100 - BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY county to Amanda Mitchell, who was born in Richland county, Ohio, December 17, 1818, and to them eight children were born, viz: Ann Jerusha and Martha Lucretia (twins)—Ann J. being deceased, and Martha L. being the wife of Enoch Trumbo, of Monroe township, Allen county; Eunice, deceased; Isabelle Amanda; William Mitchell; Robert Calvin, now living in Richland township, Allen county, Stephen Wright, deceased; Albert Brice, now living on the old homestead in Monroe township, Allen, county. The father died May 22, 1887 and the mother on August 20, 1894. They were both members of the Presbyterian church. William M. Cook was reared on the farm, and attended the district schools, securing a fair education. He remained on the old home place, until he was twenty-six years of age, except six months he spent in Iowa. On April 6, 1876, he was married to Mary S., daughter of John and Jane (Prouty) Trumbo, and born in Noble county, Ind., December 31, 1853. John Trumbo was a native of Pennsylvania, born March 21, 1816, and his wife was born in New York state June 22, 1863. The father came from Pennsylvania to Richland county, Ohio, and thence to Noble county, Ind., 'where he died January 8, 1876. The mother came to Ohio with her parents and lived in Richland county until that county was divided, when they lived in Knox. The great-grandfather of Mrs. Cook on her mother's side was a Revolutionary soldier and also fought in the Indian wars. Her maternal grandfather lived to be ninety-three years old, which age his wife also lived to reach. Seven children were born to the parents of Mrs Cook, as follows: Edward, deceased; Uriah, deceased—was a Baptist minister and died at the age of forty-six years; Wilhelmina, deceased; Elizabeth, deceased; James, living on the old homestead in Noble county, Ind; Mrs. Cook, and Rebecca, now the wife of Albert Marshall, of Allen county Ohio. The mother is still living, making her home with her two daughters, Mrs. Cook and Mrs. Marshall. The parents Baptists. Previous to his marriage Mr. Cook pur chased forty-two acres of land joining th corporate limits of Columbus Grove; on th southeast, to which he subsequently add until he owned seventy-three acres, off of whic he sold some town lots; now he has sixty eight acres of as fine farm land as can found in the county. He has a handso two-story residence, and a large barn; whi was erected in 1881. Mr. Cook has always been a republican in politics. In the spri of 1891 he was elected one of the trustees Pleasant township for a term of three ye and in the spring of 1894 was re-elected for another term of three years. To Mr. and M Cook have been born Effie J., January 1877; Thurlow T., November 25, 1878, died January 1, 1882; Harley S., born December 4, 1882; Mary A., October 7, 1892, Wilton M., February 5, 1895. Mr. owns a half-interest in the livery barn now by William Watkins in Columbus Grove. MINOR CORRON, an old reliable much respected farmer of Bla and township, Putnam county, Ohio, was born October 24, 1818, a of James and Elizabeth (McDougal) Co The paternal grandfather was Robert Cor and was of Scotch-Irish extraction. father of Robert Corron, on coming to America, located in Rappahannock county, Robert moved to Greenbrier county, where her died, being the father of three sons and daughters. James Corron, the father of Minor, subject, was born October 16, 1785, in Rappahannock county, Va., served in the war of OF PUTNAM COUNTY - 103 1812, and passed his life in his native county, dying October 12, 1863, the father of the following children: Rachel, now Mrs. Washington Compton; Alfred, who married Mary Compton; Minor, the subject of this sketch; Presley, who married Anna Hays; Jackson, married to Martha Duke; George, husband of Mary Compton; Elizabeth, wife of George Compton; Polly, now Mrs. William Wellis, and Henley, who married Nancy Remey. Minor Corron received the ordinary education of farmer lads and was early inured to the hard labor of the agriculturist, a vocation he has never ceased to follow. About 1839 he came to Ohio and for five years worked out at farm labor in Warren county; he then moved to Licking county, where• he followed the same mode of life until 1853, when he bought eighty-five acres of land in Blanchard township, Putnam county, to which he subsequently added, as his means would justify, eighty-four acres. This land he has himself cleared up and improved and converted from a howling wilderness into a fruitful farm that will compare favorably with any in the township. In his political affiliations Mr. Corron was first a whig, but, with the change of the party lines, fell into the. ranks' of the republicans, and has filled all the minor offices of the township. He was one of the earlier members of the United Brethren church of the township, and his life has been one of true uprightness, in conformity with its teachings, and he has been honored with the office of trustee in this denomination. Mr. Corron is a representative citizen and is much respected in the community for his steady habits of industry and quiet demeanor. Mr. Corron was joined in matrimony with Elizabeth, daughter of William McDougal, of Rappahannock county, Va., who died in Delaware county, Ohio, after a residence of some years in Blanchard township. HENRY M. CRAWFIS, the leading events of whose life are herewith set forth, claims the distinction of being the oldest living settler of the eastern fart of Putnam county, Ohio, to which he removed as long ago as 1831. Mr. Crawfis is descended paternally from German ancestors, and his mother's family were among the early settlers of western Pennsylvania, locating near the city of Pittsburg, a great many years ago. Nicholas Crawfis, the subject's father, was brought to the United States by his parents, when nine years of age. His father, also named Nicholas, located on the Potomac river, near the Virginia line, and was, by profession, a school-teacher. Nicholas Crawfis, Jr., had a family consisting of eleven children, several of whom became widely and favorably known- in different parts of Ohio, where they settled in an early day. The oldest member of the family, Otho W., was one of the pioneers of Putnam county, moving thereto in 1831, and taking an active part in its material development; he served as county commissioner for nine years, discharged the duties. of county treasurer for four years, and was an honored resident until his death in 1883. The second child, Maria, died' a number of years ago; Jacob is also deceased; and Mary Ann, who married Benjamin Radabaugh, is no longer in the land of the living. The next in order of birth was John Crawfis, who became one of the leading and wealthy farmers of Putnam county; he gave liberally of his means 'for the promotion of education, erected what is known as Crawfis college in Fairfield county, also built an educational institution by the same "name' in. Putnam county, and made a liberal gift of $1,000 to the F. & A. M. lodge of Ottawa, of which he was an honored member. The death of this excellent man occurred in 1880. The following are the names of the other members of the family: Mrs. Eliza 104 - BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY Guysinger, deceased; Henry M. ; Hannah, deceased, and Lewis, also deceased. Henry M. Crawfis first saw the light of day near Lancaster, Fairfield county, Ohio, on the 19th day of March, 1814, and spent his youthful years amid the stirring scenes of the pioneer period. He remained in his native connty until seventeen years of age, at which time, in company with his elder brother, Otho, he came to what was then the wilderness of Putnam county, locating in what is now Blanchard township. For some time after his arrival he was employed by his brother and took, as pay for his services, twenty acres of land, upon which he erected, in 1832, a small cabin, preparing the same for the reception of his mother and other members of the family who came later. Mr. Crawfis takes much delight in recalling the scenes of his early life in the woods, when neighbors were few and widely separated, and when they had to rely upon wild game and grated corn as the chief articles of food for the family. His early hardships were many; he worked early and late in order to fit his land for cultivation, and knew not what it was to eat the bread of idleness. His first purchase of land consisted of twenty acres adjoining the place where he settled, and later he purchased other tracts and became the owner of valuable lands