History of Van Wert and Mercer counties, Ohio, with illustrations and biographical sketches of some of its prominent men and pioneers, Part 94

Author: Sutton, R., & Co., Wapakoneta, Ohio, pub
Publication date: 1882
Publisher: Wapakoneta, Ohio : R. Sutton
Number of Pages: 878

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 94
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 94

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).

CELINA BUSINESS INTERESTS.

Manufacturers.

Timmonds Tight Barrel Stave Factory; Schunck's Slack Barrel Stive Factory; Krennig Woollen Mills; Timmonds & Sterke Planing Mills M. Alberry & Co., Planing Mill : J. I. Zenders Planing Mill; Wychall Carriage Works; Cron Wagon Works; Halter & Wertz Marble Works: Hole & Fanger Flour Mill; Struckman Wagon Works; Byers Tannery.

Dralers. Lumber .- Whitney & Dougherty ; M. Alberry & Co .; Timmonds & Stedke ; J. L. Zenders. Hardware .- Le Blond, Davis & Co .; MeAfve & Snyder; Kreusch & Fanger.

Store and Timeare .- G. E. Nungester, Michael Feldtheiser.

Daugpode-Davis Guy; Pickman & Heltwarth; A. Fanger; C. D Hierholzer; Mrs. Jun Saider ; I. W. MeFarland; S. Campbell.

Clothing .- Sig. Bamberger ; H. Corday ; F. Schmidt.

351

HISTORY OF VAN WERT AND MERCER COUNTIES, OHIO.

Boots and Shoes .- S. R. Beam; J. M. Pohlman; W. J. Machtmann ; C. D. Hierholzer.

Groceries,-Stelzer & Schmidt; John Manor; J. W. Lyle; J. II. Gast; John Hatfield.

Millinery .- Maggie Shepherd; Emma MeKee; Belle Pohlman. Bakery .- Win. Ungerer ; John Stark ; John Link ; 'Win. Myers. Drugs .- David Rush ; George Zay ; J. C. G. Wintermute; Austin. Jewelry .- John M. McKee; John P. Schunck.

Banks .- Citizens; Godfrey & Mitligau.

Naexpapers .- Standard, A. P. J. Snyder; Observer, L. S. Jameson ; Independent, J. D. Blizzard.

Restaurants .- L. D. Touvelle ; M. Schmitt ; Win. Myers.

Furniture --- MeDowell & Baker ; H. H. Klare: Joseph Sanders. Sewing Machines .-- Charles Chenowith; D. H. Cordier; O. H. Wilson. Saddlery .- Wm. Smith ; Adam Schunck. Agricultural Implements .- MeAfec & Snyder. Book and News Dealer .- J. W. Dickman. Photograph Gallery .- H. Long; Conley Bros.

Meat Market .- Flanner & Duncan ; John Hopple.

Barber Shops .- John Kistler; S. N. Touvelle; Charles Schunck. Cigar Maker .- John Hamburger,

Confectioner .- J. Porscher. Livery Stables .- Pifer & Kimmel ; C. Buxton ; Dr. Miller. Gunsmith .- Lee Cassel. Hotels .- Ellis House; National Hotel; St. Charles Hotel; Reservoir Hotel.

Warehouse and Grain Elevatar .- Le Blond, Davis & Co.

Professions.

Attorneys,-F. C. LeBlond; T. J. Godfrey; W'm. F. Miller: A. D. Marsh; Hiram Murlin; J. G. Loughridge ; C. M. Le Blond; Rauda- baugh & Armstrong ; S. S. Scranton : J. W. Conklin ; J. W. Loree ; J. W. DeFord; C. G. O. Miller ; C. C. Brotherton ; %. R. Stoner.

Physicians .- J. N. Hetzler; S. N. Tonvelle; David Rush ; F. C. Lc- Blond, Jr .; A. R. Touvelle; J. C. G. Wintermute ; Theophilus Taylor; James Andrews; H. A. Roudebaugh ; M. M. Miller; G. Schuyler.

