COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD - 175 mont, Ohio, and has two children—Thomas G. and Charles B. (Mr. Jackson is a Republican); Mahala, born April 24, 1832, who married Thomas J. Eldridge, a farmer of Indiana, who was a soldier in the Civil war (he is a Republican and a member of the U. B. Church); Francis, a blacksmith of Green Spring, Ohio, who married Eliza Strouse, and has four children—Ellen, Minerva, William 0. and Birchard (he served in the Civil war in Company I, Seventy-second O. V. I.); Mary Ann, who married Charles Robinson, a farmer of Michigan, and has six children—Francis, Milo, Charles, Clifford, Howard and Minnie (Mr. Robinson is a Republican and a member of the M. E. Church; he was a soldier in the Civil war); Oscar, who is a farmer near Galesburg, Ill., married Margaret Ickes, and has five children (he is a Republican and a member of the M. E. Church); and Caroline, born July 10, 1847, who married Daniel Condon, a carpenter and school teacher, and died July 25, 1871 (they had a child that died in infancy; Mr. Condon is a Republican). Our subject started out to work on a farm by the month when he was only ten years of age, saved his money and made prudent investments, and is now enjoying the fruits of his early economy and industry. At the age of twenty-seven, October I3, 1851, he married Miss Elizabeth Posey, who was born August 30, 1832, and they had seven children, of whom, Orin married Angeline King, and has two children—Frank and Lulu (he is a Democrat and a member of the U. B. Church); Charles, who is a farmer, married Mary Cookson (he is a Democrat and a member of the Evangelical Association); Lodemie married Michael Mowery, and has three children —Charles, Lewis and Webb; Marshall, a farmer, married Miss Carrie Smith (he is a Democrat); Lorema married Elijah Voorhies, a farmer of Seneca county (he is a Republican and a member of the U. B. Church); Frank, a farmer, of Jackson township, married Miss Clara Havens (he is a Democrat); the name of the seventh child is Barbara A. Mrs. Kenan is the daughter of Isaac and Sabra (Preston) Posey, both of whom were natives of Pennsylvania, the former born in 1804 near Philadelphia, the latter in 1810 in Mercer county. They had a family of children as follows: Sarah, Elizabeth (Mrs. Kenan), Sabra, Luther, Rachel and Hannah (twins), Harriet, Bell, Susanna, Martha, Mary, John, David, Esther and William, ten of whom are living. Mr. and Mrs. Posey migrated to the Black Swamp, Ohio, when Mrs. Kenan was but two years of age, and the father died in 1858, the mother September 20, 1888. Grandmother Elizabeth Preston was born in England, about 1777, and had six children, four of whom are living. Mrs. Kenan's paternal grandfather, Micaga Posey, was a major in the Revolutionary war. The first land Mr. Kenan bought was 180 acres in Jackson township; he next purchased 122 in Scott township, then about 200 of his neighbor's land, making in all 327 acres. He has retired from farming, his son, G. F. Kenan, operating the farm; but during his active life he cleared many acres of heavily-timbered land which he now owns. He has leased his land in Scott township to the Standard Oil Co., receiving a snug income from this source. In politics he is a stanch Democrat, and in religious faith a member of the Baptist Church, to which he contributes liberally. ZACHARY TAYLOR. In the two worlds of Clyde, Sandusky county, its business and its social circles, the names of Zachary Taylor and his accomplished wife rank as leaders; and in the joyous and prosperous lives of these two people the two spheres are most happily blended. Mrs. Taylor, while possessing all the womanly graces 176 - COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. of her sex, has a keen business sense, a rare taste and judgment, exercised in the selection of stock which attracts to her husband's dry-goods store the best trade from a wide region of country. The mercantile career of Mr. Taylor has not been one succession of successes. Sunlight has followed shadow, but through it all runs the gleam of mercantile ability. As a child of six years Zachary Taylor sold apples on the train and peddled molasses candy. At the age of thirteen years he went behind the counter for W. B. Clock, and for ten years he clerked for various firms before entering business for himself. He has become a prominent merchant of northern Ohio, and is distinctively a self-made man—one who realizes the talismanic powers of industry and business push. Mr. Taylor was born at Clyde September 16, 1849, son of George W. and Abigail C. (`hitcher) Taylor. George W. Taylor was born in Rensselaer county, N. Y., in 1825, and comes from old Vermont stock of Scotch and Irish ancestry. He learned the saddler's trade in New York and followed it at Troy and at New York City. Coming west, he worked at his trade for a short time at Milan and Sandusky, and about 1845 came to Clyde. Here he conducted a dry-goods and grocery store for a time, but later returned to the saddlery business. He was a Republican in politics, and his blameless life was dominated by a spirit of practical Christianity. He died of paralysis in 1881. Abigail (Whitcher), wife of George W. Taylor, was born at Gasport, N. Y., February 3, 1828, and migrated with her brothers and her widowed mother to Milan, where she met her future husband. The Whitchers are of English extraction. Generations ago three unmarried brothers of the name came to America, two of whom returned to England, where they acquired wealth and died childless. The third married in America, and from him the present Whitchers in this country have descended. An absence of legal records prevents the representatives from obtaining the English inheritance. The Whitchers are hardy, frugal, honest people, of great industry, and it is from his mother that Zachary Taylor has inherited his push and executive business ability. To George W. and Abigail Taylor four children were born: Erastus, accidentally killed at the age of fifteen years, while hunting; Zachary; Emma A., wife of L. C. Carlin, a real-estate dealer of Findlay, and Ida L. At the age of twenty-three Zachary Taylor, in partnership with G. S. Richards, established at Clyde a dry-goods business, which they conducted seven years. In the latter years they did not prosper, and were compelled to make an assignment; investigation revealed that a confidential clerk had been a large embezzler. Left penniless at thirty by this betrayal of trust, Zachary Taylor went on the road; first traveling through Ohio and Indiana for E. M. McGillen & Co., of Cleveland, for three years, then for Mills & Gibb, a New York house. In 1888 Mr. Taylor was again on his feet financially. He re-established a business at Clyde in dry goods, carpets, furnishing goods, etc., which has grown rapidly. He now employs from six to seven clerks, and occupies two floors, 25 x 100 feet, centrally located. When he opened his business in 1888 most of the best trade of Clyde was going elsewhere, but he put in a line of goods that could not be excelled, and as a result Clyde not only holds her own in trade, but draws upon that of other neighboring cities. Mr. Taylor was married, October 2, 1877, to Miss Julia R. Klink, who was born December 24, 1861, daughter of Rev. Charles M. and Julia (Black) Klink. Rev. Klink was an English Lutheran minister. He was born at Newville, Cumberland Co., Penn., in 1824, son of John George and Elizabeth (Humes) Klink. John G. Klink was born in Eng- COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD - 177 land of English and German parentage. He was a man of force and character, but without titled name. Elizabeth Humes, the girl he loved and married, was the daughter of an English lord, and for her plebeian marriage she was disinherited. The young couple emigrated to America, settling at Newville, Penn., and here Mr. Klink acquired wealth. He was a man of temperate habits, and was highly honored for his integrity and many other virtues. Charles M. Klink attended a theological seminary at Cincinnati, Ohio, expecting to become a Presbyterian minister, but at the earnest solicitation of his father he was ordained a minister of the English Lutheran Church. At Cincinnati he met his future wife, Miss Julia Black. She was born at College Hill, a suburb of Cincinnati, and was a cousin of Henry Ward Beecher. Mr. Klink was introduced to her by that afterward distinguished divine, who was a fellow student at the seminary. Many years of his pastoral work were spent by Rev. Klink at Middletown, Md. He was there during the Civil war, and had just completed a new church when the battle occurred in that vicinity. His new church was converted into a hospital, and the wounded and disabled soldiers were the first beneficiaries of the new upholstered seats. His health failing, Rev. Klink came to Ohio. He purchased the Uriah Lemon farm, south of Sandusky, and sitting in a chair he preached on the last Sunday of his life; he died in 1862. To Rev. and Mrs. Klink six children were born: Mary Elizabeth, wife of Arthur G. Ellsworth, a farmer of Sandusky county; George A., in the oil business at Cleveland, Ohio; John W., a farmer of Eaton Rapids, Mich. ; Jennie E., wife of W. E. Bunker, of Eaton Rapids, Mich. ; Julia R. ; and William E., an insurance agent of Richmond, Va. To Zachary and Julia Taylor one child, Z. Arthur, was born March 11, 1881. Mrs. Taylor is a member of the M. E. Church and a leader in Church work. She has been a member of the choir, and as a Sunday-school teacher her class grew in a short time from eighteen to fifty-six members. Both Mr. and Mrs. Taylor are members of the Chosen Friends, and he is now Regent of the Royal Arcanum. In politics he is a radical Republican. In business Mrs. Taylor is of great assistance to her husband. It would be difficult to find anywhere a woman of superior or even equal business abilities. In business and social relations they work as one individual. Mr. Taylor is a great " home man," and perhaps carries more insurance than any other resident of Clyde. The city is indebted to this couple perhaps as to no other for the charms and refinements of its better life. DANIEL BEMIS, widely known as a liberal and well-to-do farmer of York township, Sandusky county, was born in Ontario county, N. Y., July 3, 1825, son of James and Anna (Morely) Bemis, both natives of Connecticut. James Bemis, when a young man, emigrated from his native State to New York, and about 1832 came to Ohio. He located in Groton township, Erie county, erected a shop on his farm, and for many years engaged jointly in clearing and tilling the soil, and in following his trade of blacksmithing. He was an Old-line Whig, and died before the war. Both he and his wife were buried at Bellevue. Their family of nine children were as follows: James, who died in Clyde, aged seventy-two years; Harriet Nichols, who died at her home in Clyde October 1, 1894; Chauncey, of Strawberry Point, Iowa; Shepherd, of Bowling Green; Daniel, subject of this sketch; Harvey, who died at his home in Illinois, in September, 1895; Sally Ann, wife of James Tuck, of Lansing, Mich. ; Emeline, wife of John Gardner, of York township; and 178 - COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. Leonard, who died at the age of fourteen years. Daniel Bemis grew to manhood on his father's farm in Erie county, and received his education in the district schools. He was married, March 2, 1854, to Cordelia Laughlin, who was born July 8, 1835, in Erie county, daughter of John and Harriet (Call) Laughlin. John Laughlin