300 - HISTORY OF WILLIAM COUNTY is a resident of Denyer, Colo. ; James is the subject of this sketch Nancy is the wife of James McCarns; and Martin R., John H., William M., and Melyin C. are all prosperous farmers of Williams county. James Brannan passed his boyhood on the home farm and continued to attend the schools of Superior township a portion of each year until he had attained his majority. He then learned the carpenter's trade, which he followed as a vocation for four years, after which he engaged in farming in Superior township, on a farm one mile north of his present homestead. He then purchased his present farm, where he has since been actively engaged in general farming, stock-raising- and shipping stock, with the exception of six years, during which he served as county commissioner. He owns two hundred and twenty acres in the home farm, which is improved, with good buildings and equipped with convenient facilities throughout. He also owns another farm of sixty-six acres, located in Jefferson township. The political views of Mr. Brannan are indicated in the stanch allegiance which he accords the Democratic party, and both he and his wife are members of the Presbyterian church, in which he is an elder. In 1896, Mr. Brannan was elected county commissioner, and the efficiency of his service was duly appreciated, as shown by his re-election at the expiration of his first term of three years, so that lie served six consecutive years. December 24, 1868, Mr. Brannan was married to Miss Rosina A. Betts, daughter of Amos and Mary (Darling) Betts, of Center township. Mr. and Mrs. Brannan are the parents of seven children, all of whom were born and reared in Williams county; Charley W. married Ada Hick, and they have four children, Zoe, Verle, Levi, and Beulah ; Harvey J. married Della Patton, and they have six children—Myrtle, Bessie, Ross, Paul, Harvey and Rosina A. Mary is the wife of Orlando F. Wolf, and their children are Fern and Lulu ; Lulu, the next of Mr. Brannan's children, is the wife of Samuel. Cox; James married Harriet Jacobs and they have two children—Gladys and Hazel ; Solomon R. married Maud Stoy, and they have one son. Estale, and Klare married Bertha Teets. Mr. and Mrs. Brannan are enjoying the fruits of their industrious past, and stand high in the estimation of the community. For some years Mrs. Brannan has suffered from poor health, but has borne her suffering with a true Christian fortitude. WILLIAM A. BRATTON, SR., a prominent and successful live stock dealer of Edgerton, Williams county, O., is of Irish descent, his ancestors having emigrated to America in an early day. He is the on of James Bratton, a native or Pennsylvania, who was born near BIOGRAPHICAL - 301 Harrisburg in Mifflin county, and served with distinction in the War of 1812. In 1847 he removed to Ohio and located on a farm in Florence township, Williams county, where he spent the remainder of his days. William A. Bratton, Sr., was reared on his father's farm and educated in the public schools of his home county. When twenty-two years old he removed to St. Joseph township and bought a farm there, on which his son, William A. Bratton, Jr., now resides. His standing in the community was of such a high order that when still quite a young man he was elected township trustee and served with marked ability for several terms. For ten years lie was township assessor, filling that responsible position with credit to himself and with profit to the township. He was a member of the board of county commissioners when the new court house, costing one hundred and eighty-five thousand dollars was erected. The building of this magnificent structure for some time required all of his attention, for he and the other members on the board were determined to see that it was built honestly and within the appropriation. So well was this task performed that the tax payers were well pleased and highly commended the commissioners. In 1892 he moved from the farm to Edgerton, where lie erected a fine home. His time is now wholly taken up with buying and selling live stock. In politics he has always been a stanch Democrat, serving frequently on the county central committee and as delegate to county and district conventions. No other man in the community takes a deeper interest in Masonry than does Mr. Bratton. He was joined in the bonds of wedlock to Miss Catherine E. Casler, the daughter of Christ Casler, a native of Pennsylvania, who removed to Ohio, first locating in Stark county and afterwards in St. Joseph township. The subject of this sketch can boast that he not only helped to clear his father's farm, but also that of his father-in-law. Mr. and Mrs. Bratton are the parents of the following children: Amanda, now Mrs. James Fleightner; William A., Jr., who married Miss Florence Uffer, of Defiance county; Maggie, the wife. of John Wines, and Adella May, of Toledo. The following are the grandchildren of William Bratton, Sr., and wife; Maude, Archibald and Pearl, the children of Mr. and Mrs. Fleightner; Earl, Clyde and Georgia May, the children of William A. Bratton, Jr., and wife; Tames E. and Fern, the children of John Wines and wife. As an active, useful and enterprising citizen, William A. Bratton, Sr., is respected and highly honored by his fellow citizens. - SARDES ELMER BRENNER, one of the most progressive farmers of St. Joseph township, Williams county, O., was born December 7, 1862. He is the son of Jacob and Mary (Ridenger) Brenner, the former a native of Wittenberg, Germany, and the latter of Hancock county, O. His grandfather, John George Brenner, emigrated to the United States in 1830, coming directly to Hancock county, from Which he removed to Williams county in 1863, where both he and wife died. His maternal grandfather was a pioneer of Hancock county and died there. Jacob Brenner was born on August 23, 302 - HISTORY OF WILLIAMS COUNTY 1829, and came to America the following year with his parents. Hy was reared and educated in Hancock county. In 1863 he removed to Bryan, O., and six months later settled on a farm two miles west of that town. Here he owned three hundred and five acres at the time of his death in 1904. In politics he was identified with the Republican party. He and his first wife were the parents of five children, of whom three are living. His first wife having died in 1869, he married Miss Mary Noffsinger of Defiance county and by her had three children, all living. Sardes Elmer Brenner was reared on his father's farm and educated in the public schools of his home county and the Edgerton high school. In 1887 he bought seventy acres of land on which he has ever since resided. In politics he is a Republican, having served on the county central committee three years and on the school board for ten consecutive years. On September 7, 1884, he was united in marriage to Miss Ella M. Cover, born at Sherwood, Defiance county, July 7, 1865, the daughter of Samuel and Rachel (Spurrier) Cover, the former a native of Pennsylvania and the latter of Ohio. Samuel Cover was one of the pioneers of Defiance county and in 1865 removed to St. Joseph township, Williams county, and settled on the farm now owned by the subject of this sketch. He married Rachel Spurrier February 28, 1854, and died July 1, 1898, his wife having died nine years before. They were the parents of six children, two of whom are living. The father of Samuel Cover was also named Samuel, who was born September 6, 1789, and on January 19, 1813, married Elizabeth Cent, born March 6, 1795. He died in Crawford county, O. John Spurrier, the maternal grandfather of Mrs. Brenner, was wedded to Miss Mary Runion and died in Defiance county. His widow afterwards married Jonathan Pefley, who died in Defiance county. Mrs. Pefley died at the venerable age of three score and seven. To Sardes Elmer Brenner and wife three children have been born. They are: Otho Oscar, born February 21, 1886, educated in the public schools and now a teacher in Center township; Zoa Elnora, born March 2, 1888, and now a student of Edon high school; Byron Orin, born September 23, 1890, and a student of Edon high school. The last two both passed the Boxwell examination, the former making the highest grade made in Williams county that year (1903). Mrs. Brenner's great-great-great-great-grandfather, Cent, came over in the Mayflower in 1620. GEORGE W. BRINKMAN, one of the native sons of Williams county, who is here successfully engaged in farming and stock-growing, in Superior township, is a representative of the third generation of his family in the county and is a son of that honored pioneer citizen of Montpelier, Henry Brinkman, who is consistently made the subject of individual mention in the succeeding sketch of this compilation, so that it is not demanded that the family history be again entered in the present connection. George W. Brinkman was born in Montpelier, this county, on the 27th of December, 1862, and was BIOGRAPHICAL - 303 reared to the sturdy discipline of the homestead farm, in Superior township, while he was afforded good educational advantages, continuing to attend the public schools until he had attained the age of twenty years. After leaving school he had charge of his father's farm one year and then instituted his independent career in the same vocation, to which he has ever since given his attention, with the exception of two years, during which he was employed at the county infirmary. His farm comprises eighty acres, in section two, Superior township, is well improved and under most effective cultivation, while he is recognized as one of the progressive and up-to-date agriculturists and loyal citizens of his native county. In politics he accords an unswerving allegiance to the Republican party, and he served one year as supervisor. January r, 1888, Mr. Brinkman married Miss Ida Pickle. Mr. and Mrs. Brinkman are the parents of six children, namely: Myrtle, Gay, Harry (deceased), Leah, Gladys (deceased), and Gertrude. HENRY BRINKMAN, who is now living retired in the attractive little city of Montpelier, was a boy of about eleven years at the time of his parents' taking tip their abode in Williams county, where he has maintained his home for more than sixty years, within which time he has witnessed the development of this section from the pioneer wilds to its present status as one of the most advanced agricultural and general industrial sections of the old Buckeye state. He has personally contributed in no small measure to this development, having been long identified with agricultural pursuits and having ever stood as a loyal and public-spirited citizen, even as he is now numbered among the honored pioneers of the county, the city of his residence being located on the tract of land which his father secured from the government many years ago. Mr. Brinkman claims the old Keystone state of the Union as the place of his nativity, having been born in Lancaster county, Pa., on the 12th of January, 1833, and being a son of George and Catherine (Freidinger) Brinkman, both of whom were born and reared in Germany, while their marriage was solemnized in Pennsylvania, the father having come to America when twenty-two years of age and having taken up his residence in Lancaster county, that state, where he followed farming until 1835, and then came to Ohio and located in Seneca county, where he maintained his home until 1844, when came to Williams county and took up a tract of wild land where the city of Montpelier is now located, Ohio at that time having practically no railroads and retaining many evidences of the frontier conditions. George Brinkman made his initial trip from Seneca county to Williams county on foot. He reclaimed much of his original farm to cultivation and continued to be actively engaged in general farming there for a number of years, after which he disposed of his farm and retired from active labor, taking up his residence in Bridgewater township. The inactive life soon palled upon him, however, and in that township he resumed farming operations, in which he continued until his remoyal 304 - HISTORY OF WILLIAMS COUNTY to Montpelier, about 1877, and in this city his death occurred, in 1879, while his devoted wife passed away in 1881, both having been sincere and consistent members of the German Lutheran church, and he was a Democrat in his political proclivities, having served several terms as supervisor and having held the unqualified esteem of all who knew him. George and Catherine Elizabeth Brinkman became the parents of five children, namely: Henry, Margaret, deceased, Mary, William, deceased, and George, deceased. Mary married William Willguss, a prosperous farmer of Bridgewater township. As before stated, Henry Brinkman was about eleven years old at the time of the family removal to Williams county, so that he had secured his rudimentary education in Seneca county, supplementing this by attending the schools in a log cabin in Montpelier. He has never sought or desired other vocation than that involved in the cultivation of the soil, and from small beginnings he advanced to a position of independence, working indefatigably and consecutively and becoming the owner of one of the fine farm properties of the county, where his course has been such that he. has never lacked the fullest measure of popular confidence and esteem. He still owns his homestead place of forty acres, besides several other farms, aggregating all told about 5oo acres. His farms are about equally divided between Superior and Bridgewater townships. Since 1903 he has maintained his home in Montpelier, where he is enjoying the fruits of his former years of earnest and well directed endeavor. He is proud of the fact that his accumulations of property are due to his own perseverance and industry. He is a stanch supporter of the principles and policies of the Republican party, and filled the office of supervisor several times, while he has also served in other minor positions of trust. January z, 1861, Mr. Brinkman was married to Miss Sophronia Beacox, who was born on December 29, 1838, near Canton, Stark county, O. She is the daughter of George and Laura (Seaton) Beacox, the former a native of England and the latter of New York. To Mr. and Mrs. Brinkman were born seven children, viz.: Ada V., who married William J. Armstrong, and they now reside in British Columbia, and have four children, Harry, Arthur, William and Florence; George W., who resides near Montpelier and who married Ida Pickle, and they have four children living, viz.: Myrtle, Gay, Leah and Gertrude; Herbert, who is a resident of theState' of Washington, married CIara Morgan and they have two children; Frank, who resides near Montpelier, married Sophia Beard, and they have two children, Howard and Vera; John J., who resides in California; Leon, who was accidentally killed while driving across the St. Joseph river bridge when it collapsed; and Mabel, who married John Barnhart and resides near Montpelier. ANDREW THOMAS BROWN (deceased), who was a director and general manager of the Oak Manufacturing Company of Edgerton, Williams county, O., was born in Centre township in 1858. He was the son of Nicholas and Sarah (McMannis) Brown, the former BIOGRAPHICAL - 305 a native of Pennsylvania and the latter of Ohio. Nicholas Brown was born in Fayette county, Pa., August 11, 1821. He was married in Crawford county, o., on January 23, 1844, where his wife was born December 29, 1825. In 1846 he removed to this county, where he became a prominent and very successful farmer and accumulated large property interests, consisting of several valuable and highly productive farms. For a number of years he was trustee of Centre township, showing that he was interested in public affairs. He died in 1898, highly esteemed by all who knew him. Andrew Thomas Brown grew to manhood on his father's farm and received a fair elementary education in the public schools of his native county. In 1892 he embarked in the agricultural implement business in Edgerton, and after conducting it successfully for one year sold out to Woodward & Harris. From 1896 to1900 he was vice-president and general manager of the Edgerton Basket Manufacturing Company. December 10, 1902, Mr. Brown was elected general manager of the Oak Manufacturing Company, a corporation which he helped to organize and of which he was also a director. One hundred and thirty-five men are regularly employed by this company. The basket department makes no less than one hundred and twenty-two different styles of that useful article. Among the other products of this establishment may be mentioned the following: handles, insulator pins, brackets, ironing boards, clothes racks and hardwood lumber. These goods are shipped to all parts of the country. Eighty thousand dollars' worth of goods were sold in 1904. The facilities of this company for manufacturing purposes are second to none. The buildings are new and the machinery of the latest and most approved patterns. The floor space amounts to thirty thousand square feet, with twelve thousand square feet additional for storage purposes. A. T. Brown married Miss Martha Spangler, the daughter of Jacob and Eliza Spangler, who were pioneer settlers of Centre township, having come from Stark county, O., in an early day. Jacob Spangler is a successful farmer and an exemplary citizen. Mr. Brown was corporation treasurer of Edgerton for eight years, having been elected the last time in 1902. He at the time of his death was also serving as trustee of the Edgerton cemetery, having been elected first eight years ago. On June 15, 1905, while Mr. and Mrs. A. T. Brown were walking on the Lake Shore Railroad tracks near Edgerton they were both instantly killed by the Twentieth Century Limited. They had alighted from their automobile and started to walk to the Edgerton coal docks, which Mr. Brown desired to inspect. They left two children, Devillah and Elmer D. A. T. Brown at the time of his death was corporation treasurer, treasurer of the local Knights of Pythias lodge, of which he was a member, and treasurer of the board of cemetery trustees. He was one of the best liked men in Edgerton and his friends were legion. His interment was under the auspices of the local lodges of Knights of Pythias, Rathbone Sisters and Maccabees, assisted by visiting lodges from Butler, Edon, Bryan, Hicksville and Blakeslee. 