Dentist .- C. C. Scott.

Organizations.

Churches,-Methodist Episcopal; Presbyterian; German Lutheran; Roman Catholic ; Reformed Lutheran.

Societies .- Celina Chapter, No. 120. R. A. M. Regular meeting first Thursday evening of every month. J. N. Hetzler, H. P .; G. LeBlond, Secretary. Celina Lodge, No. 241, F. A. M. Regular meetings Satur- day night before the full moon, and every two weeks thereafter. Thos. J. Godfrey, W. M .; J. W. McKee, Secretary. Celina Lodge, No. 399, 1. O. O. F. Meets every Monday night. L. E. Prentiss. N. G .; J. W. Dickman, V. G .; Sig. Bamberger, R. Secretary. Celina Lodge, No. 120, K. of P. Meets every Friday night. C. Wenzlau, C. C .; C. C. Gable, K. R. S. Le Blond Post, No. 175, G. A. R. D. J. Roop, Commander ; J. F. Timmonds, Adjutant.

Celina Handle Manufacturing Company

is the owner of three and one-third acres of land. The buildings are : one house 40 x 60 feet, two stories high, to which is added an addition of 30 x 60 feet of one story. The value of the buildings with the ma- chinery is estimated at $10,000.

The company was organized by an act of incorporation, and is com- posed of the following members, viz .: Seth S Snyder. T. G. Touvelle, F. C. Le Blond, C. M. Le Blond, R. G. Blake, Christian Schunck. A. P J. Snyder, and James H. Day. Eddie C. Snyder is the Superintendent.

Number of handles manufactured each year, 565,000. Kind of han- dles, 8', 7'. 6!', 6', 5'. 4', for hay ; 4', 43', 42', and 4 for manure; 6', 5}' for rake; 43 for hoe; 33' for broom.

Amount paid per day for labor $17. 0; per annum, $5553.60. Number of hands employed. 13.

Since going to press this factory was destroyed by fire.

Physicians of Celina.

Dr. Herschel, 1942. Dr. S. Milligan, 1443. Dr. Fulton, 1944. Dr. J. Fulton, 1844. Dr. Haves, 1848. Dr. Hutchinson, 1-50. Dr. I. N. Hetzler. 1850. Dr. J. B. Finley, 1853. Dr. J. Taylor, 1:50. Dr. M. M. Miller, 1-56. Dr. Chr. Miller, 1860. Dr. A. V. Medbury. Dr. Brad- Jord. Dr. Reed. Dr. A. J. Trairs. Dr. J. M. Hammond. Dr. W. E. Bell. Dr. Means. Dr. David Rush, 1565. Dr. Kukpatrick. Dr. S. N. Touvelle, 1870. Dr. Noble. Dr. J. N. Brandon. Dr. Hu-sex. Dr. F. (. Le Blond, Jr. Dr. Wintermute. Dr. Andrews. Dr. Hetzler Le Blond. Dr. R. P. Langle.

Godfrey and Milligan's Bank.

In 1x72 Dr. Dixon Milligan, of Fort Recovery, Thomas J. Go.frey, and John Milligan, of Celina, purchased the stock of the old "Celina

Building and Loan Association," and surrendering the charter of the association, organized the banking house under the firm-style of Milligan, Godfrey & Co., in February, 1874. The subsequent death of Dr. Milli- gan caused the firm-style to be changed to Godfrey & Milligan, under which it still exists and is recognized in all commercial circles. The business of the house embraces all transactions and agencies incident to a full banking business, while the standing of the individuals comprising the firm is a full guarantee of the reliability and worthiness of the house. The community, having full confidence in the men themselves, has re- posed a like confidence in the institution, as attested by the house transactions.

Citizens' Bank.

