806 - HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY.

ORANGE TOWNSHIP.

JOHN D. ANDERSON, .farmer, P. O. Bluffton, Allen County, is a native of Orange Township, Hancock Co., Ohio, born February 14, 1843, son of Andrew W. and Mary Anderson, natives of Pennsylvania, of Irish descent, who married in York County, Penn., in 1835, and immigrated to Ohio the same year. They lived in Columbiana County five years, and in 1840 came to Hancock County. They were parents of two children; John D. and Mary J., latter of whom now resides in Allen County, Ohio. The father died January 25, 1864; the mother resides with her son John D, on the old homestead farm. The subject of this sketch is engaged in farming and stock raising, improving the homestead farm in various ways, and has made some additions to it, and now has 240 acres of land, with good buildings and other improvements. Mr. Anderson was twice married; first, in January, 1870, to Miss Eliza Montgomery, a native of Orange Township, Hancock Co., Ohio, and daughter of John and Ellenor (McClain) Montgomery, now residents of Orange Township, this county. To this union were born two children; John A. and Eliza, both now living. Mrs. Anderson died October 18, 1872, and April 3, 1884, Mr. Anderson married, for his second wife, Miss Emma Ruggly, of Orange Township, this county, a native of Wayne County, Ohio, and daughter of John and Mary (Stauffer) Ruggly, of Orange Township. Mrs. Ruggly died in this county; Mr. Ruggly still resides in Orange Township, Hancock County. The second marriage of our subject has been blessed with one son, named Jesse Edgar. Mr. Anderson is a man of high standing in the community in which he lives, an enterprising and industrious citizen. He has served his township in several of its offices, and is an earnest and ardent advocate of the principles of the Republican party.

JOHN T. ARNOLD, P. O. Hassan, a native of Delaware County, Ohio, born in 1840, is a son of Thomas and Rachel (Moore) Arnold, natives of Rhode Island and Hocking County, Ohio, respectively, who married in Delaware County, Ohio, and were the parents of five children; Wilson, Eliza, William, Stephen and John T. Eliza resides in Delaware County, Ohio; William died in the late war; the remaining children reside in this county. The mother died in 1841, and the father in 1843. He was a Whig in politics, and held the office of justice of the peace for several years. John T. Arnold married, in Licking County, Ohio, February 18, 1864, Miss Jane Lewis, a native of Licking County, Ohio, born March, 1841, daughter of John and Sarah (Hughs) Lewis, both deceased. By this union Mr. Arnold had ten children: Lizzie, Della, Thomas (deceased), Samuel R., James H., Sarah, George (deceased), Ida (deceased), Bertha A. and William J. Mr. Arnold and family came to Orange Township, this county, in 1866. He now


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has 160 acres of land, which he has improved in various ways, and on which he has good buildings. He served under the three months' call in the late war in Company A, One Hundred and Forty-fifth Regiment Ohio Volunteer Infantry. Mr. and Mrs. Arnold are two of the pioneers of the Riley Creek Mission Baptist Church. In politics he is a Republican.

CHARLES BENROTH, farmer, P. O. Bluffton, Allen County, a native of Hessen - Darmstadt, Germany, born November 6, 1836, near the city of Mainz, son of Charles and Hannah (Schueler) Benroth (the former a cooper by trade), who died in their native country. They were the parents of six children; Charles, Anthony (deceased), Susan (deceased), Adam (deceased), Henry, in Putnam County, Ohio, and George in Allen County, Ohio. Our subject came to America in 1854, worked a short time on a farm near Baltimore, Md., lived in Lebanon County, Penn., two years, then came to Richland County, Ohio, where he remained about four years, and in 1861 removed to Allen County, Ohio, and in 1866 came to Orange Township, this county. He has cleared up a farm, and is an industrious citizen. Mr. Benroth married. January 28, 1860, Melinda Light, of Richland County, Ohio, a native of Lebanon County, Penn., born February 14, 1841, daughter of David and Mary A. (Crate) Light. natives of Pennsylvania and parents of nine children, of whom seven are now living; Melinda (Mrs. Benroth); Cyrus, Mary and Henry, in Allen County, Ohio; Amos and Rosannah, in Putnam County, Ohio, and Samuel, in Summer County, Kas. The father died in Richland County, Ohio; the mother now resides in Bluffton, Allen Co., Ohio. Mr. and Mrs. Benroth are parents of nine children; Mary C. (deceased), John O., Margaret E. (deceased), Charles F., Henry A. (deceased), Susan O., George W., Milton H. and Harry C. In politics Mr. Benroth is a Republican.



GEORGE H. BURNET, P. O. Hassan, a native of Orange Township, Hancock Co., Ohio, born February 25, 1858, is a son of Seth S. and Sarah (Hay) Barnet, both natives of Ohio, and who married in this county and were the parents of. twelve children; Mary A., Lomira (deceased), Seth S. (deceased), Eliza L., Sarah A. , Ethan K. , George H. and Susannah (twins, the latter deceased), Polly and Zillah (twins), Christena and Nettle G. (latter deceased). The father, who was a shoe-maker and tanner by trade, giving also some attention to carpenter work, died at Nashville, Tenn., in 1863, while in the service of his country, and the mother now resides on the homestead farm with our subject. George H. Burnet married, October 14, 1880, Miss Mina Curry, of Van Buren Township; this county, daughter of Charlie and Hannah E. (Agin) Curry, who were early located in this county, but removed to Ionia County, Mich., where Mr. Curry died; his widow now resides in Van Buren Township, this county. They were the parents of two children: Mina and Bertha. Mr. and Mrs. Barnet have two children: Charles F. and Edgar E. Mr. Burnet, is a Republican in politics. He and his wife are members of the Baptist Church. He gives his attention to farming, and operates a threshing-machine in the season.

JOHN D. BURNS, farmer, P. O. Cordelia, born in Chautauqua County, N. Y., December 12, 1826, is the eldest son of Esdras R. and Catharine (Dull) Burns, natives of Vermont and Pennsylvania, respectively, the former of Scotch and the latter of German descent, both deceased. Edward Burns, father of Esdras R. Burns and grandfather of John D. Burns, was pressed into the English service, and was brought to Quebec, Canada;


808 - HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY.

while there he and two other British soldiers deserted from the British service, came over to the States and joined the American Army, and fought on the side of Liberty in the Revolutionary war. Esdras R. Burns married in Chautauqua County, N. Y., and in 1834 moved to Geauga County, Ohio, remaining for a few years, then to Ashtabula County, and in 1837 came to Orange Township, this county, Where he entered land and reared a family of five children: John D., Mary A., George L., Samuel M. and William S. ; Samuel M. resides in Allen County, Ohio; William S. is in Kansas; the others reside in this county. John D. Burns married, in 1851, Miss Susan Goldman of Findlay Township, this county, a native of Lebanon County, Penn. , and daughter of Peter and Mary (Painter) Goldman, natives of Pennsylvania and of German descent, who married in Lebanon County, Penn. and moved to Richland County, Ohio, about 1837, and from there to this county in 1842; both are now deceased. Mr. and Mrs. Burns have a family of five children; Mary C., Esdras H., Melinda E., Dora L., Edward S. Esdras H. resides in Jay County, Ind., and Melinda E. in Hardin County, Ohio. Mr. Burns has improved many acres of land. He has served his township in several of its offices, and has been an ardent advocate of the principles of the Democratic party.

