Source:
History of Shelby County, Ohio
and representative citizens
Evansville, Ind. -
1913 - 947 pgs.
.....
Chapter XXI
Pg. 361
THE TOWNSHIPS (III)

Loramie, McLean, Orange and Perry Townships

LORAMIE TOWNSHIP

     This township, located in the southwest corner of the county, is more or less distinguished from the other townships in its citizenship and its customs. It is quite cosmopolitan in its citizenship, but from an early period the western portion has been settled largely by the French. It is traversed by the Big Four Railroad, with three stations in the township, namely: Dawson, North Houston and Russia. The old canal cuts through the northeast corner of the township.
     Loramie township is for the most part level and is exceedingly rich in its soil. It is well drained as within its limits are to be found Loramie creek and Nine Mile creek, together with various small tributaries. It is well suited for general agriculture, all products growing here readily. The first settlers came shortly prior to the War of 1812, and among the first of whom there is any knowledge was Samuel McClure, who with his family settled on what afterward became known as the J. W. Akin farm in section 9. There were only occasional arrivals during the war, but about 1814 settlers began coming in numbers. In that year came Robert and David Houston, and they were followed the succeeding year by William and John Houston. Among others of that early period who cast their fortunes with that of the township were the following: William Morrow, who came from Cumberland, Pa., in 1815; William Johnston of Pennsylvania in 1816 and John Patterson the same year; William Skillen from Westmoreland county, Pa., in 1817, and shortly before that time Zebediah Richardson, William Anderson and Thomas Wyatt; Henry Zemer and Jacob Black, in 1818; Jacob Everly, David Clark, Henry Harp and Robert Johnson were to be found here in 1820; William Johnston of Ireland, James Harvey and Joseph Blackwood came in 1823; William Ellis in 1826; Henry Day in 1830; Joseph Wyatt in 1831; William Legg in 1832; John Worley and Jacob Rouston, the latter from Maryland, in 1833; Christian Mader of Germany in 1834; Jacob S. Apple from Montgomery county, O., in 1837; Fred Bishop of Germany in 1838, and about the same time, J. R. Griffis of Butler county, O.; William Harrup from England in 1839; Emanuel Sherer in 1840; Henry S. Apple from Montgomery county, O., in 1843; and Peter Wright, who in 1839 came to Cynthian township from Pennsylvania, moved to this township in 1848. Late in the thirties the western part of the township began to be settled by people of the .French race, among the most prominent of them being James Unum, who came here in 1835; J. J. Debrosse and Joseph Gaible who came in 1837; John B. Malliott and Amos Peppiot in 1838; Tebone Didier in 1840; Henry Delaet in 1844; Simon Richards in 1845; Louis Peltier in 1848; and Nicholas Didier in 1852.
     The following, taken from the. records of the township, is given, primarily, to show the names of people who played a part in the affairs of the time, and secondarily the difference in volume of business transacted through the township officers in that day and this:
     Orders issued and granted in 1824—No. 23. To Jacob R. Harp for one dollar for services as supervisor, dated March 7, 1825; $1.00. No. 24. To William Johnston for one dollar for services as supervisor, dated March 7, 1825; $1.00. No. 25. To Jonas Richardson for one dollar and seventy-five cents, dated March 7, 1825; $1.75. No. 26. To Samuel McClure for one dollar and fifty cents for services as trustee, dated March 7, 1825;  $1.50. No. 27. To Robert McClure for one dollar and fifty cents for services as trustee, dated March 7, 1825; $1.50. No. 28. To John Booker for one dollar and fifty cents for services as trustee, dated March 7, 1825; $1.50. No. 29. To Snow Richardson for two dollars for services as township clerk, dated March 7, 1825; $2.00. Total amount of orders granted and issued, $10.25.
     Treasurer's Report, March 7, 1825.—No money received, and none expended.
     Road Districts in 1825.—The trustees convened according to law, and laid out the township in the following road districts, to wit: No. 1. Commencing at the northwest corner of section 3; thence to the mouth of Nine Mile creek; said creek being the line into William Wright's improvement (and including said William Wright in said District No. 1) ; thence to include all north of District No. 1. Robert Johnston, township clerk. In 1826 the township was divided into three road districts
     Orders Issued in 1826.—No. 30. To John Booker, trustee, $3.00. No. 31. To Thomas Wyatt, trustee, 75 cents. No. 32. To Jacob R. Harp, con&table, $1.00. No. 33. To William N. Flinn, trustee, $2.25. No. 34. To James McCane, supervisor, 75 cents. Total amount of orders for 1826, $7.75.
     School Districts in 1826.—No. 1.  Beginning at the northeast corner of section 22, town. 9, range 5; thence west in said line to the northeast corner of section 20; thence south to the northeast corner of section 29; thence west in said line to the Darke county line; thence south to Miami county line; thence east on said line to the southeast corner of section 27; thence north to place of beginning. No. 2. Beginning at .the northwest corner of section 6; thence south to the northeast corner of section 19; thence east to Grayson (Washington) township line; thence north in said line to Cynthian township line; thence west on said line to place of beginning. No. 3. Including all the township not included in Districts Nos. 1 and 2.
List of Householders in these Districts.—No. 1. Wm. Morrow, Wm. Johnston, John Patterson, James McClure, Wm. Anderson. No. 2, Thomas Orders for 1827.—To Wm. Houston, trustee, 75 cents. John Hughs, constable, $1.11 ½. Robert Johnston, trustee, 75 cents. Wm. Wright, clerk $2.00. Total orders issued March 3, 1828, for year 1827, $5.11 ½.
     In March, 1828, the township was divided into two school districts, with twelve householders in the first, and thirty-three in the second. In July three districts were formed, and in November these were reformed, so that the first embraced seventeen householders, the second twenty-two, and the third fourteen.
     On December 27, 1828, sections 27, 28, 21, and 22 of Loramie township were attached to school district No. 2, of Grayson (Washington) township, in answer to petition.
     Receipts and Expenditures in 1828.—Receipts, $0.00; expenditures, $0.00.
                                                                               Robert Houston, L. T. C.