This bank was organized on the individual-liability plan in Mav. 1-73. Within the range of its transactions it loans money, makes collections, bays paper, buys and sells exchange, receives and pays interest on de- posits, and transaets such other business as pertains to a general bank- ing business. Capital and deposits March 1, IS81. $90,000. The insti- tution has proved itself reliable, and has earned the confidence of the whole community.

Officers : Christ. Schunck, President; F. C. Le Blond, Vice-President ; John W. De Ford, Cashier ; R. G. Blake, Assistant Cashier.

Planing Mill.

In 1875 J. F. Timmonds commenced the lumber trade in Celina, having entered into partnership with Messrs. Hight & Klare. This partnership lasted about- two years, or until the death of Mr. Hight, at which time Mr Klare retired from the business. Messes. Timmonds & F. Stalke purchased the establishment, and in November. 1880, Mr. Stedke sokat his interest to Valentine Estry. The firm of Timmonds & Estry. as now operating, is doing business on Warren Street, and employs tive workmen. Everything within the line of planing-mill work is done by the firm, while an extensive stock of lumber of all kinds and grades is kept constantly on band.

G. Le Blond, Abner Davis, and I. P. Lake

entered into partnership April 3, 1869, in the hardware, machinery, and grocery business. Finding business increasing in 1879, and the necessi- ties of the people requiring larger capital to be invested in these branches, the firm separated the grocery from the hardware business. To their business interests they have added a steam grain elevator, which is on the Lake Erie and Western Railroad, with a capacity of about 20,000 bush- els of grain. There is also a corn-sheller attached to run by steam. The number of hands employed, five.

CHURCHES. St. Paul's United Evangelical Church

was organized in Celina in 1868, but was not finished until 1872. It is a frame building, 26 by 40 fret, with a steeple and bell. It cost $1800. They have no regular pastor, but the pulpit is at present supplied by Rev. Mr. Bohren. The first pastor was Rev. Conrad Eppens in 1972. who served one year in Celina and in Liberty township. The second, the Rev. Mr. Burkhardt. now in Baltimore, Md. The third, the Rev. Mr. Crouse, who also prenched at St. Marys. The fourth, the Rev. Mr. Bohren, who has served three years.

Presbyterian Church.

Having examined the original plat of Celina, we find the following language used by Messrs. Aughenbaugh, Riley & Co., proprietors of the town :-

" Lots No. 23 and 119 are donated for schools; and lot No. 44 for the use of the Methodist Episcopal Church : lot No. 100 for the Baptist Church; and lot No. I19 for the Presbyterian Church; which are to be used for no other purpose."

This lot is in the southeast part of the town, on the corner of Fayette and Ash streets.

Rev. J. N. Taylor was the first pastor of the New School Presbyterian Church, which was built in Celina in 1840. Ellership consisted of Andrew Crockett : and the members were Maria M. Crockett, Samuel Jackson, Nathan E. Mead, Abigail Mead. Ears Hyatt, Mrs. John Brown, Mrs. Davenport, Mr. Buckman and wife, Mas. C. Maurer and sister

Rev. Taylor resigned his charge and moved to Indiana in 18H, having been elected to a professorship in Liber College.

The church building was occasionally occupied by Methodists and other denominations until It, there being no regular pastor, but occa- sionally a supply minister for the best three years.

In 1817 it was reorganized by Bev. Mr. Templeton. Ellers. Samuel Buckman and Stephen Hight. Members, Mrs. Catharine Tunnonly and Miss Francis A. Timmonds, Catharine Hight and William Hight

352

IHISTORY OF VAN WERT AND MERCER COUNTIES, OHIO.

Preaching was held part of the time by all denominations until 1854 by Rev. Mr. Boggs and Rev. Mr. Hoitolay. Rev. Smith remained with the congregation for one year, after which the organization was disbanded. June 12, 1870, the Presbytery of the Synod of Cincinnati, Ohio, appointed a committee of ministers to reorganize the Church at Celina, consisting of Rev. A. Telford and Rov. Samuel Cunningham Kerr.

