OF PUTNAM COUNTY - 501 was blessed with six children; four of whom are still living: Chloe, the wife of James W. Loy, who sells engines and farming implements at Columbus Grove; Belle, the wife of Willis H. Grey, a prosperous farmer of Union township; J. Edson, a farmer living on the old homestead, and Nancy, still at home. In 1858 the subject of this sketch united with the Primitive Baptist church, and in 1871 he began preaching. In 1872 he was set apart, and ordained a minister and was given charge of three churches, two of which, of the Sandusky association, he still ministers to. He has been preaching there faithfully for twenty-three years. He is an earnest and enthusiastic worker and his labors for the Master have been rewarded. In private life he is respected by all. In politics he has cast his lot with the democrats and has been honored by them by being elected to numerous offices. In 1853 he was elected assessor and held that office two terms. In 1858 he was elected township trustee, and held that office for three terms, and during the 'sixties he was elected justice of the peace, which office he held for six years. He has been school director, and has been intrusted with numerous other minor offices. In 1861 he built his present home and surrounded himself with many of the luxuries and conveniences of this progressive age, where he enjoys the fruits of a well-spent life and can look back with pleasure on his early days in the wild forest which stood where his farm now stands, and many are the stirring incidents of this early life. B. F. SEITZ, a native of Union township, Putnam county, but now a prosperous farmer of Sugar Creek township, was born September 16, 1853, a son of David and Lydia (Hufford) eitz, natives, respectively, of Fairfield and Perry counties, Ohio. Daniel Seitz, the father of David, was a native of Virginia of German descent, was pioneer of Ohio and died in Fairfield county, where David was reared and was married. In 1847 David came to Putnam county, bought a tract of land in Union township where he still lives, and which now comprises 190 acres under a good state of cultivation; he has filled the office of land appraiser and also of township trustee and several minor offices, and is quite prominent before the public as a member of the Primitive Baptist chnrch. He has given a great deal of attention to short-horn cattle and has raised some graded Percheron horses that have netted him high prices. He has had born to him ten children, of whom four died young, the six who grew to maturity being named as follows: Elizabeth, married to T. J. Clevenger, a farmer; Nancy, who was married to S. D. Clevenger, but who, with her child, is now deceased; D. W., ex-county surveyor; B. F. the subject of this notice; Lavina, married to R. T. Evans, a farmer, and Diana, who married S. Z. Hiestand, became the mother of three children, and is now deceased. B. F. Seitz was reared upon the home farm until after reaching his majority. In 1877 he married Miss Sarah J. Funk, who was born in Sugar Creek township February 1 1, 1855. For a year he lived on rented land, then built on a tract of eighty acres in the woods that his wife inherited; he next purchased an adjoining tract of eighty acres, making 16o acres in all, which he has ditched, tiled, brought under a fine state of cultivation and improved with a commodious two-story frame dwelling, two large barns, two out-houses for all purposes, orchards, etc. He raises graded stock in considerable quantities, and also carries on the usual general farming. He takes a lively interest in public affairs, and has served two years as president of the agricultural society; 502 - BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY while he is a democrat in politics, he has no aspiration for public office, but lends a willing hand toward assisting to fill public positions with good men. In religion he is, with his wife and two children, a member of the Christian church. Henry Funk, father of Mrs. Seitz, was a native of Fairfield county, Ohio, and an early settler of Union township, Putnam county; he married Elizabeth Clevenger, a member of the Clevenger family so well and favorably known throughout Sugar Creek township. Mr. Funk died in October, 1 86o, was a member of the Primitive Baptist church, and his wife expired in August, of the same year, leaving eight young children, of whom four grew to maturity, viz.: Benjamin F., of Allen county, Ohio;. Mary E., wife of John Manuel, also of. Allen county; Sarah J., wife of Mr. Seitz, and George W., a farmer. The union of Mr. and Mrs. Seitz has been blessed with six children, as follows: John D., born June 9, 1878; 'Maud, born September 14, 1879; Peter, born October 3, 1882; Benjamin, born March 30, 1884; David, born October 26, 1885, and Bessie, born July 28, 1894, and died September 19, 1895. Mr. Seitz stands very high in the esteem of his fellow-citizens, who respect him for his honest, straightforward conduct in life and for his willingness to assist on all occasions where his services may be required, either for the public weal or for private good.L LEWIS SIMON, a leading farmer of Greensburg township, Putnam county, Ohio, is native born, dates his birth April 24, 1838, and is a son of John P. and Savilla (Genshimer) Simon. The father was born in Germany near Knitingham on the Rhine, and there married Miss Genshimer, who was also a native of Germany, and was born in 1812. This marriage resulted in the birth of the following children: John, a farmer near Dupont, Ohio, who was a native of Germany; Catherine and Philip, both deceased; Lewis, the subject of this sketch; Jacob, who died in childhood; Barbara, wife of Michael Rinkle, of Dupont; Louisa, deceased; Sophia, wife of Rev. Philip Kesler, of Dupont; Mrs. A. L. Hauck, of Ottawa; Anna, wife of W. J. Varner, of Greensburg township; Savilla, the wife of J. W. Parnell, of Greensburg town ship; Elizabeth, deceased, and John Adam, who died at the age of ten years. About one year after their marriage, John P. Simon came to the United States and at first located at Philadelphia, remained there six months' time, then started westward in b. wagon, and finally located in Richland county, Ohio, where he purchased a tract. of unimproved land, and became one of the pioneers of that settlement, but this farm was subsequently so damaged by a storm that at the end of three years he disposed of his property, and, loading his household effects into a wagon, started again for the west and this time located in Putnam county, Ohio, in 1836, where he purchased a tract of wild land on which he built a house of logs, and until 1863 was closely identified with the agricultural interests of the county; failing health then caused him to relinquish the active duties of farm life and he embarked in the general mercantile trade at Ottowa, in which he was very successful. Mr. Simon was a Mason, having joined the Defiance lodge, but afterward became a charter member of the lodge at Kalida, and was held in high esteem by all its members. For a number of years he held a commission in the state militia, and was an energetic and useful citizen, always ready to assist in any project designed for the public good. Previous to the war he was a stanch democrat, and later an independent; but he was frequently elected to fill the minor offices of OF PUTNAM COUNTY - 503 his township. His death took place April 29, 1888, having been .a prominent member of the Presbyterian church; he was mourned as one of the pioneer citizens of the township and county, whose work stands as a monument of a busy, useful and well-spent life. He was three times married; his first wife, Miss Savilla Genshimer, the mother of, his family, was a member of the Lutheran church, and died in 1856; a few years later he married, for his second wite, Mrs. Margaret M. Landis, which union resulted in the birth of one son, Adam, who was born in 1859. His third wife was Mrs. Margaret Hedges, who died on March 25, 1895: Lewis Simon, the subject proper of this sketch, was reared a farmer, which has been his life-long vocation. He obtained a limited education from the old-fashioned log schoolhouse, but most of his knowledge has been self-acquired. On April 13, 1861, he married Miss Barbara M. Dangler, daughter of George and Fannie (Fender) Dangler, and to this union were born four children, viz: Anna, wite of H. J. Kirkendall; Veronica, wife of George Ridenour; John A. and Barbara M., who died in infancy; the death of the mother of this family occurred May II, i868, and her loss was deeply felt by her friends and relatives. Mr. Simon was next married, March 18, 187o, to Miss Jennie Apger, the daughter of John R. and Elizabeth Apger, she being a native of Carroll county, Ohio, born February 10, 1847. This marriage has been blessed by the birth of seven children, as follows: Mary L., who died October 31, 1876; Charles E. ; Chester L.; Ora A.; Lewis W. ; Blanch; Ralph B., and an intant that died unnamed. Since his marriage Mr. Simon has been identified with the agricultural interests of Putnam county, and his tarm gives evidence of his spirited enterprise and progress; he frequently visits the southern