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734 - BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. PERRY TOWNSHIP. JAMES H. BEDFORD, farmer, P. 0. Lima, was born in Warren County, Ohio, September 26, 1846; son of Samuel and Mary A. (Murray) Bedford, who settled in Bath Township, this county, in 1849. He was reared in Bath Township, and educated in the common schools. He was married December 19, 1876, to Catherine, daughter of Samuel and Susan (Rogers) Ditzler, of Perry Township, this county, and the issue of this union is one child-Charles A. Mr. and Mrs. Bedford are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church. Our subject has filled several of the minor offices of Perry Township where he located in 1881. In politics he is a Republican. JAMES BIDDINGER, farmer, P. 0. South Warsaw, was born in Tuscarawas County, Ohio, June 7, 1831; son of Samuel and Rebecca (Boyd) Biddinger, natives of Ohio, who settled in Auglaize Township, this county, in 1837, where they cleared and improved a farm, former of whom died in 1883, at the age of seventy-six years. They had eleven children: James, Mary J. (deceased), Henry W., Edward (deceased), Sarah A. (wife of W. W. Creps), Bridget (wife of I. N. Smith), Armstrong E., Catherine (wife of 0. H. Wiswell), Ellen (wife of John Schooler), Hugh N. and Samuel T. (deceased). Our subject's paternal grandfather, Henry Biddinger, was a native of Pennsylvania, and a pioneer of Tuscarawas County, Ohio, and his maternal grandfather was. James Boyd, a native of Ireland, and a pioneer of Auglaize Township, this county. Our subject was reared in Auglaize Township, this county, where he received a limited education in the common schools. He resided in that township up to 1875, when he located in Perry Township on the farm he now occupies. He was in the late war of the Rebellion, having enlisted October 15, 1861, in Company H, Eighty-first Ohio Volunteer Infantry, serving three years. He re-enlisted in February, 1865, in Company H One Hundred and Ninety-second Ohio Volunteer Infantry, and was honorably discharged at the close of the war. He was in the battles of Shiloh and Florence, and went through the Atlanta campaign under Sherman. Mr. Biddinger was married May 9, 1875, to Mrs. Sarah E. Franklin, widow of J. H. Franklin, and daughter of George and Elizabeth (Fassett) Schooler, of Perry Township, Ohio. By this union there are three children: William A., Orrin L. and Rebecca E. Mrs. Biddinger's paternal grandfather, John Schooler, was a pioneer of Knox County, Ohio, and her maternal grandfather, Arthur Fassett, was a native of Ireland, also a pioneer of Knox County, Ohio. Mr. Biddinger has served one term as township trustee. In politics he is a Democrat. JESSE L. BOWDLE, farmer, P. 0. South Warsaw, was born in Ross County, Ohio, February 26, 1810; son of Joseph W. and Lucretia (Brown) Bowdle, former a native of Maryland, latter of Delaware. They were pioneers of Ross County, Ohio, settling there in 1800, and moved PERRY TOWNSHIP - 735 thence to Hardin County, in 1831, where they cleared and improved a farm, and lived and died. They reared a family of ten children: James B., Jesse L., Rebecca C. (deceased), Nelson (deceased), Thomas, Milton W., Priscilla (deceased), Isaac N. (deceased), Ann and William. Our subject was reared in Ross County, Ohio, and educated in the district schools. He came to Hardin County with his parents in 1831, and was married September 10, 1835, to Elizabeth, daughter of Andrew and Sarah (Williams) McCoy, pioneers of Aug?size Township. The issue of this union was eight children: Miriam (wife of Andrew Ice), Thomas H., Sarah L. (wife of Jacob Vorhis), Priscilla A. (wife of A. J. Chapman), Almira J. (wife of George Beach), Alonzo F., Franklin W. (deceased), and Azuba C. (deceased). Mr. Bowdle settled in Wayne Township, now Auglaize County, in 1835, and cleared and improved a farm there on which he resided up to 1852, when he bought the farm he now occupies in Perry Township, all of which he has cleared and improved himself. He has twenty grandchildren living, and five deceased, also one great- grandchild. Mr. and Mrs. Bowdle have been members of the Methodist Episcopal Church over fifty years. In politics he was originally a Whig, but joined the Republican party at its organization. ANDREW J. CHAPMAN, farmer, P. 0. South Warsaw, was born in Butler County, Ohio, May 22, 1833, son of Lewis and Catherine (McTaggart) Chapman, both natives of Pennsylvania, who settled in Perry Township, this county, in 1837, locating on the southwest quarter of Section 25, which they entered, and on which they made some improvements. The father died there in 1845, at the age of forty-four years ; the mother died at the residence of our subject in November, 1880, in her eighty-second year. They had five children : Andrew J., John H., and three deceased in infancy. The maternal grandfather of our subject was Henry McTaggart, of Pennsylvania. Andrew J. was but four years of age when his father came to this county. He received a limited common school education in Perry Township, and lived at home with his mother until he was thirty-three years of age, when he located on the farm where he now resides, a part of which he cleared, making all the improvements in buildings, etc. At the time of his purchase his farm was low and wet, but by a system of draining, he has made it one of the finest in the township. Mr. Chapman has been twice married, his first wife to whom he was married, May 3, 1866, being Lillie C., daughter of Alexander E. and Jane (McCoy) Kew. His second wife was Priscilla A., daughter of Jesse L., and Elizabeth (McCoy) Bowdle, of Perry Township, to whom he was married May 9, 1869. By this union there are six children : Harley W., Effie W., Laura L., Sarah E., Jesse G., and Bessie. Mr. Chapman was in the late war of the Rebellion, having enlisted September 10, 1861, in Company D, Fifty-fourth Ohio Volunteer Infantry, and was honorably discharged, April 27, 1863. He re- enlisted, May 4. 