Hardin County OhArchives History - Books .....Goshen Township 1883
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Book Title: The History Of Hardin County, Ohio

GOSHEN TOWNSHIP.

   A little more than fifty years ago, the territory now embraced in the
boundary lines of what is known and designated as Goshen Township, and which now
contains so many beautiful farms and fine improvements, was all a dense forest,
inhabited by wild beasts, and not a trace of a white settler within its
precincts. The ring of the woodman's ax had not yet disturbed the wild beast in
his lair, and the hunter and trapper had full and undisputed sway. What a change
in so short a period! Although there is still an abundance of wood and timber
for all practical purposes, yet thousands of acres of land have been cleared by
the brawny arms of the sturdy pioneers, and now among the finest cultivated
farms of Hardin County.

   This township was organized in the spring of 1834, but as the county records,
showing the acts of the Commissioners in organizing this township, were
destroyed by fire, in 1853, and as the records of the township are preserved
only since 1839, we are unable, from any records, to describe the original
boundary lines. But it is known that at first it embraced more territory than
now, as nine sections were, in 1845, attached to Wyandot County. The township is
all embraced in the "Congress Lands," as the territory all lies north of the
Scioto River. As it is now constituted, it embraces twenty-seven sections, or
17,280 acres. It is bounded as follows: On the north, by Jackson Township and
Wyandot County; on the east, by Wyandot and Marion Counties; on the south, by
Dudley Township, and on the west by Pleasant Township. It is said to have
received its name on account of the exceeding richness of its soil, and the vast
quantities of honey produced by wild bees-in comparison to the Goshen of
oriental fame.

PHYSICAL FEATURES.

   There are no large streams within this territory; two or three branches of
the Tymochtee pass through or take their rise in this township, flowing in a
northeast direction into Wyandot County, and empty into the main stream. In the
southern part of the township is Paw-Paw Run, which takes its rise in Section
32, on the farm of N. Heil, and takes a general eastern course into Marion
County. These are small streams, insufficient for mills or manufacturing
purposes, but help to furnish a supply of water for stock, and as outlets for
ditching and tiling, so necessary to prepare the lands in this section of
country for successful farming.

   The surface is generally level, with some localities slightly undulating. .By
the general course of the streams, it is apparent that the southwest portion of
the township possesses the highest elevation, although the slope to the north
and east is so gradual that the traveler passing over the country could scarcely
observe any variation, but would think the surface a broad, level expanse, with
here and there portions slightly undulating.

   The soil is very deep and rich, a great portion of which is a black loam, and
the balance a clay soil. It is generally embedded in a blue clay subsoil, of
variable depth, under which is found sand or gravel. Thus constituted, it is
capable of perfect saturation, and in very wet seasons the success of the crop
depends upon good drainage. When the owners of the lands have completely
perfected a thorough system of drainage, by ditching and tiling-which they are
now rapidly accomplishing this township will probably equal, if not excel, any
township in the county, with the same number of acres, in its production of
wheat, oats, corn and hay, to the raising of which the farmers are giving their
principal attention, together with stock-raising. To the latter business the
country is peculiarly adapted, producing a luxuriant growth of grass. and well
watered, which gives it a prestige; and this business will. without doubt,
become a pleasant and leading branch of business with the best farmers of this
township.

   This is entirely a rural township-not a town or village within its limits, no
store or post office, and no mills or manufacturing, except occasionally a
portable saw mill, which performs the work desired in one locality, then removes
to another neighborhood; hence agriculture is the only and exclusive employment
of the people.

   From the above description of the physical features of Goshen Township, it
would be natural to suppose that it would hold out superior attractions to the
pioneers of our country to locate in its domain, and open out and prepare homes
for themselves and their families. And thus it appears to have been. The course
of immigration was principally by the Ohio River and its tributaries, following
up the Scioto with its beautiful valleys and rich land. and taking up the most
valuable and attractive; finally, about 1832, the current of immigration reached
the heavy forests and rich lands of this township. The land here was originally
very heavily timbered, consisting principally of the different varieties of oak,
ash, maple, hickory and elm, with some sycamore and walnut, and large quantities
of beech. There were other kinds of timber, but the above were the prevailing
varieties.

   For the settler entering in the midst of these forests, to make a farm and
obtain the comforts and conveniences of a home, required years of toil and
labor. Of these toils, hardships and dangers, which these worthy sires endured,
how little we know, and how diminutive our appreciation of them!

EARLY SETTLERS.