and eastern markets with his products, and never fails to learn a useful lesson during his absence. He is a member of the Masonic lodge, No. 325, at Ottawa, Ohio, also a member of the United Brethern church and an active Sunday-school worker; politically he affiliates with the prohibition party, and has filled several local offices in a most satisfactory manner. John R. Apger, the fattier of Mrs. Simon, was born in New Jersey in 1816, a son of Isaac Apger, also a native of New Jersey, and of sterling English descent. Isaac Apger was one of the pioneer farmers of Carroll county, Ohio, and in 1847 moved to Wood county, then an unbroken wilderness, from which he wrested a farm that later proved to be the pride of the county, and on which he died sometime in the fifties. John R. Apger was educated in New Jersey, was reared a farmer, and also learned the shoemaker's trade, at which he worked occasionally, when not employed in farming. In 1837 he married Elizabeth Atchley, a daughter of Isaac and Anna (Van Horn) Atchley, natives of New Jersey, but later residents of New York. These children were born to this marriage, viz: Mary C. ; Mrs. Lewis Simon; Mariom N; Isaac N., deceased; Anderson S., who was a soldier and was wounded at Mossy Creek; Alletty A., deceased, and Lizzie, also deceased. Mrs. Elizabeth Apger was born in New Jersey in 1812, and moved with her parents to New York, where her marriage took place. In the year 1865, Mr. Apger settled in Carroll county, where he farmed for ten years, and then moved to Wood county, Ohio, and entered a tract of land which he cleared and improved, and for a time taught school. He lost his first wife March 25, 1865, she dying a member of the Methodist Episcopal church. Mr. Apger was next married, in Wood. county, in 1866, to Mrs. Matilda Wyckoff, and to this union were born four children, viz: Benton, Earl J., Cloise, and Blanche. Mr. Apger was a dem- 504 - BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY ocrat in politics, and for years was a justice of the peace, and always a useful and respected citizen. His death occurred May 12, 1882, a member of the Methodist Episcopal church. MERRICK SKIVER, of Monroe township, Putnam county, Ohio, has been identified with the interests of this township for many years, while his ancestral history touches the very early pioneer epoch in the annals of this state. David Skiver, grandfather of our subject, was born about 1786 in Pennsylvania and settled in Tuscarawas county, Ohio, in the early pioneer days, but, upon attaining maturity, united his life destinies with those of Sarah Warner, and took up his abode in Defiance county, at a time when that section was yet almost a primitive wilderness, entered land from the government, and was one of the first settlers, there having been only a few log cabins erected in the county, affording homes for but little more than a dozen families. The forest still abounded with game and the Indians disputed dominion with the beasts of the field. After the arrival of Mr. Skiver and his family, the Indians made frequent visits to their cabin and for six years they maintained a camp near the family home. At the present time it is almost impossible to conceive the trials and hardships which these sturdy pioneers were compelled to endure, but their courage was indomitable, and Mr. Skiver lived to bring his farm of eighty acres into an excellent state of cultivation and to reap the rewards of his assiduous labor. In politics he was a democrat of the Jacksonian type, and held a number of the more important township offices. Mrs. Skiver was a member of the Christian church, and she lived to attain a remarkable longevity, being 114 years of age at the time of her death, while her husband passed the psalmist's span, being eighty-four years of age when he died. They were people of utmost integrity, high intelligence and absolute honor, and were well known and highly respected in the section where so many years of their lives were passed. Isaac Skiver, the father of our subject, was born in Tuscarawas county, Ohio, March 12, 1826, was reared to maturity on the pioneer homestead and early became familiar with the work of reclaiming a farm from the wilderness, finding his chief diversion in hunting, in which line both he and his father enjoyed a notable distinction for their prowess many a deer and bear, as well as smaller game, having fallen before their unerring rifles. It is worthy of note that the father paid for the land in Highland township, Defiance county, which he had secured from the government, by the sale of coon hides, and it is scarcely necessary to state that he and his family endured many hardships and privations, though their life was not without its elements of pleasure. Isaac Skiver was united in marriage to Mary A. Wheeler, who was born in Germany May 14, 1830, and their children in order of birth were as follows: Merrick, subject of this review; Margaret, wife of James Van Vlerah; Regina, wife of John Alspaugh; G. Henry; Josephine, wife of William Austin ; Clara, wife of William Davies; Caroline A. ; Jane, deceased; Emma. wife of Adam Stork; and Hannah, wife of John James. The parents are still living in Defiance county, owning a fine farm of 120 acres in Highland township. The father is a stalwart democrat and is a man of influence in the community, while the mother is a member of the Christian church. They are among the old and honored pioneers of that county, and still reside upon the place where they settled. Merrick Skiver was born in Highland township, Defiance county, Ohio, June 25, 1849, and was reared to man's estate on the old pioneer homestead, and it is a significant fact OF PUTNAM COUNTY - 505 that he has never severed his allegiance to that vocation which is his by inheritance. He received a good common-school education and this has been effectively supplemented by his practical association in the affairs of life. On the 19th of August, 1873, he was united in marriage to Rosella Donaldson, who was born in Union township, Putnam county, October 21, 1853, the daughter of Aaron and Sarah A. Donaldson. Of the children of our subject and his wife we make the following record: Ollie; Elsie; Lavern, deceased ; Annie, deceased; Florence; Maud; and Violet. At the time that our subject first settled down on his present farm of eighty acres, the same was swamp land and was entirely unreclaimed, but so ably has he directed its improvement and cultivation that the place is now one of the finest and most productive in his section of the state, and equipped with a thorough system of drainage; seventy acres of the tract are under cultivation and yield good returns. Mr. Skiver has seen this county transformed from a wilderness into one of the most favored and prosperous sections of the Buckeye commonwealth, and the change is one which he can not but view with satisfaction, the while taking just pride in the results of his own efforts. In his political adherency our subject is a supporter of the democratic party and ,its principles, and religiously he lends financial assistance to the United Brethren church, of which his wife is a devoted member. HENRY SITES, the well known farmer of Blanchard township, Putnam county, Ohio, is the eldest son of Robert and Sarah Sites, and was born in Bellville, Ohio, December 6, 1828. His grandfather, also christened Henry, was of German descent, was a blacksmith, gunsmith and farmer, and married Miss Mary Dunlap, of Scotch-Irish extraction, to which union were born seven children, named as follows: John, George, Katy, Polly, Betsey, Hannah and Robert. The father of this family was laid to rest in Virginia, while the mother died in Richland county, Ohio. Robert Sites, the youngest child of this family, was born in Botetourt county, Va., in 1804, and was reared to the trade of carpenter. In 1826 he came to Ohio and located in Richland county, and for some time he worked at his trade in Bellville; about 1829 he purchased forty acres of land in Jefferson township, to which he added until he became the owner of a neat, well-cultivated farm of ninety-seven acres, and on this farm he died in 1891. But this was not his only possession; on the contrary, he was an owner of landed estate more than that possessed by the ordinary farmer, to-wit: Another tract in Jefferson township, of 160 acres; in Hancock county, a tract of 240 acres; in Blanchard township, Putnam county, eighty acres; in Van Buren township, the same county, eighty acres, and in Monroe township, the same county, eighty acres. Mr. Sites was a democrat in politics, and for twelve years served as justice of the peace; he was a devoted member of the Methodist Episcopal church, in which he took much interest, and in public affairs he was also deeply interested and especially active in politics. To his marriage with Sarah, daughter of Nathan Fidler, of Knox county, Ohio, the following children were born: Henry, our subject; Rev. Nathan; of the Methodist Episcopal church, who was sent as a missionary to China in 1861, and there died in 1895, after thirty-four years of faithfully performed and arduous duty in church work; John is the fourth child; Mary, deceased wife of Lewis Young, and James, of Richland county. The mother of this family died a sincere Christian in 1871, and left a void in the family that was never afterward filled. 