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WASHINGTON TOWNSHIP

JAMES AULD, retired farmer; P. O., Iberia. This gentleman, whose portrait appears in this work, is a native of Pennsylvania; he was born on a farm in Cumberland Co., Jan. 30, 1803; when he became 5 years of age, the family moved to a farm on the line between Greene and Washington Co's., upon which they lived for eighteen years; they then moved to a farm located near Taylorstown. James lived there with his parents until 1830; he then came West in a wagon, and settled on his present place, upon which he has since lived. The country was all timber when he came; he entered 150 acres, and erected a frame house, with a shingle roof probably the second of the kind in the township; the house was 18x20 feet, one room, and one story and a half high, glass windows, and in every way a model palace of its day, and though it has been standing for fifty years., it now, with a few additions, serves as his present residence. While in Pennsylvania, Mr. Auld worked some at carpentering, at, first receiving $8 per month. The state road from Mansfield to Marion, passes his residence, and was opened only a short time previous to his coming. He began clearing the land, and making a farm, and soon had some small crops growing They wore home-spun clothing, and did principally all their own labor; in the early days he also hauled grain to Sandusky and Milan, and shared in general the comforts of the pioneers. Feb. 4, 1831, he married Miss Jane Way, a native of Washington Co., Pa. She died Oct. 12, 1859. They had five children, three of whom are living-Sarah Noble lives in this vicinity; Mary H. Coulter lives in


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Clearfield Co., Pa.; Samuel D. farms the homestead; David died while young, and Nancy Jane Martin was killed in Iowa by a storm, July 4, 1876. Oct. 20, 1863, he married Mrs. Walker, formerly Miss Mary Garrett. She was born in Ohio, and died April 6, 1873. His present wife was Mrs. Armstrong, formerly Miss Catharine Armstrong; they were married May 20, 1876; they live on the old homestead, which contains 146 acres, and is located one-half mile west of Iberia. Mr. Auld became a member of the United Presbyterians in 1828, and has ever retained his Christian principles. His parents, David and Mary (Auld) Auld, were natives of Ireland; they came to the United States-he, when about 30 years of age, and she, when about 26; she came here first; they settled in Cumberland Co., Pa., where they married about the year 1802; they finally settled near Taylorstown, Pa., and lived there until their deaths.

J. D. ARMSTRONG, miller; Mt. Gilead; was born in Knox Co., O., 1841; his parents were among the early settlers of that county, and were formerly from Canada. The ancestry preceding the second generation was of Irish descent. Besides availing himself of the common school privileges in the near vicinity of his home, Mr. Armstrong attended the academy at Danville, of his native county, for two years. At 20 years of age he went to California and remained there six years, and then returned to his early home, and afterwards purchased a grist-mill in Washington, Morrow Co. Mr. Armstrong married in 1870 Miss Linda Wood, whose home since eight years of age has been very near where they now reside. Irma and Orrin are the names of their children. Mr. Armstrong is now enlarging the capacity of his mill so that hereafter he may secure a larger success in his occupation.

ARCHIBALD BROWNLEE, farmer; P. O., Iberia. Six feet tall, straight as a reed, hair white with the frosts of nearly seventy winters, and brushed back from a massive forehead; an eagle eye, Roman nose, mouth and chin indicative of firmness. Such is a brief description of "Uncle Archie," as he is familiarly called; indeed this is the nom de plume, under which he has frequently written for the local paper. He was born in Ohio Co., W. Va., in 1811; yet in spite of early associations, was in the days of slavery a strong abolitionist. At the age of 25, he married Miss Danley, cousin of Hon. Wilson Shannon, who was twice governor of Ohio. In the followng they moved to Ohio and located in Washington Tp., two miles from where he now resides; to which place he removed in the year 1852. When he first came to Ohio, this township was a wilderness which was thought impossible to subdue; but the industry of himself and fellow pioneers has caused it to blossom as the rose. The old family Bible tells the following story: Agnes, born Feb. 14, 1837; H. C., Oct. 9, 1838; Levenia, March 24, 1840, died Jan. 13, 1879; Martha J., born Oct. 5, 1841 ; Margaret, April 6, 1843, died June 3, 1869; Sarah, born Oct. 11, 1844; Elizabeth, July 30, 1846, died May 15, 1872; Josephine, born Sept. 15, 1848; Rebecca, Feb. 24, 1850; John, Dec. 17, 1851; Mary Helen, Aug. 16, 1855; Francis A., July 20, 1857. They are all married except John and Helen, who reside with the old couple. The others are in homes of their own, more or less distant. "Uncle Archie " has suffered for several years with asthma, and yet in spite of his disease is a genial old gentleman, always glad to welcome and entertain his friends at is hospitable home.

