350 - HISTORY OF WILLIAMS COUNTY. Every mark of these pioneer improvements has been obliterated, and a stranger, riding along the banks of the creek, would hardly dream that at that point were built the first saw-mill and grist-mill in St. Joseph Township. Shortly thereafter, a grist-mill was built at West Buffalo, which, for many years, did the milling for the people of the four townships cornering there. MARRIAGES AND BIRTHS. To Samuel Holton and wife was born the first white child in the township. This was some time in 1831 or 1832. The first persons married in the township were this Samuel Holton and his brother John. They married daughters of the Widow Fee, who then lived on the river, northeast of Edgerton, on what is now known as the Rishel farm. Later along, in 1836, William Bender married another daughter of the Widow Fee. This was a wedding of considerable consequence. The people gathered in. They came down the St. Joseph River from Denmark in boats. Daniel Farnham, who had lately moved into the township, was there. DEATHS. It is difficult to tell who first died in St. Joseph Township. On the farm now owned by Judge Parker are three graves. They are situated east of the Edgerton road and south of the Bellefontaine road, and not far from the bank of the river. A person riding along the Bellefontaine westward, after passing the house of Judge Long about seventy rods, and looking toward the south, will see the place of these early burials. Daniel Farnham says they were plainly marked in 1835. The names of those thus buried in the woods were Baker, Horton and Stailey. They were probably the first, but of what they died, when and by whom buried, it has been impossible to find out. A little farther south and nearer the river bank is the grave of Zediker, who once owned that land. He died at an early period, and was buried in the woods. By his side was buried a child, an infant daughter, of one Thomas Hill. CEMETERIES. The first graveyard in the township was located on the farm of Judge Parker, now owned by Judge Long. Persons were buried there as early as 1838. Rev. Elijah Stoddard was one of the first buried there. George Aucker was also buried about the same time. Judge Parker, who died in 1857, was buried there, and several of his children, who died before him. Later, their bodies were exhumed and removed to the cemetery at Edgerton. The wife of Judge Parker, who survived him some years, and his daughter, Urilla Stough, were also buried at Edgerton. There were ST. JOSEPH TOWNSHIP - 351 quite a number buried in this early graveyard, but at present it is difficult to find even their graves. A little later, they began to bury on the farm of Daniel Farnham. Sallie Farnham, mother of Daniel Farnham, was the first person buried there, some time in 1844, aged sixty-seven years. Mr. Hanks was the second, and a Mr. Edwards was the third. This cemetery is still in a tolerable state of repair, and is now, and has been used by the people of the edge of Indiana for the burial of their dead. Still later, a graveyard was started southwest of Edgerton, on the Clarksville road. The people in the southwestern portion of the township buried there for many years. It is still kept in pretty fair condition. In the eastern part of the township, on the Bryan road, is another cemetery of early origin. It was connected with the first church building erected in the township. The old church fell into decay, and has been torn down, but the cemetery is kept in very good repair, and is still used by the people in that part of the township. Some of those residing in the northwestern part of the township laid their friends away in what is known as the Leonard Graveyard, over in the edge of Indiana. In the early times, the dead were often buried in some favorite spot at home. Here and there, all over the township, on the farms of the early settlers are these graves—now almost forgotten. The last cemetery :rated in the township is the one at Edgerton. To this, many of those uried on farms, and in other cemeteries, have been removed. It is the most beautiful in the county, and is kept in excellent condition. WILD ANIMALS. Bears, wolves and deer were very abundant. Deer came in upon the heat-fields in the fall and winter. The pioneers, lying in watch for them n moonlight nights, were able to shoot them with comparative ease, and thus kept up a good supply of venison. It is related by the earlier etttlers that deer would venture so near to their buildings that they were able on moonlight nights to shoot them from their barns. Wolves were more cautious, and though they destroyed sheep and made night hideous by their wild howling, yet they were killed in comparatively fewer numbers The Worthingtons, in St. Joseph Township, and the elder Bush, in Florence, did the largest business in that line. Bears were death on hogs. It was no uncommon thing for the settlers to find some of their hogs killed and partially devoured, or so injured as to die. Daniel Farnham killed one between his house and the farm of the elder John Casebeer. John W. Bowersox killed a very large one on his farm, in the northwest part of the township. Aaron Streets killed one, just north of that, in the edge of Florence Township. It is not related that bears ever attacked any of the 352 - HISTORY OF WILLIAMS COUNTY. early settlers, though John Wesley Bowersox, a resident of St. Joseph, was once compelled to seek refuge from wolves by climbing a tree, just south of the tamarack swamp, in the south part of Florence Township. FIRST FAMILIES. In August, 1835, the following-named persons were residing in this township: The Widow Fee and her children were living on Section 10, in said township; the Widow Craig, on Section 11 ; George Aucker and Robert McCullough, on Section 15 ; Solomon Lewis, father of William Lewis, once Sheriff of Williams County, on Section 33: Samuel Holton, on Section 21, and Mr. Haskins on Section 27. Turner Jolly was a young man having no abiding place. A Mr. Talbot was in the township then for a short time, but did not remain. Most of those parties are now (lead. Daniel Farnham came in 1835 ; Judge Parker and David Aucker in 1836 ; John Bratton, in 1837 ; John W. Bowersox, Benjamin Cornell, John Cornell and George Long, in 1838. John W. Bowersox, Daniel Farnham and wife, and John Bratton are the last of the grown up persons, then in the township, now remaining. Judge Parker moved into the township from Defiance. He had sold goods in Defiance for a number of years previous. He first came up the river to trade with the Indians. He bought a large tract of land, built a house, and then removed his family. The frame house, built as early as 1836, still stands, and is now occupied by Judge Long. He laid out, at about this time, the village of Denmark. It had its public square, storeroom, ashery and schoolhouse, and in 1840 was quite a village. This was the first village in the township. He had a large family of children, but three of whom grew to womanhood. Mary died unmarried at twenty-four; Urilla married J. S. Stough, M. D., and has since died; Harriet married George E. Long, formerly Probate Judge of the county, and is still living, the last of the family. Daniel Farnham has resided in the township continuously since 1835. He first sold goods for Judge Parker at Denmark. He was married to Miss Caroline Sawyer, at his own house, in 1840, Judge Parker performing the marriage ceremony. A large family of children grew up around them ; he owns a large tract of land in the western part of the township, and considerable property in Edgerton. He and the companion of his youth are living in the enjoyment of great plenty in the village of Edgerton. Benjamin Cornell and wife are both gone. George Long lived for many years on his farm three miles northwest of Edgerton. He did a mercantile business in part of his dwelling house as early as 1850, and for some years thereafter. He owned and cleared up a large farm on the Bellefontaine road, and later on removed to Edgerton, where he died in 1880. John Bratton still lives on his old farm, one and one-half miles ST. JOSEPH TOWNSHIP - 353 west of Edgerton. The companion of his youth departed this life in February, 1881, leaving him alone. John W. Bowersox resides on the farm first settled by him in 1838. His wife died many years ago, and he has never remarried. The old log cabin built by him in the fall of 1838, still stands. He lives with his daughter in the enjoyment of plenty of this world's goods, the result of his own hard labors. David Aucker and wife, who came into the township in 1836, and lived on the river bank just north of Denmark, have both been dead several years. Mr. Blair, father of Seth and Wright Blair, and who resided at Blair's Corners, southwest of Edgerton, died there in 1839 or 1810. He was one of the earliest settlers in that part of the township. John Skelton came into the township from Stark County in 1839, and settled in the northwestern part of the township ; he died a number of years ergo, and his wife in 1881. Two of his sons live on the old farm, and another in the community. Jacob Aucker now owns and lives on the farm entered by his parents in 1836. Though but a lad then, he is now comparatively an old man. INDIAN TRAILS. These are not well defined in this township. The Bellefontaine road, running from Defiance, Ohio, to Lima, Ind., is said to have been laid and at out along the line of an Indian trail. It was certainly crooked enough in the beginning to have been laid out in that way. There was another Indian trail leading from where Samuel Holton lived in St. Joseph Township, along the banks of Fish Creek, to where his brother, John Holton, resided in De Kalb County, Ind. This trail has altogether disappeared, nor is there any road running along the line thereof. BRIDGES. The first bridge of any consequence in the township was the one across the St. Joseph River at Denmark, Ohio. It fell into decay, and was replaced by a new one, which in its turn gave place to the one that now Spans the river at that point. The bridges that obtained in the early times, were those known as corduroy. By this means the new roads across the swamps and bogs were rendered partially passable. EARLY TAVERNS. The first tavern was at Denmark, at the private house of Judge Parker. Here the early pioneers stopped and left their families while they explored the wilderness for the lands formerly entered by them. Judge Parker entertained the traveling public for many years, though he never had any hotel building than his private house, still standing. Later an, 354 - HISTORY OF WILLIAMS COUNTY. George Long fed the traveling public at his house on the Bellefontaine road. Benjamin Cornell, who lived on the Bellefontaine road still nearer the State line, occasionally kept travelers over night. Soon after Edgerton was started, perhaps in 1855, one Mr. Thursby built the large frame hotel now standing in Edgerton, and known as the Arlington. About that time John H. Newman kept hotel on the west side of Michigan avenue, in said village. ASHERIES. The first ashery was at Denmark ; it was started as early as 1840. It stood west and across the road from the present residence of Judge Long. Not long afterward Daniel Farnham started one on his farm. As he was yelling goods at the same time, he did a large business, exchanging goods for ashes. Many years afterward an ashery was started at Edgerton. MANUFACTORIES. The only factories of any consequence in this township were the oar rectory built in Edgerton along about 1860, the woolen factory started later, and the handle factory located there very recently. The oar factory burned down a few years after it was built; the others are still in operation. Joseph Spindler started a tannery in Edgerton soon after the town was started. He has continued in the business there ever since, making good leather and doing a good business. VILLAGES AND STORES. The first village was Denmark, and on the lands originally owned by Judge Parker. The first building was his residence. Its limits were on either side of the Bellefontaine road from near the river to a point west of the residence of Judge Long. It extended north of where his barns now are, the public square being not far from where his new barn stands. West and a little north of said barn was built the first schoolhouse built in the township. There is nothing left to indicate to a stranger that there was once the site of a smart little village. Judge Parker brought on the first stock of goods. Frederick Stevens and John D. Martin had sold goods before this just across the river, on the farm now owned by Mr. Dietsch. Judge Parker kept his first stock of goods in what is now the dining-room of Judge Long's residence.' Daniel Farnham clerked for him about four months, in the fall of 1836. Judge Parker then built a storeroom, that stood just west and across the road from Judge Long's residence, and near where a large maple tree now stands. In 1840, Daniel Farnham started a store on his farm. He rafted lumber down the St. Joseph River to Fort Wayne, and with the proceeds purchased his stock of goods. It is said that he kept his first stock of goods in a ST. JOSEPH TOWNSHIP - 357 box under the bed. He sold goods here until 1855, when he removed his stock to Edgerton. Still later than Farnham, George Long started a general store at his residence on the Bellefontaine road. He kept his first stock in the sitting-room of his house. He did a big business with the surrounding farmers. He built a store building near his residence, and did business there until in the fall of 1864, when he bought out John Ainsworth, at Edgerton, and entered into business there. Edgerton was started some time in 1854. Much of the lands whereon the village is located was once owned by the railroad company. It was purchased for the company by Hon. E. Foster. Subsequently it passed into the hands of Sargeant, Bement and Crane. The first store was brought there by the railroad company. William Hill purchased that stock of goods and moved them into a frame building, west of Michigan avenue and south of Indiana street. In 1855, Daniel Farnham built a storeroom and began business on the corner where his brick block now stands. He did business in this building until 1872, when he began the erection of his present business-room, into which he moved in May, 1873. George Helwig worked for him on the farm, clerked for him after he