506 - BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY Henry Sites, our subject, was reared to farming, and in 1852 settled upon 160 acres of the paternal property in sections 34 and 3, in Blanchard and Van Buren townships, Putnam county. This land he has cleared up, has made all the improvements, has occupied it until the present time, and controls, beside, another tract of eighty acres, all of which give evidence of his superior skill as a farmer. Mr. Sites was married to Miss Harriet R, daughter of Ezra Alward, but he had the misfortune to lose his helpmate in 1891. Of the five children born to this union three died in infancy, the survivors being Emma J., wife of Jacob Mullen, and Mattie M., wife of Daniel Sheidle. Mr. Sites is quite popular in his township and has filled the office of trustee and other offices of less consequence. He is recognized as being a first-class farmer and as a good, useful citizen, whose word may always be relied on, and as being ready at all times to aid any work designed to promote the welfare arid progress of his township and county. WILLIAM M. SLOAN, farmer of Monroe township, Putnam county, Ohio, is of Scotch-Irish descent, his grandfather, a native of Ireland, having married a Scotch lady and having come to America in an early day. He settled in Knox county, Ohio, took part in the war of 1812, and died a Jacksonian democrat and a highly respected citizen. His son Absalom, father of our subject, was born in Knox county, Ohio, and was brought up a stone-mason. He married Agnes Grimes, a native of Pennsylvania and a daughter of Morris Grimes. The children born to Mr. and Mrs. Absalom Sloan were named in the following order: Abraham H., Wilson S., William M., Ruth A. (deceased) and Harrison R. The parents of this family lived in Knox county, Ohio, until 1860, when they came to Putnam county and settled in Hartsburg, where they both died—the father in February, 1893, a member of the Methodist church, and in politics a republican. William M. Sloan, our subject, was born in Knox county, Ohio, October 13, 1845, received a good education and was reared to farming until nineteen years old, at which early age he enlisted, September 14, 1864, in company E, One Hundred and Eightieth Ohio volunteer infantry, with which he took part in the campaigns in Maryland, Virginia, North Carolina and South Carolina, receiving an honorable discharge July 25, 1865. On his return from the war he continued his farming on the home place and married, June 14, 187o, Mary J. Robinson, who was born in Wayne county, Ohio, a daughter of Stephen and Barbara Robinson. The children that blessed this happy union were named, in order of birth, Agnes E., wife of Charles James, and Charles W., deceased. The mother of these two children died September 14, 1873, a member of the United Brethren church, and the second marriage of Mr. Sloan took place October 26, 1875, to Miss Mary A. Waugh, who was born in Pennsylvania, April 6, 1847, a daughter of John and Minerva (Lawrence) Waugh. To this union have been born five children, viz: Minerva R., John A., Evalana (deceased), Mary J. and Fannie E. Ever since his first marriage, Mr. Sloan has resided in Monroe township, where he owns an extremely well cultivated farm of eighty acres, and where he has for the past seventeen years run a threshing machine. He has, unaided, made his present property, and through his steady habits has won the respect of his neighbors and the general public. He is a member of G. A. R. post, No. 777, of Oakwood, but has never manifested any dispositon to hold office, either in his fraternal relations or in those of the republican party, with OF PUTNAM COUNTY - 507 which he votes. He is contented to devote his attention to the affairs of his farm and family, and in the performance of those friendly offices and amenities of life which bind close together members of an agriculture community, and to pass a life of quiet among the neighbors and friends in whose esteem he has so high a standing. W. W. SMITH, editor and publisher of the Leipsic Free Press, is a son of John and Mary Jane (Boylan) Smith. John Smith was a son of Nimrod and Mary (Sauer) Smith, the former of whom was a native of Pennsylvania and settled in Stark county, Ohio, at an early day. Subsequently he removed to Hancock county, where he died, his death being caused by the accidental discharge of a gun, from which he was trying to extract the ball. Nimrod Smith was one of the true pioneers of his day, and was very fond of hunting, combining in himself the two spirits that paved the way for the settlement and civilization of this country-that which cleared the land of its surplus timber and the other which destroyed the wild beasts of the forest. John Smith, the father of W. W. Smith, was born November 19, 1826, in Stark county, Ohio. He was reared a farmer, and in 1859 settled on 120 acres of land in Blanchard township, Putnam county, near Gilboa, in which latter place he now resides, having retired from active business life. John Smith was married twice-first, June 14, 1849, to Miss Jane Boylan, who died August 28,1851; to them were born two children,viz: Maroa J., wife of Irvin Blair, of Hubbard, Iowa, and W. W., the subject of this sketch. His second wife was Miss Susan Farver, to whom he was married May 25, 1854. To this marriage there have been born seven children, viz: Mary E., born March 5, 1855, married to a Mr. David Hoskins, and died September 5, 1880; Eugene F., born February 28, 1857, and died April 6, 1877; Clarissa A., born December 5, 1858, and died February 26, 1873; Benjamin M., born March 27, 1862, and died September 25, 1863; Norris A., born March 18, 1864, and died March 31, 1877; Cora M., born January 12, 1867, and married to Otto Harman; Burton S., born January 16, 1870, and died March 29, 1877. W. W. Smith, the subject of this sketch, was born April 5, 1850, in Hancock county, Ohio. He moved with his father to Putnam county in 1859, where he was reared on a farm. His primary education was obtained in the common schools, and subsequently he attended high school at Findlay, Ohio, and Heidleberg college at Tiffin, Ohio. For a number of years he followed school-teaching in his county, and in 1878 established the Leipsic Free Press, which he has since conducted, and in connection therewith he has one of the finest equipped job printing offices to be found anywhere in the county. Politically Mr. Smith is a democrat, and in 1894 he was appointed postmaster at Leipsic, Ohio, which office he is still filling. Fraternally he is a Mason, and is a member of Ottawa chapter and council; he is also an Odd Fellow and a Knight of Pythias. On August 27, 1874, he married Miss Viola Baughman, daughter of Abraham and Jane (Boak) Baughman, who settled in Van Buren township in 1835. Mr. and Mrs. Smith are the parents of two children, viz: Clyde L., born August 31, 1878, and George F., born June 14, 1888. Mr. Smith is one of the live, energetic members of the democratic party in his county, always taking an active interest in its success and general prosperity. Broad minded and liberal in thought, he concedes to all the qualities of honesty and integrity in their opinions, whether they agree or differ 508 - BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY from him in their conviction. For this, he clearly sees, which many do not, is the only way to have the same qualities conceded to him. Occupying the position he does, as editor of a paper, he is in a position to impress this thought upon the public mind. JAMES HARVEY ROWER, one of the most prominent farme rs of Jackson township, Putnam county, Ohio, a man possessed of many of the noblest qualities which man can be possessed of, was born in this county, on the farm on which he now lives, on July 1, 1850. He is the son of John and Nancy (Chandler) Rower, the former of whom was born in Franklin county, Ohio, June 15, 1821, his father being Christian F. B. Rower. (See sketch of Wm. Rower). John Rower was reared on a farm in Franklin county and whenever an opportunity was offered him he attended school; the time was thus passed until he was twenty-six years of age, when he married, March 9, 1847, Nancy Chandler, a native of Franklin county, Ohio, who was born January 21, 1825-, of Irish parentage. Soon after his marriage he moved to Putnam county, where he owned some uncleared land. There were no railroads then by which they could travel in comfort to their home; the journey of a week or more had to be made with heavy wagons and over rough roads. The young and hopeful couple reached their land, but there was no house to shelter them; the husband, however, set resolutely to work to build a small cabin and clear a small place around it. He continued to clear and bought additional land, and soon had a good farm. Here four children were born to the happy couple: Elizabeth M., born January 30, 1848, and died September 16, 1849; James Harvey, the subject of this review; Lewis Alfred, deceased (see sketch of Mary