620 - NORTH BLOOMFIELD TOWNSHIP.

NORTH BLOOMFIELD TOWNSHIP

STEPHEN B. APPLEMAN, farmer and stock. dealer; P. O. Corsica; is one of the most prosperous and well known men in the county; born Nov. 14, 1837, in what is now Morrow Co.; (his father, James Appleman, was born in Washington Co., Pennsylvania, in 1798, and his mother, Nancy (Irwin) Appleman: was born in Stark Co., Ohio). His father emigrated to this state when 18 years of age, settling in Stark Co.; when 23 years old he entered eighty acres of Government land in what is now Morrow Co., and worked on it for a short time, when he returned to Stark Co. and was married. They brought all their worldly effects in a cart, and commenced housekeeping in a cabin that had no upper

BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES - 621

floor nor chinking; they had no bedstead, but slept on the floor until he made one from some scantling; their principal cooking vessel was a small kettle, in which the good woman made porridge three times a day, and on this diet he would make over two hundred rails a day. After living in Stark Co. one year they moved to Morrow Co., where they ever after lived. He cleared his farm and bought more land as fast as he was able, until he owned 320 acres. Stephen commenced buying stock on commission when only 16 years old, and has followed the business ever since, and deals mostly in bogs and sheep, but has handled wool and grain for the last few years. He has been successful and careful in his investments, which have brought good returns; he owns over 300 acres of land, and carries on a very extensive business. He was married March 24, 1859, to Julia, daughter of Joseph and Martha Waldrof; she was born Nov. 15, 1837, and died June 15, 1874, leaving two children: Alma I. and Joseph S. He was again married July 2, 1875, to Anna, daughter of William and Elizabeth (Hensel) Waldrof. - She was born Oct. 11, 1843. His daughter graduated from the Ohio Central College at Iberia, in 1879. She is now teaching school at Blooming Grove, with very good success. His wife and daughter are members of the Presbyterian church at Iberia.

ENOCH BOLYARD, farmer; P. O. Galion, was born in what is now Morrow Co., Oct. 8, 1830, and is the eighth of a family of ten children; his parents, Daniel and Hannah Bolyard, were born and reared in Schuylkill Co., Penn., and emigrated to this State in 1830. His father was a wagon-maker by trade, but made farming his chief occupation after coming to this State; he entered Government land, and by industry and close application to business, soon possessed a valuable farm, on which he lived until his death, which occurred in 1874. Enoch commenced for himself when of age, and soon after was married to Elizabeth Klopfenstein; she was born April 16, 1830, in Switzerland, and came to this country when only two years old. They lived on his father's farm till 1866, when they moved ,on the farm on which they now live. There have been born to them seven children, five of whom are living: Samuel I., Hannah E., Sophia S., Simon and Amanda. The oldest three are married and settled near home. They own over 200 acres of land, a part of which was inherited.

JOHN BISHOP, farmer; P. O., Corsica; was born in this county, Jan. 30, 1851; his father, James Bishop, was born and reared in Merlin Co., Penn., and his mother, Elizabeth (Hinton) Bishop, was born in Michigan. His father went on the national road as a teamster when fourteen years old, and could soon handle six horses with perfect ease; he followed. this for eighteen years, when he came to Ohio. and settled on a farm; he bought 80 acres of land, which he cleared and improved, and at his father's death he bought the old homestead, where he lived until-Feb. 1, 1879, when he died in Kansas, where he had gone to visit friends. His body was brought home for interment. John left home when only three years old, to live with his uncle, John McCool, who thought as much of him as though he were his own child, and lived with him until March 21, 1874, when he was married to Emma daughter of John and Catharine Rhinehart; then settled on his uncle's farm, a part of which he now owns. Mrs. Bishop died Jan: 12, 1875; and Jan. 20, 1877, he was again married to Airs. Elizabeth Marshall, (widow of Samuel Marshall) her maiden name being Scrofield. By this union three children have been born-Maude E., Jessie L., and an infant. Mr. Bishop is a member of the I. O. O. F., at Blooming Grove.

MARGARET BAGGS, farmer; P. O. Corsica; is the eighth of a family of nine children; was born Dec. 9, 1810, in Westmoreland Co., Penn.; her father, Hugh White, was born in Ireland, and her mother, Sarah (Moore) White, was born in Pennsylvania. Her father emigrated to this State in 1824, and entered a quarter section of government land in what is now Ashland Co. Margaret performed out-door labor most of the time until April 25, 1833, when she was married to James Baggs, the youngest son of James and Susan Baggs. He was born in Pennsylvania, but reared in Virginia; he came to Ohio at an early day, and soon entered eighty acres of government land, on which he ever after lived. They have had eight children, all of them arriving at maturity; four are now living: Sarah J., Susan, Martha A. and John W. - All but the youngest are married; he is living on

622 - NORTH BLOOMFIELD TOWNSHIP.

the old homestead, and supporting his widowed mother, his father having died May 27, 1874. Mrs. Baggs has been a member of the U. P. Church for many years, as was also her husband.

EDGAR G. BARNUM, farmer; P. O. Galion; was born Jan. 23, 1817, in Addison Co., Vermont; his father, Levi Barnum, was a native of the "Green Mountain " State, as was also his mother, Mercy (Graves) Barnum. His father made farming his chief occupation, and being a mason by trade , he followed this when it did not interfere with the duties of the farm He emigrated to Ohio in 1832, and settled in Richland Co., near Lexington. Mr. Barnum commenced for himself when he became of age, and has ever since been one of the practical farmers of which our county may be proud; he farmed in Richland Co. for a short time, when he bought the farm on which he now lives, and resided oil it until the death of his father, when he rented it, and moved back to Richland Co. He farmed the old homestead for six years, and then came back to his own farm, where he has since lived; he was married Jan. 20, 1841, to Melinda Lewis, daughter of Jacob and Sisson (Murphy) Lewis. She was born July 2, 1820, in Fayette Co.; they have four children--Theresa, Mary C., Royal E. and Bertha A. All have a good education, the three daughters having been successful school teachers. The three oldest are married. Mr. Barnum is a member of the Congregational Church at Lexington; has been delegate to the Presbytery several times, and once to the General Assembly.