in the township of Blanchard. Mr. Crawfis was married November 15, 1837, to Sarah Ann Galbreth, and one year later he located on a farm consisting of 16o acres about one mile north of Ottawa, upon which he lived for a period of forty-four years and six months. In 1883 he quit the farm and moved to Ottawa, where he has since resided. Mr. Crawfis has led a long and useful life and has seen the county of Putnam emerge from a wilderness state to its present position among the advanced counties of northwestern Ohio; he has held the office of township trustee, served as member of the school boa and in every position to which he has called has proved most efficient and capab To his marriage referred to above, were b twelve children, only three of whom grew maturity—Mary, the deceased wife of G. Curtiss; Elizabeth, born June 15, 1852, died June 4, 1862; and Eliza J., deceased wife Dr. William Ernest. Mrs. Sarah Ann Cra was the daughter of William and M (Morris) Galbreth; she was born in 1818, departed this life in the year 1862. The and marriage of Mr. Crawfis was solemn September 16, 1863, with Mrs. Nancy Thr widow of Lilburn Thropp. She was born the year 1817, and was called from the of her earthly labors on the l0th day of June 1892. HERMAN. L. CRAWFIS, one of firm of Crawfis & Pope, Ottawa, native of Putnam county, Ohio, November 22, 1858, in the township of Blanchard. His father was Lewis Nicholas Crawfis, and the maiden name of his mother was Mary A. Henderson. The subject reared on the home farm and attended district schools at intervals, until attained majority, at which time he began the pu of agriculture upon his own responsibility. In 1884 he purchased a farm of eighty-four in Blanchard township, upon which he erected good buildings, and made other improvements and some years later exchanged this place for a farm in the township of Pleasant, residing upon the latter for a period of three years. In 1891, Mr. Crawfis moved to Ottawa, an engaged in the furniture business as succe Henry Ayers, and continued the trade until effecting a co-partnership, in Feb 1895, with Benjamin F. Pope, under the name of Crawfis & Pope. Messrs. Crawfos & OF PUTNAM COUNTY - 105 Pope have built up a large and lucrative business in Ottawa and Putnam county, and in addition to dealing in furniture give considerable attention to undertaking and embalming, carrying a full and complete line of goods pertaining to that business. Mr. Crawfis is one of the progressive men of Ottawa, and has been untiring in looking after the city's interest as a member of the common council, in which he has been the means of promoting much important municipal legislation. He is a member of the F. & A. M., belonging to Ottawa lodge, No. 325, Ottawa chapter, No. 115, and Putnam council, No. 69; he also belongs to the K. of P., being a charter member of Ottawa lodge, No. 565. Mr. Crawfis was married December 14, 1881, to Miss Harriet E. Darling, daughter of Vincent and Margaret Darling, of Putnam county. Mrs. Crawfis was born in Pleasant township, September 7, 1862. Mr. and Mrs. Crawfis are the parents of four children, whose names and dates of birth are. as follows: Joel D., September 3, 1882 ; Earl D., September 15, 1883; Ralph E., October 6, 1885, died February 17, 1887, and Julius R., whose birth occurred July 4, 1890. JOHN M. CRAWFORD, the oldest and leading hardware merchant, of Columbus Grove, Putnam county, Ohio, is a native of the state, having been born in Delaware county, November 2, 1841. He is the son of Calvin C. and Elizabeth (Mosses) Crawford, both of whom were natives of Marion county, Ohio, the father having been born in 181 8 and the mother in 1820. They were married in Marion county in 1839, and in a few years returned to Delaware county. In 1849 they removed to Brown county, Ill., where they resided on a farm, and where, about 185o, the father died. His widow and six children continued to reside in Illinois until 1858, when she retuned to Marion county, Ohio. In 1864 she removed to Henry county, Ohio, and in about 187o she was there married to John Knapp, a farmer of that county, and Mrs. Knapp is still living. There were seven children born to the parents, one of whom died young. The six surviving children are as follows; Dorcas, married to Dr. E. T. Martin, son of Rev. Wilson Martin; she is now widow, residing at Napoleon, Ohio; John M: ; William H., enlisted in the Tenth regiment of Ohio cavalry, and died at St. Louis, Mo. ; DeWitt C., resides in Henry county, Ohio, where he is farming; Alletta M., wife of Henry Russell, lives at Liberty Center, Henry county, Ohio; Lawrence L. resides in Custer county, Nebr., where he is practicing medicine. John M. Crawford was reared on farms in Illinois and Ohio, and attended the common district schools, acquiring only a moderate education. He remained at home with his mother, working on the farm, until he reached his twentieth year and then was married. In the fall of 1863 he removed to Henry county, Ohio, where he purchased sixty acres of land in Liberty township. This land was in the woods, wholly without improvements. He located on the land and began clearing it, and as fast as he cleared he planted. In 1872 he rented his farm and came to Columbus Grove, and engaged in the dry-goods business with Wilson Martin and Joseph Justice, under the firm name of W. Martin & Co. ; six months later Mr. Martin withdrew, and Messrs. Crawford & Justice continued the business for about one year, when they traded out to T. M. Day. Mr. Crawford then engaged in the grocery and bakery business in Columbus Grove, continuing in that business for about one year. He next engaged in the livery business for about three months, following 106 - BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY which he entered the drug business, continuing in that line for about ten years. In 188o he entered the hardware business in partnership with George Arnold, who was succeeded by John Light in about nine months. About a year and a half later Mr. Light was succeeded by D. M. Foltz, and the. firm of Crawford & Foltz continued for about seven years, at the expiration of which time (in 1890) Mr. Crawford sold out to Mr. Foltz. One month later he purchased the hardwire stock of Norris Killen, since which time he has been in business by himself in his present stand on the corner of High and Sycamore streets. For about seven years Mr. Crawford was engaged in the saw-mill business with G. S. Gander, under the firm name of Crawford & Co., they operating and owning mills at Columbus Grove, Ottawa, Avis and Pandora, owning those at at the last three places at the same time. In January, 1894, Mr. Crawford purchased an interest in the pine lumber business in Columbus Grove, the firm becoming that of Palmer & Crawford, and this interest he now owns. In June, 1895, he purchased the Columbus Grove machine shops, which he is now operating. September 7, 1895, Mr. Crawford purchased an interest in the Exchange bank, of Columbus Grove, with W. Martin as vice-president. September 15, 1861, Mr. Crawford was married to Miss Sarah A., the daughter of Rev. Wilson Martin, and to this union four children have been born, as follows; William L., born in Marion county, July 17, 1862; he is now in the drug business .in Columbus Grove; Minnie E., born in September, 1864, now Mrs. Henry F. Light, of Columbus Grove; Dilla E., now Mrs. E. E. McLaughlin, of Columbus Grove; Wilson M., born September 24, 1879. Mr. and Mrs. Crawford and family are members of the Methodist Episcopal church and, no family stands higher in the esteem of the community in which they live. LEVI CRAWFORD, the subject of t review, is one whose ancestral histo has been of long identification with that of the Buckeye state, while h himself has been conspicuously concerned wi the noble art of husbandry in the township an county which figure as the place of his birth He is now living in retirement at Kalida, an is well deserving of representation in this vo ume. Mr. Crawford was born on the 14th of January, 1845, in Union township, Putnam county, Ohio, being the son of Hugh an Nancy (Henderson) Crawford, the former whom was a native of the old Keystone state where he was born on the 21st of Novembe 1825, his father having been a native of th Emerald Isle. The latter came to America his youth and settled in Pennsylvania, whe he became identified with agricultural p suits. In politics he was a democrat until the organization of the republican party. The father of our subject was reared to farm life and in his youth came with his parents