1864, in Company B, One Hundred and Fifty-first Ohio National Guards, and was at Washington, D. C. during Early's raid, and in several skirmishes. He was honorably discharged in August, 1864. , Mr. Chapman is a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church, with which he has been connected for twenty-five years. He is a breeder of thorough-bred Poland-China hogs, and his farm is a model of thrift 736 - BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. and neatness. He has served as treasurer of the township, and was appraiser of real estate in 1880. In politics he is a Republican. WILLIAM R. COLVIN, farmer, P. O. South Warsaw, was born in Clark County, Ohio, June 7, 1834, son of James and Elizabeth (Hardesty) Colvin, natives of Virginia, and who settled in Auglaize Township, this county, in 1837. His maternal grandfather, Henry Hardesty, was among the first settlers of Auglaize Township, this county, where he cleared and improved a farm, on which he lived and died. James and Elizabeth Colvin had two children: William R. and Henry J., the latter deceased. James Colvin died when our subject was about four years of age, and his widow married Thomas Hanthorn, by whom she had seven children : Elizabeth A. (wife of Daniel Rowlins), Thomas E., George L., Emeline (wife of John Crumrine), Belle (wife of George Swallow), Howard and Alice (wife of James Frost). Our subject was reared in Perry Township, this county, where he received a common school education. He was married, January 20, 1855, to Mary A., daughter of Benjamin M., and Martha (Hanthorn) Daniels. early settlers of Perry Township. By this union there were four children : Harmon M., Jerome A., Fanny and Harry. After his marriage Mr. Colvin located in Lima, where he worked at the carpenter's trade for several years, and where he served as city marshal for years. After the expiration of his office (as city marshal) he engaged in the grocery business with his son, H. M. Colvin, for two years. He was in the late war of the Rebellion. In the fall of 1883 he located in Perry Township, on the farm where he now resides. He is a F. & A. M. ; in politics a Republican. ROSS CROSSLEY, farmer, P. O. Lima, was born in Warren County, Ohio, December 23, 1818, son of Joseph and Mary (Wright) Crossley, who settled in Bath Township, in 1832, locating on the farm now owned by George French, where they resided about a year, when they removed to Perry Township, and there lived and died. Joseph Crossley was a Baptist minister, and served as justice of the peace of Perry Township, this county, for several terms. He had ten children : Sally (deceased), Samuel (deceased), Eliza (deceased), Julia A. (deceased), Huldah, Joseph (deceased), Reynolds, Ross, James and William (deceased). Our subject was fourteen years of age when his parents came to Allen County, and has resided in Perry Township since 1833. He was married January 9, 1844, to Phebe, daughter of Henry and Joan (Davis) Apple, and who has resided in Perry Township since 1832. By this union there were twelve children, of whom ten are now living : Lavine (wife of Robert Hill) ; Elizabeth A. (wife of Joseph Tapscott) ; Henry, Isaiah S., Cloyd J., Miner C., Viola L., Elmer E., Arminta and Eddie E. Mr. Crossley settled in 1847 on his present farm, most of which he has cleared and improved. He was a manufacturer of brick for several years, and the last he made (in 1854) were used in the construction of his present residence, built in 1855. He is one of the substanial farmers of Perry Township ; starting in life poor, he has by his own exertions accumulated a fine property. He has never been an office seeker ; in politics he is a Democrat LEONARD CRUMRINE, farmer, P. O. Lima, was born on the farm where he now resides in Perry Township, this county, March 12, 1847; PERRY TOWNSHIP - 737 a son of Martin and Catherine (Broshes) Crumrine, who settled in Perry Township, in the spring of 1835, clearing and improving the farm now occupied by our subject. His father was a native of Pennsylvania, son of Christopher Crumrine; his mother was a native of Perry County, Ohio. a daughter of Leonard and Margaret (Hetrick) Broshes. They were married in 1830, and reared a family of seven children : David (deceased), Leah, wife of Joseph Sellers; Catherine, wife of Christopher Martin; Margaret (deceased), Mary, wife of Isaac McLain; John; and Leonard. The father died in 1860, in his fifty-third year, the mother resides with our subject on the old homestead, now in her seventy-sixth year. Our subject was reared on the old homestead where he has always resided. He was married February 4, 1869, to Tamar, daughter of Hiram and Emma (they) Burns, early settlers of Perry Township, and now residents of Lima, this county. The issue of this union was eight children: Alva, Harry (deceased), Emma, Lawrence, Carrie, Cliff, Maggie, and Willie. Mr. Crumrine is a representative farmer. He has neither held office nor sought it; in politics he is a Democrat. FRANCIS Y. DAVIS; farmer P. O. Lima, was born in Orange County, Vt., October 29, 1827, a son of Francis and Lydia (York) Davis. who moved from Coshocton County, Ohio, and settled in Perry Township, this county in 1845, where they cleared and improved a farm. Our subject's father was twice married, and by his first wife, nee Lydia York, he had eleven children, four of whom grew to manhood and womanhood : Roxana (deceased), Francis Y., George E. and Fanny (deceased) ; his second wife was Elizabeth Gilbert, of Logan County, Ohio. Francis Davis served in the war of 1812, was at Plattsburg, and after an honorable discharge, received 160 acres of land from Congress for his services as a soldier. He lived in Perry Township, this county, up to 1863, when he removed to Defiance County, Ohio, and there resided until his death ; he died in March, 1875, at the age of eighty-seven years and twenty-four days. Our subject was reared in Coshocton County, Ohio, from six years of age. He was educated in the common schools, and early in life taught school during the winters. After he became of age he followed brick-making as an occupation, two years. He then bought a farm on Section 3 in Perry Township, this county, which he cleared and improved, and where he resided up to 1864, when he removed to Section 16, on an eighty acre tract, part of which he also cleared and improved. In 1882 he located on the farm of 160 acres he now occupies on Section 19, same (Perry) Township. Mr. Davis was married May 5, 1852, to Sarah, daughter of Rufus and Nancy (Dawson) Coats, who settled in Wayne Township (then Allen County), in 1836, and removed to Perry Township in 1842. By this union there were nine children : Lydia, wife of Jefferson Shade, Ira E., Albert E., William F., Clara B., Charles, L., Harmon C., Daniel E., and an infant daughter (deceased). Mrs. Davis' parents reared a family of nine children, of whom three besides herself are now living : Aurilla, wife of Henry Parker ; Lucinda, wife of B. L. Underwood; and Albert—(two brothers were in the late war. of the Rebellion; Albert, who was a colonel in the regular army several years, served his country two terms of five years each, a part of which was in the late 738 - BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. war, and Rufus E., who died in Andersonville prison). The father of Mrs. Davis was twice married, his second wife being Mrs. Rosella Jacobs, by whom he had four children, of whom two are now living : Martha Jane, wife of William Perrill and Rosetta, wife of Fred Cribley.. Two half brothers of Mrs. Davis, Daniel and