   As stated above, about 1832, we find the first permanent settlers locating in
this township. Of some of these, we make the following mention; and we would
here state, that after the settlers commenced to locate here the flow of
immigration was rapid, and in less than twenty years or in 1850 the census gave
a population of 490. In 1860, it had almost doubled, the population then being
894. Again, in 1870, it reached 928, and in 1880, there were 1,030. From these
statistics, it will be seen that during the decade from 1850 to 1860 the
immigration was unprecedented.

   Samuel Kelly, who, it is believed, was born in Pennsylvania, became a settler
of this township in the winter of 1832-33, locating on the northeast quarter of
Section 20, where his son, William A. Kelly, now resides. He remained here many
years, but, subsequently removed to Kansas, where he still resides at quite an
advanced age. He was the father of three children, of whom but one now
survives-William A., who, as mentioned above, resides on the old home place, and
is a man highly esteemed for his moral worth and integrity, and has held many of
the leading offices of his township.

   Jonathan Mason, a native of Virginia, emigrated to Ohio, first settling in
Fairfield County, and about 1832-33 removed to Hardin County, and located in
what is now Goshen Township, on land now owned by Baker Latham, where several
roads intersect, and which has been known for many years as Mason's Corners. Mr.
Mason resided here till his death. He had the following children, viz., John,
Thomas, Charles, Wilson, Loyd and Jane. Mr. Mason was a man somewhat peculiar in
his habits, never made any religious profession, but was a kind neighbor and
esteemed citizen.

   Alexander Pool, believed to be a native of Pennsylvania, was first a settler
in Richland County, where he resided several years; thence, in the spring of
1833, settled in this township, located on land where he resided till his death
in the spring of 1882, having made a residence here of forty-nine years. Of his
children, Mr. B. Pool resides on the old home place; John and William are
residents of Kenton, where they are carrying on the blacksmithing and wagon
business.

   Samuel McQuown, believed to be a native of Virginia, settled in this township
about 1833-34. and was for several years well known as a devoted Presbyterian,
n, a man of undoubted integrity and a much respected citizen. He died where he
first located. Of his sons, Robert served several years as Township Clerk, James
is a resident farmer of Pleasant Township, and there were several others who
moved away.

   George and Jonas Butcher, two brothers, natives of Virginia, settled in the
northwest part of the township in the winter of 1832-33, where they resided till
their death They were good neighbors and citizens, and died esteemed and
respected by all who knew them. Of the children of George Butcher, Joel is now a
resident of Pleasant Township; Evaline married E. Spitzer; Mary married Robert
Coates, and others moved West. The surviving children of Jonas Butcher have all
emigrated to the West.

   John Garrett, a gentleman of Irish descent. came here from Pennsylvania and
settled on land now owned by R. Frazer, in 1834. and remained a resident here
till his death.

   Spear, James and John Hastings, with their father, settled in the south-east
part of Goshen about 1833-34, where the father died. The sons above-mentioned
are still residents of the same locality, and are now among the wealthy and
prominent farmers of this township. They began right in the dense forests and by
their own labor and industry have cleared up their lands, erected fine buildings
and now have beautiful farms and pleasant homes.

   Hugh Pugh settled on land now owned by R. S. Latham, in 1834-35, and there
resided till his death. He was a man of strict integrity, a member of the
Presbyterian Church and a valued citizen. He was the father of several children,
some of whom are dead, and the balance are all settled in the West.

   Henry Cole came here from Fairfield County, Ohio, about 1834-35, and resided
here many years, but subsequently removed to the west part of Hardin County,
where he died. He was a member of the United Brethren Church.

   Michael Johnson settled on the northwest quarter of Section 30, in 1835;
after a residence of several years, he moved away.

   George M. Cummins, a native of New Jersey, settled, in 1834-35, with his
family on the northeast quarter of Section 22, where his son, Jacob S., now
resides. He died on the place where he first located, a man of great moral worth
and integrity. He had two children-Jacob S. and Mary Ann; the latter is now a
resident of Michigan. Mr. Cummins died January 14, 1866.