EBENEZER BURT, retired; Iberia; was born in Washington Co. Penn., May 3d, 1811; Mr. Burt's father was born in Fayette county of the same State about the year 1789; his mother spending her early years in the State of Maryland. In the early part of the 18th century, three brothers came to America, two of whom engaged in the iron business, in the State of Penn. At the breaking out of the Revolution, they sold out their interest in those works, taking their pay in Continental money, which proved almost valueless, One of these brothers was the paternal ancestor of our subject. Mr. Burt came to Ohio in 1830, settling in Guernsey Co., near Cambridge; he married Miss Isabella Rankin, of Janesville, Muskingum Co., who died at Cambridge Dec. 1st, 1840, a little over nine years from date of their marriage. About this time Mr. Burt. commenced the study of law and was admitted to the bar, his certificate of admission dating Oct. 29, 1841. In August, of the same year, he was married to Mary Ann


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Guthrie, of Cambridge, who is still living. After practicing law for upwards of six years, he removed to Marion Co., where he engaged in farming and stock grazing. He has ever since made a specialty of raising fine stock; sheep raising being the department he has specialized. In April 1865, he removed to Iberia. The family Bible tells the following story-Silas, born Aug. 17, 1833; Mathew H., April 9,1835; John F., June 10, 1837; Elizabeth J., Feb. 17, 1839; Joseph G., April 17, 1844; Ebenezer D., Sept. 20, 1846; Win. W. and Thos. W. twins, July 14, 1848; Robert G., Aug. 23, 1850; Margaret A., Jan. 18, 1852; Elnora, April 11, 1855; all of these have been married, and those li ving are settled in the vicinity of the parental home. Margaret married Mr. James P. Hammond, and with him went to build up a home near Edgar, Neb., where she died in 1876; Mathew joined the 96th 0. V. I., and was killed at Arkansas Post on White River; John and Joseph were also in the service and went through the war, being honorably discharged at its close. Mr. Burt is respected and honored in the community, and a member of the U. P. Church; amid pleasing surroundings, with wealth to command the luxuries of life-the "sunset " of his days cannot but he otherwise than peaceful and bright.

W. C. BENNETT, physician; P. O., Iberia; was born in Cardington, Morrow Co.., 0., Sept. 116, 1853; his parents were among the early settlers of that township. Dr. Bennett passed his youth upon the paternal acres. He availed himself of the opportunities for gaining an education, such as were furnished by the public schools in the near vicinity; between school life and farm-life, were sandwiched several terms of teaching common schools. He early chose medicine as a profession, 'and commenced the study with Drs. Swingley & Shaw, of Mt. Gilead, and attended lectures at the Medical Department of Wooster University at Cleveland, graduating with honor in 1877. In May of the same year, he located in Iberia, entering into partnership with Dr. Reed, and with Dr. Reed's daughter about a year and a half later. His ability together with a pleasing address, must secure to him a large practice.

EVAN J. CRANE, whose portrait appears in this work, was born in Salem Tp., Muskingum Co., 0., April 26, 1827; his paternal grandfather came from Pennsylvania to Ohio in the year 1808, and brought with him four sons, one of whom, Joseph, the father of Evan J., is now living in Iberia. Our subject passed his youth on his father's farm, and as he became older he taught school in the winter months, and farmed during the summer; Nov. 4, 1851, he was united in marriage to Miss Cassandra Geyer; they lived on the farm until 1857, when they moved to Sonora (7 miles cast of Zanesville), and engaged in the general merchandise business. In 1864 he removed to Iberia, and has since conducted a general merchandise business at that place; by his marriage there has been five children - Marion C., Rosetta C., George W., Florence M. and Della V.; his sons graduated with honor at Eastman's business college, Poughkeepsie, N. Y., and are now engaged with their father in the store at Iberia; in each of the different communities in which Mr. Crane has lived, he has held prominent positions; he has been Post-master almost continuously since 1858; he has also held the office of township clerk and trustee, also justice of the peace, in all of which positions he has proven himself worthy of the trust reposed; early in life he connected himself with the M. E. Church, and has ever since maintained the Christian principles of the Church of his choice; in 1868, when the Iberia circuit was organized, he was elected recording steward, and has served as such since; also as secretary of the board of trustees of the Ohio Central college, of which he has been a member since its re -organization; in the slavery and temperance reforms he has taken a prominent part, and his influence has always been on the side of right, the question with him being the way of duty, and when it is decided he unswervingly walks therein.. Aug,. 3, 1849, is the date of Mr. Crane's initiation into the mysteries of Free and Accepted Masons in Malta Lodge, No. 118, at Norwich, Muskingum Co., Ohio, and has never severed his connection with that body; he has taken all the degrees in the Blue Lodge, and all chapter degrees, was a charter member of Hubbard Lodge No. 220, at Adamsville, Ohio, also 1st Senior Warden of same, and is now a member of the Royal Arch Chapter at Galion, Ohio.


