WOOD COUNTY, OHIO. -887 highly improved, and he made a most comfortable home out of what was once a wilderness. Since 1891 he has lived comparatively retired, ill health compelling him to abandon active farm work, but he well deserves the rest he is now enjoying, having wasted no time in his younger days. He has resided on this farm with the exception of ten months, when he lived on rented land in Portage township. Mr. and Mrs. Clemens have had five children, as follows: Alonzo F., born January 19, 1869, who is a farmer and teamster of Portage township; Nancy J., born September 21, 1872, now Mrs. Henry McEwen, of Portage township; Rosa M., born September 12, 1875, now Mrs. Frank Shaffer, of Portage township; Eva M., born October 25, 1881, and Lillie D., born June 1, 1888. Mr. Clemens, like his father before him, is a stanch Republican in political sentiment. Socially he is a member of Randall Post No. 53, G. A. R., Freeport, Ohio. MICHAEL AURAND, one of the enterprising, prosperous farmers of Portage township, is a native of Ohio, born March 30, 1843, in Liberty township, Hancock county, a son of Samuel Aurand. Samuel Aurand was born in Pickaway county, Ohio, where he passed his youth and early manhood, and was reared to agricultural pursuits. During early life he also learned the cooper's trade, which he continued to follow as long as it was profitable; but he gave the greater part of his attention to farming, and was in comfortable circumstances. In Pickaway county he was married to Miss Rachel Truce, and the young couple removed to Hancock county, where Mr. Aurand's father had given him a piece of land, at that time unimproved and covered with timber, and they built the first house on the place. Here they passed the remainder of their long, busy lives, Mr. Aurand living to the advanced age of eighty-two years, his wife to the age of seventy-six. They reared a large family, as follows: Jonathan, who is a farmer of Hancock county, Ohio; Elizabeth (Mrs. William Tanner), who died at Dunkirk, Ohio; Rachel, who is the widow of Allen Twining; Susan (Mrs. Henry George), of Findlay, Ohio; Matilda, who is unmarried; Henry, a farmer of Hancock county, Ohio; Michael, whose name opens this sketch; Lucinda (Mrs. Michael Louck), of Findlay; Lydia (Mrs. James Irvin), of Putnam county, Ohio; Simon, who is a sheep rancher in Montana; and Clifton, of Findlay, Ohio. Mr. and Mrs. Aurand both sleep their last sleep in the cemetery at Findlay, Ohio. He was a Republican in politics, and served as constable and justice of the peace in Liberty township, Hancock county, though he did not devote much time to public affairs. During his boyhood Michael Aurand attended the district schools in the neighborhood of his home, which in those days were far inferior to the schools of the present time. He was trained to farm work, and remained on the home place until his enlistment in the Union army, at Findlay, Ohio, on August22,1862. He became a member of Company G, 118th O. V. I., Capt. Samuel Howard, and after camping at Lima for some weeks, they were sent to Cincinnati, at the time of Morgan's threatened invasion. After this they were detailed to guard the Kentucky Central railroad, being engaged thus for ten months. Their first active duty was in the engagement at Moss Creek, Tenn., and our subject participated in that, and in all other battles in which his command took part, being unfit for duty only two weeks during his entire term of service, which lasted until the close of the war. He was honorably discharged in July, 1865, and returning to Hancock county commenced to work as a farm hand on his own account, continuing thus until his marriage. At that time he had about $300 saved, and he rented a house on the home farm, and also rented land, which he worked four years, finally buying land in Jackson township, Hancock county, part of the home farm of his wife's parents. This he traded for a forty-acre tract in the same township, and later sold and bought fifty-six acres there, living in Hancock county until October, 1884, when he removed to his present farm in Portage township, Wood county. He bought eighty acres of land lying in Section 24, which was then in a very poor condition, almost entirely unimproved, and they lived in a log house for some time. But Mr. Aurand has worked steadily on the land since removing here, and its present condition is a credit to him, for he has sixty acres in a good state of cultivation, made fertile by care and good underdraining, and equipped with good buildings and other improvements, which give the place a neat and thrifty appearance. In September, 1893, the family moved into their fine new home. In 1868, in Jackson township, Hancock county, Mr. Aurand was united in marriage, with Miss Catherine S. Misamore, a native of Hancock county, daughter of George and Sarah A. (Stout) Misamore, farming people. Ten children have blessed this union, viz.: Sarah A. (Mrs. Fred Metter), of Portage; Sherman E., who lives at home; Susan, who married Charles Musser, and 888 - WOOD COUNTY, OHIO. died in Portage township; Nora E. (Mrs. Robert Bateson), of Six Points; William H. ; Bertha M. ; Early J.; Florence H., who died in infancy; Harry L., and Harvey M. Mr. Aurand is a Republican in political belief, and has served as school director of District No. 5, in Portage township; but aside from that he has not taken any active part in public affairs, devoting his time to his farm and home. JACOB DIETER. Of the many German-born citizens who have assisted in the work of opening up the varied activities of this section, and establishing its prosperity, the hardy pioneer whose name introduces this sketch is among the oldest now living. He is a native of Wittenberg, Germany, born September 25, 1824, the eldest son and second child of Andrew and Barbara (Keller) Dieter. He attended such schools in the Fatherland as his father could afford, and, at the age of sixteen, came to the United States with his parents. Here he spent one term in school, familiarizing himself with the English language; but, being the eldest son, he was the first to be of use to his parents, and his help was given at the expense of his education. Though not large, he was strong and robust, and could perform much work. He assisted at home until his marriage in Wayne county, Ohio, to Miss Altha Geer, a native of Westfield township, Medina Co., Ohio, who was born December 28, 1827, the only daughter of Amasa Geer, a Yankee by birth, and his wife, Cynthia Hays, who was born in Maryland, of Scotch parentage. Their children were as follows: Warren went to Utah, and has not been heard from for many years; Joseph, a soldier, lost his life during the Civil war; Amasa died in childhood; Edward and Thomas died in youth; Alexander was killed while in the army; John, a peddler, mysteriously disappeared in Illinois, being probably murdered; Altha married our subject, . and Wesley died in Indiana. Mr. Geer died at the age of eighty-four years in Vermilion county, Ind.; but Mrs. Geer departed this life when her daughter was only seven years old, and this caused the young girl to be placed among strangers to make her own way. She was a large, well-built girl, and possessed more than ordinary strength, being able to do the work of any boy of her age, and more than some could do. Fortunately she found a good home, with the family of Calvin Putnam, a farmer, of Medina county, where she lived for some time. Her opportunities for schooling were poor, one winter term being the most that she had. The young couple had but few household goods and fewer dollars, but each was healthy, strong and industrious, with the energy of youth to sustain them, and such an entrance on life's pathway did not discourage them. Mr. Dieter rented land in Medina county, and began farming, remaining in that locality until early in the spring of 185o, when with his wife and baby he moved to Wood county and settled in Montgomery township. They drove through from their old home, and one wagon was sufficient to carry their entire belongings. It was necessary to rent land again, and not until 1853 did they have a home which they could call their own. Previous to this purchase they spent one year in Vermilion county, Ind., but on their return they bought twenty acres in Section 22, Montgomery township, a part of the 'I home farm" of the Dieter family. Mr. Dieter built a hewed-log house with his own hands, and here he and his wife spent many happy days. It was sparsely furnished, but it was their very own, and Mrs. Dieter took quite as much pride in keeping it neat and clean as she does in the appearance of their present modern residence. She was a powerful woman, and often helped her husband in the fields, doing a remarkable amount of work. Mr. Dieter enlarged his income by working for others, chopping in winter and farming in summer. Money was scarce and wages low, and he walked seven miles to split rails at fifty cents per day. Thus they toiled, each year seeing their condition improved, and soon more land was bought, and a better home built. Nine children were born to them, whose names, with dates of birth are given here: Barbara M., July 16, 1849, married Thomas Laflure, of Bettsville, Ohio, and has three children - Clara, Alla, and Maggie. (2) Alexander P., February 19, 1851, a farmer in Portage township, has three children-Bert, Charles, and Jacob. (3) Mary J., March 30, 1853, died October 15, 1856. (4) Julia A., December 25, 1855, married John Richards, of Idaho, and has two children-Ella and Frederick. (5) John H., August 31, 1857, a farmer in Montgomery township, has three children-Carrie, Allen, and Frederick. (6) Christena C., born September 10, 1859, married Reuben Gardner, of Helena, Ohio, and has one child-Charles. (7) Mary E., February 10, 1862, married Charles Lawhead, of Montgomery township, and has three children-Wilbur, Harvey, and Mahlon. (8) Clara J., March 25, 1864, married Charles Cook, of Georgia, and has two children-Maud and Claude. (9) Charles F., born in 1872, died in infancy. In 1870 Mr. Dieter moved to a farm in Sec- Altha Dieter WOOD COUNTY, OHIO. - 889 tion 28, Montgomery township, near Prairie Depot, and he now owns about l00 acres of valuable land there, as well as one of the most desirable residences in Risingsun, where he lived from April, 1894 to April, 1896. He now resides upon his farm. He has a goodly competence won by the efforts of the past years, and his estimable wife receives from him a large share of the credit for its accumulation. They have given each of their children a liberal start in life, and are generous contributors to any worthy cause. Mr. Dieter is a man whose integrity no person would question, and his thrift and economy have not caused him to forget all aims except the securing of property. He and his wife have been consistent members of the Evangelical Church for more than forty years, and he has held various offices and is one of the pillars. To this and other churches he has given freely, helping to erect many new buildings, and his place will be hard to fill when he passes to his eternal reward. Mrs. Dieter is held in affectionate regard among a wide circle of acquaintances for the kindly deeds which her strong but gentle hands have done in many sick rooms. Day after day she has spent in tender care for others, and her wholesome presence is of itself a help to recovery. Her vitality is wonderful, and, indeed, except for that fact, she could scarcely have lived through such a life as hers, and still be as active and well-preserved, as she is. Few women will be more missed; a kinder-hearted neighbor or better mother could not be found. In public affairs Mr. Dieter has always taken an intelligent interest. Until Lincoln's candidacy he was a Democrat, but since that time he has been a Republican, and while he has not been an office seeker, he takes keen interest in the success of his party, and attends elections regularly. In local politics he is independent, supporting the best man, whatever ticket his name may appear upon. HENRY ADAMS, a well-to-do, progressive farmer of Portage township, and a member of one of the pioneer families of the county, was born September 12, 1845, in Bloom township, on a farm in Section 2.. He is the eldest son and the second child of David and Lucinda (Henry) Adams. In his boyhood Henry Adams attended the district schools of the home neighborhood, and subsequently spent two terms at school in Fostoria, one at a select school, and one at the Union school there, receiving altogether a much better school training than most farmer boys of that day. On January 20, 1867, he was united in marriage, in Portage township, with Miss Margaretta Dresser, who was born in that township, October 22, 1840, daughter of Aaron S. and Esther (Davis) Dresser, the former of whom was from New Hampshire, the latter from New Jersey. Aaron S. Dresser was born July 1, 1800, in New Hampshire, and when twenty-four years of age migrated west to Ohio, where he married, on June 18, 1834, settling in Portage township, Wood county, on the S. W. J Sec. 25. Here he died at the advanced age of over ninety years, preceded to the grave by his wife, and they both rest in Millgrove cemetery. For three years after his marriage Mr. Adams continued to work on the home farm, during that time serving as guardian of his minor brothers and sisters. He then purchased forty acres of land in Section 36, Portage township, half of his present farm, which had been improved and cultivated, and was equipped with very fair buildings, which at that time stood on the east side of the tract, and were moved by our subject when he purchased the forty acres adjoining, in 188o. He has remodeled most of the buildings and erected others, and his farm has a look of thrift and neatness which would do any man credit. He has been a lifelong agriculturist, devoting himself to this business exclusively, and has acquired a comfortable property. To Mr. and Mrs. Adams have been born children as follows: F. B., born May 15, 1869, who is a prosperous young farmer of Portage township; and Mettie, born July 5, 1875, who is the wife of Charles Dicken. Mrs. Adams, in her younger days, was a school teacher, having taught with great success for seven terms in Portage and adjoining townships. Her first certificate bears the signature of Dr. Ranger, then living at West Millgrove. Mr. Adams is a Democrat politically, but takes no