Charles W. Coats, were in the late war. The former was a captain in the Union Army during the war, and later moved to Arkansas and became editor of the Madison Arkansas Free Press. He was a member of the convention to form a constitution for that State, and was the Republican nominee for Congress in the Republican district in which he resided at the time of his death in 1869 ; the latter died of disease contracted in the army. Our subject was also in the late war, having enlisted in September, 1861, in Company D, Fifty-fourth Ohio Volunteer Infantry, was in the battle of Shiloh, where he was paralyzed by the explosion of a shell, and was discharged on that account in July, 1862. He re-enlisted in September, 1864, in. Company A, One Hundred and Eightieth Ohio Volunteer .Infantry, was in the battle of Kingston, N. C., and several skirmishes, and was honorably discharged in July, 1865. Mr. Davis is a leading farmer of Perry Township. In politics be is a Republican. JACOB DITZLER, farmer, P. 0. Westminster, was born near Lancaster, in Fairfield County, Ohio, February 20, 1826; son of Daniel and Catherine (Ice) Ditzler, former a native of Greenbrier County, Va.., and latter of Pennsylvania, who came to Allen County in 1836, settling in Perry Township, on the farm now owned by W. W. Creps. Daniel Ditzler entered the land, which, with the assistance of his sons he cleared and improved, and here he died in 1844, in the forty-seventh year of his age; his widow died in 1874, at the age of eighty-four years. They reared a family of five children: Jacob, Samuel, Elizabeth (wife of Benjamin Rover), Frederick and Catherine (wife of W. H. Biddinger). Our subject was reared in Perry Township, this county, from ten years of age, and was educated in the common schools. At the age of seventeen he was apprenticed to Levi Saint, of Lima, Ohio, for three years, to learn the tanner's trade; serving his time and remaining with him for five years. After this he embarked in business with J. J. Mans, of Westminster, this county (where they carried on a tannery), for four years, and then sold his interest in the business. In 1852, he went to California, where he was engaged in mining for five years. In 1858, he returned to Perry Township, this county, and purchased the farm where he now resides, on which he has made all the improvements in buildings, etc. Mr. Ditzler has been three times married, first in 1859, to Angeline, daughter of Eli and Mary Stevenson, of Perry Township, this county, and his second marriage was in 1863, with Maria, daughter of Miles and Mary McElroy, of Perry Township, and by her he had one child: Daniel L. His third wife, to whom he was married in 1865, was Mrs. Maria Littlefield, widow of Daniel Littlefield, and daughter of Edward Corlin, of Richland County, Ohio. The issue of this union is two children: Thomas and Perry. Mr. and Mrs. Ditzler are members of the Universalist Church. He has served his township as justice of the peace one term and has held other minor offices. He is a F. & A. M.; in politics a Democrat. PERRY TOWNSHIP - 739 SAUL FAULKNER, farmer, P. 0. Lima, was born in Mad River Township, Champaign County, Ohio, February 24, 1811, and is a son of George and Elizabeth (Collins) Faulkner, the former a native of Virginia, the later of Kentucky. Our subject was reared on a farm in his native county, where his parents had settled in about 1804. In 1833 he came to Lima, and worked on a farm by the month for a part of two years. In 1836 he settled in Perry Township, this county, on a farm where he now resides, which he cleared and improved, and where he has lived forty-nine years. Mr. Faulkner has been twice married, on the first occasion, February 1, 1835, to Mary, daughter of John and Phebe (Lorgent) Fitzpatrick, of Champaign County, Ohio. The issue of this union was six children: Lewis E., George W., John H. (deceased), Phebe A., wife of Minor Harrod; Silas, killed at the seige of Vicksburg during the late war of the Rebellion; and Elizabeth F., wife of Frederick Ditzler. March 21, 1855, our subject married his present wife, Sarah, daughter of John and Rachel (James) Berryhill, of Bath Township, this county, and by this union there were three children: Mary E. (deceased), an infant daughter (deceased), and Sarah A. Mr. Faulkner is a substantial farmer and a worthy citizen. In politics he is a Republican. WILLIAM FAZE, farmer, P. 0. Westminster, was born in York County, Penn., January 30, 1823, son of Nicholas and Cordelia (Zahn) Faze, natives of Germany, who settled in Perry Township, this county, in 1833. Our subject was reared in Perry Township from ten years of age. His educational advantages were limited—six months' attendance during his boyhood in the district schools, and three months when twenty-five years of age comprising all his schooling. In 1843 he went to Berkshire County, Mass., where he worked in a paper-mill at Mill River for seven years; then located at Great Barrington, where he worked at the carpenter's trade eight years. He was married May 19, 1850, to Betsey, daughter of Killian and Margaret Smith, of Great Barrington, Mass. The issue of this union was twelve children, of whom seven survive: Ida (wife of Clint Beiler), Nelson F., Flora D. (wife of W. G. Kerr), Cora, William, Mary and Pearl. In 1858 Mr. Faze returned to Allen County, and for several years lived in Perry, Lima and Monroe Townships, locating, in 1867, permanently in Perry Township, on, the farm where he now resides, on which he has made considerable improvements. His sister Mary, his brother Peter and himself are all the members of his father's family now living in Allen County. Mr. Faze is one of the enterprising farmers of Perry Township. In politics he is a Republican. JAMES FRANKLIN. farmer, P. 0. Lima. was born in Tioga County, N. Y., April 29, 1812; son of Thomas and Hannah (Sibley) Franklin, who settled in Perry Township. this county, in 1831, locating in what is a part of the corporation of the city of Lima, where they cleared and improved a farm upon which they resided for many years. They had a family of eleven children: Eli (deceased), John (deceased). Clarissa (deceased), James. Thomas, William, Elisha. Joseph (deceased), Harriet (deceased), Cynthia A. (deceased) and David. Our subject was reared in Warren and Miami Counties, Ohio, and in 1833, settled in Perry Town- 740 - BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. ship, this county, on the farm where he now resides. comprising eighty acres of land, which he cleared and improved; he also owns another farm of sixty acres near by, which he has also cleared and improved. He was married December 11, 1834, to Sarah, daughter of ,George and Nancy (Shepherd) Hawthorn, of Perry Township, this county, by whom he had nine children: Benjamin. Sarah