REPRESENTATIVE CITIZENS

MARION COUNTY, OHIO

1907 HISTORY

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WILLIAM GABLER, postmaster at Waldo, and the leading general merchant of the village, was born December 2, 1839, in a log house on the old home place in Pleasant township, Marion County, Ohio, and is a son of John G. and Dorothy (Gabler) Gabler.

John G. Gabler was born and reared in Germany, where he learned the trade of a mason at which he worked for many years. He married Dorothy Gabler, and in 1829, with his family, came to America on a sailing vessel, which completed the voyage in 24 days, which was considered a quick trip at that time. He located in Bucks County, Pennsylvania, where he continued to work at his trade for two years, after which he moved in wagons to Ohio, and purchased 100 acres of virgin timber land in Pleasant township, Marion County. With the assistance of some of his neighbors he cleared away some of the trees and erected a log cabin. The land proved a swampy tract in which game of various kinds was often seen, but the larger part of this he finally cleared and placed in a state of cultivation. Shortly after building the cabin for his family, he went to Columbus, and assisted with the mason work on the National Bridge over the Scioto River, this being the first work at his trade he had done in this part of the country, but nearly every summer thereafter he devoted his time to that work. He continued to reside on the farm until his death, which occurred in June, 1883, at the age of 84 years and six months. His wife died in 1879, aged 79 years. They were the parents of eight children all of whom, with the exception of the two youngest were born in Germany: Fred, deceased; John, deceased Dorothy, who married Jacob Thaurer; Jacob; Christopher, deceased; and William. Two, children died in Germany.

William Gabler was reared on the home place in Pleasant township, and his education was obtained in the little, old, log schoolhouse of the district. When still young, he assisted with the work In the woods and fields and soon did his share of the farming. He continued to remain on the farm, which he cultivated for his father, until the fall of 1872, when he moved to Waldo and worked for David Curren, who conducted a saloon, which he subsequently bought and conducted for several years. In 1884. in partnership with John Gompf, he built his present large store-room, which is a two-story brick structure, being the only brick business block in the village. Mr.Gompf later sold his interest in the building to the Odd Fellows, and Mr. Gabler then established his present business, beginning in a small way with a stock of groceries and dry goods. to this he has continued to add and now carries a complete stock of groceries, shoes, dry goods, and queens ware, and is one of the most prosperous and substantial business men of the village. After residing here some time Mr. Gabler was called upon to fill the unexpired term of P. K. Francis as postmaster of Waldo Since then he has served off and on as postmaster, according to the politics of the national administration, and is at present serving in this capacity. Mr. Gabler has always been a Republican in politics. He is a member of Canby Lodge, No. 51, K. of P., at Marion, and of Lodge No. 588, I. 0. 0. F., at Waldo.

Mr. Gabler was married first in 1869. to Lora Rupp, who died in November, 1872. She was a native of Pleasant township. Two children were born to this union, namely Edward, residing at Marion, who is married and has two children-Francis and Mildred; and Lora, also residing at Marion. In October, 1874, Mr. Gabler was married (second) to Lucinda Straup, who was born and reared in Waldo township, and whose father came from Pennsylvania to this county at a very early period. Four children were born to the second union : Dora Ann, who married Harry Corban and, has three children--Claude, Ralph and John Frank ; Mabel, who died aged four years; Charles, who died in Portland, Oregon ; and Ralph, clerking in his, father's store, who married Estelle Salenders and has one child, Cecil. Mr. Gabler and his family reside in Waldo.

ARTHUR L. GAST, M. D., a prominent medical practitioner at Prospect, was born in Prospect township, Marion County, Ohio, December 7, 1860, and is a son of George and Margaret (Edelman) Gast.

The father of Dr. Gast resides on his farm in Prospect township, at the age of 83 years. The mother died there May 11, 1904. They had six children, namely: Arthur L.,. Mary E., who married Dr. G. H. Masters; Emma E., who. married Dr. A. G. Dana; Evelyn, who married James Frank Wottring, cashier of the Peoples' Bank at Green Camp; Amelia, widow of S. D. Wyatt; and Ramon, who died young.

Arthur L. Gast was reared on his father's farm and was educated in the Prospect schools, graduating from the High School with credit. For two years he filled a clerical position in the store of John Landon, at Richwood, and then took a one-year course at Nelson's Business College, Cincinnati. Upon his return, he again clerked for Mr. Landon, and then embarked in a grocery business at Prospect, first under the firm name of Slemmons & Gast and later as A. L. Gast & Company. After disposing of this business, Mr. Gast went to Kearney, Nebraska, where he remained two years as bookkeeper for the C. B. Finch department store. , Upon his return to Ohio, he entered the Columbus Medical College, where he spent one term, and spent also one term at Bellevue Hospital Medical College, New York, after which he returned to, the Columbus Medical College, where he was graduated in 1892. Dr. Gast located at Prospect where he has been in continuous practice ever since with the exception of the year 1899, when he was taking a post-graduate course at the Northwestern University.

On January 26, 1896, Dr. Gast was married to Anna E. Young, who was born at Marion, Ohio, and they have two children, Winnifred and Theo, the former of whom is attending school at Delaware. Dr. Gast and family belong to the Evangelical Lutheran Church. Fraternally he is connected with the Knights of Pythias lodge at Prospect.

GEORGE GAST, a prominent citizen and retired farmer of Prospect township, owning 90 acres of fine land, was born on his father's farm in Huntingdon County, Pennsylvania, in 1824, and is a son of Christian and Elizabeth (Moyer) Gast.

Christian Gast, Sr., grandfather of George Gast, was born in Pennsylvania, being a member of an old and numerous German family of that name He visited Ohio and bought land in what was then Delaware County, now Marion. Returning to Pennsylvania, he subsequently sold his Ohio purchase to his son Christian, who, with his family, came to Marion County in 1833, settling in the woods in Prospect township. He was a wagon-maker as well as a farmer, and he built the strong wagons which carried his family and possessions over the long rough roads to the new home. The trip was made up of many interesting incidents to the children and Mr. Gast recalls that his brother David, then four years old and of an investigating turn of mind, got lost for several hours in Pittsburg.

After some years residence in Prospect township, a town was laid was laid out which was named Middletown, as it was projected between Marion and Delaware counties, but later, through Christian Gast's influence, the name was changed to Prospect. At the time of settlement here, the Gast family found plenty of wild game and often saw Indians passing by on horseback from Upper Sandusky. It is very evident that at one time this section was the scene of many tragedies. On one occasion, Mr. Gast and brothers found an old flint-lock musket leaning against a decayed log; although the wood was rotten, the load still remained in the gun and as it was cocked it appeared as if its owner might have been killed while awaiting an enemy. Near the same place was found an inlaid tomahawk and pipe combined, perhaps the possession of a onetime chief of a savage band.

The family home, as Mr. Gast recalls it from the memories of his youth, was a log cabin, with a table hewed out of a solid walnut tree; on winter night a great fire glowed in the open fire-place and the sparks flew up through an immense mud and stick chimney. Here the father died in 1859 at the age of 68. years, and the mother aged 70 years. They had the following children: Margaret, who married Peter Leist, and lived and died in Prospect, where her husband also died; Elizabeth, deceased, who was, the wife of the late Jacob K. Stiffler, of Prospect; Philip, deceased, a minister in the Lutheran Church, whose wife was Louisa Dressler, also now deceased: Christian, deceased, who married Polly Cratty, a daughter of Robert Cratty (who lived to the age of 102 years); Catherine, who is the widow of J. T. Davis; George; Sarah, who married James Edelman both died at Prospect; Mary, who married Joseph Little and died at Prospect; David , who married Catherine M. Rowe and died at Altoona, Pennsylvania; and Abigail, who married John Landon and lives at Marion.

George Gast was about nine years old when his parents settled in Prospect township, where his father bought 600 acres of land, a part of which he disposed of later. Here George completed his common-school education in the old fashioned log schoolhouses, and then learned the carpenter's trade, at which he worked for five years. Since then until he retired he carried on general farming, but now he rents his land, which lies along the Scioto River. He owns both the residence in which he lives and also the large frame tenant house.

On January 1, 1859, Mr. Gast was married to Margaret Edelman, a daughter of John and Elizabeth (Smith) Edelman. Mrs. Gast died May 11, 1904, at the age of 62 years. She was born in Delaware County, Ohio, but her parents came from New York. Six children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Gast, namely: Arthur L., a medical practitioner at Prospect, who married Anna Young and has two children-Winifred and Theo; Mary Elizabeth, who married Dr. George.H. Masters, of Prospect, and has one child; Ramon, who died young; Emma E.., who married Dr. A. G. Dana, a dentist of New York, and has one child, Helen; Evelyn, who is the wife of James Frank Wottring, cashier of the Peoples' Bank at Green Camp; and Amelia (widow of S. D. Wyatt)., who resides with her father and has two children-Paulina and Arthur G.

In politics, Mr. Gast has always been a Republican and has served with great efficiency in a number of the local offices, having been supervisor and township trustee for a long time. He is an official member of the Lutheran Church at Prospect and a liberal contributor to its support.

GEORGE FRANK GAST, formerly mayor, village clerk and member of the Village Council of Prospect, is one of the best-known highly esteemed citizens of Prospect township. He was born August 25, 1856, on his father's farm in Prospect township, Marion County, Ohio, and is a son of David and Catherine M. ( Rowe) Gast.

Christian Gast, grandfather of G. F. Gast, brought his family to Marion County from Pennsylvania, the journey being made in one of the old covered wagons of that time, and it is a matter of family history that in crossing a rough place, little David, then four years of age, was lost out of the back of the wagon. He was soon restored to the family and the journey was continued to the pioneer farm in Prospect township. At a later date, Christian Gast laid out the present town of Prospect, being a man of property and standing in the community.

David Gast was reared and educated in Prospect township, where he grew to be an extensive farmer In 1869 he commenced to treat sufferers from cancer, having received a remarkable remedy from his uncle, Dr. Samuel Gast, of Scott County, Iowa. This physician was a man of scientific research and he had discovered what proved to he a cure for this disease and used it with great success in his practice. This remedy was entrusted to David Gast, the nephew, and they used it on many sufferers, both in Ohio and Pennsylvania. Its component parts have always been kept a secret in the family from boyhood George Frank Gast has known of the wonderful cures produced by this remedy and when his father died, October 21, 1892, the remedy came to him. David Gast and wife had seven children, the two survivors being: George Frank and Samuel Henry, the latter of whom lives on the home farm.

After the death of his father, George Frank Gast went into partnership with Dr. Arthur L. Gast in the use of the cancer cure. The latter is a graduate of the Columbus Medical College. Dr. Gast improved on the original remedy and his patients became so numerous that, in association with George Frank Gast, he built the Gast Sanitorium at Prospect, which was destroyed by fire one year later, January 16, 1905. It is now being rebuilt.

After completing his school course, Mr. Gast taught for several years and then farmed and still owns a one-half interest in the old homestead. After his marriage he rented the Waikins Hotel, which he operated for three ,years, and for a short time in 1894 he ran a grocery store under the name of P. M. & G. F. Gast, subsequently selling out to J. A. Vigran. Since then his main occupation has been the nursing of patients who are using the cancer remedy

Mr. Gast was married January 2, 1881, to Mattie A. Boxwell, who is a daughter of the late Titus and Lucretia Boxwell. They had one child, Geneva B., who died aged seven years. They belong to the Lutheran Church.