E. Rower), John was born in 1854 and died the same year. The father passed the remainder of his days on this farm, which was the result of his own honest toil. He was a member of the Baptist church, and in politics cast his vote with the democrats, by whom he was intrusted with the office of township treasurer, which office he held at the time of his death, which occurred on June 28, 1853. For five years after the death of her husband the wife continued to live in Putnam county; she then returned to her old home in Franklin county and married John Rager, and two children were born to them: Alice, the deceased wife of Ion Dildine, and Edson, now living in Franklin county; the mother died September 20, 1886. Mr. Rower, the subject of this sketch, was reared on a farm and given a schooling in Franklin county. When eighteen years of age he left the parental roof determined to mold his own destiny with his own hands. For three years he worked in a grist-mill. He then, February 9, 1871, married Elizabeth, the daughter of John and Mary A. (Friesner) Stuckey, both of whom were natives of Ohio, of German descent, and were living in Fairfield county when their daughter, Elizabeth, was born, January 30, 1847. After their marriage the young couple, with bright prospects before them, on February 15, 1871, moved upon the farm where the husband was born. Only about one-half of the farm had been cleared by his father. The son determined that he would out-do his father and clear up the remainder. He set to work cheerfully, and with perseverance he soon saw wide fields of golden grain waving in the sun where but a short time before almost impenetrable forests had stood. He placed on his farm fine stock and good buildings, and the beautiful and comfortable home he built in 1873; he uses the best modern machinery to cultivate his land and reap the harvest. The children born to OF PUTNAM COUNTY - 511 Mr. and Mrs. Rower were five in number: John A., who died in infancy; Frank, who was born on March 4, 1877; Alice, whose bright face first saw light November 27, 1879; an infant, deceased, born November 24, 1881, and Emma, born April 30, 1885. Mr. Rower has always been identified with ever advantageous interest of the neighborhood, and has given his family all the comforts and advantages that money could buy. Honesty and progression have been his watchwords, and no man is trusted or respected more than he. He is one of Putnam county's most public-spirited citizens, and while looking well to his interests, he still finds time to help others, and no really deserving one goes from him without aid of some kind, either from his well-filled purse or with good advice and consolation. He is an active member of the Baptist church, and in political life he is an active worker for the interests of the democratic party. He has been intrusted with the office of township trustee for six years, was land appraiser in 1890, and is now justice of the peace; other minor offices have also been held by him. Fraternally he is a member of the I. 0. 0. F. JACOB SMITH, JR. — The potentiality of the individual in any specific case is to be shown, no matter in what line of effort he directs his endeavors—whether it be in the electrical field or commerce where competition is rife, in the councils of the state or nation, where are directed the policies which concern the public interests, or in the quieter province which has to do with regaining from mother nature the benefices she has in store—there is certain to be a measure of success attained if the efforts be consecutive and earnest. The subject of this sketch is recognized as one of the most prominent, progressive and prosperous farmers of Union township, and it is with satisfaction that we accord him representation in this work. He was born in Sandusky, Ohio, February 16, 1840, being the son of Jacob and Mary (Meyers) Smith, to whom more definite reference is made in the biography of our subject's brother, Joseph Smith, appearing on an another page in this volume. He was a child of two and a half years, when, in 1842, his parents moved to Putnam county, where he was reared to farm life, receiving his education in the public schools. His father had purchased an unreclaimed tract of land, and in his youth our subject assisted in the work of clearing away the timber and bringing the farm to a high state of cultivation. On the 3rd of February, 1870, Mr. Smith was united in marriage to Bernidina Rieamann, daughter of John and Clara Rieamann, and to this marriage have been born five children: Mary, wife of Joseph Osterhage, of Kalida; Charles, born December 25, 1879, at home; Lewis, born August 27, 1881; Clara, born May 27, 1884; and Nora, born April 14, 1888. The wife of our subject was born in Greensburg township, this county, on the 22d of January, 1847, and her parents are still residents of this township. For two and one-half years after his marriage, Mr. Smith continued to reside on the parental homestead, and then removed to the place where he now lives, the same being contiguous to the old home farm. At the time he assumed possession of this place it was but partially cleared, and until 1885 the family maintained their abode in a primitive log-cabin. Prosperity crowned the efforts of Mr. Smith, and in the year noted he gave a tangible evidence of this by the erection of his present handsome and commodious residence, which is of modern architectural design and which affords a home where they enjoy the comforts and 512 - BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY many of the luxuries of life. The entire family are communicants of the Catholic church. Although a supporter of the principles of the democratic party, Mr. Smith has been averse to holding public office, though for some time he served efficiently as township supervisor. Though repeatedly urged to become a candidate for offices of public trust, he has invariably declined. He has attained a position prominence and influence in the county, being one of its most prosperous agriculturists and one who holds the confidence and esteem of all who recognize his sterling worth of character. JOSEPH SMITH, who is recognized as one of the most prosperous farmers of Union township, Putnam county, is a son of Jacob and Mary (Meyers) Smith, and was born in Sandusky, Ohio, on the 29th of June, 1842. He traces his lineage to stanch old German stock, his father been born in the kingdom of Bavaria, Germany, on the 19th of March, 18o6, the son of Nicholas Smith, a farmer and a prominent member of the Catholic church. He reared a large family of children, six of whom are still living, as follows: Joseph, Anthony, Frank, Christina, Mary and Mina. Jacob Smith, father of our subject, was reared on a farm in his native fatherland, and there received his education and eventfully acquired the trades of marble-cutter and brick-mason. His ambition finally overstepped the limitations which were set in his native land, and, in 1836, he emigrated to America and located at Sandusky, Ohio. Three years later he assumed the responsibilities of the married estate, by taking unto himself a wife in the person of Mary Meyers, daughter of Martin. She was born in Switzerland, on the 16th of September, 1815, and while she was still very young her parents died, and in 1837 she came to America, and two years latter married Jacob Smith. They became the parents of four children, viz: Jacob, a farmer of Union township, Putnam county; Joseph, to whom this memoir is dedicated; Mary, wife of Jacob Lobenthal, a prominent lumber dealer of Henry county.; and one daughter who died in infancy. After his marriage Jacob Smith was engaged in working at his trade, and in connection with this carried on farming operations. His advent in Putnam county dates back to November 1, 1842, and upon his arrival here he settled in Union township, where he entered eighty acres of government land, which he reclaimed and improved and brought into a high state of cul- tivation. The old homestead now figures as the home of the subject of this review. From that early time, when he essayed the subduing of the wilderness, until the time of his death, which occurred March 18, 1891, Jacob Smith continued to be identified with the agricultural interests of Putnam county, and was a man whose correct methods and absolute probity gained and retained to him the good will and confidence of the community. In his political proclivities he was a stanch democrat, and religously was a devout member of the Glandorf Catholic church, as is also his estimable widow, who now retains her home with our subject. Joseph Smith was reared to the free and independent life of a farmer and was afforded such educational advantages as could be secured in the public schools of the county. February 18, i 873, occurred his marriage to Theresia Kahle, daughter of John Frank and Delia Bernidina (Wilberdean) Kahle, the former of whom was born in Germany in the year 1802, being reared and educated at Glandorf, and coming to America at the age of thirty-three years. He located in Greensburg township, Putnam county, Ohio, where he entered a section of government land, reclaimed the same and evolved productive