was born in Beaver county, Penn., March 3, 1796. His father was a native of Ireland. John Laughlin was a soldier in the war of 1812, and when a young man he came to Berlin township, Erie county, where he married Harriet Call. She was born in New York State, November 26, 1807, daughter of Rev. Call, who was a Baptist missionary among the Indians. He had married a Miss Cross, and settled in Berlin township, Erie county. After marriage John and Harriet Laughlin lived in Berlin township until 1842, and then moved to Beaver county, Penn. Nine years later they returned to Erie county, where the father died soon after, on September 3, 1851; the mother survived until November 19, 1857. The children of John and Harriet Laughlin were as follows: Melissa, born April 7, 1833, married Reuben Metcalf, and lives in Muscatine county, Iowa; Cordelia, wife of Mr. Bemis; Levi, born September 17, 1837, lives in Wood county, Ohio; Cyrus, born December 24, 1839, enlisted in the autumn of 1861 in Company F, Forty-ninth O. V. I., and died at Louisville, Ky., in August, 1864, from a wound received in service; Hudson, born May 9, 1842, died July 11, 1857; Clara, born August 1, 1846, married Zeno Bush, and died August 23, 1875; Dana Franklin, born September 23, 1850, died March 12, 1852. After marriage Mr. and Mrs. Bemis began housekeeping on a farm in Erie county, and remained there until 1856, when they removed to Sandusky county, where they have since resided. To them have been born children, as follows: Emeline, born April 11, 1855, died June 19, 1856; Daniel H., born July 11, 1858, died April 18, 1865; George Laughlin, born May 12, 1861, married and has one child-Edna-born March 12, 1888 (they live in Sandusky county); Effie, born July 25, 1863, died April 5, 1864; Fred H., born February 16, 1865, married Nellie Pickering, and they are the parents of three children-Elsie, Zeno and Herbert; Zeno, born June 14, 1870, resident of Iowa; Clara B., born March 1, 1875, at home; and Burton W., born July 1, 1877, at home. Mr. Bemis takes an active interest in politics, and is a stanch member of the Republican party. GEORGE B. SMITH, dental surgeon, one of the leading professional men of Fremont, Sandusky county, is a fair example of the success which may be attained, even early in life, by concentration of purpose and thoroughness of preparation in any chosen calling. Dr. Smith, who was born May 5, 1864, in Ballville township, Sandusky county, was the son of a farmer, but decided to forsake the pursuit of agriculture which so many of his ancestors had followed, and to prepare himself for a professional career. His early education was acquired in the district school, that alma mater to which so many of the brilliant minds, not only of Ohio, but of numerous other States, owe allegiance, this being followed by a course in the high school at Fremont. He began the study of dentistry under Dr. Cregar, of the same city, and afterward attended the Dental College at Philadelphia, Penn., from which he was graduated in 1887. He returned to Fremont and at once entered upon his profession, in which he has been eminently successful, having built up a large and constantly increasing practice. Dr. Smith is so admirably equipped for his work, both from natural ability and thorough acquaintance with its details, COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD - 179 that the public place the utmost confidence in his professional skill. Added to this, his well-known integrity and many delightful social qualities render him a very agreeable companion, and it follows as a matter of course that he occupies a prominent place in the community. He is president of the Epworth League of Fremont, and is also a member of the I. 0. 0. F. He is non-partisan in politics, but rather leans to the Republican party, with which he generally casts his vote. On May 1, 1893, he was married to Miss Iva M. Fitch, who was born in Angola, Ind., and is a daughter of Dr. John and Emma Fitch. Dr. Fitch died from the effect of wounds received in the army; his widow still resides in Fremont. The pleasant home of Dr. and Mrs. Smith is the resort of a large circle of friends. It may not be amiss to add here a short sketch of the immediate family of our subject. His father, John C. Smith, who is a farmer of Ballville township, was born in Warren county, N. J., July 9, 1828. He was a son of William and Sarah (Trimmer) Smith, of Dutch descent. William Smith's father was Peter Smith, who was born in Holland, emigrated to the United States, served during the Revolutionary war, and died in New Jersey. William Smith grew to manhood in New Jersey, where he followed farming and teaming. He removed to Perry county, Ohio, in 1839, and to Ballville township, Sandusky county, in 1847, where he cultivated a farm; he died, in 1865, at the age of seventy-five years. In politics he was a Democrat. His wife died July 3, 1858, aged sixty-four years. Their children were: Henry, who is a grocer at Newark, Ohio; Sarah, married to Jacob R. Cole, a farmer of Ballville township; William, a farmer, who married Sarah Sibbrel, and was for eighteen years treasurer of Ballville township ; George, a farmer, married to Elizabeth Petty; John C., who was married November 1, 1850, to Ellenora Bowland, and Hannah Maria, who died when eleven years of age. The children of John C. and Ellenora Smith were as follows: Susan, born October 4, 1851, married Judge Kelley, of Port Clinton, Ohio, their children being Amy, Bessie and Donnell; Frank P., born July 27, 1855, is a farmer (he married Laura Spade, and has two children, Homer and Cleve), and George B., the subject of this sketch. AARON SMART. This well-known farmer and lumber-mill owner has been identified with the growing interests of Townsend township, Sandusky county, for a period of thirty years. Much of the prosperity of this township, as well as of the village of Vickery, is due to his progressiveness and indomitable industry, and, knowing and appreciating this fact, his fellow-citizens hold him in high esteem and regard. Mr. Smart was born in Erie county, Ohio, December 18, 1842, and is a son of Pettis and Sophia (Kraemer) Smart, who had a family of eight children, of whom the following named five survive: Camellia, wife of Franklin Plantz, residing in Kansas; Aaron, the subject of this sketch; Elizabeth, wife of John Leary, residing in Wood county; Martha, wife of Frederick Wallie, living in Elmore; and Lafayette, residing near Fremont. When four years of age Aaron Smart came with his parents to Madison township, Sandusky Co., Ohio, his boyhood days being spent here upon his father's farm, and he received his education in the district schools. Here he resided until 1861, in which year he enlisted in Company A, One Hundred and Eleventh O. V. I., and served his country faithfully for three years during the war of the Rebellion, taking part in no less than thirty-one engagements. He was mustered out and finally discharged at Cleveland in the spring of 1865, and went to Fremont, Sandusky county, whither his parents 180 - COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. had removed during his absence. He there again engaged in agricultural pursuits for about a year, removing to Townsend in 1866, since which date he has been a continuous resident of that township, closely identified with its varied interests. In Riley township, Sandusky county, January 1, 1867, Aaron Smart was united in marriage with Abigail Lutes, who was born in Stark county, Ohio, March 30, 1846, daughter of Adam and Elizabeth (Faber) Lutes, and they had ten children, eight of whom are now living, their names and dates of births being as follows: John W., August 6, 1870; Samuel M., March 11, 1872; Clara B., June 10, 1875 (she is now the wife of Ernest Werman); Wesley P., November 3, 1877; Aaron L., December 27, 1879; Zella E., January 9, 1882; Roscoe C., May 8, 1884; and Glennie G., March 3, 1886. Politically, Mr. Smart is a good, active Democrat. He has served his township efficiently as trustee for six years, and has also held other township offices. Both he and his family attend the Methodist Episcopal Church. HENRY SCHROEDER was born in Hanover, Germany, October 19, 1829, and is a son of Charles and Julia (Glaisecik) Schroeder. Charles Schroeder, a shoemaker in Germany, came with his family to America in 1842, and located in Woodville township, Sandusky Co., Ohio. Here he bought eighty acres of timberland, cleared it, and made it his home until his death, which occurred in February, 1882. His widow died in 1893. Henry Schroeder was reared on his father's farm, and obtained a good English and German school education. In his eighteenth year he went to Toledo, Ohio, where he worked three years at the shoemaker's trade. He then returned to Woodville, Sandusky county, and became associated in business with Nicholas Smith, continuing for only three months, when he built a shop, and went into business for himself. In 1852 Henry Schroeder was united in marriage with Sophia Dickmeyer, by whom he has had eight children, as follows: Lucy, who married Fred Sandwisch, of Woodville township; Richie, who married Henry Snyder, and lives in Michigan; Carrie, who married Gus Shepherds, and is living in Michigan; Minnie is deceased; Charles married Amy Kinker, of Toledo, Ohio; William lives in Michigan; Harry died in infancy; Sophia is deceased. Mrs. Henry Schroeder died December 18, 1874, and in October, 1876, Mr. Schroeder again married, taking to wife Angeline Shepherds, daughter of Harmony Shepherds, a farmer of Indiana. Mr. Schroeder still has forty acres of valuable land in Woodville township, Sandusky county, which he rents out. He is a Democrat in politics, has been superintendent of roads, is trustee, and is a member of the Lutheran Church. H. G. GIBBONS is a leading real-estate dealer of Clyde, Sandusky county, and is a native of New York State, born July 27, 1842, at Lisbon, St. Lawrence county. On his father's side he is descended from old English stock, while on his mother's he claims Scotch descent. His paternal grandparents in an early day emigrated from their native land, England, to Upper Canada (now Province of Ontario), where, in the then village of Renfrew, they passed the rest of their lives. Their children were: James, William, George, Joseph, Thomas and Mary, of whom James was a ship captain on the lakes many years; William and George were extensive lumber and timber merchants; Thomas was the father of our' subject, and will be more fully spoken of presently; Mary married Philip Thompson, all of whom made their home in the vicinity of Renfrew, Canada. COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD - 181 Thomas Gibbons was born at Renfrew, Canada, in 1810, whence he moved to New York State, making a permanent settlement there. For many years he was clerk of the court at Canton, St. Lawrence county, and enjoyed a wide popularity. He owned a large farm, and at one period of his life was a steamboat clerk on the river St. Lawrence, at another time conducting a mercantile business. He was married at Canton, N. Y., to Isabella Thompson, who was born in Scotland in 1810, and when an eight year old girl came to America with her parents, who settled in St. Lawrence county, N. Y., where they followed agricultural pursuits. To Thomas Gibbons and his wife were born eleven children, a brief record of whom is as follows: (I) William was a veteran in the war of the Rebellion, and was made prisoner at the battle of Spottsylvania Court House, where he was wounded; he died recently in St. Lawrence