DAVID K. BAGGS, farmer; P. O. Corsica; is the seventh child of John and Isabel Baggs and was born May 28,1840; he worked on the farm until 21 years old,. when he enlisted in the service of his country; he was in Co. C., 15th 0. V. I and was wounded at the battle of Stone River; he lay in the hospital for many months and was afterward placed on the First Kentucky Battery. Having taken cold in his wound he was again laid up and did nothing more during the war. On receiving his discharge he came home, but has been troubled a great deal with his wound, not doing anything for three years. He was married June 6, 1867, to Sophronia, daughter of Aaron and Angeline Baird. She was born March 14, 1845, and died March 2, 1880, leaving two children-Angie M., and Ethel. He owns 100 acres of land, partly in this, and partly in Richland Co. He has always been a Republican and still advocates the principles of that party.

GEORGE B. BAGGS, farmer; P. O. Corsica, is sixth of a family of eight children, and was born Dec. 12, 1837, in what is now Morrow Co. His father (John Baggs) was born in Dauphin Co., Penn., in 1785, and moved to Virginia in 1811; his mother, Isabel (Kilgore) Baggs, was born in Pennsylvania, and her parents were among the first settlers of this county; they located on the farm now owned by John Worcester, building their house one day, and moving in the next; it had no floor, door, nor window; inside was a large stump on which the children played for many days. Mr. Baggs' father served in the war of 1812, and marched through Ohio when going to Fort Meigs; admiring the country, he came here soon after the war closed, and entered a quarter section of Government land. He would work on this during the summer, and in the fall, walk back to Virginia to take care of his parents (his father having been crippled in the Revolutionary war, and was unable to work). He worked this way for two or three years, when he moved them to his new home in this State*. He supported his parents and a brother and sister who were deaf and dumb. He died in 1863, after a career of honor and usefulness seldom excelled. George always had the privilege of doing for himself, his father being anxious for his boys to cultivate the principle of self-reliance. Ile was married May 29, 1860, to Amanda, a daughter of Aaron and Angeline Baird. She was born June 24, 1841. They have four children-Dora B., Idell A., Ell Florence and Dick C.; the eldest, a school-teacher of promise, having, with her sister, attended school at Lexington, in Richland Co. He is a member of the I. O. O. F., and has passed through the chairs. Both he and wife are members of the M. E. Church. He owns a nice farm and has an attractive home.

PHILANDER CONKLIN, farmer; P. O. Corsica; is one of the 'most promising and energetic young farmers in the county, and was born Oct. 6, 1856, in Crawford Co., Ohio. His father, David Conklin, was born. in Pat

BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES - 623

erson, New Jersey; he was a shoemaker by trade, but, not liking the business, he worked at other occupations until the year 1851, when he moved to Galion, Ohio, and purchased a hotel and livery stable, which he managed with good success; but wishing to engage in business in which his boys could find useful employment, he traded his town property for a farm, three miles east of Galion, where he lived the rest of his life. His wife died soon after he moved to Galion, and he then married Susan Acker, by whom he had four children. Philander was married Feb. 13, 1876, to Sarah S., daughter of Joseph and Samantha McFarland. She was born Nov. 27, 1858, in Morrow Co. Her father is one of the leading men in the county, and has enjoyed a large and lucrative practice for many years, being the only doctor at Blooming Grove; he is also a local elder in the M. E. Church. Mr. Conklin has made farming his chief occupation, but has been engaged lately in selling farm machinery, with good success. He and his wife are members of the M. E. Church at Blooming Grove. His political views are Democratic, but believes in the elevation of the best men, irrespective of party. They have one child-Joseph, born Jan. 14, 1879.

T. WILEY DICKERSON, farmer; P. O. Corsica; is the eldest child and only son of a family of nine children; born June 27, 1827, in Washington Co., Pa.; his father, Isaac H. Dickerson, was born in New Jersey, in 1802, and soon after came to Washington Co.; here he was married to Charity M. Evankirk, and in 1831 he emigrated to Ohio, settling in what is now Morrow Co.; he bought a quarter section of land, which he cleared and improved, besides working at his trade (mason and plasterer); he was accidentally killed in 1867. Wiley never left the old homestead, but remained with his father on the farm, spending his leisure hours in reading useful works on various subjects; he has made practical use of his knowledge of medicine several times, with good results; he was in the war a short time, at a post near Washington City; he was one of the charter members of the Patrons of Husbandry, and the first Master of the subordinate Lodge which he joined. He is a member of the I. O. O. F., and has belonged to several temperance organizations, and been a Republican since the organization of that party, and for many years previous was an "Abolitionist." He was married Jan. 15, 1830, to Mary, daughter of Elias and Mary Kisling. They have had nine children; eight are living-Ellen, Alfred W., E. Parker, Clara, William V., Eva J., Mary M. and Louada. His wife died July 2, 1869, and Sept. 26, 1872, he was again married to Nancy Casey, daughter of Daniel and Nancy Casey. They have one child, Lillie.