to Mu kingum county, Ohio, where they purchased farm and brought it into a fine state of cut vation. Hugh Crawford received his edu tion in the public schools of Muskingum count and remained in that section until he attain mature years. On the 8th of April, 1831, he led to the marriage altar Miss Nancy Henderson, who was born on October 12, 1809 the children of this union we make record follows: William H. is a resident of Michig Robert is a farmer of Putnam county, Ohio. Alonzo, engaged in farming in Hanc county; Charles died in infancy; Hugh died September 26, 1877; Albert died in childh Levi, the immediate subject of this sketch Samantha died at the age of seven ye John G. , a farmer in Union township, and L A., wife of C. S. Burt. After his marriage Hugh Crawford located in Allen county, where he continued to OF PUTNAM COUNTY - 107 until 1887, which year represents his advent in Putnam county, where he purchased a farm and also engaged in the real estate business; later he sold this original purchase and bought another farm one-half mile away, and located in the same township. In his political adherency he was a stanch. supporter of the republican party, taking an active interest in public affairs of a local nature. He was township trustee for a number of years, and was held in the highest esteem in the community. He was a member of the Presbyterian church, in which faith he died on the 30th of. March, 1877.. His wife was born in Pennsylvania, whither her parents had come from the north of Ireland. She came to Muskingum county, Ohio, in her youth, and was there reared and educated, her marriage also being celebrated in that county. She was a member of the Presbyterian church, and she did not long survive her husband, her death occurring on the 13th of October, 1888. Two of their sons, William H. and Alonzo, did valiant service in the late war of the Rebellion. William H. enlisted for a period of three months as a member of the Twenty-first regiment Ohio volunteer infantry, and later served until the end of the war in the cavalry; Alonzo served three months in the Twenty-first regiment. Levi Crawford, the. immediate subject of this review, was reared in Putnam county, receiving his preliminary educational, training in the primitive log school-house in his native township, and supplementing this instruction by attending school in Kalida for one term. November 19, 1868, he was united in marriage to Susan. Strain, daughter of Hugh and Sarah (Ewing) Strain, and to this union five children were born: Mrs. Erna. Jones, born August 16, 1869, died May 16, 1891; Nancy A. is the wife of T. C. Hicks, of Kalida; one daughter died in infancy; Rosa Clyde is the wife of L. Kline, a prominent merchant of Kalida, and Harry E. remains at home and is attending school. Mrs. Crawford was born in Putnam county, May 28, 1844, was educated in the public school, and in her youth identified herself with the Presbyterian church. Her father, who was born in Ireland in 1798, .emigrated with his parents to Pennsylvania, in which state occurred his marriage to Sarah Ewing. He was a member of the Presbyterian. church, and in his political views originally supported the democratic party, but later became an ardent republican; he died on the 2d of March, 1888; his wife, who bore the maiden name of Sarah Ewing, was born in Scotland in 1799, came with her parents to Pennsylvania in her youth, and was there reared to maturity, being a member of the Presbyterian church. She became the mother of the following children, viz: Margaret, widow of Thomas Todd, resides in Leipsic; Amanda, wife of J. Bennett, a farmer of Taylor county, Iowa; Julia. wife of B. S. Ramsey, a carpenter of Leipsic, Ohio; Susan, wife of our subject; Lemuel, farmer of Taylor county, Iowa. The mother died May 13, 1867. After his marriage our subject located in Kalida,. where he remained for six years, being engaged in farming. In 1874 he removed to Henry county. where he engaged in the grocery business in the village of Deshler. There he remained two years, disposing of his interests in 187& and returning to his farm in Putnam county, where he continued to abide for four years. In 1880 he disposed of his farm, and bought the old parental homestead, where the family continued to remain until 1890, in which. year Mr. Crawford disposed of this place- and removed to Kalida, where he since has been retired from active business. Mr. Crawford is a. stanch supporter of republican principles, is a man of genial disposition and utmost integrity, is liberal and public spirited, and enjoys, a distinctive popularity in the community. Mrs. Crawford is a member of the 108 - BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. Presbyterian church. Their granddaughter, Bertha Mabel Jones, born February 1o, 1891, sheds brightness in the family circle. JAMES W. CRITTEN, one of the well-known farmers of Pleasant township, Putnam county, Ohio, and one of the three trustees of said township, was born on the farm where he now lives, on February 19, 1849. He is a son of Daniel and Elizabeth (Lake) Critten, both of whom were born in Licking county, Ohio, and were pioneers of Putnam county. When Daniel Critten and his wife came to Pleasant township, there was but one house in Columbus Grove, that being a log house, in which Capt. Fritchie kept hotel. Daniel Critten purchased eighty acres of land, the same being the farm of our subject, which is in section No. 20, one and a quarter miles northwest from Columbus Grove. When he purchased the land it was all covered with timber, and he began to clear it, but by mistake got off his land, and before he found it out had cleared five acres of an adjoining tract and built his log house. on it. The country was all timber then, and was full of game. Wolves also were plenty, and Mr. Critten had to pen his sheep up under his house, at night, to keep them from being killed. He lived on his farm until 1879, when he moved to Columbus Grove, where he lived the remainder of his life, dying in July, 1889, in his eighty-first year, a member of the Christian church. His widow lives in Columbus Grove, she now being in her eighty-fifth year, and also a member of the Christian church. To these parents eight children were born, as follows: Ashford, now a citizen of 'Pulaski county, Ind. ; Eliza, deceased wife of William Bogart; Isaac, deceased, leaving a widow; Elizabeth, now the wife of Frank Tate, of Columbus Grove; Daniel, now a citi zen of Findlay, Ohio.; Mary, died in infancy; Dorcas, now the wife of Louis Bushong, of Columbus Grove; and James W., our subject. James W. Critten was reared on his father' farm, and attended the district schools. He remained on the farm until about 187o, we he came to Columbus' Grove and for nine ye was in a planing mill, part of the time havin an interest in the same. In 1879 he returne to the home farm, where he has since remained He was married,on April 18, 1865, to Alwilda Petit, who was born in Coshocton county Ohio, on August 16, 1851. Her parents John and Jane (Severus) Pettit, the former of whom was born in Beaver county, Pa., April 10, 1829, and the latter in Coshocton county Ohio, on June 8, 1832. They were married on April 24, 1849, and came to Columbus Grove in 1854, where they now reside. To Mr. and Mrs. Critten the following children have been born: Alma Irene, born June 4 1871, and married to Samuel Barnt, who wwas born in Allen county, Ohio, and is the son Henry and Delila (Stalter) Barnt; Leo Lamora born November 17, 1874, now wife of J. E. Stemen; Lillie M,, born December 9, 1876. Mr. and Mrs. Critten and family are membe of the Christian church. All his life Mr. Critten has been a democrat, and he has be quite prominent in his township. In spring of 1890 he was elected trustee of Pleasant township for three years, and was elected, his second term being for the same length of time. STEPHEN CROW, a native of Columbiana county, Ohio, was born M 18, 1826, and in 1835 was brought to Putnam county by his parents, whom mention will be made in full in a paragraph below. In this then wilderness, when OF PUTNAM COUNTY - 109 there were but few settlers in the neighborhood, or, indeed, in the county, our subject was reared to manhood, aiding in developing the land his father had purchased in the wildwood, and converting it into a fertile farm. He also assisted in other ways in fitting the country for the abode of civilized beings, the forest at that time swarming with wild game and filled with all prevailing malaria, but destitute of roads or anything else that might