20 306 - HISTORY OF WILLIAMS COUNTY GRANVILLE G. BROWN, one of the substantial farmers and most popular citizens of Madison township, where he has served as road supervisor for fully a score of years, besides having held other offices of public trust, has developed one of the valuable farms of this section of the country and is a leading representative of agricultural interests, being at the present time vice-president of the Williams County Agricultural Society. Mr. Brown was born in Fulton county, o., September t8, 1844, and is a son of Daniel and Emily (Atwood) Brown, the former of whom was born in Vermont, of Colonial ancestry, while the latter was born in Maryland. Daniel 'Brown had the sturdy characteristics of the New England type, was self-educated and in no uncertain way was the architect of his own fortunes. He came to Fulton county, o., in an early day and there purchased a tract of heavily timbered land, which he reclaimed to cultivation. He finally sold the property and established himself in the general merchandise business at Burlington, Fulton county, o., where he remained until 1856, when he came to Williams county, becoming one of the substantial farmers of Madison township. Here he continued to reside until 1884, when he went to Kansas, where he passed the remainder of his life, dying in 1888, at a venerable age. He was originally a Whig and later a Republican in politics, and for a time he served as postmaster at Deer Lick, this county. His first wife died in Fulton county, O., in 1847, and his second wife, whose maiden name was Taylor, died about 1878, after which he married Sarah Horton, who is now deceased. Of the nine children of the first marriage only three are living. Granville G. Brown secured his early education in the common schools of Burlington, Fulton county, and Madison township, Williams county, and continued to be associated with his father in the operation of the home farm until he had attained the age of eighteen years, when he initiated his independent career. During the Civil war he was in the employ of the government in the capacity of carpenter, enlisting in his home county and continuing to be thus engaged until the close of the war. In 1865 he effected the purchase of a part of his present farm, to which he has added, until it now comprises one hundred and sixty acres, and the appearance of the place to-day, with its well tilled fields, substantial modern buildings and all other evidences of thrift and prosperity, is very different from what it was when he secured the property, for it was then covered with the native timber and had practically no improvements; so that the evidences of his effective labors are patent to all, while he has so lived as to merit and receive the unqualified esteem and confidence of his fellow citizens. In politics Mr. Brown is a stanch Republican and he has taken a loyal interest in public affairs, particularly those of a more local nature. He has served as township trustee and assessor, as a member of the school board about twenty years, and as road supervisor for about the same length of time, and has also held the office of jury commissioner. In his youth he served under his father as assistant postmaster at Deer Lick, a postoffice now abandoned under the free rural delivery service. He has long been a member of BIOGRAPHICAL - 307 the board of directors of the Williams County Agricultural Society, of which he is now vice-president. He and his wife are prominent members of the Church of God, belonging to the organization in their township, and he served as superintendent of the Sunday school about fifteen years. In 1866 was solemnized the marriage of Mr. Brown to Miss Elizabeth Wallace, who was born in Richland county, O., May 3, 1847, being a daughter of Noah and Sophia (Bowser) Wallace, the former of whom was born in Delaware, in 1813, and the latter in Maryland, in 1817, while they passed the closing years of their lives in Madison township, Williams county, whither they came in 186o, Mr. Wallace having been a substantial farmer of this section. Both lie and his wife were members of the United Brethren church, and in politics he was a Republican. Of their eleven children five are living. The following is a brief record concerning the children of Mr., and Mrs. Brown : Charles A., a graduate of Bennett Medical College and of the medical department of the Northwestern University, in Chicago, Ill., is engaged in the practice of his profession at Rossville, Ill.; Andrew J. is superintendent of the public schools of Pioneer, Williams county; George A. divides his time between teaching and farming; John B. is a graduate of the Illinois Medical College, in Chicago, and is now engaged in practice at Lawrence, Ill.; Herman I. is a successful teacher in the public schools of Ohio; Leonard G. is a graduate of the dental school of Northwestern University, in Chicago, is married to Zella Lacer and is now practicing in Chicago; Clara May is a popular teacher; and Wesley O. and Ernest L. remain at the parental home, all of the children having received good educational advantages and profited duly from the same.. JOHN A. BROWN, a prominent farmer of Centre township, Williams county, o., was born on the old homestead on July 6, 185o. He is the son of Nicholas and Sarah (McMannis) Brown, mention of whom is made elsewhere in this work. John A. Brown was reared on his father's farm and educated in the common schools of the country. Farm life was so agreeable to him while growing to manhood that he made it his avocation for life. In addition to general farming he conducted a threshing machine for some years, doing quite an extensive business in that line. For seven years he has been engaged with D. P. Nihart in shipping live stock and has succeeded in establishing an extensive business, amounting some months to $25,000. He owns the farm of eighty acres on which he lives and that of one hundred acres on which his son, Andrew Jay Brown, resides. As an extensive dealer in road horses and a breeder of Chesterwhite hogs Mr. Brown is quite well known throughout the country. In this business he has met with unusual success, as is clearly demonstrated by the property he has accumulated. Being an excellent judge of horse flesh and strictly honorable in all of his dealings, he enjoys a prosperous business and an enviable reputation among his fellow citizens. In politics lie is identified with the Democratic party. Some years ago he was a member of the National Grange and for the past 308 - HISTORY OF WILLIAMS COUNTY eighteen years he has served as a justice of the peace. On April 30, 1871, he was joined in wedlock to Miss Mary Jane Stockman, born in Williams county on May 20, 1849, the daughter of Ephraim and America (Davison) Stockman, both natives of Crawford county, o., who came with their parents to Williams county in an early day, and married there. Ephraim Stockman is a son of George and Rachel (Tittle) Stockman, pioneers of Williams county, where both are buried. The parents of Mrs. Ephraim Stockman were also pioneers of Williams county, where they died at a ripe old age. John A. Brown is a member of the Methodist church and his wife is a member of the Dunkard church. They are the parents of two children. Clara E., the first born, was born in Williams county on August 30, 1872, and educated in the common schools. She is the wife of William Kreiger, a son of Jacob Kreiger, a sketch of whose life will be found elsewhere in this work. They have three daughters, named Grace, Ermah Ruth and Jennie Mildred. Andrew J., the younger, was born on December 28, 1874, educated in the public schools of the county and in the Fayette, o., high school. He is a farmer by occupation and a Democrat in politics, serving as township clerk for two years. His wife was Miss Grace Snyder, of Defiance, O. They are the parents of two daughters, named Vera and Daisy. SAMUEL W. BUMPUS merits consideration in this compilation by reason of being one of the representative farmers and sterling citizens of Pulaski township, where he has a finely improved and well equipped farm, devoted to diversified agriculture and to the raising of a good grade of live stock. He was born in Sandusky county, O., on the 17th of September, 1844, and is a son of Simeon and Matilda (Grover) Bumpus, the former of whom was born in Cattaraugus county, N. Y., and the latter in Vermont, whence her parents removed to the state of New York when she was a child of three years. The parents were reared and educated in the old Empire state, where their marriage was solemnized. The father was a wagonmaker by trade, and later operated a grist-mill and also a saw-mill, having been a man of much initiative power and business acumen. They came to Ohio in 1832, making the trip on Lake Erie to Toledo and thence proceeding to Ottawa county, where Mr. Bumpus operated a sawmill and grist-mill, while later he was for several years a resident of Sandusky county. In 1862 he removed with his family to Williams county, locating in Springfield township, and the latter years of his life were thus devoted to agricultural pursuits. He died March 2, 1893, and his widow was summoned into eternal rest April 5, 1903. Both, were consistent members of the United Brethren church, exemplifying their Christian faith in their daily lives, and in politics he was a stanch supporter of the Democracy. Mr. Bumpus had been twice married. His first wife, whose maiden name was Hannah Matoon, died in New York state, leaving one son, Henry E., who is now a resident of the state of Iowa. Brief data concerning the children of the second marriage are here given: James I., who located in BIOGRAPHICAL - 309 Williams county in 1864, was a farmer by vocation and served in the Civil war as a member of Company I, Twenty-first Ohio Volunteer Infantry. He died in this county; Philinda became the wife of Erastus Howard and died in Grand Traverse county, Mich.; Mary Ann, widow of Asa Hutchinson. resides in Chicago Junction, O.; George A., who was a member of the One Hundred and Fifth Ohio Volunteer Infantry during the Rebellion, died in Edon, O.; Matilda, who became the wife of Logan D. Mizner, died in Ottawa county; Samuel W. is he to whom this sketch is dedicated; Clara is the widow of Charles Strait and resides in Bryan; William S., a farmer and carpenter, resides in Ottawa county. Samuel W. Bumpus had limited educational advantages and early became inured to the sturdy labors of the farm, as well as other incidental avocations, remaining associated with his father and living at the parental home until 1868, in which year he was married. He then rented a farm, in Pulaski township, devoting himself to its operation for two years and then effecting the purchase of his present farm, in 1870, the same comprising forty acres of excellent land, in section 24, Pulaski township. The land was still covered with the native timber and was very rough, but he has developed the same into one of the valuable farms of this township, having the entire area under cultivation, while the permanent improvements are of substantial order. In addition to his farming operations Mr. Bumpus has devoted considerable attention to work at the carpenter trade, being a skilled artisan in this line. He is a supporter of the cause of the Democratic party, and he has served for the past six years as school director. Reverting to his genealogy, it may be said that his grandfather and great-grandfather in both the paternal and maternal lines were valiant soldiers in the Continental ranks during the war of the Revolution. In 1868 Mr. Bumpus was united in marriage to Miss Margaret Athy, who was born and reared in Pulaski township, being a daughter of Elijah Athy, one of the honored pioneers of Williams county. In conclusion is given a brief record concerning the children of Mr. and Mrs. Bumpus: George Alonzo is engaged in the hardware business in Ottawa county, o.; Nathan M., a bridge-builder by vocation, still resides on the old homestead when not called elsewhere by the demands of his business, he married Miss Anna Reusch and they have one daughter, Alda May.; Archibald, who is an engineer, residing in the city of Toledo, married Miss Kate Marsh and they have two children, Dale and Goldie; Annie is the wife of Albert Bostater, of Huron, o., and they have two children, Bertha and Hazel; Mertie and Millie were twins, the former being deceased and the latter being the wife of Frederick McConeghy, and they reside in Springfield township, they have two sons, Nathan and Williard; Bertha is the wife of Arthur Rhinemiller, of Huron, O., and they have two children. John and Alda; and Ida May and Emma G. remain at the parental home. EMERY BUNCE, a well-to-do and prominent farmer of Northwest township, is a native of Florence township, Williams county, 310 - HISTORY OF WILLIAMS COUNTY where he was born on April 27, 1863. His paternal grandparents were Jacob and Elizabeth Bunce, the former of whom died in Crawford county, O. The maternal grandfather of Emery Bunce was John Gloar, a native of Germany, who came to the United States in an early day and located in Williams county in 1858. Here he spent the rest of his days. Emery Bunce is the son of James and Elizabeth (Gloar) Bunce, the former a native of New York and the latter of Pennsylvania. They came to Williams county in 186o and settled on a farm of sixty-three acres in Florence township. Educated in the common schools and reared on a farm, James Bunce chose farming as his lifework. In politics he was a Republican, having served as, constable, and with his wife was a member of the Methodist Episcopal church. He died in 1892, his wife having died the previous year. All of the eight children born to these parents are still living. Emery Bunce grew to manhood on a farm and received his education in the common schools of the home county. He is a farmer by occupation and owns a fine farm of one hundred and eighty acres. Stock raising occupies a large part of his time. In politics he is actively identified with the Republican party. On April 5, 1888, he was joined in wedlock to Miss Dora Brunk, a daughter of Jacob Brunk, a pioneer of Williams county, where he cleared a farm of ninety-five acres of land. By his first wife Mr. Bunce had the following children born to him: Ella, Wesley, James Russell, deceased, and George. His wife died December 26, 1894. On March 14, 1896, he was wedded to Ella (Powers) Skinner, a daughter of Volney Powers, mention of whom is made elsewhere in this work. To this marriage there have been born the following children: Martha Jane and Elwood. JACOB BUNCE, a successful farmer and highly respected citizen of Northwest township, is a native of Crawford county, O., where he was born on February 12, 1849. His education was the best afforded by the common schools of Florence township, Williams county, O. He was only eleven years old when he came to Florence township. He now owns a farm of fifty acres in Northwest township. By dint of hard work and close application to business, he has succeeded in his efforts to secure a comfortable home. His land has been brought to a high state of cultivation and is equipped with all the necessary buildings that go to make up a first-class farm. In politics he is actively identified with the Republican party, having held the offices of school director and supervisor. In politics and private life he has been uniformly successful. Beginning without any capital other than willing hands and a desire to own a comfortable home, he has fully realized his fondest expectations. The fact that he enjoys the respect of his fellow men affords him no little pleasure. He has demonstrated what a poor boy can accomplish, provided he is willing to work and is clean in his habits. On October 31, 1877, he was wedded to Miss Mary E. Joice, born May 5, 1843, the daughter of Henry Joice, mentioned elsewhere in this work. To this marriage there BIOGRAPHICAL - 311 have been born two children. They are: Adah, born May 15, 2879, and educated in the common schools, the wife of Stephen Powers (the son of Volney Powers, mentioned elsewhere in this work), and the mother of two interesting children, Wynn and Wier; and Charlie Roy, born May 2, 1881, educated in the common schools, at home on the farm. IRVIN L. BURKE, cashier of the Edgerton State Bank Company, of Edgerton, Williams county, o., is a native of Florence township, Williams county, where he was born in 1865. He is the son of Jonathan and Phoebe (Bratton) Burke, both natives of Ohio. Jonathan Burke has been a resident of Florence township, Williams county, since 1851, and is one of the foremost and most progressive farmers in that part of the county. His prominence in public affairs is evidenced by the fact that he served his county for six years in the responsible capacity of commissioner and the township as justice of the peace for forty years. He is a devout member of the Church of Christ, having been a consistent member for over thirty-five years. His beloved wife, the mother of Irvin L. Burke, died March 20, 1869. Irvin L. Burke was reared on his father's farm and educated in the public schools of his native county. In 1886 he began his successful career at Edon, Williams county, by engaging in the drug business. In 1897 he disposed of his prosperous establishment at Edon to embark in the banking business, for which he was eminently fitted as the sequel proves. He was first connected with the Edon Banking company and served that corporation faithfully for four years. In 1901 he was identified with the First National bank and the Union Trust Company of Bryan, o., and remained there for two years, after which he organized the Edgerton State Bank Company of Edgerton, o., and was elected its cashier. The other officers of the bank at the present time are Judge Charles A. Bowersox of Bryan, as president, and Henry Dietsch vice-president, and the following named gentlemen are the board of directors: Irvin L. Burke, H. L. Poole, Charles A. Dietsch, Charles A. Bowersox and Henry Dietsch. Mr. Burke is a man of pleasing address and genial disposition and possesses the happy faculty of winning friends and retaining then. As a business man he is exact and attentive to business, ever watchful of the interests of those whom he is serving. Under the able management of Irvin L. Burke, it is needless to state, the business of the bank is rapidly increasing, being known as one of the most solid financial institutions in that part of the state. On October 1st, 1892, Mr. Burke was married to Miss Augusta Rosenberger, born in Williams county, O., July 26, 1872, and a daughter of Horace and Jane (Lynch) Rosenberger, the former being the son of Frederick and Catharine (Shaul) Rosenberger, natives of Virginia, from which state they removed to Seneca county, O., in an early day. Horace Rosenberger was born in Seneca county, O., on August 28, 1837, where he was 312 - HISTORY OF WILLIAMS COUNTY reared on his father's farm and there married Miss Jane Lynch, daughter of Daniel and Margaret (Anderson) Lynch, both natives of Ohio, in which state they continued to reside until their deaths. Horace Rosenberger and wife continue to reside in Superior, township, Williams county, on the same farm they located on when they first removed to the county. JONATHAN BURKE, a retired farmer of Edon, Williams county, O., was born in Columbiana county of that state on June 19, 1830. He is the son of Thomas and Theodocia (Morris) Burke, both natives of Columbiana county, where the former was born on July 21, 1804, in the same house in which his son was born, and the latter on December 12, 1812. His grandparents were Samuel and Hannah (Siddall) Burke, the former a native of Ireland and the latter of Virginia. Samuel Burke emigrated to America in 1798, settling in Virginia, where he was married, and in 1802 removed to Columbiana county and there died when still a young man in 1817. His wife, who was born in Loudoun county, Va., in 1776, on the death of her husband, removed with her son, Thomas Burke, to Wayne county, Ind., where she died in 1834. The maternal