county, N. Y. (2) James was a clerk in Ogdensburg, N. Y., for about fifteen years, and subsequently followed the trade of jeweler. (3) Jonathan was a wholesale merchant at Flackville, St. Lawrence Co., N. Y. (4) Isaac ran a mail stage for many years at Ogden, N. Y., and is now a wholesale merchant at Hermon, N. Y. (5) Mary Jane married Eli Vandelinder, and they live at DeKalb Junction, N. Y. (6) Agnes married Samuel Baxter, a farmer and dairyman of DeKalb, N. Y. (7) H. G. is the subject proper of this sketch. (8) Marcelia married Joseph Lawrence, and they are residents of New York State. (9) Susannah married Thomas McConkey, and they moved to Toronto, Canada, where they died. (10) George is a wholesale and retail merchant at DeKalb Junction, N. Y. , where he is a leading politician. (I I) Helen married Albert Lawrence, a furniture dealer of DeKalb Junction, N. Y. The parents of this numerous family died, the father in 1860, the mother in 1874. H. G. Gibbons received a liberal education at the public schools of the vicinity of his place of birth, subsequently attending college at Canton, N. Y., after which he went to Canada and there taught school some seven years. Returning to New York State, he did not long tarry there, having concluded to try. his fortune in the then Far West. After a brief residence in Chicago, however, he " drifted " from there to New Orleans, whence after a stay of some three months he returned north, and in 1863 took up his temporary abode in Cleveland, Ohio. From there he once more proceeded to New York State, thence a second time to Canada, where he again took up the profession of school-teacher. At the end of about a year he returned to the United States, and in Riley township, Sandusky Co., .Ohio, made a more permanent settlement. Here for twenty years he taught school, becoming a representative " dominie," a veritable reproduction of the school-master Oliver Goldsmith had in his mind's eye when he penned the lines: A man severe he was, and stern to view; I knew him well, as every truant knew; Well had the boding tremblers learned to trace The day's disasters in his morning face. After this extensive and honorable professional career Mr. Gibbons retired from the field of pedagogy to engage in other pursuits, among which may be mentioned the selling of farm machinery among the agricultural classes, more recently taking up the real-estate business, in which latter occupation he is at present extensively engaged in the city of Clyde. Mr. Gibbons has been twice married first time in 1869 to Miss Sarah Van Buskirk, who was born in Riley township, Sandusky Co., Ohio, and who passed away two years after marriage, leaving one child, Justin R., born February 11, 1868, died April 16, 1888. For his second wife Mr. Gibbons was married in 1871 to Miss Sarah Hawk, who was born in Green Creek township, Sandusky Co., 182 - COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. Ohio, November 1, 1848, and the record of the children born to this union is as follows: (1) Maude M., born March 14, 1874, is one of the most estimable young ladies of Clyde, and is at present assisting her father in his real-estate business; (2) Mabel L., born December 28, 1882; (3) Harry G., born October 21, 1886; (4) Clyde, born April 13, 1890, died December 8, 1890. Mr. Gibbons is a man of impulsive yet sympathetic temperament, scourging all that is wrong with unrelenting lash, and cleaving to what is right with fierce tenacity. To his enemies he is generous, though antagonistic; to his friends he is faithful and sincere. In his political preferences he is an ardent Democrat, and he enjoys the esteem and respect.of a wide circle of friends. GEORGE A. ZIMMERMAN, one of the well-to-do farmers of Green Creek township, Sandusky county, and a citizen of high type, who is interested in all affairs of public moment, is by birth a Marylander. He was born in Frederick county, that State, October 29, 1830, and is the son of George and Rosanna (Barrack) Zimmerman. His father was of the old Pennsylvania-German stock, and was born in the " Keystone " State. He was by trade a shoemaker, and also engaged extensively in farming. He was a man of thrifty habits, and by industry accumulated a competence. He died in Frederick county at the age of sixty-four years. In religious belief he was a Lutheran; while his wife was a member of the German Reformed Church. The family of George and Rosanna Zimmerman consisted of eight children, as follows: William; Mary, now Mrs. Shank; Wesley (deceased); Minerva, wife of Oliver Lease; Barbara, wife of C. Myer; Theodore Jacob (deceased), all of the State of Maryland, and George A., subject of this sketch. George A. Zimmerman was reared in Maryland, attending the district schools and assisting on his father's farm. In the spring of 1857, at the age of twenty-seven years, he came to Tiffin, Ohio, and in the autumn of the same year he moved to Sandusky county. On the 13th of September, 1860, he was married to Miss Mary Ira, a native of Germany. The union of George and Mary Zimmerman has been blessed by the birth of four children, as follows: Francis (deceased) and Franklin (twins), born December 5, 1861; Rosanna, born January 2, 1864 (died March 2, 1893), and George Wesley, born June 14, 1875. The son Franklin is a prominent minister of the Ohio Conference Methodist Episcopal Church, receiving his collegiate and theological education at Delaware, Ohio, and Boston Theological Seminary. Rev. Zimmerman began his ministry in 1889, and was married to Miss Mary Grove, of Findlay, Ohio. Four children have been born to them, namely: Ruth, Paul, Helen and Kenneth. The younger son, George, is now engaged in tilling his father's farm, and promises to soon be one of the successful agriculturists of Sandusky county. Mr. Zimmerman is a prominent and consistent member of the Green Spring M. E. Church, being a liberal contributor to all the Christian charities, and practicing in his daily walk all he professes. Mrs. Zimmerman is no less known for her many virtues, being a life member of of the Women's Foreign Missionary Society of the M. E. Church, and a cheerful laborer in all Church work. AMBROSE KERNAHAN, deceased. If character counts for aught, the subject of this sketch was a wealthy man. His neighbors learned by experience, if they did not acquire the knowledge by intuition, that the word of Mr. Kernahan was worth its face value any time, that he never made a COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD - 183 promise without fulfilling it, unless circumstances, impossible to control, arose to prevent. This regard for his word, however, was not a hobby with Mr. Kernahan, nor was it the absorbing quality of his mind; it was only an index to the moral and mental soundness of the man. He came of Scotch-Irish stock, and was born in Livingston county, N. Y., July 19, 1836, son of Alexander and Hannah (Clapp) Kernahan. Alexander Kernahan was born in Ireland about 1800, and when a young man emigrated to America, settling first in Onondaga county, N. Y., where he worked for eight dollars per month, and subsequently moving to Livingston county, N. Y., whence, in 1854, he came to Sandusky county, Ohio, where he bought land and spent the remainder of his years, dying in 1876. In politics he was a Republican, and in religious belief a Presbyterian. Strict in his habits, he was universally esteemed. Hannah (Clapp) was a native of England, and died in Sandusky county. The children of Alexander and Hannah Kernahan were five in number, three of whom—Ambrose, James and Eliza—grew to maturity. Ambrose Kernahan was reared to farming on his father's land in Green Creek township., He was a strong Union man during the Civil war, and was a member of the One Hundred and Sixty-ninth O. V. I., which in 1864 was called out in the one-hundred-days' service, and did guard duty at Fort Ethan Allen and Washington when Gen. Jubal A. Early was making a demonstration against the capital city of the nation. After the war he settled on the farm, and in 1870 he married Miss Elizabeth McKinney, who was born in New York, July 29, 1840. Mr. and Mrs. Kernahan had no children. Mr. Kernahan was a prominent member of Eaton Post No. 55, G. A. R., of Clyde. He was engaged in general farming, and was progressive and thorough in his methods, being recognized as one of the best farmers in Green Creek - 12 - township. He was a keen observer, noting with intelligent care the magnitude of the changes which occurred in doing business since his boyhood days, a half century ago. He was popular in the community wherein he had so long had his home, and when he was called from earth, on January 15, 1895, his fellow citizens mourned the departure of a much beloved and deservedly esteemed man. HOMER BRUBAKER, a successful farmer and a prominent and popular citizen of Madison township, Sandusky county, was born February 9, 1838, and is a son of John and Esther Brubaker. John Brubaker was born in Bedford county, Penn., in the year 1801, and married Esther Miller, who was born in Pennsylvania in 1811. Her father's name was John Miller. Mr. Brubaker came to Ohio in 1830, and located on an eighty-acre tract of timber land, where he afterward lived. He died there in 1848, and his wife, surviving him, died in 1889. They had ten children, namely: Jacob, married Susan Mills, a farmer in Indiana, and they have had nine children; Elida died at the age of twenty-one; Elizabeth married John Kelly, a farmer in Illinois; Susan married William Scott, they had nine children, and both parents are now dead; Mary was twice married, first time to Lee Mills, and they had four children; after the death of Mr. Mills she married Daniel Smith, and they live in Waterloo, Ind. ; Michael married Susan Miller, and they had six children; he died in 1864. Henry was twice married; first time to Elizabeth Kline, by whom he had two children, both of whom died young ; his second wife was Mary Sturtevant, and they had three children, one of whom died young; Henry died in 1870, and the widow and her two children went west, 184 - COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. where she married again. Mahelia died young. John, now a farmer, married Delia Garn; they have had seven children, and they now live in Jackson township, Sandusky county; and Homer is the subject of this sketch. During his earlier years Homer Brubaker lived at home, and worked out at times until he married. On October 23, 1858, he was united in marriage with Margaret Ickes, who was born February 9, 1840, and they have had the following named children: Alfred, now an oil speculator and farmer, born March 1, 1862; Ida, born February 22, 1864, married Albert Klotz, and they have had two children, and live in Washington township, Sandusky county; Cary, born March 11, 1869, died December 25, 1879; Laura, born July 20, 1875, married John Allison, of Oil City, Penn. ; Stella was born September 24, 1877; Lester and Lesta (twins) were born January 4, 1881, and Lesta died February 16, 1881. Mrs. Brubaker's father, George Ickes, was born August 7, 1800, and died in 1890. Her mother, whose maiden name was Margaret Croyle, was born February 20, 1803, and died April 18, 1867. They had thirteen children, two of whom died young. The others are: Henry married Susan Stainer, and they had eight children. Adam married Mary Campbell, and they live in Indiana. Catherine married Ed Burkett, of Washington township, and they have had twelve children. Thomas married Margaret Long, and they have had four children; they live in Scott township, Sandusky county. Barbara