fields. He was OF PUTNAM COUNTY - 513 twice married, the maiden name of his first wife having been Jane Meyer, and she bore him one son, Gustavus, who died while in service during the late war. After the death of his first wife, Mr. Kahle married Delia B. Wilber-dean, daughter of George Wilberdean, and of the offspring of this union seven children are still living: Delia, wife of William Mough; Elizabeth, wife of Henry Steckshulte; Frank, a farmer of Greensburg township; Theresia, wife of our subject; Ignatius, a banker of Ottawa; Paulina, wife of Henry Recker, and Mary, wife of John Schroeder, of Greensburg township. The mother of Mrs. Smith was born in Oldenburg, Germany, in 1816, came to America at the age of sixteen years and located in Jennings, township, Union county, where she was eventually married. She died January 31, 1890, aged seventy-five years. Mr. Kahle was a democrat in politics and held many important offices of public trust in the gift of his party. His death occurred in April, 1876. To our subject and his wife six children have been born, viz: Mary, January 9, 1874; Bernidina, August 2, 1876; Helena, February I, 1880; Pauline, deceased in infancy; Molly, born April 17, 1884; Frances, July 12, 1887. Mrs. Smith was born in Greensburg township, Putnam county, on the 19th of May, 1853, and was here reared and educated; she and the other members of the family are communicants of the Glandorf Catholic church. The town of Glandorf was named in honor of Mrs. Smith's father, who was one of the prominent and influential men of this county. After his marriage our subject located on his old. homestead, where he has since resided. Seven years .ago he erected a commodious and attractive residence which is fitted with those modern improvements and accessories which contribute so much to the comfort of life. The beautiful home is one notable for its hospitality and is a favorite resort for parties made up of representatives of the best families of Kalida and other towns of the vicinity. Mr. Smith is a stalwart democrat, is progressive and public-spirited and is one of the most popular residents of this section of the county. SALATHIEL L. SMITH is one of the substantial and prosperous men of Putnam county, and owns a fine farm of 200 acres in Monroe township. His paternal ancestry traces back to Scotch origin, while on the maternal side his lineage is German. His grandfather, Robert Smith, emigrated from Scotland in the year 1810, being still a young man and unmarried. He first settled in the state of Maryland, and some years later married Elizabeth Little, of Pennsylvania, and after this event they lived in that state a few years and then removed to Harrison county, Ohio, and later to Tuscarawas county, being among the early and honored pioneers of the state. Their children were Mary., Adam, John, Leonard, Robert, Harvey, and David, who met his death in the late war of the rebellion. The parents were Methodists in religion and both died in Tuscarawas county. Adam Smith, father of our subject, was born in Harrison county, Ohio, in June, 1821; he married Margaret Shouse, who was born in Carroll county, October 20, 1820. After their marriage they settled in Harrison county, later moved to Decatur county, Ind., finally returned to Ohio, and took up their abode in Tuscarawas county. In 1860 they came to Putnam county and settled in Monroe township, where, in the primitive wilderness, they purchased a farm of eighty acres, and prepared to make for themselves a home. Wild game was plentiful, but settlers were few and far between. 514 - BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY Mr. Smith was compelled to cut away the timber before he could find sufficient space to erect his modest log cabin, and it is needless to say that the little pioneer family had to encounter all the hardships and privations of life on the frontier. Mr. Smith was a stanch republican in politics after the war issue came up, and was an ardent anti-slavery man. He was prominently identified with the Methodist church, and he and his wife were charter members of the first organization of that denomination in Monroe township. They were honest, industrious and God-fearing people, who endeavored to rear their sons and daughters to lives of honor and usefulness. Mr. Smith was chaplain in the grange for many years. He died in November, 1880, and his widow, who has now attained the venerable age of seventy-five years, still retains her home on the old homestead, being vigorous in both mind and body. Adam Smith was one of the most honored pioneers of this section, and was well known all over this portion of the county. Of the children, Sylvester died about the age of twenty years, having seen a brief service in the late war; Mary E. died at about the age of fourteen; Commodore; Salathiel L. ; Arthur T., Lettie J., wife of Conrad Dennis; Lorenzo and Sanford (twins), concerning whom individual mention is made on another page; Madison J. D. and Edson, both of whom are deceased. S. L. Smith, our subject, was born in Decatur county, Ind., February 25, 1852, and was reared to farming. He aided in clearing his father's farm, and also his own. In his youth educational advantages were limited, but he availed himself of such opportunities as were offered, and to-day he is a man of broad general information. May 19, 1881, he was united in marriage to Ellen Ranes, who was born in Defiance county, Ohio, August 13, 1863, a daughter of Wilkins and Mary E. (Tucker) Ranes. Her parents were married in Allen county, Ohio, and after a few years they removed to Defiance county, where they resided for several years, and then took up their abode in Putnam county, this being in the year 1862; the father became the owner of an eighty-acre farm in Monroe township, and this he brought into effective cultivation. In politics he was a democrat and held a number of offices in the gift of his party. Both he and his wife are devoted members of the Christian church, in which he was a deacon for many years. Their children were named as follows: Lemuel, William H., Elizabeth, Theopilus, John, James, Sarah (wife of Henry Sanford), Ellen (wife of subject), M. Catherine (wife of John Spencer), Rebecca (wife of Harry Hartone), Joseph and Daniel. Our subject's children in order of birth are: Delbert, Elva J., Zella (deceased), Letha and Zelma. After his marriage, Mr. Smith settled on a part of his present farm, his possessions in the township now comprising an area of 200 acres, of which 120 acres are cleared and in a high state of cultivation, the place being well equipped with permanent improvements in the way of substantial buildings, which. our subject has himself erected, while on the farm is kept a fine grade of live stock. Mr. Smith is a stanch republican and has been trustee of his township on three different occasions. He has also served as township treasurer, having maintained a lively interest in political affairs of a local nature. Mr. Smith is a zealous member of the United Brethren church. Our subject is one of the most successful farmers and most extensive land owners in the township, and his success is particularly grateful to note, from the fact that he is the architect of his own fortune, having gained his marked degree of success largely through his own efforts, with the faithful aid and encouragement of his devoted wife. He is one of the most highly honored and most influen- OF PUTNAM COUNTY - 515 tial men of this section of the county and is well entitled to a full representation in this connection. LORENZO AND SANFORD SMITH. —It is with a feeling of distinctive gratification that the publishers refer in this work to the life history of two brothers, who are unmistakably to be numbered among the prominent and influential farmers of Putnam county, and whose ancestral history has been one of intimate identification with the pioneer epoch in the annals of this state—touching the period when were essayed the initial steps in reclaiming this now favored section from the sylvan wilds which characterized the locality in the pioneer days. Robert Smith, grandfather of our subjects, was a native of Scotland, whence he emigrated to America in company with his brother William. They were still young men at the time of their leaving their native land, and were unmarried, and upon arriving here they settled in Somerset county, Pa., and there engaged in work at the tailor's trade. Robert Smith married Elizabeth Little, a native of that county and a daughter of Adam and Mary Little. They remained in Pennsylvania until the family circle had been brightened by the appearance of three children, when, in 1826, they removed to Harrison county, Ohio, subsequently taking up their abode in Tuscarawas county, where they passed the remainder of their days. In his politics Robert Smith was an old-line whig, and in their religious faith he and his wife were stanch adherents of the Presbyterian church. Their children in order of birth were as follows: Adam, Leonard, Mary A., Thomas, John, Robert B., Harvey and David. Adam Smith, the father of our subjects, was born in Somerset county, Pa., June 26, 1821, and accompanied his parents on their removal