active part in public affairs. He is a representative go-ahead farmer of this section, and one of Portage township's most substantial citizens. DAVID SMITH is an industrious, energetic man, and all that he has in life he owes to his own efforts. Dependent upon his own resources from an early age, he has made the best of his opportunities, and now, as the reward of his labor, has a comfortable home. Mr. Smith is a native of Pennsylvania, his birth having occurred in Perry county, April 4, 1836. His father, Jacob Smith, was born in the Keystone State, July 8, 1797, and was a farmer by occupation. In Perry county he was married, April 1, 1820, to Anna 890 - WOOD COUNTY, OHIO. Snyder, who was there born, June 27, 1798. They located on a farm of fifty acres, in Perry county, and in 1837 came, by team, to Ohio, the father purchasing an eighty-acre tract of timber land in Jackson township, Crawford county. He built a hewed-log cabin, and continued the development of his land. His wife died September 9, 1838, and on July 12, 1840, he married Miss Ruth Shorts, who died in August, 1852. Mr. Smith remained on the home farm until 1864, when he sold out, and removed to Wood county. Here, in Jackson township, with his daughter, he purchased one hundred acres of land, and there lived until his death, on July 5, 1883. To our subject's parents were born ten children: Susanna, who was born October 20, 1822, and died September 21, 1882; Elizabeth, who was born December 25, 1823, and died in childhood; John, who was born March 13, 1825, and died in childhood; Joseph, who was born February 9, 1827, and was never heard from after he left home in early manhood; Maria, who was born May 25, 1828, and is the wife of Jerry Schwartz, of Morrow county, Ohio; Caroline, who was born June 14, 183o, and is the widow of Frank Rentz, of Bowling Green, Ohio; Catherine, born December 30, 1831, widow of Henry Parr, of Crawford county; Jonas, who was born August 9, 1833, and died in childhood; David, who was born April 4, 1836; John Jacob, who was born in September, 1838, and died in early life. The children born of Jacob Smith's second marriage are Samuel, born July 16, 1841, a carpenter of North Baltimore, Ohio; Anna Eliza, born November 6, 1842, wife of Otha Castle, of Gallia, Ohio; Sarah, born May 2, 1844, wife or John Speaker, of Toledo, Ohio; and Amanda Ruth, who was born October 9, 1846, became the wife of Peter Ockerman, and died February 22, 1878. Our subject was only a year old when brought by his parents to Ohio. He did not attend school until fifteen years of age; but, largely through 'his own efforts obtained a practical education, and is now well informed. He is a capable carpenter, having learned the trade himself, and until twenty-seven years of age aided in the work of the home farm. He was married July 21, 1863, and on the 31st of August, 1864, brought his little family to Wood county, purchasing eighty acres of timber land in Henry township. He has since ditched, fenced and improved this place, and in the midst of the well-tilled fields now stands a large and substantial residence and good barns. The first home, however, was a log cabin, which was replaced by a more modern structure in r888. Mr. Smith first married Hannah Magner, who died on the homestead farm May 8, 1879, at the age of forty-one. They had the following named children-Ortha Elma, born July 10, 1864, wife of William Henning, of Henry township; Charles Wesley, born March 22, 1866; Clara Belle, born June 16, 1868; Minerva Ellen, born October 22, 1870, now the wife of Albert Phoenix, of Bowling Green; Albert A., who was born October 15, 1872, and died February 12, 1874; Bertha I., born June 2, 1875; and Lettie Cyria, born January 4, 1879. For his second wife, Mr. Smith married Leah Ronk, the wedding taking place in Crawford county, September 21, 188o. The lady was born November 23, 1835, in Dauphin county, Penn., and is a daughter of Jacob and Rebecca Ronk. Her mother is still living. Her father died when she was fourteen years of age. Mr. Smith. has always followed carpentering in connection with farming, and is not only the architect and builder of his home, but has made almost all of the furniture. He still has in use the cook stove which his father used throughout his life, and a water pail which his father purchased in 1820. In the United Brethren Church, of which Church all his children, save one (who belongs to the Disciples Church) are members, he is an active worker, and has been a reader of the Telescope, the Church paper, for forty-eight years, while he has read the Bible completely through seven times. His life has been an honorable, upright one, and all who know him esteem him highly for his genuine worth. JAMES M. FERGUSON, a public-spirited and progressive citizen, devoted to the best interests of Wood county, and having a wide circle of friends and acquaintances within its borders, is a native of Tuscarawas county, Ohio, born June 1, 1839. He is the fourth in order of birth in a family of nine children, whose parents were James and Mary (Scroggs) Ferguson. He attended the district schools of his native county until thirteen years of age, when he accompanied his parents to Wood county. Here he engaged in hunting, and the money he thus made went to the support of the family.. On one occasion he had a narrow escape, being' attacked by a catamount, which sprang upon him, but after a time he succeeded in killing the animal. In July, 1863, in McComb, Ohio, Mr. Ferguson enrolled his name among the members of Company L, 1st O. H. A., and soon after went to the front, where he remained until the close of the war, when he was mustered out at Knoxville, Tenn., in 1865, and immediately returned home. WOOD COUNTY. OHIO. - 891 The following year he was married in Milton Center, Ohio, to Miss Mandana Richardson, who was born October 8, 1846, and is a daughter of Asa and Jane (Staples) Richardson, the former a native of Vermont, the latter of Maine. Mrs. Ferguson was born in the Pine Tree State, and when a little girl accompanied her parents on their removal to Lorain county, Ohio, where they lived for two years, then came to Wood county. In 1870 Mr. Richardson and his wife went to Isabella county, Mich., where he died at the age of eighty-four. The mother is still living. in that. State at the age of ninety. They were parents of twelve children, namely: Polly, Seth, Caroline, Fidelia, Bernard, Lucy, Fannie, Leland, Victoria, Charles W., Mandana and Abbie. After their marriage, Mr. and Mrs. Ferguson located on a forty-acre farm in Jackson township, and in 1883 Mr. Ferguson purchased his present place, to which he has since added until he now owns seventy-five acres. Their home' has been blessed with twelve children-Jesse, who is married, and lives in Jackson township; and Madilla, James, Demus, Malcolm, Winfield, Clark, John Allen, Ern and Vern (twins), Charles, and Ola May, all yet under the parental roof. Mr. Ferguson is a stalwart Republican, unswerving in support of the principles of his party. Socially, he is connected with the Grand Army Post, of Hoytville, and, in the discharge of all his duties of citizenship, he displays the same loyalty that he manifested on Southern battle fields. He has been self-supporting from his boyhood, and as the result of his diligence and capable management is now the possessor of a comfortable home. JACOB C. YOUNG. Among some of the most enterprising citizens of Lake township are those who were born in Germany, and who have brought to this fertile and productive country the thrift and economy of the Old World. Among these there is no figure that stands out more prominently in the history of the township, than Jacob C. Young, one of the bold pioneers, who first broke the way for civilization into the timbered regions of this locality. He was born in Hessen-Darmstadt, on May 20, 1831, and is a son of John and Eva Catherine (Tiefdeler) Young, also natives of the same province, the father born in 1784, and the mother, in 1791. There the former engaged in farming throughout life, dying in I851, and his wife also died in Germany in 1876. In their family were four children: Philip is still a resident of Germany. Antoine located in Ottawa county, Ohio, in 1852, where he still resides, and there enlisted in the 89th O. V. I., for service in the Civil war. Sabine is also living in Germany. Jacob C. completes the family. In the Fatherland the last named was reared and educated, and became familiar with the duties that fall to the lot of an agriculturist. Resolved to try his fortune in America, he took passage on a sailing vessel at Havre, France, and, after a long and tedious voyage of forty-six days, landed safely at New York, in 1853, whence he came direct to Lake township, Wood county, where he worked by the day and month for some time. However, in 1857, he purchased forty acres in the woods, and at once commenced clearing the same, and erected thereon a log house, which continued to be his place of abode until 1871, when he built his present substantial residence. Notwithstanding all the obstacles he met in developing his wild land, he has by hard and persistent work placed it under a high state of cultivation. During the Civil war, Mr. Young aided his adopted country in her struggle to preserve the Union, being a member of Company B, 189th O. V. I., and was mustered into service at Camp Chase, Columbus, whence he was sent to Brownsboro and Huntsville, Ala., where he was stationed most of the time. He was detailed to the quartermaster's department, in which he served until discharged in September, 1865, at Nashville, Tenn. He then returned to his home in Lake township. In that township, in 1862, he was married to Miss Catherine Crossmann, a native of Germany, born November 23, 1844. Her parents, Peter and Margaret Elizabeth (Sayer) Crossmann, were born in Hessen-Darmstadt (the former March 23, 1810, the latter November 16, 1816), and, in 1850, crossed the Atlantic, locating first at Toledo, but six years later becoming residents of Lake township, this county, where, June 8, 189i, he passed away, and where also his wife died May 9, 1893. Five children graced the union of Mr. and Mrs. Young-Mrs. Eva Tanner, of Toledo; Adam, who died in 1864; Mrs. Elizabeth Whiteman, of Ottawa county, Ohio; Mary, who died in 1869; and Henry, who died in 1873. The parents are both worthy members of the Lutheran Church at Millbury, Wood county, thoroughly identified with its interests, and are highly respected and esteemed as valued members of the community. In politics, Mr. Young affiliates with the Republican party. In his younger days he was a great hunter, and in this frontier region had ample opportunity to indulge 892 - WOOD COUNTY, OHIO. in that sport, as at the time when he arrived the country was sparsely settled, and game was quite numerous. HENRY SCHWENK, an agriculturist of Middleton township, was born near Hunt's Corners, in Huron county, Ohio, March 12, 1861, and is a son of Martin and Mary (Lydorf) Schwenk, natives of Germany. From Huron county the father removed to Middleton township, where he carried on farming until his death in 1870. Mrs. Schwenk afterward became the wife of Charles Keller, a farmer of Perrysburg, and died in 1889. Our subject was the only child of the first marriage. In the common schools of Middleton township he acquired his early education, and afterward spent three years as a student in the German school at Perrysburg. He began life as a farm hand, and to-day is the owner of fifty-two acres of land which he received from his parents, being the only heir. By ditching and tiling he has drained the place, and a fine residence, good barns and other necessary outbuildings stand as monuments to his thrift and enterprise. He is successfully engaged in farming and stock-raising, and, in addition to his home property, he is to-day the owner of three good residences in Huron county. Mr. Schwenk has been twice married. In 1886 he wedded Rekie Huebner, who was born in Lucas county, in 1865. She died in 1890, and their only child died in infancy. April 16, 1891, Mr. Schwenk was married to Setta Keiner, who was born in Huron county, March 1, 1866. They have one son, Martin H., born June 26, 1893. Mr. Schwenk gives his political support to the Democratic party, and in religious faith is a Lutheran. He is in the truest sense of the word a self-made man. DANIEL STAHL, of Bradner, a well-known landholder and agriculturist, is one of the influential citizens of Montgomery township, where (in Section 1) he entered upon life's journey November 20, 1846, the youngest son of Godfrey and Rosannah (Weigle) Stahl. He attended in boyhood the old Prospect School, and his first teacher was his. sister Catherine; but at the age of fifteen, as he was the only boy at home, and his father was in the army, he was obliged to devote his time to farm work. Although his studies were thus interrupted, he passed the teacher's examination at Fremont when he was twenty-one, receiving a license to teach. He followed this occupation for four terms in Scott and Madison townships, Sandusky county, living at home during the time, and giving his spare time to farming. On July 17, 1873, he was married, at Bowling Green, to Mrs. Sarah (Minkler) Hamilton, the widow of George Hamilton. She was born January 1, 1848, a daughter of Caleb G. and Alsina (McCormick) Minkler, of Scott township, Sandusky county. Her father was a millwright by trade, and followed the business in several different States. His death occurred at his home when he was eighty-four years of age. Mr. and Mrs. Stahl located first upon a farm of thirty-six acres, a part of the old homestead of the Stahl family. After a short time they moved to a farm in Sandusky county, but in November, 1895, they came to Section 12, Montgomery township, where they now reside. They have six children : Rose E., Edna, Mertie M., Fred, Harry, and Reed McK., all at home. Mr. Stahl owns forty-five acres of very valuable land at Bradner, and eighty acres in Section 7, Scott township, Sandusky county, as well as an interest in some oil holdings, and of his comfortable competence the greater part has been acquired by his own efforts. A man of great foresight in business matters, he manages his affairs with discretion, and he has never sued anyone, or been sued. Politically he has always been a Republican, and in 1896 was elected assessor in Bradner