Township, where he now resides. When he settled' in this township there were but forty voters, there was no road near his place, and but little cleared land on his farm. He has now 107 acres of improved land under cultivation, which he has acquired by his own industry.
JOSEPH RANK
was born in Cumberland County, Pa., in 1815, and came to Ohio in 1832, ami located in Richland County, where he married Miss Eliza Myers in 1838, by whom he has six living children. In 1854 be located on section 22. Union Township, Van Wert County, His children are all married and have homes of their own. He has built for himself and wife a comfortable dwelling in which to spend the remainder of their days.
DARIUS EVERS
was a native of Maryland. His parents immigrated to Ohio at an early date, settling in Richland County. He married his wife in Knox County, who was also a native of Maryland, and in 1:39 he moved to a tract of land now in Union Township. His was the third family that's led in the township. Elias Evers, the father of Darius, came to the county about the same time.
HENRY W. BLACHLEY, M. D.,
was born in Washington County, Pennsylvania, July 4, 1831, and came to Van Wert County in 1860, and located in section 13, Union Town- ship, where he now resides. He read medicine with Dr. S. L. Blachley, of Washington, Pa., and graduated at the Cleveland Medical College in 1854, and has been energetically engaged in the practice of medicine since that time.
1
JACOB KANNEL
was born in Adams County, Pa., in 1513, came to Ohio in 1827, and lived in Stark County four years, then removed to Richland County, but in 1855 came to Van Wert County and located on section 15, Union Township. He married Miss Sarah Myers in 1834, by whom he has four children, three of whom are living. Mrs. Kannel died Sept. 25, 1879.
RICHARD BARR
was born in Richland County, Ohio, in 1\40, and came with his father, Stephen Barr, to Van Wert County in 1955, and located on section 27, in Union Township. Mr. Barr married Miss M. J. Rank in 1865, by whom he had two children, both of whom died young. He has held many township offices, and was the appraiser of the township in 1980.
NATHANIEL MCCLURE
was born in Champaign County, Ohio. in 1820. His father moved to Allen County when he was six years of age. where he lived until 1×69, when he moved to Union Township, and located on section 33. He married Miss Mary A. Mclean in 1946, by whom he has had eleven children, ten of whom are still living.
PETER KESSLER
was born in Fairfield County, Ohio, in 1>38. When but two years old his father moved with his family to Van Wert County. In 1>65 he married Miss M. A. Johnston, by whom he had one child. In 1972 he bought a farm in section 30, Union Township, on which he resides. His farm is all cleared and in a high state of cultivation.
CHARLES C. RITTENHOUSE.
Among the coming men of promise is Charles C. Rittenhouse, a son of M. M. Rittenhouse, who is at present in Nebraska. He is an archi- tect by profession, and from his perfeet knowledge of the art in which he is engaged, will be sure to make his mark in the worki.
BENJAMIN QUICK
was born in New York in 1812, and married Miss Lovina A. Hall in 1835. Their three children were named Edward L., Sarah S .. and Hattie C. They came to Van Wert in 1854, and located in Union Township on section 23.
JOSEPH BERRY
was born in Champaign County, Ohio, in 1529, and married Miss Mary Fitzpatrick in 1959, She died in 1874, having three children. Mr. and Mrs. Berry were both mutes, but were well educated at Columbus. In 1875 be married Miss C. A. Richards.
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