add to the comfort or use of man. Ottawa at that time consisted of two dwellings, a small hotel and a still smaller store; the nearest mill was at Findlay, thirty miles distant, and to get to market what little surplus wheat the few settlers raised, they built small flat-boats, which they floated down the Blanchard and Auglaize rivers to Fort Defiance, where it was exchanged for salt, groceries and other necessaries. Stephen Crow is the seventh of ten chidren born to James and Elizabeth (Moreland) Crow. The father, James Crow, was born in Washington county, Pa., and the mother in Virginia. Both were brought when young to Ohio by their parents, who settled in Columbiana county at different periods, and there James and Elizabeth grew to maturity and were mar ried. James Crow, the father, was reared to blacksmithing and farming, took great interest in public affairs, for several terms was a justice of the peace, and also filled many minor township offices. Both he and wife were members of the Christian church, in the faith of which the father died, in Greensburg, Ohio, about the year 1865, his wife dying about the year 1875. Of the ten children born to these parents, seven grew to maturity, as follows: Nancy, married to John Neill, but both now deceased; Abraham, who died in Putnam county, leaving four children; Jason, a farmer of Williams county; W. R., who at his death left behind him five children: Lydia, who was married to H. Brower and died the mother of eight children; Stephen, the subject of this sketch, and Elizabeth, widow of John Bowman, and the mother of seven children. Stephen Crow, our subject, after the death of his father, had full charge of the home farm in the interest of all concerned until he became sole heir thereof. In 1875 he bought his present farm, and to this tract of 16o acres he has added until he now owns 260 acres, of which 175 acres are nicely cultivated. Since coming to Riley township, he has sold the old homestead and now devotes his entire attention to the cultivation of his own homestead and adjacent farms. The marriage of Stephen Crow took place in the fall of 1848 to Miss Elizabeth Fritz, who was born July 16, 1827, a daughter of John and Fannie (Shelby) Fritz, natives of Pennsylvania, who came to Putnam county, Ohio, in 1835. John Fritz, the father of Mrs. Crow, was both a farmer and carpenter, and in the latter capacity for a long time was the coffin-maker for the neighborhood. Being very unfortunate in the loss of his wife and a number of his elder children, he passed the declining years of his life at the home of our subject, dying about the year 1875, a devoted member of the Mennonite church. The children born to the happy union of Stephen and Elizabeth Crow were eight in number and are named as follows: Mary M., wife of Louis Towslay, .a farmer of Putnam county; William J., with his parents; James M., married Mary Agner, by whom he has one child; Isaac S., farmer, married Lula Branner, by whom he has one child; Fannie, wife of Warren Dice, farmer; Elias, also a farmer, who married Rennie Climer and has two children; Sarah, wife of James Agner, and Thomas S., at home, who married Elva Scheib, by whom he has three children. Mr. Crow and his wife are members of the Christian church and in politics he is a populist. He is greatly respected as a citizen and his sterling integrity as 110 - BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY an individual has won him the friendship, true and deep, of all who have become acquainted with him. JOSEPH T. CROW, one of the young and enterprising farmers of Palmer township, Putnam county, Ohio, was born in Greensburg township, same county, January 21, 1851. He has been an agriculturist all his life, and has met with the success that naturally attends industry and careful management. He is a son of Miles and Lena (Schmidt) Crow, a short biographical sketch of both of whom is here introduced. Miles Crow is a son of Abraham and Sarah (Thompson) Crow, the former of whom was a son of Abraham Crow, who was of English extraction and a native of Washington county, Pa. The Crow family were brilliant lights in the old Covenanter church of Pennsylvania in the earlier days, and many of the same family are still prominent people in Washington and Butler counties, Pa. Abraham Crow removed to Columbiana county, Ohio, at an early day, and there he reared the following children: Thomas, William, Abraham, Jesse, James, John, Amy, Pattie, and Rachel. Abraham Crow, the third son of Abraham Crow, was born in Washington county, Pa., and removed with his parents to Columbiana county, Ohio. Though a native of Pennsylvania yet he lived at different times in both Washington county, that state, and in Columbiana county, Ohio, to which the family had moved, until 1834, when he removed to Putnam county, Ohio, and there entered 160 acres of land in section No. 12, Greensburg township. Later he purchased 165 acres in section No. 9, and these two pieces of land he cleared sufficiently to convert into a good farm, and there spent the remainder of his life, rearing a family of the following children: John, Rachel (now Mrs. William Ayers), Eliza (Mrs. Alfred Thompson), Milton, Matilda Mahala (Mrs. David Baird), Joseph T., Sylvanus, Miles, Minerva (Mrs. Jackson Broweer) Addison and Reason. The mother of these children was a descendant of the Thompson family of Loudoun county, Va., and families of the same descent are leading ones of western Pennsylvania at the present day. Miles. Crow, the ninth child of the above family, and father of subject, was born in Columbiana county, Ohio, August 21, 1825. In early life he was the proprietor of an ashery, but otherwise he has during his entire life been a farmer. He is a republican in politics, and is an honored member of the community in which he has resided for so many years, and at the present time and for years past he is and has been a shining light in the Christian or Disciples' church. He married Miss Lena Schmidt, who was born in Medina county, Ohio, April 10, 1829, and is a daughter of John and Barbara (Buzzard) Schmid. To this marriage there were born four child as follows: Joseph T., the subject of sketch; Mary M. ; Sarah B. and John P. mother of these children was called to her final home in July, 1863, leaving, to mourn their loss, her husband and the four children who were still too young to be left without a mother's guidance and tender care. Joseph T. Crow received a good common school education and an excellent training as an agriculturist. On February 22, 1878, he was married to Sophia E. Meyers, who born in Greensburg township, December 7, 1854, and is a daughter of Joseph D. And Elizabeth (Shank) Meyers, who came from Maryland in 1832, settled in Greensburg township, and stood well among the earliest of pioneers. To the marriage of Joseph T. and Sophia E. Crow there have been born eight children, as follows: Ammon, Ada B., Eliza- OF PUTNAM COUNTY - 113 beth, Mary, Harry, Fannie, Atley and Joseph. Soon after his marriage Mr. Crow settled on his present farm of eighty acres, and upon this farm he has made most of the improvements. The soil is very fertile and his place is one of the most attractive as well as one of the most productive in the township. Besides his farm Mr. Crow owns a threshing machine and sawmill, and in every respect is one of the most enterprising young men in the township. All he owns he has made by his own efforts, industrious habits, and judicious investment. In everything pertaining to the promotion of the welfare of the community he is one of the most public-spirited young men in his county, and in local politics he is quite prominent. He has held the office of township trustee and some of the other minor local offices within his party's gift. In religious matters he is a member of the Disciples' church, and is active in church work. He is a deacon of his church and for six years has been superintendent of the Sunday-school. In his wife he has a most helpful and admirable partner, she never failing to aid him in his work and to do all possible to further his interests; and the result is as it should be, that they two now enjoy a comfortable competence, well, though arduously, earned. Both possess to an unusual degree the confidence and esteem of the entire community in which they live. JOSEPH DARLING, of Riley township, Putnam county, is a native of Richland county, Ohio, was born July 9, 1818, and was reared to agricultural pursuits. His parents were Jonathan P. and Catherine (Butter) Darling, natives of Virginia. Jonathan