GEORGE L. BURNS, farmer, P. O. Bluffton, Allen County, was born in Chautauqua County, N. Y., February 4, 1831, son of Esdras R. and Catharine (Dull) Burns, natives of Vermont and Pennsylvania, respectively, who settled in Orange Township, this county, about 1837, where, after many years of hard labor incident to pioneer life, they ended their days. At the age of nineteen years our subject began the trade of cabinetmaking, which he followed two years, giving some attention to wagon making also for a short time; but he finally adopted the carpenter's trade which he followed for fifteen years. He purchased land and began farming in 1862, and now owns 120 acres of farm land. Mr. Burns married, July 29, 1873, Manilla Philips, of Orange Township, this county, a native of Iowa and daughter of Aaron Philips, who lived for several years in this county, but finally removed to Michigan where he died. His wife died in Iowa several years prior to his death; of their family only three girls survive: Mrs. Burns, and her two sisters, Abigail and Julia, who now reside in Ionia County, Mich. Mr. and Mrs. Burns have three children; Charles E. , Safrona M. and Golden I.

JOHN CHARLES, farmer, P. O. Ada, Hardin County, a native of Richland County. Ohio, born March 15, 1831, is a son of Isaac (a miller by trade, which he followed most of his life) and Sarah (Moudy) Charles, the former of Scotch and the latter of German descent, natives of Pennsylvania and Maryland, respectively, and who were married in Richland County, Ohio, about 1825, and died in Allen County, Ohio, faithful members of the Methodist Episcopal Church. They were the parents of five children: Elijah, Rosannah (deceased), John, Isaac and Anna (latter deceased). John Charles married, in 1850, Miss Mary Caris, of Richland County, Ohio, a native of France, born in 1833, daughter of Peter and Mary A. (Styret) Caris, who immigrated to America about 1840, and settled in Richland County, Ohio, where Mrs. Caris died in 1861. Mr. Caris came to Orange Township, this county, and died here; Mr. and Mrs. Charles moved to Orange Township, this county, the same year they were married. He has reared a family of five children: Mary A. (deceased), Isaac, Andrew, Peter (de-




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ceased) and Sarah M. Mr. Charles settled upon land which had been entered in Orange Township, this county, by his father in 1840, and by industry and economy has improved and accumulated land until he now has 300 acres. In 1884 he built a fine brick residence at a cost of $5,000. He also has good out-buildings and various other improvements on his place.

JOHN CRATES, farmer, P. O. Cordelia, was born June 1, 1829, while his parents, Christian and Mary M. (Myers) Crates, were en route from their home in Wittenberg, Germany, to America. Christian Crates and family landed in Philadelphia, lived a few years in Washington County, Penn., and in 1844 removed to Hancock County, Ohio, settling in Van Buren Township, where Mr. Crates died; his widow, now eighty-nine years of age, resides in Eagle Township, this county; she is the mother of ten children, of whom only four survive; Caroline, in Hardin County, Ohio; and John, Rosannah and Godfrey, in this county. John Crates married, November 10, 1854, Miss Mary Baldwin, of Orange Township, this county, a native of Trumbull County, Ohio, and daughter of Caleb and Jennette (Smith) Baldwin, who came from Trumbull County, Ohio, to Orange Township, this county, in 1857. Here her father died; her mother now resides with our subject and has four children now living: Mary, in Orange Township, this county; John, in Wood County, Ohio, and Harriet and Jane, in Orange Township, this county. Mr. and Mrs. Crates are parents of eleven children; those now living are Amelia, Mintie, Lena, Call, Edward, Jennette, Rosannah and Ida, all in this county. Mr. and Mrs. Crates are members of the United Brethren Church. In politics he is a stanch Republican.

JAMES CUMMANS (deceased), a native of Loudoun County, Va., born September 12, 1804, was the eldest, and at the time of his death, the only living son of Aaron and Eleah (Huff) Cummins, natives of Virginia and South Carolina, respectively, latter reared in Pennsylvania; they were married in Hampshire County, Va., and soon after moved to Loudoun County, Va., but in a few years returned to Hampshire County, where they reared their family of six children; James, John, Elizabeth, Catharine, Aaron and Eleah. The father dying in Hampshire County, Va., in 1813, the mother and family moved to Ohio several years later and settled in Columbiana County, where Mrs. Cummins died. James Cummins came to Orange Township, this county, abort 1837-38 and entered land which he improved. He married, October 13, 1831, Sarah Rickey, a native of Columbiana County, Ohio, born December 25, 1810, and to this union were born fifteen children: Rueann, John W., Eleah, David, James, Elizabeth J., Sarah C., Aaron, George M., Mary, Harriet, Henry, Nicholas, Oscar and Jesse. Mr. Cummins died March 6, 1886; he was a man of extraordinary strength when in his prime. He was one of the first voters in Orange Township, this county, assisted in the organization of the township, and served in most of its offices. He was always identified with the Democratic party, and was a prominent member of the Reformed Church.

AARON R. DALLY, farmer, P. O. Bluffton, Allen County, born in Orange Township, this county, August 14, 1839, is a son of Ohio and Eliza (Reinhart) Dally, natives of Trumbull County, Ohio, and Green County, Penn., respectively, the former of Irish and the latter of German descent. They married in Wayne County, Ohio, January 6, 1832, moved to grog County, Ohio; the same year, and in 1836 came to Orange Township, this


810 - HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY.

county, where they entered and cleared the farm on which they now reside. Ohio Dally was a pump-maker by trade, a Democrat in politics, a member of the Disciples Church. He was the father of eleven children: Marion F. (deceased); Sarah J., now in Grundy County, Mo. ; Hemy L. (deceased); Aaron R. and Mansir M. (twins), the former the subject of this sketch, the latter now living in Greeley County, Neb.; Mary E., in Boone County, Neb. ; Joseph R. , in Burt County, Neb. ; Eliza A. , in Greeley County, Neb. ; John L., in Hardin County, Ohio; James (deceased), and Benjamin F., in Barmy County, Mich. The father died, and the mother resides with her son Aaron R. Dally, and has followed weaving all her life. Our subject married, August 14, 1869, Miss Mary J. Montgomery, a native of Orange Township, this county, born August 18, 1852, daughter of Albert and Isabelle (Warren) Montgomery, and by this union there are five children: William R., Cora M. (deceased), Anna L., Hattie B. and Albert O. During the late war Mr. Dally served about three years in Company B, of Sherrnan's Body Guards. After his return home, he lived three years in Barry County, Mich, and returned to Orange Township, this county, in 1869. He is a member of the Presbyterian Church; in politics he is a Democrat.