married John Valentine, and they have had two children; they live in Madison township. Susan died young. Sarah married David Miller, a farmer in Washington township, and they have had six children. Michael married Ellen Russell, and they have had two children; they live in Nebraska. Margaret is Mrs. Homer Brubaker. Sophia married John Rosenburg, who died, and she afterward married Jacob Clapper, and they have had four children; they live in Madison township. George married Mary Garn, and they have had one child; they live in Grand Rapids, Mich. George Ickes (Sr.) came to Ohio in the fall of 1832 and entered eighty acres of land in Madison township, on which he built a log cabin, wherein he lived. He was one of fifteen who attended the first election in Madison township, which was held in an old blacksmith shop owned by Jacob Garn. He did a great deal in making roads and settling up Madison township, and was well known far and near. At that time the nearest gristmill was at Fremont, Sandusky county, and it took them several days to make the trip. About the time of his marriage Homer Brubaker rented 120 acres of land, on which he lived one year, then bought thirty-seven acres where Gibsonburg now stands, which cost him six hundred dollars. He lived on this land seven years, then sold it and bought ninety-five acres, and later twenty-five, after which he moved upon this property and has lived here ever since. He also has 120 acres in Madison township, Sandusky county, known as the George Ickes property. He deals in horses and cattle. His land is situated in the oil belt, and has been leased to the Standard Oil Company. Mr. Brubaker, as is also his wife, is a member of the Evangelical Church at Gibson-burg. He is a Democrat, has several times held different offices such as those of school director and supervisor, and is well liked in the community. JOHN SNYDER, who is successfully engaged in agricultural pursuits in Sandusky county, his home being in Washington township, is numbered among the native sons of that county. where he was born May 25, 1846. His parents were James and Elizabeth (Fought) Snyder. COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD - 185 His father was born in Berkeley county, Virginia, December 15, 1800. He was in his early life one of the hardy and exemplary young men who sought early a a home in the wilds of the Western country, which was then principally inhabited by wild animals, savage beasts and venomous reptiles. His father was a millwright; also the owner of a large gristmill, and his vigorous and reliable son James was the miller. This was his principal occupation until he arrived at the age of twenty-three years. Having never attended school, except about two months, in all his life, he had at that time a very limited knowledge of books, and nearly everything else save what his father as a millwright had taught him. The thrilling stories of Western hunters and adventurers, which he had frequently heard, had inspired within him a desire to emigrate westward, and to obtain for himself a satisfactory knowledge as to the truth of these statements. The necessary arrangements were soon made, and in the spring of 1825 he bade adieu to the home of his childhood with all its endearments, and came, in company with his brother-in-law, Andrew Miller, in a two-horse wagon to the central part of Ohio, where he spent about two years in different parts of the State working at times for a shilling a day. He then concluded to return home and visit his father's family and friends. With but a few dollars jingling in his pockets, and with no friend to accompany him save his rifle, he set out on foot for his father's home in Virginia. There was a long and dreary road stretched out before him; but his determination, supported by his physical strength, was more than equal to the task. He accomplished his journey in safety, subsisting principally upon what game he killed along the way. He remained at home a few months, and again set out on foot, and came to Perry county, Ohio, where he soon after married Elizabeth, a daughter of Michael Fought, with whom he lived peaceably and happily from that time until his death, which occurred July 20, 1876. He came to this county in 1830, and in Washington township entered eighty acres of government land, upon which he built what he called a snug little log cabin. He was now surrounded on all sides by large forests, extending for many miles in every direction. The tall and stately trees prevented even the sun from shining down upon the little log cabin which he had built. The hungry wolves and other wild animals would come at night and howl and bark around his door, as though they craved him for their prey. It was not long, however, until he had cleared away a spot of ground upon which to raise some corn, which was the only grain that he could raise for a number of years. Thus he obtained for himself and family a scant living, for a few years subsisting chiefly upon cornbread and wild game. His neighbors were few and far away, and, being as poor as he, could therefore give him but little or no assistance. He would frequently carry a bushel of corn to mill all the way to Lower Sandusky (now Fremont), eight miles through the mud and water, and return the same day, and then take mush and milk for his supper. He was firm and determined in everything he undertook. Patience, perseverance and hard labor procured for him and his companion a comfortable and pleasant home which has been their enjoyment for a number of years. His companion died September 17, 1881, aged seventy-two years, six months, and sixteen days, a grand and heroic woman, no work being too laborious for her to do for the comfort of her family. There were eleven children in the family: Eliza Ann, wife of Philip Kluts, a Jackson township farmer; she was the eldest of the family of children, was born in Perry county, and died in Sandusky county May 12, 1890, aged sixty years, three months, five days; she was a faithful member of the 186 - COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. United Brethren Church; her hope was very bright, and she requested her friends to meet her in heaven. Sarah, wife of Joel Dershem, a farmer, was born January 5, 1832, and died January 25, 1895; she was a faithful member of the Methodist Church, and her prayer was turned to praise before her spirit took its flight. Jacob Snyder, the oldest of the boys, a a highly respected citizen, in religious belief belongs to the Reformed Church. William Snyder died when about a year old. James Snyder died in January, 1862. Levi Snyder, a farmer in Sandusky county, is in Church belief a Methodist. Samuel Snyder is living in Fremont, a respected citizen. Noah Snyder, by occupation a restaurant man, lives in Fremont. John Snyder, the seventh son, is the subject proper of these lines, and will be more fully referred to presently. Elizabeth became the wife of Jackson King, a Sandusky county farmer, who died, and afterward she was the wife of Samuel Lay, living in Fremont. Emma, the youngest, is the wife of James Seagraves, a farmer living in Michigan. The children are worthy representatives of that class which constitutes America's best citizens, and they owe it all to the training they received under the parental roof. John Snyder can distinctly remember when he could sit in his father's half-bushel measure, twelve inches in diameter, very comfortably , and as soon as he was able to carry a hoe he went into the cornfield, and has ever since been accustomed to hard work. On October 2, 1873, he was joined in wedlock with Miss Mahala Cookson, a daughter of one of the leading farmers of Sandusky county, and they have one child, Mabel, born September 25, 1884. Mr. and Mrs. Snyder are widely known throughout the community, and have a wide circle of friends and acquaintances who esteem them highly for their sterling worth. Mr. Snyder is a warm advocate of temperance principles, while in religious belief he is a Methodist. THEODORE BROWN, one of the progressive and highly-respected citizens of Clyde, Sandusky county, is a native of Ohio, born near Republic, Seneca county, December 8, 1844, a son of Elijah and Catherine (Sherrick) Brown. The birth of the father occurred near Frederick City, Md., May 31, 1806, and his father, who was a native of England, and in this country kept a hotel, died when his son was quite young. In 1828 the latter emigrated to Perry county, Ohio, where he married Miss Sherrick, and to them were born seven children: Henry, born in 1837, was a telegraph operator of Baton Rouge, La., where he died of yellow fever in 1856; William, born in 1838, is a telegraph operator of Brainerd, Minn. ; Eliza lane, born in 1840, married Edward Crockett, and lives near Green Springs, Seneca Co., Ohio; Mary, born in 1842, died at the age of two years; Theodore is the next in order of birth; Ann, born in 1848, married Wesley Miller, and resides on the old homestead in Seneca county; and Samuel, born in 1851, is married and lives at Ottawa, Kans. In 1841 the father located in Scipio township, Seneca Co., Ohio, three miles northwest of Republic, where he entered a tract of land from the government, which he cleared and developed, and on that place made his home until his death January 9, 1885. He identified himself with the cause of Christ in early life, uniting with the Methodist Episcopal Church. Politically, he first supported the Whig party, but later became a Democrat. His wife, who was born in Perry county, Ohio, in 1811, is still living, making her home with her children, and she also is a consistent member of the Methodist Episcopal Church. On the old farm near Republic, Theodore Brown was reared to manhood, attending the district schools, and assisted in the management of the home place until reaching the age of twenty-four COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD - 187 years, with the exception of one year, which was spent as fireman on a railroad. He now began operating his father's farm on his own account, and there remained until 1885, when he located on a farm at Lakeside, Ottawa Co., Ohio, which he carried on for three years, when he again removed to Republic, thence to Lakeside where he lived nine months, thence to Green Creek township, Sandusky county, arriving here in 1886. Here he purchased '18 acres of fine land. On September 2, 1868, Mr. Brown and Miss Nellie Hogg were married, the ceremony being performed by Rev. Edward Jewett, of Sandusky, Ohio, one of the oldest ministers of the Methodist Episcopal Church. He has also baptized the two children of Mr. and Mrs. Brown —Robert H., who was born August 5, 1872, and Thomas W., who was born May 22, 1874, and on February 14, 1894, was married to Ida Smith; they now make their home with our subject. Mrs. Brown was born in Paterson, N. J., October 25, 1837; but her childhood was passed in Sandusky county, where she received an excellent education in the public and high schools, and at the age of fifteen years she began teaching, which occupation she followed in this locality and at Put-in-Bay Island until she was married. Mrs. Brown is a daughter of Thomas and Jeannette (Lachlison) Hogg. Her mother was born in Preston, England, November 11, 1811, and in her maidenhood came to America. In 1836, at Paterson, N. J., she wedded Mr. Hogg, and by her marriage became the mother of three children—Nellie, now Mrs. Brown; Robert, an engineer on the Lakeside & Marblehead Short Line railroad, and Isabel, living near Lakeside, Ottawa Co., Ohio. The mother died at Sandusky, Ohio, in 