grandparents of Jonathan Burke were Jonathan and Sarah (Snyder) Morris, the former a native of Virginia and the latter of New Jersey. Jonathan Morris was born in Loudoun county, Va., about 1787, and died in Columbiana county, O., in April, 1865. His widow, who was born in 1792, died in Columbiana county about 1877. To them twelve children were born. Thomas Burke was reared on a farm and received only a limited education in the common schools, his parents being poor and his father dying young. From Columbiana county, O., he removed to Wayne county, Ind., where he resided two years. In 1835 he returned to Columbiana county and in 1843 removed to Williams county, locating on and clearing a farm of eighty acres near the present site of Edon, to which he later added forty acres, making a total of one hundred and twenty acres. In politics he became a Republican after the organization of that party, and in religious matters he was identified with the Christian church, his wife being a Quaker. He died June 17, 1867, and his first wife, the mother of the subject of this sketch, died March i6, 1842, and his last wife died October 8, 19o4. Of the six children born to the first marriage only two are now living. They are: Jonathan and Stephen Emmett. Jonathan Burke grew to manhood on a farm and was educated in the common schools of Columbiana, Trumbull and Williams counties,O., and at Auburn, DeKalb county, Ind., attending one year each in the last two mentioned. He is a farmer by occupation, owning a farm of one hundred and eight acres, a part of which is at Edon,where he resides. In politics he was for a time a Republican, but now he is identified with the Prohibition party. He is a member of the Christian church. On November 24, 1853, he was wedded to Miss Phoebe Bratton, born in Pennsylvania on April 30, 1836, BIOGRAPHICAL - 313 the daughter of James and Hannah Bratton, both natives of Pennsylvania, who came to Williams county in 1842, where she died on February 29, 1856, and he on April 9, 1860. The wife of Jonathan Burke, who was an aunt of Judge Emmett Bratton of Angola, Ind., died on March 20, 187o. To them were born five children, as follows: Iva I. Allamong, Galen, Hannah T. Isenhart, Irvin, of whom mention is made in the preceding sketch, and Ira. On April 6, 1871, Mr. Burke married Miss Anna Wiloughby, born in Columbiana county on October 22, 1841, the daughter of John and Sarah (Luke) Wiloughby, natives of Columbiana county, who came to Williams county in 1863, where she died in 1888, her husband having died at the Soldiers Home in Dayton, O., in 1873. To the second marriage of Jonathan Burke there was born one child, Iona T., born October 5, 1875. On August 8, 1897, she was married to Ray E. Noble, a prominent young business man of Edon. They have one child, George Morris, born July 7, 1904. Iona T. Noble and her husband reside with Mr. Burke. Mrs. Burke was a member of the Christian church and died on October 12, 1904. FRANK BURKHART, one of the progressive and highly successful farmers of St. Joseph township, Williams county,O., was born in Crawford county of that state, January 12, 1864. He is the son of George and Rosanna (Songer) Burkhart, both natives of Pennsylvania. His grandparents were Tobias and Christina (Keiss) Burkhart, both natives of Germany. Tobias Burkhart came to the United States in 1804 with his mother, Dorothy (Beal) Burkhart, and located in Lycemburg, Heppin township, Pa., where she died. His wife, Christina (Keiss) Burkhart, came to America in 1817, both of her parents having died in Germany. They came to Williams county in 1865 and settled on a farm in St. Joseph township, where he died in 1876, aged eighty years, and she died nine years later, aged eighty-three years. The maternal grandparents of Frank Burkhart were George and Catherine (Encen) Songer, he a native of Germany and she of Pennsylvania. George Songer was born in 1807 and emigrated to America when seven years old, locating first in Pennsylvania and then in Crawford county,O., in 1850, where he and his wife died. George Burkhart was born March 22, 1829, in Pennsylvania, and came with his parents to Crawford county in 1847, and from there removed to Williams county in i865, settling on a farm in St. Joseph township, where he now resides. Prior to farming for himself he was for some years engaged in the saw and grist-mill business, in which he met with unusual success, as is evidenced by the extensive patronage that he enjoyed. In politics he was an active Democrat and with his wife a member of the Evangelical church. They have had seven children, three sons and four daughters. They are: Sophia, born July 23, 1854; Joseph, born May 25, 1858; Sarah, born January 21, 1861; Samuel F., born June 6, 1862; Frank, 314 - HISTORY OF WILLIAMS COUNTY born January 12, 1864; Ida, born December 25, 1866, and Anna, born April 4, 1872. Frank Burkhart, the subject of this sketch, was reared on his father's farm, receiving a fair common school education. Farming is his chosen avocation, and the fact that he now owns two hundred acres of very valuable land within a mile of Edgerton proves that he has made a wise choice. In addition to general farming he deals largely in horses and other stock, shipping his purchases to all parts of the country. While affiliated with the Democratic party he has never sought a public office. He and his wife attend the Evangelical church. On January 31, 1895, he was wedded to Miss Catharine Groff, born in Sterling, Ill., January 8, 187o, the daughter of Henry and Sarah (Johnson) Groff, the former a native of Pennsylvania. Henry Groff followed the occupation of milling for a number of years, but now resides on a farm in St. Joseph township. He and wife have had seven children, six of whom are still living. John Groff, the father of Henry Groff, removed from Pennsylvania to Ashland county, O., in an early day and there both he and his wife died at a ripe old age. Frank Burkhart and wife have had one child, Harry, born September io, 1900. JACOB J. BURKHART, a successful farmer and a highly respected citizen of St. Joseph township, Williams county,O., was born in Lycoming county, Pa., October 15, 1842. He is the son of Tobias and Christena (Keiss) Burkhart, mentioned in the preceding sketch. He was reared on his father's farm and educated at Bucyrus, Crawford county, O. Having learned the shoemaker's trade, he set up a shop in Edon,O., and plied his avocation there for almost fifteen years. Selling his shop he invested the proceeds in a farm of sixty acres about two miles northwest of Edgerton, on which he has lived the past twenty-two years, following general farming. To public office he has never aspired, notwithstanding he is a very active Democrat. Jacob J. Burkhart married Miss Harriet Mowery, who was born in Sandusky county, O., January 27, 1851, and died November 9, 1887, aged thirty-six years, four months and twelve days. On July 4, 1889, he married Miss Mary E. Hollinger of Sandusky county, born May 24, 1859, the daughter of Charles and Philipina (Hopp) Hollinger. Charles Hollinger was born in Bavaria, Germany, September 14, 1814. He married in 1841 and emigrated to America seven years later, locating in Sandusky county, where he resided on a farm until 1867, when he removed to Williams county, settling on a farm two miles northeast of Edgerton. His wife, also a native of Bavaria, was born June 14, 1814. They are both dead, he dying July 21, 1889, aged nearly seventy-five years, and she on January 23, 1905, aged nearly ninety-one years. They were the parents of seven daughters and three sons, all of whom are living. Bartlett Hollinger, the father of Charles Hollinger, was a native of Germany and came to the United States with his son in 1848, and died in Sandusky BIOGRAPHICAL - 315 county. Fred and Jacob, brothers of Charles Hollinger, came over at the same time, the former dying at Fremont, O., in 1889, and the latter is now a resident of Sandusky county, his farm being twelve miles west of Fremont. Henry Hollinger, who came to this country two years before his father and brothers, settled in Sandusky county and died at Bettsville in that county in 1899. Two sisters and a half-sister of Mr. Burkhart's first wife emigrated to America, locating in Baltimore, Md., where all died except one sister, who died at Bowling Green,O. To Jacob J. Burkhart and his first wife there were born four children. They are: Fred Isaac, born December 4, 1872; Willis Daniel, born November 13, 1874; Maudie Elizabeth, born January 19, 1877, and died June 28, x895; and Samuel Jacob, born October 18, 1881. By his second wife he has had three children, all daughters: Gladys May, born January 26, 1892; Flossie Ladortha, born February 19, 1894., and Carrie Gertrude, born May 18, 1895. Mr. and Mrs. Burkhart are members of the Evangelical Association. In politics Mr. Burkhart is a staunch Democrat. JOSEPH BURKHART, a practical and prominent farmer of St. Joseph township, Williams county, O., was born in Crawford county of that state, May 25, 1858. He is the son of George Burkhart, mentioned elsewhere in this work. When twelve years of age he removed with his parents from his native county to Williams county, receiving his public school training in both counties. Reared on a farm, it is quite natural that he has chosen farming as his avocation in life. In addition to this he has paid special attention to stock raising, a venture that has in his case proved remarkably remunerative. He is the owner of two hundred and eleven acres in St. Joseph township and twenty acres in DeKalb county, Ind., the two pieces of land joining. This property has practically all been made by him as he received little assistance from his father. While an active Democrat, he has never been an aspirant to public office. He and wife attend the Methodist Episcopal church, of which she is an active member. On December 25, 1884, he married Miss Lettie Casebere, who was born in De Kalb county, Ind., December 15, 1866. She is the daughter of George and Elizabeth (Kniseley) Casebere, the former born October 8, 1832, in Tuscarawas county, and the latter in Canal Dover, of the same county, November 2, 1835. George Casebere was the son of John and Nancy (Smiley) Casebere, who came to Williams county in 1840, where he died September 4, 1882, and she in 1869. They had twelve children, of whom eight are still living. The father of Mrs. Burkhart, George Casebere, for years a prominent merchant at Blakeslee, Williams county, died in July, 1896, and his wife three years earlier. They had four children, of whom three are living. Joseph Burkhart and wife are the parents of three children: Ora Glen, born July 5, 1885; Earl Lyston, born August 22, 1888, and Arthur Dale, born February 11, 1890. 316 - HISTORY OF WILLIAMS COUNTY Mrs. Burkhart is a member of the Methodist Episcopal church. In politics Mr. Burkhart is a Democrat, but has never sought office. He pays strict attention to his farming interests, assisted by his sons. MORRISON C. BURKHART, a prosperous farmer and stock raiser of Pioneer,O., is a native of Bridgewater township, Williams county, born October 15, 1874. He is the son of Jacob and Catherine (Sypsey) Burkhart, both natives of Crawford county, O., the former born June 9, 1844. His grandparents were Christian and Christina (Reese) Burkhart, both natives of Germany, who settled in Crawford county in an early day and in 1859 located on a farm of sixty acres in Williams county, which he cleared and improved. Here he died in 1874 and was survived by his widow twenty years. John and Catherine (Myers) Sypsey were his maternal grandparents, the former a native of Crawford county and the latter of Germany. He died in 1853 and was survived by his widow, who died in Williams county on January 20, 1890. Jacob Burkhart grew to manhood on a farm and was educated in both English and German in the common schools of the county. When fifteen years old he drove an ox team from Crawford to Williams county. In 1870 he purchased and cleared the farm now owned by his son, Morrison C. He was a farmer by occupation, a Democrat in politics, and with his wife a member of the Lutheran church. As township trustee he served his constituents faithfully and well. He died on the homestead in 1895. To him and wife there were born the following children: Morrison C.; Emma; Charlie, deceased; Ida, deceased; Carrie; Maud; Edith, and Sherman. Morrison C. Burkhart was reared on a farm and received a fair common school education. He now resides on the homestead of 140 acres where he carries on successfully general farming and stock raising. In politics he is a Democrat. SAMUEL F. BURKHART, a successful farmer and live stock dealer of St. Joseph township, Williams county, O., was born in Crawford county of that state, June 6, 1862. He is the son of George Burkhart, a sketch of whose life appears elsewhere in this work. Having been brought up on a farm, it is but natural that he has made farming his occupation for life. The thorough training that he received while working for his father fitted him for a successful life in the same line of work. His ownership of one hundred and sixty acres of the most valuable and productive land in the county, located one mile from Edgerton, measures to some extent his success as a farmer. He deals extensively in horses and buys and sells all other kinds of live stock. Having a thorough knowledge of stock of all kinds, and being a shrewd trader, he has met with unusual success as a stockman. Possessed of sound judgment and good common sense, he is rated as one of the most successful business men in the county. His time is wholly taken BIOGRAPHICAL - 317 up with the management of his business affairs, so that he has no time to engage in any other enterprises. In politics he is a stanch Democrat, but in no sense an office seeker. In church work he and wife are identified with the Evangelical church. On May 16, 1890, he was wedded to Miss Lana Landle, born in Edgerton, February 15, 1866, the daughter of Christopher and Lana (Miller) Landle, a prosperous farmer of St. Joseph township. Three children have blessed the union of Mr. and Mrs. Burkhart, named Charlie, born March 15, 1893; Oscar, born October 16, 1900, and Raymond, born June199, 1903. While still comparatively a young man Mr. Burkhart has achieved success of which he has just cause to be proud. By attending strictly to his own business and by making a close study of live stock, always depending on his own judgment, he ranks among the foremost of the men of affairs in his county. EDWARD S. BUTLER, a prominent citizen and well-known marble and granite dealer of Montpelier, Williams county, O., is a representative of the same branch of the Butler family that numbers among its distinguished members Gen. B. F. Butler of Civil war fame. He was born in Pittsfield, Mass., on March 4, 1865, in the same house in which his father, Sylvester Butler, and his grandfather,Dudleyy Butler, were born. In 1873 Sylvester Butler brought his family to Ohio and located at Berea, near Cleveland, and later at Cleveland. By occupation he was a civil engineer as well as a carpenter, both of which avocations he plied diligently for some years. He married Miss Ellen Watson, a native of New York State and the daughter of John Watson. Both died in Cleveland, the former in 1898 and the latter inr1901. Edward S. Butler grew to manhood at his home in Berea, where he received a substantial and practical education. After the family removed to Cleveland he learned the marble and granite business and afterwards followed that trade in many different states. In 1896 he came to Montpelier and opened up a marble establishment, beginning in a very small way. By dint of close application to business and high-class workmanship he has succeeded in building up an extensive and profitable trade, and today is the proprietor of the largest marble establishment in Montpelier. All kinds of stone, granite and marble are skillfully fashioned and shaped for the market. Mr. Butler stands high in Masonry, being a member of the Montpelier Blue Lodge and the Bryan Chapter. His choice for a helpmeet in life's journey was Miss Clara Strawser, the daughter of Philip Strawser of Montpelier. To this marriage two children have been born, Carlton and Margaret Maude. Mr. and Mrs. Butler are actively identified with the Methodist Episcopal church. MYRON F. CALTRIDER, a highly respected and prosperous farmer of Center township, Williams county, O., was born on the 318 - HISTORY OF WILLIAMS COUNTY old homestead, February 3, 1854. He is the son of John W. and Emaline (Bostwick) Caltrider, the former having been born in New York on December 3, 1823, and the latter in Franklin county,O., April 25, 1826. Emaline Caltrider is the daughter of Abel and Sallie (Fitch) Bostwick, both natives of New York, who removed to Medina county,O., where they spent the remainder of their (lays. They were the parents of two sons and three daughters, of whom one son and two daughters are still living. John Caltrider grew to manhood on a farm and was educated in the common schools of his native county. In 1850 he settled on and cleared the farm of one hundred and sixty acres which his son now owns. He was a farmer by occupation and a Republican in politics, and served as township assessor for a number of years. He died on the home place in 1872 and his widow still survives, being seventy- nine years old. She is an earnest member of the Baptist church. They had only one child, the subject of this sketch. Myron F. Caltrider was reared on the old homestead and educated in part in the common schools of the county and in part in those of Bryan, where he spent two years. Having been brought up on a farm, it was natural that he should choose farming as his avocation for life. In addition to general farming he is interested in the breeding of registered Duroc Jersey swine and Short Horned cattle. His farm is located two miles west of Bryan, and on it he has built a residence that is a credit to any farming community. Politically he is affiliated with the Republican party, and with his wife is a member of the Baptist church. In 1876 he was united in marriage to Miss Alice Wyatt, a native of Philadelphia, where the marriage ceremony was celebrated. She died on April 6, 1902. JEROME W. CALVIN, a prominent and successful farmer and road supervisor of Pulaski township, Williams county,O., was born on the old Calvin homestead in that township on March 17, 1861. He is a representative of one of the oldest and most highly respected families in Williams county. He is the son of Andrew J. and Emily (Byers) Calvin, both natives of Portage county, O. His great-grandfather was David Calvin of Portage county. Joshua and Elizabeth (McGowan) Calvin, his grandparents removed from Portage to Williams county and located in Pulaski township, where he followed general farming during the remainder of his natural life. To these parents twelve children were born, eight of whom grew to maturity. His first wife having died, Joshua Calvin married Miss Nancy Cassidy and by her had three children, named Elizabeth, Estella and Myrtella. Having a second time become a widower, he married his third wife, a widow, but no