FLAVIUS J. DEWESE, farmer, P O. Mount Cory, was born in Wayne County, Ohio, January 17, 1835, son of Thomas and Sarah (Watkins) Dewese, the former born March 4, 1809, and the latter July 18, 1811; they married in Wayne County, Ohio, October 2, 1830, and came to this county, settling in Union Township in 1836, where they entered and improved land. They were parents of nine children: Mary A., Flavius J., Susannah, Thom as, Eve, Adam, Elizabeth, Sarah J. and Francis M., of whom Flavius J. is the only survivor. Thomas Dewese assisted in organizing the first schools in Union Township, this county, and was prominently identified with the Methodist Protestant Church. He also served in many of the township offices. He passed from this life April 13, 1853. After the death of her husband Mrs. Thomas Dewese was again united in marriage, this time, April 13, 1857, with Levi Showalter, and August 13, 1881, she de parted this life. Flavius J. Dewese, the subject of this sketch, married, January 1, 1860, Miss Susannah D. Showalter, a native of Union Township, this county, and daughter of Levi and Mahala (Wade) Showalter. Mr. and Mrs. Dewese are the parents of eight children : Sanford H., born May 6, 1866; Milton O., born June 4, 1868; Alvin V., born March 3, 1871 ; Grace E., born January 25, 1875 ; Francis M., born October 11, 1876; and Harry C., born November 28, 1881 (all now living), and Louretta O. (deceased) and Victoria A. (deceased). Mr. Dewese enlisted in Company G, One Hundred and Eighteenth Regiment Ohio Volunteer Infantry, August 22, 1862, at Findlay, Ohio. His regiment was assigned to the Second Brigade, Second Division of the Twenty-third Army Corps. For three years he was actively engaged in all the battles his regiment took part in, including many of the most important engagements of the war. Mr. Dewese was wounded in the left knee at the battle of Resaca. He was in various hospitals for three months, and this wound has been a source of great pain and has impeded him in all labor he has performed since. Mr. Dewese is now engaged in agricultural pursuits, and has one of the most beautiful homes in the county. He is an active member of the Republican parry. His wife is a member of the Methodist Protestant Church.


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THOMAS DRAY, farmer, P. O. Bluffton, Allen County, born in 1804, is a native of Trumbull County, Ohio, where he was reared and where he lived till 1865. then came to Orange Township, this county, where he still resides. By his first wife. Hannah Willick, born February 29, 1812, to whom he was married by John Carlton September 24, 1829. he had five children: Martha Jane, born in Knox Township, Columbiana Co.. Ohio, January 24, 1834; Lemuel, born June 2, 1837, also in Knox Township; Mary, born August 29, 1840, also in Knox Township, died August 17, 1844; William W., born September 22, 1843, in Wellsville, Columbiana Co., Ohio; Hannah L., born May 24, 1848, also in Wellsville, Columbiana Co., Ohio, died August 28, 1818. The mother of this family dying July 4, 1848, Mr. Dray was married, by Thomas Duncan, May 12, 1853, to Malissa Sheffelton, born August 24, 1824, and by her had four children. John S., born February 28, 1854; Charles H., born June 22, 1856, died February 12, 1858; James W., born February 17, 1858; Eliza F. J., born November 13, 1863, died September 5, 1866. Mr. Dray has been a very active man in his day, but is now living a retired life upon his farm, which is operated by his son James W.

JOSIAH DUNLAP (deceased) was born in Trurnbull County, Ohio, August 15, 1828, son of Jonathan and Elizabeth (Philips) Dunlap, natives of Pennsylvania, who came to Trumbull County, Ohio, in an early day. In 1856 they removed to Orange Township, this county, where they ended their days. They were the parents of seven children, four of whom are still living: William P., in Trumbull County, Ohio; Harlan S. and James F. in Mahoning County, Ohio, and Mary, in Allen County, Ohio. The subject of this sketch was married, September 7, 1848, to Mary A. Blunt, of Trumbull County, Ohio, a native of Denbighshire, Wales, born November 26, 1828, daughter of Edward and Ann (Richards) Blunt, who came to America in 1829, located in Schuylkill County, Penn. , resided also a short time in Pittsburgh, Penn: , and, about 1832, came to Trumbull County, Ohio, where they died. They were parents of ten children. of whom those still living are Thomas and Margaret, in Mahoning County, Ohio; Edward L, in Trumbull County, Ohio; Hannah in Ft. Wayne, Ind., and Mary A. in Orange Township, this county. To Mr. and Mrs. Josiah Dunlap were born seven children: Sarah A., now residing in Trumbull County, Ohio; Cynthia E. (deceased); Thomas L., in Orange Township, this county; Emma A. (deceased); Clara J. (deceased); Ida E. (deceased), and Maggie in Putnam County. Ohio. Mr. Dunlap was a highly respected citizen; a Democrat in politics. His death occurred August 2, 1878. His widow still operates the farm with the help of her son, Thomas L.

WILLIAM ELZAY, farmer, P. O. Bluffton, Allen County, was born in Champaign County, Ohio, September 18, 1831, son of Newton R. and Julia (Rolston) Elzay, natives of Virginia, who were married in 1828, in Pickaway County, Ohio, and in 1845 came to this county, settling in Orange Township. They reared a family of seven children; David, William, Angeline, Moses, Mary E., Harriet and Benjamin K. ; Harriet is deceased; Angeline is in Hardin County, Ohio, and all the others are in this county. The father, who died in 1851, was a lifelong member of the Methodist Church; a Whig in politics. The mother still resides in Orange Township, this county. William Elzay married, August 28, 1861, Miss Margaret Markley, of Putnam County, Ohio, daughter of Solomon and Elizabeth (Salabury) Markley,


812 - HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY.

both of whom are deceased. Mr. and Mrs. Elzay are parents of eight children: Newton R., Samantha J., Charles L., Wilbert D., Mary E., Hiram W., Benjamin F. and Lawrence C., all living. Our subject purchased land in Orange Township, this county, in 1861, which he has improved. He and his wife are faithful members of the United Brethren Church. In politics he is a stanch Republican.