   Jeremiah Sims was born in Mifflin County, Penn., May 14, 1791; emigrated to
Ohio, and settled on the southwest quarter of Section 15, Goshen Township, in
July, 1835, where he resided with his son John until his death. He died July 19,
1883. aged ninety-two years, two months, five days. He had five sons and three
daughters, of whom four now survive-John, Catharine, Rebecca and Harriet. The
son, John, who resides on the home place, erected a good house, and fitted up
some rooms for his aged father, but the old gentleman refused to occupy them,
preferring to live by himself in the old house. Mr. Sims was by trade a post and
rail fence builder. He commenced life a poor man, and by his own industry became
quite wealthy. His long life was characterized by industry, integrity and
uprightness, and he was a member of the Christian Church. There is a
circumstance connected with Mr. Sims' life so unusual that we deem it worthy to
be placed here on record. About the year 1840-41, a colt was sired on his farm,
which he raised, and which became a favorite horse of his, and an animal of
trust and value, with which he would not part for "love or money." This animal
lived, and was cared for with the tenderest affection, till, in February, 1883,
it died, aged forty-two years. There are few, if any records of horses living to
such an extreme age It is said that Mr. Sims drove the horse to Kenton and back
several times last summer-a distance of nine miles. During the last two months
of the life of this horse, he was mainly supported on apples, being unable to
masticate the ordinary feed for horses. It is said that the old gentlaman
grieved exceedingly at the loss of this aged but faithful animal. Mr. Sims was,
doubtless, the oldest man in Hardin County when he died.

   William and Morris Baker, two brothers, natives of Virginia, emigrated with
their families to Ohio, and settled in the northwest part of this township,
about 1835-36, where they remained during the balance of their lives. The former
was a member of the Christian Church, and the latter of the Presbyterian. They
both raised large families, many of whom are deceased; some moved West; James, a
son of Morris Baker, resides in the township and owns a part of the old home
place, and Rachel, his sister, was married to G. W. Armstrong, and resides in
Kenton.

   Jacob Yauger was born in Pennsylvania January 18, 1799. He married Charity
Albertson, and emigrated to Holmes County, Ohio; thence, in December, 1836,
removed to this township and settled on the northwest quarter of Section 22, on
the land where his son William now resides. Here Mr. Yauger opened out in the
midst of a dense forest, and here remained till his death. He died April 20,
1868. Mr. Yauger was a very plain, unpretentious man, but whose veracity and
integrity were beyond reproach, and who had the esteem and confidence of his
community to an almost unlimited extent. He served as Trustee of his township
sixteen years, and as Treasurer twenty years. His family consisted of seven sons
and two daughters, of whom only two now survive-Elam R. and William; the latter
resides upon the old home place, where his father first located, and where, soon
after their settlement, it was made the place of holding the township elections,
and where they continued to be held till the spring of 1878, when the Trustees
purchased a quarter of an acre of land off the northwest corner of Mr. Yauger's
farm, upon which they erected a township house, where the elections have since
been held.

   John Millar, a native of Scotland, emigrated to America in 1805, and settled
in Muskingum County, Ohio, where he was united in marriage with Sarah Dickson,
who was born in Ireland and emigrated to America in 1810. They were married in
1815. In 1836, they removed to Hardin County, locating on Sections 30 and 31, in
Goshen Township. He became a prominent farmer of this township. He owned 500
acres of land and a home, well improved, at the time of his death, which
occurred in 1851, in his sixty-seventh year. He raised a family of seven
children-Thomas B., Robert D., Jane, Agnes, James, Gracy and John D. Of these,
Thomas B., Agnes and John D. are deceased; Jane married, and resides in Indiana;
the others are all married, and reside in this county, are all prosperous,
reliable and respected citizens, and have tilled many of the prominent offices
of trust in the township and county. In 1851, Robert D. was elected Surveyor,
and held that office until 1857. From 1861 to 1867, he was County Auditor. From
1863 to 1869, he was County Engineer for the construction of pikes and gravel
roads. In 1876-77, he was again appointed. and served as Engineer, since which
he has given his principal attention to his farm.

   Mr. Hisey came from Belmont County to Hardin County about 1832-33, and
settled on land near the crossing of the pike on the township line between
Goshen and Dudley Townships, and the State road running from Bellefontaine to
Upper Sandusky, where he resided several years, but subsequently moved away. He
was a preacher of marked ability, and quite a noted revivalist in the Free-Will
Baptist Church.

   Joseph Roseberry, who came from Marion County to this county, and settled on
the State road near the McKendrick Methodist Episcopal Church, is believed to be
the first settler to locate in the present precincts of Goshen Township,
settling here as early ass 1827-28. After remaining here a few years, he again
moved back into Marion County, where he died.

   In 1835-36, Harrison Barrett, who came here from Belmont County, Ohio,
settled on the same tract of land upon which Mr. Joseph Roseberry resided, where
he remained till his death. Two Of his sons-Franklin and George-have married and
settled in this township, and are among its prominent and reliable farmers.

   John Adam Pfeiffer was born in Prussia, August 14, 1805, and came to
Springfield, Ohio. in 1837 ; thence to Kenton, and to Goshen Township in 1840.
He lost his wife in 1859, since which he has resided with his sons, George and
Peter. His brother John came to Kenton two years before his arrival, and his
brother George came to Springfield, where he married Sarah Shearer, and after
residing there seven years removed to Goshen Township, where he now resides.
Peter, son of the above John Adam Pfeiffer, married Sabille Wolf, a daughter of
Jacob Wolf, of Pleasant Township.