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REV. C. L. CONGER, B. S., minister; Iberia; pastor of the M. E. Church and Professor of English Language and Literature in Ohio Central College; was born in Delaware Co., 0., in the year 1854. His parents were formerly residents of New Hampshire, but removed to Ohio in 1852, and settled in Delaware Co., where they died. Rev. Mr. Conger entered Ohio Wesleyan University at, Delaware, in 1873, and graduated from the college, of which he is now Professor in 1879, his course being interfered with by the demands of the pulpit; he first joined the North Ohio Conference in 1878, arid was regularly appointed to his present charge, having previously labored in that place as a local preacher. Hence he is now completing his pastorate the longest term allowed by the economy of Methodism. His youth, present ability and success give prophecy of a remarkable future.

SAMUEL COLMERY, farmer; P. O., Iberia; was born in Washington Co., Pa., Feb. 1827. His parents were early residents of that county; his paternal ancestry is Irish, and the maternal, Scotch. When Mr. Colmery was 11 years of age his parents moved to Ashland (then Richland) Co., O., and settled near Hayesville. In the spring of 1850 Mr. Colmery went across the plains to California with an ox-team, occupying five months in the passage between Independence, Md., and Placerville, Cal.; he remained in that State a little more than six years. After his return, his mother having removed near to Iberia, he returned to that place. Mr. Colmery was married Jan. 20, 1858, to Miss Elmira Hanmer, originally of Elmira, N. Y. During the following summer he settled in Knox Co., O., where he remained seven years; after one year spent on a farm in the southeast part of the township, he settled on the farm where he now resides. They have eight living children Wm. W., 21; Walter Scott, 20; Mary Alice (now the wife of Chas. W. McFarland, living in the eastern part of the township); Samuel Finley, 16; Alexander Alpheus, 14; Robert Chalmers (who only lived to be six years of age); John L., 9; David Ray, 6; and Abbie May, three years of age. Mr. Colmery is an elder in the Presbyterian Church. He has three brothers preaching for that Church in this State, and one brother teaching in the State of Mississippi.

S. D. CASS, farmer; P. O., Iberia; was born in Portland, Chautauqua Co., N. Y., Feb. 14, 1819; his father, Joseph Cass, was a native of Vermont, and his mother, Miss Jane Dixon, of Cherry Valley, N. Y. Mr. Cass came with his parents to Ohio in 1838, and settled near Mt. Vernon, Knox Co., where he remained about twelve years; four years were passed in South Bloomfield, Morrow Co., when he removed to Washington Tp., and located where he now resides. In 1855 he married Miss Martha Ann Story, whose early home was near their present location. They have seven children-Vienna, 23; J. C. Fremont, 21; G. Dudley, 20; Eugene B., 15; D. Webster, 13; Henry C., 7, and Paul, 5 years of age. Mr. Cass has always been engaged in farming, though he has taught school eighteen winters in succession, superintending his farm the while.

WILLIAM DUNLAP, farmer; P. O., Galion; was born in Washington Tp., Morrow Co., March 8, 1831, on the farm on which one of his sons is now residing, about two miles distant from his present residence. His father was among the earliest settlers in the township, and was the first school teacher. Being the eldest son, it was necessary for him to remain at home to assist in clearing up the farm, and so he was deprived of any advantages of education, except of common school. He married Miss Abbie Maria Dickerson, in the fall of 1856, whose early home was in North Bloomfield Tp. They have two sons-Frank R., 23, who married Miss Fanny Shear, of Ashland Co., Ohio, and who is living on the home farm, and Harley Mitchell, 17 years of age. Mr. Dunlap has been a member of the Christian Church since 25 years of age. His two farms, numbering 426 acres (about 350 of which are in a good state of cultivation), the care of which he regards as sufficient to fill his time without dabbling in politics, and to their cultivation he devotes all his time and attention.

J. M. DAVIS, farmer; P. O., Iberia Station; was born in Greene Co., Penn., June 12, 1829; his father was engaged in farming in that State, came to Ohio in 1831, and settled immediately in Washington Township, Morrow Co., on the land where Mr. Davis now resides. Mr. Davis has spent his entire life on this farm; he was married Nov. 15,


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1849, to Elizabeth Dalrymple, whose early home was in Gilead Tp.; they have had four children, three of whom are living-Harriet Louisa, was born Sept. 4th, 1850, (is now the wife of Wilber B. Thomas, and is living in the vicinity;) Mary Jane, born Aug. 28,1852, and died June 14th, 1875; George Melville, born Aug. 29, 1856; (married Miss Rosa Sheffer, and is living on apart of the home farm,) and William Curtis, born Oct. 22, 1859; Mr. Davis has interested himself somewhat in politics; he is Democratic, preferring to vote for men of character, rather than follow strictly partisan principles. For several years he has held the office of Justice of the Peace, which office he has employed to keep the peace, harmonizing discordant elements, without allowing them to come to trial; such a character is very desirable in any community, and renders its possessor worthy of preferment.