1844. The father was also a native of Preston, England, born March 16, 1808. He learned the trade of a machinist, and, after coming to America, worked for a number of years in the Rogers Locomotive Works at Paterson, N. J. When the Mad River & Lake Erie railroad was built, Mr. Hogg was sent west in charge of a locomotive for that company, the first one purchased by it, and the pioneer railroad locomotive west of the Alleghany mountains. This was in 1837, and he made the trip over the Hudson river, Erie canal and Lake Erie, landing at Sandusky, Ohio. After getting this engine, " Sandusky " by name, up and in operation, he was induced to remain as its engineer; and later he was made master mechanic on that road. After the death of his first wife, Mr. Hogg wedded Mary Driver, a native of Montreal, Canada, and by this union four children were born—Stella, Alice and Nettie (twins), and Thomas. The mother is still living and resides near Lakeside, Ohio. For many years Mr. Hogg followed railroading, but in 1867 he retired to his farm in Danbury, Ottawa Co., Ohio, where his death occurred April 21, 1881. He was a man of unusual physical and mental vigor; of strong will and honest purpose, and made his mark wherever he went. Theodore Brown, the subject proper of this sketch, attended the lectures given by Miss Frances E. Willard at Lakeside, Ohio, and by her was converted, becoming a strong Prohibitionist. He voted that ticket when only two others were cast in Green Creek township, Sandusky county. He and his wife are earnest members of the Methodist Episcopal Church. They enjoy the friendship of a large circle of acquaintances, and are numbered among the prominent and influential citizens of Sandusky county. ORSON HIGLEY, a successful farmer and one of the oldest residents of Townsend township, Sandusky county, is a son of Hezekiah and Jerusha (Clock) Higley, and was born in Cayuga county, N. Y., June 24, 1827. 188 - COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. Hezekiah Higley was born of English-Scotch ancestry in New York State in 1794. He enlisted in the American army, served during the war of 1812, and was honorably discharged. In 1824 he was united in marriage with Jerusha Heath, who was born in New York State in 1797, and they had the following children: Anson, who died at Hudson, Mich. ; Orson, the subject of this sketch; William, of Seneca county; George, who was a member of the Seventy-second O. V. I., and died in hospital; Laura, Mrs. Cyrus Daniels, who died in Riley township, September, 1894; Sophia, Mrs. David Fuller (deceased); and Sophronis, who died at home in June, 1861. In 1829 Mr. Higley moved to Erie county, Ohio, and five years later to the then unbroken wilderness of Riley township, in this county. The only means for finding one's way was to follow trails or " blazed " trees, as no roads had been marked out in the entire township. Mr. Higley bought and cleared forty acres which a few years after he traded for eighty acres of land in Townsend township, where he made his home during the remainder of his life. Shortly before his death the government began to substantially reward him for his services in the war of 1812, by granting him a pension. He died January 19, 1886; Mrs. Higley preceding him, having passed away in 1880. When Orson Higley was but two years old his parents came to Ohio, where the meager education which was granted him was obtained. He remained at home helping his father until 1851, and on June 15, of that year, was united in marriage with Miss Permelia A. Twiss, who was born December 2 I , 1831, in Wayne county, N. Y., and they had one child, a daughter, Lydia L., born June 24, 1860. Mrs. Higley's parents, Clark and Polly (Tyler) Twiss, came to Huron county, Ohio, in 1844. After a few years they went to Riley township, from there coming to Townsend township, where Mrs. Twiss died. Mr. Twiss died in Michigan while visiting his daughter Lovina, wife of Sullivan Davenport; she died March 16, 1883. Shortly after his marriage Mr. Higley bought forty acres of land from his father, and, when his brother went to the army, purchased the remainder of the farm. He cared for his father nineteen years prior to his death. Mr. Higley has had the privilege of seeing the virgin forest give way to well-tilled fields and pretty meadows, which are monuments to the industry and energy of the pioneers. In politics Mr. Higley has been a Republican since the organization of the party. Lydia L. Higley, who was an only child, was married December 25, 1878, to Jerome Bixby, of Castalia, Erie Co., Ohio, and they have had one child, Pearl J., born March 25, 1885. Mr. Bixby was formerly a general merchant at Castalia, but is now an insurance agent. For nine years Mr. Higley was interested with Mr. Bixby in the store; but city life was not congenial to a man of Mr. Higley's temperament, and he returned to the farm. SAMUEL F. JONES, a prosperous and influential farmer of Green Creek township, Sandusky county, was born in Wayne county, Ohio, October 9, 1825, son of Nicholas and Elizabeth (Pierce) Jones. Nicholas Jones was a native of West Liberty, Penn., and his father, Samuel Jones, was born in Edinburgh, Scotland. Nicholas was reared in Pennsylvania, and when a young man migrated to Wayne county, Ohio, where he married Elizabeth Pierce (a first cousin to President Pierce), and lived for some years. About 1835 he moved to Thompson township, Seneca county, and had his home there for many years. He died near South Bend, Ind., about 1868, at the age of seventy-five years, and was buried there; his wife lived to the age of eighty-two years. COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD - 189 Nicholas Jones was a man of about medium weight— 135 pounds. In religious belief he was a Universalist, and in politics a Whig and a Republican. His ten children were as follows: Emeline, who married Joseph Highland, and died in Indiana, aged fifty years; Uriah, who died near South Bend, Ind., aged seventy-one years; John, who now lives near South Bend, Ind. ; Elizabeth, who died aged thirty-two years, wife of David Clay; Samuel F., subject of this sketch; Lucretia, widow of Sylvanus Wright, of Fremont; Johanna, wife of C. Rector, of Norwalk; Mary, wife of James Shoup, of Clyde; Margaret, wife of Daniel Whiteman, living in Indiana; Silas, a resident of Illinois. At about the age of sixteen years Samuel F. Jones left the home farm in Seneca county and came to Sandusky, where for ten years he engaged in farming. He then began railroading at Sandusky City, and for ten years ran an express train engine on the Baltimore & Ohio road (then the old Sandusky, Mansfield & Newark railroad). From the locomotive Mr. Jones stepped down to the farm in Green Creek township, which he has ever since operated. On October 30, 1854, he was married to Miss Ellen M. Almond, who was born in New Jersey August 3, 1832, daughter of Thomas and Mary (Lachlison) Almond. To Mr. and Mrs. Jones four children have come, as follows: Alice, born in May, 1860, wife of W. B. Lay; Lawrence, senior member of the Cutlery Works Co., who married Miss Jessie Russell, a cousin of Gen. McPherson, and has three children—Lamar, Margaret and Maurine; Nellie, at home; and Robert, engaged in the cutlery business at Clyde, who on October 18, 1894, wedded Miss Ione Smith, and has one child—Dorothy. Mr. Jones has ninety-eight and one-half acres of fertile, well-improved and very productive land, well tilled and laid out in fine fruits, and is engaged in general farming and fruit- growing, raising wheat, oats, potatoes, etc. ; and all the buildings and improvements that now are upon the place were put there by his own hands. In politics Mr. Jones is a Republican, and while not a church member he inclines toward the Universalist belief; Mrs. Jones is a member of the Episcopal Church. He has by his good judgment and business ability, aided by natural industry, accumulated a comfortable competence, and is one of the most prosperous citizens of his township. SAMUEL SPROUT is numbered among the native sons of Sandusky county, and has not only witnessed the growth and development of this region, but has also borne an active part in the work of progress and upbuilding, and well deserves mention among the honored pioneers. Mr. Sprout was born in Scott township, October I, 1840, on the farm which he now owns, and which has always been his place of residence. His parents, Samuel and Nancy (Long) Sprout, cast in their lot among the early settlers of Sandusky county when it was largely an unbroken wilderness. The father was born in Pennsylvania, June 15, 1807, removed to Guernsey county, Ohio, in 1825, and ten years later came to Sandusky county, where from the government he entered a claim that has never passed from the possession of the family. His wife was born April 27, 1812, and died January 10, 1887, her husband surviving until April 21, 1890. Ten children graced their union: Mrs. Margaret Doll, John, Sarah Elizabeth, Samuel, Michael (born September 27, 1842), Marion, Casaline, James (deceased), Mrs. Mary Jane Hayes, and Mrs. Nancy Hipple. The paternal grandfather of our subject was born in Ireland about 1766, and died in Seneca county, Ohio, about 1856, surviving his wife several years, 190 - COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. In her maidenhood she was Mary Hilterbrand, and was a native of Germany. The maternal grandfather, Daniel Long, was born in Sweden, and married Miss Brill, a native of Germany. In the war of 1812 he served as a soldier, and he was numbered among the pioneers of Ohio. In a manner not unlike that of other farmer boys, our subject spent his youth and bore his part in the development of the old home farm, working hard through summer months, while the winter afforded him an opportunity for education in the district schools, which he eagerly utilized. Thus he was employed until August, 1862, when, at the age of twenty-two years, he joined his country's troops in defense of the Union, and was a member of Company K, One Hundred and First O. V. I. until the close of the war. He participated in a number of hotly-contested engagements, and at the battle of Stone River his clothing was pierced by no less than nine bullets, and his canteen completely shattered. He also participated in the battles of Perryville, Liberty Gap and those of the Atlanta campaign, and followed Hood from Columbus to Franklin. He was also in the two-days' battle at Nashville, which resulted in victory for the Union soldiers, and altogether was a very faithful, loyal citizen, one who gallantly followed the old flag until it was planted in the capital of the Southern Confederacy. At the close of the war Mr. Sprout returned to the farm where he now lives, and began operating 120 acres, which he purchased in 1883. His landed possessions now aggregate 170 acres, and all that he has has been acquired entirely through his own efforts. He certainly deserves great credit for his success in life, and his example should serve as a source of encouragement to others. On February 13, 1889, Mr. Sprout married Miriam Kuhn, of Fremont, Ohio, who was born in Allen county, Ohio, March 11, 1854. Her parents, John and Mary (Miller) Kuhn, were pioneers of Sandusky county, as was also her grandfather, Adam Kuhn, who was born about 1800, and died at the advanced age of eighty-two. Of his family of nine children, six are yet living. The maternal grandmother, Maria Myers, was born about 1796, and departed this life in 1866, having for many years survived her husband. The parents of Mrs. Sprout