ELECTIONS AND EARLY OFFICIALS.

   The township records for the first four years after the erection of the
township could not be found. The elections were held at the house of Jacob
Yauger, and, after his death, at the same place (then in possession of his son
William) from the time soon after their settlement here until the spring of
1878, when the Trustees purchased one-quarter of an acre of land off the
northwest corner of Mr. Yeager's farm, upon which they erected the present
township house, where the elections have since been held. The records of the
township commence with the year 1839, since which the officials have been as
follows:

   Trustees-1839-40, William Baker, John Miller and Samuel Haynes; 
1841, William Baker, Jacob Yauger and Chancy Benson; 
1842, Jacob Yauger, John Kelly and Isaac Robinson; 
1843, Jacob Yauger, William Baker and John Kelly; 
1844-45, Edward McGuigin, John Miller and Jacob Yauger; 
1846, Jacob Yauger, Henry Shriver and Thomas Baker; 
1847, Jacob Yauger, John Roberts and James Hastings;
1848, Henry Shriver, John Roberts and Edward McGuigin; 
1849. Thomas Baker, Jacob Yauger and Edward McGuigin; 
1850, Robert Dickson, Jacob Yauger and Henry Shriver; 
1852, Isaac A. Robinson, George Butcher and Jacob Yauger; 
1853, Jacob Yauger, James Hastings and W. H. Borland: 
1854, Jacob Yauger, George Butcher and Edward McGuigin; 
1855, Jacob Yauger, Jeremiah Sims and Elisha White; 
1856, Jacob Yauger, W. H. Borland and Edward P. Bull; 
1857, Jacob Yauger, W. H. Borland and John Roberts; 
1858, Benjamin Boyce, James Hastings and Sheldon Latham; 
1859, James Hastings, R. S. Latham and Adam Millar; 
1860, W. H. Borland, Edward McGuigin and Redman Coates,
1861, J. S. Bull, H. T. Roby and James Baker: 
1862, Edward McGuigin, H. T. Roby and S. S. Bolenberg; 
1863, wanting; 
1864, George Pfeiffer, John Yauger and William Pugh; 
1865. J. R. Millar, John Baker and Peter Pfeiffer; 
1866. William J. Emmons, W. H. Borland and George Pfeiffer: 
1867, William J. Emmons, W. S. Pugh and J. U. Heilman: 
1868, William J. Emmons, James M. Baker and Adam Millar: 
1869, William J. Emmons W. S. Pugh and Peter Pfeiffer; 
1870, William S. Pugh, Peter Pfeiffer and J. M. Baker; 
1871, W. A Kelly. G. W. Armstrong and James Hastings; 
1872, James Hastings. C. Althouser and David Thompson; 
1873, W. C. Ingman, W. J. Emmons and H. B. Latham; 
1874, James Hastings, H. B. Latham and J. W. Heilman.

Clerks-1838-40, Robert McQuown; 
1841. A. Alexander; 
1842, Daniel K. Gilmore; 
1843, Stephen Frost; 
1844-46 Daniel K. Gilmore; 
1847, Robert Millar; 
1848, William A. Kelly: 
1849, Samuel Kelly: 
1850-51, Robert Millar; 
1852, George Clement: 
1853, Robert D. Millar; 
1854, George Clement; 
1855-56, Daniel R. Gilmore; 
1857-58, J. S. Bull; 
1859-60, Daniel K. Gilmore; 
1861, John Haley; 
1862-64, M. V. Toner; 
1865, J. W. Born; 
1866, John Duffey; 
1867, John Yauger; 
1868, John Haley; 
1869-70, William Yauger; 
1871, J. J. Wilkins: 
1872. Thomas W. Durnal; 
1873. M. V. Toner; 
1874, William Yauger.

Treasurers-1839-43. Thomas Armstrong: 
1844-45, Benjamin Widener; 
1846-57, Jacob Yauger, 
1858, Timothv Stillings, 
1859-64, Jacob Yauger, 
1865, R. S. Latham; 
1866-67, Jacob Yauger; 
1868, James Thompson; 
1869-70, John Thompson; 
1871. C. B. Drum; 
1872-74, J. S. Cummins.