PHILIP DILL, farmer; P. O. Whetstone; the youngest of a family of eight children; was born in Germany, Nov. 9, 1825. His father's name was John W. Dill, and his mother's maiden name was Anna C. Allen. His father was one of the honest tillers of the soil, and made this his only occupation. He died Jan. 14, 1850. There were six boys in the family, all of whom were subject to the draft for service in the regular army; the two oldest brothers passed the required examination for the regular army, and Philip for the reserve corps. Only a, certain specified number of these were required to perform military duty, and they were chosen by lot. These brothers each drew a number which exempted them from service, (but what is remarkable, they each drew the number "43.") Philip emigrated to this country when 24 years of age, and came to Mansfield, Ohio; he soon apprenticed himself to a wagon-maker at Leesville, for two years, receiving for his services only $55.00; from this he paid a debt of $25.00 which he owed to an older brother for assisting him to this country. When his trade was learned, he worked one year in Mansfield and one in Columbus, when he set up a shop in Johnsville, and lived there four years, doing a good business; then sold his shop, and moved to the farm on which he now lives, having bought it three years previous, and has since been a farmer. He was married Jan. 28, 1855, to Elizabeth, a daughter of Jeremiah and Elizabeth Freeland. They were emigrants from Maryland, where she was born, April 26, 1833. They have ten children, all of them living - Albert W., Jeremiah H., James F., Charles E., Anna, M., Amelia C., Sevilla C., Phoebe E., Susan M., and Ida May; the oldest is married and lives in Galion. He and wife are members of the Reformed Men

624 - NORTH BLOOMFIELD TOWNSHIP.

nonite Church. He owns near two hundred acres of land, mostly acquired by his own industry and careful management.

DAVID L. ELDER, farmer; P. O. Galion; one of the most enterprisng and influential men in the county, and was born Dec. 21, 1842, in Morrow Co., Ohio. His father, Samuel Elder, was born in Bedford Co., Pa., and his mother, Abigail Elder, was born in the same State. Samuel was only 15 years old when he came to this State, and passed his early days in a sturdy and vigorous contest with the hardships which beset the first settlers. His father died soon after entering a quarter section of Government land, and Samuel became one of the supporters of a large family; he inherited a part of the old homestead, and has made an attractive home from what was a wilderness when he came here, more than a half century ago; he is now living a retired life. David is the only son living, and he passed his early life on the farm. At the call of his country he cheerfully responded, and spent -three years in her service; he then engaged in farming, and taught school for six winters, when he commenced dealing in stock, and followed this business for some five years, when he quit; he has since dealt extensively in lumber and timber, besides superintending the farm; he was the Democratic candidate for Sheriff in 1876, and was chosen Land Appraiser in 1880, for North Bloomfield Tp.; he was married March 19, 1868, to Mary H., daughter of Abijah and Lydia A. Jackson. Five children have blessed this union; four are livingMaud, May, Minnie and- Mattie. Both are members of the M. E. Church.

WILLIAM H. ECKLER, farmer; P. O. Shaucks; ranks among the successful farmers of Morrow county; he was born Sept. 22, 1815, in Maryland, the native State of his father, John Eckler, a farmer, who served in the war of 1812, and died when William was an infant. The mother, Margaret Eckler, was left with a large family, and William passed his early years with different families, most of the time with his godmother. He was apprenticed to a carpenter, but this trade proving distasteful to him, on reaching his majority, he abandoned it for the more congenial pursuit of farming. He soon emigrated to this State, and has since lived in what is now Morrow county. By industry and good management, he has secured a good farm, on which he expects to pass the rest of his life in comfort and peace. He has been Treasurer of his township several terms, performing his duties with satisfaction to the public. He is a member of the Lutheran Church, in which belief he was raised. Mr. Eckler was married Jan. 21, 1842, to Sarah, daughter of Stephen and Mary Barhan; her parents were among the first settlers in the county, and endured the privations that usually fall to early emigrants. By this marriage three children were born, of which the eldest dying in infancy-Mary J. born Nov. 30, 1833, and Emma A. March 19, 1859.

JOHN FLOWERS, farmer; P. O. Galion; was born Oct. 10, 1831, in Richland Co., Ohio, and was the sixth in a family of twelve children; his father, William Flowers, was a native of Lancaster Co., Penn., but emigrated. to this State in 1830, and settled oil Government land in Richland Co., and never regretted the change; his death occurred in 1878. Mr. Flowers' mother was Frances (Liter) Flowers, and was from Perry Co., Penn? Upon arriving at manhood, John started out in the world to make his fortune, with no capital but industry and a determination to succeed. What he has accomplished is known to all; he owns 129 acres of land, on which is one of the finest stone quarries in, Central Ohio. Mr. Flowers has been Justice,,, of the Peace, and held other township and local offices, and is a good auctioneer, does an extensive business, and is an energetic an influential man. He. was married Aug. 22, 1852, to Rebecca, a daughter of Henry and Rebecca Hassler. She was born Feb. 3, 1830, in Wayne Co., Ohio. They have had six! children, five are now living-Celia, Andrew J., Sarah E., William H., and Frances. The two oldest are married, and located near their old home.

JACOB B. GARVERICK, school teacher; Whetstone; is the eldest son of Peter H. Garverick, and was born March 21,1851, in Morrow Co., Ohio; he commenced teaching school when 18 years old, and has taught every winter and one summer since. Not content with the education he received in the common district schools, he attended several terms where he could secure all the advantages offered by

BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES - 625

higher institutions. His professional duties have been limited to the school at West Point, with two exceptions, and, although other districts desire him, he still clings to the village school. He was married Oct. 2, 1873, to Rebecca M., daughter of John F. and Rachel Garverick. This union has been blessed with four children, three of whom are living. Charles W., Silva E. and Newton Z. Both are Christians, and have many friends. He owns an interest in a farm, on which he works during the summer, and his prospects of success in life are quite flattering.