were both born in 1823, and are still living. Their family circle numbered ten children: Maria, wife of John Myers, of Wood county, Ohio; Harriet, who became the wife of George Gephart, and died about 1882; Charlotte, at home; Mrs. Sprout; Paul Luther and Isaac N., who are residents of Wood county; Philip M. ; John W. ; Charles M. ; and Theodore Allen. Mr. and Mrs. Sprout are highly-esteemed people of Scott township, and their pleasant home is noted for its hospitality and good cheer. The farm is well developed, the fields being under a high state of cultivation, and the improvements in keeping with the accessories of a model farm of the nineteenth century. N. B. MASON, who has been actively identified with both the business and agricultural interests of Sandusky county, is a native of New York State, born in Canandaigua April 9, 1839. Our subject's parents, John B. and Laura (Shaw) Mason, were natives of Massachusetts and Canandaigua, N. Y., respectively. In 1856 they came to Sandusky county, Ohio, but after a residence of two years here migrated still farther west, to Wisconsin, where they made a permanent home. The father died there in July, 1888; the mother, while on a visit to her son in Clyde, in 1885, was suddenly taken ill and died. This worthy couple lived to celebrate their golden wedding. Their family were as follows: Van- COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD - 191 Rensselaer, who was lost when only eighteen years of age while on a whaling voyage to the South Pacific Ocean; Joseph, who died in 1885 from disease contracted while in the service of his country (he was in the Thirtieth Wisconsin Infantry); Eliza, wife of Martin Booth, of Plainfield, Wis. (he served in the Sixteenth Wisconsin Infantry); N. B., our subject; John Colby, who resides at Fremont, Ohio (he was in the Eighth O. V. I.); Mary, who wedded Bemis Culbertson, who was a soldier in the Thirty-second Wisconsin Infantry, and who died shortly after the war from disease contracted while in the service, and Brooks H. Mason (they now reside at Lake Mills, Wis.); and Fred E., who died at Ashland, Wis., when a young man. The father of this family was a soldier in the Mexican war. He was first a Methodist clergyman, later becoming a minister of the Baptist Church. The school privileges enjoyed by N. B. Mason were those of the common schools, and he also attended Madison Academy for one and a half years. At the age of fourteen he engaged to carry the mails and passengers on the old stage coach between Ontario and Rochester, sometimes driving four horses, and sometimes three abreast, conveying mail, express and passengers. In 1856, at the age of seventeen years, he came west with his parents to Sandusky county, locating near Clyde. On February 22, 1859, he was united in marriage with Elizabeth L. Carlton, daughter of Rev. Thomas J. Carlton, and to this union came children as follows: Nellie, wife of R. G. Tyler, of Greene, Iowa, who has one son and one daughter—Carl and Vira; Elizabeth, who died when six years of age; Nate H., a postal clerk between Cleveland and Chicago on the Lake Shore railroad (he wedded Allie White, and they have two sons—Howard and James); George A., who wedded Annie White, and has one daughter—Nellie; Maude, wife of 0. C. Perrin, of Greene, Iowa; and May, at home. On October 12, 1861, Mr. Mason enlisted in Company A, Seventy-second O. V. I., and served until July 21, 1865, participating in all engagements in which his command took part until the time of his capture by the enemy, June I I, 1864; he was taken near Davis Mills, Miss., and conveyed to Andersonville, where he was kept until the following September, when he was transferred to Florence, S. C., and paroled at Wilmington, N. C., March 1, 1865. During his service he was captured three times, escaping twice, and he was in every southern State but Texas. After the war he returned to Clyde. Since residing here he has followed various pursuits, having been engaged in merchandising, publishing and farming. Mr. Mason is a member of the U. V. U. and G. A. R., was first post commander of McPherson Post, G. A. R., in 1867, and was first captain of McPherson Guards, organized August 15, 1878. On March 17, 1873, he organized the first hook and ladder company, of which he was made foreman. Socially he has been an active Odd Fellow for twenty-seven years, passing all the Chairs in the Subordinate Lodge and all save one in the Encampment. In politics, he is a radical Republican; he is now serving as justice of the peace, and also as trustee of his township. While a prisoner of war at Florence, S. C., Mr. Mason was chosen by his comrades chief of the Federal Police, a force of 270 men organized among the prisoners to keep good order in the prison, the appointment being confirmed by Col. Iverson, the prison commandant. He declares the sufferings of the prisoners there were even greater than at Andersonville. Most of them had been prisoners for many months, and were very destitute of clothing, many being almost naked and barefooted. About fourteen thousand persons were taken to Florence; about three thousand were paroled in October 192 - COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. and November; the balance (except those who died) remained until the first of March, 1865. Their only shelter was holes dug in the ground, some of them roofed over with limbs and pine boughs covered with earth. Their food was one pint of corn-meal per day, and for ninety-three days no other was issued except two rations of salt, a table-spoonful to five men; two rations of sorghum molasses, one barrel to 11,000 men; two rations of rice, one pint to five men. Many ate their corn-meal raw, and what was cooked was mostly mush cooked in tin cups and tin cans. Mr. Mason says the most of his regiment (the Seventy-second Ohio Infantry) were from Sandusky county. Of the 1,400 on the muster rolls about 380 are yet living. His regiment lost heavily at Shiloh and at Vicksburg, and at Gun Town, or Brice's Cross Roads, the regiment lost eleven officers and 238 men. About 170 landed in Andersonville; seventy-eight (or over 45 per cent) died while prisoners of war; six were shot after being captured, and nine perished on the steamer " Sultana," above Memphis, on April 27, 1865. Mr. Mason asks: " Do the people of this country appreciate the sacrifice made by the Union prisoners of war ? Do they realize that 34,000 men died in the prison pens of the South, as men were never called upon to die before ?" Men have died for home and country, and for principle upon the scaffold, the wheel and the rack, in the dungeon and upon the battlefield; but never before did thousands of men refuse liberty with a dishonored name, and suffer on from hunger and exposure until they died gibbering idiots. And now even before one generation has passed these same men are almost forgotten! They are remembered only in the homes made sad and desolate by their tragic death! Millions upon millions of money have been paid for " Piles of Granite " and " Heaps of Bronze " to commemorate the heroism of a few, while the graves of these martyrs are marked by gray marble tablets that cost two dollars and forty cents each; and more—thousands of these same markers are inscribed " Unknown." HENRY MOOK, farmer of York township, Sandusky county, was born in Union county, Penn., January 10, 1814, son of John and Rosina (Sorrel) Mook, both of whom were natives of Pennsylvania. His grandfather was from Germany. John Mook, the father of our subject, died in the State of New York, whither he had removed from Pennsylvania, and he subsequently took up his home in Ohio. After living some years with his children in that State, he was taken back to New York State at the request of his son Samuel, a minister of the Evangelical Association, so that in his old age he might be cared for in his former home, and he died there in the eighty-fifth year of his age. He was the father of twenty-three children, and our subject is the youngest by the first wife, and the fourteenth child. The children of John Mook by his first wife were: Jacob, three that died in infancy, Samuel, Polly, Betsey, Anthony, Conrad, John, Catharine, Susan, Daniel and Henry. Of this family, Henry Mook is at this writing (1894) the only surviving member. After the death of his first wife, John Mook married Polly Polkie, by whom he had nine children: Mary, Benjamin, Ambrose, Elias, Effie, Solomon, Sampson, Barbara, and one that died in childhood. The subject of our sketch went with his parents to the State of New York when he was about eleven years old, and lived with them at various places until the age of twenty-three. He then came to Ohio, spent one winter in Thompson township, Seneca county, and the next spring located in York township, Sandusky county, on land where he has since COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD - 193 resided. Here he erected a log house and kept bachelor's hall for several years while engaged in clearing up a farm. In addition to agricultural pursuits Mr. Mook spent the fall of eight seasons threshing grain for his neighbors with an old-fashioned eight-horse-power, open-cylinder machine, without separator, going as far south as Lodi, in Seneca county. He threshed in this way as many as 400 bushels per day. He has been an active, energetic, hardworking, economical farmer, and has accumulated a handsome property for his children; a substantial brick house and a convenient bank barn adorn his farm. In religious connection he and his family are members of the Evangelical Association. He contributed liberally for the erection of a church building not far from his residence. He has reached the age of four score years with a vigor of body and mind which enables him to see and appreciate the wonderful changes going on in the world about him, and especially the great improvements in the method of farming. In 1837 Henry Mook married Miss Catharine Boyer, who was born in Pennsylvania, June 26, 1814, and died in York township, August 17, 1890. Their children were: Sarah, born October 4, 1841; Christina, born August 7, 1844, died June 23, 1866; James Milton, born July 20, 1847, and Lovina, born April 30, 1852. Christina Mook married Michael Filsinger December 22, 1864, and they have one son, John, who is married and has two children—Pearl and Morris; after the death of his first wife, Christina, Mr. Filsinger married her sister Sarah, by whom he had four children—Emma, Vernie, Martin and Charles. Emma married Daniel Swartz, and they have one child—Lulu. James M. Mook married, in 1870, Miss Mary Gahn, who was born in the Black Swamp, west of Fremont, Ohio, a daughter of Rev. Conrad Gahn, and was educated in the Cincinnati schools; their children are—Charles, Granville, Myrtle and Lovina; James M. Mook is at present manager of his father's farm, and' is taking care of his father in his declining years. He is a Republican in politics, a member of the Evangelical Association, and of the Farmers' Alliance. Lovina Mook, daughter of Henry Mook, married Martin Richards, and they live on one of Mr. Mook's farms, east of the homestead; they had one child that died; she is a member of the Evangelical Association. LEONHARD SCHNEIDER was born August 31, 1842, in Austria, Europe. His father, Martin Schneider, was born November 11, 1806, in Austria, and married Anna Maria Flatz. They came to America in 1859, landing in New York, where they remained for a short time, after which they continued their journey to Ohio, locating in Jackson township, Sandusky county. The mother