Constables-1839, Nicholas Allison; 
1840, George H. Cummins; 
1841, wanting; 
1842-44, Henry Cole and Charles Polly; 
1845. George M. Cummins and Henry Cole; 
1846-47, George M. Cummins and Henry Cole; 
1848, George M. Cummins and Spear Hastings; 
1849-50, George M. Cummins and Elisha White; 
1851. Walker McFadden and George M. Cummins; 
1852, Thomas Comstock and Adam Pfeiffer, 
1853. George M. Cummins and Peter A. Robinson; 
1854, George M. Cummins and William A. Kelly; 
1855, George M. Cummins and Justus Rockwell; 
1856, Peter A. Robinson and Justus Rockwell; 
1857, Patrick Laughlin and William A. Kelly; 
1858, E. L. Sanford and A. W. Buell; 
1859, E. L. Sanford and R. Yauger; 
1860, Peter A. Robinson and Joseph Cross; 
1861. Joseph Cross and Peter Picket; 
1862, Charles Robinson and F. M. Childs; 
1863,---; 
1864, G. B. Sanford and William Borland; 
1865, Andrew Coffman; 
1866, George Pfeiffer, 
1867, James Robinson and John Wolf; 
1868, J. P. Bower and P. Champlain; 
1869, A. Brown and A. Starling; 
1870, Adam Starling and P. Champlain; 
1871, John Watson and H. C. Comstock; 
1872, John Watson and William Hamilton; 
1873, P. A. Robinson; 
1874, George Althouser, Hiram Borland.

Assessors-1842-44, Samuel Holmes; 
1845, Henry Cole; 
1846-47 David Thompson; 
1848-49. Samuel Kelly; 
1850-51, Robert D. Mill; 
1852, George Clement; 
1853, Robert D. Millar; 
1854, George Clements; 
1855, Wilmot Munson; 
1856-57, William A. Kelly; 
1858, Robert D. Millar; 
1859, William A. Kelly; 
1860, Robert D. Millar; 
1861, William A Kelly; 
1862. G. W. Armstrong; 
1863, --; 
1864, John Haley; 
1865-67, J. A. Butcher; 
1868, G. W. Armstrong; 
1869. W. Armstrong; 
1870-72. A. V. Hartle; 
1873, J. B. Pumphrey; 
1874, A. V. Hartle.


MILLS.

   As there are no streams to furnish water-power in Goshen Township, we found
no early-erected mills, as has been the result in some sections where pioneers
found good water privileges. We do not learn that there was ever a grist mill in
the township, and very few saw-mills, and these have mainly been of the portable
kind, for temporary use at the various points where used. About 1848-50,
Harrison Pool erected a steam saw-mill, on land now owned by Emmons' heirs. He
was finally succeeded in the ownership of the mill by Josiah Roby, and he by
James M. Bunce, who continued to run the mill till 1870, when the boiler became
old and was condemned as unsafe; yet he continued to ran it, when one day, in
above mentioned year, his wife was serving as fireman and something taking place
demanded them to stop the engine. and before ready to start the engine again,
too much steam had bean generated in the boiler for its strength, and it blew
up. killing both Mr. Bunce and his wife. Thus terminated the only permanent
steam mill ever established in the township.

ROADS AND PIKES.

   There is no railroad within this township. The first road that was cut
through the original dense forest of this township was made by the soldiers
during the war of 1812, over which the troops passed from Bellefontaine to Upper
Sandusky. which is now known as the "Old State road," and passes diagonally
through Sections 34, 26 and 24, from a southwest to a northeast course. and on
this road were located some of the first settlers of this township. After 1830,
settlers came into the township quite rapidly, and roads were soon cut out
running in various directions. principally upon section lines, until now the
supply of roads is abundant and ample. This township, however, has a limited
supply of gravel for making pikes, and the result is, there are, we believe, but
four graveled roads in the township, viz.: The Kenton & Marseilles, the Millar,
the township line between Dudley and Goshen, and the pike running east from the
first-mentioned pike, starting at the Hopewell United Brethren Church. Not a
single pike is yet built running north and south, although they are very much
needed, as the deep, rich soil of these lands, in wet seasons, makes almost
impassable mud roads. But as the farmers advance in wealth, with fine, improved
farms and comfortable homes, their enterprise will move them to the graveling of
the roads, and, with the superior soil and other advantages they possess, we may
expect that erelong this will become one of the "banner" townships of the county.

SCHOOLS.

   The first school in the township was in a little round-log cabin, situated on
Section 21, of the old, primitive kind, and the first teacher was Sloan McQuown,
about 1836-37. But as this township was settled up quite rapidly, also so
rapidly the schools were multiplied, and now (1883) it compares favorably, in
the number and value of its schools and schoolhouses, with those of the other
townships of the county.