Mr. Gast is prominent in the Republican party, in this section and has served in almost every office of the village of Prospect. Since 1899 he has been health officer, a position for which he is well qualified. It was mainly through his efforts that the traction line was built through Prospect, as it was through those of his father that the Hocking Valley Railway was Constructed through the town.

SAMUEL HENRY GAST, whose valuable farm of 73 acres lies partly within the corporate limits of Prospect, was born on his present farm, in Prospect township, February 10, 1864, and is a son of David and Catherine M. (Rowe) Gast.

The father of Mr. Gast was widely known as Dr. David Gast, as is more fully explained in the sketch of George Frank Gast, another son, which will be found in this work. Dr. David Gast died at Altoona, Pennsylvania, where he was visiting, October 21 , 1892. He is survived by his widow and two of his seven children, namely: George Frank and Samuel Henry. The mother of these sons was born in Washington township, Pickaway County, Ohio, November 13, 1832, one of a family of 14 children. She was married to the late David Gast, May 9, 1852, and has ever since lived on the Gast homestead, now owned by our subject. Her father died in Pickaway County and her mother in Marion County.

Samuel Henry Gast worked for his father on the home farm until his marriage, November 15, 188,, at Prospect, to, Mary Virginia Young, who was born in Prospect township, January 23, 1867, and is one of a family of eight children born to her parents, Gabriel M. and Margaret (Landon) Young, as follows: Perry, Mary Virginia, Granville, Simeon, David, Morrison, Mabel, and Winnifred (deceased). The parents of Mrs. Gast moved from Marion County to Nebraska, when she was about one year old; in 1886 they removed to Leroy, Michigan, where they still reside.

The children born to Samuel H. Gast and wife are seven in number, as follows: Paul, organist in the Lutheran Church at Prospect, who was educated at Delaware and is a successful teacher of music; David M.; Morrison Young; Freda Catherine; Lorene Margaret; Magdalena; and Kenneth Hurrelbrink.

Mr. Gast acquired the present farm in the settlement of his father's estate. He carries on general farming and also is engaged in teaming, having three teams in use, hauling logs to the sawmill. The old home was constructed in 1840 by his grandfather, who was the founder of Prospect. It contains 14 rooms, is built of stone and has walls 18 inches thick.

Mr. Gast is a Republican in his political views. With his family he belongs to the Lutheran Church, in which he is a deacon.

GEORGE HENRY GAYER, a. well-known, successful farmer of Pleasant township, residing residing upon a highly cultivated farm of 120 acres, situated in section 2, was born August 12, 1837, in Rosswag, Wuerttemberg, Germany, and is a son of Henry and Frederica (Mack) Gayer.

Henry Gayer and his wife, both natives of Rosswag, Wuerttemberg, Germany, came to America in 1846 and located in Marion County, joining Stephen Mack, the father of Mrs. Gayer, who had settled on a farm in Richland township about six years previously. Late in the following November Mr. Gayer and his family settled on the farm which is now the property of George Henry Gayer, which he bought from John Keefer, of Columbus. The land was still forest, and wild game of all kinds was plentiful. The only house on the place was a log cabin, with a clapboard roof and a stick chimney built on the outside. There were no windows. Mr. and Mrs. Gayer both died in this home the former in 1881 and the latter in 1852. They were the parents of five children, namely: George Henry; Mrs. Catherine Behner, Frederica, who married (first) John Reiso, and (second) John Titus; Caroline, deceased, who was the wife of William Fisher; and Conrad, who died aged nine years.

George Henry Gayer was nine years old when be came to America with his parents; the trip from New York to Marion County was made by the way of the Erie Canal and Lake Erie, and thence. to Marion County in covered wagons. Mr. Gayer has always lived on his father's farm in Pleasant township, and after the latter's death he bought the farm from the other heirs. He is engaged in general farming, raising grain, cattle, horses and hogs, and has a fine large orchard. The comfortable, seven-room, frame house which the family occupy was built in 1875.

Mr. Gayer was married May 26, 1865, to Catherine Ault, who was born in Pleasant township, April 3, 1841, and is a daughter of Jacob and Catherine (Klein) Ault, who came from Huttengesaass, Hessen-Nassau, Germany and located in Marlon County. Mr. and Mrs. Ault were the parents of 12 Children, of whom but four survive, namely: Christopher, Mary, Conrad and Catherine.

Mr. and Mrs. Gayer have had 10 children, namely; Caroline, who married Charles Hoch, of Pleasant township, and has two children Bertha and Edith; Ida, who married Hiram Annett and lives in Green Camp; Adam, living near Green Camp, who married Mary Keller and has two children-Charles and Henry; Hattie who married Edward Augenstein and died leaving one child, Paul, who lives with Mr. Gayer, his grandfather; Katie, who married George Yager; Albert; Bertha: George; Sarah, who died aged two months; and Henry, aged 21 years. Much of the success of the farm has been due to Mrs. Gayer, who has often taken a man's place in the field with her husband. Mr. Gayer has served as school director, and in politics is a Democrat. He and his family are connected with the Lutheran Church.

HENRY C. GEARHISER, a representative citizen and leading general farmer and stock-raiser of. Waldo township, was born November 3, 1853, in the old log cabin that stood on the land which his grandfather entered from the government, when he first came to Marion County. His parents were Jacob and Barbara (Rentz) Gearhiser.

Jacob Gearhiser was a boy of 14 years when he accompanied his parent from Germany to America. The long voyage across the Atlantic was made in a sailing vessel, which finally landed the emigrants safely at the port of New York, whence they came , in covered wagons, to Marion County, Ohio. This county was then practically unsettled, the unbroken forest covering a vast expanse. The land where they settled had a small log cabin standing On it, which was already the home of two families, but the Gearhiser family also found room under its roof. The grandfather of our subject entered a 160-acre tract of land, which was subsequently all cleared and put under good cultivation. The grandmother of Henry C. Gearhiser died soon after coming to this country, but the other members of the family survived all the pioneer hardships.

On this pioneer farm Jacob Gearhiser grew to manhood. His educational opportunities were meager and his recreations were few, as hard work was the rule of the household. Game wag plentiful but none had the time to engage in hunting except occasionally for food. Jacob later was married to Barbara Rentz, whose parents were pioneers in Morrow County (then included in Delaware County), Ohio. Jacob and Barbara Gearhiser had 12 children, Henry C., of this sketch, being the fifth in order of birth.

Like his father, Henry C. Gearhiser passed a busy boyhood, attending school in, the old log schoolhouse for but a few months. When almost too small to handle a plow, he went into the fields and was proud when, in spite of his youth, he could do a man's work. From that time until the present, he has always been a hard-working man, never wasting his time and always being wise enough to save his money. When he was about 18 years old, be hired out by the month to his brother-in-law, James C. Weisman, for one year and then went to Westfield, Morrow County, Ohio, to learn the grist-milling business. He remained three years, learning this trade; the mills at that time were run by water power. Then he returned to farming, working for two years for Henry Curran, on a farm near Prospect, and for one year for Mack Wolfley, in Delaware County, later renting this farm for a year. In. the same fall he married and then rented his present farm from from Henry Strine, Sr. In July, 1881, Mr. Strine, his father-in-law, died and Mr. and Mrs. Gearhiser removed from the residence just across the road, which they had been occupying, to the old homestead. By her father's will Mrs. Gearhiser was given 60 acres of land and the farm is jointly owned by Mrs. Strine our subject and his wife. The old resident been remodeled and is a commodious, frame house, one of the most confortable rural homes of the township. Mr. Gearhiser here has carried on general farming and stock-raising, meeting with very satisfactory success. He pays considerable attention to Poland-China hogs. Mr. Gearhiser operates 60 acres of rented land, in addition to the home place.

Mr. Gearhiser was married on October 14, 1880, to Amanda Strine, a daughter of the late Henry Strine, one of the leading farmers and respected citizens of Waldo township. Mr. and Mrs. Gearhiser have four children, as follows; Barbara, who married Benjamin Ringert, has one son, Welcome, and resides in Richland township; Grover, born January 26, 1886; Docie Fay, born January 26, 1891; and Obel H., born April 19, 1896.

The Gearhiser family has been identified with the Democratic party for many years. Mr. Gearhiser has not taken a very active part in politics, but has, at times, consented to serve on the School Board. With his family, he belongs to the Lutheran Church.

JOHN GEARHISER, a prominent farmer and stock-raiser of Waldo township, residing on the old Gearhiser homestead of 83 acres, owns, with other heirs of his father, 138 acres of valuable farming land here. He was born on the homestead, November 21, 1861, and is a son of Jacob and Barbara (Rentz) Gearhiser.

The Gearhiser family is of German extraction and was founded in Marion County, Ohio, by John and Christina Gearhiser, the grandparents of our subject. The grandmother died shortly after reaching the pioneer home in Ohio, but the grandfather lived into old age. There were three children in their family: Christina, Jacob and Catherine. When the Gearhisers came to Waldo township, they found two families already living in the one little log cabin standing on the farm they had secured, the Kern and the Maddock families. It was a case of necessity that the newcomers should find shelter and so they also moved in, all three families accepting trials and hardships that they could not avoid.

Jacob Gearhiser, father of our subject, was a boy of 14 years when he accompanied his parents from Germany, where he had already made some progress at school. After coming to the new country he had little opportunity as he was the only son of the family and only a very small amount of cleaning had yet been done on the new farm. The log schoolhouse stood directly across the road from his home and thus he was sometimes able to get to his books which he was glad to do, because he was a youth of fine intellect. At the death of his father, he fell heir to 83 acres of land, which he put under an excellent state of cultivation before his death, ,vhen he left it to his widow.

At the age of 31 years, Jacob Gearhiser was united in marriage with Barbara Rentz, who was born in Bronnweiler, Wuerttemberg, Germany, October 22, 1825 the daughter of Sebastian and Anna Margaretha (Hack) Rentz. At the age of seven years she was brought to America by her parents, Sebastian and Margaret (Hack) Rentz. There were three children in the Rentz family, namely: Barbara; George, who was killed during the Civil War; and Frederick, who was born after the family came to America. To, read of the days when Sebastian Rentz first came to Ohio, carries one back to what seems very early days, to a time when the great capital city of the State was a village no larger than is Prospect at the present time. During his eight months of residence at Columbus, Mr. Rentz grubbed out the blackened stumps then standing on the present site of the beautiful State House. As soon as he had opportunity, he selected a tract of wild land in what is now Morrow County (then included lit Delaware County), entering 40 acres right in the woods, where not even a sapling had yet felt the axe. To this wild region he brought his family. in great covered wagons, strongly built as they had to bump over miles of corduroy roads. No clearing been effected and of course no buildings had been erected On the place; if a neighbor living a mile distant, had not been kind and obliging the family would have been forced to tent cut or live in their wagons. In those days, however, kind neighborliness generally prevailed This neighbor had a small structure on his farm, in which he had lived while building his house, and although he was then needing it for a sheep pen, on account of the wild condition of the country, he offered to lend it to the Rentz family until they could build. Unfortunately the father fell ill just at this time, most probably of chills and fever, a malady that attacked nearly all the early settlers. Then was again shown kind-neighborliness of the typical pioneer, for while Mr. Rentz lay helpless, his unknown neighbors built his house. He recovered and lived to the age of 81 years, clearing his original land and adding to it until he had 120 acres. At that time wild game was so plentiful that deer would come and even seek shelter under the porch of the cabin and wild turkeys would fly within an open door. The mother of Mrs. Gearhiser lived to the age of 83 years.