children were born to this marriage. Andrew J. Calvin was born on April 10, 1834, and was fourteen years old when he came with his parents to Williams county, where he grew to manhood and followed general farming. On January 1, 1860, he married Emily Byers, the daughter of Frederick and Catherine BIOGRAPHICAL - 319 (Strock) Byers. While an ardent Republican, he never aspired to public office. In religious matters he was identified with the Christian church, of which organization he was for many years an elder. He died on March 27, 1895, highly esteemed as an exemplary citizen and a Christian. To him and wife there were born six children, as follows: Jerome W.; Emmett E. of Metz, Ind., in the well and wind-mill business; Charles O., a farmer of Nuckolls county, Neb.; Rosie Dell, the wife of Wm. H. Scott of Hillsdale county, Mich.; Harry B., oil merchant of Bradner, Wood county, O., and Dell, who is still at home. Several of these children have taught school. Jerome W. Calvin has always made his home on the old Calvin homestead, where he has been engaged in general farming and stock raising. For several years he and his brother, E. E. Calvin, have been engaged in the well and wind-mill business in the states of Ohio, Indiana and Michigan. On his farm there are eight hundred sugar maple trees, from the water of which he manufactures a large quantity of syrup each year. Being an earnest Republican, he takes a deep interest in politics and has served as road supervisor for three years. Mr. Calvin is a member of Bryan Lodge, No. 221, Knights of Pythias, and of the Horne Guards, No. 12. LEWIS G. CALVIN, a prominent and well-to-do farmer of Florence township, Williams county,O., was born in Beaver county, Pa., in which state his English ancestors had located in an early day. He is the grandson of James Calvin and wife, both natives of England, who, together with two brothers, emigrated to America and located in Pennsylvania. Jonathan and Sophia (Baker) Morris, his maternal grandparents, also of English nativity, came to the United States and located first in Washington county, Pa., and afterwards in Mahoning county, O., where they spent the remainder of their days. Lewis G. Calvin is the son of Jonathan and Marie (Morris) Calvin, both natives of Pennsylvania, who first removed from that State to Mahoning county, O., and in 1849 to Columbiana county of the same state. Jonathan Calvin, reared on a farm and educated in the common schools, was a farmer by occupation, and until the Civil war a Democrat in politics. Then he became a Republican. He died in Mahoning county on September 5, 1891, and his widow died on March 11, 1899. Lewis G. Calvin grew to manhood on a farm, receiving a fair common school education. In 1869 he came to Williams county, but returned the same year to Columbiana county. Four years later he again removed to Williams county and has resided here ever since. The farm which he purchased in 1902, and on which he now lives, consists of one hundred and' ten acres and is just one-half mile south of Edon. He is an Independent in politics and a member of the Blakeslee lodge, Knights of Pythias. On March 4, r869, he was married to Miss Mary A. Davis, born in Mahoning county on January 12, 1849, the daughter of Thomas and 320 - HISTORY OF WILLIAMS COUNTY Betsey (McGowen) Davis, both natives of Mahoning county, where the former was born on December 13, 1823, and the latter on March 7, 1827. They came to Williams county in 1869 and there spent the rest of their days, excepting a short time spent in Tennessee. Thomas Davis was a farmer by occupation, a Democrat in politics, and with his wife a member of the Christian church. He died on May 18, 1902, and is survived by his widow, who is now seventy-eight years old. They were the parents of six children, five of whom are yet living. The sixth child died in 1865, while in active service in the Civil war. The paternal grandparents of Mrs. Calvin were John and Mary Davis, both natives of Wales. They were married in their native country and with their two children emigrated to America about the year 1820, locating first in Pittsburg, Pa. From Pittsburg they removed to Mahoning county, O., settling on a farm which he cleared and where both died. Her maternal grandparents were Samuel and Susan (Hartzell) McGowen. To Lewis G. Calvin and wife there have been born eight children. They are: Charles S., born November 28, 1869, who married Miss Lizzie Stump, October 7, 1899, and is the father of two children, named Wayne Burl, born September 12, 1900, and Gladys Marie, born in August, 1902; Albert F., born April 11, 1873, who married Miss Carrie Bordner, November 2, 1899, and has by her one son, Albert Elden, born August 16, 1903; Park E., born May 16, 1875, married to Miss Pearl Boisher on March 24, 1900, and is the father of one daughter, Ethel, born August 29, 1901; Ora Lewellan was born August 8, 1878, and died February 13, 1879; Minnie Idella, born June 10, 1880, who on November 25, 1898, became the wife of Clyde Berdett Pickle, born in Florence township, Williams county, November 8, 1878, the son of Benjamin Pickle, a pioneer of Williams county; Lewis Earl, born October 5, 1882; Thomas Jonathan, born December 13, 1886; Oscar Leroy, born July 4, 1889. CONSIDER D. CAULKINS is numbered among the prosperous farmers of Brady township, and he may well be designated a pioneer of Williams county, since he has here maintained his home for nearly a half century. Mr. Caulkins is a native of the old Keystone state of the Union, having been born in Bradford county, Pa., on the 16th of February, 1835, and being a son of Friend and Demaris (Turner) Caulkins. Friend Caulkins was born in the state of Connecticut, and his marriage was solemnized in Pennsylvania, from which state he removed with his family to Steuben county, N. Y., both he and his wife passing the closing years of their lives in Corning, that county, where his death occurred in 1873. His widow survived him by about ten years. She was a daughter of Peter Turner, the maiden name of whose wife was Hunt, and both died in Bradford county, Pa. Consider D. Caulkins passed his boyhood days in his native county, where he secured his early educational discipline in the common schools, while he BIOGRAPHICAL - 321 continued to attend school for some time after the removal of the family to Steuben county, N. Y. In 1857 he came to Williams county and located in Brady township, where he devoted his attention to the raising of tobacco for several years. He then purchased a farm in Madison township, where he lived a short time, after which he sold the property and purchased another farm, near Lockport, Brady township. In 1873 he sold this place and purchased his present fine 'homestead, which is located in section 27, that township, and which comprises seventy-six acres of most arable land, while the improvements are of excellent type, making the place an attractive country home. In politics Mr. Caulkins has ever been a stanch Democrat, but he has never desired or held public office. January 29, 1859, Mr. Caulkins married Miss Charity M. Miller, who was born in Brady township, this county, on September 7, 1840, being a daughter of Colonel William and Phoebe (Parker) Miller, who were pioneers of the township, where they both continued to reside until death. Mr. and Mrs. Caulkins have two sons. Frederick M. resides in Grand Rapids, Mich., being a traveling salesman, married Miss Clara Teeter, who was born in Canada, and they have three children,—Frank T., Alice and Elsie. Charles, the younger son, has the active management of his father's farm and is an enterprising and capable young business man. Both sons attended the high school in Stryker and duly profited by the advantages thus afforded them. ALFRED A. CLAY, a well-to-do farmer of Center township, Williams county,O., was born in Wayne county of that state on September 4, 1848. He is a son of Andrew Clay, mention of whom is made elsewhere in this work. Alfred A. Clay was reared on a farm and received his education in the common schools of Wayne and Williams counties. In 1862 he removed with his parents to St. Joseph township, Williams county, where the parents continued to reside until their deaths. In 1898 he purchased the fine farm of eighty-five acres in Center township where he now resides. He follows general farming and breeding of Duroc Jersey hogs. In politics he is identified with the Republican party, but in no sense a seeker for office, and with his wife is a member of the Methodist Episcopal church of Melbern. On September 9, 1869, he was wedded to Miss Olivia Lake, born in Licking county, O., May 9, 1852, the daughter of Jesse and Margaret (Evans) Lake, the former born in Licking county, February 8, 1822, and the latter in the same county April 21, 1821. Jesse Lake was the son of Elijah Lake, a native of Virginia, who came to Ohio in an early day and died in Licking county in 1875. His wife surviving him nineteen years died aged ninety-eight years, nine months and twenty-three days. Their married life extended through fifty-four years. An uncle of Mrs. Lake lived to be one hundred and seven years old and a sister reached the advanced age of ninety-four years. Jesse Lake, a farmer by occupation, came to Williams county in 1875 and here his wife 21 322 - HISTORY OF WILLIAMS COUNTY died August 6, 1886. They were the parents of six children; four of whom are now living. In politics he is a Republican and with his wife a member of the Christian church. To Alfred A. Clay and wife were born five children. Their names are: Adam, born August 20, 1870, and died February 12, 1881 ; Oliver E., born January 5, 1874, a Republican in politics, for fifteen years a clerk in a- store, for eight years a merchant and now a successful farmer of DeKaib county, Ind.; Margaret Ellen, born September 9, 1878; Elsie and Sarah, twins, born November 21, 1883, and both died on December 23, of the same year. JEREMIAH CLAY, one of the leading citizens of Bryan and a member of the Williams county Board of Commissioners, was born in Richland county,O., February 13, 184.5. He is the son of Jacob and Elizabeth (Glime) Clay. The Clay family came originally from Germany, and the great-great-grandfather of "Jerry" Clay was Jacob Clay, who was born in the Principality of Hesse, Germany. This old ancestor of the family served as a soldier with the Hessian troops hired by King George the Third, of England, and was sent to America to fight against the Colonies during the Revolutionary War. Soon after arriving in this country, however, he forsook the British flag and took sides with the patriots of the Colonial army, and helped to defeat the Mother Country. He married before leaving the Old Country, and after the war the family came to America and settled near Hanover, York county, Pennsylvania. They reared one son, Jacob Clay, who was born in Germany on January 30, 1769, and died on August 17, 1860. His wife, Catherine, was born March 30, 1772, and died on September 5, 1879. John Clay, the grandfather of the subject of this sketch, removed with his parents from York county, Pa., to Richland county, O., in 1828, where three sons and a daughter were born to him and wife. Their names follow: George, Jacob, William and Catherine. Jacob Clay, the father of Jeremiah Clay, was born on November 21, 1821, and was married in Richland county, in 1844, to Miss Elizabeth Glime, who was born in Pennsylvania on July 11, 1823. They came to Williams county, O., in 1845, and settled in Millcreek township. They were the parents of nine children, four of whom died in infancy. Those who grew to manhood and womanhood are as follows: Jeremiah, William, Catherine, Sarah Ann and John H., all of whom except Jeremiah were born in Williams county. Sarah Ann married John Holden and both are deceased, one daughter, Ida, surviving them. Jacob Clay died in April, 1893, and is survived by his widow. Jeremiah Clay was reared on the old farm in Millcreek township, where he received his education in the common schools. With the exception of nine years spent in Fulton county,O., and two years in Michigan, he has spent practically his entire life within the borders of Williams county. On February 15, 1864, he enlisted in Company G of the Sixty-eighth Ohio volunteer infantry and served until the close of the war, receiving his final discharge on July io, 1865. With the exception of BIOGRAPHICAL - 323 the time spent in the army and the six years spent in the mercantile business at Pulaski, he has followed agricultural pursuits, in which he has met with marked success, and has accumulated quite a competency. Mr. Clay is actively identified with the Republican party, and in 1903 was elected one of the county commissioners by that party, taking his office in September, 19o4. He is a member of Post No. 149, Grand Army of the Republic, of the Odd Fellow fraternity, and with his family a member of the Methodist Episcopal church. On June 24, 1869, he was united in marriage in Bryan to Miss Elizabeth, the daughter of Daniel and Sarah Bear, pioneer settlers of Williams county. Six children have been born to Jeremiah Clay and wife, three of whore died in childhood. Those living are: Sydney S., a minister of the Methodist church and a member of the Central Ohio Conference, who married Miss Ona McCerty; Martha D., the wife of Lincoln Kelley, a well-known citizen of Bryan and a member of the insurance company of Kelley Brothers and a manufacturer of cement shingles; Charles B., who married Miss Hattie Finch and resides on the old home place in Jefferson township. WILLIAM CLAY, a successful and prominent farmer, is a native of Wayne county,O., where he was born September 17, 1850. He is the son of Andrew and Mary (Weiker) Clay, both natives of Pennsylvania, the former having been born in July, 1821, and the latter in July, 1825. His paternal grandparents were Christian and Elizabeth (Snyder) Clay, both natives of Pennsylvania, the latter of whom died in Pennsylvania. He again married and they removed to Wayne county,O., in 1834, and some years later he removed to Mercer county, O., and settled near Mendon, where his wife died; and later he took a third wife who survived him. He died at the ripe old age of eighty-two years. Farming and weaving constituted his life work. The maternal grandparents of William Clay were Adam and Mary (Reed) Weiker, both natives of Pennsylvania, the former of German and the latter of Irish extraction. About the year 1830 they removed to Wayne county, O., and settled on the farm now owned by a grandson, where they spent the remainder of their days. Andrew Clay, the father of William Clay, was reared on a farm and educated in the common schools. In 1862 he located on a farm of eighty acres in St. Joseph township, Williams county. Having learned the carpenters' trade, he followed that occupation in connection with farming. He was a Democrat until the breaking out of the Civil war, since which time and until his death he was a stanch Republican. He and his wife were members of the Church of God. He died on the old homestead, in August, 1891, and his wife survived him until 19o5, when she also passed away in her eightieth year. William Clay grew to manhood on his father's farm, was educated in the common schools and chose farming as his life work. In 1880 he purchased a farm of eighty acres and later thirty additional acres adjoining it. In addition to general farming he is largely 324 - HISTORY OF WILLIAMS COUNTY interested in raising fine stock. Politically he is identified with the Republican party, and with his wife is a member of the Methodist Episcopal church of Melbern, O. On February i5, 1877, he was united in marriage to Miss Mollie E. Couts, born in Center township, Williams county, August 28, 1859, the daughter of Thomas and Matilda (McManus) Couts, the former a native of Holmes county,O., and the latter of Crawford county, O. To William Clay andwife there were born three children. They are: Charlie T., born July 13, 1881, educated in the common schools, a farmer by occupation and a Republican in politics; Effie M., born November 29, 1883, educated in the district schools, the Edgerton high school, the Angola, Ind., Tri-Star Normal and a teacher by occupation; and Arthur, born December 27, 1892. Thomas Couts, the father of Mrs. William Clay, was born in Holmes county, April 4, 1828, his wife, born July 22, 1829, being a native of Crawford county. In 1851 they removed to Williams county and located on a farm of one hundred and sixty acres in Center township. He was a farmer by occupation, a Republican in politics, and with his wife a member of the English Lutheran church. In 1861 he died on the old homestead and the widow, now a member of the Methodist church, resides with her son in Melbern at the venerable age of seventy-six years. They were the parents of six children, all of whom are still living. William Mc., the eldest son of Thomas Couts and wife, was born August 18, 1848, and educated in the common schools. He is both railroader and farmer by occupation, and a Republican in politics. In 1889 he was wedded to Miss Mary Stantz, born in Holmes county in 185!, the daughter of Henry and Susan (Harmon) Stantz, who came from Holmes county to Williams county in 1861, where he died in January, 1905, his wife having died in 1891. To William McManus Couts and wife were born two children: Charlie J., born November 25, 1889, and Wilbur T., born April 22, 1897. LINDSAY J. COLLIE, a well-to-do farmer of Northwest township, Williams county, O., is of Scotch descent, whose parents emigrated to the United States in an early day. His grandparents, William and Margaret (Morrison) Collie, both natives of Scotland, lived and ended their days there. His maternal grandparents, James Lindsay and wife, were both born in Scotland and emigrated to America in 1832, locating in Richland county, O., where both spent their days, the fernier dying at the ripe age of ninety-six years. The parents of Lindsay J. Collie were Alexander and Elizabeth (Lindsay) Collie, both natives of Scotland, the former born in Bauffshire, in 1828, and the latter in Aberdeenshire in 1826. Alexander Collie while growing to manhood learned the carpenters' trade, serving an apprenticeship of five years. In 1850 he emigrated from his native land to Canada, whence after a year's stay he removed to Ashland county, O. In 1858 he came to Williams county, O., and located on a farm in Northwest township, which farm is now owned by Lindsay J. and his brother, William A. Collie. In politics he was an BIOGRAPHICAL - 325 active Republican, having held the offices of township trustee, treasurer and appraiser, and that of director of the Williams County Infirmary. During the latter part of the Civil war he enlisted in the One Hundred and Ninety-Sixth Ohio volunteer infantry and served until the close of the conflict. He and wife were members of the Eagle Creek Presbyterian church, of which organization he was an elder. He died on the homestead on May 1, 1887, survived by his widow, who died on March i6, 1891. To these parents there were born three children, of whom Lindsay J. and William A. are living. Their names follow: Lindsay J.; Jennette, who died in 1892, and