precinct. For some years he was identified with the Methodist Church, but he is not now connected with any denomination. In fraternal affiliation he is a member of the I. O. O. F. at Bradner. SAMUEL STERNAMAN, a prominent agriculturist of Webster township, was born March 31, 1830, in Erie county, N. Y., ten miles east of Buffalo. His father, Jacob Sternaman, a native of Pennsylvania, and a wagon maker by trade, married Miss Catherine Slaybaugh, of Adams county, Penn. In October, 1836, they moved from Erie county, N. Y., to Portage county, Ohio, then in October, 1844, to Wood county, locating upon a farm of forty acres in Troy town-. ship, then moving to Webster township, in 1867. The father died in 1856, the mother on February 13, 1878. Eight children were born to them: William, deceased; Jonas, a farmer of Troy township; Peter and Benjamin, both deceased; Elizabeth, who married Hiram A. Kyes, of Freedom township; Susanna, the wife of James Booth; Samuel, the subject of this sketch; and one that died in infancy. Our subject's early education was obtained in an old log school house in Troy township, but Samuel Sternaman WOOD COUNTY, OHIO. - 893 his time was largely given to the farm work on the old homestead, where he remained until he was twenty-six years old. He then bought eighty acres of wild land in Webster township, near Luckey, which he has transformed into a fine farm with modern improvements. He was the first to operate drilling machines for water wells in his township. The experiences of pioneer life are fresh in his recollection, and he has seen Indians, bears, wolves and turkeys roaming at will on land which is now dotted with farms and villages. In 1869 he was married to Miss Mary Brown, a native of Perry county, Ohio, born September 20, 1828, a daughter of Matthew and Mary (Queen) Brown, prominent residents of Bowling Green. No children were born of this union, but Mr. and Mrs. Sternaman have cared for and educated Zerna Myers, an adopted daughter, and Mary and Erastus Sternaman, the orphan children of Wm. Sternaman, our subject's brother. Mary married John E. Myers, of Pennsylvania, and has seven children: Zerna, Julia Ann, Clemson, Robert, Rosena, Lottie and Gertrude. Mr. Sternaman is a Democrat in politics, as was his father before him, and he has taken an active part in the affairs of his locality, serving as supervisor for a number of terms. His progressive spirit and industry and honesty of purpose, make him a valuable official. D. E. NIVER, superintendent of water works at Bowling Green, and who for a number of years was a well-known educator of Wood county, was born in Huron county, Ohio, three miles north of Chicago Junction, March 4, 1856. The parents of our subject were George M. and Adaline (Van Liew) Niver, the former a native of New York State, who removed to Huron county, Ohio, about 1840, where he was married. His wife, the mother of our subject, died when the latter was only nine days old, and the father married, for his second wife, Miss Lovenia Bartlett. They still reside in Huron county, and have one daughter, Carrie A., who is the wife of Stanley Gage. The Nivers are of Scotch descent. After the death of our subject's mother he was reared by his grandparents, beginning work on his grandfather's farm when thirteen years old, where he was employed by one of his uncles at a regular salary. The following three years he spent alternately at work and in attending school at Republic, Ohio, and when sixteen years of age taught his first school, which was a short summer term. He then went to Fostoria, where he attended a Normal school, teaching during the vacations in the country districts, and in this way supporting himself, and at the same time acquiring a sufficient degree of mental discipline to fit him for taking a place among the educators of this great State. His first work in a department school was at New Stark, Hancock county, and in the fall of 1879, after his graduation from the Northwestern Ohio Normal University, at Ada, Ohio, he was made principal of the public schools at Nevada, Wyandot Co., Ohio, which comprised six department schools. In 1885, after six years' service, Mr. Niver resigned his superintendency of the Normal schools, and removed to Bowling Green, where he held the office of superintendent of schools for four years, when he resigned to engage in other business. Mr. Niver was a member of the hardware firm of ,Cumming, Ross & Co., for two and a half years, at the end of which time he sold out his interest, expecting to engage in business for himself. The financial panic which at this time swept over the country, caused him to defer his plans, and in the meantime he was appointed superintendent of the water works, which responsible position he at present holds. Mr. Niver is a man of sterling qualities, well informed on all topics of the day, of good business judgment and executive ability, and is popular with all classes. He was a member of the city council of Bowling Green from 1892 to 1895, and has always used his influence to further the interests of his community. He is a member of Wood county Lodge No. I12, F. & A. M., of which he was master for four years, and also belongs to Crystal Chapter No. 157, R. A. M. Mr. Niver was married July 29, 1879, to Miss Mary Davenport, who was born in Delaware county, Ohio, November 24, one child-Clair E.1855. They have JAMES F. BYRNE. The subject of this sketch was born in Maumee, May 3, 1$44, and is the son of John and Esther Byrne, the former of whom was born in Queens County, Ireland, and came to America when eighteen years of age, settling in Maumee. He was a whip sawyer by trade, and was employed in the shipyards. He was a member of the Roman Catholic Church, and died in 1882, and was buried in Fort Meigs cemetery. To Mr. and Mrs. Byrne were born seven children-six sons and one daughter-only two of whom are living: Edward, now living in Ironville, Ohio, and our subject. James F. grew up in Perrysburg, and obtained his education in the Union schools of that place. 894 - WOOD COUNTY, OHIO. He learned the printer's trade, which he followed for three years, working in Perrysburg and else where. In 1865 he was married to Mrs. Frances Frusher, who was born in England, in 1845. After their marriage Mr. and Mrs. Byrne settled on a farm in Middleton township, and have done general farming ever since. Four children have been born to them. They are: Evalene, John, Esther, and Chester-all at home, except Evalene, who, on April 15, 1896, became the wife of E. J. Spilker. In politics Mr. Byrne is a Democrat. FRED GOEKE, one of the most progressive and enterprising, as well as one of the most successful, farmers in Perrysburg township, is a man deserving of the highest credit for the way in which he has risen by his own efforts, from a poor boy to his present comfortable position in life. Mr. Goeke was born in Wehrendorf, Amt Wittlage, Germany, June 12, 1857. His parents were Fred and Elizabeth (Bemning) Goeke, both natives of Hanover, where they spent their entire lives, the father dying there when fifty-four, and the mother when sixty-three years of age. They were members of the Lutheran Church, and were estimable people. They reared a family of five children, who were named-Frederick, Henry, Elizabeth, William and Claymore; the first named, our subject, preferred to be called Fred, by which name he is now known. When Fred Goeke was eighteen years old, in company with his brothers, William and Henry, he emigrated to America, and finally reached this State, and settled in Perrysburg township, where he worked around on various farms until he had saved money enough to purchase a place of his own. This he was finally able to do, and some eight years ago bought the farm of sixty-one acres on which he now resides. He has made many improvements, has the land under good cultivation, and owes no man anything. Mr. Goeke was married February 20, 1881, to Miss Leah Stauffer, who was born in Perrysburg township, January 3, 1862. Two children have blessed this union, Henry, born October 11, 1883, and John, born January 3, 1886. Mrs. Goeke is a daughter of Henry and Catherine (Echelbarker) Stauffer, both of whom were born in Germany, near the famous river Rhine. Her mother came to America when a little girl, and was the second wife of Mr. Stauffer. By his first marriage, the children of Mr. Stauffer wereAbraham, Annie, Mary and Henry. Those by his second marriage were-Chris., who died in childhood; John; Leah, wife of our subject; Ed.; Katie; Lena; and one who died in childhood. The father died at the age of seventy-seven, and the mother at the age of fifty-four years. Mr. Goeke began life a poor boy, working at small wages as a farm hand, but is now better off than were his employers. He has prospered in a remarkable manner, and holds an enviable position in the community as a citizen and agriculturist. His integrity is unquestioned, and his many sterling qualities have won him hosts of friends. He is a Democrat, and has taken considerable interest in county politics. Both he and his wife are consistent members of the Lutheran Church, and are always ready to assist in any good work. JOHN C. KAZMAIER, a prominent farmer of Perrysburg, was born in Wittenberg, Germany, February 9, 1841, and is the son of Andrew and Mary (Renz) Kazmaier, both of whom were natives of Wittenberg. They came to America in 1846, and settled in Liverpool, Medina county, and in 1866 came to this county, and located on eighty acres of land in Middleton township. He died in Perrysburg, in 1891, at the age of seventy-seven years. Mrs. Kazmaier is living in Perrysburg, where she is a member of the Lutheran Church. To this couple were born eleven children, namely: John C. (our subject), Theresa, August, Annie, Andrew, Mary, Christ, Catherine, George, Helen, and William. All grew to maturity, and are married. John C. came to this county in 1866, and bought some timber land in Middleton township, which he cleared and cultivated. In 1864 he was married to Miss Mary Harthneck, who was born in Liverpool, Ohio, and to them have been born eleven children, as follows: Charles, February 25, 1865, married Alice Goodman, and they have two children, Clyde and Lulu; George, November 3, 1866, married Emma Shider, and one child has been born to them, Merlin; Albert, July 28, 1869, married Jane Frusher, and they have two children, Addie and Hazel; John, June I I, 1871; Henry, March 11, 1874; Frank, January 4, 1876; Andrew, November 18, 1877; Harry, September 1, 1879; Harvy, October 6, 1881; Rosa, October 10, 1884; Robert, June 5, 1887; all are alive. Our subject is a self-made man, and, by perseverance and industry has accumulated a comfortable fortune. He now owns 174 acres of excellent farm land. He is a Democrat in politics, and a member of the Lutheran Church. Mrs. Kazmaier is a daughter of George and Rosa (Renz) Harthneck, both of whom were born in WOOD COUNTY, OHIO. - 895 Wittenberg, Germany, the former in 1808 and the latter in 1820. They were married in Medina county, Ohio, where they now live, and where the wife of our subject was born, September 18, 1844. The Kazmaier family are among the leading people of the county. ABRAHAM M. WHITE, whose honorable and straightforward dealing in all business relations has won him the confidence and regard of those with whom he has been brought in contact, is a native of Pennsylvania, his birth having occurred in Orange township, Columbia county, September 16, 1836. His parents were William and Jane (McMurtrie) White. The father was born in Columbia county, Penn., in 1803, and there married Miss McMurtrie, whose birth occurred in New Jersey, in 1812. When a young man he learned the trade of weaving, which he followed at intervals, but his principle vocation was farming. He became the owner of- an excellent farm of 400 acres in his native county, which at the time of his death was valued at $30,000. In the family were ten children: Elizabeth, wife of Jacob Mallick, of Muncy, Penn.; Mary, wife of George Connor, of Columbus, Penn. ; John M., of the same county; Sarah J., deceased wife of Howard Grimes, of Pennsylvania; Abraham M.; and Isaiah, W. Pierce, Samantha (wife of Peter Evans), Anna Margaret (wife of Harry Townsend), and Alvaretta (wife of Alonzo P. Howell), all of Columbia county. Mr. White, our subject, attended school in his native township until twenty years of age, and for two years was a student in Greenwood Seminary, New Columbus Academy, near his home. He then began teaching in the county of his birth, and for fifteen years followed that profession. In 1863 he went to Unionville, Mich., where he was married on April 20, of that year, to Miss Elmira Edgar, who was born in Columbia county, Penn., in 1841. She was the daughter of John B. and Elizabeth Edgar, who moved from Pennsylvania to Unionville, Mich., in 1858. They were noted for their strict integrity and firm religious convictions, both of the parents and also their children being faithful and consistent members of the Presbyterian Church. They were instrumental in founding a Church of their denomination in their own new home. Mr. Edgar lived to the age of seventy-one, with a mind clear and well-stored with religious and political knowledge. He was also a great student of ancient and modern history. Mrs. Edgar descended from a good old English family named Willet. Immediately after the marriage of our subject and Miss Edgar, they returned to Pennsylvania, and located in his native township where, for a year, they both engaged in teaching school. Mr. White then rented a farm of his father until 1870, when he purchased one hundred acres of land, cultivating the fields through the summer months, and teaching in the winter season. In 1885 he gave his farm in Columbia county for his present farm of 160 acres in Milton township, Wood county. He has since erected a large dwelling, and has made excellent improvements upon the place. To Mr. and Mrs. White have been born six children-Charles Edgar, a farmer of Milton township; Minnie A., wife of Will Stearns, of Liberty township; Betty Edgar, wife of Ernest Hartman, of Weston; John C., A. Myra and Nellie Virginia. at home. In 1864 Mr. White entered the 109th O. V. I. for one hundred days' service. He has always been deeply interested in the welfare and upbuilding of his resident community, and is a valued energetic citizen. Politically he affiliates with the