After marriage, Jacob Gearhiser and wife went to housekeeping in an old log house that was then standing on the present farm of our subject. Wild conditions still prevailed to a large degree, although the country was somewhat, more settled than it had been in Morrow County. Mrs. Gearhiser soon found herself very busy, as in those days all work was done by hand. She raised the flax which she later spun and then wove into cloth, from which she fashioned all the garments the family wore, and still found time to bear, care for and rear, a family of 12 children. Her husband was a very hard-working man and he had very little machinery to help him in gathering his harvests, making use, at different periods of a siskle, a scythe and a cradle. With the assistance of his good wife Jacob Gearhiser prospered and the log house gave way to the present comfortable, nine-room farm-house other improvements of a substantial nature being added from time to time. He died November 21, 1872, aged 63 years. He was a good citizen, a provident husband and a kind father. To his children he left a legacy of industry and fair dealing with others. He was respected by all who knew him.

The 12 children of Jacob and Barbara Gearhiser were the following: Catherine, who married James C. Weisman, Elizabeth, who married Dexter Curran, Frederock, deceased: Henry C. ; Lewis Jacob: Sebastian: John ; Edward, deceased in Infancy: William and Charles. After her husband's death Mrs. Gearhiser continued to reside on the homestead, to which she later added 55 acres, purchasing the same from the John Miller estate She is a woman of excellent business judgment and is well and favorably known.

John Gearhiser was reared on his present farm and was educated in the district schools, He was early put to work in the fields and has spent many a long day doing the harvesting which the machinery he now owns can do in a fraction of the time. When he was about 21 years of age he left home and went to Van Wert County, where he obtained farm work and remained for about seven years. After his marriage, he returned with his wife to the old homestead in Marion County, and here they have resided ever since, Gearhiser engaging in general farming and in raising cattle, hogs and sheep.

On January 9, 1889, in Van Wert County, Ohio, Mr. Gearhiser was married to Mary Kreider, a daughter of John R. and Sarah (Harsh) Kreider. She is a native of Ashland County, Ohio, where she was born November 19, 1860. Her parents were natives of Pennsylvania. When she was one year old, they moved from Ashland to Van Wert County, where the mother still resides, at the age of 76 years. The father died aged 69 years. They had the following children: Elias, deceased; Joseph M.; Naomi M., wife of J. M. Baker; Jeremiah R.; Henry D., deceased; Mary E,.:John F. ; Howard V. ; Frederick P. ; and Clara C., wife of H. U. Hoghe, all the survivors, except Gearhiser residing in Van County.

Mr. and Mrs. Gearhiser have two sons. Howard S. and Richard K., the former of whom was born July 14, 1891, and the latter. March 20, 1894. They are attending district school and helping in the farm work.

Politically, Mr. Gearhiser was reared a Democrat by his late father and he has never seen occasion to change his views. He has never been willing to accept any office but that of school director; he takes a great deal of interest in educational matters. He is numbered among the representative men of Waldo township.

NOAH L. GEBHARDT, president of The Gebhardt Piano Company, of Marion, stands at the head of a large business enterprise, which was founded in 1902. He was born March 17, 1846, in Iowa, and is a son of Noah L. and Martha (Colterman) Gebhardt.

Mr. Gebhardt was reared and educated in his native State. The death of his father, by accident, in California, early threw many responsibilities on his shoulders. He was but a lad when he enlisted for service in the Civil War, entering Company D, 15th Reg., Iowa Vol. Inf., on January 1, 1862; he performed every duty of a soldier, faithfully and well, until his honorable discharge in 1865. After his return from the army, he learned the jewelry trade, which he followed for 11 years and then engaged in the music business. In 1902 he organized The Gebhardt Piano Company, of which he has been president ever since. This is one of the county's successful business enterprises, a large force of men being given employment and many completed instruments being put out annually.

Mr. Gebhardt was married (first) to Sophia Leiss, who died in 1900, the mother of five children. In 1903 Mr. Gebhardt was married (second) to Katherine Dormody, who is a daughter of Jeremiah Dormody. The pleasant family home is at No. 1203 East Church street, Marion. With his family, Mr. Gebhardt belongs to St. Mary's Catholic Church. Politically he is a Republican. Fraternally he is a Mason, an Elk and a Knight of Pythias.

GEORGE T. GERAN, attorney-at-law, at Marion, was born in 1878, in Warren County, Ohio, and is a son of T. F. Geran, a substantial farmer of that county.

Mr. Geran completed the common-school course in his native locality and then entered the National Normal University, at Lebanon, where he continued his studies for three years, when he became a student in the la\v department of the University of Michigan, at Ann Arbor, where he was graduated in June, 1903, with the degree of LL. B.

In the September following his graduation, Mr. Geran came to Marion and in association with his classmate, James Eymon, started into the practice of the law. After five months' partnership, the firm was dissolved, each member continuing practice alone. Mr. Geran has met with very gratifying, success and has been connected with a number of important cases before the different courts.

In December, 2903, Mr. Geran was marrierl to Margaret Smith who is a daughter of the late Syrenas Smith, formerly a farmer of Warren County Ohio. Mr. and Mrs. Geran have one child Robert.

Politically, Mr.. Geran is an active Republican and is secretary of the Republican County Executive Committee. Fraternally, he is a Mason and is also a member of Marion Lodge, No. 402, Knights of Pythias.

HIRAM EDWARD GILLESPIE, (PICTURE) a prominent farmer and stock-raiser of Grand township, has resided upon his present large farm since he was two years of age. He was born just across the road, in Montgomery township, December 27, 1851, and is a son of Noah and Emeline (Owens) Gillespie.

Mr. Gillespie can trace his ancestry beyond the Revolutionary War, to his great-grandfather, William Gillespie, who was born in Ireland. How Iong, he had resided in the Colonies prior to the opening of the war is not known, but proof is at hand that he served with bravery and distinction for three years of its duration. He participated in the battle of Brandywine and survived the hardships at Valley Forge.

Robert Gillespie, the paternal grandfather, accompanied his soldier father to Muskingum County, Ohio, in 1802, in the year of the admission of the State to the Union, and this makes our subject a member of one its oldest families. Robert Gillespie inherited the military spirit, for in 1812-14 he also served in the army and won approbation. He was a member of Captain Van Horn's company, under General Tupper, and after all honorable service was discharged at Fort Meigs. He heard the thunder of Perry's guns on Lake Erie. He settled in Gallia County, Ohio, was there married, in 1815, to Sarah Rice, and they lived there until they came to Marion County.

In 1835 Robert Gillespie entered 80 acres of land in Montgomery township, Marion County to which he added 40 acres by purchase. He settled on this land and made a good home here. This property he sold in 1851, with the intention of going to the far West, but before his plans were matured he bought 160 acres of land on the southern line of Grand township, in Marion County. On this farm he continued to live until his death which took place July 17, 1860. His widow survived until February 11, 1877. They had eight children, as follows: Evan, Noah, Ellen, Lucinda, lbey, Peggy, Mahala and one who died young.

Noah Gillespie, father of our subject, was born in Gallia County, Ohio, March 1, 1817, and died in Marion County, October 26, 1892. He was reared in Gallia County and accompanied his parents to Marion in 1835. He was a man of natural ability and for 21 years he taught school through the winter months and followed farming in the summer. In 1847 he took charge of the homestead, of which he became the owner at a later date. On June 19, 1847, he was united in marriage with Emeline C. Owens, who was born March 18, 1820, and died in Marion County, August 31, 1905. She was a daughter of Isaac and Margaret Owens, who at the time of her birth lived in Sussex county, Delaware. There were seven children born to this union, as follows: Loretta, born March 18, 1848, who married Walter James and has been a resident of Los Angeles, California, for the past 35 years; Harrison D., born January 11, 1850, who married Sarah Powell and for the past 16 years has resided in Kansas, where he owns a large cattle ranch; Hiram Edward, of this sketch: Byron, born November 1, 1853, who died in 1858; Lafayette, born May 30, 1856, who died February 17, 1858; Horace G., born May 27, 1858, who resides in Marion County; and Florence, who resides at Los Angeles.

Politically, Noah Gillespie was a Republican and on numerous occasions he was called to serve in positions of honor and responsibility. He served through one term as county commissioner, for 10 years was township trustee and for 20 years was assessor of Grand township. For 16 successive years he also served as a justice of the peace.

Hiram E. Gillespie was two years old when his parents came to the farm he now owns, which came into his possession by purchase in 1887. Since finishing his education in the public schools, he has devoted himself entirely to farming and stock-raising. The whole 200 acres have been improved and the property ranks with the most valuable in the county. The comfortable residence is one which was built by his father in 1856.

In 1894 Mr. Gillespie was united in marriage with Emma Weikal, a daughter of William and Mary Ann (Ketner) Weikal. Mrs. Gillespie was born in Pennsylvania and was six months old when her parents moved to Ashland County, Ohio, where she lived until her marriage. Her father died May 15, 1891, aged 73 years, 6 months and 25 days. The mother died July 26, 1895, aged 71 years. They were both natives of Pennsylvania, of German descent. Mr. and Mrs. Gillespie have one daughter, Mary Lucile, who was born May 20, 1897, and is a student in, the public schools.

Politically, Mr. Gillespie is a Republican. For nine years he has been a justice of the peace in Grand township, for 15 years was township trustee and for many years was a member of the School Board. Portraits of Mr. and Mrs. Gillespie accompany this sketch, being presented on a preceding page.

JOSEPH D. GILLESPIE, president of the Board of County Commissioners of Marion County, and a substantial farmer of Montgomery township, was born on his present farm, September 10, 1857, and is a son of Evan and Catherine (Drake) Gillespie.

For many years the late Evan Gillespie was a prominent farmer and respected citizen of Montgomery township, of which he became a resident in 1833. His death occurred on his farm in 1900. He married Catherine Drake and they had 10 children.

Joseph D. Gillespie was educated in the schools of Montgomery township and was reared on the home farm of 160 acres. This property, which is one of the best farms of this section, he now owns and operates. He carries on general agriculture and raises some excellent stock.

Mr. Gillespie married Elizabeth Blow, a daughter of Charles Blow, of Montgomery township, and they have one child, Charles E.

Politically, Mr. Gillespie is, a stanch Republican and has always taken an active interest in public affairs and in all that concerns the welfare of this locality. In 1903 he was elected county commissioner over the Democratic candidate, Henry Seiter, by a majority of 47 votes, and in 1906 was reelected; on September 15, 1906, he assumed the duties of president of the board, succeeding Israel Irey, who had formerly enjoyed this distinction. He is well and favorably known all over the county and as a public official commands the confidence of his fellow-citizens.

PATRICK GILLOOLY, one of the best known citizens of Salt Rock township, residing on his farm of 80 acres situated in section 29, was born in Roscommon County, Ireland, February 14, 1849, and is a son of John and Bridget (Cone) Gillooly.

