STATE GEOLOGIST. §9 
represent the course of a river in pre-glacial times. The channel is filled 
with drift, and consequently wells in it require great lengths of drive 
pipe. One branch runs southwest from near Lima, past Cridersville, just 
west of Wapakoneta, to near the Shelby county line, where it unites with 
a channel that has been traced from near St. Paris, Champaign county, 
northwest past Anna into Auglaize county. The united channels run 
nearly due west from that point, passing through the Grand reservoir. 
Another channel is found in the southwest corner of the county, entering 
from Shelby on the south and extending into Mercer on the west.1 
Nothing additional to what has already been stated needs be said of the 
size and production of the wells. It is apparent that the largest did not 
rival the giants found farther north. However, the average production 
was good, and the territory must be rated among the important in north- 
western Ohio. 
MERCER COUNTY. 
Oil-producing territory in this county is badly scattered. Quite a 
number of pools are found, but the greater number of them are small. 
The territory enters the county from Auglaize on the east, and extends into 
Adams county, Indiana, on the west. 
Union Township.—This lies in the northeast corner of the county, and 
has the largest area of producing territory. The latter enters the county 
from Van Wert on the north and Auglaize on the east. The producing 
territory includes parts of sections I, 2, 3, 5, 7, 8, 9, 10, II, I2, 13, 14, 15, 
10, 17%, Dil, B2. DB. Dil, AO, A7j, As, Bul, Bs ehacl 210): 
Successful wells began to be drilled in the township early in 1893, and 
during the two ensuing years rapid progress was made. A well is still 
drilled occasionally, but the life of the field will be determined by that of 
the wells already completed. 
Center Township.—One small pool lies within the township, including 
a small part of sections 3 and 4. Besides this there are several smali areas 
along the eastern line, extensions from Union on the north and Auglaize 
county on the east. The sections included are parts of 1, 2, 12, 24 and 25. 
The history and development in this township has been similar to that in 
adjacent ones. 7 
Jefferson Township.—The producing territory includes two small 
pools entirely within the township, and part of a third which extends into 
Center on the north and Auglaize county on the east. The sections includ- 
edfate parts Onl, 2.4, 5,01, 12, 32) 32 and 26; 
Drilling in this township began in 1886, the first well having been 
sunk at Celina. It made a show only of oil and gas, but those interested 
did not feel satisfied and accordingly a second well was begun. This was 
1For a detailed report of these channels, see Special Paper No. 3, Ohio State 
Academy of Science. 
2Geol. Sur. of Ohio, Vol. VI, p. 259. 