Democratic party, and religiously with the Presbyterian Church, of which he is an active worker, now serving as one of its elders. In 1895 he became tired of farming, and removed to the pretty village of Weston, where he now lives with his wife and two daughters in the modern and tasty home he has erected. JOHN LANCE was born in Sandusky county, Ohio, April 22, 1845. His father, Jacob Lance, was born in Lancaster county, Penn., in 1798, and when a young man went to West Virginia, where he married Sarah Slack, a native of that State. They afterward came to Ohio, making the journey on horse-back, and the father purchased 160 acres of land in Riley township, Sandusky county. Fremont at that time contained only three houses, and the entire region was wild and unimproved. There the parents continued to make their home until called to their final rest. The father died in 1861, and the mother passed away in June, 1888, when almost seventyeight years of age. The children of their family were William, who is living on the old homestead; Julia Ann, wife of E. C. Lindsay, of Riley township, Sandusky county; Henry, a farmer of that county; Emily, who died at the age of eighteen; Franklin, who died in a hospital at Louisville, Ky., in 1862, while serving in the Union army during the Civil war; Sarah, who is living on the old homestead; John, the subject of this sketch; Hiram, a farmer of Riley town- 896 - WOOD COUNTY, OHIO. ship, Sandusky county; and Martha, who died at the age of two years. John Lance was reared on the old home farm, and educated in the district schools of his native county. In 1863, he enlisted in the National Guards for five years' service, and was called out in May, 1864, for duty at Point Lookout, Md., near Washington, to guard the Rebel prisoners. He served for four months, and then returned home. At the age of twenty-two he began teaching school in Sandusky county, which profession he followed for two years, working through the summer months upon the farm. He then went to Cedar county, Missouri, with a view of locating there, but after teaching school for one term, returned to Sandusky county, where he remained until coming to Wood county. During his residence in Missouri, Mr. Lance was married to Wealthy O. Richardson, who was born in Wood county, Ohio, November 6, 18-, a daughter of Joseph and Sallie Miranda (Sweet) Richardson, the former a native of Lancaster county, Penn., the latter of Ohio. The marriage of Mr. and Mrs. Lance was celebrated June 19, 1869, and while living in Missouri their eldest child, Ira Grant, was born March 22, 1870. Soon after they returned to Sandusky county, and lived on the old. Lance homestead until 1874, when they came to Milton township, Wood county, locating on a forty-acre tract of land in the midst of a dense forest. Here the wife and mother died April 11, 1891, and her remains were interred in Milton cemetery. The other children of the family are Sarah M., born April 6,. 1872, now the wife of Fred Jemison, of Webster township; Joseph Roy, born January 30, 1875; Condessa O. , who was born October 6, 1876, and is the wife of Thomas Davidson, of Webster township; Wilbur J., who was born January 31, 1879; Arthur H., born August 8, 188o; James F., born July 18, 1884; George W., born June 26, 1887; and Ethel C., born January 14, 1889. Mr. Lance is a member of the Methodist Church, as was his estimable wife, who had the warm regard of all who knew her. By his ballot he supports the men and measures of the Republican party, but has never been an office seeker. CHARLES W. EVERS was born at Miltonville, Wood Co., Ohio, July 22, 1837. His father, John Evers, who was a bright, energetic man of good intelligence, after finishing his apprenticeship at Cleveland and Akron, as a cabinet maker and carpenter, came out to the Maumee to go into business for himself in 1834. Johnston White, who kept the river ferry between Waterville and Miltonville, had two daughters, Celinda and Margaret. The former and John Evers were married in 1835, at Miltonville, and, in the year 1839 or 1840, moved to central Plain township, where Charles passed his boyhood days. The ancestors of Mr. Evers, the Whites, who were English, crossed the Cumberland Mountains from Virginia into Tennessee, soon after the war of 1812. Mrs. White was a Miss Fuller before marriage. Just what year the family came to the Maumee is not known, but the records show Mr. White to have been one of the judges at the first election in Middleton township, November, 1832. The ancestors of John Evers were German, on the father's side. John's father, after serious business reverses in Maryland, moved with his family to western Pennsylvania, near Pittsburg, and, later, located in Wayne county, Ohio. His mother, in childhood, was a captive with the Indians for seven years, and, at the age of thirteen, ran away from them to escape an abhorrent marriage with the chief's son, whom she disliked. In her flight she came to a stream beyond which she saw some white men, at work, to whom she called, at the same time leaping into the water. She was none too soon, for her pursuers were on, the bank before she reached the far side, which she did with great difficulty, in her exhausted condition. The white men's rifles shielded her from further molestation, and she was restored to her surviving kindred. With all the hardships she endured in common with the Indians while in captivity, they treated her kindly, and she always had a sympathetic word for them. After she came west, her house was a great resort for them, because she fed them, and could talk with them, both in word and sign language. Charles W. Evers, the subject of this sketch, had about the usual experiences and opportunities of boys in that day in the Wood county wilderness. With the duties of the farm he became familiar, and acquired a fair degree of skill in the use of tools in his father's workshop. He also acquired book learning enough to enable him to teach successfully in the district schools. In 1856 he went West in quest of government land for a farm of his own. He expected to proceed to Kansas, but, instead, turned to Minnesota, in order to secure some money he had loaned a man who had located there. Seeing the fine openings there for energetic young men in the professions, he shaped his affairs, and in 1859 returned to attend school. After he had been one year at Oberlin, came the war, in Charles W. Evers WOOD COUNTY, OHIO. - 897 1861, in which he was an early volunteer on the Union side. His regiment, the 2nd Kentucky Infantry, served mostly in the West, beginning with the battle of Shiloh. One of the things Mr. Evers takes pride in, is the fact that he carried his musket faithfully, and never missed a march or battle of his regiment, until wounded and captured at Chickamagua, September 1g, 1863. This ended his army service. After two months' imprisonment at Richmond, he was paroled, and reached the Annapolis hospitals, just in time to save the amputation of his injured leg. Soon after his return home in 1864, he was elected sheriff, and afterward re-elected to a second term. In the duties of the office he had the reputation of being diligent and efficient, both in the civil and criminal administration of the office. It was at this time, 1866, that he was united in marriage with Sarah C. Bronson, daughter of James M. Bronson, of Bloom, whose sketch appears on another page. By this union there are two daughters and one son living: Lena, Mrs. J. A. Murray, of Manchester, Ohio; May, Mrs. B. H. Ross, of San Antonio, Texas; and John, who is attending school. A year or so later Mr. Evers bought a half interest in the Sentinel office, moved to Bowling Green, and assumed the editorship of the paper, which at that time was having a hard struggle for existence at the new county seat. It had a paid subscription list of less than three hundred names, and a small advertising patronage. Mr. Evers threw his whole energy into the work of increasing the paper's circulation, making it aggressively Republican in politics; also, he vigorously advocated local and county interests of every kind. Within the year 1870 he bought the interest of his partner, Robert M. Travis (a bright, talented young man, whose career was cut short by disease), and became sole owner of the office. The subscription list soon ran up to one thousand, and the advertising, official and private, increased, and the paper was on a paying basis. In June, 1872, Mr. Evers sold the office to M. P. Brewer, and gave his attention for a time to some farm interests, and to real-estate dealing in general. In the spring of 1875, he was again drawn into the newspaper business by the pending county seat contest, and to be decided at the polls the following October. To further the cause of Bowling Green, he ,took a managing interest in a campaign paper called the News. At the end of the campaign, the News, which had done good service, and gained some standing, was merged with the Sentinel, and A. W. Rudulph and Mr. Evers became owners of the united concernUnder this joint management the Sentinel prospered, and grew in circulation and influence. Ink 188o, Mr. Rudulph retired from the business,. and Mr. Evers remained sole owner until 1884 when he sold the office to his old associate Mr. Rudulph, since which time he has given his attention to improving his farm lands, town property, etc. Mr. Evers was the first president, and, with S. Case, the mover and organizer of the Bowling Green Natural Gas Company, which sunk the first deep well in Wood county, and which was the forerunner of the wonderful development in oil and gas, now the leading cash-producing industry of the county. He is yet a director and considerable stockholder in the company. He has, on account of his well-known conservative good judgment, backed with a strong public spirit, been frequently called into service in local offices, such as town trustee, city council and school board. As told in the soldier roster in this volume, his brother, John J. Evers, lost his life in battle, and a half brother, Orlando W., died of camp fever, in the war of the Rebellion. While the above are the cold outlines of fact, such as historians put in form and print, and are all properly put so far as they go, the writer of this paragraph and those succeeding it, who, from long and varied association, probably knows Chas. W. Evers better than any other man does, feels that it is not even justice to the history of the development of Wood county to let it go at that. His life has been too prominent a factor in that development; too essentially a part of its hitherto unwritten history, to be allowed to pass down to posterity with no word of eulogy save that which the unfamiliar, and, therefore, unfeeling statistician could elicit from one so naturally retired and unassuming as he. A few men make the history of every community in each succeeding generation. That is, a few shape the destinies, blaze the way-in short, do the thinking for the people, and urge them on to success or failure, according as the judgment and inclinations of the few are good or bad. No one has done more, no one has done as much, to shape the destinies of Wood county in the past three decades, as has Chas. W. Evers; and that the judgment and wishes of himself and associates have been for the greatest good, the blooming, garden-like fields of her twenty townships; her fifty-odd towns and ham- 898 - WOOD COUNTY, OHIO. lets; her $150, 000, 000 wealth, and her 60,000 , good and prosperous citizens are here to testify. A faithful advocate, a far-seeing and ever watchful and fearless champion of Wood county and its interests, his peculiar ''forte " has always been to start a project for the good of the people; stand in the vanguard of the battle, often bedaubed with the mud and slime of calumny, and pierced by the arrows of envy, jealousy and prejudice; and fight on unfalteringly until himself and friends have planted the standard of victory on the walls which crowned their efforts with success; and then, just as credit for a good work was about to be passed over to the championlike the good Black Knight at the Passage of Arms at Ashby he might be seen, by a close observer, slipping quietly out of sight down the green aisles of some distant wood, only to appear, later on, the leader of some new scheme for the advancement of the people, while some other man was wearing the mantle of glory for achievements past. Thus we find him in 1864, going into the management of the old jail, at Perrysburg, as sheriff; twenty-seven years old, unmarried, a boy, scarce well of wounds from Rebel bullets, and almost without financial resource. He find's a number of incurable insane persons confined in the same small building, along with other prisoners of all classes. His instinct of humanity immediately rebelled against such an arrangement, or want of arrangement, and, in a few months after his first incumbency of the office, we find him before the board of county commissioners, zealously laboring, in the face of almost overwhelming opposition, based on economic grounds, for the founding of a county infirmary, where the infirm of mind and the aged poor could receive proper attention. The fight was bitter; but our infirmary, counted the best managed institution of the kind in the State, is the result. Within a few months we again find him, with Auditor Geo. N. Parsons and Commissioner Walter Davidson (both since deceased), planning, and, with the help of others interested, carrying to success the deepening and enlarging of Ditch 12, or that part of the Portage river which extends through Liberty and Jackson townships. This was the most colossal ditch project conceived in the history of the county, or northwestern Ohio, for that matter, up to that time; and was the turning point in the fortunes of the townships containing the most fertile lands in Ohio. Mr. Evers was elected sheriff on one of the first straight-out Republican tickets elected in Wood county, the politics of the county having been so uncertain up o that time that mixed tickets were largely in favor; but when he took hold of the Sentinel, as editor, in 1870, he made the paper unqualifiedly Republican, and supported Dr. E. D. Peck, of Perrysburg, for Congress, he being the Republican nominee. In this he met with the almost united opposition of the voters of central Wood county, who opposed the Doctor on county-seat