Patrick Gillooly spent his early boyhood days on his father's farm in Ireland and attended school in that country until 15 years of age, when in 1864, he came with his father to America and located in La Rue, Marion County, Ohio, where John Gillooly worked for one year on the railroad. In 1865 the family moved Wyandot County where they remained until 1879, when they returned to Marion County and John Gillooly and his son Patrick bought the farm, which the latter now owns and resides upon. Patrick also received considerable schooling after coming to this country. He was the oldest of five children, three of whom--Thomas, Margaret and Elizabeth --died during the first year's residence in this country. His brother Peter, the youngest of the family, now resides in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. Both of the parents of our subject died on his present farm; the death of the mother occurring July 18, 1881, the father surviving until December 27, 1905 when he passed away, being in his 84th year and at the time the oldest man in Salt Rock township.

Patrick Gillooly was married in Marion, Ohio, February 14, 1884 (his 35th birthday) to Mary Ryan, who was born in England August 23, 1846, and is a daughter of Patrick and Bridget Ryan, the father being a native of County Tipperary, Irelancl, while the mother was born in County Mayo, Ireland. Mrs. Gillooly came to America with her parents when a child of two years and was practically reared in Marion, Ohio. To Mr. and Mrs. Gillooly have been born three children: Catherine; John, who teaches school in Salt Rock township; and Margaret.

Mr. Gillooly is one of the trustees of Salt Rock township, having been elected by the Republican party in the fall of 1904. He is a member of the Catholic Church at LaRue.

AUGUST FREDERICK GOERLICH, a prominent agriculturist and highly respected citizen of Richland township, residing on a well-cultivated farm of 95 acres, located in section 7, was born February 28, 1858, in Pennsylvania, and is a son of Edward and Anna Goerlich.

Edward Goerlich was born and reared in Germany, where he studied for the priesthood. He gave up the idea of taking orders before he was ordained, and joined the German Army. At the age of 28 he came to America and located at Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, where he had an acquaintance in Mr. Fritz, who assisted in building the iron works located there. Through the influence of this friend and because of his good education, Mr. Goerlich was appointed foreman of the iron works, which position he held for a number of years. He subsequently engaged in the produce business, in which he continued in Pennsylvania until his death at the age of 78 years. His wife died also in Pennsylvania. Mr. Goerlich, who was a born soldier, served through the Civil War as a scout and spy. On one occasion he was obliged to lie out in the sun all, day, without food or water, within rifle shot of the enemy, and he was often heard to say that this was the longest day of his life. He was a member of the Reformed Church. To Edward and Anna Goerlich were born eight children: Mary, deceased; Edward; Emma, who married William Morrison; Frederick; August Frederick; two that died in infancy; and William.

August F. Goerlich was reared in Pennsylvania and at the age of 19 years came to Ohio and located in Marion County, where he worked on various farms for a number of years. He was married in 1880 to Mrs. Catherine ( Seiter) Almendinger, the widow of Philip Almendinger, by whom she had four children: Henry, who died in infancy; Omega B.; Daniel, who assists his stepfather in working the farm; and Warren J., who married Dora Reely. Four children have been born to our subject and his wife: Aaron; Alpha, who married Catherine Retterer; Catherine and Bina.

The present farm of our subject was the old Seiter homestead of 95 acres, which his wife bought from the Philip Almendinger estate, the latter having bought it from Daniel Seiter. Mr. Goerlich later bought another tract of 60 acres on the Whetstone River from Daniel Seiter. For about 10 years he was engaged in gardening and ran two wagons in Marion, but now devotes his time exclusively to general farming and makes a specialty of feeding stock. He operates both farms with the assistance of his stepson, Daniel Almendinger, who served on the police force of Marion for two years and was for three years engaged as a contractor for moving buildings, etc. Mr. Goerlich has other business interests in the way of real estate, buying and selling farms and other land in and around Marion and through the county; he has been engaged in this business for the past five years.

Mr. Goerlich is a Democrat in politics and in the period of the primary system was a candidate for the nomination of county commissioner. He served on the School Board for a number of years, and for many years has been a member of the Marion County Agricultural Society. He and his family are members of the German Methodist Episcopal Church.

FREDERICK GOMPF, who has been a resident of Marion County the greater part of his life, owns a well improved farm of 171 acres situated in section, 23, Richland township. He was born February 25, 1835, in Germany, and is a son of Christopher Jacob and Wilhelmina (Bushe) Gompf.

Christopher Gompf was born and reared in Germany were he learned the baker's trade. After his marriage he conducted a general store until about 1838, when he came to America with his family and located in Marion County, Ohio, where he rented from his brother a farm on the east side of the Whetstone River. He lived on this farm for one year and then bought a farm of 80 acres in Richland township, which is now owned by his son Frederick. He later added another tract of 80 acres, consisting wholly of timberland, which was cleared and placed under cultivation with the aid of his sons. He died on this farm in 1879 and his widow survived him until 1886. They had a family of seven children, two of whom died in infancy. The other five were as follows: George, who died in the Mexican War: Margaret, who married J. Kingley: Maria Elizabeth, who is the widow of Edward Stickel: Frederick; and Eva Catherine deceased, who was the wife of H. Ruehrmund.

Frederick Gompf was but two years old when his parents came to this country and located in Marion County. He obtained but little schooling, for early in life he was obliged to assist his father, who, was growing old, with the work. When his father first located in the township, the land was all covered with timber, not a tree having been cut down. His father erected a hewn-log house and a log barn of which the latter is still standing., The Indians had left the country just the year before, and plenty of small game still existed in this region. Frederick always remained on the farm helping his father, as his brother went to serve in the Mexican War. After many hardships, the land was finally cleared and placed under cultivation. All the work was done by hand. Mr. Gompf was actively engaged in farming until a few years ago, when he retired from business activity and now resides with his son, Christopher Jacob Gompf. He has never been out of the State of Ohio since coming here as a child of little over two years.

On February 26, 1863, Mr. Gompf was married to Augusta Weiskey, a native of Prussia, Germany, who came to this country with her parents when young, and to them have been born 11 children, namely: George August, who married Lily McCarthy, of Perry County, Ohio, and has one child, Grace: Fred William, who married Sarah Ruth and has four children, Clarence, Celia, Ruth, and Carl; Minnie who married William Yake and has four children, Florence, Henry, David and Rosa: Rosa, who married William Stoner; Edward. who, was killed by a young horse in 1892 when 19 years of age;, Mary, who married James Shaffer and has two children, Gertrude and Milo Christopher Jacob, named after his grandfather, born on the home farm February 24, 1880, who was married March 7, 1901, to Florence Fairchild, a daughter of William and Martha (Warner) Fairchild, and has one child Martha Marie, who was born April 15, 1905: Caroline, who married John Bickel, and has one child, Bertha; David, single. who lives at home; and two children that died in infancy. Mrs. Gompf died January 21, 1896. Mr. Gompf has always been a Democrat. but has never cared to enter actively into politics. He has never missed voting for Governor or President since attaining his majority. He is a member of the Lutheran Church, of which he has been a trustee for the past six years.

WILLIAM J. GORTON, superintendent of the yards and sales department of The Prendergast Lumber & Coal Company, of Marion, was born about one mile north of Marion, November 8, 1868, and is a son of Wallace and Annette (McWherter) Gorton.

Wallace Gorton, who always followed farming, was born on the Garden City turnpike in Marion township and died in 1888. He was a son of Hezekiah Gorton, a pioneer of the county, prominently mentioned in the chapter of this work devoted to the early history of the county. Annetta (McWherter) Gorton, the mother of our subject, was a daughter of William McWherter and was born on the old McWherter homestead three miles northwest of Marion.

William J. Gorton was reared and educated in the city of Marion, and early in life, when about 18 years old, entered the employee of The Prendergast Lumber & Coal Company, first engaging, as lumber deliverer. He has continned in the service of this company and is at present superintendent of the yard and sales department.

Mr. Gorton was united in marriage in 1892 with Mrs. Catherine Boreman, a daughter of William Huggins. Fraternally, Mr. Gorton is a member of Canby Lodge, No. 51, Knights of Pythias, and of the Hoo, Hoos. Mr. Gorton is a man of enterprise and public spirit and gives his support to such measures and enterprises as are calculated to advance the material development of the city. He is a member of the Marion City Council from the Fourth Ward. Religiously he is a member of the Epworth Methodist Episcopal Church.

ALFRED A. GOTTSCHALL, junior member of the prominent insurance firm of McKinley & Gottschall, at Marion, with offices in the Bennett Building, is also identified with other business enterprises of this city. He was born in 1872 at Columbus, Ohio, and is a son of Charles J. Gottschall, of Columbus.

Alfred A. Gottschall was reared at Columbus and after graduating from the High School of that city, in 1900, he took up the study of medicine, but after two years of study his health failed, and he was obliged to give up medical study. He then turned his attention to electrical engineering, in which he was engaged for seven years, with the Marion Light & Power Company. He had become prominent politically in the meantime, and was appointed chief deputy in the county clerk's office, and in 1905 was chosen as the Democratic candidate for clerk of the courts of Marion County. On January 1, 1906, he became associated with George McKinley, an experienced insurance man, in a general insurance business under the firm name of McKinley & Gottschall. This firm controls a large portion of the insurance risks of this section, representing only old and reliable companies.

On December 30, 1896, Mr. Gottschall was married to Alice Cull, a daughter of John Cull, of Marion. They have one child, Elsie Margaret. Mr. and Mrs. Gottschall are members of the German Lutheran Church.

Fraternally Mr. Gottschall is prominent, belonging to the Masonic blue lodge, council and commandery, at Marion; is past chancellor of the Knights of Pythias; is a member of the elks, and is past supreme representative Of the Modern Woodmen of America and represented this district at the meeting of the Supreme lodge of this order, at St. Paul, Minnesota, in 1901. Other business interests, aside from his insurance ones, claim a part of Mr. Gottschall's attention, he being secretary of the Headley Drug Company; and a director in the Morral Banking Company, of Morral, Ohio.

JACOB FREDERICK GRACELY (GRAESSLE), owner of 159 1/2 acres of productive farm land located in section 6, Richland township, who is now retired from business activity, was born on his present farm December 19, 1848, and is a son of Jacob Frederick and Sophia (Drollinger) Gracely (Graessle)..

Jacob Freiderick Gracely, Sr., was born November 14, 1806 in Ellmendingen, Baden, Germany where he was reared to manhood, after which he came to this country, and bought a farm of 80 acres in Richland township, Marion County, Ohio, which is now a part of our subject's farm. His mother, who a widow, later came to this country also with his brother Bernhart, the sisters all remaining in their native country. Jacob at once erected cabin on his land, which was entirely covered with timber, and for a time used a blanket for a door. He was married to Sophia Drollinger, who was born January 3, 1808 in Ellmendingen, Baden, Germany, coming to America shortly after Jacob located here. Jacob was a carpenter and cabinet-maker by trade and also made coffins. Like a great many other men of that time, he had but little money and often found it necessary to walk to Columbus, Ohio where he would work by the day at his trade. His wife was frequently compelled, while alone, to build a fire in front of the cabin to drive away the wolves. After enduring many trials and hardships, Mr. Gracely finally completed the clearing of his land, and also kept the family, supplied with money by working at his, trade. His son, our subject, has several pieces of furniture which were made by him. Nine children were born to Jacob and his first wife , namely Gertrude, Philip, deceased ; Sophia ; John; William; Christian; Christopher; Jacob Frederick; and David. When Jacob Frederick was eight years, old, his mother died; his father subsequently married Mrs. Regina (Miller) Bower, a widow of Croft Bower and a native of Germany, She was the mother of several children by her first marriage, of whom the following are still living: Philip, Ernestine and Croft. After their marriage, Mr. Gracely and his second wife moved to Big Island township, where they spent the remainder of their days.