removed to Edgerton for a number of years, was for a long time a partner, and recently has been doing business for himself. Denmark and Edgerton were the only villages started or built in the township. Edgerton is a pleasant little village, on the west bank of the St. Joseph River. Its streets are wide, shady and always dry. It has several fine brick and frame business houses, four good stores, three drug stores, hardware stores, furniture room, and has always been cursed with more saloons than it needed. Its population in 1880 was 782. The amount of taxable property, as shown by the duplicates of 1882, was $142,000. It has excellent schools, always well attended, and five churches, Methodist, Catholic, German Lutheran, Disciple and Presbyterian. The merchants have always had an excellent trade, and this village has the reputation of being one of the host markets for produce on the Air Line Railroad. POST OFFICES. The only post office in St. Joseph Township for many years was at Denmark. Judge Parker was the first and only Postmaster. Subsequently, it was removed to the residence of Mr. Marsh, less than three miles north of Edgerton. While there the whole family, apparently, were Postmasters. Before this office was finally discontinued, one was established at Edgerton. Dr. Barkdol had charge of this office among the first. He was an appointee of President Buchanan. Since then, J. O. Rose, Albert Knight, William F. Roop and John L. Terpening, have 358 - HISTORY OF WILLIAMS COUNTY. had charge of the office. John L. Terpening, the present efficient Postmaster, has held that position for a number of years. SECRET SOCIETIES. The fraternal organizations have long been a fixture in Edgerton. The Masons have a strong society. They were the first to organize. The Odd Fellows, Royal Arcanum and Knights of Honor organized later, each society being in a flourishing condition. Their halls are well and tastefully furnished. The Good Templars once had a strong society in the village, but it was suffered to go down, and has unfortunately passed out of existence. The many places in the village where liquors are sold show the necessity of a revival of this organization. PHYSICIANS. J. S. Stough lived just north of the village, and practiced medicine for a number of years; he afterward removed to Waterloo, Ind. Dr. Barkdol was one of the first physicians ; he had a fine practice ; his prospects were the most flattering ; he became intemperate, lost prestige and his practice, and is now living in Stryker. Dr. Andrews once practiced in Edgerton. He was a good physician and remarkable for his height, being about six and a half feet in length. He died of consumption, though he was particularly skillful in the treatment of lung diseases. Dr. Miner came there after 1860; he went into the army and died there. His son attempted to fill his father's place for awhile, but never became as eminent. Dr. Schmidt practiced there about the same time. Subsequently he removed to Indiana. Dr. Samuel Wood located there about the beginning of the war; he was a Canadian, and a brother-in-law of he Drs. Stough. He entered the army near the close of the war, and was commissioned a Lieutenant ; he removed to Chicago, and entered nto the stock business. During this time the Drs. Long, George E. and John W., did a large practice in and around Edgerton. Drs. Hathaway, Scribner, Taylor and the Drs. Mortland, have located there at subsequent times, and enjoyed lucrative practices. Dr. Schoettly practices -ome, and also holds the office of Justice of the Peace. He is eminent in the law. LAWYERS. The lawyers have not abounded in this village. E. L. Knight, who came there as a merchant after the war broke out, was an attorney at law. He was elected to the office of Justice of the Peace, which office he was idling with much satisfaction when he died very suddenly A. D. Austin, Esq., has been in the practice for a number of years ; he held the ~iflee of Justice of the Peace for a considerable length of time, and is ST. JOSEPH TOWNSHIP - 359 especially skilled in that class of practice. James Marshall did a good deal of legal business ; he was drowned mysteriously. A suspicion that he was foully murdered still lurks in the minds of the people. C. P. Winbigler has lately set up in the practice, and is reported to be doing a comfortable business. EDGERTON'S PUBLIC AND BUSINESS MEN, SCHOOLS, ETC. Edgerton has been incorporated a number of years. It has numbered among its Mayors such esteemed citizens as George Helwig, 0. H. Fusselman, William F. Roop, James Marshall, John L. Terpening, and the present incumbent, Samual Fritz, and others. Additions have been made to the original plat from time to time. Within the last year this has been done on a large scale. The excellent public schools of the village have caused much of the surrounding territory to be attached for school purposes. The following-named have superintended these public schools Rev. Harris, C. H. Kiracofe, F. V. Irish, Charles A. Bowersox, J. F. Starr, James G. Bowersox, Joseph A. Weitz, and the present incumbent, Mr. Newberry. The school building is a commodious brick of four rooms well arranged. The business men have been singularly fortunate. Few business failures have occurred in this village. During the dark days of and succeeding the panic, her business men came safely through. Situated in a region of unsurpassed fertility, her business men of all classes have always enjoyed a substantial trade. PUBLIC HALLS. No town hall has ever been built in this town. This want has more than been met by the elegant opera hall, on the third floor of the brick block of Daniel Farnham. This large and commodious hall, with stage and scenery, and well seated, has met every want. DISTRICT SCHOOLS, SCHOOLHOUSES AND TEACHERS. The first schoolhouse built in the township was at Denmark. It was built of logs, and stood north of the public square. It has long since disappeared. Near it stood a large apple-tree, said to have been planted by the Indians. The first term of school taught in it, and in the township, was taught by Rev. Stoddard. This was early as 1837 or 1838. Immediately after him a Mr. John Cornell taught a term or two in the same house. There were several other terms taught in this schoolhouse-before it was abandoned. The next schoolhouse built in the township was over a mile north of Edgerton. Ht stood on the east side of the road, on the hill, and very near the barn on the farm of Joseph Hemling, now deceased. This house remained standing for over a quarter of a century, 360 - HISTORY OF WILLIAMS COUNTY. and was once used for election purposes. Shortly after this, and at about the same time, schoolhouses were built in the Carr neighborhood, in the east part of the township, on the Bellefontaine road ; and also one in the northwestern district of the township, on the Bellefontaine road, which was for vears known as the Wilson Schoolhouse. In this latter neighborhood, however, several terms of school had been taught in rooms temporarily fitted up. Rev. Chambers, Mrs. P. E. Wilson, now dead, Mary Dillman, daughter of Jacob Dillman, now deceased. and Marion Preston, now the wife of Daniel Strickland, were among the first teachers that district, and in the township. A Mr. Southworth also taught in that early time. He was eminent in scholarship, but unbalanced in mind. Of later years lie will be remembered as an old man, tall, spare, and with long gray hair and beard, traveling about continually, leaning two staffs, carrying his budget upon his shoulders. He was a harms old man, stopping at whatever house or place night overtook him. He would read or expound the Scriptures and pray with those who kept him , in apparent payment for his entertainment. He died within a few years. He had at least one daughter. Her name wag Charity. She was a mild, intelligent lady and married an excellent gentleman in a county south. There are few of the older citizens of the township, who do not remember patient Charity Southworth. The first schoolhouses built in each of the districts were log. They could well have been built much larger and more commodious considering the abundance of timber. The desks were placed around the wall. The seats were mostly made of basswood logs split into halves. Upon these rude and uncomfortable seats, pupils of all ages and conditions were compelled to sit the six hours per day of school. These pioneer schoolhouses were in strange contrast with the present light, airy and commodious school buildings in every district in the township. And yet it is a fact that as much solid work was done by pupils in those early school buildings as in the more elegant ones of the present. Wood was furnished by the patrons in proportion to the number of pupils sent. Often. it was drawn to the schoolhouse, by the parents, in the log, and cut up by the pupils. Most of the pupils found their way through the woods to the schoolhouses, roads being comparatively unknown. Along these school trails the scholars went to school, and at night to spelling-schools, lighting their way, in the night-time, with torches made from the bark of the hickory tree. SPELLING-SCHOOLS. Nothing modern can equal the spelling-schools of those early times. The young people would go miles to a spelling-school. It was district against district, and it was wonderful how each would back their cham- ST. JOSEPH TOWNSHIP - 361 pions. The order was different at times in spelling down. Sometimes they would stand up and spell around and the last one up was the winner, A more thorough test, however, was to stand up two and two ; and the one who was able to spell the whole crowd down in that way was the winner indeed. These friendly contests were often very exciting, and continued until late into the night. Webster's Elementary Spelling-book was used for many years, and finally gave way to McGuffey's. Anil it is not very clear even yet that the exchange was a wise one. That the pupils in our common schools then were much better spellers than now is beyond all question. SCHOOL BOOKS. McGuffey's Readers, the old edition, were introduced into the schools of the township at an early period. Previous to that, other books were used as readers, the New Testament being prominent among the rest. There was no uniformity in this matter, until the adoption of McGuffey's series. Adam's arithmetic was used by some, Pike's by others, and the old Western Calculator had its friends. No uniformity was arrived at in this regard, until the adoption of Ray's series. He has held the ground ever since. His Third Part, or Practical, has been the standard for many years. There are many, with very good cause, who think it has never been excelled for the purpose for which it was designed. No particular system of writing was ever taught, save perhaps, in the village of Edgerton. The systems were as various as the teachers were—ever changing. Davie's algebra was first used by those who had advanced that far. It was supplanted by Ray, who has held the ground ever since, save in Edgerton, where, of late years, Schuyler's complete algebra was used for a time. This township early took a front rank in matters of education, and has always held its place. It has furnished many teachers, and some of the most eminent the county has ever had. In this respect, one district, number three, particularly excelled. In that district there was scarcely a family that did not furnish a teacher, and several as high as three. A number attended the academies of the country, while four from that district graduated from college, and largely by their own efforts. Hev. James G. Bowersox, from Otterbein University and Oberlin Theological School ; Charles A. Bowersox, from Otterbein University ; Joseph A. Weitz and Luthera Wilson, now Mills, from Hillsdale College, Michigan. Allen Klippart taught for many years in the district right east of ,his, or number two. He was a brother of the Klippart who was once prominent in the Agricultural Departments of the State. He was, like his brother, an excellent scholar. Strong drink got the better of him. He was killed by a railroad train while going to Bryan, and just as the train was starting from Edgerton. It was scarcely regarded accidental. 362 - HISTORY OF WILLIAMS COUNTY. Daniel Strickland was one of the early teachers, as was his younger brother, Michael. Lewis N. Mills taught in nearly every school in the township several times over. " Lew " Mills, as he was called, was crosseyed and could spell everybody down. He is in Nebraska now. Elizabeth Cornell, now the wife of William Poole, of Center Township, taught any terms, as did also her sister. Harriet, now in Nebraska. James G. Bowersox taught the greater part of the time for over a quarter of a century, occasionally stopping off to preach. He died at his post, almost in the schoolroom in Edgerton, at about forty-six years of age. There were other excellent teachers, among whom were J. A. Weitz, D. W. Weitz, Luthera, Maria and Lottie Wilson, and others equally good, whose names do not now occur to the writer. In passing it is very safe to say, that St. Joseph Township has produced an intelligent class of young people, always anxious to avail themselves of every opportunity for improvement. NEWSPAPERS OF EDGERTON. The only newspaper ever published in Edgerton was established in the winter of 1876, by H. A. Granbery and J. R. Fusselman ; it was a small folio, printed on a hand press, and was called the Edgerton Weekly. The following summer Granbery assumed entire control, and ran the journal till 1878, when he sold out to Sardis Williams, of Bryan, who is now publishing a paper in Decatur, Ind. He changed the name to that of the Edgerton Herald, ran the paper nearly a year, and then turned it over to its former owner, Mr. Granbery. This gentleman is a free and graceful writer, and was quite successful in the management of the business until June last, when he suspended. The journal was independent in politics, and had a circulation of about six hundred copies. The probabilities are that its publication will be resumed at an early day, either by Mr. Granbery or other parties. POLITICS. Politically, the township is Democratic, and has been for years. The majority has varied from eighty-five to fifteen of late years. The corporation of Edgerton is slightly Republican. This township, one time or another, has filled nearly every county office. H. H. Wilcox in the