to the Buckeye state. He was reared to maturity on a farm and is his later life he never severed his allegiance to this important and honorable line of industry. His education was such as was afforded in the common schools of the place and period, and and he was but a small boy when his parents moved to Ohio. Later he removed with them to Carroll county, where, in the year 1844, he was united in marriage to Margaret Shouse, who was born in that county, on the 3rd of October, 182o, the daughter of Barnard and Rachael (Palmer) Shouse; the former of whom came from Pennsylvania to Carroll county at the age of sixteen years, and was there engaged in teaching until his eldest grandchild had attained sufficient age to come to him for instruction. He also became the proprietor of eighty acres of land, which he cultivated successfully. In politics he was an old-line whig and he and his wife were members of the Presbyterian church. They eventually moved to Decatur county, Ind., and there remained until their death. The children of Adam and Margaret Smith are as follows: Sylvester, deceased; Mary E., deceased; William C.; Salathiel L. ; Arthur L. ; Lettie J., wife of J. C. M. Doenges; Lorenzo and Sanford (twins); Madison S. and Edson E., deceased. Mr. and Mrs. Smith resided in Carroll county two years, and then moved to Tuscarawas county, where they remained until the fall of 1859, when they removed to Hancock county and there remained one year, after which, in the spring of 1860, they removed to the farm where our subjects now reside and where the venerable mother still retains her home. At the time of their coming to this place the land was a veritable wilderness, and when it is stated that in the family there were nine small children, it may be imagined that strong hearts and willing hands were demanded in providing for the maintenance of the family, and that there were 516 - BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY many hardships and vicissitudes to be endured. They cleared up the land and made for themselves a good home and an honored name in the community. The old homestead comprises 240 acres, has a good dwelling house and 'other permanent improvements, and is one of the most fertile and productive places in this section. In his political proclivities Adam Smith was an old-line whig and subsequently identified himself with the republican party. The honored father, to whom was extended the utmost filial solicitude, entered into eternal rest on the 17th of November, 188o, full of honors and of good works, and a devoted member of the Methodist church, of which his estimable widow is still a member. Lorenzo and Sanford Smith, who are twins, were born in Tuscarawas county, Ohio, April 16, 1857, and they were but two years of age when their parents moved to Putnam county. Ever since that early age they have been residents of Monroe township and have seen it transformed from a wilderness into its present fertile and productive condition, and have themselves contributed toward the reclaiming of the old home farm. They were rocked in a republican cradle and have never deviated from the political faith which was instilled in their minds. They still remain with their mother on the old homestead farm, and together here own 120 acres, and forty acres located further west in the sane township. They are devoted to their mother and to their farming interests, and in their efforts have been duly successful, being numbered among the progressive young men of the township. RALPH G. SPENCER, a leading merchant of Kalida, Ohio, is a native of the place, born January 26, 1844, a son of Jabez S. and Sarah (Parker) Spencer. Jabez S. Spencer was born in Bolton, Conn., May 6, 1806, a son of Jabez S. and Charlotte Spencer, also natives of Connecticut, and of English descent. Jabez S., Jr., father of subject, was reared to farming, was also a school-teacher in his native state and for two years in Pennsylvania, and then in Findlay, Ohio. In 1834 he came to Putnam county and entered a large tract of woodland, which he converted into a good home, and also followed teaching. October 26, 1837, he married Miss Sarah Parker, daughter of Joshua and Deborah (Couplan) Parker, the union resulting in the birth of seven children, viz: Selden M., Lorenzo and Charlotte E., deceased; Ralph G., our subject; Putnam, Jabez, and Alvina A., deceased. Mrs. Sarah Spencer was born in Knox county, Ohio, April 18, 1818, her father having been a soldier in the war of 1812 and a pioneer of Knox county. Her death took place December 19, 1881. After his marriage, Jabez S. Spencer, Jr., was elected county recorder, which office he held until his death, July 23, 1853; he had also served several years as justice of the peace, and in politics was a democrat. Ralph G. Spencer was educated in the Kalida schools and his first employment was as a clerk. April 22, 1869, he was united in marriage with Miss Fredericka, daughter of William and Julia (Dress) Furnham. To this union have been born five children, viz: Jabez C., born May I, 1870, was educated to business at Poughkeepsie, N. Y., became deputy auditor of Putnam county, Ohio, has been an elder in the Presbyterian church ever since his twentieth year, and is a member of the Masonic fraternity; Pearl, who was born January 31, 1872, is a leading worker in the church and Christian endeavor, and is popular and influential in the church in which she moves; Ralph G., born October 1, 1875, is a student at the Ohio State university; Frederick, born March 24, 1878, a book-keeper in Mat- OF PUTNAM COUNTY - 517 thews & Rice's bank, of Ottawa, and Guido was born November 6, 1883. Mrs. Fredericka Spencer was born in Bremen, Ohio, August I I, 1845; her father was a native of Holland, and was born about 1817; after doing the usual four years' military service he was ordained a minister of the Lutheran church; to his marriage with Julia Dress, a native of Germany, were born eight children, three of whom are still living, viz: Guido, a distinguished physician of New York city; Charles, a lumber dealer of Australia, and Fredericka, wife of our subject; of the deceased, four were named Julia, Minnie, William and John, and an infant, who died unnamed, was the fifth. Rev. William Furnham came to America in 1829, and accepted a charge at Springfield, Ohio; he was then stationed at Toledo, Ohio, until 1841, and then at Bremen, Ohio; seven years later he was transferred to Fort Jennings, Putnam county, where he did good and faithful ministerial work until his death, a year later, in 1849. His wife was also a member of the Lutheran church, in which all the children were baptized, and in this faith she died hi July, 1855. Mrs. Fredericka Spencer was primarily educated in Kalida, and in 1863 entered the Oxford (Ohio) Female institute, where she passed two years; she is a leading member of the Presbyterian church, and her children have all been baptized in the same faith. Ralph G. Spencer, after his marriage, engaged in buying and selling stock at Kalida, in addition to farming. In 1871 he and his brother Putnam embarked in mercantile business at the stand which they still occupy, and which they enlarged in 1878, their business having prospered in a remarkable degree. Mr. Spencer is not a member of any church, although he is liberal to all churches, as well as to all enterprises of usefulness and worth. Politically he is a democrat, and served as township treasurer two terms and as a member of the school board a number of years, still holding the position. He is esteemed as an upright business man, and as an enterprising and public-spirited citizen, whose generosity is proverbial and whose integrity has never been impugned. Following is a brief summary of the Spencer family in America. William Spencer was in Cambridge in 1631—one of the first settlers. of Hatfield, Conn. ; was married in England to Agnes ____ about 1633; she afterward married William Edwards of Hatfield, who died in 1640; Samuel, married Sarah _____ who died April 24, 1706; he died in 1716; Samuel, married Hepzibah Church at Hatfield, September 16, 1696. She died September 13, 1745. He was born in 1668, died March 26, 1748; Edward, married Sarah Chapman of East Haddam, Conn., April 8, 1737; she was born September 8, 1720, died September 13, 1786. He was born April 29, 1711, died March 26, 1790. Simeon Spencer, of Bolton, married Abigail Dart February 27, 1777; she was born December 6, 1757; he was born August 1749. Jabez Selden, married Charlotte Day November 11, 1804 ; she was born 1776; she died April 30, 1867; he was born December 27, 1780; he died September 16, 1865. Jabez Selden Jr., married Sarah Parker; he was born May 6, 1806, and died July 23, 1853. NIMROD SPEAKER, of Belmore, Putnam county, Ohio, is one of the most prominent and successful merchants in the township of Van Buren. He was born in Licking county, Ohio, March 21, 1841, was reared a farmer, was well educated in the common schools, and in 1857 came to Putnam county with his parents, of whom further mention will be made a few lines below. In 1861 Nimrod Speaker, leaving the 518 - BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY parental roof, began