Jacob F. Gracely was reared and has always lived on his present farm, with the exception of a short time when he worked upon another farm. His education was such as could be obtained in the little log schoolhouse into which the wind and snow often blew, through the cracks between the logs; but with the aid of a good big stove they managed to keep warm and learned to read and write. He attended school for about two month, every year until he was 20 years old, and in the meantime assisted with the work on the farm.

Mr. Gracely was married April 15, 1873, to Matilda Bloom, a native of Adams County, Ohio and a daughter of John and Christina (Young) Bloom, natives of Germany, who came to America and located in Adams County, Ohio. Four children were born to our subject and his wife, namely Hattie, married William Guthery and has two children Susan Matilda and Bernice Anna; Iva, who married Robert Roszman and has one child, Theodore Gracely, who is named after President Roosevelt; Earl, unmarried, who lives at home and operates the farm; and Florence, who also lives at home. Mr. Gracely was for many years one of the largest stock-raisers and general farmers in his township, and at one time dealt extensively in horses; he was obliged to retire from business activity, however, on account of rheumatism and while still residing on the farm rents the place to his son Earl. The house which the family occupy was among the first frame house to be built in this section of the country. The large barn was erected in 1899.

Mr. Gracely, is a member of the German Methodist Episcopal Church, and holds the offices of trustee and steward. He was for some time superintendent and class leader of the Sunday-school. Rev. William Nast, who founded the German Methodist Episcopal Church in Ohio, used to come here on horseback every four weeks from Cincinnati, to hold divine services, also making many other stops throughout the State. Mr. Gracely served for some time as school director. He is a Democrat politically, but is liberal in his views and gives his support to the best man for the office; he has voted the Prohibition ticket. He is a member of the Royal Arcanum.

THOMAS JAMES GRAHAM, who is engaged in agricultural pursuits in Marion township. his homestead farm of 80 acres being located in section 36, was born in Marlon County, Ohio, July 21, 1858. He is a son of Thomas and Maria (Kime) Graham.

Thomas Graham was born in Ireland March 15, 1818, and in 1826, when about eight or nine years of age, came to America with his parents. Thomas and Annie Graham, who located at Pittsburg, where one year was spent, when they came to Marion County, Ohio, and entered the land in Marion township, which is now owned by their grandson, Thomas James Graham. At that time the town of Marion did not exist, and the country was in a wild, unsettled state, covered with a heavy forest growth, which was inhabited by wolves, deer, and other wild animals and many Indians were also to be seen. A little log cabin was erected and the land cleared, and Thomas and Annie Graham lived the remainder of their lives on this farm, both dying in 1856 just one month apart, and being buried in the family graveyard on the place. Thomas Graham father of Thomas James has spent all of his life in Marion County. and now lives, aged 88 years, on a farm adjoining that of his son. His wife died February, 1897 aged 63 years. They had six children, as follows: Mattie, who married Jacob J. Schoenlaub ex-treasurer of Marion County, residing at Marion: Ellen, who is the widow of Henry Mack: Emma, who died in 1897; Thomas J.; Libbie, who married Enos Irey; and Sophronia, who married Jacob Morgenthaler.

Thomas Graham was reared and educated in Marion County and has always been engaged in farming. He spent the first 10 years of his married life on his farm of 48 acres in Claridon township, in 1891 removing to his present farm, which was formerly owned by his uncle, James Graham, having sold his 48-acre farm when he purchased his present one.

Mr. Graham was married October 18, 1881, to Elizabeth Mack, a daughter of Albright Mack, and they have had six children, namely: Pearl; Roy, who died aged three years; Ray, who died aged 10 months; Urban; Ethel and Hazel. Mr. Graham and his family are members of the Evangelical Association.

JOHN F. GRAY, (PICTURE) one of the early pioneers of Marion County, and for many years a leading farmer of Big Island township, was born in Salt Rock township, this county, October 28, 1834, and is a son of George and Mary (Bar) Gray, both natives of the State of Delaware where they were married.

George Gray and his wife came to Marion about 1827, making the trip from Delaware in wagons. Mr. Gray entered 80 acres of land in Salt Rock township, which he subsequently sold and bought a tract of 120 acres in Big Island township. Several years after George Gray came to Marion County, his father, Frazier Gray, also located here. Mr. and Mrs. George Gray reared a family of seven children, three of whom are deceased: William, David, and James. Those living are: John F. ; Sarah Elizabeth of Marion; Amos B., a resident of Montgomery township; and Mary A., widow of David H. Humphreys, of Marion.

John F. Gray spent his boyhood days in Salt Rock township. When he was 16 years of age, his father sold the farm and removed to Big Island township, where he bought the farm now occupied by James Rhoads, on which he resided for several years. His father sold this farm in 1855 and located on a farm of 240 acres in Van Buren County, Iowa, remaining there from the fall of 1855 until the following spring, when he sold the land and returned to Marion County, purchasing a farm in Grand township, where both he and his wife died.

While a resident of Grand township, John F. Gray was married, in 1869, to Alamedia Ellen Riley, who was born and reared in, Marion township, and was a daughter of John Patterson Riley. One year later he moved to Salt Rock township, but after one year's residence returned to Grand township and rented a farm for three years. He subsequently purchased a farm of 160 acres in Big Island township and for many years followed farming and stock-raising there, raising principally fine horses and sheep,. Mr. Gray made the greater part of the improvements on the farm, repairing the barn, building fences, erected all the necessary out-buildings and completely tiled and ditched the whole farm. In the spring of 1883 he erected a fine frame residence. He continued to reside on this farm until the spring of 1902, when he sold it to George Washburn and has since made his home in Big Island township with, his son David.

Six children were born to Mr. and Mrs. John F. Gray: David, owning a farm of 46 acres in Big Island township, who married Flora L. Heiner, a daughter of John F. and Mary A. Heiner, and has one son, Frederick, who is attending school; Robert R., a resident of Claridon township, who married Emma Core and has two children-Bernard and Gerald Roscoe; Cora Alberta, who married William Titus (who conducts a machine shop at Marion) and has two children-Bernice and Gray Titus; Edmund L., of Marion, a member of the firm of Lundergan & Gray, dealers in farming implements and buggies, who married Mary Lippincott, who died in 1904, leaving two children-Lucile and Everett. Mrs. Gray the wife of our subject, died February 24, 1888.

Mr. Gray is a Democrat in politics and served for 11 years as treasurer of Big Island township, and also one year as trustee. He has been a member of the Masonic fraternity since 1857. He is a member of the Swedenborgian. or New Jerusalem Church. His portrait accompanies this sketch.

WILLIAM EDWARD GRIFFITHS, a well-known building contractor of Prospect village, has been a resident of Marion County all his life. he was born on his father's farm in Prospect township, May 8, 1856, and is a son of Thomas and Mary (Jones) Griffiths, natives of Wales.

On coming to America, our subject's parents located in Radnor township, Delaware County, Ohio, at a very early period in the history of the county. They subsequent1y came to Marion County and resided on a farm in Prospect township for many years. They were the parents of eight children of whom the eldest died and was burled in Pittsburg while the family were on their way to Ohio. The others were as follows: Elizabeth, deceased, who was the wife of William Campbell; Thomas, who died in the army after only one night's service: John, deceased; Evan, a resident of Prospect: Susan, who married John Kyle, of Delaware County; David, a contractor of Delaware County; William Edward; and Henry, who resides in Prospect. Thomas Griffiths died when our subject was very young; his widow died in 1904 at the age of 87 years.

William E. Griffiths was reared on his father's farm in Prospect township, and in childhood attended the country schools when he did not have to work on the farm. His father died when William was a lad of about 15 years. He continued to remain at home with his mother until he was 18 years old, when he went to, Radnor and learned the carpenter's trade with his brother John, remaining with him about four years. He then engaged in contracting for one year, in partnership, with his cousin, Thomas R. Griffiths, after which he contracted alone in Marion and Delaware counties. In. the spring of 1883 he purchased the old home farm of 86 acres in Prospect township. He employed men to do the work on the farm until 1886, when he sold it and moved to his father-in-law's farm in Delaware County, where he lived for about 12 years, after which he rented it. While on the farm he kept up his contracting operations and also farmed the property. In 1901 he built his present commodious frame residence on Park avenue, Prospect, and has since resided here, devoting his time exclusively to general contracting.

Mr. Griffiths was married December 12, 1878, to Margaret C. Worline, a daughter of Henry and Eunice (Main) Worline. Two children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Griffiths: Clarence W., who, was married in October, 1901, to Etta Money and has one child, Lorren-Clarence learned the contracting business with his father; and Edgar is in the employ of the Lima Electric Railway.

Mr. Griffiths has been a member of a band for over years; he was a member for some time of the Prospect Knights of Pythias Band and of the Van Gard Band, which was the first to be organized in the village, and later was a member of the Star Band. He plays the baritone and tuba and has visited Chicago, Washington, St. Louis and many other places with the band. His two sons are both at present members of the of the Knights of Pythias Band, and the younger one, Edgar, has the reputation of being the best amateur drummer in the State and has received many flattering offers from larger bands. Our subject is a Republican and has served in various minor township offices. he is at present trustee of Prospect township. Religiously he is a member of the Baptist Church. He is a member of Prospect Lodge, No. 444, F. & A. M., and of Durward Lodge, No. 155 K. of P., both of Prospect.

FENTON C. GRIGSBY, now living retired at Prospect, where he owns a comfortable home, was formerly a prominent farmer of Prospect township. He was born in Licking County, Ohio, June 11, 1827, and is a son of John and Sarah (Craven) Grigsby.

The Grigsby family is of English extraction and was founded in Virginia many generations ago. John Grigsby, father of Fenton C., was born and reared in Loudoun County, Virginia, where he worked at the carpenter's trade in young manhood. There he married Sarah Craven, who was one of a family of six, all of whom subsequently came to Ohio. In 1847 Mr. and Mrs. Grigsby came to Licking County, Ohio, where Mr. Grigsby bought 320 acres of land, two farms being in Muskingum County, later moving to what was then Delaware, but is now Marion County. He purchased 200 acres of land in Prospect township, all timbered. At that time the forest growth was so heavy that blazed paths had to be made when any member of the family left home, to insure their safe return. A few deer were seen and many wild turkeys, while the pigeons were so plentiful as sometimes to darken the sun. The father of Mr. Grigsby died on that place in 1870, an aged man of 80 years.

As noted, John Grigsby married (first) in Virginia; this wife died in Muskingum County, leaving children, as follows: James Lewis, George Washington, Lydia Ann, John William, Mary Jane, Sarah, Giles, Fenton Craven Mercer (our subject) and Jewel F., all being deceased except three. John Grigsby married (second) Mrs. Drusilla McDonald, a widow, who had two daughters, Eliza and Katherine. The children of this second marriage were: Daniel, Sidney Ann, Harrison, Esther Elizabeth and Hazel, of whom the last named died young. Mrs. Drusilla Grigsby died on the farm in Prospect township.