Recorder's Office; Lewis E. Brewster and William H. Chilcote in the Clerk's Office; George E. Long and Charles A. Bowersox in the Probate Judge's Office; William S. Lewis and his son-in-law, George C. Kober, in the Sheriff 's Office; William McCain in the Auditor's Office and Daniel Farnham in the County Commissioner's Office; while Charles A. Bowersox, formerly of that township, is the present member of the State Legislature. The township has good material with which to fill all these offices round again—indeed, she has the men anxious to do it. ST. JOSEPH TOWNSHIP - 363 ELECTIONS. The first election held in the township was at John Fee's, April 4, 1832 ; after that for a time at Denmark. At least one election was held at what was called the Parker place, now the farm of Mr. Hollinger. John W. Bowersox says he attended an election there. Afterward, they held elections in the schoolhouse on the hill, a little more than a mile north of Edgerton. It stood on the hill not far from the barn of Joseph Hemling. Soon after Edgerton was started, they began to hold elections there, and it has been the voting place ever since. One of the first Justices of the Peace, and in fact one of the first officers elected in the township, was a Mr. Preston. Offices were not sought after then as now. A Mr. Tanner and Alexander Kearnes were Assessors for years. An office, now abolished, it was difficult to get any one to fill; this was the Fence Viewer. DURING THE REBELLION. St. Joseph Township did its duty nobly in that dark struggle. It furnished men for the three months' service, and its quota for every subsequent call. It gave its best boys to such grand old regiments as the Fourteenth, Thirty-eighth, Sixty-eighth, One Hundred and Eleventh Oh Volunteer Infantry and other regiments, and to the Third and Ninth Ohio Cavalry. St. Joseph Township has some, and many for its population as brave and noble boys sleeping in the South as ever dressed in the loyal blue. Some are sleeping in the little cemetery at Edgerton. Ann ally the good people gather there, strew their graves with sweet spring flowers and bedew them with their tears. They are a part of that nobly. army of the dead. The citizens of the township gave of their substance to the Sanitary Commissions to make comfortable the sick, the wounded and the dying. Many a poor boy in the service was made comfortable by gifts from people in St. Joseph Township, who were, in fact, too poor to give. CHURCH ORGANIZATIONS. Rev. Elijah Stoddard was among the first, if not the first minister who preached in this township ; this was as early as 1836 or 1837, Denmark. The services were held in a small log house, not far frog the residence of Judge Long, and a little east. Mrs. Farnham, who was there, says that, seats being scarce, she saw the men go out an carry in rails from the fences and fix up temporary seats. Meeting, were held, with more or less regularity, at Denmark for a number years. For awhile they were held in the residence of Judge Parker, and later along, in his barn. The barn stood very near where the barn of Judge Long, lately built, now stands. Revs. Coleman and Warner, min- 364 - HISTORY OF WILLIAMS COUNTY. isters of the M. E. Church, traveled through the township in that early time. Rev. Warner traveled a circuit extending into this township many years afterward. Rev. Coleman traveled a part of the same circuit again in 1869 and 1870 ; he is now somewhere in the West. The Presbyterians held services in Denmark at about the same time. They were represented by such ministers as the brothers James and David Anderson, Akey and Crabbs. James Anderson died many years ago; he had much to do with the academy established in Williams Centre more than a quarter of a century ago. David Anderson has had a charge in the northwest part of Williams County within the last three or four years. Revs. Akey and Crabbs are dead. A daughter of Rev. Crabbs is married, and resides in Superior Township, in said county. James Anderson was especially beloved by the people as a preacher and teacher. The Presbyterians, later on, occasionally held services in the barn of Henry Cassler, on the farm now owned by Daniel Stevens, three miles north of Edgerton. Rev. Cather, of the Lutheran Church, preached in the township at various places for a number of years after 1840. Ile preached at Denmark, in the house of John W. Bowersox, and at various other places. He has not been in the active ministry for a number of years, and resides in Indiana. He was something of a wag. He had several daughters ; he named one Coon, another Whale, ant another Bear. By these names, especially Coon, they went for years. He had quite a family. They were strangely unfortunate, the largerumber having died when comparatively in the prime of life. The Church of the United Brethren was represented by Revs. Hulburt and Jonathan Thomas, commonly known as "Father" Thomas. Rev. Hulburt as an eccentric character, something of the Peter Cartwright style. to preached in various places in the township, amongst others in the log ;yarn of John W. Bowersox. "Father" Thomas is now living in l utler, Id.; he is about seventy-five years of age, and has been in the ministry over half a century; he states that he preached in Bryan over arty-four years ago, or in 1838. One of his appointments, over forty tears ago, was at what was called Blair's Corners, southwest of Edgerton ; he preached there in a little old log schoolhouse. He was a man of wonderful natural talent, fearless in defense of what he conceived to be right, terrible in denunciation of the wrong. He had a reputation as a revivalist. The German Methodists were at one time represented by two ministers named Baker and Deemer. They held services for awhile in what is called the Weitz neighborhood, in+the northwest portion of the township. It is said that Baker, who was very popular, abandoned the ministry and fell from the profession altogether. ST. JOSEPH TOWNSHIP - 365 The Methodist Episcopal Church has maintained organizations in the township from the earliest time to the present. Appointments have changed somewhat, and some have been abandoned, but the voice of the itinerant minister has always been heard in the township. In the days of Thompson, Allbright, Lindsay and others, they would hold services on week days. Then it was that ministers were traveling the circuit in reality. Farmers and their hands, their wives and children, would leave their harvest fields, and, in the garb of toil, go to the schoolhouses, the then houses of the Lord. About the first organization of a Congregational Church in the township was at the schoolhouse three miles north of Edgerton. This was as early as 1856. Rev. Worts, then of Ligonier, Ind., was the first minister. At one time, there was quite a flourishing organization there. It has been abandoned for many years, the congregation having been re-organized at Edgerton. Mr. Worts was present at or about the time of the hanging of the famous horse-thief McDougal, by the regulators of Noble and La Grange Counties, Ind. He seems to have held some religious services with the doomed man. In his sermons of that time, he made frequent reference to the terrible scene and its lessons. The Reformed Church also had an appointment at the same schoolhouse for a number of years. Indeed, it appears that for awhile every religious denomination known to the Christian world held services in tha: schoolhouse. Rev. Weaver held services for the Baptists in a log school house standing on the same site. This was as early as 1854. It way about the time the Air Line Railroad was being built. Ile was holding services there one Sabbath afternoon. Something like a dozen or more of the employes on the road came to the meeting, and began to disturb the minister. He remonstrated with them, but to no purpose. Having come for a row, they proposed to have one. They continued their disorderly behavior beyond the endurance of the citizens then present. The meeting stopped, and the fight began—Alexander and Tobias Wright, John Gnagy, John W. and David Bowersox, John Skelton and Benjamin F. Cornell and others on the part of the preacher, the railroad hands on their own behalf. The struggle was terrific. Finally, the friends of good order and the Gospel prevailed. The railroad men were completely routed, and most of them fearfully battered. They threatened to return in great force, but never put in an appearance. The Catholics first organized in Edgerton. They have a good church building and parsonage there. They have their priests, and are in a flourishing condition. The Disciples were once stronger in Edgerton than they are now. At 366 - HISTORY OF WILLIAMS COUNTY. one time they built a very neat little church, wherein they still hold services, as they are able to employ a minister. The German Lutherans have a church building and organization in Edgerton. Their numbers are not great, but they are in a growing condition under the ministration of their popular pastor, Rev. Staehling. Within the last fifteen years, the Evangelical Association has done a good work near the central part of the township. Services were formerly held in a schoolhouse, about a mile and a quarter north of Edgerton. The membership has grown rapidly. Recently they have completed an excellent church building near the site of the schoolhouse. They have among their members many of the substantial citizens of the township. The Universalists occasionally held services in Edgerton. They have had no distinct organizations at any time. There have been services held from time to time in the township by ministers of other denominations than those named, but no distinct organizations have been effected. Probably the first church building erected in the township was on the Bryan road, near the east line of the township. Ht was built of hewed logs, and, as nearly as can be ascertained, was controlled by the Lutherans. It is torn away now, and was abandoned for many years theretofore. A little graveyard, heretofore referred to, was in connection with it. It stood there, almost in the woods, for many years, and had a sort of ghostly appearance. A better selection for a spectral story could not have been found. There is now scarcely a trace of it left. The next was the Methodist Church in Edgerton. This was built in the early days of the war, and by the contributions of all the people. It is still in a good state of preservation. A parsonage has been added lately. The other churches were built in or about the order named here : Disciple. Catholic, Lutheran, Presbyterian and Evangelical. The Presbyterians have recently built a very neat little church in Edgerton. The organization is formed in part of former members of the Congregational Church. It is in a flourishing condition, and increasing in membership. They were helped by the church erection fund of the Presbyterian Church. SUNDAY SCHOOLS. Sunday schools had much of the same history as the churches. They began at Denmark, and extended over the township as the population increased. Held first in private houses, then schoolhouses, and then in church houses in the communities where such houses are. Among the earliest was one organized in the old log schoolhouse, commonly known as the Wilson Schoolhouse, in the northwestern part of the township. It was managed largely by Mr. Wilson, who now resides in Bryan. There ST. JOSEPH TOWNSHIP - 367 were no lesson leaves nor Bible teachers as now. He carried the whole library, testaments, question books, and Sunday school books, in a small hand basket. Even in that poorly equipped school impressions were made in childhood, that have not been forgotten in maturer years. Barefoot, with nothing on but chip hat, shirt and denim pants, men, now well known in the county, in childhood attended that Sabbath school, in the old log schoolhouse by the wayside. Sunday schools were less sectarian then than now. They were generally called and managed as Union Sunday Schools. Revival meetings were conducted with much zeal in that early time. Night meetings were attended mostly on foot. At least one member of each family would come bearing a torch unlit, made from the bark of the hickory tree, and even a rifle was no uncommon thing to be seen in meeting. When dismissed, they would light their torches, and start for home. A number of families living in the same direction would form quite a procession. As they move along, there is something wild and weird in the scene. The glare of their torches light up the dense forest, and the fitful shadows dance and quiver on either side like spectral creatures. Ever and anon the wild woods ring with hymns of rejoicing or songs of awful warning, exhorting sinners to repentance. There is nothing like these pioneer meetings in modern times. RETROSPECTIVE. No important event has occurred in the township during its history Among the people general good feeling and harmony has prevailed. The few old settlers often talk about the hard winter, as they call it, of 1837-38. They say a heavy snow fell on the 1st of November, and lay until well into the following April. In going to the spring election they crossed the streams on the ice. Stock subsisted for weeks on browse. When a farmer wanted to feed his stock, he took his ax on his shoulder and started for the woods, his stock following him. He would cut down trees mostly basswood, upon the young shoots of which cattle fed. Much stock perished from cold, exposure and lack of food. The early settlers tell to this day how, during the days of that awful winter, in the afternoon, in the southwestern heavens, acloud would appear, white and having the shape of a cow's horn. The few pioneers regarded it as an omen of evil. It has been about half a century since the first white man began a settlement on Fish Creek in this township. He is gone. The dam he threw across the stream, the mills he built upon its banks, the dwelling house in which he lived, all are gone. Scarcely a thing is left to mark his works. More than a generation has passed on the swift flight of years. Scarce a few of those who began the struggle of the wilderness with him are left. 368 - HISTORY OF WILLIAMS COUNTY. But four of these are in the township now to tell the history of those years of hardest toil. Another decade will sweep the last one from the cares and trammels of earth. At their death, the last living monument of their works and history will have perished. It is hoped that this history will   properly preserve the record of their early toils. SUPERIOR TOWNSHIP. BY HORACE S. KNAPP. ORGANIZATION. At a session of the Commissioners of Williams County, held at Defiance June 3, 1839, the following proceedings were had : " Upon the petition of George Bible and others, the board order that there be a new township formed composed of the following-described territory, viz. All of original surveyed Township 7 north, of Range 2 east, and Fractional Township 8 north, of Range 2 east, to be known and distinguished by the name of Superior, and order the Auditor to give notice to the electors in said township to meet at the house of Jacob Sholl in said township on Saturday, June 22, 1839, and proceed according to law to choose the necessary officers to organize said township." TOWNSHIP GOVERNMENT. Election April 1, 1844—Trustees, Adam Bechtol, James Allman and Daniel Scholl; Clerk, Thomas Miller; Constables, Henry Ferguson and Charles Duvall; Assessor, George Bible; Treasurer, George W. Bible. In 1846, David Scholl, James Allman and William Dunlap were elected Trustees; Thomas Miller, Clerk; George Bible, Treasurer, and Robert Ogle, Assessor. 