P. Darling was a soldier in the war of 1812, and soon after the close of that struggle came to Ohio and located in Richland county, where he followed his vocation of farming until his death, at the age of seventy-one years. He was a devout member of the Lutheran church, and the father of the following children: Robert, deceased; Joseph, the subject of this sketch; Rebecca, who died unmarried; Squire, a resident of Putnam county; Abigail, who died single; Vincent, who died, leaving a family of seven children; Sophia; Aditha, who was married to Matthew Alexander, became the mother of a family and died in Indiana; John P. , residing on the old homestead. Joseph Darling, our subject, was an able assistant to his father on the home farm until 1843, when he settled in Hancock, Ohio, where he resided until 1844. He then purchased 160 acres of land in section No. 4, Riley township, county of Putnam, Ohio, upon which he has since resided and which he has brought to its present high state of cultivation. His marriage occurred in 1840 to Miss Sophia Groff, a daughter of Joseph Groff, who was a native of Pennsylvania, of German descent, a farmer, and was the father of eleven children, who were born in the following order: Elias, Polatus, Eli, Julia A., Sophia (wife of Mr. Darling), David, Emeline, Christina, Fiatta, Caroline and James. To the union of Joseph and Sophia Darling have been horn seven children, viz: Elias, who was wounded at the battle of Chickamauga, was " taken by the insolent foe " and incarcerated in Libby prison, where he died with the small-pox; Abigail, the second child, is the widow of Volney 0. Gaustrander, who was a chemist by profession, served through the late war, and after marriage carried on farming until his death, which took place January 25, 1885, leaving to the care of his widow three children; the third child born to our subject bore the name of Catherine E., and died young; the fourth, Sophia A., was also taken away in childhood; Jonathan, the fifth child, is now in the hardware business at Gilboa, Ohio; the sixth and seventh, Joseph 114 - BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY and Sarah A., died young. The mother of this family was called to rest March 28, 1880, a consistent member of the Methodist Protestant church, of which denomination her husband is still a member. Volney O. Gaustrander, the deceased husband of Abigail Darling, was born in Carroll county, Ohio, in 1844. At the age of ten years he lost his father, and was reared by his step-father, a Mr. Weaver, and by him was brought to Putnam county, his mother accompanying him. Volney 0., as has been stated, was educated as a chemist. His term of service in the army was three years; he received an honorable discharge at the close of the war, after which he followed agriculture fourteen years, and at his death left his family well provided for. His children were named Zoe, who is now a school-teacher; Joe and Matthew 0., the latter two being at home with their mother, with whom, also, our subject is now making his home. In politics the Darling family have for many years been adherents of the democratic party, with which our subject for many years also affiliated, but of late he has sympathized with the prohibitionists. He has served his fellow-citizens as township appraiser, also as township trustee, and has likewise filled a number of minor positions. He is steward of his church society, and has always been regarded as a pillar of that organization. He is much respected as an experienced agriculturist, on whose advice reliance can at all times be implicitly placed, and he is honored for his integrity and unswerving morality. CLARK DARLING.—In the subject at hand we have one of Ohio's honored pioneers and a man whose father and grandfather before him were among the earliest and best known settlers of this section of the state. The name of Darling a familiar one in the counties of Richland Putnam, where four generations of the fam have lived, and in the latter county our subject is a successful and representative farmer of Monroe township, where nearly the who of his life has been passed. Jonathan Darling, our subject's paternal grandfather, was a pioneer of Richland county, Ohio, and a man prominent in the early history of the state. He formerly lived in Pennsylvania, and after his marriage in that state came to Ohio to seek his fortune and to make a home for himself and his family. He had been a participant in the war of 1812, when he distinguished himself, and in after years was a democrat of the old Jacksonian type. When he first settled in Richland county that section was almost a stranger to the presence of white men, and the forests were filled with Indians and wild animals. There Jonathan Darling labored assiduously, and with success, to attain a competency. He started without financial aid, but a man of his energy and capacity could not fail to amass property, and he became a prominent farmer, owning over 300 acres of land. At the same time he became a leading man in the county, his influence being widely felt. Vincent Darling, our subject's father, was born in Richland county, Ohio, July 9, 1820. He was reared upon his father's farm, and throughout life he followed agricultural pursuits. He received a good practical education and upon attaining manhood was united in marriage to Miss Margaret Catlitt, who was born in Virginia, October 20, 1822. She was the daughter of Hanson and Elizabeth (Miller) Catlitt, who came from Virginia to Richland county, and who afterward removed to a farm in Pleasant township, Putnam county, where they lived the remainder of their days. They were consistent members of the Methodist OF PUTNAM COUNTY - 115 church and were people of high standing in the community. Harrison Catlitt was a Jacksonian democrat in politics and a man of influence. Vincent and Margaret Darling were married in Richland county, where they lived for two years. In 1848 they came to Putnam county and located in Pleasant township, where they purchased a tract of wooded land and proceeded to make a home there. They endured all of the privations incident to pioneer life, and made for themselves a competence, developing the tract of land into a fmonne farm of 242 acres. In politics Vincent Darling was a Jacksonian democrat, and in the early days of the county he was one of the most influential and public-spirited citizens. His death occurred February 6, 1883, while the mother is still living at North Creek. Eight children were born to this estimable couple, all of whom are now living, their names in order of birth being as follows: Clark, Editha, Caroline, Sophia, Columbus, Louisa, Hiram and Harriet. Clark Darling, our subject, and the eldest of the family of children, was born in Richland county, Ohio, August. 9, 1847. He was reared upon the home farm, and has followed the vocation of farming through life. With the exception of a short time spent in Kosciusko county, Ind., he has always lived in Richland and Putnam counties, Ohio, where he is widely known. In 1874 he was united in marriage to Miss Ada Marshall, who was a native of Xenia, Ohio, being the daughter of William and Eliza (Cleland) Marshall. Mrs. Clark Darling was a lady of lovely character and a prominent member of the Methodist church from her youth. She was the mother of four children: Elmer E., Minnie M., Flora B. and Wesley M., the last named being now deceased. The mother died June 12, 1886. Our subject was later united in marriage to Miss Katie Pettit, who was born in Riley township, Putnam county, Ohio, November 7, 1863. She is the daughter of Moses and Sarah (Soverns) Pettit, and a sister of Mrs. William R. Summerland, concerning whom individual mention is made in connection with the sketch of her husband, appearing elsewhere in this volume. Moses and Sarah Pettit came to Putnam county in 1862, and gained recognition as people of intelligence and honor, occupying a position of prominence in the community. Mr. and Mrs. Clark Darling are the parents of 0ne son, Hugh L. In 1883 Clark Darling settled on his present farm of eighty acres, which he cleared and transformed from dense woods into a fertile and productive tract, equipped with good buildings and with everything necessary for the successful carrying on of agriculture. In politics our subject is a democrat, although in no sense an active partisan, and is a man who retains the regard of a wide circle of acquaintances. FRANCIS M. CURRY, an industrious and thriving farmer of Union town. ship, Putnam county, Ohio, was.born in Davis