     Election.—I do hereby certify that Daniel C. Flinn was elected captain' of the 2d Company, 2d Regiment, 2d Battalion, 12th Division, Ohio Militia, on the 8th day of August, 1829, by a majority of twenty-one votes.
                                                                               James Hervey, L. T. Clk.

     In 1831 a "list of hands in road districts," shows thirty-six in the first, fourteen in the second, and twenty in the third district.
     Grand jurors selected in October, 1831: Eleazer Hathaway, Thos. Wyatt, Richard Jeffries, Wm. Houston, Robert Houston, Jacob Everley, Jr. Petit jurors selected same date: John Crozier, Robert Houston, Jr., Robert Johnston, Charles Mann, Snow Richardson, Joseph Blackwood.
     At an election held for state and county officers October 11, 1831, fifty-five votes were cast. In March, 1833, the township was divided- into four road districts.
     Exhibit for 1832.—Received from John Crozier one dollar for Sabbath breaking, which sum is now in the treasury, for school purposes.
     Orders Issued.—To Harvey Houston,, constable, 75 cents..
     In 1834 the township was divided into four school districts. In 1838 six road districts were formed. At an election held in 1843 ninety-eight votes were cast; in 1847, sixty-five votes.
     In 1855 twelve road districts were formed, and at spring election one hundred and thirteen votes were polled.
     The following is a list of justices of the peace of Loramie township and the year of their respective elections:
 

     The present officers of Loramie township are George M. Francis of Russia, clerk; and C. A. Wolaver, E. C. Mader and James, Voisard, trustees.
     In addition to general farming, there was in former years considerable activity in the various industries, especially milling. In 1876 Crone Brothers established a large saw mill in the township, with a capacity of 8,000 feet per day, and about the year 1879 John Wright bought the interest of one of the brothers, A. J. Crone. It was then conducted under the name of Crone & Wright with much success, but is now out of existence. As early as 1862, John Wright and E. W. Pampel built an icehouse on the Wright farm near Houston, its dimensions being 106x42 feet. In 1866 a second icehouse was built, 103 x 52 feet in dimensions, and in 1871 a third was built, 106 x 106 feet, giving a total storage capacity of 9,500 tons of ice. It was first operated under the name of Wright & Pampel, the members being John Wright and E.W. Pampel, and later Henry Crone bought the interest of Mr. Pampel, and thereafter the business was conducted for a number of years under the name of the Summit Ice Company. It is now owned by Dr. S. G. Martl.