The sermou was preached by Rev. A. Telford, and the following per- sons produced letters of dismission and recommendation for membership: William Hight, Teressa Hight, M. C. Culver. Helen H. Culver, Lydia J. Miller, Mrs. G. W. Timmond, of St. Mary's Charch, who were organized as the First Presbyterian Church. Mrs. Catharine Miller, on June 4, 1871, Mrs. Mary Briton, March 6, 1875, and Mrs. Susan Snyder, at the date specified, each produced certificates, and were received into mem- bership. Messrs. W. Hight and M. C. Culver were elected and ordained Ruling Elders.

July 19, 1878, Rev. E. S. Scott, of Delphos, and Elders Oliver Jay, of St. Marys, and D. W. Roebuck, of Centre Presbyterian Churches, reor- ganized the church, which ceremonies were held in the Lutheran Church. The following persons were admitted: M. Schuster, Mrs. M. Schuyler, Mrs. Eliza Schuyler, Miss Mahala Stephens, Mrs. Helen Smith, and Jobn P. Me Afec, from the E. P. Church.

July 20, 1878, M. Schuyler and J. P. MeAfee were elected and ordained Ruling Elders, by Rev. E. S. Scott and Rev. Thomas Elcock, on the fol- lowing day.

October 2, 1879, James Broadwell, L. S. Jameson, and Mrs. Matilda Jameson, were admitted as members.

Sabbath School.

Organized June 23, 1878, with SO scholars, and 5 teachers, by Rev. Mr .. La Porter.

Jan 15, 1881, the trustees of the Presbyterian Church of Celina met to organize. Present, Gideon Le Blond, Davis Guy, Thomas J. Godfrey, J. P. MeAfee, and A. P. J. Snyder. Davis Guy was elected Chairman, and J. P. MeAfee Secretary, and Gideon Le Blond Treasurer.

The Rev. Mr. Lawson took temporary charge as paster April 1, 1879. We shall now give a history of the first Presbyterian Church erected on their lot No. 149, given by the proprietors.

The church was twenty by thirty feet, the ceiling finished with planed boards instead of plastering, and it was weatherboarded.

After the church was dissolved it was used as a school-house, and the following teachers occupied it as such: In 1842-3 Dr. Miller, in 1854 and subsequent years L. D. Carlin, Cynthia Prouty, Jemima Breekon, Annie Armstrong, and Miss Timmonds. After being used for school purposes, it was used as an engine-house. Mr. Shipley bought it of J. W. Riley, Esq., and moved it from its original location to the place where it now stands, on the rear of Mr. Pulskamp's lot, and used as a carriage-house and stable.

In this connection we may state that Mr. Ruckman owned a steam- mill, and furnished the lumber for the church.

Methodist Episcopal Church.

The first Methodist class formed in Mercer County was in 1992, in a log school-house, and consisted of Isane Forbes and wife, Samuel Hanson and wife, Joseph Rider and wife, and George Parrot, and of which George Parrot was the leader.

We next ascertain that in 1838 a Methodist class was organized at Celina, by Messrs. Armstrong and Vincent. . The members consisted of Thomas Martin and wife, Enos Hays and wife, Susan Riley, Win. Dibble and wife, Alonzo Hays and wife, William Allen and wife, Zapher Wil- liams and wife, and Samuel Dellinger.

Another interregnum takes place until 1842, from which date we may definitely determine the establishment of the Methodist Episcopal Church. In this year a missionary by the name of the Rev. Mr. Williams held a meeting, and upon this meeting the church was established early in 1$43. David Gray was appointed class-leader and exhorter. The mem- bers were George Allen and wife, Ellen Culbertson, Mother MeMahon, Levi and Eliza Dibble, and Mrs. Kable.

List of Ministers.