William Alexander, who follows farming on a farm adjoining Lindsay J.'s farm. Lindsay J. Collie was born in Northwest township on February 22, 1860. He was reared on the parental farm and received his education by attending the public schools. In youth he learned the carpenters' trade and has followed that occupation in connection with general farming ever since. Forty-five acres of the home farm are now his property. This land has been brought to a high state of cultivation and is well equipped with all the necessary buildings of an up-to-date farm. The only public office that he has filled is that of justice of the peace. In politics he is actively identified with the Republican party. He is a member of Edon Lodge, No. 474, Free and Accepted Masons, On December 29, 1894, he was wedded to Miss Libbie Thompson, born in Northwest township on June 5, 1868. She is the daughter of George and Bethia (Fox) Thompson. the former a native of Pennsylvania and the latter of Ohio. George Thompson came to Ohio from his native state in 1853. His parents were Robert and Martha Thompson. The maternal grandparents of Mrs. Thompson were Thomas and Elizabeth (Lyon) Fox, the former a native of Pennsylvania and the latter of Morrow county, O. They came to Williams county in 1853 and located on the farm on which they ended their days, the former dying in 1865 and the latter on January 29, 1878. He was a farmer, a Democrat, and with his wife a member of the Christian church. Of the five children born to them three are yet living, two having died in infancy. On January 15, 1898, there was born to Lindsay J. Collie and wife, a son, Loren Guy, who is now attending the district schools. Mr. and Mrs. Collie are members of the Eagle Creek Presbyterian church. WILLARD W. COMBS. of Brady township, is the owner of the old homestead farm on which his parents took up their residence nearly sixty years ago, and here he has gained a reputation as one of those progressive farmers and stock-growers who have so ably upheld the prestige of this favored section of the old Buckeye State, while it was his to be one of the representatives of Williams county in the Union ranks during the war of the Rebellion. Mr. Combs was born in Richland county, O., on the 9th of January, 1842, and is a son of Benjamin F. and Amelia (Smith) Combs, both of whom were born in the year 1808, the former in Belmont county, 326 - HISTORY OF WILLIAMS COUNTY O., and the latter in the dominion of Canada. Benjamin F. Combs removed with his parents from his native county to Richland county, where his father died, and his mother passed the closing years of her life in Williams county. Mrs. Sarah Smith, mother of Amelia (Smith) Combs, likewise died in Williams county. Benjamin F. Combs came to Williams county in 1847, accompanied by his wife and seven children, and three children were born in this county, while of the ten, five are living at the present time. Mr. Combs secured a quarter section of heavily timbered land, in Brady township, clearing this and afterward selling sixty acres of the tract, while later he added to it by the purchase of an adjacent twenty acres, so that his estate at the time of his death, in February, 1875, comprised one hundred and twenty acres. He was a Whig until the organization of the Republican party, when he allied himself therewith and ever afterward supported its cause. He was a consistent member of the religious body known as the Evangelical Association, of which his wife also was a devoted adherent, her death occurring in June, 1903, at the very advanced age of ninety-five years. Willard W. Combs was about four years of age at the time of the family removal to Williams county, and he has ever since been a resident of Brady township, having been reared on the old home farm where he now resides and having secured his youthful education in the graded schools of West Unity. June 6, 1862, when nineteen years of age, he enlisted as a private in Company C, One Hundredth Ohio Volunteer Infantry, with which he served thirteen months, after which he received his honorable discharge. He then re-enlisted, becoming a member of Company I, Eighty-sixth Ohio Volunteer Infantry, with which he was in service for eight months, within which time he participated in the battle of Cumberland Gap, his corps taking the gap. After the close of his military service Mr. Combs returned to his home county, and here he has ever since been actively identified with farming, now owning the fine old homestead of one hundred and twenty acres, which is under a high state of cultivation and improved with good buildings, fences, etc., while the system of drainage is altogether effective. In addition to raising the various crops common to the locality Mr. Combs also raises good horses and other live stock. In political allegiance he is an uncompromising Republican and he has been identified with Superior Lodge, No. 179, F. & A. M., since 1872, and is also affiliated with the Independent Order of Odd Fellows. In 1866 Mr. Combs married Miss Mary M. Beaty, who was born and reared in Williams county, being a daughter of George and Jane (Wiser) Beaty, who came to this country in 1845, settling on a farm in Brady township. Mr. Beaty was born in 1809, and died on his home farm, in 1900. His widow is still living here, having been born in 1819. Mr. and Mrs. Combs became the parents of three children: Olive M. remains at the parental home; George W. is engaged in the undertaking business at Bluffton, O.; and Clinton died in infancy. BIOGRAPHICAL - 327 SAMUEL A. COOK, a prominent farmer and stock raiser of Florence township, Williams county, O., was born in Crawford county of that state on March 10, 1858. He is the son of David and Dortha (Burkhart) Cook, both natives of Pennsylvania, where the former was born April 19, 1834, and the latter on October 29, 1834. His grandparents were George and Margaret (Young) Cook, both natives of Pennsylvania, and the latter the daughter of David and Rachel (Kiess) Young, natives of Germany, who settled in Pennsylvania in pioneer days.. Later they removed to Crawford county, where the latter died in 1835. After the death of his wife George Cook married Rebecca Ronk of Crawford county. He died in 1892. George and Barbara (Swilly) Cook, the great grand-parents of the subject of this sketch, emigrated from Germany to America and located near Williamsport, Pa., in a very early day. David Cook, the father of Samuel A. Cook, grew to manhood on the parental farm in Pennsylvania and received his education in the log school houses of his native county. At the age of nineteen years he came to Crawford county, O., and in 1864 removed to Williams county, locating on a farm of eighty-five acres in Florence township, which he at once proceeded to clear and improve. Later he purchased an additional tract of seventy-five acres, and he now owns altogether one hundred and sixty acres of well improved and highly productive land. He is a Democrat in politics, having served as school director and road; supervisor for a number of years. On November 20, 1856, he was wedded to Miss Dortha Burkhart. To this marriage there have been born the following children: Samuel A.; Rebecca, the wife of George Rockey of Florence township; and Isaac, who married Miss Essie Beebe of Richland township, Steuben county, Ind. Samuel A. Cook was reared on a farm, educated in the country schools and has chosen farming as his life work. He and his brother Isaac are managing the home farm in connection with their individual and adjoining farms. They are extensively engaged in general farming and stock raising. In his own farm there are one hundred and forty-seven acres, while in that of Isaac there are seventy-eight acres. He is a Democrat and with his wife a member of the Evangelical church. On March 10, 1883, he chose as his helpmeet in life's journey Miss Ida M. Davids, born in Guernsey county, O., on June 19, 1864, the daughter of John C. and Mary Ellen (Bell) Davids, the former a native of Ohio and the latter of Maryland. Both died in Guernsey county, the former in April, 1864, and the latter on February 14, 1886. John C. Davids was the son of William and Experience Davids. To Mr. and Mrs. Davids fourchildren were born, all of whom are yet living. After the death of her first husband Mrs. Davids married Balis Kackley, by whom she had three children, all living. To Samuel A. Cook and wife there have been born two children. They are: Mary Elizabeth, who was born January 6, 1884, and died January 9, 1903, having been married on May 22, 1902, to C. W. Kappler, a native of Germany; and Irwin Dwight, born April 17, 1889, who is assisting his father in the management of the home farm. 328 - HISTORY OF WILLIAMS COUNTY JACOB COOLMAN, a prominent farmer and stock-breeder of Northwest township, is a native of Medina county, O., where he was born on March 14, 1851. He is the son of David and Sarah (Moore) Coolman, the former born in Medina county, August 29, 1827, and the latter in Pennsylvania. His grandparents were George and Susanna (Emery) Coolman, both natives of Pennsylvania. In an early day George Coolman removed to Medina county, where he died on September 27, 1828, and was survived by his widow, who died in 1868. His maternal grandparents, Jacob and Catherine Moore, were natives of Pennsylvania, who removed to Medina county,O., in an early day and there died. David Coolman grew to manhood on a farm and received his education in the common schools of his home county. In 1852 he came to Williams county, and located on the farm of eighty acres now owned by R. O. Beach, which he subsequently traded for his home farm of a like number of acres. After clearing this land he purchased an additional tract of sixty acres and equipped it with all the buildings that go to make up a first-class farm. Starting with comparatively nothing, he succeeded in his undertakings by dint of hard, earnest work and close application to business. In politics lie was a Democrat. To David Coolman and wife there were born the following children: Jacob; George; Elizabeth, the wife of Lewis Easterday, a farmer of Hillsdale county, Mich.; Luella, wife of Silas Johnson of Northwest township; Lodemia of Northwest township, the wife of John W. Malcolm, a farmer. Jacob Coolman grew to manhood on the home farm and attended the common schools of the county. For fifteen years he taught school, meeting with unusual success. He now owns a farm of eighty acres of fertile and highly cultivated land. Much of his time is given to the breeding of O. J. C. hogs and Shropshire sheep. In politics he is a Democrat, and has served as township clerk and school director. He has been connected with Northwest Grange since its organization. In 1874 he was joined in the bonds of matrimony to Miss Mary Musser, the daughter of John and Lydia (Keller) Musser of Northwest township. The following children have been born to their marriage: Orlo K., a farmer of 'Northwest township; Lula, the wife of Clarence Cooney of Camden township, Hillsdale county, Mich., and the mother of two children, Leslie and Dortha ; and Lloyd Weaver, still at home. URIAH C. COY, one of the progressive young farmers and representative citizens of Springfield township and the present incumbent of the office of township trustee, has here passed his entire life and is a scion of one of the old and influential families of Williams county. He was born on the old homestead farm, in Springfield township, on the 8th of January, 1868, and is a son of John and Catherine (Krontz) Coy. John Coy was born in Beaver Creek township, Greene county,O., on the 27th of March, 1811. In the summer of 1831 he was united in marriage to Mary Snider, and in September of that year he located in that portion of the original Williams county which is now a part of Defiance county, settling BIOGRAPHICAL - 329 near the present village of Evansport, and having been present at the first election ever held in Tiffin township, on the 2d of April, 1832, and he had the distinction of casting the first vote at that election. His first wife died in September, 1860, and of the nine children of this union all are now deceased except Mrs. John Christy. On the 18th of August, 1861, he married Mrs. Catherine (Krontz) Johnson, of Fulton county, Ohio, widow of George Johnson, of whom mention is made in the sketch of his son, Simon Johnson, elsewhere in this work. She was born in the state of Pennsylvania. In 1835 John Snider and John Coy built the grist mill at Evansport, and Mr. Coy managed the same, as miller, for more than twenty years. In April, 1865, he removed to the present homestead farm one and one-half miles south of Stryker, Williams county, where he resided until his death, which occurred on the 12th of March, 1891. He became the owner of one hundred and ninety acres of land, in Springfield township, and upon locating in this township he set himself to the task of reclaiming his land to cultivation, eventually developing one of the finest farms in the county. He erected the present substantial and attractive brick residence and made the best of improvements throughout. Being a man of marked initiative power and good judgment he gained the maximum returns from his efforts and accumulated a competency, leaving his children well provided for. His wife survived him by more than a decade, her death occurring on the 9th of December, 1902. They had two children, of whom the subject of this sketch is the younger. Elmer died at the age of thirty-eight years. He married Miss Dollie Robinson, who survives him, as does also their only child, Bessie. John Coy was a stanch adherent of the Democratic party, and while he served in school offices he never sought political preferment of any description. He was a Dunkard in religious faith and his wife was a member of the Methodist Episcopal church. Uriah C. Coy was reared on the old homestead farm, a portion of which he now owns, and was afforded the advantages of the public schools of his native county. He remained at home until the death of his parents, having largely assumed the management of the farm before the demise of his honored father. He owns one hundred and fifty-one acres of the old home place, including the brick residence mentioned, and of the tract one hundred and twenty-five -acres are now under cultivation, devoted to the crops best suited to the soil and climate, while he also gives considerable attention to the raising of short-horn cattle, draft horses and good grades of swine. In politics Mr. Coy clings to the faith of his father, being a stanch Democrat. He served six years as a member of the school board of his township, and in November, 1904, he was elected township trustee, for a term of three years. He and his wife are members of the Grange, and he is affiliated with the lodge of Knights of Pythias in Stryker. On the 24th of November, 1887, Mr. Coy was united in marriage to Miss Jennie Clark, who was born in Missouri, on the 22d of November, 1867, being a daughter of Stephen L. and Bell Clark, who came to Williams county when she 330 - HISTORY OF WILLIAMS COUNTY was a child. Mr. and Mrs. Coy have three children, namely: Mary D., who was born September 20, 1890; Charles E., who was born November, 29, 1893; and Florence B., who was born October i6, 1897. HENRY AINSWORTH GRIST, a progressive and highly successful farmer of Northwest township, Williams county, O., was born in Northwest township, on June 30, 1862. His grandparents, Gilbert and Sallie Ann (Michnels) Crist were both born in New York State in 1800, the former on February i6, and the latter on February 27. Gilbert Crist was married in 1822 and came to Ashland county,O., in 1834, where he continued to reside until his on March 11, 1832. Milton B. Crist was reared on a farm and eduafter a residence of twenty years in that county, removed to Williams county and located on a farm of eighty acres in Northwest township. In 1858 he sold this farm and bought another of a like number of acres south of the village of Cooney, where he died on December 9, 1899, his wife having died five years earlier. Henry A. Crist's maternal grand-parents were James and Mary (Perkins) Redfield, the former born in Pennsylvania on December 8, 1799, and the latter in Medina county, O. James Redfield died on February 9, 1880, in Medina county. The parents of Henry A. Crist were Milton B. and Rachel (Redfield) Crist, the former born in Genesee county, N. Y., on August io, 1824, and the latter in Lodi, Medina county,O., located in the common schools. For four years he served as a clerk in a mercantile establishment and since then to the time of his death he gave his undivided attention to farming. For seventeen years he acted as constable. He was also a deputy-sheriff under George C. Kober. He was a Republican and with his wife a member of the Christian Union church. Four children were born to these parents, three of whom are now living. Their names follow: Gilbert James, deceased; Henry Ainsworth, William Russell and Perlie. Henry A. Crist grew to manhood on a farm and received his education by attending the common schools of the county. He is a farmer by occupation and owns a fine farm of one hundred and sixty acres two and one-half miles northeast of Cooney. In politics he is a Republican and he has served as trustee and school director. In religious belief he is affiliated with the Liberal United Brethren church. His first wife, who died on April 20, 1896, was Miss Maggie Brandon in maidenhood. In 1899 he was wedded to Mrs. Adelaid Brandon, the widow of Hugh Brandon and the daughter of William and Julina (Barnes) Culbertson. Mrs. Crist had eight children by her first husband, Hugh Brandon, as follows: Ettie, Elsworth, Bur-get, Van, Arthur, Charlie, Olive and Scott. Mr. and Mrs. Grist have no children by their union. JAMES CUMMINS, one of the venerable pioneer citizens of Williams county, has been a resident of Madison township for more than sixty years, is the owner of one of the fine farm estates ,f this BIOGRAPHICAL - 331 section of the county, and is held in unreserved esteem in the community in which he has so long lived and labored to goodly ends. He was born in Bristol township, Trumbull county, Ohio, on the 24th of June, 1822, and is a son of John and Rebecca (Hatfield) Cummins, the former of whom was born in Maryland and the latter in Youngstown, Mahoning county, Ohio. Joseph Cummins, paternal grandfather of Mr. Cummins, was born in Virginia, whence he removed to Maryland and finally from that state to Washington county, Pa., where he died. His wife, whose maiden name was Nancy Boyd, was likewise a native of the Old Dominion State, and she died in Trumbull county, Ohio, at the venerable age of one hundred years. The maternal grandparents, Thomas and Hannah Hatfield, both died in Trumbull county, Ohio, honored pioneers of that section of the state. John Cummins was reared to maturity in Pennsylvania, whence he came to Ohio when a young man, locating in Trumbull county, whence he came as a pioneer to Williams county, where he was engaged in farming until his death, at the age of eighty-five years, his wife having also died in this county, at the age of sixty-five years. He was a colonel in the war of