VILLAGES

     Within the confines of the township there have been a number of villages, more or less flourishing.at times, namely: Houston, Mt. Jefferson, North Houston, Russia, Dawson and Massena.
     Houston was surveyed May 4, 1838, by Jonathan Counts, for Harvey Houston, and was made to include a part of the northwest quarter of section 9, being situated on the state road between Piqua and St. Marys: The plat was recorded May 25, 1838. The founder of the village, Harvey Houston, resided on the east side of the road, just north of the village, in a log house, which he for some years used for hotel purposes: Mrs. Houston was the first postmistress of the township, receiving appointment in 1834. On November 1, 1855, the town of North Houston was laid out for Asa D. Young and also lies in the northwest quarter of section nine. It is situated on the Big Four Railroad and is known as Houston station, the old name having been dropped. In Houston, the first store was conducted by Nicholas Gresham, who started the business about 1832. Other merchants to follow him, were: Singer and Brown, Joseph Taylor, B. Mallot and C. Delaet. Mr. Taylor was also a grain dealer and was identified with the pork packing industry. The village received one very serious setback in its history, when it was almost wholly depopulated because of the cholera panic. Its population according to the 1910 census was 227 people. The business of North Houston in the early period was represented by Akin & Flinn, who conducted a warehouse; William Flinn & Co., who conducted a grocery and also a tile factory; and J. F. Black, who was proprietor of a general grocery and -mercantile store. W. Flinn & Co. also conducted a sawmill at North Houston, which is now owned by N. C. Barr of Houston.
     Mt. Jefferson, lying on the main road from Piqua to St. Marys, was laid out January 12, 1838, by Jonathan Counts for Samuel Farnum. The village never assumed any larger proportions than that of a small country center, although they had within their midst three churches, a Presbyterian, Christian and Episcopal. The first store there was conducted by Charles Rutherford; Massena was laid out for a town March 15, 1833, by David and Cynthian Houston, and consisted of twelve town lots, but never made any headway, and the lots were soon again more profitably employed for farming purposes.  Russia, a station on the Big Four Railroad, according to the last census, has a population of 251 inhabitants. Its name was derived from the fact that as originally laid out it resembled a locality in Russia in which some of the first citizens had formerly lived. The first house erected within its limits was that of Lewis Phillip in 1853. He it was who purchased the original town site from a man named Febaux, and conducted the sale of lots. The plat of the village was made subsequently. The second house was built by Clement Lachat in 1854, and the third by Ferial DeBrosse in 1856 or 1857. Among those who have conducted business enterprises within the village' limits may be mentioned: Lewis Phillip, who established a grocery in 1853; Jasper Cordenner who conducted a dry goods store about 1861; Joseph Delaet, George Marshall; A. F. Ashman; Francis Didier; Joseph Miller; Frank Subler; and C. Besonnet. The business enterprises, in addition to the stores, included blacksmith shops, grain elevators and saw mills. The saw mill industry was at one time an extensive one, and the mill established by John A. Marshall, Michael Meham and John B. Marshall, in 1867, was operated for years with unvarying success. Frank Simon succeeded to Mr. Meham's interest in 1868, and the business was conducted under the name and style of Marshall & Simon, until about 1888, when it passed into the hands of C. F. Francis, who is still the proprietor. When a postoffice was established here, Lewis Piney was made the first postmaster. The Roman Catholic congregation erected a church edifice within the village.
     Schools.—It was not long after the settlement had become general that the settlers realized the necessity for educating their children. It was a serious problem they had to solve, one we can little understand in this day and age. A beginning was made by holding school in various homes, among them we. might mention the homes of Robert Houston and William Skillen. William Wright and C. Wyatt were early teachers here. The teachers in that day and for many years afterward, boarded around with the different families who had children in school. When the growth of population had been sufficient to war­rant it, plans were made for the erection of a school building. These plans were carried out in 1827 or .1828, with the erection of a building in section 18, a rude log structure. As time passed, the progressive, element of the people saw that new and adequate buildings were erected in different parts of the township, which was divided into different school districts. Further data in regard to the schools of Loramie township may be found in the chapter on Education.
     Churches.—In the main, it was a God fearing class of citizens who took up their residence in Loramie township, people used to the refining influences of church work, and it was not long before little gatherings for worship, were being held in various homes. Gradually they became segregated into little. groups of this denomination and the other, generally according .to the faith to which they were reared, until church organizations were perfected and still later churches built.
     A Methodist Episcopal church was founded in 1825 and as a branch of the Piqua Methodist Episcopal church, by Rev. Levi White and John Woodney, in the home of Thomas Wyatt. Abner Wyatt was the first class leader. Until 1832, meetings were held in the homes of Thomas Wyatt, Henry Harp and Richard Stone, and in that year a hewed log house was erected in section 17, and was dedicated in December, 1836,  by Rev. James Findley. In 1854 a frame church was built at Mt. Jefferson, in which services were held for a number of years.
     The Mt. Jefferson Presbyterian church was organized December 31, 1848,. by Rev. J. A. Meeks, of Piqua, Rev. W. B. Spencer of Sidney, and Elder William Linn of Piqua. John G. Hunter was ordained the first ruling elder on that date. The original members of the society were: John G. and Charlotte Hunter; James and Jane Harper, Brazillai and Abigail Gray, Eliza A. Young, Margaret Blackwood, Catherine Young, Ann Diltz, Mary Diltz, Elizabeth Diltz, J. W. Hunter and Maria Hunter. A brick church was built at Mt. Jefferson, and was dedicated Januarys, 1850, by Rev. Thomas Elcock, who served about two years as pastor. The church has maintained its organization up to the present time and is a potent factor in the religious life of the community.
     The Mt. Jefferson Christian.church was organized in 1849 by Elders Caleb Wooley and James Fahnestock, and had originally eight members, as follows: Frederick Everly, Jesse Ellis, Jephtha M. Wyatt and wife, Jesse D. Elliott and wife, and John Hughes and wife. In 1852 a frame church building was erected at Mt. Jefferson. This organization is still flourishing.
     The Beech Grove United Brethren church was organized in the Apple schoolhouse about the year 1866, by Rev. William Mittendorf, who was its first minister. Reuben Schuler was the first class leader. A church building. was erected on land formerly owned by J. S. Apple, and was dedicated on September 5, 1869. The first members of the congregation were Reuben Schuler and wife, Jacob Hengle and wife, and Anthony August and wife. The church flourished for a number of years but. is not now in existence.
     The St. James German Reformed church was built in section 7, and was dedicated September 14, 1881, by Revs. Shaw and Weaver. The congregation had been organized by Rev. Jacob Weaver as early as 1867, but no building had been erected in which to worship. The first members were: Christian Harmony and wife; George Singer, his wife and three children; George Arent and wife; George Sherer and wife; and J. Lindsey and wife. This church also has gone out of existence.
