Source:
History of Western Ohio & Auglaize County
with
Source:
History of Western Ohio & Auglaize County
with
Illustrations and Biographical Sketches of
Pioneer and Prominent Public Men
by C. W. Williamson
Columbus, Ohio
Press of W. M. Linn & Sons
1905

5

SALEM TOWNSHIP
Page 798

     This township was established in 1836, and organized in 1837.  It was originally a part of Van Wert and Allen counties.  The township is bounded on the north by Van Wert and Allen counties, on the east by Logan township, on the south by Noble township and on the west by Mercer county.  The surface of the township is flat with the exception of a ridge which passes through the northern part.  The ridge is simply a broad undulation, or thickening of the drift, and is mainly composed of clay.  The Miami and Erie canal cuts through the ridge at a point called Deep Cut.  Originally the land was heavily timbered, and during a part of the year large tracts of it were covered by water, com-

[Pg. 799]
monly called swales.  But little perceptible progress was made in the development of the township until after the construction of the Miami and Erie canal.  The soil is rich, and through very wet in the early days of the country, the system of drainage established has resulted in bringing the entire surface under cultivation.  The St. Marys river winds in an irregular course through the township, from southeast to west, and the Miami and Erie canal crosses from south to north.  The inhabitants are of English, Irish and German descent, the latter now predominating.  Agriculture is the chief pursuit.  The township is well supplied with schools and churches, and like other sections of the country is well piked.

ORIGINAL LAND ENTRIES.

TOWNSHIP OFFICERS.
 

BIOGRAPHICAL:

AUSTIN BARBER

JOHN H. BAILEY

COLONEL WILLIAM KENNEDY

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