   Report of the Board of Education- Balance on hand September 1, 1881,
$1,121.79; State tax, $544.50; irreducible school funds, $231.40; township tax
for school and schoolhouse purposes, $1,638.83; amount received from Marion
County, $180; fines, licenses, tuition of non-resident pupils, etc., $76.93;
total, $3,793.45. Expenditures: Amount paid teachers in common schools,
$1,615.50; amount paid for fuel and other contingent expenses, $691.52; total,
$2,307.02. Balance on hand September 1, 1882, $1,486.43; number of schoolhouses
in township 8; number of teachers to supply schools, 8; average wages per month
of male teachers, $35; average wages per month of female teachers. $23; average
number of weeks schools were in session, 23; total value of school property,
$8,000.

CHURCHES.

   It appears that the religious element of this community took root, shape and
form in the way of an organized body in the northeast part of this township, in
that portion which has since been cut off and become a part of Wyandot County.
There, a church was organized at quite an early day, but, by the erection of
Wyandot County, in 1845, the territory embracing this church became a part of
that county: hence, the full history of the society belongs to a history of
Wyandot, but we have mentioned the fact of its early organization, as many of
its members and ardent supporters were citizens of Goshen Township.

   The first church to effect an organization within Goshen Township, as its
boundary lines were established in 1840, was the Asbury Methodist Episcopal
Church, situated on the northwest corner of Section 30. on the Kenton &
Marseilles pike, near the west line of the township. A class was here organized
about 1845, consisting of the following persons: David Clayton and wife Mary,
John Castor and wife Elizabeth, Paul Castor and wife Eleanor, David Ware and
wife Samantha, John Looker and wife, Lydia, Daniel Osborn and wife Dorothy,
Thomas Miller and wife Margaret, John C. Castor and wife Elizabeth, and some of
the Children of the above, with, perhaps, a few others whose names are not now
remembered. Their meetings and services were held in the Clayton Schoolhouse
until the summer of 1859, when the present frame church edifice was erected at a
cost of $1,300. The house was dedicated to service on Sabbath, the 5th day of
June, 1859, Elder E. C. Gavitt preaching the dedicatory sermon. The principal
ministers who have served this society since its organization are as follows:
Revs. Joseph Good, Joshua Smith, Hamilton Bigley, Jacob Holmes, William J. Peck,
Hiram M. Shaffer, Samuel Hagerman, Oscar E. Moore, Irk Jamison, W. S. Ray, James
S. G. Reeder. Thomas Harvey Wilson, Daniel Carter, Isaac N. Kalb and Jason
Young. Its Class Leaders have been as follows: John Castor, Paul Castor, John
Wilmuth, John Looker, T. B. Miller, Lewis Emmons, W. A. Kelly and John Maguea.
The following have served as Stewards: John Castor, Paul Castor, William A.
Kelly and William P. Castor. The present Trustees arc; Lewis Emmons, Paul Castor
and William A. Kelly. Present membership is about fifty-five. Soon after the
organization of the church, a Sabbath school was established, and has been
continued during the summer seasons ever since, with good attendance, and
doubtless sowing seed which will spring forth and continue to bear precious
fruit through ages yet untold. The average attendance last summer was about
fifty, with William A. Kelly, Superintendent.

   Hopewell United Brethren Church was organized in the spring of 1870, by Rev.
Thomas McKinney. The following seven persons constituted the first class, viz.:
J. R. Burnside and wife Loruhamah, S. P. Bolenbaugh and wife Catharine, Thomas
Durnal and wife Hannah, and Adam Starling, with J. R. Burnside as Class Leader
and S. P. Bolenbaugh as Steward. They held their meetings and services in the
schoolhouse until the summer of 1872, when the present frame church edifice was
erected at a cost of $800. The building was dedicated to service by Elder W. J.
Shuey, of Dayton, who preached the dedicatory sermon September 8, 1872. The
following ministers have served as pastors of this church, viz.: Revs. Thomas
McKinney, J. W. Wagoner, T. W. Hughes, William Kiracofe, R. W. Wilgus, C. Bodey,
James Wilkison, Reuben Moore, J. W. Wentz, Jacob Kiracofe, Jacob Parthamore and
J. C. Montgomery. As Stewards, S. P. Bolenbaugh, Thomas W. Durnal, Hollis James,
Geddis Starner, John Spitzer, M. B. Burnside and Thomas Wetherell. Class
Leaders, J. R. Burnside and Hezekiah Hemp. Present membership, sixty. The same
summer after the organization of the church, a Sabbath school was organized, and
has been continued through the summer seasons since, with an average attendance
of about sixty; present Superintendent, J. R. Burnside.