grounds, and they harassed the new editor in every way short of tar and feathers. Mr. Evers, feeling that he was right, and rising above the petty local squabble, bravely loaded his, at first, poor weakly (spelled both ways) little gun to the muzzle with red-hot Republican and Peck doctrine, and fired it out among people on schedule time throughout the campaign, and walked the streets of Bowling Green with that peculiar light in his cold, grey eye which all men soon learned to respect. He had the satisfaction of seeing his friend Peck elected to Congress; and, better still, taught the people, before he finally retired from its management, to think that '' if the Sentinel says so, it's so." Whether or no all readers may agree with him in politics, must not all concede that the seeds of Republicanism, sown by the pen of Mr. Evers in those days,' had much to do with propagating the 1, 20o reliable Republican majority old Wood now rolls up at each election, though surrounded by strong Democratic counties? About 1876 Mr. Evers, Auditor J. B. Newton and Probate Judge Geo. C. Phelps, drafted a law under which Rocky Ford, the Toussaint, Two Root, and several other immense ditches were constructed, deepened, straightened, which under the old law could not be done if any taxpayer objected in court. When Bowling Green's school facilities were found to be inadequate, and the new central building was projected, Mr. Evers, in command of the Sentinel, led the van against virulent opposition; and though defeated in the first attempt, made a second fight with better results, and our elegant central school building is the result. He led a similar fight to secure the purchase of the city park grounds, about fifteen years ago, when the land could be bought cheaply, and he could foresee that the time would come when they would be wanted and, would cost much more. Many more instances of his leadership in the inception of worthy public projects could be told of Mr. Evers, but in no instance was he ever known to stay to receive any of the credit or share in the glory of conquest. His genius as a writer is not excelled by many WOOD COUNTY, OHIO, - 899 who claim authorship to more numerous and pretentious works that have appeared from his pen. The pioneer sketches which appeared from time to time in the columns of the Sentinel years ago, from his writing; the hearty sympathy with all those advance guards of the nation endured, as evinced by those writings; their truth to life, early in his career as a newspaper man, endeared him to the hearts of every old citizen, and make him respected by their children of to-day. The most considerable : bit of literary work ever published from his pen was the adventures of the Mitchell raiders,. a true story of the war, written for his old friend Alf. Wilson, who was one of the raiders.. It is one of the most touching and thrilling narratives ever put in print. If ever the writer knew a man utterly void of fear, C. W. Evers is that man. Not reckless, foolhardy Fearlessness, but a bravery backed up by an iron will that leaves danger out of every calculation, has been the characteristic of the man. As some incidents in connection with his official career are part of the county history-as the history of nations is largely made up of battles fought and men brought low-the writer is tempted to give a few in confirmation of the assertion of his absolute fearlessness. To be sheriff of Wood county, even as late as the close of the war, was no joke. Much of the year the roads were almost impassable; and all the year the immense forests in some portions of the county afforded hiding places for gangs of horse thieves, counterfeiters, and other marauders, who were much more numerous and bold than at present. In his official capacity Mr. Evers had to do with many of the worst criminals in the Northwest, and his dealings with them were not often in the nature of Sunday-school picnics. A remarkable judge of human nature, he seldom had to give a man a second look to size him up. He was, and is, if he would exercise his talents, a natural detective-of the school not made by politics or supported by blackmail, a species now almost extinct and it went hard with a criminal when he got after him, for he was pretty certain to. come to book sooner of later. At one time he arrested a great big ruffian up near Milton Center, and was riding in the " caboose " on an evening train on the C. H. & D. R. R., on the way to Perrysburg, when the fellow, though handcuffed, and the train going twenty miles an hour, jumped out by the side door, which was open. Without a moment's hesitation Evers sprang after him, and was severely injured by falling on a pile of ties at the side of the track. Staggering .up, however,. he gave chase and finally overhauled his man, and was walking back toward Tontogany, near which village the escape occurred, when the fellow struck him a terrific blow on the head with the handcuffs, knocking him momentarily senseless. Arousing himself, he heard his man climbing a fence a little distance off, again gave chase, and by firing a couple of shots at the man induced him to stop. The two men then sat down on the ground, only a few feet apart, and glowered at each other; both bleeding profusely from the wounds and bruises, both completely dead-beat. A posse from Tontogany, who had been informed of the escape by the trainmen, who had run the train back when the men were missed, came out, attracted by Mr. Evers' shots, and, when they found how badly used up the sheriff was, were only prevented by stern threats from using violence to the prisoner on the spot. Late one Sunday evening he went in to lock the prisoners in their cells, when one of them, secreted at the entrance, struck him a heavy blow on the head with a stick of wood, and at the same time threw a cup full of ashes in his eyes; the intention being to let all the prisoners escape, and all preparations had been made with that end in view. But in this they reckoned without their host; for Mrs. Evers, who always accompanied her husband on these occasions, quickly closed and barred the corridor door as soon as she saw the first blow struck, and then called coolly to the men, telling them that under no circumstances would she open the door. This was not what the men had counted on. They had presumed that she, woman-like, would, on seeing her husband in danger, either run screaming away, or run in the corridor, in either case leaving them free to go as soon as they could dispose of Mr. Evers. But she was not that kind of a bride. With a wit quick as lightning, and a nerve as cool as her husband's, she took in the situation at a glance, and knew that, with the doors closed against them, the men would have no further provocation to hurt her husband, as they could not secure indemnity for themselves for so doing by flight. And she judged rightly, for no sooner did she get the men to understand that the door was locked than they became docile, and apologized, and went meekly to their cells; though Mr. Evers was so blinded by the ashes, and stunned and exhausted by the terrific struggle and blow, that Mrs. Evers had to call the servant girl to come and let her into the corridor to lock the cell doors, and find her husband's keys which had been dropped on the floor in the melee. It will be observed, by the way, that Mr. E. does not possess quite all the old-fashioned grit there is in that family. 900 - WOOD COUNTY, OHIO. "Naturally secretive and undemonstrative, one has to run across Mr. Evers' tracks, as I have done (continues the writer), "to detect the many-acts of unassuming but liberal charity which have-I was near saying-marked the course of Mr. Evers' life; but it was not so, for it has been his way that these things should leave no mark. But, nevertheless, they have filled many a flour barrel and warmed many a heart and body, just as well as if performed with brass-band accompaniment. "A great lover of nature, both animate and inanimate, I believe _he observed, almost with regret, the gradual but sure retirement of the great forests of Wood county before the advance of the hardy pioneers, and, at the same time, no man has evinced throughout his life a stronger affection for, and sympathy with, those same pioneers. It seems as if in his fancy he has always associated his memory and reverence for them with the lordly oaks of the primeval forests which they tamed, and felt that they, like himself, possessed, truly, 'hearts of oak.' "I have trod with him the great forests of the far north, and with him admired, hours long, the gorgeous, changing hues of the maple, oak, and birch, as the frosts of autumn touched them with their magic hand; drank from the same spring; eaten our venison and bacon from astride the same log; slept under the same blanket, and watched the alternating clouds and stars in the grand vault of the heavens, and listened to the many voices of the night together; toiled many a long day together, in sunshine and shower; and now, with all-the vicissitudes of his extremely useful life, past and to come, I say, most heartily, I want the Almighty to send me no truer, more unassuming or more appreciable companion, to the day or occasion, than Charles W. Evers. And this, and much more, I deem his due and history's due, when it is being written of Wood county." HENRY F. ARNDT. Among the well-to-do agriculturists who came to Wood county in the latter days of its prosperity, and who are becoming identified with its material interests, is the citizen whose name begins this sketch, who resides in Section 5, Lake township. His birth occurred in Toledo, Ohio, January 4, 1857. His father, Christ Arndt, was born in Mecklenburg, Germany, in 1821, and was single on coming to the New World, but in this country married Fredreka Sanders, also a native of the Fatherland, born in 1822. They were sincere members of the Lutheran Church, and the mother now finds a pleasant home with our subject. To them .were born two children, Henry F., of this review, being the only one now living. His education was obtained in Lake township, he having: attended the schools at Walbridge. In 1878 was celebrated the marriage of Henry F. Arndt and Miss Dorothea Consor, who was born in Germany December 10, 1860, and they have become the parents of five children, who, in order of birth, are as follows: Fred; Elsie; Walter, .who died at the age of two years and four months; Amelia; and Leona, who died at the age of one year and ten months. Mr. Arndt has lived on his present farm since he was four years old, and he has his land under a high state of cultivation, being numbered among the most thoroughly reliable and enterprising farmers of Lake township. Politically he affiliates with the Republican party, in whose principles he sees the best guarantees for the preservation of our popular form of government; is identified with the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, and his religious views are those held by the Universalists. CORTLAND . R. HOPKINS, whose well-known probity and upright character class him among the valued citizens and representative business men of Custar, well deserves mention in the history of Wood county. He was born in Blanchard township, Hancock county, April 23, 1848, and is a son of Matthew E. and Mary Maria (Runnels) Hopkins. He is of Scotch extraction, and a descendant of John Hopkins, one of the signers of the Declaration of Independence, who emigrated to America with his two brothers. The parents of our subject were both natives of Ohio, and the father was a farmer by occupation. After their marriage they removed to Hancock county, locating on a farm of 45o acres which Mr. Hopkins cultivated until his death. His widow still survives. In the family were eight children, namely: Cortland R.; Amanda, wife of Joab Moffet, of Putnam county, Ohio; Meroa, wife of jasper Dukes, of Hancock county; Caroline, wife of Nelson Coleman, of Hancock county; Cary M., a farmer of Harper county, Kans. ; Laura, who died in infancy; Nora, wife of F. M. Hummons, of Putnam county, Ohio; and Alma, who died at the age of five years. Our subject completed the course of the public schools of his native town, and then pursued a three-years' scientific course in Oberlin College, after which he entered Cornell University, New York, where he remained for two terms. After his return home he was married at Warsaw, Ind., WOOD COUNTY, OHIO. - 901 September 23, 1873, to Miss Quincie A. Sorbie, who was born in Hancock county, Ohio, in September, 1852. Mr. Hopkins then went to the West through the influence of an uncle in Iowa, who offered him great inducements to goto that State. He located on a 1,00o-acre tract of land owned by his uncle, and farmed that successfully for five years, after which he purchased eighty acres of wild land in Liberty township, Wood county, and returned to his native State. He afterward added, to this, 300 acres, and became the owner of a valuable farm. In the fall of 1892 he was taken ill, and for a year was unable to engage in active business. Owing to financial difficulties with one who pretended to be his friend, he was forced to sell 400 acres of his land. Previous to his illness he had built a grain elevator in Custar, and in the spring of 1894 he removed to this place, and has since given his attention to the business there, handling coal, hay, grain and straw, and enjoying a good business. He also owns considerable town property in Custar, and through his own efferts has acquired a comfortable competence. Mr. Hopkins is a Republican in politics, and was elected mayor of Custar in the spring of 1896; although the town is strongly Democratic, he was elected by a large majority over his competitor for the office, which he fills to the satisfaction of the people, and with credit to himself. He is an intelligent, popular and enterprising citizen. He and his wife had two children, but both are now deceased. Minnie, born in Iowa, October 12, 1874, died December 20, 1879. Mabel, born in Wood county; died at the age of six months. F. K. STACY, one of the leading business men of Bloomdale, was born in Lowellville, Mahoning Co., Ohio, on August 5, 1846, and is a son of Thomas and Margaret (McGill) Stacy. The father, who was also a native of Mahoning county, was by trade a carpenter, and died in that county at the age of seventy-three years. The mother died at Lowellville when past the