died shortly after their arrival. In that family were seven children: Frank, who was born in 1831, and died September 1, 1887; John G., born in 1836, and married Mary Reineck; Regina, born in 1834, and became the wife of Casper Haltmeier; Martin, born in 1844, and now living in California; Johanna became the wife of Ferdinand Fischer, by whom she has one son, named Frank, born in 1874; Mary became the wife of Peter Spieldenner, and they have two children: Fredolina, now the wife of John Reineck, and a son named Adolph. Leonhard Schneider, our subject, spent the days of his boyhood and youth in the land of his birth, was reared in his parents' home and obtained his education in the public schools of the neighborhood. When the family sailed for America he bade adieu to friends and native land, and came with them on the long voyage across the Atlantic, which took them thirty days. He has since been a resident of Ohio, and to-day is numbered among the leading and influential farmers of Rice township, San- 194 - COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. dusky county. Having arrived at years of maturity he chose, as a companion and helpmate on life's journey, Miss Rosa Bin-sack, and their home has been blessed by the presence of five children: Anna, the eldest, is now the wife of Albert Darr, a resident farmer of Rice township, Sandusky county, and they have three children; the other members of the family—Ida, Rudolph, Edward and Arnold—are still under the parental roof. In 1861 the father of our subject purchased seventy-three acres of land in Rice township—the place upon which Leonhard now resides—paying for the same at the rate of seven dollars per acre. Eight years later, in 1879, he sold the place to his second youngest son, Leonhard, for $2,000. It is a good property, highly cultivated and improved, and the neat and thrifty appearance of the place indicates the careful supervision of the owner. In 1887 he built a new barn, and in 1892 he erected the new house, at a cost of $3,000. In connection with general farming he successfully engaged in stock dealing, raising cattle, horses and hogs. He successfully manages his business interests, and his energy and industry have brought to him a comfortable competence, which numbers him among the representative farmers of the neighborhood. In politics he is a Democrat, and in religious belief he is a Catholic. GEORGE W. KING, a well-to-do farmer of Ballville township, Sandusky county, was born in Pickaway county, Ohio, March 20, 1849. His father, John King, was born March 2, 1819, in Fairfield county, Ohio, and married Miss Mary Mowry. Their children were: (I) Catharine, wife of Valentine Moshier; she died at the age of twenty-one years, leaving one son, John, living in Allen county, Ohio. (2) Mary is the wife of Valentine Moshier, a farm er, residing in Allen county, Ohio. (3) Elizabeth is the wife of David Roberts, of Scott township; she died at the age of forty-four years, and is buried in Oakwood Cemetery. (4) Lydia is the wife of William Reichelderfer, by whom she had four children —Hattie, George, Frank and Lettie—and after his death she married, in 1890, William Slates, a farmer of Tipton county, Ind. (5) George W. is our subject. (6) Sarah, born in 1851, in Pickaway county, is the wife of Jacob Mowery, a farmer of Michigan. (7) John, born 1854, married Miss Carrie Hunlock, and has one son, John Clarence. (8) Jacob, born November 20, 1856, is a farmer in Ballville township, married to Miss Fredie Crites, and has two children—Omer and De Witt. (9) Elmira, born in 1859, is the wife of John Searfoss, a farmer of Scott township, and has two children—Bessie and Stella. ( t0) Perry, a farmer of Scott township, born in 1861, married Sadie Hunlock, and has four children—Pearl, Iva, Hazel and Carrie. Our subject started out in life for himself at the age of twenty-two with the health, pluck and perseverance which ensures success. He worked three years in the oil fields of Warren county, Penn., then returned and worked at his trade as a carpenter until December 9, 1875, when he married Miss Mary J. Ludwig, daughter of Jacob and Louisa (DeLong) Ludwig, farmers of Allen county, Ohio. He next farmed in Jackson township one year, then five years in Allen county, and on his return to Sandusky county, bought eighty acres of Jacob Ludwig for $4, 500. On January 30, 1882, he moved upon the farm where he now lives, remained nine years, then located near Fremont, where he remained three years, finally moving back on the farm of 133 acres, which cost him $10,000. Here he follows mixed farming, raising grain, grass, fruit and live stock, with good success. He is a man of enterprise and public spirit, and has held various COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD - 195 public offices. The children of George W. and Mary King are: M. Louisa, born April 7, 1880; Ada M., September 19, 1883; Charles L., July 9, 1885; and Evan M., September I I, 1889. The brothers and sisters of Mrs. King are Isaac, John, Charles, Obed and Jacob. M. J. REINBOLT, a farmer and stockman of Jackson township, Sandusky county, was born October 15, 1828, in Seneca county, Ohio. His father, Michael Reinbolt, was born in Germany, whence he emigrated to America, where he married Miss Louisa Kechner, whom he first met on the steamer which brought them to the New World. He worked about two years as a common day laborer, then five years for an Indian chief near Tiffin, Ohio, by the name of Spicer. During these years he saved enough to buy forty acres of government land at $1.25 per acre, in Seneca county, Ohio. One year later he bought eighty acres more at the same rate. After a life of toil and self denial, he and his wife passed away, among the early pioneers, and are buried in the cemetery at Tiffin, Ohio. Their children were: Joseph, born 1838, died June 4, 1862; George, who married Amelia Haldrom, and had a family of seven children; Catharine, who died at the age of thirty years; Charles, who married and has eight children, and lives on the old homestead; Daniel, who married Catharine Kiser, and has seven children; and Mary, wife of Nicholas Workman (both are deceased and are buried at Tiffin, Ohio). On leaving home our subject worked about four years among farmers as a day laborer, then rented a farm and remained on it twenty-three years. He then bought tracts at different times, amounting in all to 336 acres, valued at $100 per acre. He is a model farmer, and keeps pure Jersey cattle and fine-bred horses. Mr. Rein- bolt is a Republican, and he has held various offices of trust in his township. He is a consistent member of the Roman Catholic Church. On October 16, 1862, he married Miss Annie Fanning, born in New York City, and they have three children: James F., born July 30, 1864, and married to Libbie Charlot, their children being: Michael J., Julia, and Irene; James A., who married Rosine Bower, and their children are: Carl M., Annie and Pauline; and Mary E., born September 11, 1872, was the wife of Peter Nape. JOHN GABEL, a successful farmer and substantial citizen of Rice township, Sandusky county, was born May 28, 1853, and is a son of John M. and Mary (Wyce) Gabel, who were born in Germany in 1812 and in 1822, respectively. John M. Gabel, father of the subject of this sketch, before his marriage worked for his father, Jacob Gabel, on the farm in Germany, and at the age of eighteen came with him to this country, settling in Buffalo, N. Y. He lived there about four years, then moved to Jackson township, Sandusky Co., Ohio, where he bought forty acres of land; later purchased 190 acres more, and there lived until about 1873. He then moved to Fremont, Sandusky county, and resided there with his daughter until his death. He worked hard for all his money. When he first came to this country he was a good Democrat and a Catholic. John M. Gabel died in 1874, his wife preceding him to the grave in 1870. They were the parents of seven children, six of whom were as follows: (I) Jacob died at the age of six; (2) Katie at the age of five, and (3) Laney at the age of one year; (4) Magdalena married Henry Hodes, who died in 1887 (they lived in Fremont, and had three children—Celia, Henry and Joseph) ; (5) John M. married Mary Richards, who 196 - COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. died in 1880, after which he married Anna Miller, and they live in Fremont; (6) Elizabeth married Mr. Dolnick, by whom she had ten children—Michael, born April 28, 1870; Mary, born in 1871; Rosie; Elizabeth, who died at the age of three years; Allie, Celia, Edith, Urbin, Clara and Teresa; (7) John Gabel was united in marriage on June 29, 1873, in Jackson township, Sandusky county, with Celia Dorr (who was born January 6, 1855), and lived there until 1880, when he sold out and moved to Rice township, in the same county, and bought fifty-three acres, paying one hundred dollars an acre for it. Their children were as follows: Edward, born August 10, 1876, and died January 9, 1879; Ida M. was born November 13, 1877; Allie C., March 4, 1879; Sylvester P., June 5, 1880, Horbert M., June 19, 1881; Charles D., October 9, 1883; Julie L., May 20, 1884; Urbin, March 31, 1887; Corneila C., born June 22, 1890, and died September 28, 1893; and Corlette G., born November 6, 1894. In 1874, when John Gabel's father died, he left him eighty acres of land in Jackson township, Sandusky county. Mr. Gabel is engaged in general farming. He is much respected, is well and favorably known in the community in which he lives, has been constable of Rice township for five years, school director four years and supervisor seven years. JACOB G. METZGER, one of the intelligent, liberal-minded farmers of Green Creek township, Sandusky county, enjoys the possession of a competency, and he believes the statement made by Gen. Washington, that agriculture is the noblest vocation cf man. He lives in ease and comfort upon his well-tilled and well-cared-for farm of 127 acres, made profitable by his good business ability and his inherited aptitude for a farming life. Mr. Metzger was born in Adams township, Seneca county, November 2, 1842, son of Samuel and Rebecca (Heltzel) Metzger. The great-great-grandfather of Mr. Metzger, who was a Revolutionary soldier under Gen. Washington, was the son of Archibald Metzger, twin brother of Gen. Theodore Metzger, an able officer in the German army. The Revolutionary soldier was lost in the woods of Pennsylvania and probably starved to death. His remains were afterward found and identified by means of gun and clothing. He had emigrated from Germany to America in Colonial times, and his son, the great-grandfather of Jacob, was the only child aboard the ship that escaped the fatal ravages of smallpox. The son of this fortunate child, Jacob Metzger by name, grandfather of the subject of this sketch, was born in Pennsylvania and acquired the trade of a shoemaker. He was a member of the United Brethren Church, and in the autumn of 1813 migrated with his family from Union county, Penn., to Pickaway county, Ohio, settling on a farm near Circleville. Samuel Metzger, his son, was born in Union county, Penn., in April, 1813, and was but six months old when he came to Pickaway county, Ohio. He grew up on the farm, and before he was of age he came' to Adams township, Seneca county, where he entered a farm in the wilderness. Returning to Pickaway county, he married, in April, 1834, on his twenty-first birthday, Rebecca Heltzel, who was born in Shenandoah county, Va., in 1812, the daughter of Henry Heltzel, an old-time schoolteacher, of