   McKendre Chapel, Methodist Episcopal Church.-The first class was organized by
Rev. B. B. Powell, in 1858, and was connected with the Pisgah society,
Marseilles charge. It consisted of the following persons: W. J. Sanford, ____
Sanford, W. J. Emmons, Sarah Emmons, Lewis Emmons, Harrison Barrett, Emma
Barrett, G. L. Barrett, Sarah L. Barrett, Leonard Smalley, ____ Smalley, John
Kneisly, Susan Kneisly, W . W. McFadden, Christena McFadden, P. A. Robinson,
James Robinson, Ann Robinson. Eliza D. Wilson, E. J. Barrett. F. A. Clement,
Purcell Sanford and wife. Emmerson Sanford and wife, Seldon Sanford and wife,
George Sanford and John Haley, with W. J. Sanford as Class Leader. A meeting was
held at the house of W. J. Sanford, December 13, 1858, at which time it was
resolved to build a church edifice, and W. J. Emmons, L. Smalley and W. J.
Sanford were appointed a committee to secure a deed for ground upon which to
build. At the same meeting, the following persons were appointed trustees: H.
Barrett, L. Smalley, P. A. Robinson, W. J. Sanford, L. Emmons, W. J. Emmons, J.
Kneisly, W. W. McFaddin and G. L. Barrett. W. J. Sanford and Harrison Barrett
donated the land, each one-fourth of an acre. A house was erected. 30x40 feet,
at a cost of $900. The church was dedicated in February, 1860, by a sermon from
Maxwell P. Gladdis, of the Cincinnati Conference, at which time $100 was raised,
to complete the payment of the cost of the church, and it was given the name of
McKendre Chapel. The following persons have served as Class Leaders: W. J.
Sanford, W. J. Emmons, W. C. Ingman, L. Emmons, Henry Haynes, J. B. Pumphrey, A.
W. Burnison, Henry Hensel and I. S. Baker. The class was organized as a separate
society, apart from the Pisgah society, by Rev. James DeLeil, in 1859, and was
first recognized by the Marseilles charge in the quarterly conference, on July
29 of that. year. The following pastors have served the society since its
organization: Revs. James S. DeLeil, James Jackson, S. L. Roberts, John R.
Colgan. D. D. S. Reah, William Boggs, John C. Castor, T. J. Mather, S. M. Boggs,
F. Plumb, J. A. Wright, D. R. Cook, John Ormerod, W. W. Lance, J. C. Clemmons,
William Dunlap and William Lucas, the latter being the present pastor.

   Salem German Reformed Church was organized in June, 1860, by Rev. J. G. Ruhl,
of Marion, Ohio, from members of the Evangelical Protestant Reformed
Confessionists, consisting of the following persons: Jacob Born, Sr., Jacob
Born, Jr., Jacob S. Born, John U. Born, John F. Casper, Samuel Frendiger, John
N. Kellerhals, Casper Burkhalter, Jacob Magly, John G. Fisher, Peter McUeller,
Jacob Pfeister, John M. Meyer, John N. Seiler and John Schoeneman, Sr. Services
were held by both congregations at the old church, by mutual consent, until
1875, when, from existing circumstances, the members of the Salem congregation
erected their present church building, which was dedicated to service, November
14, 1875, by Rev. J. G. Ruhl, who was then their pastor. The society was duly
incorporated, January 10, 1876. and the articles of incorporation duly recorded
at the office of the County Recorder. This society, with the congregations of
Kenton and Forest. belong to the Heidelberg class of the Central Synod of the
Reformed Church of the United States. The ministers who haves served this church
as its pastors have been Revs. William Renter, from 1860 to 1863: Gerhord
Kuhlen, from 1864 to 1866; Carl Schaaf, from 1866 to 1869; Isaac Matzinger, from
1869 to 1871; Philip Ruhl, from 1871 to 1874: J. G. Ruhl, from 1874 to 1878:
John Heberle, from 1879 to 1881. Since January 1882, Rev. J. G. Ruhl, of
Findlay, Ohio, has served the church temporarily as its pastor. The Elders of
the society have been Jacob Born, Jacob Pfeister, John Kimbelbein, Christian
Daniels, John G. Fisher, John Schaffner, Christain Beeler, John F. Casper,
Benedict Kanel and W. H. Krimbelbein. Deacons: John G. Fisher. John Shafner,
Jacob Born. Jacob Magly, John F. Casper, John G. Born. Jacob Kenzig and Jacob
Schoeneman. Present membership. 120; confirmed members, 53. Present
officers-Elders: John F. Casper and W. H. Krimbolboin. Deacons: Jacob
Schoeneman. Jacob Kenzig and .John Schoeneman, Sr., Trustees: Jacob Kenzig,
Jacob Pfeister and .John Schoeneman. Sabbath school was organized in the spring
of H75. with John Schoeneman, Superintendent, Samuel Baker. Secretary, with an
attendance of seventy and an average of fifty-six.