county, Iowa, December 5, 1843, a son of James and Diana (Titus) Curry. The father of Francis M., James Curry, was born in Pittsburg, Pa., March 30, 1809, and was a son of William Curry, was a native of Pennsylvania, and his only child was James, father of subject. William Curry was accidentally drowned, and his widow married for her second husband Josiah Twambley, and to this union were born two children, David, of Delaware counry, Ohio, and George of Chicago—Mr. Twambley having been a soldier 0f the war of 1812. James Curry, father of Francis M., in 1821 was brought to Ohio by his grandparents, who settled in Knox county, where he received a limited education and was reared to farm- 116 - BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY ing. He there married, January 13, 1831, Miss Diana Titus, who was born in Coschocton county, Ohio, December 12, 1811, and still survives, a daughter of George and Margaret (Sheets) Titus. To this marriage were born ten children, in the following order; John C., Josiah T. and Sarah C., wh0 died in childhood; Mrs. Margaret Best, of Columbus Grove; Mary E., wife of Fred Frucher, of Pleasant township; Francis M., our subject; Maria, wife of George Southworth, of Columbus Grove; Cordelia, married to C. Frucher, of Allen county; James, farmer of California, and Eliza J., wife of H. White, of Toledo, Ohio. Mr. Curry continued to farm in Knox county until 1840; when he went to Iowa, where he was employed in farming and shoemaking. He then engaged in the practice of medicine until about 1846, when he returned to Ohio and farmed in Delaware county until 1851, and then came to Putnam county and entered eighty acres of land, which he cleared and on which he erected a comfortable dwelling, where he still lives, in Union township, on the same place with his son, Francis M., our subject. He is a republican in politics, was a constable in Iowa, and has held the office of school trustee in Putnam county, Ohio. At the age of sixteen he was a Methodist but later in life became a member of the United Brethren church. Francis M. Curry was reared to farming in Delaware and Putnam counties. In December, 1861, he responded to his country's call for defenders of her flag, and volunteered in company F, Fifty-seventh Ohio infantry, under Col. Rice, and served three years and eight months, taking part in thirty-three hard-fought battles, among the chief of which were Shiloh, Corinth, Vicksburg, Jackson, Atlanta campaign, Lovejoy Station, the march to .the sea, Bentonville, Raleigh and all the engagements in North Carolina and South Carolina, and also participated in the grand review with his regiment at Washington, D. C., receiving an honorable discharge at Little Rock, Ark,, August 14, 1865. October 31, 1866, Mr. Curry was united in marriage with M' Amanda Hull, born in Putnam county, January 28, 1843, of Scotch-Irish descent, daughter of Ludwig and Martha (Todd) Hull. There have been seven children born to happy union, as follows; Thomas W., of C fornia; Francis H., tile manufacturer of Putnam county, Ohio; Ida M., wife of H. Frost, of Paulding county; Edith D. and Henry L at home, and two infants deceased. After marriage Mr. Curry settled on his present farm, but in 1885 his dwelling and contents were destroyed by fire, and the same year he erected the fine residence he now occupies. He is a skillful and progressive farmer public-spirited citizen, a republican in poll and a member of Ogilvie post, No. 64, G. R., while his social standing is all that any one could desire. MORRIS A. DARBYSHIRE, M. D., one of the leading physicians and surgeons of Ottawa, is a native d Putnam county, Ohio, born May 19, 1863. His father, Jesse Darbyshire, was born December 5, 1817, in Fayette county, Pa., and when a lad of thirteen, accompanied his parents to Guernsey county, Ohio, thence, later, to Clinton county, where he made his home until 1845. In that year he came to Putnam county, purchasing a tract of acres of wild land in Sugar Creek towns from which, in due time, he developed farm where his remaining years were passed. He added to his original purchase at intern until he accumulated a tract of 200 acres, greater part of which was brought to a high state of cultivation under his skillful manage- OF PUTNAM COUNTY - 117 ment, and he became one of the leading agriculturists and stock raisers of the county. May 22, 1844, Jesse Darbyshire and Lydia Pierce were united in the bonds of wedlock, and of their marriage were born children whose names and dates of birth are as follows: Mary M. born May 5, 1845, married Jacob Deffenbaugh, and resides in the township of Sugar Creek; James M., a resident of Continental, Putnam county; John W., May 13, 1850, a farmer of Sugar Creek township; Benjamin M., November 23, 1852, also a resident of Sugar Creek township; David D., March 20, 55, minister of the Disciples' church, stationed at Bluffton, Ind.; Harvey N., August , 20, 1857, died August 25, 1860; Samuel J., Eliza J., twins, born September 28, 1860, - the former a physician and surgeon, of Warren, Ind., the latter the wife of Albert C. Wood, of Rimer, Ohio; and Morris A., our subbject. The father was for many years an active member of the Christian church, in which he held the office of deacon. He was a true type of a christian gentleman, and parted this life on the 14th day of August, 1894, at the age of seventy-seven years. Mrs. Darbyshire was born in Logan county, Ohio, December 2, 1825, and is still living. Dr. Morris A. Darbyshire spent his youthful years upon the home farm in Sugar Creek township, attending, in the meantime, the common schools until his eighteenth year, when he began teaching, which he followed, during the winter seasons, for some time, earning, thereby, means to prosecute his studies in the National Normal university at Lebanon, Ohio. He also attended the Ohio Normal university at Ada, from which institution he received the degree of B. S., and afterward that of M. S. In 1887 he began the study of medicine with his brother, Samuel J. Darbyshire, at Fort Wayne, Ind., and subsequently attended the Starling Medical college at Columbus, Ohio, from which place he was graduated March 6, 1890, receiving honorable mention for efficiency in a class of thirty-nine students. He prepared for the general practice of his profession and located first in the town of Gilboa, Ohio, where he remained until 1894, in December of which year he sought a wider field, and came to Ottawa, where he has since resided. The doctor was married February 1, 1893, to Miss Mary M. Matthias, daughter of Dr. A. C. and Eleanor (Harris) Matthias, of Gilboa. Mrs. Darbyshire was born November 12, 1871, and is a lady of many excellent qualities of mind and heart. The doctor is a member of the I. O. O. F., having united with the Gilboa lodge, No. 459, in February, 1894. MICHAEL C. DAUB, an honored resident of Rice, Monroe township, Putnam county, Ohio, is the senior member of the firm of Daub & Lewis, who for the past five years have been successfully engaged in the manufacture and sale of high-grade tile at this point. Michael Daub, .father of M. C. and H. M. Daub (postmaster at Rice), was a native of Germany, where he was born November 1, 1813. In his youth he became proficient in a trade which is now gone into decadence, learning to manufacture wrought-iron nails, the whole process being accomplished by hand. He worked at this trade until seventeen years of age, having in the meanwhile acquired a good German education. At the age noted he came, in company. with an uncle, to America, and settled in Lancaster county, Pa., and when twenty-five years of age, he was united in marriage to Catherine Harmon. Their children in order of birth are as follows: Lydia, wife of James Whitmer; Amos, who died in infancy; David; Rebecca, wife of James A. 118 - BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY Bruner; Catherine, wife of James A. Mills; Sarah, wife of Andrew Rockey; Henry M. and Michael C. The parents retained their residence in Lancaster county, Pa., for many years and there all their children were born, the father having been engaged in farming and quarrying. In 1866 he came to Sandusky county, Ohio, and thence removed to Seneca county, where he remained until 1885, when he came to Putnam county. The mother's death occurred in 1880, she having been a devoted member of the United Brethren church. Michael C. Daub was born in Lancaster county, Pa., December 5, 1857, passing his youth on the old homestead farm and receiving a common English education. In the year 1880 