EDWARD . GARVERICK, merchant; Whetstone; is the eighth of a family of nine children, and was born Sept. 6, 18-51, in Morrow Co., Ohio. He is the youngest son of John F. Garverick, and when fourteen years old commenced clerking in his fathers store; at the death of his father in 1872, he obtained a half interest in the business, to which he had become strongly attached. He was married July 3, 1872, to Arminda E., daughter of Eli and Rebecca Bortner. She was born April 26, 1851, in this county; three children have blessed this happy union; Violet N., Walter E. and Morgan W. He is a member of the German Reformed Church, and his wife belongs to the Disciple Church. He owns an interest in two farms, besides being the junior partner in the firm of J. R. Garverick & Co., at West Point; being an energetic man in business affairs, and although young in years, he is old in experience.

PETER H. GARVERICK, farmer; P. O., Whetstone; stands prominent among the many substantial farmers and reliable citizens of this township; he was born in York Co., Penn., Feb. 19, 1822. His father, Peter Garverick, was born and raised, in Pennsylvania, as was also his mother, whose maiden name was Catharine Hosler; his father was a farmer, although he worked at the carpenter trade part of the time; emigrated to what is now Morrow Co., Ohio, in 1834, and - settled on heavily wooded land, and now has the satisfaction of looking back over a well spent and useful life. On arriving at his majority, Mr. Garverick learned the blacksmith trade, and followed it for ten years, when he abandoned it for the pursuit of farming. He was married, April 8, 1849, to Caroline Bowman , by whom he had two children, one, Jacob B., is living. His wife died Sept. 13, 1863, and be then married Elizabeth Miller; two children were born-Mary J. and Edward T.; his second wife died Dec. 15, 1867, and he was married the third time, uniting, January 25, 1869, with Mrs. Cassy Tshuty, who had two children-Henry J. and Elizabeth W. By this marriage, four children have been born, three of whom are living-William T., Franklin P., and Louisa M. Mr. Garverick is much respected and honored in his community; he has been called upon to perform the duties of Assessor for thirteen years, and Trustee for nearly twenty years, besides filling other local offices. He owns a good farm and has a pleasant home, and is in the enjoyment of its comforts.

LEVI F. GARVERICK, farmer; P. O. Whetstone; is the youngest of a family of seven children, and was born in York Co., Pa., Aug. 22, 1820; his parents, George and Charlotte (Fraser) Garverick, were natives of York Co., and of German extraction; his father was a farmer, but worked some in a still-house which he owned; at his father's death, in 1838, Levi commenced doing for himself, having learned the carpenters' trade, which he followed until his marriage, and since that time has been a farmer. He worked at his trade for two years in York Co., when he went to Center Co., in that State, and remained for three years; in company with a friend, he walked to what is now Morrow Co., Ohio, and after a short residence, returned to Center Co., in order to complete arrangements for making Ohio his future home , and while on this errand he was married to Sophia, daughter of Nicholas and Mary Vennathy; she was born March 23, 1820, and they were married June 27, 1848; they soon after came to this State, moving in a one-horse wagon; he bought eighty acres of land, which he has ever since been clearing and improving. By their marriage seven children have been born, five of whom are living-Emeline, William, George W., Elizabeth R. and Amos. Mr. Garverick and wife are members of the German Reformed Church.

LEVI R. GARVERICK, farmer; P. O. Whetstone; is the seventh child of John F. and Rachel (Ruhl) Garverick; and was born May 2, 1848, in Morrow Co.; he commenced doing for himself when of age, and farmed on

626 - NORTH BLOOMFIELD TOWNSHIP.

the homestead for three years, when his father died, and then he obtained 80 acres of land in Congress Tp., on which he lived for six years, when he sold it and bought the property he now owns. He was married Sept. 23,1869, to Elizabeth, daughter of Samuel and Margaret Brokaw; she was, born July 18, 1848, in Crawford Co., Ohio. They have four children, all of whom are living-Alice, John F., Elzie and Maggie M. He is a consistent member of the German Reformed Church; owns 100 acres of land, well improved, good location; and has an attractive and beautiful home.

NOAH HUFFMAN, farmer; P.O. Galion; son of Michael and Sarah (Bortner) Huffman, was born Feb. 15, 1843, in what is now Morrow Co. Mr. Huffman lived under the parental roof until his marriage, and assisted his father in the management of the farm; he was married Oct. 6,1869, to Susan, daughter of James and Margaret Baggs. She was born March 12, 1838, in this township, where she has always lived. They have one child - Maggie E., born Nov. 12, 1877. Mr. Huffman is a member of the English-Lutheran Church, and his wife, of the U. P. Church. He owns over one hundred acres of land in this county, and is well fixed in life for one so young. He has always been identified with the Democratic party.

MICHAEL HOFFMAN, farmer; P. O., Galion; is among the self-made men of this county; was born Nov. 11, 1813, in York Co., Penn.; his farther, Adam Hoffman, was a native of York Co., and was of German descent; his mother, Susan (Ruhl) Hoffman, was also from York Co. Mr. Hoffman's father was a good mechanic and wagonmaking was his principal business. He emigrated to this state in 1838, and settled on forty acres of Government land (where Michael, now lives); after a residence of only three years on the farm, he moved to the village of Woodbury and worked at his trade the rest of his life; he died in 1838. Michael learned the trade with his father and worked at it the most of the time, until the year 1870, when he commenced working on the farm. While he was working in the shop his boys had attended to the duties of the farm, and by economy and frugality, he has obtained a splendid property; owns 160 acres of land near the town of Galion. He was married Nov. 26, 1840, to Susan, daughter of Henry and Rebecca Bortner. They have eleven children, of whom five are now living: Peggy, Susan, Lovina, Amanda, and Noah. Mr. Hoffman and wife are members of the English Lutheran Church, of which he has been Deacon a number of years.