1847—Trustees, Daniel Scholl, William Dunlap and Levi Colby; Clerk, Thomas Miller; Treasurer, George Bible; Assessor, Robert Ogle. 1848—Trustees, Daniel Scholl, William Dunlap and James Anspaugh ; Clerk, Thomas Miller; Treasurer, George Bible, Assessor, Edgar Hubbard. 1849—Trustees, William Dunlap. John Cameron and John Barcelow; Clerk, Levi Colby; Treasurer, George Bible; Assessor, Adam Bechtol. 1850—Trustees, William Dunlap, John Barcelow and John W. Brannon; Clerk, Levi Colby; Treasurer, George Bible ; Assessor, Adam Bechtol. 1851—Trustees, William Dunlap, John Barcelow and John W. Brannon; Clerk, Levi Colby ; Treasurer, George Bible; Assessor, William Dunlap. 1852—Trustees, William Dunlap, George W. Bible and George W. Brannon; Clerk, Levi Colby ; Treasurer, Georg *e Bible. 1853—Same as preceding SUPERIOR TOWNSHIP - 369 year, except James Kollar was elected Trustee in place of William Dunlap, and John G. DeWolf, Clerk, in place of Levi Colby. 1854—Trustees, Hiram Opdyke, George W. Bible and Richard Pew; Clerk, Richard Sisson; Treasurer, George Bible. 1855—Trustees, Hiram Opdyke, Joshua Schall and James Anspaugh; Clerk, Richard Sisson; Treasurer, George Bible. 1856—Trustees, Hiram Opdyke, James Anspaugh and John C. Kollar; Clerk, Reason Spake; Treasurer, George Bible. 1856—Trustees, Hiram Opdyke, James Anspaugh and John C. Kollar; Clerk, Reason Spake; Treasurer, George Bible. 1857—All township officers re-elected. 1858—Trustees, James Anspaugh, Levi Canaga and Jacob Knepper; Clerk, Amos Briner: Treasurer, Amos Kint. 1859—Trustees, Jacob Knepper, William H. Scholl and William E. Page; Clerk, John W. Brannon. 1860—Trustees, Jacob Knepper, J. S. Beard and William H. Scholl ; Clerk, Amos Briner. 1861—Same officers reelected. 1862—Trustees, William H. Scholl, I. L. Beard and C. Brannon : Clerk, B. L. Griffith. 1863—Trustees, William H. Scholl, B. Allman and H. J. Rhees ; Clerk, Richard Sisson. 1864—Trustees, William H. Scholl, H. J. Rhees and Alfred Riley; Clerk, B. L. Griffith; Treasurer, Daniel Kint. 1865—Trustees, Christopher Brannon, George W. Bible and N. E. Fry; Clerk, B. L. Griffith. 1866—Trustees, G. W. Bible, D. M. Reeder and W. J. Reas; Clerk, B. F. Cannan; Treasurer, John C. Kollar. 1867—Trustees, G. W. Bible, D. M. Reeder and H. J. Reese, Clerk, B. L. Griffith; Treasurer, George Bible; Assessor, Robert Ogle. At the election April 6, 1868, the following township officers were elected, namely: Trustees, William Teats, George W. Bible and Jacob Knepper; Clerk, William H. Knepper; Treasurer, John C. Kollar; Assessor, John C. Brannon; Constables, John Clum, 'I'. S. Brown. At the election of 1869, the township made choice of, for Trustees : Robert Ogle, H. J. Reese and G. W. Bible; for Clerk, A. \H. Knepper, and for Treasurer, John C. Kollar. 1870—Trustees, Solomon Myers, J. B. Grim and Elias Kine; Clerk, J. D. Kreibel ; Treasurer, J. C. Kollar. And from the last date forward until that which follows, no record exists. The books are supposed to have been destroyed in some of several fires that visited Montpelier. 1881—Trustees, G. W. Bible, Robert Ogle and William Knepper; Clerk, Judson Foust; Treasurer, John Allen. 1882—Trustees, G. W. Bible, Solomon Myers and J. D. Williams; Clerk, George Allen; Treasurer, John Allen. Names of those who voted in Superior Township at an election held November 18. 1840: George Wisman, Wesley Burgoyne and Asa U. Smith, Judges, and George Bible and Joseph H. White, Clerks. Names of electors—Henry Ferguson, Thomas Ogle, Joseph H. 370 - HISTORY OF WILLIAMS COUNTY. White, Asa U. Smith, George Bible, George Wisman, Jacob Scholl, Charles Bible, Wesley Burgoyne and Philip Umbenhaur, 10 votes. At the October election, 1840, Superior Township cast 28 votes-12 for Wilson Shannon for Governor, and 16 for Thomas Corwin, his Whig competitor. Those who voted were: George Bible, Thomas Miller, John Maugharmar, Henry Ferguson, Andrew Miller, Jacob Miller, Robert Ogle, Joseph Miller, Horatio N. Clark, Joseph Pugh, George Wisman, Asa U. Smith, Joseph H. White, Jacob Barger, George Umbenhaur, Phillip Umbenhaur, Isaac Shall, Daniel Shall, Wesley Burgoyne, Robert H. McDonald, Thomas Ogle, Adam Bible, Charles Bible, Joshua Scholl, Jacob Scholl, John Starr, James Starr and Adam Bechtol. And at the October election of 1842, George Wisman, Adam Bechtol and William Crissey, Judges, and George Bible and Henry Ferguson, Clerks, there were. 32 votes cast by the following-named persons: John Mocherman, Jonas Anspaugh, Hiram Hilton, Jacob Disbrow, George Bible, Henry Ferguson, William Clingen, Henry Delinger, John Brenker, Adam Bechtol, Andrew Miller, George Wisman, James Allman, William Crissey, James Anspaugh, Thomas Miller, Joseph Miller, John Phillips, George Kint, Levi Jerome, Joseph White, Jacob Scholl, Conroy W. Mallory, Robert Ogle, Andrew Logan, Thomas Ogle, Phillip Umbenhaur, Frederick Sheets, Charles Duvall, Charles Bible, George Umbenhaur and Daniel Scholl. At this election, Wilson Shannon (Dem.) received for Governor 12 votes, and Thomas Corwin (Whig) 20 votes. JUSTICES OF THE PEACE. Following are the names of those who have served as Justices of the race of Superior Township and dates of their several commissions: Robert Ogle, February 4, 1841 ; George Bible, April 26, 1845; Robert Ogle, April 20, 1847 ; same, June 4, 1850; George Bible, May 1,1851; same, May 9, 1854; Richard Sasson, November 3, 1854; George Bible, April 21, 1857; Jacob Mannon, November 5, 1857; Joseph Griffith, April 12, 1860; Amos Briner, November 13, 1860; Jacob Marmon, April 25, 1862; David Stauffer, April 18, 1863; Jacob Mannon, April 12, 1865; David Stauffer, April 13, 1866 ; David Craver, September 26, 1866; Jacob Mannon, April 15, 1868; David Craver, October 21, 1869; N. E. Fry, April 15, 1871; Jacob Manson, November 15, 1872; L. Brannon, April 16, 1874 ; David Stauffer, October 20, 1875; F. L. Brannon, April 17, 1877; David Stauffer, October 15, 1878 ; Joseph Lindersmith, April 17, 1880 ; William Drake, April 12, 1881. WHITE MALE ADULTS. Below will be found a list of white male inhabitants over the age of SUPERIOR TOWNSHIP - 371 twenty-one years in the township of Superior, Williams County, Ohio, the 1st day of May, 1843, as returned by George Bible, Township Assessor: John Starr, John Kennedy, Henry Dellinger, Daniel Scholl Philip Umbenhaur, Joshua Scholl, Jacob Scholl, George Wisman, Is.,, Scholl, Rudolph Hetgur, Henry Hetgur, Harman Hetgur, George Umbenhaur, Robert McDonald, Robert Logan, Andrew Logan, William Logan, John Mocherman, Henry Mocherman, Thomas Miller, Joseph Miller, Jacob Miller, Andrew Miller, John Phillips, George Phillips, James Anspaugh, Sr., James Anspaugh. Jr., Lewis Vanslyke, Whitney Squire, H. Clark, James Allman, John Anspaugh, Joseph H. White, Charles Duvall, Robert Ogle, Thomas Ogle, Ira Sergeant, Richard Pew, Charles Brundydge, Hiram Hitton, Samuel Collane, Levi Jerome, Willard Virnum, William Crissey, Moses Crissey, Charles Keeley, Jacob Disbrow, Simon Kint, George Kint, Henry Ferguson, Ezra Bechtol, John Bunker, Adam Bible, William Dunlap, Andrew Dunlap, Lazarus Evans, Michael Clansy, John Platt, Convoy W. Mallory, Frederick Sheets, Joseph Pew, George Bible, George W. Bible, Charles Bible and Adam Bechtol—total, 65. THE FIRST SETTLERS. The venerable widow of the late George Bible, now residing at Montpelier, at the advanced age of ninety-four years, says that when l husband came to the township, which was in about 1834, there were white settlers in the township. Her husband's land, on which he bu his first cabin, was situated two and one-half miles southeast of Monti tier, and his son, George W. Bible, now occupies the old homestead. 'I Hndians had a large camp on the St. Joseph's, and within the present corporation limits of Montpelier. The forests abounded with wild anima among the most dreaded of which were bears and wolves, which would often kill and destroy domestic animals, but she never heard of a w making an attack upon persons, nor of a bear or deer, except when wounded by a shot from a hunter, and in all such instances the knife the backwoodsman would soon terminate the conflict. Mr. Bible is represented, by those who have recollections of him, as a remarkably good shot, who scarcely ever missed his mark. One year, he had a tong- with Frederick Miser, of Centre Township, as to which would kill the larger number of deer within a space of two months, the match resulti in Bible's killing ninety-nine and his opponent sixty-five. Mr. B. was much fretted, it is said, because he failed to bring down one more deer, the task he had imposed upon himself at the outset being a round 100. According to Mrs. Loudon's best recollection, although the infirmities of age will not permit her to be positive, the second cabin was built by Robert McDaniels, the third by George Wisman, who settled in 1836, 372 - HISTORY OF WILLIAMS COUNTY. and whose land adjoined Mr. Bible's, and the fourth by Joseph Pugh, who bought land in the immediate neighborhood of those above named. It was several years after Pugh came before a schoolhouse was built. Charles Brundydge settled in Superior Township in December, 1839, and at that date he was the only settler in the township located on the bottom lands of the river. In the township, and located on the uplands, were Robert Ogle, Horatio Clark, George Wisman and Joseph White. The neighbors nearest to him were Mr. Bible and Mr. Ogle. There was neither church nor school building in the township, and no blacksmith shop nearer than Williams Centre. MONTPELIER. This is the only incorporated town in Superior Township. The name is of French origin, and there are two noted places in the United States —one the capital of Vermont, and the other in Virginia, famous as the residence and burial place of James Madison, the fourth President of the United States; and it may be assumed as probable that it was from one or the other of these that the name of the capital town of Superior Township was suggested. The survey of the original town was made and platted by Thomas Ogle, May 25, 1845, and, after remaining only nominally a town during thirty years, it had attained sufficient population and business in 1875 to render a municipal government necessary ; and at the first election, held April 5 in that year, the following officers were chosen : Mayor, J. D. Kriebel; Clerk, Jacob Len; Treasurer, John Allen; Marshal, Jesse Blue. The officers who attest the election of the above are: F. L. Speaker, N. E. Fry and W. M. Gillis, Judges, and J. D. Kriebel and T. E. Lamb, Clerks. Election of 1876—Clerk, Jacob Leu; Street Commissioner, Jesse Blue; Marshal, Eli Isenhart. Election of 1877—Mayor, Jacob Dorshimer; Clerk, Jacob Leu; Street Commissioner, Jesse Blue; Treasurer, John Allen. Election of 1878—Clerk, Jacob Leu; Street Commissioner, J. J. Blue; Marshal, Jacob Hoffer. Election of 1879—Mayor, Eli T. Wisman; Clerk, Jacob Leu; Treasurer, S. W. Mercer; Marshal, Eli Isenhart. Election of 1880—Clerk, Jacob Leu ; Street Commissioner, Daniel Blue. Election of 1881—Mayor, E. T. Wisman; Clerk, George Strayer; Treasurer, Jacob Leu; Marshal, D. M. Kent. Election of 1882—Mayor, J. D. Kriebel; Clerk, F. M. Ford; Street Commissioner, Stephen Downs. So unimportant by the United States census takers had the town been considered that, since it was named, its population had always been merged in that of the township until 1880, when, for the first time in its history, it has an independent place in the United States Census figures, SUPERIOR TOWNSHIP - 375 and an official return of 405 inhabitants. It would not be exaggeration to state that, within two years after taking its first federal census, Montpelier has more than trebled its population, and that its industrial wealth has fully kept pace with its increase in numbers. To make proper estimate of the present number of its inhabitants, the candid investigator will make note of the fact that the floors above nearly every store in the town are occupied by families, while into many dwelling houses, that would only comfortably accommodate one family, are crowded two and sometimes three. Dwelling structures, which appear to be uninterruptedly in progress, are occupied as soon as the walls are sufficiently dried out to make them safe places for habitation. The history of no city or town in Northwestern Ohio or Northeastern Indiana furnishes a parallel to Montpelier since the date of entering upon a career of growth and the new structures are of a substantial character EARLY MANUFACTURING. The development of Montpelier in manufacturing has also been remarkable. It is found difficult to ascertain clearly the date of the establishment of the first industrial shop in the town ; but when Louis Wingert located in the place in 1865, and who, from a condition of penury, has built up a moderate fortune in manufacturing, there were the following: One steam saw-mill, one grist-mill operated by water-power, one ashery, two blacksmith shops, one shoe, one furniture and one wagon shop. There had been a tannery built as early as 1848, but it had been abandoned. Mr. Loudon says that in 1844, the place where Montpelier now is contained only a saw-mill operated by water-power, and owned by Tucker & Hueston; and this one mill was then the only manufacturing establishment in the town. FIRST MERCHANTS. Upon ionic points there exists considerable diversity of opinion, but by common consent it is conceded that C. W. Mallory opened the first general merchandise store of goods in the place now known as Montpelier, in 1845. Following him in the trade were Brown & Crissey and James T. Platt. Prior, however, to Mr. Mallory's engagement in business, .Jacob Snyder and William Crissey had a small store and ashery west of town, on the farm now occupied by Charles Brundydge and his son. In its day, this place was known as"Tuckertown." Mr. Mallory continued business until 1852, when he sold at auction his merchandise stock, a now resides near Bryan. He was a pioneer, having located in Super: Township in 1841. 