x812, having been stationed at Cleveland, Ohio, and was one of the stanch supporters of the Democratic party, while he served a number of years as justice of the peace. His wife was a devoted member of the Church of God. They became the parents of seven children, of whom three are living. James Cummins was reared to the sturdy discipline of the pioneer farm and received a common-school education. October 10, 1840, he made his advent in Williams county, being then a sturdy and ambitious youth of eighteen years. He lent himself to arduous toil in the early days, being employed in clearing land for others and receiving in compensation four dollars an acre. He entered claim to eighty acres of wild land, which he later sold and purchased one hundred and sixty acres, his present fine homestead, most of which he cleared from the virgin forest and brought under effective cultivation. He has signally prospered with the advancement and development which the years have brought in their train, and his landed estate now comprises two hundred and sixty-eight acres, all in Madison township, and of his property he has personally reclaimed the greater portion, while he has made good improvements in the way of buildings. As the golden shadows of the evening of his days begin to lengthen from the west he finds his lines "cast in pleasant places," enjoying that peace, comfort and dignified repose which are the just reward of his many years of ceaseless toil and endeavor. He has been a stalwart supporter of the Republican party from the time of its organization and has always shown a loyal interest in public affairs of a local nature. April 13, 1843, Mr. Cummins was married to Miss Phoebe Kirk, who was born in Columbiana county, Ohio, where she was reared and educated, being a daughter of Timothy and Mary Kirk, who settled in Williams county in 1842, here passing the remainder of their lives. Concerning the children of Mr. and Mrs. Cummins brief data are as follows: 332 - HISTORY OF WILLIAMS COUNTY John lost his life while serving as a member of an Ohio regiment in the Civil war, his death having resulted from an attack of measles, and his father having brought him home a short time prior to his demise; William is a successful farmer of Madison township; Mary Jane became the wife of William Rising and is now deceased; George is a carpenter and builder by vocation and resides in Pioneer, this county; Caroline died at the age of three years ; James M. is a resident of Hillsdale, Mich.; and one child died in infancy. Mrs. Cummins was summoned into eternal rest in 1863, having been a devoted member of the United Brethren church. April 12, 1864, Mr. Cummins was married to Miss Jane Evans, who was born in Portage county, Ohio, December 23, 1839, a daughter of John and Elizabeth (James) Evans, both of whom were born and reared in Wales, where they were married. Soon afterward, in 1835, they came to America, locating in Portage county, Ohio, where they passed the remainder of their lives. To Mr. and Mrs. Cummins have been born ten children, of whom four died in early childhood. Charles is engaged in business in Pioneer, this county; Delbert C. is a farmer in Madison township; Elizabeth is the wife of Clarence Van Nortwick, of Michigan; Susie is the wife of William Martin, of Madison township; Zilpha is the wife of Charles Throne and resides in Michigan; and Orpha is residing at home. Mrs. Cummins is a member of the Methodist Episcopal church and her husband has been for many years a leading member of the United Brethren church in his parish. He was one of the organizers of the Republican party in Williams county, and has been one of the most loyal supporters of its cause, while he has served in various offices of local trust and responsibility. He is well known throughout this section of the state and is one of the county's most venerable and honored pioneers. When he located in this county Defiance was still the county seat and the towns of Bryan and Montpelier had not yet sprung into existence. Of him it has been written: "He has witnessed almost the entire development of the county, has borne an important part in its civic and industrial advancement and aided in organizing its schools and churches. He voted at the first election in Madison township, there being a total of about six voters in the township at that time, while an old teapot was utilized for a ballot box. This election was held for the purpose of starting a school, there being at the time eight or nine children of school age in the community." WILLIAM CUMMINS is one of the representative farmers and citizens of Madison township, and is a son of those honored pioneers, James and Phoebe (Kirk) Cummins, concerning whom individual mention is made in the preceding memoir, so that a recapitulation of the family history is not demanded in the present connection. Mr. Cummins was born in Jefferson township, this county, on the 21st of June, 1846, and passed his youth on the homestead farm, while he secured a common-school education and learned the trade of BIOGRAPHICAL - 333 carpenter, to which he gave his attention to a considerable extent for a number of years. His fine farm comprises ninety-five acres and was secured by him when still covered with the native timber. He has reclaimed the place to cultivation, has erected good buildings and is one of the energetic and progressive farmers of the county, his able management being evidenced in the general air of thrift and prosperity which pervades the attractive rural estate. In national and state affairs Mr. Cummins is a stanch Republican, but in local matters where no issue is involved, he maintains an independent attitude. Both he and his wife are members of church at Pioneer, he being a member of the Baptist and she of the Methodist, and fraternally he is identified with Joy lodge, No. 461, Independent Order of Odd Fellows, in that village. He was formerly identified with the Grange, whose local organization has now lapsed. December 25, 1870, Mr. Cummins was united in marriage to Miss Oceana Eggleston, who was born in Medina county, Ohio, July 17, 1848, being a daughter of Erastus and Mary (Goodwin) Eggleston, the former of whom was born in Palmyra, N. Y., November 18, 1801, and the latter of whom was born in Hebron, that state, in 1799. They came to Williams county, Ohio, in 1853, and here passed the remainder of their lives, his death occurring May 21, 1862, while his wife died March 11, 1886. Mr. Eggleston was a carpenter by trade and also owned and operated a farm. In politics he was originally a Whig and later a Republican and both he and his wife were members of the Methodist Episcopal church. They had eleven children, of whom four are living: Mrs. Lucy A. Smith, of Iowa, aged eighty-six years; Mrs. Almira S. Hamblin, of Iowa, aged eighty-four; and Mrs. Elvira Loretta Snow, of Pioneer, Williams county; and Mrs. Megarah Zuver, of Coloma, Mich., both of whom have passed the psalmist's span of three score years and ten. Mrs. Mary (Goodwin) Eggleston was a daughter of Daniel and Mary (Crafts) Goodwin, the latter having been a daughter of Major Edward Crafts, of Revolutionary fame. Mrs. Oceana (Eggleston) Cummins was summoned to the life eternal on the 28th of February, 1890, and is survived by one son, Walter Leroy, who has spent two years in Dennison University, at Granville, Ohio, and whose present object is electrical engineering. April 16, 1899, Mr. Cummins consummated a second marriage, being then united to Miss Clara Lee Dempsey, a daughter of James and Phoebe (Thomas) Dempsey, both of whom were born in Massachussets, where they were reared and educated. The latter was a daughter of Levi and Phoebe Crocker (Tillson) Thomas, both of whom were likewise born in Massachusetts, while in the family ancestry cognatic or direct relationship is traced to such historic characters as John Alden, Miles Standish and Governor Bradford of Massachusetts. Phoebe (Tillson) Thomas was a daughter of Isaiah and Sarah (Bradford) Tillson, the latter a lineal descendant of Governor Bradford. Levi Thomas came to Williams county in 1858 and located in Pioneer, where he conducted a shoe store, while he also had a small farm in the vicinity. He died in HISTORY OF WILLIAMS COUNTY - 334 Pioneer in 1884, his wife having passed away in 1883. He assisted in organizing the Baptist church at Pioneer. They became the. parents of seven children, of whom only two are living, Mrs. Emily S. Wilkinson, of Pioneer, and Mrs. S. B. Stimson, of Hillsdale, Mich Abidan and Heman were merchants in Pioneer, where the former died. Heman later went to Kendallville, Ind., where he was engaged in the furniture business for a number of years, his death occurring in Granville, Ohio. Another son, Roger William Thomas, was a soldier in the Civil war, and he died in California, in 1903; Levi C., the last surviving son, died June 27, 1905, in South Hanson, Mass. James Dempsey, father of Mrs. Cummins, died while serving as a member of a western regiment in the Civil war. His wife, Phoebe, was born in the old Bay State, and died there when Mrs. Cummins was a child, and the latter was brought to Williams county and reared in the home of her maternal aunt, Mrs. Wilkinson, who still resides in Pioneer, as has been noted. Mrs. Cummins' only sister, Mary F., still resides in Massachusetts. Mrs. Cummins was partly educated in the schools of Pioneer and graduated from the high school at Monroeville, Ohio, and was a successful teacher for a number of years prior to her marriage. MARTIN LUTHER CUSTAR, a thrifty farmer and progressive citizen of St. Joseph township, Williams county, O., is the grandson of John and Ann Custar, the former a native of Pennsylvania, who in an early day settled in Columbiana county, O., and then removed to Williams county in 1854, where he and his wife both died. The parents of M. L. Custar were John and Lydia (Tumblin) Custar, both natives of Columbiana county. John Custar grew to manhood on his father's farm and received a liberal education in the public schools of his native county. While he worked at the carpenter trade all of his lifetime he also paid some attention to farming, owning a small farm of forty-five acres in Williams county, on which he located in 1854. Although the son of a Democrat he was an ardent Republican. With his wife he was an active worker in the United Brethren church. They were the parents of thirteen children, eleven of whom are still living. He died at his home and is survived by his wife, who now resides at Montpelier, O. M. L. Custar was born in Columbiana county, October 29, 1854, reared on a farm and educated in the public schools. He learned and followed the carpenter trade for some years, but was also interested in farming, having invested his savings in a fine eighty-acre farm in St. Joseph township, Williams county, in 1885. This farm is located five and three-quarters miles from Edgerton and is fully equipped with substantial buildings, his own handiwork. While an active Republican he never aspired to public office. With his wife he is identified with the Methodist Episcopal church of Melbern, O. In 1876 he was wedded to Miss Lydia Ann Kollar, born in Williams county, April 11, 1855, the daughter of Conrad and Rebecca (Shall) Kollar, the former a native of Tuscarawas county and the latter of BIOGRAPHICAL - 335 Seneca county, both in Ohio. When a young man Conrad Kollar entered the land on which he died in 1901. His wife came to Williams county with her parents, who were among the earliest settlers of that county. The paternal grandparents of Mrs. Custar were Jacob and Margaret Ann Kollar, who were pioneers of Williams county, both dying in Montpelier. To M. L. Custar and wife four children have been born. They are: Viola, born June 22, 1877, educated in the public schools of Center township, Edgerton high school and the Tri-State Normal at Angola, Ind., and for six years a teacher in the county; Luda Lavena, born January 5, 1879, and now the wife of Adrian Lint, a farmer of St. Joseph township; Leafy Adell, born July 23, 1881, the wife of Charles V. Allen, a farmer of this township; and Gertrude May, born October 16, 1883, who was educated at Edgerton,O., and Angola, Ind., a teacher for one year in the county and now the wife of Jesse Garns of Superior township. Konrad Kollar was born August 21, 1819, in Tuscarawas county, O., and while a young man came to Williams county, where he bought a farm of one hundred and sixty acres, five miles southwest of Montpelier. Building a small hut, he commenced to clear away the forest. He lived alone about two years on his farm and then returned home and visited his parents. He then came to Williams county again and wedded Miss Rebecca Shaull, and to this union there were born eight children. The parents lived to see the wilderness transformed into a lovely abiding place. George Tumblin, father of Lydia (Tumblin) Custar, was born in Ireland about the year 1805. He came to Columbiana county, O., when a young man and bought a farm of two hundred acres, four miles west of Hanoverton, that county. He was married to Lydia Goodwin, and to this union were born eight children. JOSEPH M. DARGITZ, a general farmer and successful breeder of Shropshire sheep and Poland China hogs of Northwest township, Williams county,O., is of German descent, his paternal grandfather, William Dargitz, having been born in Germany. William Dargitz emigrated to America in an early day, locating in Pennsylvania. In 1832 he came to Crawford county, O., and there his wife ended her days. He died on the ocean while on his way to visit his people in Germany. The maternal grandparents of Joseph M. Dargitz, John and Catherine (Sipes) Brubaker, were both natives of Pennsylvania, who first removed to Crawford county, and in 1854 to Williams county, locating in Florence township, where both ended their days. Harmon and Margaret (Brubaker) Dargitz, the parents of Joseph M., were born in Pennsylvania, the former in 1824 and the latter in 1828. They came from their native state to Ohio, locating in Superior township, where he followed general farming. In politics he was a Republican and in religious matters he, together with his wife, was a member of the Methodist Episcopal church. The only public office that he held was that of township trustee. He died in Montpelier in 1898 and was survived by his widow until November 4, 1902. Of the seven children born to their marriage only three are now living. Joseph M, Dargitz was born in Crawford county, 336 - HISTORY OF WILLIAMS COUNTY O., on January 1, 1852. He received his education by attending the district and the Bryan graded schools. On his farm of one hundred and fifty-five acres he follows general farming and makes a specialty of breeding Shropshire sheep and Poland China hogs. In public affairs he has always taken a deep interest, having held the office of township clerk several years, township trustee three years and assessor one year. He is now serving as school director, having been elected to that office in 1904. In politics he is a stanch Republican and in religious matters a member of the Presbyterian church. The maiden name of the lady to whom he was married on November 13, 1875, was Miss Sarah Kimmell, a native of Richland county, O., and the daughter of Adam and Louisa (Culbertson) Kimmell, the former a native of Pennsylvania. They removed to Williams county,O., in 1854, locating in Northwest township,, where both ended their days. They were members of the Dunkard church. Four children have been born to Joseph M. Dargitz and wife. They are: Clara A., Jennie M., Bertha A. and Harvey B. ROLIN E. DARGITZ, junior member of the firm of Neil & Dargitz, general contractors and builders, of Montpelier, Williams county, O., was born in Bridgewater township of this county on March 15, 1863. He is the son of Washington and Martha Jane (Braden) Dargitz, both natives of Ohio, the former born in Morrow county in 1844 and the latter in Wayne county in 1847. Washington Dargitz came to Williams county from Crawford county, O., and located on a farm, carrying on general farming. In 1870 he was so unfortunate as to lose his wife. He now resides at Pioneer, where he is held in high esteem by his fellow citizens. Rolin E. Dargitz grew to manhood on the paternal farm and received his education by attendance at the common schools of the county. At the age of twenty he left the parental roof to make his own way in the world. Going to Fayette, O., he learned the carpenter trade, which has ever since been his avocation. After working for three years for one man in Fayette, he removed to Pioneer, where he worked at his trade for one year. He then married and removed to Alvordton, Williams county, and there plied his trade for the next six years with marked success. From Alvordton he removed to Montpelier, and here for the next two years he did a successful business in the line of contracting. Then with Mr. Neil he formed the firm of Neil & Dargitz, which today enjoys the reputation of being the most successful firm in that line of business in Montpelier. Their work is thoroughly and honestly done, hence they richly deserve the success that they have won. Mr. Dargitz, notwithstanding the fact that he is a very busy man, has always found time to devote to public affairs, having served on the councils of Alvordton and Montpelier. He is a Republican in politics and a member of the Knights of Pythias organization. On November 28, 1888, he was wedded to Miss Jennie Warner, a native of Williams county and the daughter of Joseph Warner. These parents have two children, Floyd and Carl. BIOGRAPHICAL - 337 ANTHONY DEAN.