JOHN T. FRATER, Iberia; was born in Belmont Co., O., Apr. 19, 1848; his parents were originally from the north of England, of Scotch extraction. His mother only is now living-the present wife of Mr. Allen McNeal. Mr. Frater first came to Iberia in 1869, for the purpose of attending school at the "Ohio Central " College, located at that place. He soon afterward settled in this town; and first engaged as clerk for E. J. Crane, and afterwards on his own responsibility, in the grocery and provision business. In the fall of 1874 he married Miss Julia Meyers. Mr. Frater has twice held the office of Town Clerk, and twice that of County Assessor. In politics he is, a Republican, active in furthering the interests of his party, and faithful in the discharge of the office's with which he has been identified.

MATTHEW HINDMAN, farmer; P. O., Iberia; was born in Savannah, Ashland Co., Ohio, April 23d, 1835; his parents were Samuel and Anna (McKeeman) Hindman. Mr.Hindman's ancestry is Scotch- Irish-the paternal descent being Irish, and the maternal, Scotch. His mother died in 1841, and with his father he came to Iberia the following winter, and here he has since resided. He married Miss Lucinda Noble of that place in 1858, and has six children living -Eva, Cynthia, Maggie T., Jennie P., French M. and Iva Grace. Mr. Hindman has a fine farm of upwards of a hundred acres east of Iberia, on the Mansfield and Marion road; this farm he superintends, while he is also engaged in a Life Insurance Agency, for the Mutual Endowment and Relief Association of Cardington, of which association he is one of the directors.

J. S. HUNTER, farmer; P. O., Iberia; was born in Troy, Richland Co., Ohio, Jan. 28, 1833. His father, Win. Hunter, came to Richland Co.; his mother, Miss Jane Chambers, also when young-both from Pennsylvania. His grandfather was engaged in the Revolutionary War, and was among the early settlers of that state. His maternal descent is Irish. Mr. Hunter attended the Ohio Central College in the year 1857; he taught in the common schools for three winters. He married Miss Lizzie Story, June, 1858 (whose father was one of the earliest settlers, and still survives), and has one son and three daughters-Loren A., 21; Etta, 19; Rennie, 17, and Maud, 14 years of age. Mr. Hunter was in the service of his country amongst the "three-months men," in the 136th O. V. I. He lost his wife Jan. 11, 1872; seven years later he married Miss Carrie E. Walker. Mr. Hunter is a farmer, well worthy the high esteem accorded to him by his fellow citizens.

ROBERT KELLY, retired farmer; P. O., Mt. Gilead; was born in Franklin Co., Penn., Nov. 8, 1795. His father, James Kelly, was born in Belfast, Ireland, and married Miss Ann McCammis, a native of Franklin Co., Penn. In 1801 the family moved over the mountains to Washington Co., Pa., and farmed there one year, and they there entered 320 acres of land, about 16 miles west of Steubenville, Ohio, which they occupied, living in a log cabin, and cleared the land. Feb. 13, 1826, Robert was joined in marriage to Miss Jane Young, a native of Ireland, They lived on his father's farm. In 1830 his father died, and in 1832 he moved west by wagons, and settled on his present place, buying out a former settler who had made a slight improvement. In 1835 his mother and family came West, and settled in his neighborhood. She lived with her children until her death. Robert and family lived in a log cabin. She made home-spun. clothes, and he cleared the and. He also did teaming to the lake for himself and others. They did the milling below Mt. Vernon. He assisted in cutting out the road that now passes his house,


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and in many ways figured with the pioneer characters of this locality. By the marriage there was ten children. five of whom are living-James lives in Albia, Iowa; Mary Howard in Missouri; Win. Y. in Canaan Tp., this Co.; Robert J. farms the old homestead here; John M. lives In Kansas; all are married and pleasantly situated; Sept. 2, 1848, Mr. Kelly was called to mourn the death of his wife. Robert J. Kelly, farmer, P. O. Mt. Gilead was born on the present place in Washington Tp., Marion-now Morrow Co., O., June 18, 1836, and made it his home until his marriage, July 2, 1868, to Miss Mary A. Galleher, a native of Congress Tp., Richland-now Morrow Co., 0. After the marriage they moved to a farm located two miles north of Mt. Gilead, and farmed there until Jan., 1874, when they came to the old homestead, having farmed same since. Of their five children, four are living, Chas. E., Albert C., Alice E., and Anna; Bertha J. died.