JOHN A. EWING, farmer, P. O. Bluffton, Allen County, born in Crawford County, Penn., December 25, 1814, is a son of Alexander and Mary (Battler) Ewing, natives of Cumberland and Washington Counties, respectively, who married in Crawford County, Penn., and in 1817 moved to Trumbull County, Ohio, where Alexander Ewing died; his widow died in this county, and was buried beside her husband in Trumbull County. They were the parents of eleven children: William B., John A., Beriah, Benjamin L., Ralph, George, Silas, Nancy, Levi, Mary and Asa. The father of this family was a cooper by trade, but gave most of his life to farming; he served in the war of 1812. John A. Ewing gave some attention to school teaching in early life. He married, in 1838, Elizabeth Clemmens, a native of Trumbull County, Ohio, born May 29, 1817, daughter of Daniel and Barbara (Stumbaugh) Clemmens (both now deceased), who were parents of eleven children; Philip, Elizabeth, Sarah, William, George, Martin, Henry, Jared, Catharine, Eliza and Nancy. To Mr. and Mrs. Ewing were born six children: Sarah J., Alexander, Frank, Thomas C. (deceased), Myron J. and Eliza A. The mother died February 7, 1850, and Mr. Ewing married, in 1863, Miss Mary Battles, of Orange Township, this county, a native of Trumbull County, Ohio, and daughter of Samuel and Caroline (Fish) Battles (latter deceased), Pennsylvanians, who lived in Trumbull County, Ohio, several years, and from there came to Orange Township, this county, in 1844; they had a large family of children, eight of whom are still living; Eli, Robert, Noah, Mary, Rozilla, Olive, Caroline and Rebecca. Mr. Battles, now old, feeble and blind, still resides in Orange Township. To the second marriage of our subject five children have been born: Florence M., Chase, Calvin, Corey L. and Nettie D. Mr. Ewing has been a faithful member of the Disciples Church for the past forty-five years. He has been an active man in his community, and has served his township in several of its offices. He was trustee five years, justice of the peace six years, notwithstanding the fact that the township is very largely Democratic, and he an old-time Free-soiler and stanch Republican.

THOMAS FENTON, farmer, P. O. Cannonsburgh, born in Trumhull County, Ohio, February 25, 1823, is a son of Robert and Jane (McCrea) Fenton, natives of Pennsylvania and Ireland, respectively. They were mar ried in Cumberland County, Penn., in 1808, and the same year, came to Ohio, locating in Trumbull County, and in 1836 removing to Richland Township, Allen Co., Ohio, where they died-Robert Fenton in 1852, and his widow in 1855. They were the parents of eight children; Samuel (died in Allen County, Ohio), Mary Ann, William, Margaret (died in Allen County, Ohio), Joseph (who also died in Allen County), Thomas, John and Elizabeth. All those now living are in Allen County, Ohio, except our subject, who resides in Hancock County. The father was a carpenter by trade, and an active member of and elder in the old Seceder Church. Thomas Fenton was first married, November 21, 1850, to Miss Delis Russell, of Richland Township, Allen County, Ohio, and a native of Medina


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County, Ohio, born August 10, 1833. By this marriage there were seven children: Phebe J., Mary L, Ebenezer, Emma, James T., John and Delis E. Their mother died February 12, 1866, and Mr. Fenton then married, October 2. 1870, Janurah Perse, of Union Township, this county, a native of Huron County, Ohio, born January 5, 1846. She had one son, Henry C. Perse. Mr. Fenton came to this county and to Orange Township, in 1861, where he has cleared and improved a large farm. He is a member of the United Presbyterian Church, of Cannonsburgh, Ohio. In politics he has been identified with the Democratic party.



JACOB S. GALLANT, farmer, P. O. Hassan, horn in Orange Township, Hancock Co., Ohio, November 20, 1860, is a son of James and Letitia (Stokesberny) Gallant, and was married, February 22, 1882, to Miss Lydia Spacht, of Union Township, this county, and a native of Snyder County, Penn., born March 23, 1862, daughter of Michael and Ada (Musser) Spacht. Mr. Spacht died in the late war of the Rebellion, and his widow, marrying again, removed in 1872 to this county, where she now resides. Mr. and Mrs. Gallant are parents of three children: Jenner O., Oscar S. and Orlan J., the two latter being twins. Our subject and wife are members of the Baptist Church. In politics he is a Republican.

JEREMIAH GREEN, farmer, P. O. Bluffton, Allen County, born in Armstrong County, Penn., November 15, 1821, is a son of William and Susannah (Hummon) Green, natives of and married in Armstrong County, Penn., who, in 1835, immigrated to Ohio, lived two years in what is now Wyandot County, and in 1837 came to this county and settled in Union Township,. where they reared their family of thirteen children: Samuel and Susan (deceased); Jeremiah, Mary A., Margaret, William, Alvira and Robert A., in this county; Eliza J., Saloma and Adelia, in Morris County, Kas. ; David, in Brown County, Kas., and Isabelle, in Brown County, Ill. The parents both died in this county, aged seventy-three and sixty-eight years, respectively. Jeremiah Green remained on and operated the home farm until 1868; then purchased land in Orange Township, this county, where he has since lived. He married, January 21., 1849, Rachel J. Routzon, of Findlay, this county, a native of Holmes County, Ohio, born July 13, 1828, daughter of John and Jane (Campbell) Routzon, natives of Maryland and Pennsylvania, respectively; they lived in Columbiana County, Ohio, a few years and then re-moved to Holmes County, Ohio, and in 1840 came to this county, where Mr. Routzon followed the trade of brick-mason. They had eleven children; Margaret (deceased); Ann (deceased); Elizabeth (,deceased); Letitia (deceased); George W., who was a soldier in the Fifty-seventh Ohio Veteran Volunteer Infantry, was mortally wounded at the battle of Shiloh, and died April 10, 1862; Alice, Rachel J. and David, in this county; Caroline, in Missouri; Sarah, in Kansas, and Clarissa, in Wayne County, Iowa. The parents both died, aged eighty-one and sixty-nine years, respectively. To the union of Mr. and Mrs. Green have been born seven children: Alice V., now in Morgan County, Tenn. ; John W'. (deceased); David E., in this county; Isaac and Robert A., in Iosco County, Mich. ; Susan L. (deceased); Charles E., in this county. Our subject and wife are members of the Methodist Church. In politics Mr. Green is a Prohibitionist.

FREDERICK HAUSER, farmer, P. O. Hassan, born in Fairfield County, Ohio, in 1820, is a son of Peter and Leah (Fultz) Hauser, natives of Virginia, who married in Shenandoah County, Va., and came to Ohio, in


814 - HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY.

1818, where they both died; they were parents of thirteen children: Elizabeth; Philip, now in Fairfield County, Ohio; George (deceased); Louisa (deceased) and Mary, twins; Jonathan, residing in Randolph County, Ind. ; Frederick, Peter (deceased); Rebecca, residing in Licking County, Ohio; Leah, residing in Indiana; Barbara, in Jay County, Ind. ; Levi; and Carolina, in Fairfield County, Ohio; Frederick, Mary and Levi are in this county. Frederick Hauser married, in 1841, Miss Elizabeth C. Hisey, a native of Fairfield County, Ohio, and daughter of Abraham Hisey (deceased). By this union there were eight children, five of whom are yet living. Mrs. Hauser dying, Mr. Hauser was again married, this time to Louisa Tryon, of Van Wert County, Ohio, a native of Fairfield County, Ohio, and by her he has seven children. Mr. Hauser and family came to this county in 1856; he cleared a large faun and has now 200 acres of land. He has been a prominent and official member of the United Brethren Church for over forty-five years; he organized the first Sunday-school in Orange Township, this county; is a member of the Sandusky Conference and has been engaged in the ministry for ten or twelve years. In politics he is a Republican.