German ancestry, and an early pioneer of Pickaway county, Ohio, who afterward removed to Noble county, Ind., where he was elected county recorder and served as such for many years. After marriage Samuel and Rebecca Metzger moved to the new pioneer home in Adams township, Seneca county, where he proved in subsequent years to be one of its best farmers, and where he COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD - 197 lived until 1881. He then moved to Green Creek township, Sandusky county, and lived near his son Jacob, until his wife's death, in 1890. He died April r 1, 1893, at the home of his son. Samuel Metzger at the time of his death owned 205 acres of choice land, and owed not a dollar. He was careful in his business transactions and scrupulously honest. In politics he was a Democrat, and in religious faith a prominent member of the United Brethren Church. He was an ordained exhorter in the Church, possessed a remarkable memory, and had almost the whole Bible at his tongue's end. He was devotedly attached to the work of his Church, and was perhaps its chief supporter in Adams township. Five children were born to Samuel and Rebecca Metzger, as follows: (I) H. H., born in 1836, a farmer of Adams township, Seneca county, who married Rebecca Drinkwater and had five children-Alton (who died aged two and a half years); Ida J. ; James; Hulda F., and Olive. (2) John C., of Adams township, Seneca county, who first married Sarah A. Miller, by whom he had three children, now living-Alwilda E., Gertrude and Samuel H. ; after his first wife's death he wedded Mrs. L. Berry, by whom he has one child-Julia C. (3) Sarah A., married to C. W. King, of Noble county, Ind., and died leaving two children-Maud M. and Mildred G., who now make their home with Jacob Metzger, our subject. (4) Jacob is the subject of this sketch. (5) Lavina married Alfred Frontz, and has three children-Rebecca, Roy and Dora P.; she lives on the old home farm in Adams township, Seneca county. Jacob Metzger grew to manhood on his father's farm in Seneca county, and in 1864, as a member of Company B, he served in the Washington campaign of the One Hundred and Sixty-fourth O. V. I. When mustered out in the fall of 1864 he joined a construction corps, which operated through Kentucky, Tennessee, Ala bama, Georgia and West Virginia. Six months later he returned home and was married, April 27, 1865, to Sarah Jane Shellhammer, who was born in Adams township, Seneca county, January 30, 1845. Mr. and Mrs. Metzger have one child, Alva E., a well-educated and successful veterinary surgeon at Clyde. In politics Jacob Metzger is a Democrat. In manners he is genial and affable. He is remarkably well versed in public matters, and, while engaged in general farming, he takes a deep interest in all the affairs and conditions of mankind. No man stands higher in the esteem of his fellow men. WILLIAM WOODFORD, a successful farmer, and one of the prominent citizens of Riley township, Sandusky county, was born May 28, 1831. He is a son of Sylvester and Sarah (Lowrie) Woodford, both born in America, the former on January I, 1786, the latter on January 17, 1788. They had a family of nine children, as follows: Zerah, born April 6, 1812, married Sarah Karshner; they were engaged in farming in Riley township, and had a family of five children; Zerah died June 27, 1872; Aurilla, born December 28, 1814, married Elijah Higbee, a farmer in Riley township, and they had one child; the wife and mother died January 30, 1886; Lois, born April 24, 1817, became the wife of William Laird, and they had three children; the wife and mother died January 30, 1846; Sylvester, born June 16, 1819, died October 28, 1836, at Shippensburg, Penn. ; Martin, born August 24, 1821, married Mary Homer, who lives in Kansas, and he died February 5, 1884; Lorinda, born September 23, 1823, died in 1839; Luther, born December 27, 1825, lives in Kansas; William is the subject of this sketch, and Sidney, born July 20, 1833, died January 21, 1839. Sylvester Woodford (Sr.) came to Ohio, 198 - COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. settled in Trumbull county, and bought eighty acres of land, on which he lived until 1834, when he moved to Riley township and here bought 160 acres of land, upon which he lived until his death, which occurred September 2, 1834, about three months after they had settled at their new home, and his wife, Sarah, passed away four days before him, viz. : August 29, 1834. He voted the Old-time Whig ticket, and was a member of the Presbyterian Church. After the death of his parents, William Woodford, being only a little more than three years old, was taken to Vienna township, Trumbull Co., Ohio, and was placed in the family of a relative, where he was reared and educated, working a part of each year on a farm to the age of eighteen, when he commenced teaching school. He followed this vocation one year in Ohio, taught one year more in Mercer county, Penn., then went to Kentucky, where he continued teaching school for eleven years. He is now engaged in general farming. In 1861 he came to Riley township, where he married Rachel Gibbs, who was born October 15, 1832, and they have a family of five children, namely: William C., born April 28, 1862, and died August 27, 1862; Clara J., born September 13, 1863; Alva, born September 9, 1866; Ada, born May 16, 1869; and Louis, born March 8, 1854, and married to Dora Lindsay, who died February 12, 1888. Isaac Woodford, grandfather of William Woodford, married Sarah Fuller, of Burlington, and they had ten children—seven sons and three daughters, namely: Isaac, married Statira Cowles, by whom he had twelve children, ten of whom—four sons and six daughters—lived to marry, and two died in childhood; Darius married Bethiah Bass, and they had six children; Asaph married Alma Potter, and they had fourteen children; Sylvester, father of our subject, comes next; Romanty married Betsy Hart, and they had twelve children; Sidney married Betsy Wheeler (no children); Zerah married Minerva Potter, and they had six children; Huldah married Nathaniel Clarke, and they had eight children; Cynthia married Theodore Humphreys, and was left a widow with five or six children (she afterward married Ely Alderman); Sarah married Chauncey Wheeler, and they had six children—two sons and four daughters. Of this large family of children, all, save one, were professing Christians. Our subject votes the Democrat ticket, and has been honored with public office, having been justice of the peace for twelve years, township clerk for six years, and school director and supervisor. RICHARD E. BETTS, a substantial farmer of Green Creek township, Sandusky county, is more than a tiller of the soil or the owner of a productive and finely located farm; he is a student of the world's history, and by means of the leading newspapers from various cities he is thoroughly informed upon the varying phases of current national affairs. He is distinctively a man of ideas. He wants first the facts of history. His clear and well-trained intellect can then make proper deduction from these facts, and the opinions thus formed are modern, considerably in advance of those held by the average citizen. His deep convictions are inherited, and have received an additional impetus from associations. His ancestors, of Quaker faith, came from England in Cromwell's time. His father-in-law, " Uncle " George Donaldson, was one of the most noted Abolitionists in northwestern Ohio, at a time when Abolition sentiment was a reproach and stigma, often a menace to personal safety. Mr. Betts was born in Cayuga county, N. Y., December 30, 1829, son of Zechariah and Mariah (Mitchell) Betts. Zach- COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD - 199 ariah Betts was born in Bucks county, Penn., December 24, 1793. In Cromwell's time three brothers named Betts came to America, settling near Philadelphia. The eldest, who had an entailed inheritance in England, at one time placed in jeopardy, returned to that country when political turmoil subsided. The younger two remained in America and founded a numerous family of their name, Zachariah being one of the descendants. His wife, Mariah Mitchell, was born March 4, 1798. After marriage Zachariah Betts moved to Aurora, Cayuga Co., N. Y., where he farmed for many years, and in 1834 he moved to Honey Creek, Seneca Co., Ohio, where he purchased a large farm. Many years later he removed to La Grange county, Ind., where he died February 3, 1868, his wife surviving until July 23, 1874. In politics he was a Whig. In early life he held allegiance to the Quaker faith, but later became a member of the Protestant Methodist Church. In physique he was a man of powerful frame. The nine children of Zachariah and Mariah Betts were as follows: Edward L., born December 18, 1821, served in an Indiana regiment in the army of the Potomac during the Civil war, and died in La Grange county, Ind., March 2, 1894; Howard M., born August 25, 1823, for thirty years a druggist at La Grange, Ind. ; Louis C., born October 1, 1825, moved to Iowa in 1856, and died at Mt. Pleasant, that State, November 19, 1867; Albert F. , born August 27, 1827, a tanner and currier at Republic; Richard E. , subject of this sketch; Elizabeth A., wife of Van Norris Taylor, of Wolcottville, Ind. ; Thomas C., born August 20, 1833, an ex-soldier of the Civil war, ex-sheriff of La Grange county, Ind., now living at La Grange; Martha M., born April 30, 1836, lives, unmarried, at La Grange, Ind. ; Emiline, born January 14, 1838, wife of Nelson Selby, of La Grange, Indiana. Richard E. Betts was five years old when he migrated with his parents from - 13 - New York to Seneca county, Ohio. He was reared on his father's farm, and October 28, 1852, he married Miss Lavinia Donaldson, who was born in Pickaway county, Ohio, in 1825, daughter of "Uncle" George and Ann (Patterson) Donaldson, the former of whom was born in Center county, Penn., July 7, 1793, the tatter on January 15, 1796. He learned the blacksmith's trade, and lived for a time in Lycoming county, Penn. ; then migrated with his family in a one-horse wagon to Pickaway county, Ohio, arriving with a capital of five dollars. Seven years later he moved to Tiffin, and in 1833 to Green Creek township, Sandusky county, where he followed his trade and farmed. Himself and wife were Methodists, and in political convictions he was a radical Abolitionist. He was connected with the " underground railroad," and once sent his team with five runaway negroes, concealed beneath straw and carpets, to Sandusky City, whence they escaped to Canada. " Uncle " George Donaldson was the most noted character of his time in this part of the country. On account of his Abolitionism an attempt was made to expel him from the M. E. Church. He gave James G. Birney, Abolition candidate for President in 1840, the only vote cast for him in Green Creek township, and for its numerical insignificance the judges, who were in sentiment strong anti-Abolitionists, refused to count it. Mr. Donaldson died September 14, 1873, his wife November 30, 1863. Their nine children were as 30,lows: James, born February 13, 1820, died November 15, 1843; William, born February 25, 1821, died April 21, 1846; Robert, born November 21, 1822, died December 30, 1846; Lavinia, wife of Mr. Betts; Susannah, born August 11, 1827, wife of W. Dixon, of Rome City,Ind. ; Saul, born December 20, 1829, residing in La Grange county, Ind. ; David, born April 10, 1831, died December 13, 1881; Elizabeth, born August 14, 1834, died October 11, 1858;