Fenton C. Grigsby was the first child of the family born in Ohio. As his two elder brothers were-mutes, much of the responsibility attending the management of the home farm and his father's interests fell on him. His meager education was obtained in an old log schoolhouse two and a half miles away. He helped his father clear the land, much valuable timber being cut down in order to secure a space in which to plant corn. Mr. Grigsby worked very hard for many years, as everything had to be done by hand.

On October 28, 1859, Mr. Grigsby was married to Elizabeth Humphreys, a daughter of William and Mary (Reese) Humphreys, who came to America after their marriage in Wales. Mrs. Grigsby was born in Pleasant township, Marion County, Ohio, February 6, 1831, and was one of a family of 10 children. She was a successful teacher for 10 years prior to her marriage and has taught in the Sunday-school since she was 12 years old.

Mr. and Mrs. Grigsby have three children, as follows: John William, residing east of Waldo, who married Elizabeth Biggerstaff and has had seven children-George G., Charles, Maude May, Mollie, Esther, Harold and Everett, of whom all are deceased except the last two; Mollie E., who married Judson Lewis, resides on the home farm and has one child, Judson Earl; and Mattie Ann, who married Elmer Wottring, operating a livery business at Prospect, and has had two children-Genevieve (deceased). and Margaret E.

Following his marriage, Mr. Grigsby bought first a farm of 50 acres in the vicinity of Prospect, but this he sold and later bought a farm of 72 acres and still later purchased 125 acres in Prospect township, two miles east of the village. He resided in the large brick residence still standing on that place for about 20 years, and then sold it to his son-in-law, Judson Lewis, and in 1885, retired to Prospect.

Politically, Mr. Grigsby has always been affiliated with the Republican party. He is a member of the Baptist Church

WILLIAM GROSS, secretary and superintendent of The Gebhardt Piano Company of Marion, was born in 1868 in New York City and is a son of William Gross, Sr.

William Gross, our subject, was reared in New York City and attended the public schools of that city until 13 years old, when he entered the employ of Decker Brothers, piano manufacturers of New York, and served an apprenticeship of 10 years. His father was also connected with this firm for a period of 16 years. Subsequent to leaving the employ of the Decker Brothers, he came to Ohio and was associated with the A. B. Chase Company for 10 years. In 1902 Messrs. Gross, Gebhardt and Breathwaite organized and established The Gebhardt Piano Company, of which Mr. Gross became treasurer and also superintendent of the construction line, and of which company he is at present secretary and superintendent.

Mr. Gross was married in 1893 to Jessie A. Moore a daughter of H. R. Moore, who is at present superintendent of the Aeolian Company, which is incorporated with a capital stock of $10,000,000. Mr. Moore was for almost a quarter of a century superintendent of the A. B. Chase Company. Mr. and Mrs. Gross have one child, Donald Andrew. Fraternally Mr. Gross is a Mason; a member of the subordinate lodge and encampment, Independent Order of Odd Fellows; and a member of Marion Lodge, No. 402, Knights of Pythias. Religiously, he is a liberal supporter and an attendant of St. Paul's Protestant Episcopal Church, of Marion.

THOMAS A. GRUBER, mayor of Caledonia and a leading attorney and business man of the. village, was born January 17, 1868 at Marits, Morrow County, Ohio, and is a son of Christian and Elizabeth (Leonard) Gruber.

Christian Gruber, who is a well-known resident of Marits, Ohio, was born in Marion County, and is a son of John Gruber, a prominent pioneer of the county, who entered the land where the County Infirmary is situated. Christian Gruber married Elizabeth Leonard, a native of Morrow County, Ohio, and a daughter of Isaac Leonard, who came from Virginia about 1820. Four children were born, to the parents of our subject; Thomas A.; John, a resident of Columbus, Ohio; and Homer and Elzy, residents of Marits. Mrs. Gruber died September 25, 1890, at Marits, when in her 48th year.

Thomas A. Gruber was reared at Marits until 16 years of age, when he entered Otterbein University from which he was graduated in 1889 with a degree of Bachelor of Arts. He subsequently secured a legal education, under the preceptorship, of Judge Powell, of Mount Gilead, and was admitted to the bar in October, 1897, after which he practiced law for two years in Mount Gilead. He then went to New York where he was located for four years engaged in the collection business, being associated with the Hess Publishing Company of that city. In 1903 he came to Caledonia and engaged in the general practice of his profession. He is also interested in the insurance and real estate business.

Soon after he became a resident of Caledonia, Mr. Gruber was appointed village clerk, in which capacity he served for one year. In 1904 he was a candidate for the office but was defeated. In November, 1905, he was elected mayor of Caledonia on the Democratic ticket, in which capacity he is still serving. Fraternally, Mr. Gruber is a member of the Knights of Pvthias. lodge at Mount Gilead, the Masonic lodge at Caledonia, the Odd Fellows lodge at Marits and the Eagles' aerie at Galion.

Mr. Gruber was united in marriage December 19, 1906, with Effie Coulter, who was born near Kirkpatrick, Marion County, Ohio, and is a daughter of Harvey and Mary (Carmean) Coulter. Mr. Coulter was one of the old pioneers of the county, coming here with his parents in the '20's. His death occurred at Bucyrus, where he had been living in retirement for some time. His widow still survives and is a resident of Caledonia.

WILLIAM B. GUMP, a representative agriculturist and well-known resident of Salt Rock township, who is serving in his first term as township trustee, resides on his valuable farm of 40 acres in section 28, and owns also a farm of 20 acres in section 27. Mr. Gump was born at Upper Sandusky, Wyandot County, Ohio, November 2, 1853, and is a son of Jonathan and Nancy (Taylor) Gump.

Jonathan Gump was born in Pennsylvania and came to Wyandot County, Ohio, in young manhood. For a time he operated a foundry at Upper Sandusky, which he subsequently sold and then went to work as a gunsmith in Mansfield, Ohio, he married Nancy Taylor, who was a native of Washington County, Pennsylvania, and they had six children, as follows: Celia, deceased, who was the wife of John M. Ewing; Martha, wife of Philip Wymer, of Upper Sandusky; Charles, a machinist at San Diego, California; William B., of this sketch; Lyda F., wife of Richard Cokell, of Denver, Colorado; and James P., who is connected with the Marion Steam Shovel Works. The mother of our subject died February 1, 1882. The father, who passed his 83rd birthday on November 23, 1906, resides at Marion.

William B, Gump was reared and educated at Upper Sandusky. For two years following his marriage, he farmed near his native city, but in 1884 he moved to Salt Rock township, Marion County, and settled on a farm belonging to his father-in-law, which he rented for six years. For two succeeding years he rented the Thompson farm. also in this township, and in the fall of 1891 he bought his present 40 acre home farm, on which he located in 1892. In 1894 he purchased 20 acres in section 27. Mr. Gump carries on general farming and stock-raising.

On June 15, 1882, Mr. Gump was married, at Morral, Ohio. to Phebe Martin, a daughter of Abel and Mary Ann (Brady) Martin. and a sister of John Martin, who is treasurer of Salt Rock township. The father of Mrs. Gump was born in Virginia and her mother, in Marion County, Ohio. Abel Martin was a son of Robert Martin, who came to Marion County, from Virginia, in Abel's boyhood. The Martin family lived for three years in Pickaway County prior to settling on the large property, which Robert Martin had entered in Marlon County. Abel Martin died in Salt Rock township in August, 1898. His widow still survives and resides at Morral. They had 10 children, Mrs. Gump being the second born. Mr. and Mrs. Gump have no children.

In politics, Gump is a Republican and on the ticket of this party he was elected to township trustee in the fall of 1905. He is a man of sterling integrity and in him the township has found a thoroughly careful and honest official. Fraternally he belongs to the Independent Order of Odd Fellows.

J. B. GUNDER, a leading retailer of fancy and staple groceries at Marion, who has been a resident of this city since 1893 was born in 1866 in Illinois and is a son of John M. and Phoebe Ann (Brooks) Guilder, who are prominent farmers of Union County, Ohio.

Mr. Gunder was one year old when his father moved to Wyandot County, Ohio, and there he spent his early boyhood days. When he was about seven years old, his parents removed to Union County, Ohio, and located on a farm, where he was reared and educated. He remained on the farm until 27 years old, in the fall of 1893 coming to Marion and for two years being engaged in various kinds of work. In 1896 Mr. Gunder went to Lorain, Ohio, and engaged in the grocery business for some time, after which he returned to Marion and engaged in the wholesale and retail produce business, under the firm name of the Marion Fruit & Produce Company. In one year he bought his partner's interest and formed a partnership with his brother, the firm name being Gunder Brothers. His brother subsequently sold his interest to R. T. Lewis and the firm continued as Gunder & Lewis until 1899, when Mr. Gunder sold his interest in the business to Mr. Lewis and bought a store on, West Center street, where he has since conducted one of the leading grocery establishments of the city. He expects to retire from the grocery business in May of the current year. Mr. Gunder is also interested in other business enterprises of the city, having been a director of the Marion Savings Bank since its organization; he is interested in The John F. Lust Company and The Houghton-Merkel Company, both of Marion, and is also somewhat interested in Mexican rubber plantations.

Mr. Gunder was married March 11, 1891, to Mary Olive McFadden, who was born and reared near Marysville, Ohio. Fraternally he is a member of Marion Lodge, No. 402, K. of P., and of the Marion Commercial Club. He is a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church.

LEWIS GUNN, (PICTURE) a highly esteemed retired resident of Marion, whose pleasant home is located at No. 558 North Main street, was actively associated with The Huber Manufacturing Company for 33 years and is still a stockholder. Mr. Gunn was born March 7, 1829, in Ross County, Ohio, and is a son of Henry and Sophia (Schreck) Gunn, both natives of Northumberland County, Pennsylvania.

Gunn and Schreck families are old and prominent ones of Pennsylvania; both are of German extraction. The maternal grandfather of Lewis Gunn was Paul Schreck, who was a Revolutionary soldier. Henry Gunn was born August 24, 1781, and died in Marion County, Ohio, July 24, 1841. His wife was born December 24, 1784, and died in Marion County, January 15, 1887, after passing her 102nd birthday. They had 13 children, of whom Lewis is the only survivor. Henry Gunn and wife removed from Pennsylvania to Ross County, Ohio, about 1822, but in 1830 they came to Marion County and settled one and a half miles from Marion, entering 160 acres of land in Marion township.

Lewis Gunn was the youngest of the family and with his brothers did much of the clearing and cultivating of the homestead, his father continuing to give the most of his attention to weaving, a trade he had learned in Pennsylvania. After reaching maturity, our subject was in charge of the homestead for about six years and then moved to Marion, where he was engaged for seven years in manufacturing post and rail fencing. He then operated a sawmill for a year and subsequently became a partner in a planing-mill, in which he continued to be interested until 1875, when he became a stockholder in The Huber Manufacturing Company, of which he was one of the incorporators in that year. He took charge of the planing-mill department and continued in this branch of the business until he retired from active participation in the management of the company's affairs. For some years he was a member of the board of directors. He has also been financially interested in the stone and lime industries of this section.