A. (wife of John W. Bond), Elizabeth J. (wife of Henry Garrison), Thomas J. (deceased), Eweline (deceased), George W.. Joseph, J. Shepherd, Alice A. (wife of Peter Zurmeahly). His youngest son, J. Shepherd, who resides with him on the old homestead, was married December 30, 1874, to Laura, daughter of Joseph and Ellen (Moninger) Dixon, of Shawnee Township, this county (they have two children—Gertrude and Leonora). Our subject is a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church, as are also his wife and son, who reside with him. In politics he was formerly a Democrat, but has been a Republican since the organization of the party. When twenty-one years of age Mr. Franklin started in life with but $5 in his pocket, and by industry and frugality has accumulated a fine property. SAMUEL D. FRENCH, farmer, P. O. Lima, was born in Trumbull County, Ohio, July 10, 1823; son of William and Elizabeth (Davison) French, who settled in Bath Township, in 1834, purchasing eighty acres of land in that township, and eighty in Perry (now owned by our subject). William French died of consumption in 1836, at the age of fifty-seven years. He was a native of Washington County, Penn., son of Alexander French, a pioneer of Trumbull County, Ohio. The maternal grandfather of our subject. was Benjamin Davison, formerly of Cumberland County, Penn., and a pioneer of Trumbull County, where he settled in 1800. William French had eight children: Ann (deceased wife of. John Rankin), Elizabeth (deceased), Samuel D., David (deceased), John (deceased), Mary J. (deceased), George, Newton (deceased). Our subject was eleven years of age when his parents came to this county, his father dying shortly after his settlement. He, being the eldest son, along with his mother, managed the farm, most of which he cleared and improved. His education was received in the common schools, and comprised but three months' attendance after his coming to Allen County. He was married April 23, 1847, to Margaret T., daughter of William and Hannah (Morrison) Roberts, formerly of Kentucky, and early settlers of Auglaize Township, Allen County. By this union there were four children: Lois A. (deceased), William (killed when seventeen years of age by mules he was taking to water), Elizabeth, and Leola (wife of Jesse Growdon, have two children--Lois A. and Samuel D.). Mr. French resided in Bath Township up to 1847, when he removed to the southern part of his farm, in Perry Township. He has always lived on the old homestead farm, where his father settled in 1834. He is a Republican in politics, and one of the substantial farmers of Perry Township. JOHN HARDIN, farmer and manufacturer of lumber and drain tile, P. O. South Warsaw, was born in what is now Auglaize County, Ohio, January 31, 1840; son of Jesse and Mary (Brentlinger) Hardin, the former a native of Pennsylvania, latter of Ohio, and settled in Union Township (now in Auglaize County), in 1837. where they cleared and improved a farm on which they lived and died. Their children, numbering eleven, PERRY TOWNSHIP - 741 were John, Martha (deceased), Louisa (deceased), Martin (deceased), Catherine. (deceased), Joseph (deceased), Lucinda (Mrs. S. D. Focht), Anna (Mrs. Joseph H. Lusk), Frank P., Melissa (deceased), and Maryette (Mrs. Dr. Peter Van Trump). The paternal grandfather of our subject, John Hardin, was a native of Pennsylvania, and a pioneer of Knox and Auglaize Counties, Ohio. His maternal grandfather was Daniel Brentlinger, an early settler of Anglaize County. Our subject was reared in Union Township, Auglaize County, and educated in the common schools. He was married, September 14, 1863, to Elizabeth, daughter of Cadwallader and Sally (Lepley) Jacobs, of Perry Township, Ohio, by whom he has six children: Frank P., James, Willett, Eli, Baxter and Sally. In 1863 Mr. Hardin settled in Perry Township, and in 1866 located on the farm where he now resides, most of which he has cleared and improved. In the spring of 1881 he embarked in the lumber trade, and has since done an extensive business in that line, manufacturing and dealing in all kinds of hard wood lumber, grained lumber, and fence posts. He also in the spring of 1881, in company with G. Jennings and D. L. Umbaugh, entered into the manufacture of drain tile, and in 1884 they turned out nearly $6,000 worth. In politics Mr. Hardin is a Democrat. HARRISON HEFFNER, farmer, P. O. Westminster, was born in Auglaize Township, this county, September 11, 1854; son of Gabriel and Rachel (Strausser) Heffner, early settlers of Auglaize Township, this county. His paternal grandparents were Isaac and Susannah (Worline) Heffner, pioneers of Ross County, Ohio, formerly of Berks County, Penn.; his maternal grandfather was Daniel Strausser, a native of Pennsylvania, and also a pioneer of Ross County, Ohio. The children of Gabriel Heffner were nine in number: Taylor, Maggie (wife of Phelan Stevick), Harrison, Clara, George, Ada, Anna and Annie (twins), and Frank. Our subject was reared in Auglaize Township, and educated in the common schools. May 15, 1879, he married Clara, daughter of Brice and Mary (Perdue) Blair, early settlers of Jackson Township, and by this union there is one child, Earl. After his marriage Mr. Heffner engaged in farming in Perry Township, on the farm where he now resides. He is a Democrat in politics. DAVID HEFNER, farmer, P. O. Lima, was born in Berks County,, Penn., June 22, 1804; son of Isaac and Susannah (Worline) Hefner, pioneers of Ross County, Ohio. His father died in that county, his mother in Perry Township, this county. From twelve years of age our subject was reared in Ross County, where he received a limited education in the common schools. He was married, in April, 1828, to Frances, daughter of Daniel and Christiana (Strausser) Frederick, natives of Pennsylvania, and early settlers of Ross County, Ohio. The issue of this union was nine children: Susannah (wife of John Gillespie), Amos, William, Mary, Sarah (wife of Levi Brentlinger), Albert, Isaac, Jane (deceased), and Rebecca (wife of David Worline). Mr. Hefner settled in Perry Township in 1840, locating on the farm where he now resides. His farm comprises 320 acres of land, all of which he has cleared and improved. He is.one of the leading farmers of Perry Township, and a worthy citizen. He and his wife are members of the Christian Church. He cast his first vote for Andrew Jackson, and has always been a stanch Democrat. 