     St. Remy Congregation, Russia.—In the early part of the present century a colony of immigrants from France, Alsace, and Loraine settled in the western part of Shelby and eastern part of Darke counties, forming what is now known as Frenchtown, Versailles and Russia. These early settlers, true to the ancient faith, resolved to build a house of worship, to honor God after the custom of their fathers. This first church, known as St. Walbert's church, was situated one and a half miles northeast of the then Jacksonville, now Versailles. The ancient site is now used as the cemetery of St. Denis church, Versailles. It was the parish church of the three settlements. Soon, however, it became necessary to provide for better accommodations. The Catholics of Russia resolved to form a parish and build a church, under the direc­tion of the Rev. L. Navaron, who continued to administer to their spiritual needs as their first pastor. The new church of logs was dedicated to St. Remy, the apostle of France, and in it for the first time on the 15th of June, 1854, was celebrated with great ceremonies the first holy communion of children and confirmation administered by the Most Rev. Archbishop Durcell, on the 26th of the same month. The congregation continued to increase and soon the erection of a new and more spacious edifice became necessary.. In 1869 a large and imposing brick church was built under the direction of the Rev. C. Berard, and again after some years it became necessary to erect a new and still more spacious edifice because growing number of Catholics. The present beautiful church was begun in 1891 under, the direction of the Rev. Nicholas Pairy, and was completed in 1892, and is one of the most imposing and beautiful structures of the archdiocese. It is built in purely Roman styler and is the pride of the congregation. The present pastor is Rev. F. Kruskamp.
     St. Michael's Catholic Church, Ft. Loramie, O.—Berlin was constituted a parish in 1838, at which time about 40 families were registered. Some German families had already been here for several years, and when the canal was constructed the population materially increased, many families coming here from Cincinnati and other cities. About that time a log church was erected and occasionally a priest came from Minster, read mass, baptized children, solemnized marriages and interred the dead. The priests of the society of "The Precious Blood" labored at Minster, to which place the Berlin catholics frequently went to attend services. In 1840 the parish of Berlin embraced over 100 families. They continued to worship in the log church until 1849, at which time a brick church, 60 by 30 feet, ground dimensions, was constructed, and hung with a 700-pound bell. But the season of 1849-50 proved trying to the new community, for an epidemic of cholera broke out, which within two months, swept away 28 persons, some 200 dying from the same fell disease at Minster.
     The plague, however, ran its course and the people resumed neglected undertakings. The new church was dedicated and the services of Rev. Augustus Berger, of the Grand Duchy, were secured by the congregation. Under his care the new priest's house was built. He was succeeded in 1857 by Rev. Henry Muckerheide, of Oldenberg, who labore'd here until 1863, with great zeal and ability. He was succeeded by Rev. M. Anton Meyer, of Canton Basel, of Switzerland, who had an addition of 20 feet made to the church, and a few years later carried the construction of. a schoolhouse to completion. In 1873, on account of failing health, he resigned from active labor in this field.
     In that year, 1873, the institution of the "Fathers of the Holy Spirit" was abrogated in Germany, and Archbishop Purcell, wrote to the Rev. General chief of the society to procure some priests for this country. Accordingly, in January, 1874, four priests and twelve lay brothers of the society left Paris for the United States, among whom was Rev. William Bigot, who became pastor of Berlin parish, this county. He had seen arduous service during the Franco-Prussian war in ministering to the wounded soldiers, and in performing other important offices, for which services the French government had conferred upon him the Cross of Chivalry, the Legion of Honor and the Cross of Merit. He reached Berlin, Shelby county, O., January 20, 1874, and here he found plenty of work awaiting him. Old debts amounting to $700 had to be paid, the priest's house to be repaired; and the holy vessels to be renewed. All this was readily done, but the parish needed a new church, an enterprise which the congregation did not yet feel ready to undertake. Father Bigot himself gave a year's salary for the purchase of a 3,800 pound bell; but a new tower was needed for the bell, and a new church for the tower. By 1879 conditions had become more favorable and it was resolved to build. It was decided that, over and above the manual labor the members could perform, the building should not cost over $30,000. There already existed a fund of $4,000 for the purpose and a nine days' collection throughout the parish brought in $16,000 more. The collection for the year 1881.brought $8,000, which, added to a pew rent surplus fund of $2,000, raised the aggregate to $30,000 before the completion of the church. Aside from this individual gifts were received, such as a stained glass window or a figure. One family contributed $800 for St. Mary's altar, while many others gave in a quiet manner, something over the regular subscription. By the 12th of October, 1879, the foundation was completed and on that date the Most Reverend Archbishop laid the cornerstone with imposing ceremonies.
     The consecration ceremonies took place on Sunday, October 2, 1881, the Most Rev. William H. Elder presiding. The inhabitants had previously decorated their houses, and on Saturday afternoon the highly venerable consecrator was met at the boundary of the parish by forty young men mounted on horses and was by them received and escorted to Berlin, to the accompaniment of pealing bells and a salute fired by cannon. The procession passed under triumphal arches. Soon after the arrival of the Rt. Rev. Bishop the relics destined for the high altar in the new church were transferred and carried over in solemn procession, in which all Berlin participated, to the old church, and there set to view during the night for reverence by the faithful. At 4.00 A. M. on Sunday morning the holy masses began, and at 6.00 A. M. the solemn and imposing ceremonies of the consecration began and were continued until after ten o'clock, four priests being present. After the consecra­tion the Most Rev. Archbishop celebrated a pontifical high mass, assisted by the clergy, deacons and other officials present. The Rev. N. Nickols then ascended the pulpit and preached the festal sermon in the German language, after which the Most Rev. Archbishop made an address to the congregation. In the afternoon solemn vespers were held, after which the General vicar P. Otto Jair, O. S. R, preached. During the pontifical high mass the Maennerchor of Piqua, sang, and during vespers, the church choir of the congregation. At the close of vespers the festivities closed with the singing of the Te Deum;
     St. Michael's church is a really magnificent structure. It is built in the Italian-Gothic style. Four slender pillars alternately divide the interior into three naves. The decorations are rich and the glass painting of the windows magnificent. The side windows contain respectively paintings of St. Augustine and St. Boniface. Of the fourteen other windows five are in fresco painting, while upon the remaining are represented St. John the Baptist, the most blessed Virgin Mary, St. Anna, St. Elizabeth, St. Catharina, St. Henricus, St. Anthony, St. Lawrence and the child Jesus. The three altars are masterpieces, namely:  the high altar, whose table is supported by six small pillars. The fields between the pillars are filled up with emblems, of which the middle one contains the book with seven seals with the lamb. The tabernacle has richly ornamented folding doors; above these is a niche for the ostentation of the Most Holy Sacrament, beside which two worshipping angels are standing under canopies. The altar picture is the crucifixion group in a niche under a canopy which terminates in turrets with buttresses and finials richly provided with carved ornaments. The side fields contain the statues of both apostle chiefs, likewise under canopies, with richly articulated tower and pyramid. Beside the altar there are placed on both sides pedestals for worshipping angels. Both of the side altars (St. Mary's and St. Joseph's altars) are" wrought correspondingly with the high altar, and contain in the chief respectively St. Mary's and St. Joseph's statue. The St. Mary's altar contains in the side niches the statues of St. Rosa and St. Theresa. The altar table, decorated in the Gothic style, contains the statue St. Mary. The St. Joseph's altar con­tains in the side niches the statues St. Francis Xavier and St. Alois; the altar table the signature "St. Joseph" Pulpit and communion table are held in like style and are splendid works. Likewise is the organ, in its outward appear­ance corresponding with the building style of the church held in rich Gothic. The building is 150 by 65 feet and represents a cost of over $40,000. It is numbered among the most beautiful churches in all America. The present pastor of St. Michael's is Rev. Anthony Moeller.