J. P. LININGER, farmer; P. O., Galion; was born in Whetstone, Crawford Co., Ohio, 1833. His father, Henry Lininger, came from Canton, Stark Co., Ohio, and entered land in Crawford Co. among the earliest settlers. His mother, Mary Palmer was united in marriage to his father previous to their coming to Crawford Co., and endured with him all the hardships of pioneer life. At the age of 25 years, Mr. Lininger married Miss Harriet Harding, whose. early home was in Washington, Morrow Co. During the eleven years immediately following their marriage, they lived in Galion, Crawford Co., two of which years Mr. Lininger spent traveling in Montana Territory. They have two sons living --William H., 17, and Horace H.., 11 years of age; also Ida H., born in Galion March 22, 1860; arid died Oct. 25, 1861. They returned to Washington Tp. in 1870, and settled on the farm which had been the early home. of Mrs. Lininger, where, blessed with prosperity, they still reside.

ALLEN McNEAL, farmer; P.O., Iberia was born in Washington Co., Penn., in 1809. At the age of 18 he came with his parents to Ohio and settled in Marion Co. In the spring of 1837 he came to Iberia for permanent residence, and four years later returned to Marion Co.; six years were then passed on his father's farm, when he bought land in Canaan Township, where he resided till 1879, when he retired from active farm life, and now resides in Iberia. In the year 1837 he married Miss Agnes Struthers, from which union two children were born-J. F. McNeal, of Marion, and Mrs. Thos. D. Riddle, of Canaan, Marrow Co. But death severed the marital relation after four brief, happy years. I In 1845 he married Mrs. Rachel Davidson. They had four children, three of whom still survive-two sons, who are editors arid publishers of Medicine Lodge "Cresset," in Kansas, and one daughter, whose avocation is school-teaching. Sixteen years later he was again a widower, but after nearly nine years of loneliness he married Mrs. Isabella Frater, who is still living, and with whom he is enjoying tire fruits of a long and industrious life; having passed the allotted span of life, he is yet hale and hearty, and a devoted Christian.

JOHN McNEAL, farmer; P. O., Iberia; was born in Iberia in 1838; his parents were natives of Washington Co., Perin., whence they removed to this county with his grandparents about the year 1832, and were married soon after. Mr: McNeal has lived all these years in this county, except a single year in Ottawa Co., and those years in the service of his country. He first entered the army among the three-months' men; when mustered out of this, he entered the Ohio Artillery, in which he continued till the close of the war. He was wounded severely at the battle of Stone River, the last day of 1862, and from this wound still suffers. Mr. McNeal was married in 1876 to Miss Mary Fierer; and they have had two children. His farm containing seventy-eight acres is unencumbered, and in a good state of cultivation; has fine out buildings; and these, together with his well-appointed home, render him. well prepared to enjoy life.

JOHN McANALL, farmer; P. O., Iberia; was born in Ohio Co., W. Va., April 6,1829. His parents were originally from Ireland. His father came to America when very young, and, after his marriage settled in that county. Both parents lived and died there. Mr. McAnall lived with his parents on the farm till 23 years of age, at which time he came to Morrow Co., settling in Washington Tp., moving from time to time, till at length he settled permanently upon the farm where he


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now resides. This farm contains about a quarter section, and is under a high state of cultivation. March 29, 1855, he married Miss Sarah Levering. They have two children-Clement, 21, and Mary Ada, 18 years of age. April 28, 1864, Mrs. McAnarll died. In December, 1864, Mr. McAnall married Miss Minerva J. Logan; their children are as follows-John Logan, Cora Ann, Margaret Agnes, Martha Belle, and Hugh William. Mr. McAnall is a member of the Presbyterian Church at Iberia. He is not a politician, wishing to have as little to do with politics as is consistent with intelligent Christian citizenship; he is emphatically a farmer, practical and scientific, striving to get the most out of the soil.

HEZEKIAH McCLURE, farmer; P. O., Galion; resident of Polk Tp., Crawford Co.; was born in Westmoreland Co., Penn., Aug. 10, 1826; his father was a native of Maryland, while his mother, whose maiden name was Esther Gross, was a native of the abovenamed county in Penn.; in 1829 they removed to Richland Co., O., where they remained one year, and then moved to Jackson Tp., Crawford Co.; it was on the farm in this latter township Mr. McClure spent the remaining years of his minority; at the time of their first settlement in Crawford Co., the nearest improvement was more than a mile distant from his home; his father died Nov. 12,1849, while his mother is still living, and though nearly 87 years of age, is fully as active as many another of half her years. Oct. 5, 1853, Air. McClure married Miss Ann Crider, originally from the same county of Penn. in which he was born; they have two children -Malinda A., 25, and Wilber C., 16 years of age; Mr. McClure remained after marriage on his father's farm, till his removal to Washington Tp., in Morrow Co., which occurred in the spring of 1865; prosperity has smiled upon him, and he has accumulated a large property in the extreme north of this township; recently he has removed across the county line into Polk Tp., Crawford Co., where he now resides, though he still retains the farms he had in Washington Tp.; with wealth sufficient to own a fine town property, and secure to him a prominent place in its society, he still prefers the quiet of the country, and in the management of his farm finds happiness and content.