— A publication of this nature exercises its highest function when it enters a memoir to so worthy and useful a citizen as was the late Anthony Dean, who was for many years one of the representative agriculturists of Williams county, of which section he might consistently be designated a pioneer, while he was a representative of one of the early settled families in this section of the old Buckeye state. Anthony Dean was born in the town of Canandaigua, Ontario county, N. Y., on the 5th of May, 1821, and was a son of James and Abigail (Hulce) Dean, the former of whom was born in Ireland and the latter in the state of New York. James Dean was a soldier in the British army, from which he deserted and came to the United States, becoming a pioneer of the old Empire state, and there being united in marriage to Miss Abigail Hulce, whose parents were early settlers in the vicinity of Canandaigua. In the year 1832 they came to Ohio, making the trip by way of the Great Lakes and thence by the overland route through the forest to Lucas county, where they passed the remainder of their lives, and of their fifteen children only four are now living. James Dean was a successful farmer, reclaiming much land to cultivation and having been one of the extensive real-estate owners of this section. In Lucas county and across the county line in Michigan he bought thirteen eighty-acre tracts, later selling four of the farms, while he gave the others to his children. After this he accumulated eighteen other eighty-acre farms, in Lucas and Williams counties, Ohio, much of this property being a portion of his estate at the time of his death. He was a stanch Democrat in his political allegiance and both he and his wife were consistent members of the Methodist Episcopal church, in which faith they reared their large family of children. Anthony Dean, subject of this memoir, was a lad of about eleven years at the time of his parents' removal from New York state to Ohio, and he was reared to manhood on the home farm, in Lucas county, Ohio, and Monroe county, Mich., lying immediately contiguous on the north. In the common schools of the latter state he completed his educational discipline, so far as specific schooling was involved, but he was a man of alert mentality and much self-reliance, so that he made the most of the valuable lessons later gained under the direction of that wisest of all headmasters, experience. He was reared to the sturdy discipline of the farm, waxing strong in mind and body and also in integrity and honesty of purpose. It is pleasing, now that the picture of his life stands out in clear perspective, to note that he never abated his 22 338 - HISTORY OF WILLIAMS COUNTY fealty and allegiance to the great basic art of agriculture, and that through his active identification with the same he attained to marked success. His labors were arduous and unceasing for many years, but he was not denied the fruition and grateful aftermath in the golden evening of his life, while to him were given that objective respect and esteem which ever betoken sterling attributes of character in the one who elicits this popular animus. In 1843 Mr. Dean came to Williams county and settled on a tract of three hundred acres of land which his father had purchased. Practically no improvements had been made on the place, and he set himself vigorously to the task of reclaiming a farm from the forest wilds, each passing year bearing its evidence of progress, so that well cultivated fields and blossoming meadows replaced the wooded glades. He made the best of improvements on the homestead, which now has substantial, modern buildings and shows all other evidences of able and progressive management. At the present time the farm comprises two hundred and two acres, and the property is owned and occupied by Mr. Dean's only living child, Mrs. Bressett. Mr. Dean continued to reside on his fine homestead until his death, which occurred on the 31st of March, 1899. The county lost one of its substantial citizens and honored pioneers when he was thus summoned to his reward, and his name will long be remembered with appreciative regard by the people of the community in which he so long lived and labored to goodly ends. He was a stalwart Republican in politics, having given his allegiance to the party at the time of its organization, and he was a zealous and consistent member of the Methodist Episcopal church. On the 18th of November, 1841, Mr. Dean was united in marriage to Miss Ellen McConville, who was born in Ireland, on the 15th of May, 1823, and who came to America when young. She died on the homestead farm, on April 8, 1851, and of the five children of this union the only survivor is Mrs. Mary Allen Bressett. James died December 18, 1842; Abigail, October 13, 1846; James A., October 2, 1847; and William Anthony died in childhood. For his second wife Mr. Dean married Miss Lucinda Starr, their union being solemnized September 30, 1852. She died November 30, 1865, leaving no children. November 30, 1873, Mr. Dean consummated a third marriage, being then united to Mary A. Hodson, who died June 30, 1881, while their only child, Nancy Lavilla, died November 2, 1880, an infant. Mrs. Mary Allen Bressett, the only living child of Mr. Dean, was born on the old homestead farm where she now resides, and after leaving the common schools she continued her educational discipline in the Bryan Academy. On March 5, 1888, she was united in marriage to David F. Bressett, who was born near Montreal, Canada. He is now looking after his business in Leadville, Colo., while Mrs. Bressett looks after the business here. Mrs. Bressett passed thirty years of her life in the far west—Nevada, California and Colorado—and her experiences have been varied and interesting. She is the owner of property in Salt Lake City, Utah, and is interested in mining properties BIOGRAPHICAL - 339 in the west, while she also owns the homestead farm, endeared and hallowed to her through the memories and associations of the past, and also has property in Bryan and Montpelier, Williams county. She is a woman of gracious presence and her attractive home is a center of unreserved hospitality. WILLIAM M. DENMAN, M. D., one of the leading physicians and surgeons of Williams county, and one of the honored and influential citizens and business men of the thriving little city of West Unity, is a representative of one of the old and prominent families of the Buckeye state, while the ancestral records determine that the family was founded in New England in the early Colonial epoch of our national history. Uriah Denman, grandfather of the Doctor, was born and reared in Vermont, whence he came to Ohio and located in Knox county, as one of its pioneers. He there reclaimed a farm in the midst of the forest and there made his home until death, as did also his wife, Rachel. Daniel and Catherine (Crowley) Morrison, the maternal grandparents of Dr. Denman, were both born in the old Green Mountain State, whence they came to Richland county, Ohio, in an early day, while in 1854 they removed to Fulton county, where Mr. Morrison was engaged in farming until his death, in 1859. His widow long survived him, her death occurring in 1879, in Williams county. Hon. Elisha G. Denman was born in Knox county, Ohio, in 1821, and was there reared to maturity, receiving his education in the common schools of the locality. In 1851 he came to Williams county and purchased eighty acres of heavily timbered land in Millcreek township, reclaiming this tract to cultivation and becoming one of the extensive landholders of the county. His entire active career was devoted to agricultural pursuits, and he was one of the influential and most highly esteemed citizens of his community, having held various township offices and having served one term as county treasurer, while he also represented Williams county in the State Legislature for two terms. He was a man of excellent intellectual powers and unassailable probity, and no man in the community commanded more unqualified popular confidence. In politics he was a stanch Democrat, and his wife was a member of the Presbyterian church. He died on his farm in Millcreek township in March, 1877. As a young man he married Miss Almira H. Morrison, who was born in Richland county, Ohio, in 1820, and she survived her husband by nearly twenty years, her death occurring, in West Unity, in December, 1896. Of the six children, all sons, two are living. Dr. William M. Denman was born in Knox county, Ohio, on the 16th of September, 1845, and his early educational training was secured in the common schools and the high school at West Unity, after which lie continued his studies in Adrian College, at Adrian, Mich. He then took up the study of medicine, and in his technical work he had the best of advantages, having completed the prescribed course in Starling Medical College, in Columbus, Ohio, where he was graduated as a member of the class of 1870, with the degree of Doctor of Medicine. He 340 - HISTORY OF WILLIAMS COUNTY was engaged in practice one year in Bridgewater township and then located in Lyons, Fulton county, but in 1872 he came to West Unity, where he has been actively engaged in practice for more than thirty years, while the extensive professional business which he has controlled has not only indicated his ability as a physician and surgeon but has also stood indicatory of the high regard in which he is held in this section. He has also conducted a drug store in West Unity for more than three decades, and has interests in a local merchandising enterprise aside from this. His public spirit has been manifested in the promptness in which he has given his personal and capitalistic support to local enterprises, and he is at the present time president of the West Unity Banking Company and also of the Brady Fire Insurance Company. He is the owner of three farms in Williams county, one of them being an especially fine place of one hundred and sixty acres two miles west of West Unity. For a period of about. nine years he was engaged in the manufacture of brick and tile upon an extensive scale. In politics Dr. Denman is a stanch advocate of the principles and policies of the Democratic party, and he was a member of the state Legislature in 1900 and 1901, while in 1905 he was the candidate of his party for state senator from the Thirty-second district, and was elected at the November election. He is an appreciated member of the Masonic fraternity, in which he has attained the Thirty-second degree of the Scottish Rite, being identified with the Consistory in Cincinnati; and he is aslo identified with the Knights of Pythias, while both he and his wife are members of the Presbyterian church. He is a valued member of the Ohio State Medical Society. September 30, 1875, Dr. Denman was united in marriage to Miss Mary Skiles, daughter of John and Sarah (Johnson) Skiles, both of whom died in Huntington, Ind. No children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Denman. AMOS R. DEWEES, one of Bryan's most prominent business men and the leading meat dealer of that city, was born at Pennsville, Morgan county,O., December 1, 1856. The Dewees family is of French stock, the name being originally DeWees. The first of the family to come to America was Doctor Dewees, the great-great-grandfather of Amos R. He landed at Philadelphia in 1774, two years prior to the adoption of the Declaration of Independence by the Colonies, and was for many years a well known practitioner of the Quaker City. James W. Dewees, the grandfather of Amos R. Dewees, was born in Harrisburg, Pa., and when a young man came to Belmont county, O. Jesse Dewees, the father of the subject of this sketch, was born in Barnesville, Belmont county, March 15, 1832. When still a boy his parents moved to Pennsville, Morgan county, where he grew to manhood. After attending the common schools he learned the blacksmith's trade. In 186o he removed to a. point in Seneca county between Tiffin and Upper Sandusky, where he conducted a shop until June, 1861. After the declaration of war he enlisted at Upper Sandusky as a private of Company H. Fifty- BIOGRAPHICAL - 341 fifth Ohio Volunteer Infantry, and was continuousy with his regiment until the second day of the battle of Gettysburg, when he was taken prisoner within his own lines. After being confined in Libby prison for eight days he was transferred to Andersonville prison, where he was confined for eight months. To those who know the history of that awful prison it is unnecessary to recount in detail what misery he experienced during those, to him, long eight months. From Andersonville he was finally taken to Belle Island, where he was confined, for four months, and then he was removed to Milan on the sea coast, where he was exchanged as one of one thousand sick soldiers for a like number of well Confederate soldiers. After being exchanged he was sent to the United States Government Hospital, at Annapolis, and from there, on December 19, 1864, was discharged and sent home, arriving at Pennsville, where his wife had taken the family during his absence, two days before Christmas, and coming as it were from the grave. His health was so shattered that work or business was out of the question for some time. He went to Columbus and was discharged from the service in March, 1865, and on April 12, 1865, started for Bryan. Here he bought a tract of land in Bridgewater township and, building a log blacksmith shop on it, soon after began to work at his trade. In March, 1869, he moved to a point three miles southeast of Bryan, where he purchased and operated a saw-mill until November, 1874. He then removed to Bryan, having traded his mill business for town property. In 1876 he removed to Montpelier, where he bought what is now known as the old Good saw-mill, which he operated until 1880, when he removed to Fremont, Ind., where he completed a large job of sawing and then sold the mill. In 1882 he removed to Jonesville, Mich., and died there August 12, 1892. He never recovered his health, being practically an invalid from the time of his return from the war. He married Miss Charlotta Rainey, born in Lorain county, O., April 5, 1834, the daughter of John Rainey. The Raineys were New England people, coming from Lynn, Mass., to Lorain county in an early day. Mrs. Dewees is now a resident of Angola, Ind. The following are the children of Jesse Dewees and wife: John B., of Chicago; Amos R., Annie, the wife of Mr. Abbott, of Kewanee, Ill.; James W., who was accidentally killed at Cincinnati on May 10, 1892; Mary, now Mrs. Albert Butz, of Angola, Ind., and Jessie, deceased. Amos R. Dewees attended the common schools of Pennsville and the old Brandeberry school in Bridgewater township. For several years he worked at various occupations and in September, 1879, began to learn the butcher business in Bryan with H. B. Robison. Six months later he took a position with H. B. Letcher, a produce merchant, with whom he remained until 1880. He then returned to the butcher business in the shop of D. C. Brownell, of Bryan, where he remained until March 18, 1884, when he bought the business. His capital at the time did not exceed two hundred dollars. In 1892 he sold the business and took a position in the Farmers' National Bank of Bryan, and on January r, 1893, was elected teller of that bank, and a year 342 - HISTORY OF WILLIAMS COUNTY later assistant cashier. On March 19, 1894, he resigned his position in the bank to resume the meat business, buying back his old stand. In 1900 he erected the present handsome business house on Main street, near the public square, one of the most substantial in the city. This buiding is a brick, two-story structure, the dimensions of which are thirty-two by eighty feet. The floor of the meat market is finished in Mosaic tiling, the wainscoting, three and one-half feet high, of opolitic glass tiling, and the fixtures corresponding to this finish. The refrigerator has a capacity of sixty tons of ice. The building is lighted both by electricity and gas, the latter being manufactured by his own gas plant. The business of this establishment amounts annually to thirty thousand dollars. Mr. Dewees is a charter member of the Bryan Lodge Knights of Pythias, vice-president of the Union Trust and Savings Bank of Bryan, and a stockholder in the First National Bank of Bryan and the National Bank of Commerce of Toledo. On August IS, 1878, Mr. Dewees married Miss Emma Oxenider, born in Bryan, January 14, 1860, the daughter of Daniel and Elizabeth (Schatzer) Oxenider, old and highly respected citizens of Bryan. To this union the following children have been burn: Harry C., born September 20, 1879, who married Rachel Russel, the daughter of William Russel, of Bryan, and by her has had one child, Helen by name; Vernon C., born October 20, 1881, and died November 4, 1900; Fred C., born March 12, 1882, who married Gay Rosendaul, the daughter of James Rosendaul, of Bryan, by whom he has had one son, Amos R., Jr.; and Amos R., Jr., born October 24, i886. JONATHAN DICK, a prosperous and popular representative of the agricultural industry in Jefferson township, is a member of one of the pioneer families of Williams county, where he has passed his entire life. He was born on the parental homestead, in Jefferson township, on the 7th of February, 1848, being a son of Philip and Elizabeth (Tressler) Dick, the former of whom was born in the kingdom of Bavaria, Germany, while the latter was born in Perry county, Pa. Philip Dick came to America when twenty-one years of age, being accompanied by his father, George Dick, and they came direct to Williams county. Prior to Philip and George's coming a brother of George, by the name of Adam, had emigrated to America in 1834, residing for a time in Buffalo, N. Y., while later he located in the state of Wisconsin. Abraham, the second son of George Dick, learned the carpenter trade in Buffalo, N. Y., and in 1836 he came to Ohio and located in Richland county, where he remained about one year, at the expiration of which time he came to Williams county and took tip his residence in Jefferson township, where he passed the remainder of his life, having attained the patriarchial age of eighty-six years. Philip Dick secured forty acres of wild and heavily timbered land in section 8, Jefferson township, residing on this place until 1852, and he eventually became the owner of more than five hundred acres of land BIOGRAPHICAL - 343 in this township, reclaiming much of the same to cultivation and has become one of the substantial farmers of the county. He now resides in Bryan,O., and retired from active business. His wife passed away on the 16th of January, 1900. She died a member of the Lutheran church. Of their thirteen children nine are living, namely: Jonathan, Elizabeth, George, Lucy, Caroline, Arminda, Hattie, Martha and Rosa. Jonathan Dick secured a common school education and continued to be associated in the work of the home farm until 1874, when he initiated his independent career. He was married in 1876 and soon afterward settled on his present farm, having erected his substantial residence in 1878 and his barn in 1884. His farm comprises one hundred and sixty acres, and he personally reclaimed seventy-seven acres of the same, the land having been heavily timbered. He has been very energetic and progressive as a farmer and stock grower and his success has been excellent in his chosen province of endeavor, while he has also worked more or less at the carpenter's trade. He is a Democrat in politics and both he and his wife are valued members of the Lutheran church in their home township. On October 6th, 1876, Mr. Dick was united in marriage to Miss Lenetta Koch, daughter of Moses Koch, who was a pioneer farmer of this county, and she died in August, 1880, leaving two children—Roy E. who married Miss Ollie Dietrich and resides in Bryan, this county; and Bertha P., who died at the age of four years. In September, 1883, Mr. Dick married Mrs. Emma Mercer, widow of John Mercer and a daughter of William Barnhart. Of their eight children two are deceased, Harlan and Wilbur. The surviving children are Florence E., Wildie F., Lena E., Leona E., Harvey L. and Waldo A., all of whom have been afforded good educational advantages. PHILIP DIETRICH, one of the substantial farmers of Pulaski township, is a worthy representative of that sterling German-American type of citizenship which has had so beneficent an influence in furthering the industrial and civic progress and prosperity of the republic. Mr. Dietrich was born in Prussia, on the 18th of October, 1834, and is a son of Frederich and Minnie (Coldwater) Dietrich, who passed their entire lives in Prussia, the father having been a postman or mail carrier in earlier life and later a successful farmer and