 McLEAN TOWNSHIP

ORGANIZATION

     McLean township, which lies on the west side of the county, where its boundary is Auglaize county, has Cynthian township as its nearest neighbor on the south, Van Buren and Turtle Creek townships on the east and Van Buren township and Auglaize county on the north. In answer to petition made to the county commissioners, the order for its organization was issued March 1, 1834, the legal description being as follows: Beginning at the county line between Darke and Shelby counties, where the old Indian boundary line made at the Greenville Treaty Conference, in 1795 —intersects said county line, and running thence with said Indian boundary line in an easterly direction to the southeast corner of section 8, in town 8 south, range 5 east; thence north with the section line to the county line between Shelby and Allen (Auglaize) counties; thence west with the said line to northwest corner of Shelby county; thence south and west with the west boundary line of Shelby county to the place of beginning; and the board orders that said township be known and designated by the name of McLean."

SURFACE AND DRAINAGE

     The surface of McLean township is generally level, the soil is easily worked and agriculture flourishes here. The Loramie reservoir, covering an area of about 6,000 acres, is located .mainly in McLean township, about 1,000 acres being in Van Buren. This reservoir is formed by the damming of Loramie creek and constitutes a feeder for the Miami and Erie canal, which traverses the township from north to south. Loramie creek, flowing from Dinsmore township, waters a large section and Mill creek and Second run have afforded ample outlet for drainage.

EARLY SETTLEMENTS

     McLean township was mainly settled by Germans. They brought with them to what was a primeval wilderness, their home-making qualities, their thrifty habits and plodding industry, and found their reward in the possession of. land that responded to their cultivation, and an independence that they could never have secured in Germany. Not all who have built up McLean township, however, came from that country, for there are many names that proclaim other native lands, but at the present day they are all so thoroughly American that no difference is noted. Perhaps politics have interested the residents here to a larger extent than in some other sections and a few early election statistics may be of interest.
In the state election of 1850, ninety-three votes were cast, seventy-nine of these being for the democratic candidate for governor, Reuben Wood. At the election in 1851 which was for the adoption or rejection of the new constitution and for or against the sale of intoxicating liquors, the vote for license stood 118, five votes being cast against. In the presidential election of 1852, 122 votes were cast for the democratic electors and twenty-eight for file whig electors. In 1864 the democratic electors received 219 votes and the republican electors 20 votes.

SCHOOLS

     No section of the county has been more interested in the spread of education than has McLean and as early as 1850 the trustees of the township divided it into six school districts, the board consisting of Henry Whermann. Joseph Sherman and Philip Hoffman, Henry Sherman being township clerk in 1850 when this division was made. The officers serving as members of the boards of education in the different special school districts in McLean town­ship in 1811-12 are:
     Berlin Special School District for 1911: John Borger, president; Ferdinand C. Arkenberg, treasurer; J. B. Ratermann, clerk and Adolph Ratermann and John Seger. In 1912 the same president and treasurer served,. Bernard Aselage becoming clerk and Henry Wendler and John Seger being the other members.
     Sherman Special School District: John Seigel, president; Clemens Wolke, treasurer; Adolph Sherman, clerk, and Henry Ernst, W.  J. Meyer and Barney Ernst, no change being made in 1912 except that Bernard Barhorst became a member.
     Walkup Special School District: Charles Winner, president; Henry Sturwold, treasurer; Henry Borchers, clerk; and Anton Hilgefbrt and Joseph Poeppelman, for 1911, the same president and treasurer serving in 1912, with John Holthaus, clerk and Anton Hilgefort and Fred Broermann, members.
     Deiter Special School District for 1911-12: Anton Riethmann, president; Henry Schnitmeyer, treasurer;. Stephen Schmitmeter, clerk; and Herman Berning, Clem. Prenger, Anthony Wolfe and Bernard Knob.
     Dirksen Special School District for 1911 had Bernard Seger for president; August Schmiesing for treasurer; Henry Fortman for clerk, with Bernard Brandewie, Frank Bornhorst and J. Henry Albers as members. The same body with the addition of Clem. Hoying served in 1912. Further school statistics may be found in the chapter on Education.

FORT LORAMIE

        Students of history can easily recall the annals of the French and Indian war and of the military maneuvres which made this section, in 1756, a battle ground and many yet living can remember the tales of their grandfathers of the building and occupancy of old Fort Loramie, which was situated less than one mile from the site of the present village of the name formerly known as Berlin, and later as Loramie, for which the name Fort Loramie has been recently substituted. This village was surveyed December 2, 1837. arid all its lots are 4 by 8 rods except fractional ones. Its principal streets are Main, Walnut, Water, Elm and High. It is situated on the Miami and Erie canal. Not far away flows Loramie creek, the mouth of which is below Lockington, south of the county line. Many lines of business are successfully carried on here and the people in general are prosperous.
     The following is a list of business enterprises at Fort Loramie: August Wise, saw-mill; John Bramlage, flour-mill; Lorainie Banking Company, established in v-1904, B. J. Wuehker president, J. D. Inderrieden vice-president, A. F. Ratermann cashier, W. J. Sherman assistant cashier; Willmann Bros., general merchandise; J. P. Inderrieden, hardware, implements and lumber; Barney Krampe, implements, stoves and ranges; John Albers and Company, hardware and lumber; Henry Tecklenburg, hotel and livery; W. J. Borchers, general merchandise and livery; C. C. Wagler, brick manufacturer; Gregor Fleckenstein, tile manufacturer; Bernard Danzig furniture and undertaking; Herman Pleiman, groceries; W. H. Quirilin, drugs; Clem Daniel, groceries; John H. Romie, saddlery; M. Gregor, meat market; Herman Gaier, bakery and groceries; Peter Rieger, shoe store; J. H. Behrns, tailoring; Peter Krampe, blacksmithing; John Seger, carpentering; Carl Freitag & Son, masonry; Peter Kessler, cider mill; Albert Anthony, barber; Peter Kiefer, plastering; Mat Brucken, saloon; Ben Vogelsang, saloon; John Tecklenburg, saloon; Paul Borger, poultry; Joseph Henke, poultry; Wm. H. Niederkorn, poultry; Kramer and Dickman, skimming station.