PETER C. McCLURE, farmer; P. O., Galion; was born in the year 1833, in Jackson Tp., Crawford Co., Ohio. His parents were amongst the earliest settlers of that county, having come from Westmoreland Co., Pa. His maternal ancestors were amongst the earliest settlers of the last named county, while his paternal grandfather was from Scotland. Mr. McClure spent his early life on the paternal acres. His father's death occurring when he was only 15 years of age, he was thus early thrown upon his own resources. In the spring of 1855 he married Miss Elizabeth Brokaw, a native of Jackson Tp. To them was born one son, Lawrence Calvin (who is still living at the home of his father). In the month of Sept., 1858, death removed the companion of his early life. In the month of May, 1860, he married Miss Margaret T. Anderson. They have two children-John Anderson, 18, and Charles Ellsworth, 16 years of age. Mr. McClure has made frequent changes of residence. At first he owned a farm in Williams Co., Ohio. This was exchanged for a farm joining the one owned by his father-in-law in Jackson Tp., Crawford Co., which, upon the death of his wife, was sold. Next he purchased a piece of "town " property in Crestline, and at the same time owned apiece of property between Crestline and Robinson, on the line of the P., Ft. W. & C. R. R. After disposing of the latter, he traded his "town " property for a farm in West Jackson. This farm was sold, and in the spring of 1870, he purchased a fine farm of 130 acres in the extreme north of Washington Tp., where he now resides. Among the fine stock on his farm, he has some thorough-bred swine of the Jersey red variety.

NEELY NOBLE, farmer; P. O., Mt.Gilead was born in Stark Co.,O., in 1823. Mr. Noble's father--James Noble--is a native of Shenandoah county, Va., and is now living in Washington Township, Morrow Co., O., and is one of its oldest settlers. Mr. Noble came with his father to this township when only 10 years old All the schooling he ever got was obtained in a log school-house in the vicinity, work ing on the farm in the summer and going to school in the winter. During his eighteenth year he helped to build the first railroad in the State of Ohio, then called Sandusky and Newark R. R., now a part of the Baltimore


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and Ohio R. R. Mr. Noble was married April 20th, 1852, to Miss Martha Elliott, but after eight years' married life she died, and in 1861 he married Miss Jane Walker, who is still living. Their family is as follows Franklin Pierce, 27; Robert Lee, 24; Chas. Fremont, 18; James Ellsworth, 16, and Lincoln, 13 years of age. Mr. Noble has a fine large farm along the eastern boundary of the township, but stock grazing is the particular branch of industry he follows--raising thoroughbred stock, horses, cattle and sheep. Of the "Durham" breed of cattle he has some as fine specimens and as near thoroughbred as can be found in the county. In this department of husbandry he is already a success.

WILLIAM NESBITT, clerk; Iberia; was born Sept. 25, 1847, in Northumberland, England, and emigrated to this country when only eight years of age. He first settled in Marion Co., Ohio, but almost immediately removed to lberia. Mr. Nesbitt selected for a companion and helpmeet, Miss Emma McPeek, to whom he was married in the month of October, 1868. They have one daughter aged ten years. Mr. Nesbitt is a carpenter by trade, but his health forbidding him to work at that occupation, for the past five years he has been engaged as clerk in the mercantile establishment of E. J. Crane. His gentlemanly hearing and activity give promise of success in that line of business.

T. C. NELSON, farmer; P. O., Iberia; was born in Wayne Co., 0., July 16, 1833; his father came from Mercer Co., Penn., when about 18 years of age; his mother is of Scotch descent; after their marriage they removed to Washington Tp., Morrow Co., and settled on the farm, where they are now residing. This occurred when Thomas, the eldest, was about 11 years of age. After attaining his majority, Mr. Nelson spent about one and a half years in Iowa. After his return he spent some time with his father, but together with his brother, leased a farm near Galion, in Crawford Co., for a term of three years; at the expiration of this lease, or in 1862, they together purchased a steam sawmill in Washington Tp., Morrow Co., which they still own and operate. Mr. Nelson married Dec. 9, 1875; Miss Harriet B. La Rue, whose parents were among the earliest settlers of this township, having settled in the south part in 1833 (the date of their marriage.) Mrs. Nelson's father, Wm. R. La Rue, is of French descent; was born in Pleasant Co., W. Va. Her mother, Miss Eliza Amlin, was a native of Washington Co., O.; after their marriage Mr. LaRue entered 1/4 section on the State road, where they remained only a short time, when they removed to a farm on the Iberia road, and there spent their remaining years; both are buried in the cemetery at Iberia.

