Brief History of Salem Twp. |
Go to Early Settlers ***** Go to Auglaize History Page
Salem Twp. comprises the land in the extreme northwest corner of Auglaize County, bounded by Van Wert, Allen and Mercer Counties, as well as Noble and Logan Townships. The surface is flat with the exception of the shed formed by the ridge along the north side, through which the canal makes its "deep cut." The soil was rich, but wet, and much work has been done to drain the land. The St. Marys River winds an irregular course across the township from southeast to west. The canal also crosses the township, from south to north.
The first inhabitants were largely of English descent, with some German and Irish stock. Kossuth is the only village within the territory and is located on the canal. In 1880 it contained one hotel, two general merchandise stores, one millinery store, one carriage shop, one wagon shop, two blacksmith shops, one school, one church and a postoffice. Deep Cut, also on the canal, is situated near the Allen County line, and though not ranking as a village, is the site of an extensive warehouse, a general supply store, and postoffice.
In 1880 the township was sufficiently supplied with numbers of school and church buildings, but great improvement was to yet to come. The roads were well laid out, but the township had no pikes, or major bridges.
Early Settlers of Salem Twp. |
The following list is of the first settlers in Salem Township. Other lists will soon be online listing first settlers for each township. For the time being, we will limit the inclusion of settlers up until about the year 1850. Once we have finished this task, we may extend the time-span. If your ancestor doesn't appear here, check the county and other township lists. If you have information about the settlement of your ancestor, please submit it for inclusion on these lists. Your submission must include reference to a source document (i.e. deed, Bible record, legal document).
Key to Source Abbreviations:
ATL80 = 1880 Atlas of Auglaize County, compiled by H.G. Howland, published 1880 by Robert Sutton
AUH = History of Auglaize County
C = Census
D = Deed Volume/Page Number
|
Settler |
Origin |
Settled |
Year |
Source / |
Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Barber, Austin | Mercer Co., OH | Salem | 1863 | ATL80, p. 38 | b. 1833, md. E. L. Hamilton in 1854 |
| Dunathan, J. H. | Shelby & Mercer Co., OH | Salem | 1861 | ATL80, p. 37 | b. 18 Mar 1836, md. Mary Upton 13 Oct 1858, 9 ch., Teacher, Farmer, Warehouse Proprietor, son of Rebt. H. Dunathan from Franklin Co., PA |
| Lawrence, Philip | Beaver Co., PA, Wayne Co., OH | Salem | 1843 | ATL80, p. 37 | b. 07 Jul 1816, md. Miss Kennedy on 20 Mar 1839, 8 ch., Township Trustee |