JUSTICES OF THE PEACE

On November 18, 1837, W. C. Ayres became a, justice of the peace in McLean township and the record from then until 1911 is as follows:

     The present township clerk is William H. Niederkorn. Trustees—Fred Holthaus, Joseph Boltheimer, and Clem Daniel.
     There are two fraternal orders that have lodges in McLean township, namely: the Knights of St. John, having 50 members and the Catholic Knights of America, with 12 members.
McClean township has two churches, Emanuel Reformed church, Rev. Albert Grether, pastor; and St. Michael's Catholic church, Rev. Anthony Moeller, pastor.

ORANGE TOWNSHIP

     Located in the southern part of the county, with its southern boundary touching Miami county, lies Orange township, which is one of the best improved sections of the county, the well tilled farms and general air of prevailing thrift giving evidence of successful agriculture. It has an area of about twenty-three square miles and embraces parts of town 1 and 2, of. range 12 and 13. Perry and Green townships lie along its eastern line and Clinton and Washington townships, separated from it by the Great Miami river, on the north and west.
     Orange township was formed from Perry township. On September 13, 1819, the county commissioners, at their meeting held at Hardin, ordered that Perry township should be thus divided: a line running through the middle of the thirteenth range should have the southern division organized as a new township which should be called Orange, and that decision made Orange township include all the territory embraced within the present limits of Orange and Green townships. At a meeting held at Hardin by the commissioners, March 7, 1820, it was ordered that all that part of Orange township that is east of the west tier of sections in the second township of both ranges 12 and 13, be erected into a new township and that it should be given the name of Green.

SOIL AND WATER

"The surface of Orange township is generally undulating and along the water courses somewhat broken and hilly. The soil is well adapted to the growing of grains and grasses, consisting of gravel and clay loam, while the gravel beds have supplied sufficient gravel for the construction of many miles of fine roads. Along the banks of the Great Miami river there is an abund­ance of limestone, which has been worked more or less at different times. This township is well watered, principally by the Great Miami river, on the north and west side, and additionally by Brush and Rush creeks. There are also numerous fine springs.

EARLY SETTLEMENTS

     In 1806 the Cannon family located on section 16, this being the first white settlement made within the present limits of Orange township. In the spring of 1809 came John Phillips and William Berry and in the fall of the same year came Daniel Valentine and Edward Jackson. Still others, who settled here prior to the War of 1812, were Thomas Young, Abram Glossmire, John Matthews, Luke Norris, John Gilbert and Harman Dildine, and Judge Francis located here very soon after the close of the war. The first frame house was built by William Berry, who also erected the first flouring mill, and it is known that flour and meal came from this mill for General Harrison's troopers on their march to the Northwest. This was the only mill within a radius of fifty miles. With the. outbreak of the War of 1812, the settlers found that the heretofore friendly Indians had-become hostile to the settlers and hence it was deemed advisable to build block houses in which the families could take shelter in case of a sudden alarm. One was accordingly built near the Berry mill and another on the farm of Edward Jackson, who later built the first brick house that was ever put up in Orange township. On March 17, 1811, the first white child was born in the settlement-—Isaac Young, who lived to an advanced age.
     Orange township people soon showed interest in education and religion, the first schoolhouse being built on the farm of Thomas Young. The earliest teachers were Joseph Rollands and James B. McKenney, while Edward Jackson opened his house for church purposes in 1815, services being held by an itinerant Methodist preacher, the Rev. John Furrow. Without question, he had a large and deeply interested congregation. Shortly afterward preaching followed at the home of Daniel Valentine, by Revs. John McNemer and Jacob Antrim.
     United Brethren Church—The Valentines and the Youngs, prominent among the early settlers, had left, reluctantly, their old church connection when they came into this wilderness but very early began the organization, of a United Brethren communion in the new settlement. The members of this faith were scattered but when the missionary preacher arrived he found a warm welcome and left with an assurance that the faith was not dead nor yet sleeping, only awaiting the time when the believers could assemble together and form the nucleus which, many years afterward, became the United Brethren church at Kirkwood. The early meetings were held at the houses of Daniel Valentine, Jacob Boyer and others until 1844, when a schoolhouse that had been erected on the present site of Kirkwood was utilized. In 1847 a frame edifice was constructed on the land of R. W. Valentine, and George Warvel was the name of the first preacher. It was used as a place of worship until 1876, when a more commodious church building costing $2,500 was put up at Kirkwood.. The present pastor is Rev. Mayne, of Lockington.
     Wesley Chapel—The Methodist Episcopal church early sent missionaries to visit the settlers in Orange township. In 1833 regular meetings were held in the private houses of the members of this faith, by Rev. Arza Brown, and in 1840 the society built a brick structure, near the Miami county line, which became known as Wesley Chapel. Among the early members of this society were Henry Rhodehamel and wife, Father Kerns and wife, and Jacob Tabler and Amos Gray, with their families. This society did good Christian work in the community until a few years ago, when it disbanded.
     Spring Creek Baptist Church—The society originally known as the Salem church was organized as early as 1816. Like other struggling religious bodies its first meetings were held in private houses but later a log house was built on Spring creek and services were held there, the membership including the pioneer families of the neighborhood and also some from Piqua.  As the society grew it was found desirable to have separate church bodies and in August, 1840, measures were taken for the organization of the Spring Creek Baptist church, the first pastor being Elder Eaton and the second, Elder Fuson. During the latter's pastorate a church edifice was erected. A number of pious and zealous elders succeeded. In. 1867, during the pastorate of Elder Daniel Bryant, a new church was built, it being located north of the Shelby and Miami company's line on a lot presented to the society by John F. Hetzler, in which services were subsequently held. This church has maintained its organization up to the present time, its present pastor being Rev. John T. Young.