On May 2, 1864, Mr. Gunn entered the military service of the United States, having previously been a member of the "Home Guards" of Marion, which organization enlisted almost to a man for the 100-days service, being assigned as Company B to the 136th Regiment, Ohio National Guards, and being stationed at Alexandria, Virginia.

On March 31, 1853, Mr. Gunn was married to Sarah C. Stoneberger, who died August 4, 1854, leavmg one son, Chester B., who is a dental surgeon in practice at Leavenworth, Kansas. On November 22, 1855, Mr. Gunn was married (second) to Margaret Stoneberger, a sister of his first wife, who died July 24, 1856, the one child of this union dying in infancy. His third marriage took place in November, 1857, to Leanna Comstock, and they had three children, namely: Caroline E., wife of Henry C. Waggoner, of Marion; Eva Frances, wife of Clay Harvey, foreman of the planing-mill department The Huber Manufacturing Company; and Lewis W., who died May 4, 1881, aged 13 years.

For several years, Mr. Gunn was a member of the City Council of Marion. He has been a member of the United Brethren Church for 52 years and during a large portion of this time has been an official. He has witnessed the wonderful development of Marion and surrounding country and has been closely identified with the agencies which have brought about much of this progress. His portrait accompanies this sketch.

LEONARD B. GURLEY, a retired firmer, residing at No. 508 South State street, Marion, was born June 19, 1845, in Marion and is a son of John and Hannah (Monnett) Gurley.

John Gurley was born at Zanesville, Ohio, December 19, 1813, and came in the fall of 1838 to Marion where he was engaged in the tin and stove business for years dying August a, 1892. He took an active part in local politics and served as city treasurer, and in the City Council, and was one of the earliest members of The Marion Cemetery Association. He married Hannah Monnett. who was born December 13, 1817, in Pickaway County, Ohio, and was a daughter of Jeremiah Monnett, who settled in Crawford County, Ohio, at a very early date. John Gurley and wife had three sons: William M., who was killed May 6, 1864, at the battle of the Wilderness in the Civil War; Jeremiah Dempster, who died April 19, 1845; and Leonard B.

Leonard B. Gurley was reared in Marion County and obtained his education in the district schools. His first business was dealing in hay, after which he engaged in farming for a long period, subsequently embarking in a coal and feed business, in which he continued to be interested for 17 years. Since selling out in 1904, he has managed the operation of his fine farm in Big Island township.

On September 26, 1871 Mr. Gurley was married (first) to Lizzie John, of Fairbury, Illinois, who died October 8, 1873, leaving a son, who died of scarlet fever in 1881. Mr. Gurley was married (second), February 6, 1878, to Sarah Barnhart, ,who is a daughter of John Barnhart, one of the pioneers of Marion County. Mr. and Mrs. Gurley have one son and one daughter: Harry L., a draughtsman employed by The Marion Steam Shovel Company; and Olive E., who resides at home. The family belong to the Epworth Methodist Episcopal Church.

Fraternally, Mr. Gurley is a Mason, having entered the fraternity in 1871. He belongs to the blue lodge, chapter, council and commandery at Marion, and is also a member of the Junior Order of United American Mechanics and a trustee of the Council. Politically he is a Republican.

FREDERICK E. GUTHERY, the junior member of the prominent law firm of Crissinger & Guthery, at Marion, is a leading member of the bar of Marion County. He was born in Marion County, January 13, 1868, and is a son of Hon. John D. and Susan (Frederick) Guthery. Extended mention of the family, which is one of prominence in the county, will be found elsewhere in this work.

Frederick E. Guthery was reared in Marion County and after completing the common school course entered the Ohio Normal University, at Ada, where he was graduated in 1888, with the degree of A. B., afterwards taking the degree of A. M. He then entered upon the study of the law and in 1891 was graduated at the Cincinnati Law School, of the University of Cincinnati. Mr. Guthery has been located at Marion ever since, associated in the practice with Daniel R. Crissinger, under the firm name of Crissinger & Guthery. He has twice been elected prosecuting attorney of the county, serving in the office from 1898 to 1905.

Mr. Guthery has a handsome home at No.. 432 Delaware avenue, Marion. He was married to Mildred H. Howard, daughter of Daniel and Harriet Howard, of Chicago, Illinois, June 22, 1898, and there have been born to this marriage two children: Howard Frederick and Philip Earhart.

Politically, Mr. Guthery is identified with the Democratic party. He is a 32nd degree Mason and belongs also to the Knights of Pythias. With his family, he attends the Presbyterian Church. He stands deservedly high in his profession and is one of the city's representative men.

ISAAC SHERMAN GUTHERY, a leading citizen and one of the largest stock-raisers and most extensive land-owners of Bowling Green township, was born in Marion County, Ohio. February 8, 1866 and is a son of Hon. John D. and Susan (Frederick) Guthery.

The father of Mr. Guthery, who became one of the prominent men and largest captialists of Marion County, was born in Pike County, Ohio, not far from Piketon, September 16, 1819, and accompanied his parents, Joseph and Hannah (Dever) Guthery, to Marion County in 1827. Joseph Guthery settled in Big Island township and lived there until 1831, when he moved to, Montgomery township, removing in the following year to Bowling Green township and settling on Rush Creek, in the northeast section of the township, where he lived until his death in 1856. Joseph Guthery had four sons: William, John D., Isaac F. and Joseph.

John D. Guthery was reared to manhood in Bowling Green township and married Susan Frederick, a daughter of John Frederick and wife, who removed from Virginia to Knox County, Ohio, at an early day and came to Marion County in 1840. Mr. and Mrs. Frederick spent the rest of their lives in Bowling Green township where they were buried. The children of John D. Guthery and wife who attained maturity were: Joseph D., of Marion; James B., who owns several thousand acres of land in Hardin and Marion counties; Rachel Ann, who, is the wife of Hon. Charles N. Barnes, an attorney at Peoria, Illinois; William L., who is a prominent farmer of Big Island township; John H., who is a leading citizen of Bowling Green township: Isaac S.; and Frederick E., who is a prominent attorney at Marion.

When John D. Guthery settled in the woods in Bowling Green township, the Wyandot Indians were still numerous in this part of the county and general pioneer conditions prevailed. He acquired land until he owned some 3,000 acres and at the time of his death was the largest land-owner in Marion County. He held almost all of the township offices at various times, served 21 years as a justice of the peace, and from 1876 until. 1880 represented Marion County, in the State Legislature. His death occurred May 23, 1903, when his 84^th year. His wife died early in 1903, aged 78 years.

Isaac Sherman Guthery first attended the district schools, later the La Rue High School and still later the Ohio Normal University at Ada completing his studies in the fall of 1886. He then turned his attention to agricultural pursuits, but taught school during the winter seasons until the spring of 1890. After his marriage in 1889 he located on his present large farm of 800 acres and became deeply interested in scientific farming and in raising live-stock on an extensive scale. His crops are mainly corn and oats and he feeds annually several hundred head of cattle, sheep and hogs. He is conceded to be the largest and most successful sheep-raiser in Marlon County.

On October 3, 1889, Mr. Guthery was married to Emmogene Raub, a daughter of Hon. W. L. Raub, of Bowling Green township, and they have had four children, namely: John Raub, who died aged 11 months and 24 days; John Damon, born January 2, 1893, who is attending school at La Rue; Emmogene, who died aged two months; and William Sherman, born September 20, 1905.

In addition to his large agricultural interests, Mr. Guthery is president of the Campbell National Bank at La Rue, one of the leading financial institutions of the western part of the county. He is a member of Walter Scott Lodge, No. 214, Knights of Pythias, of La Rue. Politically, he is a Democrat; he served as township clerk for four years, from 1890 to 1895. Personally he is a man of pleasing address and possesses the family faculty of making friends readily.

JAMES B. GUTHERY, capitalist, a prominent citizen of Marion, has been resident here for the past 19 years. He was born in Bowling Green township, Marion County, October 28, 1856, and is a son of Hon. John D. Guthery.

The late John D. Guthery was one of the oldest and most thoroughly representative citizens of Marion County; the record of his, long and useful life will be found in another part of this volume.

James B. Guthery was reared in his native locality and was educated in the schools of Marion County and at Lebanon, Ohio. After teaching school for a short time, he managed other interests and then became engaged in raising live-stock for the market. He is now engaged in real estate, being one of the leading promoters of real estate in Marion County. he has been a resident of Marion since 1885 and has offices at No. 101 North Main street.

In 1887 Mr. Guthery was married to Jennie H. Hord, a daughter of Peyton Hord, who was one of the earliest settlers of Marion County. Mr. and Mrs. Guthery have one son, Lowell H., who is a student at Lawrenceville, Ohio. The family is affiliated with the Baptist Church. Mr. Guthery is a member of the Masonic fraternity.

HON. JOHN D. GUTHERY, deceased, a representative member of an old pioneer family of Ohio, and long a prominent farmer and useful citizen of Marion County, was born September 16, 1819, in Pike County, Ohio. He was a son of Joseph and Hannah (Dever) Guthery.

Like many other leading families of this Commonwealth, the original Guthery settlers were of Scotch extraction. Col. John Guthery, the paternal grandfather, was born in Scotland and was brought to America in childhood and reared on his father's farm in Lancaster County, Pennsylvania. In 1797 he removed from that State to what is now Pike County, Ohio, becoming one of the very first settlers at Piketown, up the Scioto River. He operated a grist-mill on Beaver Creek, the only one for miles around. He served during the closing years of the Revolutionary War and at the time of discharge was a colonel in rank. When the War of 1812 was precipitated, he fought in his country's service, with four of his valiant sons.

Joseph Guthery, father of the late John D. Guthery, was born in Greene County, Pennsylvania. was seven years old when he accompanied his parents to Ohio, and died in Marion County in 1856. For his services in the War of 1812 he received a government land warrant. For nine years he was a justice of the peace and was succeeded in the office by his son, John D. He was an early member and faithful supporter of the United Brethren Church. He married Hannah Dever, who was born in Kentucky in 1790, and died in Marion County in 1858. Her father was a private in the War of the Revolution. Joseph Guthery and wife had four sons, namely: William, John D., Isaac and Joseph.

John D. Guthery was eight years of age when his parents settled in Marion County and with this county he was ever after identified. In 1836 he built himself a log cabin in Bowling Green township on land that he bought for $3 an acre in the following year, securing 100 acres on very easy terms. He was one of the first settlers in the locality and developed his fine farm out of the primitive wilderness. In addition to his original tract, Mr. Guthery owned others, of many acres extent, both in Bowling Green and adjoining townships. He made stock-raising a specialty and dealt largely in stock of all kinds for many years of his active life.

On April 23, 1854, Mr. Guthery was united in marriage with Susan Frederick, who belonged to one of the old families of Virginia. Of their 10 children, these survive: Joseph D. James B., Rachel Ann (wife of Hon. Charles N. Barnes, of Peoria Illinois), William L., John H., Isaac S. and Frederick E. Sketches of all six of these sons appear elsewhere in this work.