age of eighty years. They were the parents of a large family, only a few of whom lived to adult age. The paternal grandfather of our subject, Thomas Stacy, became one of the ' early settlers of Mahoning county, where he owned a great deal of land, and was very wealthy. Leaving home at the age of sixteen, Mr. Stacy, of this sketch, began work on the Beaver & Ohio canal, there holding different positions for two years, at the expiration of which time he went to Hancock county, Ohio, having an acquaintance living in Cass township. For a few years he there worked as a farm hand, receiving $30 for six months' work. Later he learned broom making, which trade he followed in Cass township until 1876, when he came to Bloomdale, being the first broom maker in the place, and there engaged in that pursuit for seven years. In 1883 he became a member of the firm of Stacy, Linhart & Co., who owned 32o acres of timber land in Pleasant township, Hancock county, where they were engaged in getting out lumber until the fall of 1888, during which time his family lived in a small plank house in the midst of the woods, near the sawmill. Mr. Stacy then returned to Bloomdale; but for two years still continued to buy lumber with the firm, and also conducted a restaurant. In the spring of 1891, he purchased the interest of S. W. Strimple in the elevator business, becoming a partner of T. J. Campbell, and also carried on a grocery store. He has been identified with the tile factory at different times, having built the original factory about 1878, and was one of the company that platted the Star addition to Bloomdale. On February 1, 1895, he became sole owner of the grain and elevator business, which is the only business of the kind in the city. In Allen township, Hancock county, on December 21, 1871, Mr. Stacy led to the marriage altar Miss Alice E. Markle, a native of Canada, and a daughter of E. C. Markle, a pumpmaker by trade. The father is an own cousin of W. F. Cody, so well known as "Buffalo Bill." She was but a child when brought to the United States. By her marriage with our subject she has become the mother of two children-Jennie I. and Eugene C. The latter was a member of the first class to graduate from the Bloomdale High School (1895), and has been engaged in writing biographical sketches. Mr. Stacy is one of the foremost citizens of Bloomdale, enterprising and public spirited, wide-awake to every improvement and advancement of that beautiful little city, and was one of the party who built the first sidewalk and set out the first shade trees, and also contributed ten dollars toward the completion of the school house. He was a charter member of McComb Lodge, Knights of Pythias order, and for over twenty years belonged to the Odd Fellows Society, but has now dropped his membership. His political support is given the Republican party. For two terms he served as alderman, being a member of the first city council, and was elected mayor to fill out the unexpired term of T. J. Campbell, after which he was re-elected, serving WOOD COUNTY, OHIO. - 902 in all three years. For years he has been a member of the hunting parties from Bloomdale to northern Wisconsin, Michigan and the Rocky mountains. On September 27, 1895, while on one of these hunting expeditions in the Rocky mountains, being alone, and a half mile from camp (which was about twenty miles north of Meeker, Colo.), he killed a large male mountain lion measuring seven feet and two inches from the end of the nose to the tip of the tail. When Mr. Stacy shot, the animal was just thirty feet from him, and was creeping slowly toward him, looking him in the face all the time. Mr. Stacy has been quite successful in his businesss ventures, for which he deserves much credit, as his property has all been acquired through his own unaided efforts and perseverance. Mrs. Stacy, a most estimable lady, is a member of the Lutheran Church. J. F. SMITH, the senior partner of the firm of Smith & Wineland, well-known brick and tile manufacturers of Bloomdale, is one of the representative self-made men, and belongs to a prom inent family. He is an Ohioan by birth, of Scotch descent, and first saw the light in Logan county, July 12, 1858. He came to Wood county with his parents, W. E. and Margaret Smith, when he was but seven years old, and passed through the ordinary experiences of the boys of that time, with an abundance of work, and but limited educational privileges. The improved schools of today have no firmer friend than Mr. Smith, his own deprivations giving him a keen appreciation of their value. Up to the age of twenty-one he remained at home, except for two seasons on the farm of Thomas and Jerry Loman, in Perry township. In the fall of 1879 he went to Page county, Iowa, and, after working for one year on a farm, he bought a team and rented a farm, starting in business on his own account. He returned home, and on April 24, 1882, was married, in Bloom township, to Miss Dillie Loman, youngest daughter of Richard Loman, a pioneer of Perry township. For two years after this happy event, he clerked in the store of Emerson Bros., of Bloomdale, where he bought a home. In the fall of 1885 he went to Iowa again, and rented a farm for two years, in Page county, expecting there to make his home; but in October, 1887, yielding to the desires of others, he came back to Bloomdale, and resumed his work in the store. Early in 1889 he bought a one-third interest in the Bloomdale Brick and Tile Works, the firm being Stacy, Smith & Co., and in 1891 he became a half owner, with Mr. Wineland. This business has prospered under his energetic management, and he has engaged in other enterprises at the same time, helping to organize the Bloomdale Building & Loan Association, and serving as its first president, a position which he declined the second year. He is a stockholder in the Bloomdale Creamery Co., and managed it in 1895. He is also a stockholder in the Lakeside Encampment, at Lakeside, Ohio. It is said that it is the really busy people who can find time to do things, and Mr. Smith furnishes an example to support the rule, as he is an active worker in the Radical United Brethren Church, a trustee, class leader, and superintendent of its Sundayschool. He is a liberal contributor to Church work, and to all measures designed to benefit the community. His pleasant home is brightened by two children: Hazel, now eleven years old, and Ruth, aged two years. In February, 1895, Mr. Smith met with a sad accident. While feeding a chopmill at the works, on a very cold morning, his right hand, on which he wore a glove, was caught, necessitating its amputation one inch above the wrist. Mr. Smith is one of the active managers of the Prohibition party in this vicinity, having left the Republican fold in 1888. He has been secretary of the county organization, and in 1894 was the candidate for county recorder. He was elected village councilman for the one-year term, in the spring of 1891, and in 1894 was elected for three years, in which position his abilities and qualifications for righteous government are manifest. In the recent Presidential campaign, Mr. Smith took great interest; he is a strong advocate of the free coinage of silver, and was a candidate for Presidential elector on the National ticket. THOMAS W. TAYLOR. Among the well-known and prosperous farmers of Wood county, is the gentleman whose name we here present. Thomas Taylor, father of Thomas W., was born in Huntingdon county, Penn.. April 19, 1800. At a mature age he was married to Miss Sarah Keeth, who was two years his junior, she being born in the same county, January 3, 1802. His occupation was that of a farmer and stock-dealer. Some time after their marriage they moved to Richland county, Ohio, and while here six children were born to them: Levi, September 30, 1821; Mary Jane, September 10, 1823; George W., August 23, 1825; Louis K., November 15, 1827; Thomas W., March 22, 183o, and William, October 30, 1832. In April of the year 1834, Mr. and Mrs. Taylor moved to Wood county, Ohio, and while here four more children were WOOD COUNTY, OHIO. - 903 born to them: Andrew J., April 11, 1836; Martha A., September 10, 1838; James, March 20, 1841; and Harriet M., August 29, 1843. On June 27, 1852, Mrs. Sarah (Keeth) Taylor died. In the spring of 1854 Thomas Taylor, Sr., married Margaret Warner Clark, and to them were born three children: John W., September 19, 1856; Henry L., April 7, 186o; and Sarah E. August 15, 1863. Thomas Taylor, Sr., died April 9, 1870, and his widow followed him January 12, 1892. Six of the children are yet living, namely: Louis K., Thomas W., Martha A., Harriet M., John W., and Henry L. Three of the boys were in the army: William was a member of Company H, 21st O. V. I., and was killed at Stone River, January 2, 1863; James was a member of Company H, 21st O. V. I., and was killed at Vining Station, Ga., July 9, 1864; Thomas W. was a member of Company K, 111th O. V. I. He enlisted August 21, 1862, and by reason of a "Surgeon's certificate of disability," was discharged at Bowling Green, Ky., after eight months and twelve days service. The early education of our subject was acquired by working nights and mornings for his board, and paying for his tuition by working at from 25 cents to 50 cents per day. At the age of twenty-three, in company with his brother Levi, he crossed the Plains with a drove of sheep, transporting their provisions with three yoke of oxen, two horses and a mule. When they left Council Bluffs, Iowa, their flock consisted of over nine hundred head; but, before they reached their destination, it had dwindled to about four hundred; they, also lost four oxen. In 1859 he returned to Ohio and engaged in farming, which occupation he again resumed on his return from the army. By hard work and good management Mr. Taylor has made himself a financial success, being the possessor of three fine farms besides considerable town and personal property. Although Mr. Taylor has never married, he has been a husband to the widow and a father to the fatherless, always kind, and liberal to charity and to enterprise. He has been a member of the town council; is a member of the G. A. R. and K. of P., and has held several positions of trust. He has always been a great reader, and has a large library well-stocked with choice books; is a wellposted man on almost any subject, and is always " up to date" on the political issues of the day. Both Mr. Taylor and his father voted the Democratic ticket until 186o, when they joined the Republican forces. In 1853, Thomas Taylor, Sr., laid off thirtyone lots of what was then " Taylortown," but later on was called '" New Westfield," and later still "Weston." The town has now grown to be a thriving village of 1,500 inhabitants-in fact there is no better town in northwestern Ohio. It has finer residences, is morally better, and has church and business ability second to none. . Its schools give a complete course preparatory to a college education. JOHN OSBURG, one of the oldest German pioneers of the vicinity of Perrysburg, and a retired farmer, is a native of Prussia, Germany, where he was born June 24, 1816. The parents of Mr. Osburg both lived and died in Prussia. Mr. Osburg, Sr., was married four times, our subject being the only child by his first wife. His second marriage resulted in two children: Ignatius, who died in St. Louis, Mo., and Mary, who married Mr. Cenging, and died in Lucas county, Ohio. Our subject was educated in Prussia, and served in the German army one year, after which he learned the blacksmith's trade. He was married in Prussia, October 16, 1836, to Miss Dorotha Nolte, who was born March 4, 1813. They embarked from Bremen for America in a sailing vessel, and after a voyage of seven weeks landed at New York, and came direct to Perrysburg, reaching here November 10, 1848. In 1851 Mr. Osburg bought six acres of land then heavily timbered, but now comprising a part of the corporation of Perrysburg, besides which he has twelve more acres, also inside the corporation. He followed the occupations of teaming and farming until he retired, in 188o. Mrs. Osburg died April 12, 1895, at the age of eighty-two. Of their ten children, a record of the following is given: Marguerite died at the age of ten on the way to America, and was buried in mid ocean. Mary was born in Germany, came to Perrysburg, this county, with her parents, and in 1854 married John Snyder, a native of Switzerland, who came to the United States when a young man, and settled in Perrysburg, where he now resides. His wife died in 1862. Three children were born to them: Mary was married in 1886, to C. F. Koschland, and died in 1888; Elizabeth became the wife of John C. Hahn, in 1890, and has one child-Arthur J. (they now live with our subject at Perrysburg); Carrie is now living in Toledo. Mr. Snyder's second marriage resulted in five children: Alice, now Mrs. Fred Henry, of Perrysburg; Frank, Harry, Ada and Clarence. Mr. Osburg is a Democrat, and a member of the Roman Catholic Church, and in spite of nearly eighty-one years, is a prominent factor in his community. WOOD COUNTY, OHIO. - 904 JOHN C. BAKER. Occasionally one meets a man pursuing with apparent contentment some quiet calling, whose mental powers seem so far beyond any possible chance of development and use in his present surroundings, and so superior to those of some who fill a prominent place in the public eye, that one wonders what would have been the result had the man been given in youth a liberal intellectual training, and the opportunity to bring his forces fully into play in contact with the world's best thinkers. Some such thought must cross the mind of any one who converses long with John C. Baker, a hard-working and successful farmer of Bloom township. Born in Fairfield township, Columbiana county, April 5, 1831, of parents who were far from wealthy, his energies have, from an early age, been devoted to the task of securing a competence. That he has done, and done well, as his 315 acres of fine farming land give convincing evidence; but had his strong will been fixed upon any other purpose, his success might have been even more remarkable. John Baker, our subject's grandfather, came to Columbiana county in 1817, from Adams county, Penn., and settled as a pioneer farmer. He and his wife, Catherine (Mummert), reared a family of eleven children: Sarah, William, Elizabeth, Abraham, Catherine, Jonas