376 - HISTORY OF WILLIAMS COUNTY. BUSINESS RESOURCES OF 1882. Two grist and one saw mill ; one stave, one oar and one wheelbarrow factory; one foundry and machine shop ; one ashery ; one cabinet factory and undertaker; one merchant tailor; one machine and repair shop ; a printing office; three boot and shoe shops; two wagon shops; one grain elevator, having a storage capacity of 10,000 bushels; one lumber yard, and two establishments that manufacture copper, sheet iron, tinware and roofing. Three dry goods and general merchandise stores ; three grocery and provision, two drug, two jewelry, one ready-made clothing and three millinery stores; one bank; one photograph gallery; one agricultural machine establishment; two hotels and several boarding houses ; four physicians, one lawyer and two dentists. WABASH, ST. LOUIS & PACIFIC RAILWAY. It is obvious to all interested, that the extraordinary commercial advancement of Montpelier dates from the opening of the Detroit Division of this road, which was opened for passenger and freight traffic in August, 1881. It at once opened a market for the surplus farm and garden productions of the rich agricultural region of which Montpelier is the center, and by the increased value it has given to all agricultural productions by establishing a new market, it has conferred as substantial benefits upon the farmer as it has upon the manufacturer and the merchant. As a grain, wool and live-stock market, and counting the value of merchandise received and of manufactured goods shipped, it is now the most important own on the line of the Detroit Division of the Wabash, St. Louis & Pacific Railway, Butler possibly excepted. ADDITIONS. Anticipating that it might and would become a town of importance, line people made additions to the original plat as follows : South Montpelier, Leonard Merry and Samuel S. Bryant, April 18, 1851 Bechtol's Addition, August 1, 1872; Snyder's Addition, December 26, 1872; Kriebel's First Addition, July 18, 1873; Snyder's Second Addition, July 21, 1873; Kriebel's Second Addition, August 2, 1876; Daniel's and Snyder's Addition, November 16, 1877; Joseph Deibly and .hers, November 6,1877; Harrison Louden's First Addition, January 11, 81; Harrison Louden's Second Addition, February 14, 1881; J. M. nyder's three Additions, June 20, 1881 ; Joy and Nelson's, November J;, 1881; and the founder of the town, although many years in his grave th nearly all his cotemporaries, could scarcely have realized the results w witnessed in the marvelous growth of their work. SUPERIOR TOWNSHIP - 377 ROADS AND BRIDGES Within the corporation are four substantial bridges,  one of iron all above high-water mark. For considerable distances each side of some of these, roadways are made of a maximum height of from ten to twelve feet above the bottom surface, and about three feet above high-watermark. The only objection to these pikes is, that they are too narrow, not being of sufficient width to permit the passing of teams, though turn-outs are made at short distances. This objection, however, will doubtless soon be removed. The main roads communicating with the country are in better condition than the average roads upon which other towns in this section of Ohio depend for cheap and easy communication with the farmers who seek their places as markets. WATER-SUPPLY. The water of the wells of Montpelier is of the purest quality, and apparently inexhaustible; supplies are obtained at a depth of from twelve to fifteen feet below the surface. Upon the banks of the St. Joseph and Cranberry are several springs that have never been known to fail in seasons of the greatest drought to yield abundantly, and their waters are of nearly even temperature during all seasons. TILE AND SEWERAGE FACILITIES. The town is situated upon as beautiful banks of the St. Joseph way be found in all the course of that delightful and historical strew: from its source to the place where it loses its name and mingles its wat with those of the St. Mary's at Fort Wayne. For health as well as for business, no town or city could have been more favorably chosen, by re ion of its having been so highly favored by nature. No town in the county is so advantageously located for purposes of cheap and thorough sewerage and drainage, the river and Cranberry Creek affording for the essential purposes unsurpassed facilities. There is no cellar in the cor- poration limits, and for any considerable distances beyond them, that a: ter a judicious system of sewerage is perfected would not be as dry as the floors above them, and no street or garden would ever be deluged excel, in cases of extraordinary storms. AGRICULTURAL WEALTH A large area of country extending on the north a considerable distance beyond the State line, and on the west embracing some sections of Indiana, find their natural and best market at Montpelier, and the region, naturally making choice of this town as a market, is one not yet used for purposes of tillage by reason of the timber wealth that occupies the soil; 378 - HISTORY OF WILLIAMS COUNTY. but the forests are rapidly disappearing, and new farms continually being opened. As a class, the farmers of the region that make Montpelier their market are intelligent and enterprising, and apply the best approved methods of culture. EARLY PHYSICIANS. It was many years after white settlers appeared before a physician located in the township. In cases of emergency, Dr. Jonas Colby, of Defiance, or Dr. Thomas Kent or Dr. John Paul, of La Fayette, would be summoned. Dr. A. L. Snyder, now of Bryan, commenced medical practice in Montpelier in June, 1854, and his immediate predecessors in the practice there, at that time, were, in order of time, Drs. Levi Colby, Draper, De Wolf, A. P. Meng and Barkdol ; but excepting Dr. Colby, the stay of all these was brief. Then followed, in July, 1859, Dr. Isaiah M. Snyder, when the two physicians of the same name, though not united by kindred ties, formed a partnership, which continued until the removal of the senior partner to Bryan. There are now five physicians in the place—Drs. I. M. Snyder, S. W. Mercer, Blair Hagerty, J. W. Williams and J. W. Starr. LAWYERS. It is only within about eighteen months that law offices were opened in Montpelier—the first by George Strayer, who was soon followed by Col. W. 0. Johnston, the first now being Prosecuting Attorney of the county, and the latter now Mayor of Bryan. Recently, John B. White removed to Montpelier from Bryan, and commenced law practice. Thus frger, there has not been sufficient litigation to sustain a lawyer at Mont- pelier. THE ST. JOSEPH AS A COMMERCIAL HIGHWAY. Athough a little outside the record, it may not be out of place here recur to the fact that these great interior States, from 1787 down to he dates of their several admissions into the Union, were under a common Territorial Government, under an ordinance of Congress, which was the supreme law for the whole territory ceded by Virginia. The last clause in the ordinance of 1787, Article III, reads as follows : The navigable waters leading into the Mississippi and St. Lawrence, and the carrying-places between the same, shall be common highways, and forever free, as well to the inhabitants of the said territory as to the citizens of the other United States, and those of any her States that may be admitted into the confederacy, without any tax, impost or duty therefor. Though this clause in the ordinance mentioned might appear to have no relevancy in these pages, yet it has in this : That the waters of ithe St. Joseph were included among the rivers leading into the St. Lawrence, and made "a common highway," and under its terms even SUPERIOR TOWNSHIP - 379 mill-dams could not have been constructed, had they been objected to as interfering with the free navigation of pirogues or flat-boats ; but the early settlers on the river, while they availed themselves ^f the use of its navigable waters to float down to Fort Wayne their peltries and furs, and obtain in return necessary household goods for family use, did not for many years, object to the construction of mill-dams, because the mills conferred upon them blessings that overshadowed all damage. The nearest mills at which the early settlers of Superior Township could be accommodated were distant and inconvenient of access—either on the River Raisin, Mich., Brunersburgh, on Bean Creek, near Defiance, or at Fort Wayne; hence, every possible encouragement was offered those who would engage in mill enterprises by use of the St. Joseph, although, in low stages of water, they did seriously interfere with the movement of water craft. It spay be added here that the river, from its navigable source to Montpelier, has never been of as much importance to the town as now. Without its use, the large manufacturing establishments would find it difficult and expensive to obtain the raw material necessary to keep their works in motion ; but now, timber in abundance is floated down at cheap rates, and in quantities ample to meet the demands of the mills ; thus, by obtaining cheap raw material, and having convenient facilities for shipment of their mill products, the Montpelier manufacturers possess unusual advantages. THE SCHOOLS. The first schoolhouse was of logs, built in 1841, and known as the “Bible Schoolhouse," and located near the east line of the township, on George Wisman's farm. The second was built in 1845, and situated bear the central part of the township ; the walls of this were also of log, and in the midst of the place known as the Scholl settlement. SCHOOLS AT MONTPELIER. During two or three months of the summer of 1849, a young woman taught a school of youths in a shanty, and this was the first school undertaking on the ground where Montpelier is now located, according to the recollection of the earliest settlers. Jacob Len, merchant, an Dr. Mercer, a practicing physician, both of whom located in Montpelier in 1863, and both of whom have honorably served as members of t Board of Education, state that when they made their first appearance the town there was only one schoolhouse, kept in a room 24x30 feet by a Miss Morris, and that she had ample room for more pupils. TI old schoolhouse was purchased jointly by the township and town, as place for holding township and town elections and official meetings, 380 - HISTORY OF WILLIAMS COUNTY. and removed to the more central place in the town, where it now stands. In 1874, a new house, about 30x40 feet, was built, having two stories, a school-room on each floor. Mr. Collister, a young lawyer, had management of this school, but only one of the school rooms was required to accommodate himself and pupils. In the years 1875 to 1 S78, inclusive, W. Dustin had management, and one assistant, and both floors were occupied. In 1878 and 1879, H. H. Calvin, now a lawyer in Bryan, was Superintendent, and graded the schools, and in 1879 and 1580, E. E. Bechtol, now Clerk of the District and Common Pleas Courts, had superintendence. Population had so increased that, in 1881, it became necessary to erect another and larger building, and W. A. Saunders was made Superintendent and Principal. Those interested believe him an able educator, and he has been fortunate in securing a competent corps of teachers. CHURCHES IN THE TOWNSHIP AND TOWN. There are nine church buildings in the township, three of which are in Montpelier. The first regular house of worship was built in 1849, known as the Eagle Creek Church, and the denomination that built it were Methodist Episcopalians. The walls of the building were of hewn logs, and its location near the northwest corner of the township. The second was built by the Scotch-Irish Presbyterians, and situated two miles north of the south line of the township, and one mile from the east line. The house was a frame, and built in 1850, its dimensions being 30x50 feet. The location is near the center of what is known as the Brannon settlement. In 1873, the congregation, not having adequate seating room, built another and larger one upon ground nearly adjacent, and made sale of the vacated building to parties who removed it. The grounds upon which both buildings were placed were donated by James Martin. who also gave a liberal quantity of land for a graveyard, in which his own body, after his decease, was buried. The last building cost $2,000, and the church is known as "Bethesda." The Disciple Church, on the south line of the township, and one mile west of the east line, was built in 1850. Union Chapel is situated two miles north of the south line, and one and three-fourths miles of the west line of the township. Denomination, United Brethren. The Lutheran Reformed, or Zion's Church, situated about one and a half miles from the west line of the township, was built in a year not ascertained; but this and the Disciple are the only congregations that have church edifices constructed of brick. BRADY TOWNSHIP - 381 The German Lutheran, in Montpelier, was built in 1880, at a cost of $1,700. The United Brethren Church, at Montpelier, was built about 1869, according to the memory of some of the members. The United Brethren Church, on the southwest line of the township, has a large congregation and well-attended Sunday school. The Methodist Episcopalians, at Montpelier, have a commodious church building, and a Sunday school that is held regularly every Sunday. Much difficulty was encountered in obtaining the statistics of t churches of the township and town, arising chiefly from the fact ti. there are no resident pastors of any of them as yet, and, in most cases official records are utterly unattainable. The time is doubtless near hand when all the above churches will have resident