THOMAS KERR, farmer; P. O. Galion; the history of Morrow Co. would be incomplete without some mention of James Kerr, father of Thomas Kerr. He (James) was born March 18, 1804, in Washington Co., Penn., and during his boyhood emigrated to Knox Co., Ohio, where he lived until his marriage to Susannah Baskins, Jan. 20, 1825, when he moved to what is now Morrow Co., and purchased 200 acres of government land. He endured many of the privations and hardships that fall to the lot of early settlers. With one exception, he had no neighbor nearer than three miles, and had to go to Mansfield to trade. (Alone, and single banded, he cleared the greater part of his farm from the primitive forest, and helped clear and locate some of the early roads.) His wife died Oct. 16, 1838, leaving five small children-Francis, Joseph, George, James and Rachel. He was again married, Oct. 24, 1839, to Mary, daughter of Isaac and Jane (Carpenter) Barnes. She was born Sept. 19, 1810, in West Virginia; I her parents came to this State in 1825, land located in Richland Co., but soon moved into I what is now Morrow Co., where they lived until 1847, when they again moved west, living successively in Wisconsin and Minnesota, making the latter their final home. By his last marriage, seven children have been born, three of whom are living - William, David and Thomas. Mr. Kerr, Sr., died Dec. 6, 1867. Thomas, the youngest son, was born Oct. 3, 1851, and lived on the old homestead, which he partly owns, and controls. He is the support of his aged mother, and a consistent member of the M. E. Church, to which his parents belonged when it was first organized in the neighborhood.

DAVID MITCHELL, farmer; P.O. Galion; one of our most substantial farmers, and second in a family of nine children; was born July 4, 1831, in what is now Morrow Co.; his father, William Mitchell, was born in Center Co., Penn., and his mother, a native of the same State, was born in Washington Co.

BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES - 627

David's father was a practical farmer, and emigrated to this county when it was new and sparsely settled; he entered a quarter section of Government' land, and by industry and perseverance he at length owned a good farm, which he continued to improve till his death, which occurred in 1863. David left home when 18 years old to learn the carpenter's trade, and followed this occupation until 1870, when he relinquished it for the more free, happy and pleasant occupation of farming. Mr. Mitchell has been Trustee of his Township, and never sought or desired official cares and responsibilities. He is an old-school Democrat, and still has faith in the principles of Democracy. He owns the quarter section of land which belonged to his father, to which he seems much attached. He was married April 7, 1859, to Emma, daughter of Charles and Maria (Shaffer) Roberts; she was born Feb. 25, 1843. They had six children, five of whom are now living-Eliza M., born Aug. 12, 1861; Maggie J., Aug. 27,1863; Lydia A., June 8, 1865; Hattie B., June 30, 1867, and David W., Jan. 26, 1869.

ALEX. MOORE, farmer; P. O. Corsica; was born in Jefferson Co., Ohio, June 18, 1833, the seventh of a family of thirteen children. His father, Alex. Moore, Sr., was born in Greene Co., Penn., and his mother was a native of Ohio, her maiden name being Elizabeth McMillen. Mr. Moore, Sr., made farming his chief occupation, but for several years he owned a woolen mill, and also a saw mill in Jefferson Co.; from there he moved to Holmes Co., where he lived the rest of his life. Alex. commenced for himself when 21, and was a farm laborer for two years; he then learned the carpenter trade, which he followed till the commencement of the war, but came to Morrow Co. one year previous to his enlistment, and has since been a citizen of this county. He followed the flag over four years; Shiloh, Pittsburg Landing, Chickamauga and Mission Ridge are among the battles in which he was engaged. On receiving his discharge he returned to this county, and Jan. 31, 1866, he was married to Elizabeth C. Doak, daughter of John and Mary (Anderson) Doak. She was born Oct. 22, 1836, in Beaver Co., Penn.; her parents moved to this state in 1840, locating on the farm on which she now lives. Mr. and Mrs. Moore have five children-Stella V., Jud H. and Jay D., twins. Glenn A. and Anna May. Both are members of the Presbyterian Church. Since the war he has been a Republican, but before that, he was a Democrat.

DAVID K. MITCHELL, farmer; P. O. Corsica; was born May 17, 1835, in what is now Morrow Co., Ohio; his father, Andrew Mitchell, was born in 1803, in Mercer Co., Pa., and passed his boyhood in Fairfield Co., Ohio; his parents moved to Richland Co. at an early day, and settled west of Mansfield on Government land; Andrew helped clear the farm, and then went back to Pennsylvania, where he was married to to Isabella Cunningham; in 1829 he moved to Ohio, and settled on a farm in this county; his wife died in 1833, and he then married Martha N. Kilgore, who was born in Washington Co., Pa.; he lived in this county till 1831, when he moved to Iowa, where he soon after died, leaving a wife with seven children, the oldest, David K., being only 16 years old. Although a mere boy, he placed himself at the bead of the family, and moved back to Ohio in a wagon, where he was better able to support the family. He was married March 13, 1860, to Clara V., daughter of Isaac and Charity M. Dickerson; during the war he served a short time in the 102nd 0. V. I.; soon after receiving his discharge he moved to Iowa, and remained till 1869, when he returned to this State, and has since lived in Morrow Co.; he is a member of the I. O. O. F., and the Encampment; was one of the charter members of the Patrons of Husbandry, and Master the second year; he has been Master of the Pomona Grange two years, and lecturer one years also represented this County for three successive years at the State Grange; both are members of the Seventh-day Advent Church, at Blooming Grove.