742 - BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. ISAAC HEFNER, farmer, P. 0. Lima, was born in Perry Township, this county, November 20, 1841. and is a son of David and Frances (Frederick) Hefner, who settled in Perry Township. this county, in 184() His paternal grandparents were Isaac and Susannah (Worline) Hefner, pioneers of Ross County. Ohio. and his maternal grandparents. Daniel and Christiana (Strausser) Frederick. were also pioneers of Ross County. Our subject was reared in Perry Township, this county, and educated in the common schools. He was married July 30, 1865, to Nancy 0., daughter of Dr. Brice and Rebecca (Perdue) Blair, of Jackson Township, this county. He was in the late war of the Rebellion, having enlisted in Company A, One Hundred and Eighteenth Ohio Volunteer Infantry, July 23, 1862. and served in the Georgia and Alabama campaigns under Sherman, receiving an honorable discharge at Cleveland, Ohio, July 0, 1865. After this he returned to Allen County, and engaged in farming, and has resided on his present farm in Perry Township since 1882. He is a representative farmer and worthy citizen. In politics he is a Democrat. JAMES C. HULLINGER, farmer, P. 0. Westminster, was born in Greene County, Ohio, October 13, 1810, son of Christopher and Mary (Crabb) Hullinger, who settled in Auglaize Township, this county, in 1840, and there lived and died. Natives of Virginia, they came to Ross County, Ohio, while it was a territory. They had eleven children: Daniel, James C., Jacob (deceased), Jeremiah, John. Nancy (Mrs. William Stevenson), Margaret (Mrs. Isaac Shannon), Harriet (Mrs. Daniel Hill), Priscilla (Mrs. John Bayliff), Elizabeth (deceased), and Charles (deceased). Our subject was reared near Springfield, Ohio, where he was educated in the schools of his day. He came to Allen County in 1836, locating in Auglaize Township, where he rented a farm for three years. In 1840 he settled in Perry Township, on the farm he now occupies, most of which he cleared himself, making all the improvements in way of buildings, etc. He has been twice married, on first occasion, in 1828, to Susannah, daughter of Samuel and Margaret (Hamilton) Shannon, of Springfield, Ohio. By this union were born eleven children: Christopher (deceased), Jacob D. (deceased), Eli, John, Samuel, James W., Thomas, Henry, Mary (Mrs. S. R. Bailey), Margaret (deceased), Samantha A. (deceased). Mr. Hullinger married April 26, 1857, for his second wife, Catherine, daughter of Emanuel and Elizabeth (Snyder) Hinkley, formerly of Perry County, Ohio, but who settled in Jackson Township in 1850, and the result of this union has been seven children : Sarah (deceased), Emanuel (deceased), Elijah, William, Lemuel E., Francis M. and an infant son (deceased). Mr. Hullinger and wife are members of the United Brethren Church, which is located on his farm, and was erected chiefly by him. In politics be is a Republican. CADWALLADER JACOBS, farmer, P. 0. South Warsaw, was born in Deerfield Township, Warren County, Ohio, July 22, 1813, and is a son of Jehu and Elizabeth (Critzer) Jacobs. His paternal grandfather was John Jacobs. of Pennsylvania, a farmer by occupation, whose father came from England to America with William Penn. His maternal grandfather was Adam Critzer, a man of large property, a miller by PERRY TOWNSHIP - 743 occupation, and a prominent citizen of Dauphin County, Penn. Our subject was reared in Warren County, Ohio, where he received a limited education in the common schools. At the age of twenty-one he started in life for himself, and in 1837 he navigated the Ohio and Mississippi Rivers on a flat-boat as a coaster, selling all kinds of goods at different points on those rivers, which occupation he followed for five years, and during that time there was a period of nine months in which he never slept on land. After he quit boating he returned to Ohio and settled in Perry Township, this county, on the farm he now occupies, the most of which he has cleared and improved himself. He was married September 1, 1842, to Sally, daughter of Joseph and Nancy (Morrison) Lepley, of Perry Township, this county, by whom he has had five children: Eli B. (deceased), Elizabeth (wife of John Hardin), John P. .(deceased), Nancy L. (wife of William Baker), and James A. Mr. Jacobs resided in Perry Township up to 1864, when he removed to Wisconsin, where he remained three and a half years, then returned to Perry and has here lived ever since. In 1827 he was elected to the office of commissioner of Allen County, a position he held for two successive terms. He has also filled various offices in his township. In politics he is a stanch Democrat. JAMES A. JACOBS, farmer, P. 0. Lima, was born in Clinton County, Ohio, March 4, 1833; son-of John P. and Elizabeth (Hazard) Jacobs. His father was a native of Warren County, Ohio, born June 3, 1806, and a son of Jehu and Elizabeth (Kreitser) Jacobs, who settled in Warren County, Ohio, in 1802, where they cleared and improved a farm on which they lived and died. The great grandfather of our subject was John Jacobs, a native of Montgomery County, Penn., of Quaker parentage, and of English descent, his ancestors having come to America with William Penn. He was a soldier of the Revolution, and was a pioneer of Miami County, Ohio, where he located in 1812, and resided until his death at the age of ninety-five years. The wife of Jehu Jacobs was a daughter of Adam Kreitser, a native of Germany, and a resident of Cumberland County, Penn. The children of Jehu were six in number: Elizabeth (deceased), Samuel (deceased), John P., Ann (in Auglaize County, Ohio), Cadwallader and James J. (in Auglaize County, Ohio). The maternal grandparents of our subject, John and Elizabeth (Miller) Hazard, were natives of Dutchess County, N. Y., and pioneers of Warren and Clinton Counties, Ohio. John P. Jacobs was married in 1829, and reared a family of four children: Elizabeth (deceased), James A., Phebe D. (wife of William Harrod), and Ann (wife of John Harrod). He settled in Union Township, now Auglaize County, Ohio, in 1834, and his was the seventh family to locate in that township. Clearing and improving a farm there, he resided on it up to 1858, when he settled in Perry Township, this county, where he also cleared and improved a farm, residing thereon until the death of his wife, which occurred in 1880, since when he has lived with his son James A. Our subject was reared in Auglaize County, Ohio, and educated in the common schools. He was married, April 17, 1856, to Martha J., daughter of Samuel and Mary (Rumer) Hitler, of Union Township, by whom he had six children: Elwil (wife of F. M. Bacome), John C., Samuel D., Charles D., William H. 744 - BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. and Olive O. In 1858 Mr. Jacobs settled in Perry Township, this county, on the farm where he now resides, all of which he cleared and improved. He is one of the leading and enterprising farmers of the township; has held the office of justice of the peace one term, and served in several other minor offices; in politics he is a Democrat. MILTON LONES, farmer, P. O. Lima, was born in