been quite currently stated that, at one time (possibly at the election last referred to), William H. Billings held every office in the township except that of Constableship.

PRE-HISTORIC OCCUPATION OF NORTHWEST TOWNSHIP.

In the vicinity of Nettle Lake, on every side of it, are some eight or ten earthworks erected by an unknown race called Mound-Builders, probably more than a thousand years ago. It is quite generally, though erroneously, believed that these earthworks (mounds being one of them) were the work of the Indians; but archæologists are of the opinion that the mounds have a higher antiquity, and that they were erected by the Mound-Builders, who might have been the remote ancestors of the Indian tribes, though this is disputed by many eminent scholars in this department of historic research. On Section 23 are a few of the mounds, two of them being of unusual size for this section of the State. The greater number has been opened in past years by curious and inexperienced persons, who failed to properly notice features which are considered highly important by archæological students. In almost every instance, human bones were unearthed, as was also charcoal, sometimes in considerable quantity. Copper implements, such as arrow and spear heads, were taken from several of the mounds, and in one was found a piece of mica six or eight inches square, and about an inch thick. In several instances, it was definitely ascertained that many individuals were buried in the same mound. The Indians had no knowledge, traditionary or otherwise, concerning these people, save what was derived from their works, the same character of knowledge which we have. If the Mound-Builders were the ancestors of the Indians, such fact was unknown and unsuspected by the latter tribe. Indians never buried their dead in mounds like those referred to, neither did they erect altars where animals and human beings. were immolated to secure the favor of the Great Spirit, and afterward cover such altars with a mound of earth. These, and many other important considerations lead the majority of students of antiquity to the opinion that the Mound-Builders were a distinct race of people, and that they inhabited a large portion of America several thousand years ago.

EARLY AND SUBSEQUENT SCHOOLS.

In the early winter of 1841, a small log schoolhouse was erected in the northwest part of the township, on land now owned by Isaac Parsons, by William H. Billings, Jonathan Butler, Thomas Whaley, John Whaley, T. F. Whaley, Adolphus Rogers, Hiram Russell, and possibly a few others, who resided either in the township, or in the adjoining States of Michigan or Indiana. The first teacher in this house, and, so far as known, in

the township, was Miss Abigail Hills, now the wife of T. F. Whaley, who taught two or three months during the winter of 1841-42. She had enrolled about ten scholars, received her pay from the public school fund, and during the term was married to Mr. Whaley, which occurrence did not stop school until the end of the term. This house was used by all the families in the northwest part, and by several in the other States, until about 1846-47, when the district was divided, those families along the center of the western side of the township erecting another log school building where Samuel Cain's orchard now is. The log house on Parson's farm was used a few years, perhaps until 1849, when a frame was built a short distance north of it, Mariah Marquart being the first teacher. This house was used until about four years ago, when a larger and better frame schoolhouse was constructed a short distance east, for about $900. The old frame is now used by a Grange lodge, which was organized a few years ago, and which is yet in active working order, with many of the most prominent citizens in the township as members. The second school house in the Whaley neighborhood was built, about 1848, in T. F. Whaley's orchard (on the land now his orchard), and was a small frame structure. This house was used for educational purposes until about 1860, when another frame building, called the "Old Red Schoolhouse," was erected on the old Whaley farm, and used until about four years ago, when it was succeeded by a neat brick structure, which cost about $1,100. The first schoolhouse at Columbia was built in 1849 or 1850, and is now occupied as a residence by Mr. Reeves. The first teacher is said to have been Rebecca Tomus, who taught during a few months of the summer of 1852, the house not having been completed before that time. Mariah Kinney taught the second term. The second schoolhouse in this district, a frame, was constructed, during the last war, by Mr. Gillis, for about $1,000. The building was two stories in height, containing two neat school rooms, one above, and one below. For several years two teachers were employed, and the school enumeration in the district was about 130. Among the teachers were Robert Carlin and wife, and Jefferson Friend and wife. One year ago, the present brick schoolhouse was erected at a cost of $1,500. The schools taught by two teachers in the second frame house in Columbia were much the best ever taught in the township. The school was graded, and during one winter, Mr. Friend and his wife were paid $100 per month. Several finished scholars received the foundation of their education at the "Columbia Graded School." The first schoolhouse in the northeastern part was built about four rods west of the Winebrennarian Church, not far from the year 1845. It was erected by Daniel Smith, William Stickney, Anson Smith, Thomas Knight, and perhaps two or three others. This house, a frame structure,

was soon burned to the ground by a man, it was thought, who had been put out of the house for disorderly conduct while Divine service was being held there. Nothing could be proved, however. A second house was built about 1854, and the present one some five or six years ago. The other districts throughout the township had their first schoolhouses built from 1848 to 1855. The present Centre Schoolhouse is a large, fine brick, and cost in the neighborhood of $2,000.

DEVELOPMENT OF MORALS.

The Methodist Episcopal class at Columbia was first organized at the house of James Coon in the northern part of Florence Township, in the year 1843, by Rev. James Alderman, who then lived at Pulaski, doing missionary work over a circuit of Evansport Mission, which mission comprised all Northwestern Ohio. The first members were James Coon and wife, James McClarren and wife, Martin Perkey and wife, J. R. McConnell and Benjamin B. Tomus. As soon as the schoolhouse in the northwestern corner of Florence was built, services were held there, and later in the schoolhouse at Columbia. Finally, the frame church was built some ten or twelve years ago. Some of the ministers of this class have been James Alderman, Ferris and Coleman, Winter and Mower, Boggs and Fairchild, Burgess and another, Chapman and another, Parker and another, Lindsey and Albright, Warner and Nickerson, Thomas and Albright, Poucher and Boyers, Miller and Kemp, Zimmerman and Barnes, Cameron, Powell and Bowers, Dunham and Hill, and Poucher at present. Great revivals were conducted by Everhart, Cameron, Dunham, Thompson and Olds. The Close Communion Baptists organized a small class at Thomas Whaley's at quite an early day, but later met at the schoolhouse near there. A Free-Will Baptist class was early organized at William Billings'. Neither of these classes survived many years. The Winebrennarian class, in the northeast corner, was organized at an early day. Adam Beaver, Wesley Houtz, Aaron Culbertson are said to have been among the first members. The church was built some eight or ten years ago, and cost about $1,800. Other denominations assisted with the understanding that they were to have the use of the church. There were a few United Brethren, Dunkards and Methodists in the neighborhood. Some trouble arose a few years ago over the use of the church, which culminated last year in the erection of a new church near there by the United Brethren for about $1,400. Among the Dunkards are Adam Kimmell, David Throne and Jesse Collins. Among the United Brethren are Ira McLain, Ambrose Hoverstack, John and William Hyserman, Alfred McCloe, George Kint, Ferris Kintigh and William F. Kintigh. The German Reformers once had a small class in the northeast corner. A