JUSTICES OF THE PEACE

The following is a list of the justices of the peace who have served in Orange township from 1819 until 1912:

     In 1912 the trustees of Orange town­ship are: S. T. Buirley, H.: W. Gaven and John Beaman, and the township clerk is James W. Wiley, of Sidney.

KIRKWOOD (OLD PONTIAC)

     Kirkwood, a small village of about sixty-six inhabitants and formerly called Pontiac, was laid out in May, 1868, and is located in section 28, township 1, range 12 M. R. S. It lies six miles south of Sidney on the C. H. & D. Railroad. The first building was erected here in 1863, by G. W. Holley, and was a grain warehouse. Before engaging in the business, however, Mr. Holley sold to D. K. Gillespie, who began buying grain in 1864. In 1866 a store building was erected by H. S. Gillespie and Thomas McKee, which firm was succeeded by J. G. & Andrew Robinson, among later proprietors being Andrew Robinson (alone) and J. L. McKee. The village, which was originally known as Pontiac; in 1879 took the name in honor of D. Kirkwood Gillespie, who was proprietor of the grain elevator here-R. G. Knox keeps the general store and post office in Kirkwood. There is also a warehouse in Kirkwood owned by Adlard and Persinger of Sidney.

PERRY TOWNSHIP

     Perry township is one of the original townships of this county, it having been organized as a part of Miami county, June 10, 1817, two years prior to the organization of Shelby county. Its early and subsequent boundaries may be described in general as. follows: In 1819 Perry township embraced all the territory now included within the townships of Perry, Orange, Green, Salem, Jackson and a part of Clinton. In September of the above year Orange township was separated and in March, 1820, Green township was separated, from Orange. In 1825 the county commissioners made entry as follows concerning the boundaries of Perry township:
     Perry township begins on the southeast corner of section 4, town 2, range 13, east line of Shelby county; thence north with said line to the northeast corner of the county; thence west with the county line to the line between section 29 and 30, town 1, range 7; thence south with the line between the said sections; continued on to the Miami river and across: said river; thence with the river down to the line between sections 10 and 9, town 1, range 13 thence with last said line east to continue on to the place of beginning.  In March, 1826, a portion of the above described land became a part of Clinton township, and in June, 1826, the north tier of sections of Green township was attached to Perry, and all that part of Perry lying north of the Miami river was created a new township to which was given the name of Salem, and in June, 1837, all of fractional township No. 1, range 14, which belonged to Perry, was attached to Salem township, which included that part of said fractional township lying south of the river, and this, in 1854, once more became a part of Perry township.
     Surface, Soil and Drainages—With-soil of rich, sandy clay and black loam, the early pioneers to this section found great promise of agricultural success as the surface of the land is generally level, its slight undulations providing for satisfactory drainage, which is toward the north, the boundary line in that direction being the Great Miami river. Other streams of importance are Big and Little Indian creek, Mosquito or Tawawa creek and Turkey Foot creek, the last named watering the central part of the township. Corn, wheat and grasses do remarkably well in Perry township and the, prosperity of the agricultural sections is further indicated by the general intelligence and progressiveness of the citizens. Here may be found some of the best constructed and best kept roads in the county and it is no unfamiliar sight to see on them the automobiles of the farmers. The C. C. C. & I. (Big Four) Railroad crosses the township from east to west. The township has good schools, with modern equipments, further data in regard to which may be found in the chapter on education.
     Early Settlement—In February, 1814, David Henry located in section 28 on the bank of Mosquito? or Tawawa creek, and he was the first settler within the present limits of Perry township. In the following year he was joined by Samuel and William Robinson with their families, and in 1816 came William Marrs, and prior to the organization of the county in 1819, George Chiles, Charles Johnston, Thomas Wilkinson, Peter Musselman, William Richardson, Charles Weeks and Benjamin Manning had established homes here. At that time primeval conditions still prevailed over this part of the county, the settlers visiting each other and making their neecssary trips to mill mainly by way of Indian trails, and it may well be believed that when the Sidney and Urbana road, the first in the township, was completed, that the pioneers felt that a great want was supplied. As to mills the first one built was of logs, on Mosquito creek, a fine location which is still utilized as a mill site, and was erected by Charles Mason, a colored man. The second flouring mill was erected by William Pepper. David Henry, the first settler, not only put up the first log house but also the first frame one. The lumber that William Marrs made use of in the building of the first frame barn, was cut in the township and sawed in Peter Musselman's mill on Mosquito creek. Henry C. Line became locally envied, perhaps, as he was able to build a brick house in 1836. Into the Henry family came the first births, David and Sally Henry, twins, who were born February 17, 1815.
     From the very beginning the township, as a concrete body, recognized its responsibilities and in making provision for adequate government, selected representative citizens for officials. The list of those who have served in the office of justice of the peace from 1817 until 1910, inclusive, as follows:

     The following citizens make up the board of trustees of Perry township in 1912: Charles Peppers, Walker Zimpfer and M. N. Lucas, N. C. Eriders of Pemberton being township clerk. There are many family names familiar in this section at the present day that appear in the earliest township records and they may be recognized in the following list of those who paid road tax in 1818; James Bryan, John Bryan, Adam Conuts, William Drake, James Dingman, Jr., Daniel V. Dingman, John Francis, Caleb Goble, John Hathaway, Jesse Jackson, William Johnson, Jesse Jackson, Jr., Edward Jackson, Alexander Jackson, Elisha Kirtland, George Morrison, Elijah Montoney, William Minnear, Abraham Minnear, William Morris, Luke Norris, Rodham Talbott, Daniel Vandemark, in District No. 1, of which James Dingman was supervisor. Those in District No. 2, of which Asa Hubble was supervisor, were: George Chiles, Asa Hubble, John Hunt, David Henry, Charles Johnston, William Marrs, John Medaris, Peter Princehouse, Henry Princehouse, William and Samuel Robinson, Mathias Sturm, Henry Sturm and Henry Sturm, Jr., G. Thompson, Charles Weeks, John Mathews and Peter Musselman.
     The present township clerk is N. C. Enders, of Pemberton. Trustees— Charles Peppers, Walker Zimpfer and M. N. Lucas.
     Villages—The village of Pemberton, the leading commercial center of the township, is situated seven miles east of Sidney and derived its name through brotherly devotion, Civil Engineer Pemberton, officially connected with the construction of the C. C. C. & I. Railroad through the county, securing this honor for his brother, General Pemberton, a distinguished Confederate officer during the Civil war. The land was surveyed in 1852, sixty-four lots being included, and was platted by Benjamin C. Wilkerson, John H. and Leonard T. Elliott and George R. Forsythe, as proprietors. Calvin Morris opened the first grocery store, Isaac Wilkinson and Irvin Nutt, the first dry goods store, William Johnston, the first blacksmith shop, David Lemon, the first wagon shop and J. V. Wilson, the first hotel. Dr. Edward Stockton undoubtedly was the first physician and the first postmaster was Joseph Smith. At one time the town was the home of numerous business enterprises. including grocery and dry goods stores, drug store, grain elevator, sawmill. shingle factory, butcher shop and concrete stone works. Some of these industries still continue. The population is about 325, and includes a number of wealthy retired farmers. There are now two grain elevators in Pemberton and one other not far from the village. There is also a general store and three groceries and restaurants, and two blacksmith shops. Hain & Gebhardt have a well drilling machine with which they are doing a good business. J. H. Hickenbotham, of Pemberton, has a threshing machine and sawmill.
     The village of Pasco in the western part of the township has a population of about fifty-two, with one general store. In the vicinity are also a flour mill and a blacksmith shop.
     Baptist Church—The Baptist church has been a strong religious body in Perry township since 1830, when the first society was organized with eleven members (December 3) under the name of the Miami church, by Rev. Willis Hance, Moses Frazer and Moses Frazer, Jr. The first deacon was Peter Kiser and among the first members were: Peter Kiser, Catherine Kiser, Michael Cox, Mary Jackson, Nancy Wilkinson and Sarah Manning. House to house meetings were held through the first five years, but in 1835 the Baptists living near the dividing line of Shelby and Logan counties united in the erection of a church edifice at Quincy, in Logan county, and there the united congregation attended until 1873, when the building was destroyed in a great storm of that year. In 1874 the Shelby Baptists built a church of their own at Pemberton, expending $4,000, the membership at that time being seven­teen. It reached its highest point in membership in 1893, when there were 206 members. At present there are 131. The pastors have been Elders R. Duncan, E. Bunker, S. M. Brower, A. J. Wriant, A. Snider, D. Bryant, F. J. Sheppard, J. Ross, H. H. Witter, F. M. Taylor, L. J. Baker, C. R. Sargent, W. H. Gallant, J. W. Hartpence and G. L. Winters. The church maintains a well attended Sabbath school.
     Methodist Episcopal Church—The Methodists organized a church society in Perry township in 1833, Rev. Sims meeting Booth Burditt and wife, George Pool and wife, William Moore and wife, Marcus Peck and wife and Mr. McVeigh and wife at the home of Booth Burditt. This band of Christian workers was small but very earnest and they continued to meet for worship in private houses and in the schoolhouse until 1843, when they erected a small frame church half a mile north of Pemberton and the name of Indian Creek church was adopted. In 1857 the Pemberton Methodist Episcopal church was organized; it was remodelled in 1885 and again in 1912. It now has a membership of 125, with Rev. Houser as pastor. A well conducted Sunday school is maintained. This feature of work was started by William McVeigh, in his own house, and he never ceased to take a keen and active interest in it.
     United Brethren Church—Unfortunately the earliest records of this church body in Perry township have not been preserved, but it is known that prior to 1820, perhaps in 1819, Rev. Jacob Antrim, on a religious mission^ came to the home of Judge David Henry and formed a class, Mrs. Henry being a member of the same. In 1863 the church membership had become strong enough to consider the erection of a place of worship and when Samuel Young donated land on Mosquito creek, a frame building was erected thereon, known as Tawawa United Brethren church. Among its leading members a generation ago were the Peckhams, the Marrs and the Peppers. The Pasco United Brethren church was organized in 1892 and has a present membership of 150, with Rev. E. C. Hollinger, pastor.
     Dr. W. M. Gaines ably represents the medical profession in Perry town­ship. Some interesting facts in regard to the schools of the township may be found in the chapter on education.