he came to Monroe township, Putnam county, Ohio, and has since been identified with the interests of this section. For a time he was engaged in farming and later purchased forty acres of wooded land, and gave his attention to its reclamation. He finally bought a farm of eighty acres and devoted himself to its cultivation for five years. In 1890 he became identified with his present line of business, the firm having a well equipped plant, from which is turned out tile of the most superior order—a fact which has secured to them a good patronage, which is constantly increasing in extent. Mr. Daub is well deserving of the title of a self-made man, since he has gained his present prosperity entirely through his own efforts. In politics he is a stanch republican. In 1882 he was united in marriage to Margaret A. Parrott, whO was born in Fayette county, Ohio, April 1, 1862. The children of this union are Wallie B., Alpha, Arullie, Leafy M., and Perry W. Mrs. Daub's father, J. S. Parrott, is one of the substantial and honored pioneer citizens of Monroe township, being of German descent. His grandfather, Samuel Parrott, emigrated from the fatherland and settled in Rocking. ham county, Va., where he owned a large plantation, distillery and a number of slaves. In an early day he removed with his family to Perry county, Ohio, where he remained until his death. He was a democrat in politics and a Presbyterian in his religious faith he was an active participant in the Revolutionary war and saw many years of his service. Phillip Parrott, father of John S. was born in Rockingham county, Va., all there passed his entire life. He was the proprietor of 360 acres of land, and conducted an extensive business in the distilling and merchant-milling line. He took up arms in defense of the Union in the war of 1812. He married Barbara Snider, of Rockingham county Va., and their children in order of birth were as follows: Bronson M., Susanna, Jeremiah, Leanna, John, Mary A., Samuel, Barbara E., and John S. In politics the father was a democrat, and religiously was a member of the Methodist church, while his wife adhered to the Presbyterian faith. John S. Parrott was born in Rockingham, county, March 23, 1825, and in that county was united in marriage to Angeline Fifer, native of the same county, born October 25, 1821, the daughter of Benjamin and Eliza, A. (Daugherty) Fifer, the former of whom born June 28, 1803, and the latter July 3, 1810. Four years .after their marriage and Mrs. Parrott removed to Fayette county, Ohio, and thence to Illinois, finally retu to Fayette county, where they remained until 1865, when they removed to Monroe township, Putnam county, locating in the woods, and reclaiming a farm of seventy-four acres. politics Mr. Parrott was an adherent to the faith of his father, and has served his township as trustee; both he and his wife have long been members of the Christian church. Mr. Parrott inherited a distinctive loyalty and in OF PUTNAM COUNTY - 119 the time of his country's need tendered his services in her defense, enlisting July 3, 1862, as a member of company C, Ninetieth Ohio volunteer infantry, and participating in active campaign work throughout Kentucky, Tennessee, Alabama and Georgia—in which connection he participated in the battles of Stone River, Shelbyville, Nashville, Chickamauga, Lookout Mountain and Mission Ridge. The children of Mr. and Mrs. Parrott are in order of birth as follows: William H., Mary J., Perry F., Samuel E., Elizabeth E., Cynthia A., Cyrus H., Margaret, John S., Harvey and Rose E. NICHOLAS D. DAVIS, a prosperous and enterprising farmer of Van Buren township, Putnam county, was born in Hancock county, Ohio, October 5, 1844, was reared on his father's farm, and educated in the common schools. He is a son of Alford and Nancy (Houchins) Davis, the former a native of Kentucky and the latter of Ohio. Alford Davis was about three years of age when he first came to Ohio in company with his parents, and first located in Ross county, thence moved to Wyandot county, and finally to Hancock county, where he still lives, at the age of eighty years, being one of its most prominent and extensive farmers, although he started in life without any means whatever. Alford Davis was first married to Nancy Houchins, to which union were born eight children, of whom five are still living, viz: Laura, wife of John Vansicle, a farmer of Hancock county; Nicholas D., our subject; Delilah, married to Benjamin Henline, also a farmer of Hancock county; William L: and Herman, both farmers of the same county and unmarried. The mother of this family died August 6, 1857, a consistent member of the Methodist Episcopal church, and Mr. Davis remained single until 1867, when he married Mrs. Amanda Stows, a widow with one child and a daughter of a Mr. Findlay; to this marriage have been born two children, viz: Nancy, wife of Frank Robinson, a farmer, and David H.. also engaged in agricultural pursuits. Mr. Davis is not a member of any church, but is a strictly moral man, and in politics is a republican. Nicholas D. Davis, the subject of this sketch, remained on his father's farm until 1868, when he married Miss Anna E. Van-gilder, who was born in Stark county, Ohio, May 4, 1845, a daughter of Isaac Vangilder, proprietor of a woolen mill, but who, after two or three changes of location in the state, finally settled in Lucas county, Iowa, where for a time he was engaged in farming, then sold his land and engaged in the grocery business at Russell, in the same county. He was there overtaken by an accident in 1893, being killed by the cars, and dying a member of the Presbyterian church. His children, by two marriages, were Anna E., wife of our subject; Williamson, a resident of Chicago; Isaac N., a railroad man, living in Salt Lake City; James, farming in Iowa, and Matthew, of the same state. The union of Mr. and Mrs. N. D. Davis has been blessed with four children, one of whom, however, died young, the survivors being Cora L., wife of Bruce Dukes, a farmer of Hancock county, Ohio; Orrin P., yet single and a teacher by profession, and Merle C., still at home. At his marriage, in 1868, Nicholas D. Davis bought eighty-three acres in Van Buren township, Putnam county, on which he still resides —153 additional acres of the same tract having recently been received by our subject from his father. At the time our subject made his purchase the place had been improved with a small house, and forty acres had been cleared of timber. The place is located five miles 120 - BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY east of Leipsic, and five miles west of McComb, Ohio, and is now all cleared, ditched and tiled, and under a thorough state of cultivation. It is improved with a large two-story modern frame dwelling, furnished with every convenience, and has a substantial barn and other proper and needful out-buildings. Mr. Davis carries on general farming, and also gives. some. attention to live stock, raising short-horn cattle and Poland-China hogs, and all other stock necessary for home use. Mr. Davis has brought his farm to its present state of perfection entirely through his own skill and excellent management, and has made it the boast and pride of the township. He has reared his family in respectability and usefulness, and he is himself noted for his public spirit and generous-hearted impulses—never neglecting to aid freely any enterprise designed to advance the welfare of the township and county, nor to assist the poor and needy on all suitable occasions. He is a faithful member of the Methodist Episcopal church, and in politics is an active supporter of the republican party. ALFRED H. DAY, one of the leading citizens and business men of Columbus Grove, and one of the well known men of Putnam county, Ohio, is a native of the old Bay State, having been born at Wilbraham, Mass., in 184o, and is a son of Alvin and Anna M. Day. Alfred H. Day, our subject, received his schooling in the common country schools of his neighborhood and at the age of sixteen years left home, going west to Rockport, Ill., where he spent two years working in a flouring-mill and clerking in a store. In 1858 he came to Lima, Ohio, and for three years was employed in the warehouse of King & Day. In 1861 Mr. Day came to Columbus Grove, and in partnership with J. W. King, of Xenia, Ohio, engaged in the general mercantile busi ness. The firm of King & Day continued three years, when the senior member withdrew, since which time Mr. Day has continued general merchandising, meeting with deserve success. Mr. Day