A. B. NEWSOM, farmer; P. O., Mt. Gilead; was born in Gilead, Morrow Co., in 1832. His parents were originally from Washington Co., Ind.; his ancestry preceding the second generation were English. Mr. Newson spent his youth on his father's farm, attending the public school in the vicinity. At the age of 25 he married Miss Phoebe A. Hull; the following four years he remained in Gilead, after which he removed to Washington Tp., and settled on a part of the large farm, which he has since acquired, and now controls. They have three children-Georgiana, now the wife of W. F. Blayney, living on a part of the farm; Laura, 14, and Elry, 5 years of age. Mr. Newson's farm numbers 500 acres, cultivated principally with a view to stock-grazing; while he has a large number of many varieties of live stock, he specializes two branches, viz: fine horses and sheep. He at present has on the farm about a thousand sheep, some thorough-bred, of the Spanish Merino variety; Mr. Newson is also a prominent official in the M. E. Church. With a character unimpeachable, with an abundance at his command, with opportunities unsurpassed, the future before him is indeed enviable.

JOHN T. QUAY, farmer; P. O., Iberia; was born in Center Co., Penn., Sept. 26. 1830. His parents were natives of that county; they moved into Marion Co., O., when Mr. Quay was but five years of age. Nov. 18, 1852, he married Miss Catharine Holmes, whose home was in this vicinity, though her parents were originally from the State of Pennsylvania. After marriage they settled on the farm of Mr. Holmes, where they remained about two years; they then removed to his father's farm-his parents having removed to Marion Co. They have had six children-Isaac Ervin, (who died when a little


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over five years of age); James Melvin, born Oct. 18, 1854, (and was married May 3, 1876, to Miss Ella Gillis of North Bloomfield Tp.); Emma V., Sept. 9, 1856, (and was married March 4, 1879 to James Hammond; both of these are residing on farms owned by Mr. Quay ; John T., Jr., born May 4,1858; William S., May 14, 1859; Eva D., Feb. 13, 1861; and George Elroy, April 20, 1865. Prosperity has, -in the main, attended the efforts of Mr. Quay. At one time his barns and all they contained of grain and farm implements were destroyed by fire. More recently a tornado unroofed his home, exposing its inmates to the fury of the elements. But after all these misfortunes he has succeeded, not only as a farmer, but in gaining a high place in the esteem of his fellows. A Trustee of Ohio Central College at Iberia and active in furthering its interests, steadfast in his religious principles and constantly striving for the success of his church, prominent in all movements calculated to better the community in which he resides; and none holds a higher or more secure place in the confidence and esteem of his fellow men.

WM. REED, physician; Iberia; was born in the State of Pennsylvania, in 1824, and is of. Scotch-Irish descent. When nearly thirty years of age he chose medicine as a profession, and with this in view he took a course of study in the Medical Dept. of Ohio Western Reserve College, located at Cleveland, from which he graduated in 1853. He came to Ohio in the fall of 1859, and soon after settled in Iberia, where he soon gained a large practice. At the breaking out of the war he tendered his services to the government, and was appointed Surgeon of the 176th 0. V. 1. He married in early life Mary Snodgrass, of Allegheny Co., Penn. They have five children, all grown to maturity-one, his daughter Belle, married Dr. Bennett, whom he received into partnership in the medical practice. By close application to his profession, and not being diverted by political honors, he has gained the deserved confidence and esteem of the community in which he has so long resided.

WM. SMITH, merchant; Iberia; was born in Knox Co., O., April 29, 1853. 'His father, William Smith, spent his minority in Ireland, while his mother, Miss Sarah Ann Ray was born in Washington Co., N. Y. His father came to America in 1818, and remained in the State of Pennsylvania several years when he removed to Knox Co.. 0. He married Mrs. Sarah Ann Livingstone (nee Ray), then of Pulaskiville of that county, Jan. 10, 1850. Mr. Smith spent the most of his minority on his father's farm. He came to Iberia at the age of 18 years, to attend the Ohio Central College, and then went to Oberlin. After spending some time at the latter place he returned to Iberia to engage in mercantile pursuits. October 31st, 1878, he married Mary L. Paxton, whose home has always been in Iberia. About the same time he received into partnership J. C. Irwin, and together the business is being pushed forward with success. His fellow townsmen have already recognized him as a rising young man by electing him three successive terms to the office of Township Clerk, and more recently he has been made Notary Public. Besides attending to the duties of the offices (where the people have placed him) he is also diligent in business affairs.

JOSEPH H. SHUMAKER, farmer; P. O., Galion; was born in Berks Co., Penn., in the year 1814; his parents were always residents of that county, while his grandparents were amongst the earliest settlers of the same. Mr. Shumaker remained with his parents till about 18 years of age, when he was apprenticed to the shoemakers' trade. He first engaged in that business in Lycoming Co., of his native State, where he carried on a shop for more than a year. He was now enabled to enlarge his business, and so removed to Harrisburg, and kept a boot and shoe store for the next four years; then he returned to Lycoming Co., where, this time, he remained about four years. His next change-occurred in October, 1844, when he came to the State of Ohio, settling in Fairfield Co., still "sticking to his last;" but, having purchased a farm his attention was somewhat divided between shoemaking and farming. His trade seems to have become less and less enjoyed, and his farm more desirable; accordingly, after thirteen years passed in these two occupations, he next removed to Washington Tp., Morrow Co., settling on a farm some two miles west of his present residence, and engaged alto


BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES - 751

gether in farming. At length he moved across the county line into Polk Tp., Crawford Co. This was in 1864. Here he engaged in a variety of occupations sufficient to crowd the time and attention of a half-dozen different men farming, stock-droving, the grocery and commission business; at the same time owning and managing a steam saw-mill. Eight years were occupied with these crowding activities; in 1872 he was weary of this variety of life, and hence returned to Washington Tp., to pass the remaining years of his life on a fine farm, in the extreme northeast of the township. When engaged in business in Harrisburg, Penn., he married Miss Susan Walton, whose early home was in Muncie, Penn., who has shared with him, all these changes. The old family Bible tells the following story: John, born Sept. 2, 1837; Ebenezer, Dec. 28, 1839; Harriet, Sept. 9, 1842, (died Nov. 18, 1879;) James, Jan. 20,1845; Joseph A., Sept.7, 1847; Ann M., Oct. 31, 1849; Elmira C., Feb. 5, 1852; Emily R., June 9,1854; Clarissie, July 17,1856; Franklin P., Dec. 20, 1858. This reveals the fact that all these have lived to maturity; one only has died, and of the remainder, all except two are married, and are living in homes of their own, more or less distant, one only beyond the bounds of the State. Such is a brief record of an eventful life crowned with success.

J. M. STIGERS, merchant; Iberia Station; was born in 1.844, in Washington Co., Penn. When but 8 years of age he was thrown upon his own resources, and at that time came within the territory of Morrow Co., O., and almost immediately settled in Washington Tp., at Iberia Station. Stigers had merely common school advantages, but these were carefully improved ;Pon. Preferring single blessedness so far of his life, he is yet unmarried. When 17 years of age he commenced working on the C. C. C. & I. R. R.; two years were passed upon the road, one year in the passenger depot, and five years in the freight depot, in Cleveland; all the time in the employ of the same company. In 1869 his health failed, and on account of this he commenced the business of a peddler; this he continued for five years, when he regained his health and returned to Iberia Station, to engage in the grocery and commission business, and in this business is now engaged with success.

J. W. SHAFFER, farmer, P. O., Galion; was born in Washington Tp., Morrow Co., July 17, 1846; his parents (still living on the farm adjoining) were among the early settlers, coming from Mansfield, 0., but originally from Germany. Mr. Shaffer has spent all these years on his father's farm, or that portion of it which is come into his possession. His opportunities for an education were limited to the public schools in the near vicinity, but these were eagerly seized and conscientiously improved. May 3, 1866, he married Miss Mary Burkhart, whose early home was in Pennsylvania, but more recently in Marion Co. of this State. They have three children; the two oldest are as follows: Sarah Ellen, 13 years, and Ida May, 7 years of age. Mr. Shaffer has a fine farm, numbering 50 acres, in a fine state of cultivation. In this he interests himself, keeping it in good repair, raising good crops, and is making a success as a practical farmer.

ALFRED B. TUTTLE, farmer; P. O., Galion, was born in 1843, in Washington Co., Penn.; when only four years of age his parents came to Washington Tp., Morrow Co., 0., and with them he has spent all his years; his mother, widowed in 1868, is still living upon that portion of the home farm which was allotted to him; although young, at the breaking out of the war he enlisted in the 136th 0. N. G., and with that regiment passed the term of service in Ft. Lyon, Va.; Oct. 11, 1870, he was married to Miss Eliza Harding, whose early home had always been in this and in Marion counties; they have two children Clarence Eugene and Alva Cary; having no political aspirations further than to deposit an intelligent vote, aiming only at the best method of cultivating his farm, which is sure to bring good results, Mr. Tuttle must secure not only a competency, but many of the luxuries of life.

OWEN TUTTLE, farmer; P. O., Galion; was born in Washington Co., Penn., May 28, 1837; his parents were natives of that county; his grandfather was engaged in the war of the Revolution; Mr. Tuttle's parents came to Washington Tp., Morrow Co., O., when he was but ten years of age; on the farm of his parents he spent his minority, and in 1862 he enlisted in the service of his country in the 45th O. V. I., which was an old regiment re


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organized; after three months service he was honorably discharged; after his return to his home, he again enlisted, this time in the 136th O. N. G., which passed its term of service in Ft. Lyon, Virginia; at the close of the war, Mr. Tuttle and his brother leased the home farm, which, at the death of his father, was divided, about 130 acres falling to his share; June 10, 1867, he married Margaret Gilliland, whose early home was in the near vicinity, they have one daughter, Mary L., 12 years of age. In the year of his marriage he built a fine house, and now, surrounded pleasantly, with enough to secure a competency, he is prepared to enjoy the best that life brings.