1842. Rev. Edward Williams and Rev. Joseph Me Nabb, of St. Marys circuit, were the ministers, with W. S. Morrow as presiding offer. IS43. Rev. Samuel Beatty and Rev. James Wilson, ministers, and Rev. S. P. Shane, presiding chler of Celina cirenit. The balance of the year 1813-4, Rev. Mr. Hammond preached in lieu of Rev. Wilson.

1814-5. Rev. C. J. Owens and Rev. James M. Barr. 1x16. Rev. Charles Thomas.

1817. Rev. Charles H. Bradbury and Bes. Elisha Black.

1818. Rev. Samuel Yourtre; Rev. Westly Brock, I. E. 1×19-50. Rev. Samuel B. Guibeson, and returned in 1851. 1852. Celina circuit formed.

1859. Rev. Joseph Wykex; Rev. Hiram Streeper, P. E.

1853.

Rev. Gersham Lease; Rev. Westly Brock, P. E.

1×54. Rev. Westly Brock.

1855. Rev. George O. MePherson; Rev. I. M. Sleeper, P. E. 66

1856.

Rev. Elanthus C. Garret, P. F.

1858.

Rev. Samuel Boggs and Rev. John Smith.

1459.

Rev. James F. Mounts and Rev. Amos Lee.

1861. Rev. Philip A. Drown and Rev. Caleb Lec.

1863.

Rev. David Bulle and Rev. A. J. Frisby.

1864. Rev. David Bulle and Rev. Amos Lee; Rev. Franklin Mary- ette, P. E.

1865. Rev. Enos G. Longsworth and Rev. Hiram Maltbee; and Rev. Franklin Maryette, P. E.

1866. Rev. Palmer.

1868. Rev. Clemens.

1870. Rev. MeKean.

1872. Rev. Rauch.

1874. Rev. Biggs.

1875. Rev. MePherson and Longsworth.

1876. Rev. Frisby.

1878. Rev. Hill.

1880. Rev. L. E. Prentiss.

1856. The first Methodist Episcopal Church was built in Celina.

Evangelical Lutheran and Reformed Church

Was organized January 6, 1868. Its erection was immediately com- menced, and finished in 1870. The building is 26 by 40 feet, 20 feet high, with a steeple 45 feet. It was dedicated June 18, 1871.

The lot upon which the church stands was presented by that eminent Christian lady, Mother Maria Brier.

The trustees at its organization, and who took subscriptions, were John M. Pohhnan, Frederick Schwaberon, William Diekman, H. H. Klare. The building cost $1500.

The present trustees are Charles Fanger, William Dickman, John M. Polilman, and George Kercher.

Before the church was built in 1853, the Rev. Behrenz, of Bremen. Rev. Ahlered, of St. Marys and Celina, Rev. Seitz and Rev. Buntenthakel. officiated as pastors until 1871. the preaching being held in the school- house, private houses, and the Presbyterian Church.

The following ministers have filled the pulpit since the erection of the new church : Rev. Conrad Eppes, Rev. Newschmidt, Rev. Rohsteiner, (a Jewish convert), Rev. Krauser, Rev. Burkhart, and Rev. Charles Bohner.

BIOGRAPHIES.

JAMES RILEY

was born in Middletown, Connecticut, Oct. 27, 1777, and was the son of Asher Riley-his mother's name was Rebecca Sage-and was their fourth child. He worked on a farm until he was fifteen years of age, when he concluded to go to sea and visit foreign countries ; up to which time he received but little schooling. His parents were opposed to las leaving. but finally gave their consent. His first trip was on board a vessel bound to the West Indies. At the age of twenty he had passed through all the grades, from cabin boy to chief mate. In stature he was sis feet one iuch, and built in proportion.

On going to New York he received the appointment to a good sailing vessel, and continued in that capacity, making voyages through all the empires of the world. The ship he prized the most highly was called the " Two Marys," but it was unfortunately seized by the French under the Milan Decree December 17, 1807, confiscated and condemned.