the practical business of life for himself, which afterward resulted in a fortune—self-earned, but obtained not without some reverses. He first chopped wood for a year at Belmore, then contracted for cord-wood and timber, doing some of the chopping himself, and made some money, but failed to save it. In 1865, however, he was married, and he then saw the necessity of hoarding his earnings. Andrew and Elizabeth (Moreland) Speaker, the parents of our subject, were both natives of the Buckeye state, the father being a farmer. In 1857 Mr. Speaker came to Putnam county with his family and bought a farm of eighty acres, of which a few acres were partially cleared and improved with a log cabin and log stable, but before his death he succeeded in converting the place into a splendid farm and comfortable home. Mr. and Mrs. Speaker had born to them a family of eleven children, of whom five only grew to manhood and womanhood, as follows: David, who died in 1893; George, a farmer of Putnam county, Ohio; Elizabeth, wife of Adam Baker, a farmer of Van Wert county; Hannah, married to J. E. Blauvett, also a farmer, and. Nimrod, the subject of this sketch. In politics Mr. Speaker was a democrat but never aspired to office of any kind. His death took place in 1866 and that of his wife followed shortly afterward, in the same year. Both were highly respected by their neighbors for their morality and many other good qualities. Of the Moreland family there are but three survivors, viz: William, a prominent farmer of Missouri; Basil, a wealthy attorney of San Diego, Cal., and George, for many years a merchant of Illinois, but now a farmer. Mrs. Hetty (Ward) Speaker, wife of our subject, was born in the north of Ireland about the year 1844, and came to Ohio, in 1847, with her parents, who settled in Licking county and there soon afterward died, leaving their daughter Hetty to be reared by an uncle.' She and our subject were school-children together, and when Nimrod was old enough he - left his business in Putnam county, in 1865, and returned to Licking county to claim his bride, who has since been his faithful companion and helpmate. To this happy union have been born seven children of whom two died young, unnamed; George lived to be nineteen years old; Mary, the wife of Alvan Hook; and John B., Harvey and William are still at home with their parents. After his marriage Nimrod Speaker continued in the wood and timber contracting business until 1869, when he bought a stock of merchandise in Belmore, going considerably in debt for his purchase—not, however, entirely relinquishing his wood and timber speculation, in which he had started with a capital of one ax, a strong arm and a determined spirit. In the earlier days, when timber was plentiful and sales unlimited, he made money taking large contracts from the railroad company and others, but since 1892, timber being exhausted from the many acres he had contracted to clear, his business in that line has been quite limited. After conducting his mercantile work for a short time he became alarmed at the amount of debt he had incurred, and, although he knew he was doing well, sold out in order to save any tarnish of his business reputation. Soon after his transfer he purchased another mercantile establishment " in lump," and from the trade made considerable money, which fact renewed his confidence in himself as a merchant, and he has since followed this vocation with most satisfactory results. Notwithstanding that he has met with many mishaps—such as having his store twice destroyed by fire and being covered with but limited insurance, and the loss ot money through going security for others (one man alone having mulcted him for $12,000), he OF PUTNAM COUNTY - 521 now owns a fine two-story frame business block, the upper part of which is occupied as a hall for the Odd Fellows, and attached to which he has his residence. His stock of merchandise reaches $12,000 in value, and his annual sales average from $16,000 to $20,000. He is also the owner of four good farms, and is altogether well to do, his fortune resulting from his own enterprise and self-exertion. Until 1892 he handled most of the grain disposed of at Belmore—an elevator having been erected by another firm—but since that date he has gradually worked out of the grain trade. His trade in town property has, through his good judgment, resulted profitably and netted him a neat little sum. In politics Mr. Speaker has always been an active democrat. He has taken an interest in public affairs through a sense of duty as a citizen, but has never been an office seeker through a desire to reap any emolument attached to public office, yet he has served several terms as township treasurer and also as clerk of the township, as well as in some of the minor offices. Mrs. Speaker is a member of the Evangelical church association, and the family stands among the most highly respected residents of Van Buren township, Mr. Speaker being especially esteemed for his business integrity, his urbanity and his genuine interest in the progress and welfare of the community in which he has lived for so many years and in which he has reared his respected family. ADAM SMITH, a prominent and enterprising farmer of Pleasant township, Putnam county, Ohio, is a native of Franklin county and was born July 25, 1840. At the age of eight years he lost his father, but continued to live on the farm with his widowed mother until he was nineteen years old, when he hired out as a farm hand, continuing as such for about six years in all. About this time, in 1862, he volunteered in company B, One Hundred and Thirteenth Ohio infantry, for three years, but on examination, three months later, failed to pass muster and was discharged. He then again found employment by the month at good wages for two years, but during this interval, in 1863, was married and made his home on his portion of the home farm, adding to his original share until he became the owner of no acres; in 1872 he sold this property and came to Putnam county and bought 160 acres of the tract on which he still lives, to which he has since added 161 acres. The land was all wild at the time of the original purchase, improved with a small box house only; to-day it is all cleared excepting three acres, is ditched and tiled, is under cultivation, and improved with a tasty two-story frame dwelling, substantial barn, commodious cattle sheds and other outbuildings, all supplied with water through the agency of a wind-mill—making the place one of the most desirable pieces of property in the county. All this has been acquired through the practical financiering and industrious habits of the owner, his only capital at the start having been his interest of thirty-two acres in the old homestead. Mr. Smith has always been a democrat in politics, has filled some of the minor township offices, but has never sought political recognition. He has always taken great interest in educational matters and at great expense to himself secured the erection of the school-house on the land adjoining his farm. He is recognized as one of the most enterprising and wide-awake men of the township and stands at the head of its financially sound citizens. He is public spirited in the extreme, and always leads the lists of contributions to charitable objects and heads all movements for the public good. His contributions to church aid are always 522 - BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY liberal, and public enterprises of merit invariably find in him a ready supporter—his stock even in the P., A. & W. R. R. now amounting to $500, and he has also subscribed $50 to the Lima Northern, now in course of construction. Mr. Smith was first married to Miss Mary Dillaine, daughter of Joseph Dillaine, of Ohio, and to this union were born two children—Anna, wife of Joseph Sherrick and mother of two children, and Cora, wife of Henry Wildermuth, of Franklin county. The mother of these children died May 23, 1867, a member of the Primitive Baptist church. The second marriage of Mr. Smith took place, in 1868, with Miss Susan McKelva, daughter of James McKelva, a tailor of Canal Winchester, Ohio, where he died November 7, 1892, the father of six children, viz: Susan, Emma and Matilda, by a first marriage, and James, Oliver and George by a second marriage: To the second marriage of Mr. Smith have been born ten children, in the following order—William, yet at home; Edward, married and settled down to farming; James, Lena M., George and Estella, also at home; Oliver E., died young; Mary, Zoe and Adam, all three at home. William Smith, the father of our subject, Adam Smith, was a native of Virginia, was a tanner by trade, and came to Ohio when Chillicothe was the capital of the state. He secured a contract for building a portion of the Ohio & Erie canal, and after finishing his contract settled down to farming. He was first married, in Ohio, to Christina Schoonover, who bore him five children, named Abram, Isaac, William, Mary and Eve. His second marriage was with Jane Hanover, daughter of John Hanover, a Baptist minister of Ohio, and to this union were also born five children, viz: John, who after marriage was