DAVID G. LEW1S, farmer, P. O. Hassan, a native of Licking County, Ohio, born May 15, 1839, is a son of John and Sarah (Hughes) Lewis, natives of Pembrokeshire, Wales, where they married; they immigrated to America in 1831, and settled first in Licking County, Ohio, where they reared a family of six children; Daniel, Samuel, Mary, Eliza, David G. and Jane. The father died in 1863, aged seventy-five years, and the mother in 1873, aged sixty-six years. John Lewis was a book-binder by trade, but followed farming after coming from his native country. He was a deacon in the Welsh Congregational Church. His son Daniel and daughter Mary are still in Licking County, Ohio; Samuel and Eliza are in Delaware County, Ohio; Jane and David G. are in this county. The subject of this sketch married, March 1, 1866, Miss Hannah Williams, a native of Delaware County, Ohio, born August 2, 1842, daughter of William B. and Margaret (Davis) Williams, who emigrated from South Wales to America in an early day, married in Morrow County, Ohio, in 1834, and now reside in Delaware County, Ohio, and have reared a family of six children: William, Elizabeth, Margaret, Mary, Hannah and David. Mr. Williams is a farmer and a prominent member of the Baptist Church. Mr. and Mrs. Lewis are the parents of six children; William J., George W., Grace E., Maggie M., Mary (deceased) and Jimmie (deceased). Mr. Lewis came to Ohio in 1866. He has 160 acres of improved land. He and his wife are members of the Mission Baptist Church. In politics he' is a Republican.

WILLIAM M. McKINLEY, P. O. Cordelia, is the eldest son of John and Mary (Marshall) McKinley, the former born in Westmoreland County, Penn., September 23, 1801, and the latter in Trumbull County, Ohio, May 2, 1806; William M. was born in Trumbull County, Ohio, January 22, 1824. John McKinley and family moved to this county in 1836 and, in the wilderness, began the work of preparing a home. His faithful wife worked with him, and in a few years they were surrounded by many comforts. For forty-six years John McKinley was an elder in the Christian Church, and was faithful in his attendance at the meetings and services of the same. An esteemed friend, a kind husband and father, he went to his rest March 20, 1882. His beloved wife entered, before him,


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the borders of that unseen country. William M. McKinley has been a resident of this county since coming here with his parents. He was early united in marriage with Mary A. Burns, daughter of Esdras R. and Catherine (Dull) Burns. Esdras R. Burns was born in 1800 and ended his long and useful life December 3, 1883; Mrs. Burns died August 22, 1875. This family entered Hancock County; Ohio, in 1837, and since that time have wrought much of the change that has been accomplished. The children of Mr. and Mrs. William M. McKinley are Esdras B., born January 20, 1848, now a physician in Putnam County, Ohio; John R., born October 30, 1849, died January 21, 1851; William H., born February 10, 1851, and now residing in this county; Catherine M., born June 16, 1853, died October 6, 1874; Mary R., born January 2, 1856, died October 15, 1860; Samuel E., born June 5, 1858, died September 25, 1884; George H., born November 10, 1860; Robert M., born February 27, 1863; Florence O., born January 18, 1867, and James S., born March 30, 1869. Catherine M., whose death is noted in the record, married J. B. Falk, rind when she died left an infant daughter, Cora B., who was born March 4, 18 74, and who, since; her mother's death, has been one of Mr. McKinley's family. William M. McKinley held the office of justice of the peace for eighteen years, and office of notary public for nine years. He represented his district in the legislature in 1874-75, with credit to himself and the satisfaction of his constituents. He is now engaged in agricultural pursuits and in the manufacture of brick. He is an esteemed citizen of Orange Township.

SABEERS MAIN, farmer, P. O. Cordelia, born in Virginia, January 19, 1813, is a son of Timothy and Rebecca (Wright) Main, of Virginia, who immigrated to Ohio in 1815, settling in Delaware County, where they died. They were parents of a large family, only three surviving: Sabeers and Nathaniel, who reside in Orange Township, this county, and Elijah, now residing in Michigan. Sabeers Main came to this county in 1840, where he purchased land and improved many acres. He married in Delaware County, Ohio, Elizabeth Dial, a native of Virginia, and by her he had eight children, of whom only four survive: Lee, Louisa, Drial and Alice. In politics Mr. Main has always been identified with the Republican party.

WILLIAM M. MARSHALL, farmer, P. O. Cordelia, born in Trumhull County, Ohio, August 8, 1815, is the eldest son of Benjamin and Jane (McKinley) Marshall, who were married in Trumhull County, Ohio, in 1814, and came to this county in 1838. Of their family only four sons and three daughters survive. The father died and the mother now resides in Union Township, this county. William M. Marshall married, November 7, 1839, Mary A. Vermillion, of Orange Township, this county. Her parents, George and Anna (Hardy) Vermillion, came to Hancock County about 1838. To our subject and wife have been born eight children: Anna J. (deceased); Benjamin G. ; James (deceased); Calvin W. ; Martin F. (deceased); Chancy C. (deceased); John W. (deceased) and Lydia D. Mr. Marshall has improved many acres of land in Orange Township, and has filled several of the township offices. He has also served the county in the office of commissioner. In politics he is a Democrat. Mr. Marshall is now a widower, his wife having died some time since.

W. C. MILLER, farmer, P. O. Cordelia, was born in Union Township, this county, May 18, 1853; son of Hiram and Sarah J. (Markley) Miller, early settlers in this county. W. C. Miller was united in marriage, Febru-


816 - HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY.



ary 18, 1875, with Miss Sophrona Marshall, of Union Township, this county, who was born February 12, 1857, and is the daughter of Isaac A. and Caroline (Lewis) Marshall, early settlers in this county. W. C. Miller came to Orange Township, this county, in 1877, and purchased and improved a farm of 100 acres of land, and, in 1882, built a good residence. Mr. and Mrs. Miller have a family of three children: Clara D., Marshall M. and Emma E. Our subject and wife are members of the Evangelical Association Church. In politics he is a Democrat.

JOHN MONTGOMERY, farmer, P. O. , Bluffton, Allen County. a native of Columbiana County, Ohio, born February 1, 1824, is a son of W illiam and Sarah (Foutz) Montgomery, natives of Pennsylvania, of Irish and German descent, respectively, who married in Columbiana County, Ohio, where they reared a family of twelve children, all now living but two; the parents both died in Columbiana County, Ohio; the father was a plain farmer, in politics a Jacksonian Democrat. John Montgomery left his native county in 1844 and removed to Wyandot County, Ohio, where he married Ellenor McClain, a native of Greene County, Penn., who came with her parents to Wyandot County, Ohio, when she was but nine years of age. In 1847 Mr. and Mrs. Montgomery came to this county and settled in Orange Township, where he purchased forty acres of timberland. He now owns 240 acres, which he has improved. They reared a family of six children: Eliza, deceased; William, Rebecca J., Jesse W., Marion and Alice, latter deceased. Mr. Montgomery has served his township in several of its offices for a number of years; has been treasurer and trustee. He has always been, and is yet, an active and ardent advocate of the principles of the Democratic party.