After this occurrence he returned in the latter part of Isng to his family, with the loss of nearly all the property he had acquired. From 1809 to 1$12 Capt. Riley was constantly on the ocean following his pro- fession, but yet unsuccessful, and returned home and remained until April, 1815, when he was employed as master of the brig Commerce, of Hartford, Conn., 270 tons burden, and started from the mouth of the Connecticut River to New Orleans. From New Orleans he went to Gibraltar, and arrived there August 23, 1>15. He left there and wa- shipwrecked on the coast of Africa, when the natives drove the crew back to the wrecked vessel, but even then the situation of the crew was as critical, as we will show. After protracted sufferings for nine long wearisome days in their shattered boat they however went to sen again, and landed again on the frightful coast of the African desert.

Here they met a company of wandering Arabs, by whom they were seized ay slaves, and stripped naked. Capt Riley and his crew were taken into the interior of the desert of Sabara, sold, and his crew dis- tributed among the purchasers. Their sufferings were beyond the desery- tion or conception of man.

In his slavery he met with Arabian merchants, opon whom he prevailed to purchase himself with four of his companions. With them be set out for Morocco across the desert, and the company were hospitally entertained by the Arabs, and after many long wearisome days they came in sight

353-354

RESIDENCE OF HON. F. C. LE BLOND, MAIN STREET , CELINA, OHIO.

355

IHISTORY OF VAN WERT AND MERCER COUNTIES, OHIO.

of the ocean. They travelled along the coast, passing small villages and meeting robbers on horseback.

Sidi Hamet was the name of his master, and he promised him that if he could get a letter to any place where there was a consul, he could pay him in money and goods for the relief of himself and his com- panions. A small piece of paper and some staining liquid was furnished to him, and Capt. Riley wrote a letter, directing it to any French, Spanish, or American consul, of his shipment Aug. 28, 1-15, of himself and his four companions bring in slavery, of their sufferings, and asking assistance. Sidi Hamet set out for Magadore, and on the eighth day a man, whose name was Rais bel Cassim, delivered to him a letter from William Willshire, an Englishman, who informed him that the bearer would render him every service which his misfortunes required.

Mr. Willshire also informed him that he Irul agreed to pay Sidi Hamet 920 silver dollars on the arrival of Capt. Riley, Adam Savage, Horace Savage, James Clarke, and Thomas Burns, although six more of the crew were yet in slavery somewhere. Mr. Willshire sent clothes, shoes. provi- sions, and spirits, to sustain them in their journey under Rais bel Cassim, in whom they could put implicit confidence. He also wrote to the United States Consul General at Zangor, and Horatio Sprague of Gibraltar, in- forming them of his proceedings and of Captain Riley's and his friends' release. So warm was the attachment of William Willshire that he directed Rais bel Cassim to wait at the garden of a friend, then go and tell him, and he would go out and meet them, and in the true language of friendship added, " God grant mne the pleasure to embrace you, and it will be to ine a day of true rejoicing."

It may be proper to remark that Sidi Hamet remained as a hostage for Rais bel Cassim's safety as well as for the security of Capt. Riley and his friends. After travelling many days and occasionally meeting with obstructions of Arab chiefs, they met with Sidi Hamet's brother with mules sent by Mr. Willshire about three leagues from Santa Cruz. From that point the party set out to Swearab, which they behebt in the distance, and Rais bel Cassim in the joy of his heart exclaimed, " There is the town ; there is the vessel to carry you to your country and your family. Soon, soon will you see the noble Willshire !"

Slowly they approached Swearab, or Magadore, surrounded by four walls of stone, and over a distant part of the city Capt. Riley and his friends beheld the American flag floating to the breeze. When Willshire approached Capt. Riley he said to him, Welcome to my arms, my dear sir; this is truly a happy moment! and shaking hands with each of Capt. Riley's companions he welcomed them to liberty. They then marched into the city to the house of William Willshire, where they were clothed and fed.

