History of Shelby County, Ohio

The aim of the publishers of this volume and of the author of the history has been to secure for the historical portion thereof full and accurate data respecting the history of the county from the time of its early settlement and to condense it into a clear and interesting narrative. All topics and occurrences have been included that were essential to this object.

The reviews of resolute and strenuous lives that make up the biographical part of the volume are admirably calculated to foster local ties, to inculcate patriotism and to emphasize the rewards of industry dominated by intelligent purpose. They constitute a most appropriate medium for perpetuating personal annals and will be of incalculable value to the descendants of those commemorated. These sketches are replete with stirring incidents and intense experiences and are flavored with a strong human interest that will naturally prove to a large portion of the readers of the book one of its most attractive features. In the aggregate of personal memoirs thus collated will be found a vivid epitome of the growth of Shelby county, which will fully supplement the historical statement, for its development is identical with that of the men and women to whom it is attributable. Sketches unrevised by subscribers are marked by a small asterisk placed after the name of the subscriber.

 

Table of Contents

CHAPTER I
Introductory 19

CHAPTER II
Discovery of America 24

CHAPTER III
Indian Occupancy 31

CHAPTER IV
The Old Northwest 52

CHAPTER V
Geology and Topography 60

CHAPTER VI
Organization of Shelby County 77

CHAPTER VII
Sidney, the County Seat 171

CHAPTER VIII
Manufactures and Commerce 188

CHAPTER IX
Transportation 205

CHAPTER X
Public Institutions 214

CHAPTER XI
Banks and Banking 221

CHAPTER XII
The Press 228

CHAPTER XIII
Agriculture 234

CHAPTER XIV
Religious Development 243

CHAPTER XV
The Medical Profession 256

CHAPTER XVI
Education 262

CHAPTER XVII
Military Record 269

CHAPTER XVIII
The Bench and Bar 322

CHAPTER XIX
The Townships (I) 332

CHAPTER XX
The Townships (II) 349

CHAPTER XXI
The Townships (III) 361

CHAPTER XXII
The Townships (IV) 381

CHAPTER XXIII
Miscellaneous 395

 

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By way of preface I hasten to assure the reader that while I have the prime qualification for a historian of a hoary head I have not that of being indigenous to the soil and may often have to say "I read that" or "I was told that" instead of "I recall that." I have been here since 1861, a period of more than fifty years and less than one hundred years will cover the marvelous changes in our brief history.

We are all interested in first things — in the oldest things — whether they be the work of man or of nature. In the founding of a great state, a county or a city, the interest is just as intense, and we of today love to read the names and recall the deeds of those who felled the primeval forest, bridged the stream, and made the valley blossom like the rose. We are interested in them because they made possible the comforts and refinements of today and it is not only a duty but a pleasure to recall the names and deeds of those who were truly pioneers.