was united in marriage; on September 20, 1865, at her native place, with Ada L., daughter of Rufus M. and Lucy A Pease, of Monson, Mass. To this union the following children have been born: Rose E born September 17, 1866, and married to Dr. Frank H. Pugh, of Bryan, Ohio, but formerly of Toledo; Kyle M., born September 7, 1869, died February 14, 1870; Homer R., born April 9, 1873, and now associated with his father in business. Mr. Day has been a citizen of Columbus Grove for thirty-four years, during all of which time he has been identified with the business interests of the town, and has proved himself an exemplary and most worthy citizen. His enterprise and progressive ideas have kept him abreast of the times, and every movement leading to the building up and improvement of the town and community has had his endorsement and encouragement. His large business interests have necessarily caused him to occupy a place in the front rank among his fellew-citizens, and his business methods an sterling qualities of mind and heart have w for him the full respect and confidence of who know him. His has been an active an useful life, and he has made his impress upon community. Beginning life at the bottom a boy without means, Mr. Day has worked h way to his present position of affluence un aided, relying upon his own energy, indus and perseverance. He has been uniformly successful in his business ventures, and his adopted town has been benefited by his pr perity in the way of some of its most substan- OF PUTNAM COUNTY - 123 tial buildings, as he has done as much in the way of building up the town as any other one citizen. He erected what is known as the Day block, located on the corner of Main and Sycamore streets, which is a large two-story brick structure, the largest probably in town, containing a number of store-rooms and offices, and also a first-class opera house. He also owns the New Grove House hotel property on Sycamore street and one of the finest residences in the town, also located on Sycamore street. When Columbus Grove was first incorporated Mr. Day was chosen its first treasurer, a position he held for ten years or more. He has also served as a member of the council and on the school board, and one term as treasurer of Pleasant township. In religion Mr. Day is a member of the Presbyterian church; as a republican in politics, he cast his first vote for Abraham Lincoln in his second candidacy for president of the United States. HIRAM M. DAY, M. D., a native of Putnam county, Ohio, was born March 11, 1854, and is a son of Dr. Hiram and Harriet (Pierce) Day, who were respectively born in Wayne county, Ohio, in 1816, and in Kent county, England, July 4, 1822. Dr. Day's father, Dr. Hiram Day, by his first marriage, had born to him six children, named as follows: Almira R., married to A. G. Anderson; Mary C., wife of Martin T. Parke; Lacy A., wife of S. P. Krohn; Hiram M., our subject; Edward, M. ; and William O. To his second marriage, which. was with Mrs. Mary Bushong, Hiram Day became the father of one daughter, Electa. who is the wife of Thos. Grafton. Dr. Hiram Day came to Putnam county when he was a young man twenty-four years old and began the practice of medicine in Pendleton (now Pandora), and there continued up to the time of his death, which occurred in 1890. He endured the hardships incident to the life of a pioneer physician and was an honor to his profession. He was one of the first three doctors to practice in Putnam county. Dr. Hiram M. Day was educated in the common and normal schools, clerked for a short season, and then commenced reading medicine with his father, thus preparing himself for a proper course of scientific study. Mr. Day passed the years of 1878, 1880 and 1881 in the Western Reserve Medical college of Cleveland, Ohio, and when graduated commenced the practice of his profession at Pandora.. He has built up .a most excellent and remunerative practice, and was in a short time enabled to lay out two additions to the village of Pandora. The marriage of Dr. Hiram M. Day, the subject of this mention, took place May 14, 1885, to Miss Jessie A. Ayres, born October 11, 1861, daughter of Samuel D. and Ann A. (Myres) Ayres. Samuel D. Ayres was a native of Stark county, Ohio, came to Putnam county with his parents in 1852, became a merchant of Kalida and fully identified with the business and public interests of the county, and died, a prominent and well-known citizen, in the year 1880, aged forty-six years. He served in the war of the Rebellion as lieutenant in company I, Ninety-ninth Ohio volunteer infantry. The children born to Samuel D. Ayres and wife were five in number, and were named Samuel N. ; Florence M., wife of F. A. Lorenz; George L. ; Lloyd C., and Jessie A., wife of our subject. The maternal grandmother of Mrs. Day bore the maiden name of Margaret Hardin; was wedded to Samuel Myres, and was the first white woman married in Putnam county. Her husband, Samuel Myres, was a pioneer from Baltimore, Md., 124 - BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY and assisted in surveying the town of Kalida, and also built the first grist-mill in Putnam county. The children born to Dr. H. M. Day and wife are as follows: Gertrude Amelia, born March 17, 1886; and Arthur Hiram, born February 1, 1890. Fraternally the doctor is a Freemason and a Knight of Pythias. In politics he is a republican and takes a deep interest ill public affairs, but has never sought public office. As a physician he stands in the foremost rank of his profession. JACOB DEFFENBAUGH, a highly respected and experienced farmer of Sugar Creek township, Putnam county, was born in Fairfield county, Ohio, August 2, 1833, was reared to farm pursuits until of age, and then learned carpentering. In 1858 he married Susanna Clevenger, who died in July, 1860; in 1861 he enlisted in the Twenty-first Ohio volunteer infantry for three months, and served in West Virginia, but took part in no battle. He was honorably discharged, at the expiration of his term, at Columbus, Ohio, and returned home. In the fall of 1864 he married Mary M. Darbershire, daughter of Jesse Darbershire, who was born in Pennsylvania of English descent, came to Ohio, when young, with his parents, who settled in Medina county. Later Mr. Darbershire moved to Clinton county, was there married, and in 1845 came to Putnam county, became prominent as a farmer, and died August 54, 1894, the father of eight children. His widow is now nearly seventy years of age and still clings to .the faith of her husband—that of the Christian church. John Deffenbaugh, father of our subject, and his wife, Annie (Parshall) Deffenbaugh, were both natives of Fayette county, Pa., where they were married about 1832, lived two years thereafter in Fairfield county, Ohio, and then came to Putnam county, where the father entered 160 acres, cleared up a farm and continued to add to it until he became quite wealthy. He lost his wife March 17, 1875, and his second marriage took place in May, 1879. By the first marriage there were born nine children; to the second union there was no issue. The eight were named Nancy, deceased wife of George L. Evans; Jacob, our subject; William, who died at the age of one year; Joseph, Albert G., Lewis, Amanda A., wife of John A. McKinley; Emma J., married to S. H. Keirns, and John H. The marriage of Jacob and Mary M. Deffenbaugh has been blessed by the birth of four children, viz: Olive M., married to B. G. Ford, died in January, 1895, leaving four children; Lydia is married to A. M. Heidlebaugh, school-teacher and farmer; Milton S., tile manufacturer and farmer, and Jessie E., yet at home. Jacob Deffenbaugh, immediately after his second marriage, bought the 160 acres of land on which he still lives, but which was then timber; he engaged in farming, and also in running a saw-mill for four years; after a time he sold eighty acres of his land, retaining eighty of which sixty are in a good state of cultivation, and improved with substantial building orchards, etc. He and family are held in high repute by their neighbors and fellow-citizen generally, and the good name left by father and which has been fully maintained our subject, is also a factor in the great spect in which the latter is held. John, the father, served six years as county auditor making his home in Ottawa, but died on homestead January 14, 1886. As a democrat he filled many offices of honor and pro besides that of auditor, among others that justice for twenty-seven consecutive ye besides serving many years as county commissioner.