ALBERT MONTGOMERY, farmer, P. O. Bluffton, Allen Co., Ohio, born in Columbiana County, Ohio, April 1, 1826, is a son of William and Sarah (Foutz) Montgomery, both of whom died in Columbiana County, Ohio, the former April 13, 1884, and the latter June 26, 1883, aged, respectively, eighty six and eighty-three years. John Montgomery, our subject's grandfather, was a soldier in the Revolutionary war. Albert Montgomery came to this county in 1851, and purchased, in Orange Township, eighty acres of timber land, which he cleared and improved, and to which he has added another eighty-acre tract. His farm is well cultivated, and has fine buildings, and other improvements on it. Mr. Montgomery married, February 6, 1851, Miss Isabella Warren, of Orange Township, this county, a native of Columbiana County, Ohio, born in December, 1829, daughter of William and Isabell (Hamilton) Warren, the former of whom died in Columbiana County, Ohio; the latter, now the wife of William Peppell, resides in Orange Township, this county. The union of our subject and wife has been blessed with five children: Mary J., William W., Brice K., Harriet B., and Hamilton (latter deceased). Mr. Montgomery is a Democrat in politics. He and his wife are members of the Presbyterian Church, in which he is a deacon.

BRICE K. MONTGOMERY, farmer, P. O. Bluffton, Allen County, son of Albert and Isabella (Warren) Montgomery, was born in Orange Township, this county, August 4, 1858. He was reared a farmer, an occupation he still follows. In 1876 he attended the Northwestern Ohio Normal School, at Ada. He married, in October, 1878, Miss Ida M. Harding, a native of Orange Township, this county, born May 17, 1861, daughter of Daniel and Margaret (Blair) Harding, who still reside in Orange Township, this county.


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Mr. and Mrs. Montgomery are the parents of two children; Earl F. and Myrtle F. Mrs. Montgomery is a member of the Presbyterian Church. In 1884 Mr. Montgomery built a frame house on his farm, and he is engaged in improving his place in various ways. He is a man of good natural ability. He is quite active in the ranks of the Democratic party.

ORVID S. NICHOLLS, farmer, P. O. Ada, Hardin County, was born June 24, 1851, in Jefferson County, Ohio, in which county his father (James Nicholls) was born November 27, 1821, and married November 9, 1847. His mother, Jane B. (Freeborn) Nicholls was a native of Pennsylvania, born November 28, 1821. His parents came to Orange Township, this county, in 1863. They reared a family of six children; Malcom W., Orvid S., Emma, Alton B. , Maria J. and James S. , all living except Emma. The father died September 18, 1878. He had followed school teaching and superintending all through life. He was an elder in the Presbyterian Church, and the organizer of that church and Sabbath-school in his neighborhood. In politics he was active in the ranks of the Democratic party. His widow, an educated lady, who followed school teaching prior to her marriage, now resides in Wooster, Ohio. Orvid S. Nicholls occupies and owns the homestead farm, and has added to it and improved it in various ways. He was educated in the Northwestern Ohio University, and followed school teaching for several years. He is now engaged in general agricultural pursuits. April 11, 1872, he married Miss Lillie Morehouse, a native of Lorain County, Ohio, born July 11, 1854, daughter of Henry and Maria (Balcom) Morehouse, natives of New York State, who came to Ohio in 1825, and lived until 1840; in Medina County, then moved to Lorain County, where they still reside. Mr. and Mrs. Nicholls are the parents of four children: Malcom A., Elda G., Pearl and Helen M. The two latter are now deceased. Mr. and Mrs. Nicholls are both members of the Presbyterian Church, of which he is an elder. In politics Mr. Nicholls is a Democrat.

MICHAEL C. PALMER, farmer, P. O. Ada, Hardin County, is a native of Columbiana County, Ohio, born April 5, 1841, son of Adam and Leah (Cummans) Palmer, natives of Columbiana County, Ohio, and Hampshire County, Va., respectively. They married in Columbiana County, Ohio, and died in the same county-the mother in 1846 and the father in 1885. They were the parents of four children; John, now in Hardin County, Ohio; Mary, deceased; Michael C. and Stephen, now in Mahoning County, Ohio. The subject of this sketch came to Orange Township, this county, in 1862. He is a carpenter and joiner by trade, which he has followed principally all his life. He now resides upon a farm he purchased in Orange Township, this county, about 1859, and which he has improved in various ways. He married, September 19, 1865, Miss Louisa E. Hassan, a native of Van Buren Township, this county, born in April, 1846, daughter of Eliab and Polly (Elliott) Hassan, natives of and married in Trumbull County, Ohio, who came to Hancock County in 1843. They had four children : Edward, Marrietta (deceased), Louisa and Margaret. Mr. Hassan now resides in Ada, Ohio. His wife died in 1856. They were parents of four children; Clark (deceased), Cora L., Leona E. and Carl (latter deceased). Politically Mr. Palmer is a Democrat, and takes an active part in politics. He has served his township in some of its offices, and was for twelve years a justice of the peace. He is a member of the Reformed Church.


818 - HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY.

WILLIAM PARK, farmer, P. O. Hassan, a native of Hunterdon County, N. J., born February 7, 1811, is a son of John and Margaret M. (McLain) Park, natives of New Jersey and of Irish descent, their forefathers being from Counties Antrim and Tyrone; they married, in 170J, in Hunterdon County, N. J. ; reared a family in Hunterdon County, N. J., and moved to Huntingdon County, Penn. The names of then' children are Robert. John, Elizabeth, Mary, James, Margaret, William, Sarah and Joseph. The two latter still live in Huntingdon County, Penn. ; Elizabeth and James are in Jefferson County, Iowa; Margaret is in Story County. Iowa; and the others (except our subject] are deceased. Robert was a local Methodist preacher from the age of twenty - eight years until 1876. John served two terms in the Iowa Legislature, and was speaker in the Senate; during the last term he was seized with cancer in the mouth, went to Boston to effect a cure, and died at the residence of his brother, Joseph. and was buried with his parents in Cassville, Huntingdon Co., Penn. The parents died in Pennsylvania. William Park came to Ohio at the age of twenty-five years, lived for several years in Coshocton and Knox Counties. John R. Gamble and he had the contract of Section 23 on the Walhonding Canal, which they completed. Mr. Park also engaged in farm work. He married, March 31, 1830, Miss Mary Riley, a native of Knox County, Ohio, and daughter of Nicholas and Hannah (Shrimplin) Riley, both deceased, who were the first settlers in that county, and the parents of fourteen children, of whom Mary, George, Hannah, Susan and Nicholas survive. Mr. Park came to this county in 1849. and purchased over 1,100 .acres of land in Orange Township, this county; he has improved many acres of this land, and made liberal distributions to his children, and his homestead farm is well supplied with good buildings of all kinds. The children of Mr. and Mrs. Park, nine in number, were Nicholas, Margaret, Susan (deceased], Hannah, Sarah, John, Jane, Almira and Rachel; all in this county except Nicholas and John, who are in Ada, Ohio. Mr. Park has been identified with the Republican party from its organization to the present time. He has served his township for ten years, as treasurer. He and his wife are faithful members of the Christian Church.