The Guthery family have always been consistently Democratic and the late Mr. Guthery was a prominent member of that political organization. In 1875 he was elected to the State Legislature and two years later was reelected, serving two terms with fidelity to the interests of his fellow-citizens. For 21 years he was a justice of the peace and he was a useful official in numerous other capacities. Although not a member of the Baptist Church, he was a liberal contributor to its support, his wife being a consistent member of this religious body, and his children were reared in this faith. Mr. Guthery died May 23, 1903, leaving behind him the record of an honest man. With other pioneers of his day in this fair part of Marion County, his efforts brought about the fertile fields, the blooming vales, the churches and schools and made possible the happy, civilized homes seen on every hand.

JOHN H. GUTHERY, a prominent citizen of Bowling Green township, belongs to one of the old and substantial families of Marion County, the present representatives of which are the largest land-owners and stock-shippers in this section of the State. He was born on the place where he now resides, June 30, 1864, and is a son of Hon. John D. and Susan (Frederick) Guthery.

The Guthery family came to Marion from Pike County, Ohio, where the ashes of Col. John Guthery, the great-grand father of John H., have rested many years. He was a patriot of the Revolutionary War and the War of 1812. When the grandfather, Joseph Guthery, came to the part of Marion County where his descendants have multiplied and prospered, very few other settlers had so far ventured into this wilderness. Joseph Guthery saw service in the War of 1812. John D. Guthery, father of John H., was born in Pike County, Ohio, in 1819, and was in his eighth year when his father came to Big Island township, Marion County. Joseph Guthery and family lived in that township probably from 1827 until 1831, when they removed to Montgomery township, but in the following year settled on Rush Creek, in Bowling Green township, half a mile from the present farm of John H. Guthery. Here Joseph, Guthery entered a large body of land. At that time the section was known as Grand township.

To Joseph Guthery and his wife, Hannah Dever, were born four sons, namely: William, John D., Isaac F. and Joseph. William Guthery died in Grand township, in 1864, aged 45 years, leaving two sons. Isaac F. formerly lived on the farm now occupied by Isaac S. Guthery, but moved to Nebraska, where he died in 1887, leaving a family, whose members still live in the West. Joseph died many years ago.

John D. Guthery was reared in the midst of pioneer surroundings. The Wyandot Indians still roamed, through the county and game was plentiful for many years. Mr. Guthery was a man of practical ideas and was wise enough to foresee how valuable this section would inevitably become and he invested largely in military lands and at the time of his death, May 23, 1903, he was the largest owner of land in Marion County, paying taxes on some 3,000 acres. He had also become a man of note in the county. In 1876 he was elected to represent Marion County in the General Assembly and served two terms, until 1880. Prior to this he had served in almost all of the township, offices and for 21 years was a justice of the peace. For many years he occupied a very high place in the community and represented a type of citizenship which is continued in his sons.

,John D. Guthery was married in Bowling Green township to Susan Frederick, who was

of Pennsylvania-German descent. Her parents Mr. and Mrs. John Frederick, came to Ohio, from Virginia, locating first in Knox County and removing later to, Marion County. She was reared from an early age on the farm now owned by John H. Guthery, was here married and here her death occurred early in 1903, aged 78 years. There were seven children born to John D. Guthery and wife, as follows: Joseph, D., of Marion, one of the largest stock-raisers and most extensive farmers of Marion County, who was married in 1875 to May E. Wolford, and has two children: James B., of Marion, the largest land-holder in Marion County, who married Jennie H. Hord, and has one son, Lowell H.; Rachel Ann, wife of Hon. Charles N. Barnes, a prominent attorney at Peoria, Illinois: William L., a substantial farmer and land-owner of Big Island township, who --- married (first) Hattie Bish, and (second) Hattie Gracely; John H.; Isaac Sherman, a prominent farmer and stock-raiser of Bowling Green township and president of the Campbell National Bank at LaRue, who married Emmogene Raub, a daughter of Hon. W. L, Raub, of Bowling Green township; and Frederick E., a prominent attorney at Marion, for three terms prosecuting attorney of Marion County, who married Mildred H. Howard, daughter of Daniel Howard of Chicago.

John H. Guthery was reared in Bowling Green township and has been connected with farming and stock interests all his life. He was afforded excellent educational advantages, spending the larger part of three years at the Ohio Normal University at Ada, after completing the public school course. He taught school through nine winters and then spent one year in business college at Danville, Indiana, after which he settled on a farm in Big Island township, where he remained from 1882 to 1904. During that period he owned and operated 700 acres of land and during a part of the time taught school in the winter seasons. In 1904 he removed to his present farm of 400 acres, and has engaged both in general farming and stock-raising. Formerly he was much interested in cattle, but of late years has given more attention to hogs and sheep. He puts annually on the market from. 500 to 1,000 sheep, from 200 to 300 hogs and from three to four car-loads of cattle. He is a man of fine business capacity and like other members of his family has great good judgment and practical ideas. With his brothers, he owns 4,500 acres of land in Marion County, and with them ships more cattle and stock than any other dealers, not only in this section but probably in the State. The cattle they ship are sold mostly for export.

On October 30, 1889, Mr. Guthery was married to Lovina Brocklesby, of Marion, a daughter of John and Olive (Wilkins) Brocklesby. The father of Mrs. Guthery was born May 20, 1836, in Lincolnshire, England, and came to America at the age of 12 years, accompanying his parents, John and Elizabeth (Credland) Brocklesby, who settled in Marion County, Ohio. The father of Mrs. Guthery married Olive Wilkins, who, died February 24, 1904, his death occurring April 8, 1879. they had three children , namely: John C., who resides at Santa Barbara, California; Mrs. Guthery; and Mrs. Charles E, Anthony, of Marion.

The great-grandparents of Mrs. Guthery on the maternal side were Christopher and Abigail Brady, and the maternal grandparents were Thomas and Lovina Wilkins. All were residents of Marion County, identified more or less with its early history, and all have long since passed away. Christopher Brady was president of the first bank in Marion County, the First National Bank of Marion.

The children of Mr. and Mrs. Guthery are the following: Cyril Thaddeus, born September 17, 1890, who is a student in the senior class at the LaRue High School; Susan Marguerite, born October 24, 1891, who is also in the LaRue High School; and Mildred Olive, born January 21, 1895, and Esther and John H., who are in the public schools.

Politically, Mr. Guthery is a Democrat but he has never accepted any office except membership on the School Board. He is a stockholder in the Marion County Telephone Company, the Campbell National Bank of LaRue, the Hedley Drug Company and in various oil enterprises. Fraternally, he belongs to Walter Scott Lodge, No. 214, Knights of Pythias, at LaRue, and Mrs. Guthery belongs to the Rathbone Sisters.

JOHN DEVER GUTHERY, one of Grand township's foremost citizens, and a member of one of Marion County's earliest pioneer families resides on his well-cultivated farm of 160 acres, on which he located in 1892. Mr. Guthery was born December 14, 1858, in Grand township, Marion County, Ohio, and is a son of William and Lucinda M. (Cleveland) Guthery.

Joseph Guthery, the paternal grandfather, married Hannah Dever, from which source comes the middle name of John Dever Guthery, of Grand township. This ancestor came with his family to Marion County from Pike County, Ohio, in 1827. He had four sons: William, John D,., Isaac F. and Joseph. William Guthery was a child when his parents settled in Big Island township, Marion County, where he was reared. Later the parents moved to Bowling Green township and settled on Rush Creek. After his marriage, William Guthery removed to Grand township and settled on the place adjoining the one now owned by his son, John Dever Guthery. William Guthery, the father, died March 20, 1861, aged 45 years. He married Lucinda M. Cleveland, who was a daughter of Rev. Silas Cleveland, a Baptist minister, who came to Ohio from New York. Mrs. Guthery died August 4, 1879, aged 60 years. They had 10 children, seven of whom reached maturity, as follows: Elizabeth, deceased, who was the wife of Amos B.. Gray, son of Judge Gray, a resident of Montgomery township; Rachel, who married James P. Uncapher and resides at Marion; Mrs. Minerva Jane Ducatt. who resides at Marion, Isaac Frazer, engaged in farming in Union County, who married Rilla Ann Higgins; Susan Emily, who married Leonard Metz, of Scott Town: William James, residing on a farm in Montgomery township, who married Amanda Couples; and John Dever.

John Dever Guthery attended the public schools of his native township and was trained to practical farming at home. For some years after his marriage he remained on the home farm and then moved to the western part of Wyoming Territory, where he remained one year engaged in herding cattle and then spent several years engaged in farming in Wyandot County, Ohio. Since locating on his present property he has been engaged in general farming and stock-raising, paying attention to cattle, horses, sheep and hogs.

On December 1, 1881, Mr. Guthery was married to Elizabeth Anselman, a daughter of Charles (native of Ensigen, Baden Germany) and Annie (Felton) Anselman, of Hardin County, Ohio. They have three daughters,, namely: Gladys M., who took a course in the Ohio Normal University after graduating from the LaRue High School, and who has been successfully engaged in teaching in Montgomery township; Lois, who is a student at the Marseilles Academy; and Avis Marie, who attends the public schools at Marseilles. In addition to enjoying educational advantages, these young ladies have had many social privileges and have a wide circle of friends.

Politically, Mr. Guthery is a stanch Democrat and he has frequently been called upon to serve in local offices, at present being township trustee. He has always taken an active interest in school matters and has been a member of the School Board.

JOSEPH D. GUTHERY, who for many years has been one of the representative farmers and largest stock-raisers of Marion County, was born in Bowling Green township, in 1855. Extended mention of his ancestry will be found elsewhere in this book, in the sketch, of his father, the late Hon. John D. Guthery. Joseph D. Guthery attended the district schools of the township in youth, later taking a course at the National Normal University, at Lebanon, following which he taught school for nine terms.

Mr. Guthery was married, in 1875, to May E. Wolford, a daughter of George Wolford, a retired farmer now living at Marion. Two sons were born to Mr. and Mrs. Guthery: Erwin G. and Bernard J., both graduates of the Ohio Wesleyan University and both practicing attorneys at Cleveland, being in partnership, under the firm name of Guthery & Guthery. Joseph D. Guthery is a member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows and the Knights of Pythias.

WILLIAM L. GUTHERY, one of the most progressive citizens and largest land-owners of Big Island township, whose home farm is located in section 32, was born February 15, 1862, in Bowling Green township, Marion County, Ohio, and is a son of Hon. John D. and Susan (Frederick) Guthery.

John D. Guthery was born in Pike County, Ohio. He was married in Marion County, after which he and his wife settled on a farm in Bowling Green township, where they resided the remainder of their lives. Mr. Guthery died in his 84th year and his wife passed away at the age of 78 years. Ten children were born to John D. and Susan Guthery, of whom William L. was the fifth.

William L. Guthery was reared on his father's farm in Bowling Green township and his early education received in the common schools was supplemented by a course at the Ohio Normal University at Ada. During his student life, he also taught and was thus engaged for 10 winters, and followed farming during the summers. Since leaving school, his time has, been devoted with the exception just noted, to farming and stock-raising. He is now the owner of 566 acres of valuable farm land and is recognized as one of the township's most successful and enterprising agriculturists.

Mr. Guthery married (first) Hattie Bish, who died shortly after their marriage. In January, 1901, he married Hattie Gracely, a daughter of Frederick and Matilda Gracely. They have two children-Susan and Bernice. Mr. Guthery is a Democrat, politically, and always takes a great deal of interest in the affairs of the township, his interests being coincident with those of his community. Fraternally, he is a Mason, holding membership at LaRue.