Having recovered their health and strength Capt. Riley sent his companions in a ship to Gibraltar Jan. 4, 1815, and he set out the day following by land for Taugier, to visit the American consul residing at that place. He passed through Phabat, Salle, Marmora, Laresh, and arrived at Tangier on Jan. 19, 1816, and was received at the American consul's house by James Simpson, Esq., the American Consul General, with the request to consider it his home.

January 25, 1816, a schooner being ready to sail for Gibraltar he em- barked on the 30th. landed in due time, and was received by the American consul. It so happened that the ship Rapid, of New York, Capt. Robert Williams, was ready to sail for that port, aut he embarked with his men, who had met him there. to proceed to the United States by way of Cadiz.

Capt. Riley and his party set sail February 2. 1516, and was welcomed by friends and fellow-citizens. He hastened to his home, and found his family in good health. A meeting which we will leave the reader to imagine, rather than describe.

November 24, 1817. Captain Riley paid a visit to Fort Wayne, and in a letter of that date says, " The country around Fort Wayne is fertile. the situation commanding and healthy, and here will arise a town of great importance which must become a depot of immense trade. The Fort, he adds, is only a small blockade, and thirty dwelling houses occu- pied by French and American funilies. As soon as the land shall be surveyed and offered for sale, inhabitants will pour in from all quarters to this future thoroughfare between the East and the Mississippi River. He himself purchased at the Piqua land office this year a number of tracts of land at the rapids of the St. Mary's ( Willshire). May we not truthfully say that a man who could utter such prophetic words is des- tined to live in all coming time'?

After remaining at home recruiting his health, we find him, May. 1820, removing with his little family to Chillicothe, and in June surveying ou the Auglaize River, aud continued this work between the Aughuize and Maumee rivers until the winter.

In September, 1820, he purchased of the United States at the land office at Pigna seven tracts of land at the rapids in the St. Mary's River, called the " Devil's Race-Ground," adjoining the Indiana line, Capt. Riley commenced improving his purebase by erecting a dam across the river and building a log cabin for his family, to which he removed in January, Isgn, the nearest inhabitant being twelve miles from his resi- dence. In May, 1-21, he began surveying at Fort Defiance, at the function of the Auglaize and Maumee rivers, and up Tuliu's River to the northern boundary of Ohio.

In August, 1821, on account of the sickness of his entire family, he moved sixty miles to Piqua, accompanied by his son James and a sur- veying party. In November they returned to their old home, and in March, 1822, they were enabled to resume their old occupations.

In 1822 Capt. Riley built a two-story frame grist-mill. He was also engaged in surveying the lands on both sides of the St. Marys River to Fort Wayne. Ind., including Fort Wayne and the lands in Indiana be- twee St. Mary's and the Mamince River, including twenty townships of six ties square. He laid out a town on his own land, situated on the rapids of St. Marys, and called it Willshire, in honor of his friend and redeemer from slavery in Magadore. In 1822 he represented Darke and Shelby counties in the Legislature.

In 1825 Capt Riley removed from Ohio to New York, and in the same year sailed for a trading voyage to the West Indies, and returned early in 1929. In 1830 he took a cargo to Martinico, thence to St. Thomas, and returned to New York, and also made several voyages that year.

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.

History of Van Wert and Mercer counties, Ohio, with illustrations and biographical sketches of some of its prominent men and pioneers, Part 94

Author: Sutton, R., & Co., Wapakoneta, Ohio, pub Publication date: 1882 Publisher: Wapakoneta, Ohio : R. Sutton Number of Pages: 878

Author: Sutton, R., & Co., Wapakoneta, Ohio, pub
Publication date: 1882
Publisher: Wapakoneta, Ohio : R. Sutton
Number of Pages: 878