ROBERT McCLAREN, farmer; P. O. Whetr tone; is the fourth in a family of ten children, and was born Jan. 8, 1825, in Washingon Co., Pennsylvania; his father, Robert MeClaren, Sr., was born near Belfast, Ireland, in 1788, and his mother, Sarah (McClenathan) McClaren, was from the Emerald Isle; his father was a farmer, by occupation, and despairing of ever securing a competency in that country, emigrated to America in 1823, with

628 - NORTH BLOOMFIELD TOWNSHIP.

his family, consisting of four persons; he first settled in Washington Co., Pennsylvania, where he 'lived for six years; he had just five pounds, or twenty-five dollars when he arrived in this country, and wishing to increase his store, he loaned it to one whom he thought responsible and lost it all. In the year 1829, he moved to Ohio, and entered a quarter section of Government land, in Washington Tp., this county ; he endured all the privations that fell to the lot of early settlers in a new country; he was poor in purse, but rich in energy, and he was determined to succeed at all hazards; he cleared his farm and lived on it until 1865, when he disposed of it, and moved to Iberia; he cut his own wood till he was ninety years old, and when ninety-two he walked from Iberia to Mt. Gilead. Robert left home and commenced for himself, when twenty-four years old; he purchased part of the farm on which he now lives, and was married March 13, 1855, to Jennette, daughter of James and Susannah Richardson; this marriage has been blessed with seven children, all are living-Arminta, Marv J., Sarah A., Florence I., the twins, James R. and Anna C., Charles E. Mr. McClaren is giving his children a good education, as soon as they arrive at a proper age, wishing to place something in their possession, that cannot be taken from them. Himself, and wife, and the four oldest children are members of the U. P. Church, of which he is now deacon.

ISAAC RULE, farmer; P. O. Whetstone. Among the many men to be found in this county, who have risen to affluence from a small beginning by the exercise of industry and frugality, we find the above named gentleman to be one of the first. He was born July 16, 1823, in Pennsylvania; his parents, John and Susan (Blosser) Rule, were natives of Pennsylvania, and moved to this State in 1825. Isaac's father worked in an oil-mill, when young, but- on his arrival in this State he entered a quarter section of Government land near North Woodbury; he cleared and improved this property, and kept it till his death, which was in 1874; he had kept a store in North Woodbury, during this time, for nearly fourteen years, his partner being one Morgan Levering; but desiring to retire from active life, they divided the goods, and Isaac brought his father's half West Point, and commenced business in a log cabin, near where he now lives; his father gave him one thousand dollars worth of goods, and for the rest he paid as soon as he was able ; he did a large and successful business and soon built the store room now occupied by J. R. Garverick & Co. ; his father and himself were partners for three years, when his father withdrew, and his place was supplied by Norman Merwine, for the same length of time. Isaac then retired from the mercantile business, and has since followed farming, with good success. He was married Dec. 8, 1853, to Maria, daughter of John and Martha Price. Seven children have been born of this union ; only three are now living-Newton, Irene and Edwin A.; the second named is now attending school at Granville, Ohio, and wants to complete the course. Before giving any of his property to his children, Mr. Rule owned near seven hundred acres of land here, besides Western property, the most of this having been obtained by his indomitable energy.

LYDIA RUHL, farmer; P. O. Shaucks, was born Feb. 3, 1817, in Richland Co., Ohio; her parents, John and Rachel Painter, were natives of Virginia, and emigrated to Ohio about the year 1816, settling on Government land in Richland Co. Mr. Painter made farming his chief business, but worked some at the cooper trade, and did rough cabinet work for his neighbors; his farm was only cleared by years of patient toil, and he had the satisfaction of owning a good and valuable farm many years before his death, which occurred in 1860. Mrs. Ruhl had very few advantages for getting an education at the schools, but at home the elements of hard labor were thoroughly taught. She was married Sept. 18, 1834, to Jeremiah Ruhl, son of George and Elizabeth Ruhl; he was one of the practical farmers of the county, clearing his own farm from the primeval forest, and improving it as fast as circumstances would permit. He died November 19, 1873. By their marriage nine children were born, only three of whom are now living-Hiram, John and George W. The two oldest are married, and have families; the youngest is in the West to recruit his health. Mrs. Ruhl and her husband, were among the first members of the Old School Baptist-Church. She owns 120 acres of land,

BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES - 629

on which she and grandchildren are now living.

JOHN RHINEHART, farmer; P. O. Corsica. Among the many successful farmers of Morrow Co., Mr. Rhinehart deserves more than a passing notice; he is the eighth of a family of nineteen children, and was born Nov. 11, 1813, in Jefferson Co., Ohio. His father, John Rhinehart, Sr., was a native of Washington Co., Maryland, as was also his mother, Barbara (Easterday) Rhinehart. Mr. Rhinehart, Sr., came to this State near the beginning of the nineteenth century, and located in Jefferson Co., he was a minister in the "German-Lutheran " Church, but not unlike many other pioneer preachers, he was compelled to work on the farm during the week to support his family. John, the subject of this sketch, lived under the parental roof until his 24th year, when he commenced doing for himself; in company with a brother he moved onto a farm west of Galion, where he lived more than twenty years, and then came to Morrow Co., where he has since lived a truly happy and prosperous life. Both he and his wife are members of the M. E. Church, and are strong advocates of temperance. He owns nearly 140 acres of good land, has good buildings, and is provided with everything necessary to make life pleasant. He was married May 22, 1838, to Catharine, daughter of Thomas and Mary Scott. She was born Aug., 12, 1812, in Union Co., Pa. They had five children, three of whom are now living--Clementine, born April 13, 1839; Franklin, Nov. 24, 1840; and Angeline, March 1, 1843.