ministers MORAL AND BENEVOLENT AGENCIES. In addition to her churches and efficient school system, Montpelier has a large force of Good Templars, who are active workers, and t Masons and Odd Fellows have each completed arrangements for the organization of lodges representing their respective orders. Louden Post of the G. A. R. has very recently been established, but promises to be- come a strong organization. And thus concludes reference to the features deemed of historic value relating to the commercial birth and growth of Superior Township and the town of Montpelier—a growth which, in rapidity, the history only a few localities in Ohio furnish a BRADY TOWNSHIP. BY C. F. GRISIER. In endeavoring to give some of the early history of Brady Township we find ourselves in the very start confronted by the fact it is hard, even for the most florid imagination, to conjure before the mind's eye the wilderness where now lies the populous and flourishing community. When we look back into the dim vista of long ago, and see the pioneer, who around his cabin home. * * Exempt from public haunts Found tongues in trees, books in running brook Sermons in stones, and good in everything and honest work everywhere to do, we can then have a a partially just conception of the real history of those earlier years; of the hardships the pio- 382 - HISTORY OF WILLIAMS COUNTY. neers endured, and of the labor required to make this wilderness—and it was then indeed a wilderness—to blossom as the rose. Brady Township was named, at the suggestion of Gilbert Dunscomb, in honor of Capt. Brady, whose exploits are so well known to every one familiar with the pioneer history of this part of the Western country. The township, when organized, was six miles square, but the two tiers of sections on the east side were afterward set off to Fulton County. PIONEERS AND INDUSTRIES. The first settlers in the township were John Miller, John Rings, Gilbert Dunscomb, Jacob Bohner, Abner Ayers and Warren Hancock. In the month of April, 1834, John Miller entered a piece of land near where West Unity now stands. Gilbert Dunscomb entered land in May, and Abner Ayers in August of the same year. Jacob Bohner, Warren Hancock and John Rings also entered land in 1834. William Miller, Samuel Snyder, H. F. Flowers, David Loutzenhizer, William Stubbs and William H. McGrew settled in 1836 and 1837. From that time on the township was gradually filled up by other settlers moving in and entering land. These settlers met with many difficulties, and endured many hardships. The great difficulty was in getting merchandise and grain. The old settlers know the depths of all the ways to Defiance—the market town of the county—and that they were not improved by any voluntary aid in money from that place. During a great portion of the year, the only way anything could be brought into the township was from Defiance by water, a route eighty miles long. Grain and other merchandise came up by this route—the Bean Creek—in a pirogue or large " dug-out." In this they could carry fifteen or twenty bushels of grain, and the trip took ten or twelve days to accomplish. The grain, or whatever was brought into the country, was taken off at Lockport, and brought with much difficulty by land to the homes of the settlers. Their fare consisted principally of corn bread and wild game, dishes, by the way, which but few would refuse to partake of to-day. In 1836, Walter Coleman built the first grist-mill in the township. This mill was run by ox-power; and we are informed that the first wheat that was ground in the township, was ground in a saw-mill near Pulaski, between two " nigger heads." It was at this place that Isaac Ritchey, at the age of fifty-five, took his gun, and, shouldering two bushels of wheat, carried it to the Pulaski Mills without once laying down his burden. On his return trip he killed a deer, which he also shouldered, and brought home with his grist. Mr. Ritchey died in West Unity at the ripe old age of ninety-one, in the year 1879. BRADY TOWNSHIP - 383 The first marriage in the township is believed to have been that George Johnson and Hannah Donutt, although Theron Landon and Harriet Bates were married at about the same time. Jabez Jones tied matrimonial knot in both cases. The first birth in the township was that of Charles Coleman, and the first death that of Mariah L. Dunscomb. The first schoolhouse was built in Section 5, and the first school taught by William L. Smith. Augustus F. Hull sold the first goods in the township, and Rev. 1. libridge was the first preacher. The first saw-mill and the first post office were located at Lockport. The oldest settler now living in the township is George Rings. WEST UNITY West Unity was laid out and platted   in the year 1842, by John Rings, who at that time owned the greater portion of what is now t town. It was named after Unity, Penn., the birth-place of Mr. Rings. It is surrounded by as good a section of country as the West produce The boundary line between Michigan and Ohio, established by the ordnance of 1787, known as the "Fulton line," passes about eight milts north of the town. In the year 1835, quite an excitement was created as to the survey of the Ohio and Michigan line, and a war was commence in order to settle the disputed territory. A squad of soldiers, under ti command of Zachary Taylor, were encamped where the West Unit Graveyard is now situated, and there was a pretty fair prospect of a live war. But Congress passed an act, June 15, 1836, establishing the " Harris line " as the permanent boundary, and peace was again established. The following account of the conclusion of the war was furnished 1; an actor in the scenes which "he depicts," and published in Howe's His torical Collections: "About this time appeared from the court of Washington two ambassadors, with full power to negotiate with the belligerents for an amicable settlement of difficulties. These were Richard Resh, of Pennsylvania and Col. Howard, of Maryland. They were successful in their mission---chiefly because Michigan was satisfied with the laurels won, and Ohio was willing to stand on her dignity—eight miles from the grounds of dispute." The growth of the town was rapid, and, in 1846-47, West Unity had become quite a village. Jeremiah Cline, who came here in the winter of 1843, was one of the first inhabitants. The first lot sold was Lot No. 1, and was sold for $50. The first frame building was erected on this lot. 384 - HISTORY OF WILLIAMS COUNTY. It was built by Henry Cline, and used as a residence. The building has been removed to a back street, and is still used for the same purpose. The first store building put up in the place, is the one now occupied by E. C. Charpiat as a hardware store. It was then occupied by a Mr. Hasting as a general store. MISCELLANEOUS ITEMS. The first saw-mill was built by John Rings and Mr. Baker. They ran the mill for about a year, when it was burned down. This was a great loss to the town, as well as to the owners of the mill. A Dr. Veers taught the first school in a log cabin, which was situated on the property now owned by Dr. J. N. Runnion. The first frame schoolhouse was built on the lot now owned by Henry Clay, on south side of Jackson street. The building has since been removed, and is now a part of Denman's drug store. The first hotel was kept by W. S. McGarah, in a building now a part of the McIntire House. John Rings was the first Justice of the Peace, and the first Postmaster in the town. The first marriage was that of Allen Spencer and Jane Rockwell. They are still residents of West Unity. The first child born was Susan Rings, and the first death that of Catharine Rings. The first lawyer was Jared C. Parker, who came here in 1845. He was Prosecuting Attorney of the county for several years, and in 1848-49 went into the dry goods business. In 1852, he sold out to Samuel Hunt and removed to Davenport, Iowa, where he died. The first physician who located here was Dr. T. W. Hall. The first blacksmith shop was run by George Pifer. The first pearl-ash was made by G. H. Nitchey. Chancey Wells burned the first kiln of brick; and Nathan Edwards made the first pair of shoes. The merchants of the town in 1847 were Plummer & Cline, G. H. Hey and Ayers & Co. Hotel-keepers—W. H. McGarah. Boot and shoe makers—Nathan Edwards. Physicians—G. W. Finch, T. W. Hall and J. H. Groves. Tailors—H. H. Peppard and G. W. Juelrat. Blacksmiths—George F. Pifer. In the spring of 1848, Rings & Benson started a store on the lot occupied by T. M. Ritchey, and did a flourishing business up to the of 1855, when Rings died. A few Years previous to 1855. Rings, BRADY TOWNSHIP - 385 Benson, Dawson, Calvin and Vail erected a flouring-mill in the east part of town. Mr. Dawson is still living here and is at present head miller in the Unity Mills. The mill was subsequently removed to Bryan by J. A. Simon, and is now in operation there. Plummer & Cline quit business in the summer of 1848, and in the fall, S. Walker, of Adrian, moved into the building vacated, and did a good business, employing two clerks—A. L. Murray and Seth Lindsley. In the spring of 1849, he put up a store building on the lot wl Ritchey's buildings now stand. The first floor was divided into two rooms: the east room Mr. Walker filled with dry goods, and the west room was occupied by H. P. Sanger for a hardware store. The up; room was used for a Sons of Temperance and Masonic hall. There was quite an interest manifested in the cause of temperance those early days, and the interest is still kept up to the present day. In the summer of 1843, the citizens of West Unity organized a society called the Sons of Temperance. The leaders in the movement were such m as Dr. Grove, H. H. Peppard, W. Azier, H. P. Sanger, George Rockwell and others. The society held their meetings in a house on the now owned by David Holtzberg until the summer of 1849, when they moved into their new hall over Walker's store. The credit of organizing the first Masonic Lodge in Williams Count from which all the Lodges, Chapters and Encampments are outgrowths, is due to West Unity. The lodge was organized in August, 1849, by A. Hunter, who had the honor of being first Worshipful Master, and the order has been in a flourishing condition ever since. H. H. Peppard who still lives in West Unity, was the first man who joined the order. In 1858, the hall then occupied by the Masonic Lodge was destroyed fire, and they moved into the room over A. J. Tressler's store, and their own building in 1865. In the year 1881, this building was destroy, by fire, and the lodge have just erected a fine brick building, two stories high. ADDITIONAL FACTS OF INTEREST, There are still remaining of the old residents of 1849, at this time, G. H. Nitchey and wife, Abner Ayers and wife, Jerry Cline and wife, H. H. Peppard and wife, Mrs. Jacob Bohner, Nathan Edwards, George Rings, D. E. Rockwell and perhaps others. In April, 1849, W. A. Hunter, now of Oskaloosa, Iowa, commenced the publication of a newspaper called the Equal Rights, under which name it sailed till 1852, when it was changed to the Republican Standen The paper flourished until the winter of 1855, when it was removed Bryan. The plank road running west of Toledo was built in 1850 and passed 386 - HISTORY OF WILLIAMS COUNTY. through West Unity. For several years thereafter large numbers of movers' covered wagons could daily be seen going "West" over thrges route. The road was of great benefit to the town and to all the country through which it passed. In the year 1850, Seth Lindsley opened a dry goods store, and in 1851 A. J. Tressler opened a store in the room now owned and occupied by Jerry Cline. Mr. Lindsley was in business only about a year when he broke up. He then removed to Stryker, where he still lives. Mr. Tressler remained here until 1859, when he removed to Bryan, having. it is said, made about $15,000 during his sojourn here. We believe the first church organization in the town of West Unity was the Universalist. Rev. N. Crary, now, and we believe then, of Hicksville, preached here as early as 1846. He organized a small congregation, among whom were some of the best citizens of the place and vicinity, to which he preached at stated intervals. Rev. A. L. Wood, then at Bryan, was the first Presbyterian minister that ever preached in West Unity. He came here in 1851 and organized a congregation consisting of about twenty members, among whom were R. G. Ely and wife. Frank Smith and wife, W. A. Hunter and wife, and G. H. Nitchey and wife. The church services were held over Colberth & Rockwell's iron foundry. In addition to these, there were regularly organized Methodist Episcopal and United Brethren Churches, with regular circuit services. The United Brethren was the first church building erected here, and the bell in the tower the first to call the people to the house of worship. But the M. E. Church followed closely in the wake in each and all the enterprises named. The homes of some of the members of these churches were two, three, and even four miles from their places of worship, and it was no uncommon thing in that day for people to walk, or ride after an " ox-team " to church, while others, more fortunate in being the possessors of horses and lumber wagons, were enabled to drive in very good style! When the Air-Line Division of the Michigan Southern & Northern Indiana Railroad was completed as far as Stryker, a hack line was established at once between that place and West Unity. S. Wynn was the first hack-driver over this route. In 1864, a contract was made with D. C. Hamilton, and for sixteen years carried the United States mail between the two points. In 1880, Jacob Shultz was the successful competitor for this route and will hold it for four years. Mr. Hamilton still carries the freight from Stryker to this place. AGRICULTURAL SOCIETY. The Union Agricultural Society of Williams, Fulton and Defiance Counties was organized in this place in 1857, the first fair being held in BRADY TOWNSHIP - 387 the fall of the same year. The officers of the association were Dr. G. Finch, President; Swain Pierce and John Kunkle, Vice Presidents; N. S. Snow, Secretary ; Benjamin Borton, Treasurer; J. S. Prickitt, Asher Ely, John Miller and G. R. Richardson, Board of Managers; R. G. Ely, Chief Marshal; D. M. Webb and T. S. Webb, Marshals of Stock. At the time the society was organized, there had been one fair at Bryan and every effort was