thrown from a horse and killed; Sarah, wife of Amos Funk, of Martinsburg; Christina, and Jackson, who is now a neighbor of Adam, our subject. William Smith, the father of these two families, was well and favorably known in Franklin county, Ohio. In politics he was a democrat, and in religion a member of the Primitive Baptist church, in which faith he died, in 1848. John Hanover, the maternal grandfather of our subject, was a minister in the Baptist church, and also died in 1848. Adam Smith, our subject, can never be sufficiently commended by the people of Pleasant township, for the good he has done, but it may be hoped that many will yet emulate his noble acts. GEORGE W. SROUFE, a prosperous and thrifty farmer of Jackson township, was born near Kalida, Putnam county, Ohio, January 7, 1846, a son of George and Catherine (Ayers) Sroufe, mention of whom is made close at hand. George Sroufe was born in Champaign county, Ohio, January 11, 1813, a son of David Sroufe, whose wife, Rebecca, was a native of Maine. The great-grandfather of our subject was a soldier in the Revolutionary war, and with two of his sons was also a soldier in the war of 1812. George Sroufe was reared a farmer in Champaign county, until 1830, when he came to Dupont, Putnam county, with a brother, and here entered a tract of uncleared land, but spent two years traveling in the west, then returned to Putnam county, cleared up a good farm on his tract, and in 1844 married Catherine Ayers, a daughter of John and Sarah Ayers, and to this union were born two children—George W., the subject of this sketch, and Sarah A., wife of Peter Alstetter, a farmer and saw-mill operator, Columbus Grove. Mrs. Catherine Sroufe was born in Muskingum county, Ohio, about 1826, was of German descent paternally, was a Baptist in religion and died in that faith June 10, 1861. After his marriage George Sroufe lived on the banks OF PUTNAM COUNTY - 523 of the Ottawa river, in Union township, for three years, and then bought a tract of uncleared woodland in Greensburg township, on which he lived until 1855, when he returned to Union township, bought a farm on which he lived two years, and then purchased the farm in Jackson township, now occupied by our subject, on which he passed the remainder of his life, dying December 17, 1881. He was a democrat in politics and had filled the offices of township treasurer and township trustee for many years, and was a highly respected citizen. John Ayers, maternal grandfather of our subject, had born to him the following family: James, of Colorado; Catherine, mother of our subject; William, deceased; Dr. John, of Paulding county, Ohio; Mrs. Margaret Turner, of Columbus Grove; Henry, of Ottawa, and Mrs. Amanda Adams, deceased. George W. Sroufe, the subject proper of this memoir, was reared on the home farm in Putnam county, and on November 3, 1875, Married Miss Emily J. Allgire, who was born in Jackson township, Putnam county, November 26, 1857, a daughter of Joshua and Lavina (Eyler) Allgire (now Dicus), and to this union have been born eight children, viz: Lavina, wife of Frank Almire, a carpenter of Fort Jennings; George Harvey, farming on the home place; Francis Marion, William A., Florence Lillian, Mary Cleveland, Maggie May and Sarah Amanda. Prior to her marriage, Mrs. Sroufe had lived twelve years in Illinois, and on her return to Ohio lived in Willshire, Van Wert county, where she was married to our subject. Previous to this marriage, our subject had for sixteen years kept house with his father, and was his associate in this domestic arrangement at the time of the latter's death and after his marriage this same abode became and continues to be the home of himself, wife and children. In politics Mr. Sroufe is a democrat, and is now serving his second consecutive term as township trustee, having also served in the same office several years ago; for four terms he also held the office of township assessor, and in both positions gave and gives the most perfect satisfaction to his constiuents and to the public in general. Both Mr. and Mrs. Sroufe are devout members of the United Brethren church, and their daily walk through life is in strict conformity with its teachings. Since his youth Mr. Sroufe has been interested in the agricultural pursuits of Putnam county, and few stand as well as he in the eyes of the community both as a farmer and citizen, and fewer families are more widely and favorably known than that of the Sroufes. HARVEY SROUFE, farmer and old settler of Union township, Putnam county, Ohio, is a son of David and Rebecca (Townsend) Sroufe, and was born in Yellow Springs, Greene county, Ohio, October 26, 1811. The father, David Sroufe, was a native of Kentucky and was born near Lexington September 23, 1786, a son of Sebastian and Agnes (Owens) Sroufe, the former a native of Germany and the latter of Ireland. Sebastian Sroufe was but fifteen years of age when he came to America; at the point of disembarkation, Philadelphia, he was " sold," or, rather, apprenticed, for his passage money to a shoemaker; February 1, 1769, he married Agnes Owens; he later served in the Revolutionary war, and then settled in the Red Stone country, Ky., where he was a slave-holder and farmer for a number of years; he then brought his family to Greene county, Ohio, entered a section of land for his children, and continued to farm until his death, which occurred about 1826. He was a democrat in politics, and in religion a Presbyterian. His children were fifteen in number, and of these his son Christ- 524 - BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY opher was a captain in the war of 1812; David, George, Sebastian and three other sons, also took part in the same struggle, and even the old gentleman, Sebastian himself, made an effort to reach the front, but found himself too feeble. David Sroufe was reared on the old Kentucky plantation, and about 1809 married Rebecca Townsend, who was born in Maine, a daughter of Abraham and Mary (Edgecomb) Townsend, and to this union were born eight children, viz: Harvey, whose name opens this sketch; George, Mrs. Lavina Miller, Matilda, Mrs. Marilla Barker, John, and Mrs. Mary Groves, all seven deceased, and Hannah, the last, residing with our subject. The mother of this family passed the spot where Cincinnati stands, after the Revolutionary war had ceased, but at that time woods only were to be seen in the neighborhood. After marriage, David and Rebecca Sroufe located in Greene county, Ohio, and in 1829 came to Putnam county, located at Dupont, where he entered land on which he resided four years, and then bought a farm on Ottawa river, Union township, where he passed the remainder of his days, dying January 23, 1853, a member of the Masonic lodge at Sidney, Ohio, and a democrat in politics. His widow survived until August 7, 1879, when she died in the Baptist faith. Harvey Sroufe remained on the home farm with his father, in order to care for him, until the death of the latter, when he came to his present place in Union township, which was then uncleared, but which Mr. Sroufe has converted into one of the most productive and attractive farms in the township. He is a democrat in politics and has held several offices, and for thirty years has been one of the most active and ardent members adhering to the Christian Union church. He has never married, and at present his youngest sister and her son reside with him. This lady, Hannah Sroufe, was born in Champaign county, Ohio, February 15, 1828, and in 1855 was married to Adam Sroufe, who died in 1862, leaving one child, Abraham Townsend Sroufe, who was born September 14, 1857, and who is a democrat in politics, a member of the Methodist Episcopal church and of the Epworth league, and a most useful and public-spirited citizen. Harvey Sroufe, himself, although well advanced in years, still takes great interest in the affairs of the township and county and in the well being of his neighbors, whose respect he enjoys and by whom he is honored for his many good qualities of mind and heart. (Reference may be made also to the sketch of G. W. Sroufe, of Jackson township.) ISAAC STALEY, mayor of Dupont, Putnam county, Ohio, and one of the foremost citizens of Perry township, as well as of the county, was born January 7, 1829, in Pickaway county, Ohio, a son of John and Arah (Kirby) Staley. The father, John Staley, was a son of Peter and Eve Staley, natives of Germany, and the former a farmer; they were parents of eight children, viz: Melchoir, Peter, Katie, Jacob, Sallie, Elizabeth. Eve, and John, the last named the father of our subject. Shortly after his marriage Peter Staley came to America and became a pioneer of Virginia. There his three sons—Melchoir, Peter and Jacob—entered the volunteer service as soldiers in the war of 1812; later they and the father came to Ohio in a four-horse wagon, being several weeks on the journey, and settled in Pickaway county. Peter Staley was at one time a wealthy and prosperous planter of Virginia, but, being overtaken by business reverses, he moved to Pickaway county, Ohio, and entered a large farm in the woods, and this he cleared up and otherwise improved, but later moved to Allen