and Moses (twins), Isaac, Samuel, Lydia and Rebecca. Abraham Baker, father of our subject, was born March 30, 18o8, in Adams county, Penn., and when nine years of age accompanied his parents to Ohio. On June 22; 1830, he was married, in Columbiana county, to Elizabeth Cope, a native of Frederick county, Va., born October 13, 18o8, whose parents, John and Mary (McCabe) Cope, came to Columbiana county in 1810. The ancestry of this family has been traced back to the time of the landing of William Penn, and W. T. Cope, the present State treasurer of Ohio, is one of its representatives. In the fall of 1854 Abraham Baker moved to Hancock county, where he rented a farm in Allen township for a year. In the spring of 1856 he came to Wood county and bought forty acres in Section 31, Bloom township, where he and his wife spent their remaining years. In politics he was at first a Whig, later becoming an ardent Abolitionist and joining the Republican party on its formation. He was a regular voter, but never sought or held office. He died May 27, 1888, his wife surviving him until August 15, 1894, and both now rest in Van Buren cemetery. Of their eight children John C., our subject, was the eldest; Sarah A. is now Mrs. J. R. Slatterback, of Allen township, Hancock county ; Joshua C. is a resident of the same locality; Elisha M. is a farmer at South Auburn, Neb.; Jason was a member of Company G, 21st O. V. I., and was wounded at Chattahoochie River, Ga., July 9,1864, dying two days later (he is buried in the Chattanooga cemetery); Joseph N. is a teacher at Bowling Green; Isaac P. enlisted February 2, 1862, in Company G, 21st O. V. I., and died February 6, 1863, at Nashville, Tenn., where his remains now rest; Mary C. married Frank Pattee, and they reside in Douglas county, Wisconsin. John C. Baker grew to manhood at his native place, and was given the best educational advantages that the neighborhood afforded, in the subscription schools of the day. These he has since improved upon by reading and observation, his remarkable memory enabling him to gain a wide range of practical information. At the age of nineteen he began to learn the carpenter's trade, which lie afterward followed for many years. On September 26, 1852, he married Miss Mary Haberstick, who was born in Salem township, Columbiana county, September 30, 1827, the daughter of Casper Haberstick, a native of Switzerland. On October 1, 1861, Mr. Baker left his native county with his family and located in Allen township, Hancock county, where they remained until March, 1867, when he came to Henry township, Wood county, and purchased twenty-seven acres of land, partly improved. For several years he followed his trade in connection with farming, and thus secured a start; but his attention is now given to the management of his estate. He owns 235 acres in Bloom and Henry townships, and eighty in De Kalb county, Ind. His homestead near North Baltimore is an excellent farm, upon which he erected substantial buildings before he quit working at his trade. On September 26, 1864, he enlisted in Company F, 47th O. V. I., and joined the regiment at Marietta, Ga. His first battle was at Fort McAllister, and he participated in the other engagements of Sherman's campaign until he reached Beaufort, S. C., where sickness compelled him to enter the hospital. On May 7, 1865, he left for Washington on the "General Barnes," and entered Finley Hospital there. He was discharged on general order June 5, 1865, and five days later arrived home. Mr. Baker's first wife died September 22, 1875, leaving three children-Jeremiah, a resident of Garrett, Ind., and an engineer on the B. & O. R. R.; Joshua, a farmer of Garrett, Ind.; and Vine (now Mrs. Loren Eyler), of Henry John C. Baker WOOD COUNTY, OHIO. - 905 township. On December 5, 1878, Mr. Baker married Mrs. Amelia Erb, the widow of Peter Erb, and daughter of Andrew and Leah (Christ) Simon. In politics Mr. Baker has been a Republican from his first vote for John P. Hale. He is no office seeker, but was once elected supervisor against his wish, his well-known ability, his capacity for hard work, and genial nature, having made him the choice of his friends throughout the community for that position. JAMES D. ANDERSON, a leading agriculturist and stock-dealer of Wood county, now residing in Bowling Green, is a native of the county, born in Center township, December 25, 1845. The grandfather of our subject, James Anderson, was born in Ireland, and came to America in early manhood. He married Catherine McMullen, of Trumbull county, Ohio, and they had ten children. James Anderson lived on a farm, although he was a school teacher by occupation. He died in about 1828, in Trumbull county.' The father of our subject, the late Stewart Anderson, was born in 1811, in Trumbull county, Ohio, where he lived until 1833, when, having learned the cabinet-maker's trade, he came to Wood county and established himself. in that business, and also worked at the carpenter's trade, making specialties, as trade developed, of chairmaking and undertaking. In the latter branch of his business he had a practical monopoly for many years. For some time previous to his death, which occurred in 1885, he gave his attention to agricultural pursuits. His sterling qualities of character made him influential among a wide circle of acquaintances, and he was locally prominent as a member of the Republican party and in all progressive movements. He married Miss Eliza Phillips, who was born in Stark county, Ohio, in 1820, and is still living. They had three children, of whom Albert, the eldest, enlisted under Capt. Day, of Bowling Green, in the 111 th O. V. I., and died at Raleigh, N. C., after he had served his time and received his discharge. Mary, the youngest, is the widow of Aaron Drumheller, of Center township. The subject of our sketch, the second of the family, received his early education in the district schools near his birthplace. In the spring of 1864 he enlisted in Company F, 144th O. V. I., for one hundred days, under Capt. Cook, of Perrysburg, and spent the greater portion of his term of enlistment at Annapolis Junction, Md. He was the youngest member of his company. On his return home he engaged in the lumber business, and ran a sawmill for nine years in Center township. He then turned his energies to farming, beginning with a tract of forty acres, and to fattening and shipping cattle, in which business he has ever since continued. Of late years he has dealt chiefly in sheep, and in both these lines he is among the most prominent in the county, having 473 acres of land under cultivation, and fattening annually about i,600 head of sheep, besides other live stock in small lots; this year he fattened 3, 500 head. He also deals heavily in stock, shipping on an average three car-loads a week, principally to Buffalo. Mr. Anderson has been the architect of his own fortune, and this simple record of results accomplished speaks more convincingly of thrift and wisely-directed energy than could any words of praise. In 1878 Mr. Anderson was married to Miss Isabella Reed, who was born in Wood county. March 8, 1854, and they have two children Louis and Florence. In July, 1891, the family moved to Bowling Green, where they have a fine home, though Mr. Anderson still conducts his farm. Politically our subject is an Independent, and in 1878, he was nominated for sheriff of Wood county on the Greenback ticket. Socially he is a member of the I. O. O. F., of Bowling Green, and of the Royal Arcanum. Mrs. Anderson's parents, Robert and Isabella (Forester) Reed, were both born in Scotland, the father in 1804, the mother in 1812. They came to the United States in 1833, settling in Perrysburg, Wood Co., Ohio, where he conducted a store and bakery, he being a baker by trade. He died in 1855, the mother in December, 1861. They had a family of ten children : John, Thomas, Ellen, Robert, William, Archibald, James, Elizabeth, Isabella, and one that died in infancy in Scotland. Only three of this large family now survive : Robert, who lives in Michigan; William, near Findlay, Ohio; and Mrs. Anderson. Five of the sons served in the army during the Civil war; Thomas and Robert were members of a Michigan regiment; William of the 21st O. V. I., and Archibald and James of the 72nd O. V. I. After the battle of Stone River, James, being ill, was put on a boat to be sent home, and was never heard from afterward. ABRAM FIKE, a prominent merchant and business man of Prairie Depot, was, born in Ashland county, Ohio, May 14, 1847. When he was quite young his parents moved to Osceola, Crawford county. Samuel Fike, his father, married Miss Mary Heltman, and engaged in the mercantile business in Osceola, where, through the dishon- 906 - WOOD COUNTY, OHIO. esty of others, he became greatly reduced financially. In 186o the family came to Wood county, and located in Montgomery township, along the "McCutchenville pike," on an eighty-acre tract, known as the Schuman Farm." Mr. Fike was one of the early settlers in the township, and was at that time in comfortable circumstances, having sold his farm in Crawford county for a good price. He remained on the Schuman Farm " until his death, which occurred when he was forty-eight years of age. His widow is now Mrs. Dennis Pember, of Prairie Depot. The children born to Mr. and Mrs. Fike were as follows: Frank, a druggist, of Prairie Depot; Abram, our subject; Fianna, now Mrs. B. O'Dell, .of Jerry City; and Nellie, married to Dr. Brooke, of Prairie Depot. Samuel Fika was a Democrat, but took only a voting interest in politics. He was a member of the Disciples Church, a respected citizen and a good neighbor. Our subject attended the district schools, acquiring such education as it was possible to obtain in those days, and was twelve years old when his parents came to Wood county, from which time he was reared as a farmer's boy. On December 10, 1868, he was married in Fostoria to Miss Jerusha E. Hays, who was born May 11, 1847, in Fostoria. Her parents were James and Emily S. (Chapman) Hays, the former of whom was born July 15, 1816, and was a son of Henry and Hetty (Marshall) Hays, early pioneers of Perry township. He was in his ' , teens " when his father brought him to Perry township, where he was reared as a pioneer farmer's boy. On May 9, 1844, he was married in Fostoria to Miss Emily S. Chapman, who was born in Montville, Ohio, daughter of George and Lois (Bates) Chapman; when a girl she came to Fostoria, attended school there, and worked at the trade of a tailor, which she had learned; she also taught school for a time. James Hays had been teaching school before his marriage, after which he lived in Fostoria for awhile. He was a well-known instructor, having taught school for forty-nine years, at different places in Wood county. On May 10, 1854, he and his family left Fostoria for Polk county, Iowa, where he taught school, later teaching at Hartford, same State, where he built a home. His wife died in Polk county March 15, 1857, and was buried in DesMoines, Iowa. Two children came to them: Edward T., born July 12, 1845, a minister in the Christian Church at Lawrenceburg, Ind.; and Jerusha E., born May 11, 1847, wife of our subject. James Hays married, for his second wife, in Hartford, Iowa, Miss Elizabeth K. Middleton, a native of Indiana, and the following children blessed this union.: Arthur B., born November 8, 1859, an attorney of Ogden, Utah; Mary, born July 19, 1864, who died in infancy; and Bertha Z., born April 2, 1872 now Mrs. L. V. Petre, of Wells, Minnesota. In 1860 Mr. Hays returned to Ohio and located in Fostoria, where he had owned property since his first residence there. While in Iowa he had lived at Des Moines, Hartford, Palmyra and Wheeling, and he taught school in each place. After his return from Iowa he lived in Fostoria continuously until his death, on July 31, 1888. Mrs. Hays now lives in Wells, Minn., with her daughter. Mr. Hays was an excellent disciplinarian in the schoolroom, and was most successful in training the young mind. At seventy-two years of age, but a few weeks previous to his death, he taught in the public schools of Fostoria. He was a thoroughly systematic man, and the chores around his house were all performed with the same care and precision that characterized his work in the schoolroom. He was a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church, was superintendent of the Sunday-school for years, and was at one time a licensed exhorter,, but throat trouble compelled him to abandon that. Politically he was at one time a Republican, but in his later years was a Prohibitionist. After his marriage our subject lived on the home farm, which he rented, until about 1875, when he removed to Prairie Depot. At this period of his life he was only a common workman, being employed as a hand in his brother's sawmill. Subsequently, however, he formed a partnership with David Reed, and opened a tinware store, with a stock worth about $300, to which they afterward added a small line of hardware. Later Mr. Fike sold out his business interests to a Mr. Childs, from Norwalk, Ohio, and, again renting the home farm, resumed the tilling of the soil, remaining there for some time, and then going again to Prairie Depot. At this time he could command some capital and he engaged in various business enterprises, among others that of butchering. Then he was employed as a clerk in the store of Addison Lansdale, where he remained two years, or until his employer sold out. Mr. Fike then went to Risingsun, Ohio, where he was in the employ of a merchant named Ensminger for about six months. Returning to Prairie Depot, he embarked in the brokerage business, having his residence a part of the time in Toledo. He was then for two years in partnership with O. A. Diver, dealing in general merchandise in Prairie Depot, and was instrumental in starting the first exchange bank WOOD COUNTY, OHIO. - 907 in the place, in 1893, forming a partnership in that business with A. F. Basey, and is at present carrying on the same. In 1884 he built the comfortable home where he now resides, and he also owns his store building. Mr. Fike has been a shrewd, careful business man, and has amassed a competency in his later years. He has always been considered an excellent buyer, and has been very successful in his trades in land and other property. His reputation as an honorable citizen is of the