Columbiana County, Ohio, April 8, 1823. and is a son of John and Mary (Spar) Lones, natives of Virginia, and pioneers of Columbiana and Crawford Counties, Ohio. They settled in the latter county in 1834, clearing and improving the farm on which they lived and died. They had a family of nine children, of whom two have been residents of Allen County, Ohio. Aaron J. located in Perry Township in 1850, where he resided until his death; he died in June, 1882, at the age of sixty-six years. Our subject resided with his parents until forty years of age. In 1865 he located in Perry Township, this county, on what is now known as the "Osman Farm," on the Bellefontaine Pike, where he resided nine years. He then removed to Lima, living there two years and a half, when he returned to Perry Township, and located on the farm he now occupies. Mr. Lones was married, in 1854, to Mary, daughter of Enoch and Rebecca (Gordon) Knoble, of Crawford County, Ohio, by whom he has one child-Charlotte. Mr. Lones is one of the leading and representative farmers of Perry Township. His first vote for president was cast for Henry Clay, and he has voted at every presidential election since. In politics he was formerly a Whig, but has been a stanch Republican since the organization of the party. ELI MECHLING, farmer, P. O. Lima, was born on the farm where he now resides, in Perry Township, this county, October 1, 1836; son of Joshua and Sophia (Weimer) Mechling, who settled in Perry Township in 1836. His father was a native of Pennsylvania, and his mother of Perry County, Ohio. They settled on Section 18, and cleared and improved a farm, a part of which is now owned and occupied by our subject. They had nine children: Harriet (wife of J. Brentlinger), Eli, Hannah (wife of George Ridenour), William L., Elizabeth (deceased). Simon A., Maria (wife of William T. Kimes), Martha and Sophia (wife of E. V. Ridenour). Joshua Mechling died December 17, 1879, aged seventy years and thirteen days. His widow is still living at the old homestead at the age of seventy-four. The paternal grandfather of our subject was William Mechling, of Westmoreland County, Penn., and a pioneer of Perry County, Ohio, where be settled in 1812. His maternal grandfather was Gottfried Weimer. a native of Pennsylvania. Our subject was reared on the old homestead. where he has always resided, and was educated in the common schools. He was married, March 22, 1866, to Sarah, daughter of John and Lydia Ridenour, of Perry Township, this county, by whom he has had two children: Lewis L. (deceased), and Milton A. Mr. and Mrs. Mechling are members of the Evangelical Lutheran Church. He has been clerk of Perry Township two terms. In politics he is a Democrat. REUBEN V. MEELY, farmer, P. O. Lima, was born in Richland County, Ohio, January 4, 1849, son of George and Margaret (Stock), Meely; the former, a native of Germany, was born May 11, 1799, PERRY TOWNSHIP - 745 and died June 11, 1881; the latter was born in Troy County, Penn., June 22, 1807, and died at the age of sixty-nine years. They located in Richland County, Ohio, in 1845, and in 1852 settled in Union Township, Van Wert County, Ohio, where they cleared and improved a farm on which they lived and died. They had eleven children, of whom eight grew to manhood and womanhood: Christina (wife of M. M. Rittenhouse), William, George, Charles, Elizabeth (wife of Andrew Callahan), Margaret (wife of Lorenzo Staley), Reuben V. and Levi A. All the sons, except our subject, were in the late war, Levi A. dying at Nashville, Tenn. Our subject was reared in Van Wert County, Ohio, from two years of age, and was educated in the common schools; he served an apprenticeship at the painter's trade which he followed for eight years. Since 1875 he has been principally engaged in farming. He was married, October 18, 1876, to Harriet, daughter of Levi and Louisa, (Marshall) Atmur, who settled in Perry Township, Allen County, in 1848. By this union there are two children: Vergie E. and Iona A. Mr. Meely located in Lima in 1881 and removed to Perry Township, on the old Atmur farm homestead, in 1883. During his residence in Union Township, Van Wert County, he served two years as township clerk, and was at one time nominee for county recorder. In politics he is a Democrat. HENRY C. NEELY, farmer, P. O. Lima, was born in Bath Township, this county, May 17, 1840; son of William and Matilda (Snodgrass) Neely. William Neely settled in Bath Township in 1827, locating on the farm now owned by J. R. Cunningham, which he cleared and improved, and afterward exchanged for a farm in German Township, this county, on which he removed and resided until his death. He was twice married, his first wife being Ruth Paulin, of Greene County, Ohio, by whom he had ten children, two now living: Elizabeth (wife of Jeremiah McLain), and Melinda (wife of S. H. Greer). His second wife was Matilda Snodgrass, of this county, by whom he had seven children, three now living: Henry C., James H. and Arthur. Our subject was reared in Bath Township, this county, and educated in the common schools. He was married May 30, 1860, to Margaret, daughter of William and Catherine (Miller) McComb, of Putnam County, Ohio, by whom he has six children: Anna (wife of George Shade), John, William, Harry, Burton and Calvin. After his marriage Mr. Neely bought the old homestead in Bath Township, this county, where he resided three years, when he sold out and bought the Satlerthait farm in Bath Township, living there until 1870, when he located in Perry Township, on the farm he now occupies, a part of which he has cleared and improved. Mr. Neely served five years in the Ohio military service, and was honorably discharged. He and his wife are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church. In politics he is a Democrat. GEORGE H. RANKIN, farmer, P. O. Lima, was born in Auglaize Township, this county, May 11, 1846; son of John and Ann (French) Rankin. His paternal grandfather, George Rankin, was a native of Virginia, who settled in Perry Township, this county, in 1839, locating on Section 4, on a part of the farm now owned by Thomas C. Roberts, which he cleared and improved, and afterward removed to Section 15, where he lived until his death; he died in July, 1881, in his eighty- 746 - BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. fourth year. He had eight children who grew to manhood and womanhood: John (deceased), Maria (wife of James Tapscott), William (deceased), Mary (deceased), Joshua, Eliza (wife of A. R. Krebs), Charlotte (wife of Adam Stoops), Isabella (wife of Joseph Neeley). The maternal grandfather of our subject was John French, who settled in Bath Township, this county, in 1834. John Rankin had five children: William (deceased), Perseba (deceased), George H., Lyman, and an infant daughter (deceased). He was in the stock business in Westminster, this county, for several years prior to his death; he died August 1, 1850, at the age of thirty years. Our subject was reared in Perry Township, this county, where he received a common school education. He was married September 24, 1867, to Celinda, daughter of James L. and Nancy (Crane) Williams, of Perry Township, this county, formerly of Kentucky; by this union there were. five children, of whom two are now living: Minnie and Alvin. Before his marriage Mr. Rankin worked at the carpenter's trade, but afterward embarked in farming, in which he is -at present engaged, and has resided on his present farm since the spring of 1882. He and his wife are members of the Disciples Church. In politics he is a Democrat. PETER RIDENOUR, farmer, P. 0. Lima, was born in Perry County, Ohio, September 22. 