stock grower. This worthy couple became the parents of five children, and after the death of his first wife Mr. Dietrich married Kate Leber, who bore him two children. Three of the sons carne to America: Charles, about 1850, and Philip and Henry. in 1860, the first named settling in Pennsylvania, while Henry located in Huron county, O., whence he later removed to Williams county, purchasing a farm in section 31, Pulaski township, where he passed the remainder of his life, having been one of the highly esteemed and prosperous agriculturists of this section. Philip Dietrich availed himself of the advantages of the excellent schools of his fatherland, where he was reared to the life of the farm, and he was 344 - HISTORY OF WILLIAMS COUNTY about twenty-six years of age when he accompanied his brother Henry on his emigration to America, as noted. He passed the first two years in Erie county, Pa., with his brother Charles, and then located in Huron county,O., where he was engaged in farming until 1881, when he came to Williams county and purchased a tract of one hundred and forty-eight acres in section 31, Pulaski township, near that of his brother Henry. The greater portion of the land was wild at the time he took possession of the same, and he personally cleared twenty-six acres, while he made excellent improvements on the homestead, of which he eventually sold eighty acres, so that his present attractive farm comprises sixty-eight acres, improved with good buildings and devoted to diversified agriculture and stock raising. He has won independence through earnest and persistent effort in connection with the great basic industry on which rests the welfare of the nation, and to him is accorded the unqualified regard of the people of the community in which he has so long maintained his home. Politically Mr. Dietrich is a stanch Democrat, but he has never sought public office, though loyal to all the duties and responsibilities of citizenship, and both he and his wife are members of the English Lutheran church. March 7, 1862, was solemnized the marriage of Mr. Dietrich to Miss Nettie Oldmaker, daughter of Daniel and Dora Oldmaker, both of whom were born in Prussia, the latter dying there in 1853. In 1855 Mr. Oldmaker married again and came to America and settled in Huron county, O. Mr. Old-maker's second wife was Nettie Mitz, who survives him and still resides in Ohio. Concerning the children of Mr. and Mrs. Dietrich the following brief record is incorporated: Henry is a carpenter and builder by vocation and resides at Elkhart, Id.; Philip is a carpenter and farmer and resides in Bryan, O.; Lizzie is the wife of John Jager, who resides near Montpelier, O.; Minnie is the wife of George Goller, of Defiance county; Charles is a railroad fireman, residing in Elkhart, Id.; William and August are deceased; Albert, who married Miss Cora Musser, is farming the old homestead for his father; and Dora is the wife of Francis Witzerman of Bryan, O. SIDNEY PALMER DODGE, the popular proprietor of the Dodge House, the leading hotel of West Unity, comes of stanch old Puritan stock, the original. American ancestors having been two brothers, Robert and William Dodge, who settled in historic old Salem, Mass., in 1629. Sidney P. Dodge was born in Lafayette township, Medina county,O., on the 17th of November, 1851, and is a son of Joel Palmer Dodge, who was born in Cortland county, N. Y., an the 8th of November, 1820, being a son of Joel Dodge, who was born in Colchester, Mass., in 1784, while the same town was the birthplace of his wife, whose maiden name was Hannah Cutler and whose year of nativity was 1787. At the age of thirteen Joel Dodge accompanied his parents on their removal to Bennington, Vt., where he was reared to manhood and where his marriage was solemnized. He removed thence to Cortland county, BIOGRAPHICAL - 345 N. Y., where he remained until 1839, when he came with his family to Ohio and located, in Wayne county, and in 1853 he came to Williams county, locating at Williams Center, where he died in September, 1863, his wife having passed away in 1858. He was engaged in farming after coming to .Ohio and was a man of integrity and honor. He was a son of Benjamin and Tabitha Dodge, both of whom passed the closing years of their lives in Cortland county, N. Y. Hanna (Cutler) Dodge was a daughter of Zachariah and Prudence (Drake) Cutler, who passed their entire lives in New England. Joel Palmer Dodge was educated in the common schools of Cortland county, N. Y., and accompanied his parents on their removal to Ohio. In Seville, Medina county, this state, October 17, 1843, he married Miss Mary Ann Vincent, who was born in Cortland county, N. Y., October 13, 1820, being a daughter of John J. and Mary (Daniels) Vincent, both of whom were born in New England, the former on the 9th of February, 1792, and the latter on the loth of October, 1796, and both passed the closing days of their lives in Lagrange, Lorain county, O., having come to this state in the pioneer days. They became the parents of eight children, of whom five are yet living. Joel P. Dodge came to Williams county in 1853, locating in Williams Center, in April of that year. Here he followed his trade, that of blacksmith, for many years. In 1884 he removed to Nemaha county, Neb., and on the 5th of June, 1888, he located in West Unity, in the old Ohio county where he had so long made his home, and here he still resides, being now retired from active labors. His devoted wife passed away April 13, 1905, having been a member of the Baptist church, with which he also was formerly identified, now holding membership in the Christian church. He is a Democrat in politics and is affiliated with Superior Lodge No. 179, Free and Accepted Masons, and Northwest Chapter No. 45, Royal. Arch Masons. Joel P. and Mary A. (Vincent) Dodge became the parents of five children: Emma Jane, Mary Elizabeth, Sidney Palmer, Ida (deceased in infancy), and Clara Eliza. Sidney P. Dodge was about two years of age at the time of his parents' removal to Williams county, and he was reared and educated in Williams Center, where he fully availed himself of the advantages of the public schools, while he learned the blacksmith trade under the effective direction of his father, becoming a skilled artisan. He followed his trade until 1878, when he engaged in the saw milling business at Williams Center, following this line of enterprise until 1888, on June 5th of which year he came to West Unity and engaged in the hotel business. On the 2d of the following August his building and contents of same were practically etirely destroyed by fire, and he then erected his present substantial and attractive hotel building, known as the Dodge House, which he has since conducted most successfully, this being the best and most popular hotel in the town and catering to a representative patronage, while the genial host and his wife have a legion of friends among the traveling public, as well as locally. In 346 - HISTORY OF WILLIAMS COUNTY politics Mr. Dodge maintains an independent attitude, and he is public-spirited and progressive, ever ready to lend his aid in every worthy movement for the general good of the community. He served one term as a member of the village council of West Unity. He is affiliated with Superior Lodge, No. 17, Free and Accepted Masons at West Unity; Northwest Chapter, No. 45, Royal Arch Masons, at Bryan; Defiance Commandery, No. 30, Knights Templar, at Defiance; Zenobia Temple, Ancient Arabic Order Nobles of the Mystic Shrine, in Toledo; and Unity Lodge, No. 158, Order of the Eastern Star, in West Unity, of which last organization his wife and daughter also are members. In May, 1899, Mr. Dodge became a member and musician in the First Division, Second Battalion of the Ohio Naval Reserve, and he still retains his membership in the same. December 4, 1873, Mr. Dodge was united in marriage to Miss Joanna A. Cratsenberg, who was born near Pope's Mills, St. Lawrence county, N. Y., January 2, 1855, being a daughter of Abram and Hannah (Breckenridge) Cratsenberg, who came from her native county to Williams county, O., about 1867. Here the mother died in October, 1878, and the father in September of the following year. They had four children, of whom only two are living—Frank, who resides in Columbus,O., and Mrs. Dodge. Mr. Cratsenberg was a saddler by trade, and followed this vocation many years, later being engaged in farming. In 1863 he enlisted in Company A, Fourteenth New York heavy artillery, with which he served until the close of the civil war. Mr. and Mrs. Dodge became the parents of four children: Roy is now a conductor on the Hocking Valley Railroad; Maud remains at the parental home ; .the third child died in infancy; and Sidney died at the age of two and one-half years. JOSEPH W. DOUGLAS, a well-to-do-farmer and highly esteemed citizen of Williams county,O., was born in Stark county, O.. November 14, 1850. He is the second son of James and Mary (Nixon) Douglas, both natives of England. After his marriage in his native country, James Douglas, wife and one child, emigrated to the United States and located first in Stark county, O., in 1846. Five years later he removed to Richland county, O., there he bought an eighty-acre farm, and selling it, bought one of one hundred and twenty acres. He disposed of that and, in 1865, he, with his family, moved to Williams county, Ohio, where he bought a fine farm of two hundred acres in Milicreek township, where he and his wife spent the rest of their days. By occupation he was a successful farmer, and in politics an earnest Republican. He died on the home farm on August 1st, 189o. His wife died February 24, 1902. They were the parents of ten children, of whom eight are yet living. Joseph W. was reared on a farm and received his education in the common schools. He came with his parents to Williams county, and has resided in the county ever since. Until 1883 he resided in Millcreek and Madison townships, and since then he has re- BIOGRAPHICAL - 347 sided on his farm, located in Bridgewater township. He was township trustee three years, and as infirmary director he has given very general satisfaction, as well as in the office of trustee. He is a staunch Republican in politics, a member of the Superior Lodge No. 269. Knights of Pythias. He and his wife are members of the Liberal United Brethren Church. November 2, 1872, he was married to Miss Florence J. Andrews, of Holmes county, Ohio. They have no children. Mrs. Douglas was the eldest daughter of Silas C. and Catherine (Russell) Andrews, both natives of Ohio, The former was born in Mahoning county, and the latter in Muskingum county. They were married in Morrow county, O., February 11, 1851. They moved to Fulton county in 1861, and in 1864 moved to Williams county, locating in Brady township. Four years later they moved to a farm in Madison township. January, 1881, they moved to Pioneer, where in April, 1881, his wife died. Mr. Andrews died September 15, 1887. He was a farmer, in politics a Republican, and he and his wife were members of the Liberal United Brethren church. All of the four children born to them are still living, Florence Douglas in Bridgewater township, Amanda Thompson in Pulaski township, Williams county, Ohio; James N. in Wichita, Kansas, and William S. in Oklahoma. WILLIAM DRAKE, a prominent farmer and real estate man of Montpelier, Williams county,O., was born on a farm near Shelby, Richland county, O., on April 1, 1839. He is descended from a prominent and wealthy English family, whose history dates back as far as the year 1560, and of which Sir Francis Drake was a conspicuous member. The difficulty of proving its claim to the vast fortune in England belonging to the Drakes has, up to the present time, kept the American branch of the family from securing its share. The grandparents of William Drake were Nathaniel and Nancy (Hougland) Drake, both natives of Pennsylvania, where the former lived and died. Of the six children born to these parents two died in their native state. The names of those who lived to maturity were: William, John, Ehzabeth and Jane, all of whom are now dead. In 1825 Nancy Drake, with her four children, removed to Ohio, locating in Stark county. A year later she removed to Wayne county, where she resided for five years. While living in this county William and John Drake, her sons, contracted to clear and fence a fifty-acre tract of land and to split five thousand rails in payment of an eighty acre tract in Jackson township, Richland county, which finally became the property of John Drake, and on which he and his mother settled in 1831. Nancy Drake was of Scotch-Irish extraction, and a pioneer in every sense of the word. She died at the home of her son in 1855, aged sixty-seven years. On March 29, 1838, John Drake was wedded to Miss Susannah Henry, who is still living on the old homestead near Shelby in her ninety-first year. To these parents there were born the following children : William, the subject of this sketch Elizabeth, the wife of James Wareham; Sarah Jane, deceased, who 348 - HISTORY OF WILLIAMS COUNTY married Aaron Rambo; Daniel, who married Miss Mary Jane Trist; James, who became the husband of Eva Roush; Jeremiah, who married Mary Roush; Mary Ellen, the wife of George H. Smith; Nancy H., the wife of Jacob Rowe; Susannah and Samuel. John Drake was a successful farmer, an earnest Democrat and a devout member of the Reformed church. William Drake, the son of John and Susannah (Henry) Drake, was reared on the home farm and educated in the country schools and the graded schools of Shelby. After teaching one year in his native county he came to Williams county, in August, 1860, and settled on the land that his father had purchased just one mile north of Montpelier. Here for some years he chopped wood on his farm during the summer months and taught school in winter. In 1863 he returned to Richland county, and in May of that year was married. In August following he brought his wife to Williams county, where he established his permanent home and engaged in farming, teaching only the first winter. As he was a teacher, and as there were no attorneys nearer than Bryan, the people of his neighborhood often called on him to represent them in the justice's court, the result being that he met with unusual success. For more than thirty years he served in the capacity of collector, and for nine years as justice of the peace of Superior township. Although he has had an office in town for the past twenty-five years, he did not quit the farm until twelve years ago. Mr. Drake was one of the organizers of the Farmers' and Merchants' Bank (now the Montpelier National Bank), and for five years served in the capacity of cashier, and when the bank bought what is now the Montpelier National Bank he was president of that institution, until he disposed of his interest in the bank. Since he disposed of his banking interests he has been engaged in the real estate and brokerage business. In 1900 he was elected mayor, serving one term, and at present he is a member of the village council. On the farm given to him by his father he has been very successful, having accumulated quite a competency. He has done much to improve the town, having built a substantial residence, the buildings in four large brick blocks, and having bought, repaired and sold many other buildings. In politics he is a Democrat and in religious belief a disciple of Robert Ingersoll. In May, 1863, he was united in marriage to Miss Sidney A. Flora, born near Shelby in 1844., the daughter of Daniel and Elizabeth (Stine) Flora, both natives of Virginia. Mrs. Drake died twenty-one years ago, leaving the following six children: Martin L., engaged in railroading and residing at Montpelier; Oscar Willis, living on the old homestead; Effie Grace, at home with her father; Daisy Victor, deceased; Bertha Gail, the wife of Jacob Grundish, who resides at the parental home, and Clara Ethel, the wife of Claude Blue, a stonecutter of Montpelier. WILLIAM EASTERDAY, a successful farmer and thoroughbred stock breeder of Northwest township, was born in that township, in Williams county, O., on March 2, 1869. He is the son of Lewis and BIOGRAPHICAL - 349 Elizabeth (Dauber) Easterday, both natives of Germany. Lewis Easterday came to Williams county, O., in 1866, and settled on the farm now owned by his son, William Easterday, most of which was cleared by him. By occupation he was a farmer and a doctor, in politics a Democrat and a member of the German Lutheran church. He died February 23, 1893, aged seventy-nine and one-half years. Elizabeth (Dauber) Easterday was born in Rainbaiern, Germany, March 3, 1828, and died at the home of her daughter, Mrs. David J. Schaeffer, near Fremont, Steuben county, Ind., September 4, 1905, in her seventy-eighth year When she was nine years of age her father died, leaving her mother a widow with three children. She and her younger brother, Peter, came to America in 185o and located at Williamsburg, N. Y. She was united in marriage to Lewis Easter-day, May 14, 1851, at Williamsburg, N. Y. To this union were born nine children—five boys and four girls, seven of whom are living. Besides these there are thirty-five grandchildren and two great-grandchildren. In 1852 Lewis Esterday and wife moved to Tiffin, O., in 1864 to Ann Arbor, Mich., and in 1866 to Williams county, O. Mrs. Easterday resided with her son, William, on the old home farm in Northwest township from Mr. Easterday's death until 1899, after which she resided most of the time with her youngest daughter, Mrs. Caroline Stauger, at Bryan, O. She was converted at the age of thirteen in the Reform church and trusted in her Lord through life. She was a good mother and neighbor, and left many lasting impressions upon her children and acquaintances. She was laid to rest in the Billingstown cemetery, Williams county, O. William Ester-day grew to manhood on the home farm and received his education by attending the common schools of the county. He has chosen farming as his life work and is the owner of seventy-seven acres of fine and valuable land. In the breeding of Shropshire sheep he takes a deep interest, making it a success, as is the case with all of his undertakings. He and his wife are members of the United Brethren church. On February 28, 1899, he was wedded to Miss Nellie Kintigh, the daughter of William and Susan (Shaffer) Kintigh, the former born in Westmoreland county, Pa., in 1824, and the latter in Montgomery county, O., in 1834. In 1865 they came to Northwest township, Williams county, and located on a tract of eighty acres, which he at once proceeded to clear and cultivate. Here he died in 1899, his wife having died ten years earlier. At Evansport and Ney, Defiance county, O., he followed merchandising, but after coming to Williams county he devoted all of his time to farming. In politics he was a Republican, having served for years as justice of the peace. In religious matters he and his wife were identified with the United Brethren church. Of the nine children born to these parents eight are still living. Mr. Easterday is a Prohibitionist and strongly advocates the principles of that party. He and his wife have no children.