   St. John's Lutheran Church was organized with the following, constituent male
members, viz.: Adam Pfeiffer, George Pfeiffer, Christian Althouser, Adam Millar,
Christian Daniels, Jacob Born, Samuel Strauser, Jacob Wolfe, John N.
Kellerhouse, John Sherman, Jacob Born, Jr., John N. Born, John Pfeiffer. Sr.,
John Elsassor, Samuel Frediker, George Bishop, Jacob Feister and Louis
Rannagier. They erected their present church building in 1850, which was duly
dedicated to service. The following ministers have served this church since its
organization: Revs. Mr. Herman, Mr. Kisler, Mr. Helfer, Mr. Betchler. Mr.
Dimpler, Mr. Crusy, Mr. Hembler, Mr. Surnadem, Mr. Dial, Mr. Munk, Mr. Sickle.
and Mr. Betz, who is the present pastor in charge. The present officers are
George Pfeiffer, John Shoefner, Nicholas Bloom and Peter Daniels. Its present
members are as follows: John Blankner. Peter Pfeiffer, Louis Pfeiffer, George
Pfeiffer, Jr., Henry Pfeiffer, Adam Pfeiffer, Jr., John Heilman, Samuel
Pfeiffer, George W. Althouser, Frederick Wolf, Andrew Bridenstine, Thomas
Ramgier, Henry Bouse, Frederick Shoefner, Casper Rader and Rinehart Loubus.

GRANGE.

   Goshen Grange, No. 578, was organized in February. 1872, by Deputy Parks
Snodgrass, with the following charter members: R. D. Millar, James R. Millar.
Thomas B. Millar, George W. Ramge, Thomas Ramge, W. A. Kelly, John Haley, John
Heilman, Jacob Pfeister, Peter Pfeiffer, Samuel Pfeiffer, Lewis Pfeiffer, John
Stoll, David Swartz, Joel Russell. William Dickerson, Casper Stoll, Andrew
Stoll, George Pfeiffer, D. K. Boyd, Joseph Cowen, John Cowen, Philip Daniels,
Martha Millar, Ida Millar, Permelia Millar, Mrs. S. A. Boyd, Mrs. Martha
Dikerson, Mrs. S. A. Haley, Margaret Kelly, Mrs. E. J. Kelly, Margaret Heilman
and Rebecca Swartz. Officers: R. D. Millar, M.; Joel Russell, O.; John Stoll S.;
John Cowen, A. S.; George Ramge, G. K.; William A. Kelly, L.; Thomas Ramge,
Treas; John Haley, Sec.; Thomas B. Millar, Chap.; Martha Millar, Po.; Ids
Millar, L. A. S.; Permelia Millar, Flo.; Mrs. E. J. Kelly, Ceres. They held
their meetings in the Millar Schoolhouse until the spring of 1877, when their
present Grange Hall was erected--a frame building, 22x34 feet, containing three
rooms. The society meets regularly every Tuesday evening. This has been a very
prosperous society, increasing in membership and strength till it has become one
of the largest and strongest Granges in the county. At one time it reached a
membership of 100. Present membership eighty-one. Present officers: Alonzo
Dickson, M.; John Heilman, O. ; Lewis Dickson, S.; Lewis Emmons, A. S.; Willis
Hodge, G. K.: Robert D. Millar, Sec.: C. B. Drum, Treas.; W. A. Kelly, Sec.;
Mrs. R. D. Millar, Chap.; Mrs. W. A. Kelly, Po.; Mattie Walters, Flo.; John
Reeder, Cor., and Mattie Charlton. A. L. Sec.

Additional Comments:
Excerpt from

"The History of Hardin County, Ohio"
           containing
A HISTORY OF THE COUNTY; ITS TOWNSHIPS, TOWNS, CHURCHES,
 SCHOOLS, ETC.; GENERAL AND LOCAL STATISTICS; MILITARY
   RECORD; PORTRAITS OF EARLY SETTLERS AND PROMINENT
         MEN; HISTORY OF NORTHWEST TERRITORY;
             HISTORY OF OHIO; MISCELLANEOUS
                  MATTERS, ETC., ETC.

              CHICAGO: WARNER, BEERS & CO.
                          1883

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