made by the citizens of West Unity to surpass Dr. Finch and others devoted a great deal of time and money to make the new undertaking a success. The fair grounds were a part of the farm of Jacob Bohner. The fair was held three days, in the latter part of September, and the price of admission was 10 cents. Competition for trotting was extended to three States—Ohio, Michigan and Indiana. The first premium was $50. Prof. Burrows, at that time a school teacher at this place, afterward Principal of the High School at Hillsdale, Mich., and now a resident of Kansas, delivered an address the first year of the fair. In 1861, an address on agriculture was delivered before the society by Buckeye Broad-axe, and it is said the only time he touched his subject was when he brought his hand down on the head of one of the officers and said "cabbage head." On account of the war breaking out in 1861, it was thought best not to hold a fair in 1862. In 1863, the officers met to make arrangements for holding a fair the same year, but Mr. Bohner refused to allow the further use of his land for a fair ground, as his agreement was to the effect that if the association failed to hold the fair any one year, the ground reverted to him. This was a death-blow to the association, as it was not deemed advisable to procure new grounds and erect new buildings. INCORPORATION. West Unity was incorporated in 1866. At the election held on the 4th day of February, the following officers were elected : Mayor, H. H. Peppard ; Clerk, C. W. Skinner; members of Council, Dr. G. W. Finch, Dr. J. N. Runnion, J. M. Webb, George Rings and J. Cline. The Judges of the Election were Jacob Bohner, William H. McGrew and D. M. Webb; Clerks, E. H. Derby and John Mondy. On March 29, E. S. Davies was elected Treasurer, and Alfred F. Stoner, Marshal. The first ordinance passed by the Council was for police regulations in the incorporated village, and was passed April 23, 1866. HORSE-THIEF SOCIETY, In 1867, the Franklin Vigilance Horse Committee was organized. The object of this association is to capture horse-thieves and, in fact, any other thieves who may steal property of any kind from its members. The first offrgecers were Capt. John Stilling; First Lieutenant, George 388 - HISTORY OF WILLIAMS COUNTY. Shetler; Second Lieutenant, William Geesey; Treasurer, Benjamin Borton; Secretary, Daniel McLaughlin. George Shetler was elected Captain in 1870, and held this position three years; then Dr. J. N. Runnion was elected and has held the office ever since. Mr. Borton has held the office of Treasurer ever since it was organized. The officers are elected each year. The members are from West Unity and Brady Township, with a few from Franklin Township, Fulton County. They have had to make several raids for thieves or stolen property, and have always been successful in making captures. The association has over $600 in the treasury, and it would be best for horse-thieves to keep clear of this “Neck o' Woods." But we must bring this brief sketch of the early history of Brady Township and West Unity to a close, and speak of its progress and business at the present time. GENERAL PROGRESS. It is the natural and laudable desire of every place, and of every man in it, to attract emigration, and in that, as in all bargains, both parties should know the points of the trade. The history of the business of a community is a mirror of the town, and we have undertaken the task of thus portraying the town of West Unity, and giving a true pen-picture of Brady Township, based upon actual observation of our industries, and our commercial as well as our professional business houses and their managers, so far as this be necessary to present to outsiders the true inwardness of the town and surrounding country. Although Lockport was the first town started, West Unity is really the only town in the township, and is surrounded by thriving and industrious farmers, who own the best land found in Northwestern Ohio. West Unity is the second largest town in the county, having a population of nearly one thousand souls, and has the reputation, far and near, of being a live business town, and for its size cannot be equaled by any town in the State ; and for energy and life is far ahead of many of larger population. The whistle of the locomotive does not disturb the citizens of the town, but they live in expectation, and hope to have a road built and in operation before many years. POSTMASTERS OF WEST UNITY. The different Postmasters in West Unity were John Rings, Jared C. Parker, T. S. C. Morrison, M. R. Willett, John Barnhart, William Letcher, Daniel C. Baxter and the present incumbent, Stanley Kent. Mr. Kent has had the office for fifteen years. The first money order issued was October 5, 1868, and given to Mrs. Dr. A. M. Wilber. The amount was $50. BRADY TOWNSHIP - 389 CHURCHES AND SCHOOLS. The township contains seven church buildings, namely, one Quaker, two Methodist, one German Methodist, one Evangelical, one United Brethren and one Church of God Bethel. These all are in a prosperous condition. The Presbyterians also have an organization, but as y church edifice. The town is not behind any of its competitors in the way of schools. The school building at West Unity is universally conceded to be the finest in the county. The style of the architecture is modern, and is a magnificent specimen of architectural skill. It is situated on a fine eminence in the southeast part of town, and has two spacious front entrances. The building is 612 feet in length, 54 feet in breadth and 74 feet in height from the base line to the apex of the tower, and to the apex of the main roof of the building, 54 feet. The principal materials used in the composition of the building are brick and stone. The interior of the first story consists of two large school-rooms, the east room having a capacity for seating eighty persons, and the west room, seventy-two. There are two grand side halls, and elegant and massive stair-cases. The second story is divided into two large school-rooms, each with a seating capacity for seventy-five to eighty persons, and two recitation rooms. The painting is of the highest artistic excellence and was done by H. Shawley, of West Unity. The woodwork, masonry and plastering are of the highest order, and the contractor, Henry Clay, also of West Unity, performed the work with the most perfect satisfaction. The most remarkable feature is its solid construction and compact snugness with which space is utilized in its erection. Four large furnaces are used to heat the rooms and halls. The architect of this magnificent building is F. O. Fallis, of Toledo, Ohio, not only an accomplished gentleman, but one of the best-informed architects in the country. Our citizens are largely indebted to the members of our efficient school board, who have labored zealously to build one of the finest and most substantial structures of the kind to be found in Northwestern Ohio. No effort is being spared to make the school one the best in the history of the schools, and students wishing a practical education cannot do better than by attending the West Unity Graded Schools. MEMBERS OF BOARD OF EDUCATION, PAST AND PRESENT, OF WEST UNITY SCHOOL DISTRICT. Members elected on July 6, 1865—Eli Booth, one year; R. P. 11,lington annd E. S. Davis, two years; G. W. Finch and John Wisner, three years; John Wisner, Clerk. July 6, 1866—James Richardson and Adam Yesbera were elected for three years. January 7, 1867, Eli Booth 390 - HISTORY OF WILLIAMS COUNTY. was appointed to fill the vacancy caused by the resignation of G. W. Finch. July 6, 1867-George Rings and D. C. Baxter were elected for three years; Jeremiah Cline, for one year ; George Rings, President, D. C. Baxter. Clerk. July 6, 1868, Jeremiah Cline and Charles Vogleson were elected for three years, and Eli Booth for one year. July 6, 1869, J. M. Webb and J. N. Runnion were elected for three years; George Rings, President; J. N. Runnion, Clerk. On August 4, 1869, bids were received by the board for repairing and remodeling the school building, and the contract was awarded to William Newcomer for $995. July 6, 1870, George Rings and A. M. Wilber were elected for three years ; A. M. Wilber, President, J. N. Runnion, Clerk. July 6, 1871, Eli Booth and Jeremiah Cline were elected for three years; A. M. Wilber, President, George Rings, Clerk. July 6, 1872, E. C. Orton, and J. F. Fox were elected ;r three years ; Jeremiah Cline, President, E. C. Orton, Clerk. July 12. 1873, A. M. Wilber and George Rings were appointed to serve as ,nembmembershe board until the next annual election. April 6, 1874, two nembemembershe Board of Education were elected for three years, and on April 18, 1874, the board organized under the new law; A. M. Wilber and E. S. Davis were the new members ; J. Cline, President; E. C. Orton, clerk ; Eli Booth, Treasurer. April 5, 1875, E. C. Orton and J. F. Fox were elected for three years ; April 19, the board organized and elected Jeremiah Cline, President ; E. C. Orton, Clerk; Eli Booth, Treasurer. April 4, 1876, Eli Booth and Jeremiah Cline were elected for three years, and April 17, the Board elected Jeremiah Cline, President E. C. Orton, Clerk; Eli Booth, Treasurer. On April 5, 1876, the Board of Education met and passed a resolution that it was necessary for the proper accommodation of the pupils of the district to purchase a site and erect a house thereon, and in order to do so, it was necessary to levy a greater tax than the board were authorized y law to levy, and that a proposition be submitted to a vote of the voters of the district." An election was called and a tax of $10,000 was carried to build a good., substantial brick schoolhouse, by a vote of 108 for and 77 against said tax. The contract was awarded to Henry Clay, of West Unity, February 6, 1877, for $9,300, and the building was completed according to contract, on the 10th day of August, 1877. April 2, 1877, E. S. Davies and A. M. Wilber were elected for three years, and April 16, the board organized and elected Jeremiah Cline, President; E. C. Orton, Clerk; Eli Booth, Treasurer. April 1, 1878, E. C. Orton and J. F. Fox were elected for three years, and April 15, the board organized with Jeremiah Cline, President; E. C. Orton, Clerk ; Eli Booth, Treasurer. April 7, 1879, J. N. Runnion and G. H. More were elected for three years. and T. M. Ritchey for two years, to fill a BRADY TOWNSHIP. - 393. vacancy occurring by the death of Eli Booth ; and April 21, the board organized with T. M. Ritchey, President; E. C. Orton, Clerk; E. S. Davies, Treasurer. April 5, 1880, E. S. Davies and A. M. Wilber were elected for three years, and April 19, the board organized with T. M. Ritchey, President; J. N. Runnion, Clerk ; E. S. Davies, Treasurer. April 4, 1881, E. C. Orton and T. M. Ritchey were elected for three years, and April 18, the board organized with T. M. Ritchey, President ; J. N. Runnion, Clerk; E. S. Davies, Treasurer. TEACHERS OF WEST UNITY SCHOOL FROM 1865 TO 1882. 1865. Mrs. A. S. Eckis, Principal, Mary Booth, Thomas Chambers Sarah Tenis. 1866, Mrs. A. S. Eckis, Principal, Miss M. Ayers, Miss Anna Dennings, Maggie Ayers. 1867, Ellen Miller, M. Booth, E. G. Richar son, Ellen Smith. 1868, Ellen Smith, Olive Wilber, Mary Wisner. 186. Olive Wilber, Miss Clifton, Miss Booth. 1870, W. D. Henderson, Mr W. D. Henderson, Miss Hoffmaster. 1870-71, E. Thompson, Principal, Tine VanDevort, E. G. Richardson. 1871-72, Mr. Chambers, Principal, Mary E. Henderson, E. G. Richardson, Mrs. Bell D. Riggs. 1872- 73, Miss Angie Ball, Miss Mina Hodges, Dr. Bostater, Mrs. H. J. Clay; W. B. Greek. 1873-74, E. P. Ewers, Principal, William Boltoser, An- gie Finch. 1874-75, E. P. Ewers, Principal, William Boltoser, Angie Finch. 1875-76, E. P. Ewers, Principal, 0. P. Gay, Angie Finch 1876-71, E. P. Ewers, Principal, O. P. Gay, Angie Finch, Mariah Co let. 1877, E. P. Ewers, Principal, O. P. Gay, Hattie Loveless, Mari; Coslet, Luella McGrew. 1878, E. P. Ewers, Principal, Lida Henry, S. B. Willitt, J. C. Farley. 1879, E. P. Ewers, Principal, E. A. Taft, J. C. Farley, Julia F. Wilson. 1880, E. P. Ewers, Principal, E. A. Taft, J. C. Farley, Jnlia F. Wilson. 1881, T. J. Sanders, Principal, E. Taft. Vina C. Ferguson, Julia F. Wilson.  SECRET SOCIETIES There are at present five societies in the place: Superior Lodge, N 179, A., F. & A. M.; West Unity Lodge, No. 638, I. O. O. F.; Knights of Honor, _____ ; Rebekah Lodge, and the Murphy Temperance Band. The West Unity Lodge, No. 638, I. O. O. F., was organized May 12, 1876, with thirty charter members. The following were the first office: elected : David Mosier, N. U.; George H. Pierce, V. G. ; J. C. Pouch: R. S.; S. T. Wagner, P. S.; David J. Grindle, T. ; Jonathan Fidler W. ; J. T. McCarnes, C. ; Frank Gross, I. U.; o. E. Shipman, O. U E. Dawson, R. S. N. G. ; J. P. Dick. L. S. N. U.; J. C. Smitley, R. V. G. ; Henry Shawley, L. S. V. G.; Charles Garris, R. S. S. ; D- 394 - HISTORY OF WILLIAMS COUNTY. Burns, L. S. S. In May, 1882, the membership was sixty. The officers, May, 1882, were: W. H. Spencer, N. O.; Paul A. Coulon, V. G. ; Henry Clay, R. S.; E. Dawson, P. S.; John McGrew, T.; Levi Kunkle, W.; S. T. Wagner, C.; Thomas Smithurst; I. S.; Marion Marks, O. G.; David Kosier, R. S. N. O.; A. L. Shaffer, L. S. N. O.; Jacob Shultz, R. S. V. G. ; J. W. Pettitt, L. S. V. O.; Emanuel Shaffer, R. S. S.; Eugene Boillot, L. S. S. The West Unity Lodge, No. 178, F. & A. M., was organized August, 1849, with the following charter members: W. A. Hunter, Daniel Langel, William H. Ozier, Jacob Landis. John Stubbs, Sr., Benjamin Smith, Adison McNair, Seth Lindsley. H. H. Peppard was the first man who was taken into the lodge after it was organized. The lodge now numbers about seventy members, with the following officers: William Grindle, W. M.; W. S. Brown, S. D.; O. S. Webb, J. D. ; J. C. Poucher, S.; David Holtzberg, T.; William Collet, S. D. ; G. W. Hart, J. D. James Ronk, T. The West Unity Lodge, K. of H., was organized September 15, 1879, with forty charter members. Their present membership is fifty. The Murphy Temperance Club was organized at West Unity in the year 1875, with about 100 members. Since then the number who have signed the pledge amount to about 600. The club is in a prosperous condition, and they hold their meetings every Tuesday evening. The present officers are as follows: C. F. Grisier, President; B. F. Neff. Vice President; Moses Colon, Treasurer; Miss Susie Fidler, Secretary M. E. Moor, Assistant Secretary; Elmer Webb, Mrs. G. H. Nitchey, Mrs. J. P. Stockton, Executive Committee. Royer Post, No. 109, G. A. R., Department of Ohio, was organized at West Unity September 8, 1881, with thirty-three charter members. The first officers were as follows: William Coslet Commander; H. H. Peppard, Senior Vice; George W. Mondy, Junior Vice; W. S. Brown, Quartermaster; A. M. Wilber, M. D., Surgeon; Rev. John Poucher, Chaplain; C. W. Hinman, Officer of the Day ; George W. Grindle, Officer of the Guard; M. V. Mondy, Adjutant. The Post was named in honor of John Royer, who enlisted with Company C, Sixty-Eighth Regiment Ohio Volunteer Infantry. He was killed about ten miles from Decatur, Ala., while trying to get back to camp after several days of hard travel in routing out the " Johnnies." His death was witnessed by Henry Clay of this plaee, who was standing by his side at the time, and who was Picked out for their next man, but by a little time gained in talking, and A rifle-ball from one of our soldiers, Mr. Clay came out without a scratch. The object of this organization is to preserve and strengthen the kind feelings which bind together the soldiers, sailors and marines who united to BRADY TOWNSHIP - 395 suppress the late rebellion, and to perpetuate the memory and history of the dead; to assist such former comrades as need help, and to extend needful aid to the widows and orphans of those who have fallen. The officers are elected every year. The number of members May 22, 1882, was sixty-seven. The present officers are: William Coslet, Commander ; H. H. Peppard, Senior Vice; George W. Mondy, Junior Vice; George Rings, Quartermaster; A. M. Wilber, M. D., Surgeon; T. M. Ritchey, Chaplain; George W. Grindle, Officer of the Day; James Stevenson, Officer of the Guard; W. S. Brown, Adjutant. ROLL OF HONOR. Following is a list of the fallen heroes of the rebellion, the war of 1812, and of the Revolutionary war, who enlisted from the vicinity West Unity, or were buried in its cemeteries or in other parts of Iii Township: Third Regiment Ohio Volunteer Cavalry, Company H.