1817, son of Isaac and Lydia (Cotterman} Ridenour, natives of Pennsylvania, who came to Allen County, Ohio, in 1834, locating on Section 8, in Perry Township, clearing and improving the farm now owned by Samuel Collins, and there they lived and died: They had thirteen children, of whom ten are now living: Peter, Samuel, Catherine (wife of N. J. Locke), Anna (wife of Peter Verbrecht), Eliza (wife of John Wesby), Mary (wife of H. J. Apple), James, Lovey (wife of Peter Imler), Sarah (wife of George Blubaker), and Henry. The subject of this sketch was married in March, 1854, to Mrs. Lydia Bowell, daughter of John and Eve Loeb, of Perry Township, by whom he has four children living: William, Lucy (wife of Douglass Coats), Delilah (wife of Frank Satters), and Alferetta. Mr. Ridenour cleared a farm in Perry Township, on Section 21, comprising forty-six acres, which he still owns, and on which he settled in 1855. Here he lived until 1872, when, on account of the death of his wife, he went to reside with William Ebling, Jr. Our subject is one of the oldest settlers now living in Perry Township, this county. In politics he has always been a stanch Democrat. THOMAS C. ROBERTS, farmer, P. 0. Lima, was born in Westminster, Auglaize Township, Allen County, Ohio, April 14, 1853, son of Josiah B. and Margaret (Winrot) Roberts. He was reared in Ottawa Township, this county, from two years of age, and educated in the Union school of Lima, residing with his parents until twenty-six years of age. He was united in marriage June 18, 1879, with Elizabeth I , daughter of William and Amanda (Ballard) Moore, of Lima, this county. The issue of this union is one child, Florence M. In 1879 Mr. Roberts located in Perry Township, on the farm where he now resides, on which he has made all the improvements in buildings, etc. He is one of the enterprising young farmers of Perry Township. In politics he is a Republican. JOSEPH SELLERS, farmer, P. 0. Cridersville, Auglaize County, Ohio, was born in Franklin County, Penn., March 9, 1828, and is a son of Leonard and Elizabeth (Vinyard) Sellers, natives of Pennsylvania, who PERRY TOWNSHIP - 747 settled in Allen County, Ohio, in 1S37, clearing and improving the farm now owned by their son, William. They had nine children; Joseph, John, Henry, Samuel, William, Catherine (deceased), Susan (wife of J. Walton), Eliza (wife of Miles Lowry), and Harriet (wife of Charles Carter). Our subject was ten years of age when his parents came to this county. He was educated in the common schools and lived with his father until twenty-four years of age. He was married in 1852, to Leah, daughter of Martin Crumrine, an early settler of Perry Township, this county, by whom he has six children: Daniel, David, William, Eliza (wife of George A. Beeler), Margaret (wife of George Mother), and Franklin. Mr. Sellers located, in 1853, on the farm where he now resides, most of which he has cleared and improved himself. He is a leading farmer of Perry Township and one of its enterprising citizens. He has held the offices of trustee and treasurer of the township for several terms. In politics he is a Democrat. He and his wife are members of the Lutheran Church. NATHAN D. STEVENSON, farmer, P. 0. Westminster, was born in Perry Township, this county, March 14, 1842, and is a son of William and Nancy (Hullinger) Stevenson. His paternal grandfather, Francis Stevenson, was a pioneer of Clark County, Ohio, and later of this county, settling in Auglaize Township in an early day, where he cleared and improved a farm on which he lived and died. He reared a family of eight children who grew to manhood and womanhood : William (deceased), -John, James, Eli, Elias, Joseph, Kate and Betsey. The father of our subject was reared in Clark County, Ohio, and settled in Perry Township, this county, in 1842, on the farm now occupied by his widow, which he cleared and improved, and here he lived and died. He had a large family of children, of whom five are now living: Nelson; Nathan D. ; Maria, wife of James Wonnell ; Samantha, wife of John Allison ; and George. The maternal grandfather of our subject, Christopher Hullinger, was a native of Pennsylvania, and an early settler of Perry Township. Our subject was reared in Perry Township, and educated in the common schools. He was in the late war of the Rebellion, having enlisted in July-, 1862, in Company E, Ninety-ninth Ohio Volunteer Infantry; was in twenty-three engagements, and honorably discharged in July, 1865. He was married, December 5, 1867, to Catherine A., daughter of Nelson Basle, of Auglaize County, Ohio. They have no children. Mr. Stevenson is a Republican in politics. He is an enterprising citizen of Perry Township. ELI J. STEVENSON, farmer, P. 0. South Warsaw, was born in Perry Township, this county, on the farm where he now resides, September 2. 1848 ; son of John and Susannah (Brentlinger) Stevenson, the former a native of Kentucky, latter of Pickaway County, Ohio. His paternal grandfather, Francis Stevenson, a native of Kentucky, settled in Auglaize Township in 1830, where he cleared and improved a farm on which he lived and died. He reared a family of eight children : Elizabeth. James, John, Eli, William, Jesse, Elias and Catherine, all now deceased. John Stevenson, the father of our subject, was reared in Kentucky, where he was born January 15, 1806. He was twice married, his first wife to whom he was married March 6, 1825, being Anna 748 - BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. West, of Champaign County, Ohio, and the issue of this union was six children : Rachel, wife of John Ream ; Mary, wife of John Miller ; Francis NI., James I. (deceased), Sarah J. (deceased), and Anna, wife of Jacob Hollar. For his second wife he married, August 14, 1836, Miss Susannah, daughter of John and Elizabeth (Hofines) Brentlinger, early settlers of Auglaize County, Ohio, and by this union were born eight children: Lucinda (deceased), Catherine (deceased), Elizabeth (deceased), John (deceased), Silas W. (deceased), William, Eli J., and Jefferson P. (latter deceased). John Stevenson settled in an early day in Perry Township, this county, on the farm now owned and occupied by our subject, all of which he cleared and improved, and where he resided until his death in 1854. He was assessor of what is now Allen and Auglaize counties for three terms before the counties were divided, and was township assessor of Perry for several years. He was a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church ; in politics a Democrat. Our subject was reared on the old homestead, where he has always resided. He was married, November 26, 1871, to Catherine, daughter of James and Mary (Naas) Carter, of Auglaize County, Ohio, by whom he has four children : Susannah, Mary J., Andrew F. and Cuba M. Mr. Stevenson has served his township as trustee. In politics he is a Democrat. JOSEPH TAPSCOTT, farmer, P. O. Lima, was born in Perry Township, this county, on the farm where he now resides, December 11, 1850 ; a son of James S. and Maria (Rankins) Tapscott, natives of Warren County, Ohio, the former born January 23, 1808, the latter October 19, 1822. The paternal grandfather of our subject, Joseph Tapscott, was a native of New Jersey. His maternal grandparents were George and Wealthy A. (Tunget) Rankins, formerly of Virginia, who settled in Perry Township in 1839, clearing and improving a farm. James S. Tapscott, the father of our subject, settled in Perry Township in 1848, clearing and improving a farm on which he resided until his death. He died May 9, 1884, in his seventy-seventh year. He had four children : Joseph, Ann (deceased), James (deceased), and an infant daughter (deceased). Joseph, the only survivor of this family, has always resided on the old homestead. He was married November 26, 1872, to Elizabeth A., daughter of Ross and Phebe (Apple) Crossley, of Perry Township, by whom he has four children : Jessie, Augusta, Mulford and William. Mr. and Mrs. Tapscott are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church. Our subject is one of the pushing, enterprising young farmers of Perry. He is one of the present board of township trustees. In politics he is a Democrat. REUBEN WHITE, farmer, P. O. Lima, was born in Bath Township, this county, November 7, 1837, son of Adam and Rebecca M. (Walton) White. His paternal grandfather, Adam White, Sr., was a native of Germany, and a pioneer of Brown County, Ohio. His maternal grandfather, Joseph W, Walton, was a native of New York, who settled in Bath Township in 1827, clearing and improving the farm on which he lived and died. Adam White, the father of our subject, a native of Kentucky, settled in Bath Township in 1827, on the farm now owned by S. G. Clements, Esq., which he cleared and improved, and there lived and died. He was the first county treasurer of Allen County, then comprising what PERRY TOWNSHIP - 749 are now the counties of Allen, Auglaize and Mercer. His total collections at that time did not amount to the salary he received for his services, he receiving $20 more from the state than he had collected. He was justice of the peace of Bath Township for many years. His children, nine in number, were Susan, wife of Jonas Lehman; Gilbert (deceased), John (deceased), Joseph (deceased), Deborah A., wife of John Lehman; Lydia (deceased), Reuben, Nancy (deceased), and Jessie (deceased). Our subject was reared in Bath Township, where he received a limited school education. He was married, August 21, 1858, to Ann E., daughter of Walter and Laura (Bassett) Edgecob, of Bath Township, by whom he had eleven children: Sarah A., wife of John F. Whiterall; Ida E., wife of Daniel Fetter; Kirby, Laura, Albert (deceased), Walter E., Oscar E. (deceased), John E., Cary M., Willis A. and Rebecca. Mr. White served in the late war of the Rebellion, having enlisted October 1, 1861, in Company E, Eighty-first Ohio Volunteer Infantry. He participated in the battles of Pittsburg Landing, Corinth, Resaca, Dallas, Atlanta, and in many other engagements, and was honorably discharged at Rome, Ga., October 3, 1864. Mr. White resided on the old homestead in Bath Township up to February 26, 1878, when he removed to his present farm in Perry Township, where he now resides. He is a thorough, practical farmer and a worthy citizen. He is treasurer of Perry Township; in politics he is a Republican. EDWARD WONNELL, farmer and stock-dealer, and postmaster at South Warsaw, was born in Perry Township, this county, April 10, 1836; son of William and Sarah (Stiles) Wonnell, who settled in Perry Township in 1835, the former a native of Delaware, the latter of Woodstock, Vt. His paternal grandfather was William Wonnell, a native of Delaware, and his maternal grandfather was Jonathan Stiles, a native of Vermont, and among the first settlers of what is now Auglaize County, Ohio. Our subject was reared in Perry Township, this county, where he received a limited education in the common schools. He was married December 23, 1858, to Mary J., daughter of Robert and Rebecca (Turner) Smith, of Auglaize County, this State, by whom he had seven children: Sarepta A., wife of A. A. Thomas; Emma, deceased; Callie, wife of James F. Kerr; Willie, deceased; Eva I., Alva M. and Nellie G. After his marriage, Mr. Wonnell engaged as solicitor for several publications, an occupation he followed up to 1861, when he embarked in general mercantile business in South Warsaw, continuing in the same up to 1883. In the meantime he purchased the farm he now occupies, comprising over 200 acres of the best land in the township. Since 1877 he has been a breeder of short-horn cattle, all registered in the American Herd Book and Ohio Short-horn Record; is also a breeder of Poland- China hogs and Hambletonian and Clydesdale horses. Mr. Wonnell was in the 100 day's service during the late war of the Rebellion. going out in May 1864, in Company B, One Hundred and Fifty-first Ohio National Guards. He was soon after detailed as nurse and assistant hospital steward at Fort Reno, and was honorably discharged December 15, 1864. May 29, 1862, he was appointed postmaster at South Warsaw, which position he has held continuously to the present time. He served as secretary of Allen County Agricultural Society one year. declining 45 750 - BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. re-election: was a member of the Board of Agriculture for six years, and is now serving his second term as a member of the board of the Farmers' and Mechanics' County Fair Association, of Ada, and has always taken an active part in the promotion of agricultural interests. Mr. and Mrs. Wonnell are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church. In politics he is a Republican. |