WILLIAM PEPPELL, farmer; P. O. Bluffton, Allen County, Was born in Pennsylvania in 1817; is a son of Lewis and Rachel (Jones) Peppell, latter of whom died when our subject was quite young. Lewis Peppell then came to Ohio with the children, only two of whom are now living: William and Catharine-and settled in Columbiana County, where the father died a few years later. William Peppell married, in New Lisbon, Columbiana County, Ohio, in 1840, Mrs. Isabelle (Hamilton) Warren, and they came to this county the same year. Mrs. Peppell is a native of Ireland, born March 5, 1812, the former wife of William Warren, a native of County Down, Ireland, where they were married in December, 1827. In the spring of 1828 they came to America and settled in Erie County, Penn., and about two years later removed to Colombians County, Ohio, Where Mr. Warren died, and where his widow met and married her present husband. By Mr. amen she was the mother of five children: Jane (deceased), Isabelle, William S., Mary A. (deceased) and . Hamilton. By her present husband Mrs. Peppell is the mother of six children : Warrick, Mary C. , Harriet, Stelta, Lewis and Matilda, all living except Warrick and Mary C. Mr. Peppell's first purchase of land in Orange Township, this county. was eighty acres, and




ORANGE TOWNSHIP. - 819

by his industry and economy he has made several additions to the same, now owning 320 acres, most of which, by the help of his family, he has cleared and improved in various ways.

H. R. PHILLIPS, farmer, P.O. Hassan, a native of Columbiana County, Ohio, born in 1813, is a son of Samuel and Mary (Russet) Phillips, natives of Pennsylvania, who married in Beaver County, Penn. They came to Ohio about 1817, and settled in Columbiana County, where were born to them fourteen children, of whom six are yet living. The father died in 1850, and the mother in 1869. H. R. Phillips came to this county in 1842, where he purchased land and cleared up a farm. He married; in 1837, Miss Jane Smart, a native of Columbiana County, Ohio, born July 29, 1813; daughter of James Smart (deceased), who was formerly from Pennsylvania. Mr. and Mrs. Phillips are the parents of ten children : James A. , Catherine A. , Samuel W. , David J., Mary J. , Nancy C. , Henry R.. Elizabeth A. , Hugh S. , and John P. James and Hugh are in Platte County, Neb. ; Samuel, Henry and Elizabeth, are in Hardin County, Ohio; all the others are deceased. Their mother died June 16, 1878; she was a member of the Reformed Church. Mr. Phillips has served as trustee, and in other township offices. He is a shoe-maker by trade, which he did not abandon entirely until about fifteen years ago, since when he has given his attention to general agricultural pursuits. He is a member of the Reformed Church.

DAVID REDICK, farmer, P. O. Bluffton, Allen County, born October 10, 1822, in Columbiana County, Ohio, is a son of David and Margaret (Allison) Redick, natives of Pennsylvania and Maryland, respectively; they immigrated to Ohio in 1812, and reared a family in Columbiana County, where Mrs. Redick died in 1848. David Redick, Sr., came to this county in 1849, and died in 1852; they were the parents of eight children, of Whom only two survive; Sarah, now in Monroe County, Iowa, and the subject of this sketch, who moved to Wyandot County, Ohio, in 1845, and two years later came to this county and settled in Orange Township, where he still resides. Our subject married, November 28, 1844, Miss Sarah Montgomery, a native of Columbiana County, Ohio, born June 6, 1822; daughter of William and Sarah (Foutz) Montgomery. To this union were born fifteen children, several of whom died in infancy, and six grew to maturity: William, Margaret, Lemuel, Jane, Mark and Isabelle. all now living except Margaret. The mother of this family died September 28, 1882. She was a faithful member of the Presbyterian Church, of which Mr. Redick is still a member. In politics he is a Democrat.

NICHOLAS REDICK, farmer, P. O. Cordelia, was born in Van Buren Township, this county, May 23, 1851, son of John A. and Elizabeth (Katzermire) Redick, who emigrated from Germany and settled in this county in a very early day. They had following children; Anna, John, Elizabeth, Mary (half sisters), Nicholas, Adam and George, all living in this county except Mary, who now resides in Chicago. The father died in this county November 17, 1878. The mother now resides in Orange Township, this county. Our subject, Nicholas Redick, married, September 8, 1878, Delila Feller, of Van Buren Township, this county, a native of Eagle Township, this county, born February 18, 1851, daughter of Samuel and Catherine (Banhart) Fel ler, who reside in Van Buren Township, this county. Our subject and wife have two children: Amanda L. and Edward E. Nicholas Redick came to Orange Township, this county, in 1881., and purchased and improved


820 - HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY.

100 acres of land, upon which he still resides. He devotes his time to general farming, but prior to his marriage he followed the carpenter's trade for several years. He and his wife are members of the Reformed Church. In politics Mr. Redick is a Democrat.

ZACHARIAH T. SHOWALTER, farmer, P. O. Bluffton, Allen County, born in Union Township, this county, November 7, 1848, is a son of Levi and Mahala (Wade) Showalter. He was married, November 20, 1873, to Miss Mary A. Link, a native of Union Township, this county, and daughter of Andrew and Ursula (Heininger) Link, who still reside in Union Township this county. To Mr. and Mrs. Showalter have been born three children: Winfield A. Cloyd M. and Ilma M. Mr. Showalter has a well improved farm in Orange Township, this county. In 1880 his residence was burned to the ground, hut notwithstanding this loss and the expense of rebuilding, he is still in comfortable circumstances. In politics he is a Republican. Both he and his .wife are members of the Evangelical Church.