— William Bohner was wounded at Atlanta, Ga., August, 1864, and died Octal, 5, 1864, at Charlemagne, Tenn.; William Venanda enlisted in 1862 a served to the close of the war and died February 18, 1870 ; Willi; Rings died at Murfreesboro, Tenn., in March, 1863; Sanford At was killed; Julius Lenoir was killed; Richard Russell enlisted in 1863, served to the close of the war, and died October 23, 1867, at West Unity. Thirty-eighth Regiment Ohio Volunteer Infantry, Company C. - Edward Brown died February 15, 1879, at West Unity, Ohio; John Ba was killed at Jonesboro, Tenn.; John Royer was killed near Decatur, Ala., in 1863; George Caddel was killed at Jonesboro, Tenn.; Jesse Emig, Sergeant, was killed at Jonesboro, Tenn.; John Yoha was killed at Somerset, Ky., February 1, 1862, and buried on the field; James II. Beaty died July 7, 1862; J. P. Cline died at Danville, K, spring of 1862 ; Jesse Emerick was killed at Jonesboro, Tenn.; William Clark died at Somerset, Ky.; J. G. Betts was killed at Jonesboro, Tenn., September 1, 1864; William Kincy, Corporal, was killed at Jonesboro, September 1, 1864; John F. Davies died May 1862; Francis M. Masters was killed at Jonesboro and buried on the battle-field; Hinman Webb, no record; Henry Wasnich died on 1. field at the battle of Shiloh and Millsprings, February 27, 1865; George W. Combs was wounded September 1, 1864, and died September 15, 1864. Sixty-eighth Regiment, Ohio Volunteer Infantry.—Thomas Spent died February 5, 1863. Company C— Oscar Ayers died at Savannah, Ga., April 5, 1862. Company E—David Reader died in the service. 396 - HISTORY OF WILLIAMS COUNTY. Company G— Charles Rolland died April, 1862, at Shiloh; George Clinger, transferred to New Battery and served to the close of the war ; killed July 3, 1875, by premature discharge of cannon in celebrating our national independence; William Vanosdale died May 18, 1865; James Woodsworth was killed in action July 22, 1864; John E. Chamberlain was drowned in the Ohio River at Louisville, Ky.; Aaron M. Bradley died June 14, 1862, at Pittsburg Lauding, Tenn.; Nelson Gleason died at Crum Landing March 1, 1862; Archibald McCoueghey died July 15, 1863, at Vicksburg, Miss.; John A. Wolverton served out his time and died May 15. 1882 ; Benjamin Kunkle was killed in action July 22, 1864. Company K—David Miller died at Manceta, Ga., October 10, 186'2. One Hundredth Regiment Ohio Volunteer Infantry.—Company C—Frank Ewers, Captain, taken prisoner and died at Charleston, S. C. Glad Ewers was killed on the march to Atlanta, Ga., August 6, 1864. Abner Gish, taken prisoner at Limestone Station, sent to Belle Island, and died at Galesburg, N. C. John Webb, taken prisoner at Limestone Station, sent to Belle Island, and died at Richmond, Va. Ambrose Baldwin, taken prisoner at Limestone Station, sent to Belle Island, and died in Richmond, Va. William Baily, taken prisoner at Limestone Station, sent to Belle Island, and died in Richmond. Va. A. J. Dunscomb, killed at Franklin, Tenn. George W. Ely, Corporal, killed at Atlanta, Ga., August 6, 1864, buried on the battle-field. Daniel Hardinger died in the service. Turner Wynn, Orderly Sergeant, promoted to Second Lieutenant, taken prisoner, sent to Andersonville, escaped, and died at Savannah, Ga. Samuel Troxler, taken prisoner, and died in Andersonville. Hugh Troxler, wounded on the march to Atlanta August 6, 1864, and died at Knoxville, Tenn. Ross Moss, wounded before Atlanta, August 6, 1864, and died from the wound. Eli Johnson, died while in the service. Watson Webb, wounded at Atlanta, and died at Salem, Ohio, after the war. S. A. Derby, served in Company C, until 1866, when he received a commission as Captain in the First United States Heavy Artillery (colored), and died August 7, 1879. John Gares, died at Fort Mitchell, October 1, 1862. Orlan Masters, killed at Limestone Station. E. Tenn., September 8, 1863. Company H—George Harlin, died at Lexington, Ky. Tod McLaughlin, died while in the service. Daniel H. Ely, died April 18, 1863. One Hundredth and Eleventh Regiment Ohio Volunteer Infantry, Company C—Henry C. Landon, wounded May 3,1862, near Dallas, Tenn., and died June 6, 1862, from the effects of the wound. Spencer C. Gillet, died at Knoxville, Tenn., May 2, 1862. Justice W. Wallace, died November 17, 1862. Moses Bates served out his time, and died September 2, 187.5. Andrew Knour was wounded at Franklin, Tenn., and died December 19, BRADY TOWNSHIP - 397 1864. M. A. Mann served his time out, and died at his home in Brady Township, Williams County, Ohio. Company K—Oliver Pike, died, April 11, 1863, at Bowling Green, Ky. One Hundred and Eighty-second Regiment Ohio Volunteer Infantry, Company F—Joseph D. Clark, died December 5, 1864. Madison R. Johnson, died October 10, 1864. Adam Strasbaugh, died August 16, 1864. Lewis W. Rhoads, died September 7, 1870. W. G. Smitley, died November 16, 1864. Miscellaneous Regiments—Wilson D. Voglesong, Company F, Eighteenth Regiment Michigan Volunteer Infantry, died June 25, 1862. Benjamin Snow enlisted in an Indiana regiment, was wounded at Bull Run, and died in June, 1863, from the effects of the wound, at West Unity, Ohio. William Fisher, Company B, One Hundred and Twenty-first Regiment Ohio Volunteer Infantry, died February 12, 1864. Joseph Wasnich, Company A, Eighth Regiment Ohio Volunteer Infantry, was killed at Petersburg, Va., June 17, 1864. Sylvester Fish, Forty-fourth Regiment Illinois Volunteer Infantry, killed at Pleasant Hill, Ga., June 17, 1864. James Fish, Forty-fourth Regiment Illinois Volunteer Infantry, killed June 27, 1864, on Kenesaw Mountain. Albert Betts, One Hundred and Eighty-sixth Regiment Ohio Volunteer Infantry, died October 6, 1864. James W. Cook, One Hundred and Thirty-seventh Ohio National Guard Volunteer Infantry, in the 100-day service, died December 8, 1865. Joseph Parker, Company H, Forty-seventh Regiment Ohio Volunteer Infantry, died December 13, 1865. John F. Ansbaugh, Sixth Ohio Battery, died September 10, 1866. Jacob E. Carmichael, Company K, One Hundred and Thirteenth Regiment Illinois Volunteer Infantry, for three years, discharged in June, 1863, on account of disability, and died March 18, 1S75. Miffiin Hanim enlisted in Sixth Regiment Ohio Volunteer Cavalry, served three years, and died May 21, 1880. David Grindle enlisted in September, 1861, in Company I, Thirty-sixth Regiment Ohio Volunteer Infantry, and was discharged April 24, 1864, and re-enlisted in the One Hundred and Ninety-seventh Ohio Volunteer Infantry, March 14, 1865, for one year, and was discharged by general order from the War Department; died in December, 1881, at West Unity, Ohio. Shelly Gish, Hoffman's Battery, Company C, Ohio Volunteers, United States Army. Mexican War—George U. Juillerat entered the regular army February 1, 1848, for one year in the war with Mexico, and died February 1, 1859, at West Unity. War of 1812—Justice K. Rockwell, died at West Unity. Isaac Ritchey, died at West Unity, in 1879. Joseph Runnion enlisted for three months, served out his time faithfully, and died at West Unity April 15, 1874. 398 - HISTORY OF WILLIAMS COUNTY. Revolutionary War—Abraham Hagerman, served in the Revolution, and died in Brady Township. EXTENT OF PRESENT BUSINESS. West Unity contains two hotels, one newspaper and job office, three dry goods stores, four grocery and provision stores, one saw mill, one flouring mill, one woolen factory, one knitting factory, one dental office, two saloons, two drug stores, five physicians, one planing mill, one oar factory, one cooper shop, two barber shops, one wholesale paper house, two clothing stores, two meat markets, two tin shops, one harness shop, one furniture store, one cigar and tobacco store, two cabinet shops, two hardware stores, one photograph gallery, three blacksmith shops, two boot and shoe shops, two livery and feed stables, one bakery, two tailoring establishments, two wagon and carriage shops, four carriage painting shops, two millinery and fancy goods stores, one jewelry shop, one musical instrument and sewing machine dealer, two agricultural implements and farm machinery stores, one carriage store, one bank, one insurance company. Besides these, all the trades are represented by first-class mechanic. MUTUAL FIRE INSURANCE COMPANY. The Brady Mutual Fire Insurance Company was organized June 12, 1875, but issued no policies until December following. The company was re-organized June 9, 1877, under an act of the General Assembly of the State of Ohio, passed March 30, 1877. The company does business in Fulton and Williams Counties, but the business center is located at West Unity, where the officers of the company reside. This company only insure farm property, and no property will be taken that is already insured by any other company. Each member is required to pay 15 cents on every hundred dollars insured when he enters, and then pay his proportion thereafter. The whole number of policies now in force is over nine hundred, and the amount of property at risk over $900,000. The company has been very successful, and the rate of insurance has been quite a saving to the farmers. The present officers are as follows: S. A. Brownwell, President; George W. Money, Treasurer ; William H. Shilling, Clerk; Adam Drum, Ephraim Sears and Adam Knaur, Directors. HOTELS. The Pifer house has been the resort of the weary traveler for many years. Everything about the premises is in tip-top shape, and additions and improvements are constantly being made. The house being clean throughout, and having been thoroughly re-fitted and re-furnished with all modern improvements, is one of the most comfortable and cozy stopping- BRADY TOWNSHIP - 399 places in the country. The landlord, Elwood A. Pifer, is courteous and accommodating to his guests, thereby making them feel at home. In connection with this hotel is a first-class feed and livery stable. The popular Kenyon House was erected in the year 1874. It is a large and commodious building, well arranged to accommodate the traveling public, and for entertainment of boarders cannot be excelled by any place in the county. The house is kept by Mrs. S. M. Kenyon, a lady who understands how to keep a first-class house. UNITY MILL COMPANY. The flouring-mill and woolen factory in this place are owned by this company. The mills were erected in 1865, by George Rings, L. Grant and others, at a cost of $15,000 for building and machinery. In 1871-Rev. John Poucher bought out Mr. Grant's interest, and has been a merit ber of the firm ever since. The present owners are George Rings, John. Poucher and E. S. Davies. The woolen factory is under the supervision of Mr. M. Kelley, a gentleman who understands the business thorough] In 1881, a knitting department was added, in which eight to twelve hands are employed. Some of the finest knitting work in the country is done at this factory. The flouring-mill has a wide reputation for doing good work and taking only such toll as rightly belongs to it. The proprietor, being honest in their dealings, have secured patrons from many miles away. The mill is kept running most of the time, some days grinding a hrgegh as two hundred and fifty to three hundred bushels of wheat. New and modern improvements have laterly been added, and the mill is now one of the best in the country. MERCHANDISING A. P. Grisier, whose store is in the brick Mason building, on north side of Jackson street, came to West Unity in 1872, and engaged in the grocery and provision trade. In 1877, he purchased the stock of dry goods, clothing, groceries, etc., owned by G. H. Pierce. This stock was sold out in a few months, his sales amounting to as high as $600 a day and requiring eight or ten clerks to do the work. His present building is in the heart of the town. The general appearance of the store, as well as the countenances of the employes, argue a good business, and the principal of the firm is daily extending it. He has made his mark upward Mr. Grisier has also a fine general store at Fayette, Ohio. Ely & Smith.—This firm is situated in the Hinman Block, and they have one of the finest general stores in Northwestern Ohio. They commenced business in 1880, and are really the outgrowth of the old firm of Hollington & Elliott. who started in business here in 1860. Mr. Ely was in their employ