GOTLIEB SEIF, farmer; P. O. Galion; was born May 31, 1822, in Baden, Germany, and crossed the briny deep when only seven years old; being the third of a family of five children; his parents and their family history is more properly described with that of his eldest brother (Jacob Seif). Gotlieb lived around the family fireside till he took unto himself a helpmeet, when he bought the farm on which he now lives. His marriage occurred Feb. 13, 1853; his wife's maiden name was Elizabeth Spigle, daughter of Henry and Catharine Spigle. She was born in Stark Co., Ohio, and is "German descent." By this marriage five children have been born, four of whom are livingHenry, Levi, Stephen, and Ida J. Mr. Seif and wife are members of the German Lutheran Church. He has been Trustee and held other local offices. He owns 145 acres of land, mostly acquired by his own industry and economy.

AARON SEIF, farmer; P. O. Galion; is an energetic and promising young farmer, and was born Aug. 11, 1850, in Morrow Co., Ohio; he is the sixth of a family of twelve children, and his father, Jacob Seif, has his history among the first men who are now living in this section. Aaron, unlike many other young men, did not leave home at the earliest opportunity, but has always lived on the old farm, to which he is strongly attached; he lived with his father till his marriage, and then settled on a portion of the old homestead, which he is improving and making attractive as fast as possible; he was united in marriage May 31, 1877, to Mary Ricker, daughter of Peter and Dora Ricker; she was born Aug. 27, 1854, in Crawford Co., Ohio, and is of German descent. This happy union has been blessed with two children, twins, named Minnie and Tillie. Mr. Seif and wife are consistent. members of the German Lutheran Church.

JACOB SELL, farmer; P. O. Whetstone; is the third of a family of ten children, and was born May 20, 1827, in York Co., Penn.; his father, Adam Sell, was born in Adams Co., Penn., and his mother, Mary (Schisler) Sell, was from the same State, York Co. Mr. Sell, Sen., was a blacksmith, and worked at the trade as long as he remained in his native State; he emigrated to Ohio in 1834, and soon settled on the farm on which Jacob now lives; there were enough logs cut to build a small cabin, and from these a shop was formed; as soon as he could build a house he moved on the farm and when not engaged in the shop he was busy clearing up and improving his land. He soon quit the trade and paid his whole attention to farming, until his death, which occurred in 1878. Jacob left home when of age, to learn the carpenter's trade, and worked at this for twelve years, when he started for the "gold fields" of California. After five years of varied success as well as varied employment, he returned to this State, and once more worked at his old trade till the death of his fattier, when he moved on the old homestead, and has since been a farmer. He was married July 13, 1865, to Elizabeth,

630 - NORTH BLOOMFIELD TOWNSHIP.

daughter of Adam and Margaret Hibner; she was born Feb. 13, 1841, and is German descent; her father died when she was 5 years of age, and from that time till her marriage she had to take care of herself; she experienced all the hardships incident to the life of one in her situation, yet she was protected by Him who has promised to be the orphan's guide. They have three children-Mary J., Adam H. and Charley W.

ANNA CATHARINE SEIF, farmer; P. O., Galion; was born in Baden, Germany, Jan. 1, 1830; she was the eighth in a family of ten children; her parents were Conrad and Charlotte Peaster. Her father was a farmer, and being in humble circumstances, he emigrated to this country in 1834, hoping to better his condition. He first settled in Crawford Co., near Galion; but in 1847 he moved into what is now Morrow Co., and remained two years, when he removed to Michigan, and lived there the rest of his life, dying in 1864. Catharine had few of the advantages es of procuring an education in those ear-fly days, as she commenced working out when very young, and did a woman's work when a mere child; she was married Aug. 13, 1848, to Michael (second son of Jacob and Margaret), Seif; they lived together very happily until his death, which occurred July 13, 1873. He was an upright man and strictly moral. He was a class-leader in the -German Methodist Church for eighteen years, to which he and his wife belonged. They had eight children, seven of whom are living-Margaret, John F., Catharine E., Daniel, Joseph A., Mary H., and Lydia L. Their third child, Samuel, died in Michigan a short time before his father's death. The property was left to Mrs. Seif, and she is constantly improving it, and endeavoring to make it as attractive as possible, thereby hoping to induce her sons to remain on the farm and not let it go to strangers.

PHILIP SEIF, farmer; P. O. Galion; the youngest of a family of five children, was born in Baden, Germany, March 3, 1829, and was brought to this country by his parents with the rest of the family when but three months old; he passed his boyhood days in helping ,clear up the farm, on which he has always lived; when in his twelfth year, his father died, and his life was rendered none the pleasanter by this event, as it increased the cares of himself and brothers. He now lives on the old homestead, where he spent his ear. ly life; he was married Oct. 16, 1853, to Har. riet, daughter of Henry and Catharine Alshouse, seven years afterward she was called from this world of trouble, leaving a sorrowing husband and three small childrenFranklin, Lewis and William. He was again married, Aug. 29, 1861, to Mrs. Rachel Dye, who had two children by her first husband (James Dye); their names are Vincent K. and Nancy. There are six children by the second marriage-Harriet, Ellen, Fernando, George, Michael and Edward. Mr. Seif owns a good farm of about 100 acres; he has. been Trustee of the township, and his good nature and sociable disposition surround him with friends.