GEORGE SPANGLER, farmer, P. O., Cordelia, was born in Fairfield County, Ohio, October 8, 1835, son of Abram and Elizabeth (Hoops) Spangler, natives of Fairfield and Perry Counties, Ohio, respectively, and of Ger man and Irish descent; prominent members of the Evangelical Association Church. They were married in Fairfield County, Ohio, and came to Union Township, this county, in 1839, and cleared up a large farm. They were parents of seven children; Jonathan, Nancy and Margaret, all deceased, and Mary A., Elizabeth, David B. and George, all in this county. Abram Spangler was a cabinet-maker, coffin-maker, pump manufacturer, carpenter and farmer. In politics he was a Whig. and Republican. George Spangler, the subject of this sketch, first married November 27, 1856, Nancy Nonnamaker, a native of Eagle Township, this county, and daughter of Ami and Lucinda (Houdeshell) Nonnamaker. To this union were born six children: Ami N., Mary E., John A., Abram C., David C. and George C. The mother of this family died, March 23, 1882, and George Spangler then married, June 6, 1883, Mrs. Mary E. (Brown) Bloom of Hardin County, Ohio, the widow of Nicholas Bloom, late of Hardin County, Ohio, and daughter of Joseph and Elizabeth (Claypool) Brown, latter deceased, former, now residing in Auglaize County, Ohio. Mrs. Spangler has had no children by either marriage. George Spangler operated the homestead farm for eleven years then rented, for four years, and in 1871 purchased the farm in Orange Township, this county, upon which he now resides and which he has cleared and improved. He makes general farming and handling of stock his principal business. Mr. Spangler has served his township in several of its offices and is now filling the office of justice of the peace. He is a strict Democrat. He and his wife are members of the Evangelical Association church.

ASA STRATTON, farmer, P. O., Bluffton, Allen County, was bore in Wayne County, Ohio, September 7, 1841, son of William and Elizabeth (Denning) Stratton, natives of New Jersey and Pennsylvania respectively. William Stratton was born in Vernon Township, Essex Co., N. J., October 8, 1810; came with his father to Beaver County, Penn., in 1815, and to Cancan Township, Wayne Cu., Ohio, in the fall of 1817, traveling in a wagon drawn by oxen. Running out of money just before they reached then destination, they paid for a night's lodging with dressed flax. William's chances for an education were somewhat limited, the first school-


ORANGE TOWNSHIP. - 821

house in the neighborhood being built ill 1826; however, he acquired a fair education for that period together with some knowledge of law, and was elected squire in 1850; resigned his office and moved to Hancock County, Ohio, in the fall of 1852, where he was re-elected squire and served till his death. He was religiously inclined and was for a number of years a member of the Methodist church. In politics he was an active Democrat. His ancestors came from Holland, but at what date is not known. William and Elizabeth Stratton reared a family of ten children: Jasper (deceased); Robert {deceased); Joseph, living in Hillsdale County, Mich. ; Asa, in this county; Isaac, William Olives and Cyrus, in Johnson County, Mo. ; Ann, in Allen County, Ind. ; Elizabeth, in Ingham County, Mich. and Emma, in Johnson County, Mo. ; the mother still resides in this county. Asa Stratton, the subject of this sketch, married, October 7, 1865, Miss Frances J. Cornwall, of Union Township, this county, a native of Eagle Township, this county, and daughter of Anderson and Eliza J. (Coulter) Cornwall, early settlers in Hancock County. Mr. and Mrs. Stratton have nine children; Lizzie J. and Eliza A. {twins); Horace E. , Christens, Orton and Orland (twins), John, Charles and Clifford, all living except Orland. Our subject purchased land in Orange Township, this county, in 1865, and now has 240 acres, most of which he has improved. In politics he is a stanch Democrat.

ISAAC F. VERMILLION (deceased) was born in Union Township. this county, February 20, 1836, son of Charles and Ann (King) Vermillion, natives of Virginia and Ohio, respectively who married in Champaign County, Ohio, and removed to this county about 1831 or 1832. Of their family of twelve children nine are still living, who now reside near the town of Dexter, Iowa. The subject of this sketch was married, May 3, 1860, to Mary E. Elzay, of Orange Township, this county. born in Champaign County. Ohio, April 14, 1837. Her parents, Newton R. and Julia A. (Ralston) Elzay, came to this county in 1845. Mr. and Mrs. Vermillion were blessed with seven children: Elizabeth A., Harriet A., James W., Levi F., Daniel E., William A. and Turley B., all living in this county. Mr. Vermillion cleared and improved his farm in Orange Township, this county which his widow still operates. He was a highly respected citizen, and served his township in some of its offices. In politics he was a Republican. His death occurred March 16, 1880.

WILLIAM S. WARREN, farmer, P. O. Bluffton, Allen County, is a native of Columbiana County, Ohio, born November 9,1833, son of William and Isabelle (Hamilton) Warren, natives of, and married in, County Down, Ireland. They immigrated to America in 1828, first locating in Erie County, Penn., then moving to Columbiana County, Ohio, where Mr. Warren died in 1836, and where his widow married William Peppell, her present husband, who came to this county in 1840, and still resides in Orange Township. William S. Warren also came to this county, where he has since made his home. He married, November 9, 1862, Miss Nancy A. Miller, a native of Orange Township, this county, born April 25, 1844, daughter of William and Roxany (Patch) Miller, natives of and married in Trumbull County, Ohio, and who came to this county in 1841. Their family consisted of five sons and four daughters: Samuel (deceased), Arvilla, Levi, Nancy A. (deceased), John A., Ephriam, Henrietta, Susan and William (latter deceased). William Miller, the father, died in 1854; his widow still resides in Orange Township. To Mr. and Mrs. Warren were born four daughters and two


822 - HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY.

sons; Dora M., Minervia S., Rosa J., Arthur S., John A. and Lettie L. The mother of this family died October 8, 1884. She was a faithful mem ber of the Evangelical Church. Mr. Warren, having no financial means, worked by the day and month for several y ears in his early life, but in 1858 he purchased forty acres of timber land which he has cleared, together with several subsequent purchases. He is a member of the Evangelical Church. In politics he is a Republican.

JOHN H. ZEIGLER, farmer, P. O. Ada, Hardin Co. , born in Columbia County, Ohio, October 28, 1849, is a son of Parry and Hannah (Musser) Zeigler, natives of Pennsylvania and Ohio respectively; they married in Columbiana County, Ohio, where they still reside; they are the parents of eight children: Lavina, Charles, Chancy, John H., Harry, Jennie, Alice and Lizzie. Our subject began the blacksmith trade at the age of fourteen years and continued working at it until about seven years ago. In 1878 he came to Orange Township, this county, and purchased 160 acres of timber-land which he has cleared, and improved in various ways, and on which he has erected good buildings. He devotes his time and attention to general agricultural pursuits. January 29, 1873, Mr. Zeigler married Miss Samantha J. Palmer, a native of Columbiana County, Ohio, born December 28, 1849, daughter of Michael and Mary (Barnett) Palmer, natives of, and married in Columbiana County, Ohio (they had three children: Susan; Mary E., and Samantha J.); Mr. Palmer died April 16, 1877; his widow still resides in Columbiana County, Ohio. Mr. and Mrs. Zeigler are parents of one son: Harry, born February 18, 1875. Mrs. Zeigler is a member of the Presbyterian Church. In politics Mr. Zeigler is a Republican.


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