JACOB SEIF, farmer; P. O. Galion. The history of Morrow Co. would be incomplete without a sketch of Jacob Seif, whose successful career has justly entitled him to a place among the self-made men, and whose present surroundings are due to his industry and business tact. He was born August 21, 1816, in Baden, Germany; his father's name was Jacob, and his mother's maiden name was Margaret Cronenwett; his father was a shoemaker by trade, and made that his occupation, although he worked some on the farm; he emigrated to this country in 1829; his reasons for coming were to save :his children from the regular army, and to better his own circumstances in life; he settled in Columbiana Co., Ohio, where he remained for two years, when he moved to what is now Morrow Co., and entered eighty acres of Government land, which was ever afterward his home; he worked on the farm part of the time, and would sometimes make shoes for the neighbors while they were clearing his farm; he was a very industrious and frugal man, and died in 1840. The subject of this sketch lived under the parental roof until his 24th year, when he married, which was Dec. 18, 1839, to Sophia Neyer; she was born Apr. 7, 1817, in Pennsylvania; they had. twelve children, eight of whom are living-Jacob, Solomon, Elizabeth, Aaron, David, Adam, Christine and Caroline. Mrs. Seif died Sept. 1, 1873; Mr. Seif is a member of the German Methodist Church, of which he has been Steward for twenty-five years; has been Trustee a number of years, and was

BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES - 631

Land Appraiser in 1870; he is one of the few Germans who ally themselves with the Republicans in this county, having left the. Democratic party during the agitation of the slavery question.

JOHN SNYDER, farmer; P. O. Corsica; was born March 31, 1818, in Cumberland Co., Penn., likewise the native county of his parents, Henry and Elizabeth (Shetron) Snyder. John's father was an officer in the war of 1812, when but 16 years old. On receiving his discharge at the close of the hostilities, he worked on a farm till his, 22nd year, when he went into the boot and shoe business in Shepherdsburg, Penn. Failing health induced him to again engage in farming, and in 1834, he moved to Ohio, settling in Richland Co. Here he lived nearly twenty years, when he sold his property and moved to Whitley Co., Ind., where he passed the rest of his life, dying in his 72nd year. John lived with his parents till his 23d year, working on the farm and teaching school during the winter in a cabin school-house, with slab-benches, the desks being shelves on three sides of the house. He was married June 13, 1841, to Mary A., daughter of Henry and Hannah Muck. She was born June 16, 1819. By this marriage were born nine children, only four of whom are living-Elizabeth A., Silas W., Mary A. and Charles H. Mr. Snyder cleared his own farm, and lived on it for six years, when he sold it and went into the mercantile business at Blooming Grove; his health soon failing, he retired after five years of close application, and has since been a farmer; he has held different township offices, and was County Commissioner one term, filling the office with credit. He is one of the charter members of the Patrons of Husbandry, and was the first Lecturer in the lodge. He is a Christian gentleman, and has hosts of friends.

G. J. TISCHER, farmer; P. O. Whetstone; is the second of a family of three children; was born in Bavaria, Germany, March 16, 1838; his parents were natives of Bavaria, his father's name being George and his mother's Margaret Pherman; his father served six years in the regular army in his native land, and when discharged made farming his occupation. He conceived the idea that he could better his circumstances by coming to America, and accordingly crossed the briny deep in 1840; he came directly to Ohio and settled on a farm in what is now Morrow Co., Congress Tp., where he now lives, owning - one of the neatest homes in this section of country. Jacob lived around the family fireside until his marriage, Dec. 12, 1861, to Leah, daughter of John F. and Rachel Garverick, who was born Jan. 10, 1843, in Morrow Co., Ohio. By this marriage six children have been born-Mary E., John H., Margaret R., Edward F., Webster and Cora. Both he and wife are members of the German Reformed Church; he owns a beautiful farm of 100 acres, which formerly belonged to his father-in-law, John F. Garverick. He has good buildings, and his surroundings are such that he can take the world easy and enjoy a quiet and contented life; he has followed threshing for several years, with good success, and has always been identified with the Democratic party.

LEVI WARNER, farmer; P. O. Whetstone ; is the eldest of a family of six children, and was born Nov. 6, 1831, in York Co., Penn., also the nativity of his parents; his father, John Warner, a farmer by occupation, emigrated to Ohio in 1834, and settled on Government land. He has always been an honest tiller of the soil, in which he has been successful. Levi commenced for himself after coining to manhood; he is also a farmer, which occupation, he considers, one of the highest callings of man. Besides farming, he has run a threshing machine ever since he was 18 years of age. He was married Nov. 25, 1853, to Caroline, daughter of Henry and Margaret Bortner. They have three children, whose names are Leah, Levina and Edward. Mr. Warner and wife are members of the Reformed Lutheran Church, and are well respected. He is Township Treasurer, and has many friends; he has a convenient and well cultivated farm, on which he is putting good buildings, and can feel the pride and satisfaction that comes from an interesting and happy home.

JOSEPH H. YEAGER, farmer; P. O. Steam Corners; is a native of Lancaster Co, Penn.; he is third of a family of seven children; was born October 12, 1844; his parents, William and Harriet (Dase) Yeager, were born and reared in Lancaster Co. His father is a shoemaker by trade, and when a young man walked to Ohio with his "kit " of tools

632 - NORTH BLOOMFIELD TOWNSHIP

on his back, stopping at various places to work, and earn money with which to defray expenses; his object was to see the country, but unlike the "tramp " of modern times he wished to pay his way. He soon returned to his native county, and in 1852 gathered together his worldly effects and with his family came to this county, where he yet lives. About the year 1860 he relinquished the trade and has since followed farming. On arriving at his majority Joseph commenced business for himself and has followed farming, to which he seems adapted, although he has "run " a threshing machine for ten years. He has had wonderful success; last year he threshed forty-three thousand bushels of gain; this is no doubt owing to the fact that is one of our enterprising men, and has been running his machine with an engine, for the last five years, of which he has always been the engineer. He was married Oct. 10, 1869, to Mary E., daughter of Jacob L. and Catharine Klinefelter. She was born July 10, 1849, in Morrow Co.; they have had six children, four are living-May, Daisy D., Edith B. and Clara A. Both he and wife are members of the Evangelical Church; and he was one of the charter members of the "Patrons of Husbandry," of which he has been "Overseer." He owns a farm of eighty acres and is very pleasantly situated.