highest, and he is popular with all classes of men. Mr. Fike is a Democrat, but has never mixed up much in political matters, beyond casting his vote for the men he considers best qualified to hold office, and he has served as a member of the city council of Prairie Depot. Socially he is a member of the I. O. O. F., Lodge No. 402, of Toledo. Mrs. Fike was before her marriage a school teacher in Wood county, having secured a teacher's certificate before she was eighteen years old. She is a most estimable lady, and shares with her husband the regard of their fellow citizens. JOSIAH RICHARDSON, a well-known and substantial farmer of Perry township, is a native of Vermont, born April 3, 1823, in the town of Weston, Windsor county. The parents of our subject were Josiah and Ann (Davis) Richardson, the former born in Temple, N. H.. October 25, 1786. The mother was a native of the same State, born about 1800. They came west in the spring of 1834 with their family of four children, their destination being La Porte, Lorain Co., Ohio, and their journey being made via the Erie canal from Troy to Buffalo, and from there by lake to Cleveland, thence to La Porte. Here the father rented land for a time, afterward purchasing a tract in La Grange township, which was heavily timbered, and required much labor to clear. This was afterward sold at a profit, and forty-two acres, also timber land, purchased in Grafton township. In three years this land was almost entirely cleared, and here the mother died in 1842, leaving the following children: James M., residing in Richland county, Ohio; Isaac W., who died in February, 1893, in Granger township, Medina Co., Ohio; Josiah, the subject of this sketch; Betsey A., who married a Mr. Gray, and on his death became the wife of Hiram Newhalt, who is also deceased (she resides at Brighton Center, Lorain county). After the death of the mother the father came to Wood county, and Made his home with our subject until he, too, passed, away, January 8, 1862, his remains being interred in the cemetery at Center. He was a man of robust health until his last illness, which baffled the best medical skill. He was in his early years a Democrat, but afterward became a Republican. Our subject was eleven years old when his parents removed from Vermont, and his schooling was such as was common in those early days; after coming to Ohio he experienced the hardships and privations of the pioneers, whose efforts were given to wresting from the forests the land on which they intended making their homes, and whose virgin soil was to blossom with fruitful fields and glow with golden harvests. To this work his youthful days were given, and he remained on the home place until his marriage, which event took place December 5, 1844, when he was united to Miss Elmina Crane. She was born in Schoharie county, N. Y., August 9, 1829, daughter of Charles and Lydia (Fuller) Crane, who came to Ohio in the fall of 1834 and located in La Grange township, Lorain county, where Mrs. Richardson was educated in the district school and grew to womanhood. At the time of our subject's marriage he had the management of the home place of forty-two acres, but in the spring of 1853 he removed to Perry township, Wood county, where the previous fall he had purchased 12o acres of partially improved land in Section 21. He made the journey by rail to Fremont, and from there by team. He remained on that farm until the spring of 186o, when he purchased 146 acres in Section 31, Perry township, where he has since made his home. During this time he has sold a portion of his land, which is now part of two other farms, retaining 103 acres, which are under a state of good cultivation. Politically Mr. Richardson was for many years a stanch Republican, but his bitter enmity to the liquor traffic has caused him to take an active interest in the success of the Prohibition party, and the highest ambition he has is to see the sale of intoxicating liquors, as a beverage, abolished. He is a wellinformed man, and while not a Church member, he is a Christian in his belief and practice, and is greatly beloved and esteemed by all who know him. His wife joined the. Free-Will Baptist Church when she was ten years old, but at present is a member in good standing of the United Brethren Church. This worthy couple have spent over fifty years of happy wedded life together, sharing each other's joys and sorrows, and proving by their devotion and faithfulness that marriage is not " a failure." Now that the shadows are growing longer in the west, they are enjoying Alexander Lashuay 908 - WOOD COUNTY, OHIO. in their pleasant home the well-earned rest after years of labor, and await the going down of the sun in peace and contentment. Five children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Richardson, as follows: Melissa J., born February 20, 1846, died in infancy; Orrin S., born November 28, 1848, enlisted March 1, 1865, in Company G, 189th O. V. I., and died four weeks later at Huntsville, Ala., of measles, his body being brought home and interred at Perry Center; Anna A., born June 5, 1861, is the wife of J. A. Perrine, of Perry township, and has three' children; Etta M., born May 13, 1865, died July 13, of the same year; and Herbert O., born October 29, 1873, was married March 28, 1895 to Miss Melinda Taylor, and they reside with his parents. ALEXANDER E. LASHUAY, a retired farmer and highly respected citizen of Bowling Green, was born July 8, 1839, in Monroe county, Mich. His father, Alexander E. Lashuay, Sr., was of French descent, and was a native of Canada, where he married. Removing to Monroe county, Mich., he carried on farming there for a number of years, and came to Wood county when our subject was about fifteen years old, settling on a farm in the timber of Weston township. There he passed the remainder of his life, dying at the advanced age of eighty years. The mother of our subject died in 1842, leaving three children: John and James, who are farmers in Weston township; and Alexander E. The father married, for his second wife, Miss Rebadue, and one child of this union is living, David, who resides in Washington township. Mr. Lashuay was only about four years of age when his mother died, and he was bound out to a family at Petersburg, Mich., with whom he remained until he was some ten years of age. He then ran away and hired out to a farmer near Adrian, Mich., there remaining till about 1853, when his father brought him to Ohio. In his early years he attended the common schools for some time. He assisted his father upon the farm, and also did farm work for others until able to commence for himself. On March 10, 1865, he was married to Charity E. Mercer, who was born in Liberty township, daughter of Abraham and Harriet (Rice) Mercer. The young couple settled on a farm near Rudolph, which was their home for nearly thirty years. This place comprised eighty acres, on which he carried on general farming, and on which are now ten producing oil wells, from which he derives a handsome income. On September 12, 1894, Mr. Lashuay removed to Bowling Green, where he is living a quiet life, enjoying the results of many years of active labor, and the respect and esteem of a large circle of friends and acquaintances. He has been a Republican ever since attaining his majority, and cast his first Presidential vote for Abraham Lincoln. Both he and his wife are active members of the Church of Christ, better known as the Disciples Church, to which his wife has belonged since she was fifteen years of age. While residing in Rudolph they were members of the Missionary Society, and have always taken a great interest in Church work. To Mr. and Mrs. Lashuay have come the following children: Abraham M., born October 4, 1867, married Luella McMahon, and lives on the old home place; they have two children-Flossie B. and Eldon Stanley. Hattie I., born June 22, 1870, married William A. Kidd, of Juniata, Penn., and died November 27, 1894, leaving one child-Kenneth, who lives with Mr. Lashuay. Cline, born February 6, 1873, died September 1 of the same year. Clarence B., born September 2, 1875, resides with his parents. JOHN B. LINHART, one of Bloomdale's leading citizens, is well-known throughout Wood and Hancock counties, owning a large farm in the latter locality, to which he devotes much of his time. He is a native of Pennsylvania, born in Baldwin township, Allegheny county, January 7, 1836, the son of Philip and Eliza (Huttenhower) Linhart. Our subject is the second in a family of eighteen children, of whom fifteen are still living, all occupying useful and honorable positions in society. He attended the district schools near his birthplace, and learned to work upon the farm in the days when labor-saving machinery was not yet in use. His father, a man of great shrewdness and enterprise, and a farmer by occupation, determined to give his boys a good. start in life, by securing farms for them in northwestern Ohio, where land was cheap, and in 1856 he came to Seneca county, and bought 16o acres, ten of which were improved. February 11, 1858, our subject was married to Miss Elizabeth Yohe, a daughter of Isaac Yohe, a prominent farmer of Washington county, Penn., and early in April he brought his young bride to this new home. For six years he labored to bring the property into condition for farming; having accomplished the task, and becoming the possessor of same, he sold it, and bought an improved farm of eighty acres in Washington township, Hancock Co., Ohio. His father had moved some years before to Cass township, in that county, and in 1872 Mr. Linhart went there with WOOD COUNTY, OHIO. - 909 his family, and soon after (July 18, 1872) his wife died, her remains being interred at Fostoria. Five children were born of this union: (1) William C. now conducts the homestead for his father. He married Margaret Keefer, and has three children. (2) David died when nine months old. (3) Carrie B. married Chares Overholt, of Hancock county, and has four children. (4) Anna married George Rice, of Bloomdale, and has four children. (5) Jesse died at the age of eleven years. On October 28, 1873, Mr. Linhart was married to his second wife, Miss Elizabeth McKee, a native of Allegheny county, Penn., and a daughter of Robert McKee, of the same county, and soon afterward he moved to a farm of 110 acres, six miles from Charlotte, Mich. In 1875 his father moved to Bloomdale, and Mr. Linhart bought the homestead, consisting of 163 acres of as good land as can be found, which he has ever since operated, living there until 1886, when he came to Bloomdale, leaving the active work of the farm to his eldest son. April 12, 1890, his second wife died, and January 12, 1892, he was married to Miss Elizabeth Logan, a daughter of James H. Logan, a prominent farmer of Bethel township, Allegheny county, Penn., and his wife, Matilda (Simmons) Logan. Mr. Linhart has been a hard worker, and is still quite active, taking a prominent place in various lines of effort. He holds stock in the Bloomdale Creamery, and the Bloomdale Building and Loan Association, and in public affairs has always exercised wide influence in a quiet way. He has been elected on the Republican ticket to various township offices, and was a member of the first city council of Bloomdale, serving two terms. He is no office-seeker, but is always greatly interested in the success of the candidate of his choice. His friends are many, won to him by his own friendly and unassuming manners and sterling qualities. In the Lutheran Church, of which he and his wife are leading members, he has held many offices, and is now a trustee. GEORGE H. BAKER, one of the leading citizens and self-made capitalists, of Risingsun, is still comparatively young; in fact is just entering upon the usual period of accumulation in the life of the average man, and his rapid rise from a clerkship to this present position in financial circles is the result of rare business ability, attentiveness, and fair and honest methods with his patrons. He was born March 14, 1858, in Jackson township, Seneca Co., Ohio, the second son and third child of John and Louisa (Strouse) Baker. He was but a child, when his parents game to Wood county, and the first school that he attended was at Prairie Depot. At the age of fifteen he entered the store of that old pioneer merchant, Addison Lansdale, at Prairie. Depot, and here gained invaluable training in the business which he so successfully carried on in later years. His first wages were but little more than board and clothes, and after a year and a half he went home to the farm for a short time. His second clerkship was in the general store of Charles Bell, at Portage, Ohio, but owing to Mr. Bell's failure, he was there only one year. . Another short siege at farm work for his father followed before he began clerking for A. F. Munn, of Weston, Ohio, where he remained some time, and his next work away from home was a brief period as a section hand on the C. H. & D. R. R. Soon after this experience he began clerking for Wyman, North. & Co., at Risingsun, and during his ten years of service in that capacity, he made friends and formed acquaintances upon which his later success as the head of the store was largely based a strong evidence of the esteem in which he was held even then. In July, 1887, he purchased the business at a cost of over $5, 00o payable in four years in installments, and he succeeded in making the store pay for itself in that time. Each year increased his trade, which became the largest of any store in the county in a town the size of Risingsun, and before he disposed of his business, in April, 1896, he had had a career which has never been approached by any merchant in that place. In addition to his mercantile enterprise Mr. Baker has been extensively interested in oil, being a member of nearly every local company, and of some which are not local, and has probably the largest investments of any local producer of which Risingsun has a goodly number. He also conducts a goal business, of which some idea may be gained when it is mentioned that over 5 5o gar loads were shipped during the seasons of 1895 and '96. In 1885 Mr. Baker erected one of the best residences in Risingsun. His first wife, Miss Phoebe Winchell, daughter of L. C. and Jane (Baker) Winchell, was born June 17, 1865, in Scott township, Sandusky county. They had five children: Belle, Flo, Reed, Nina and Marie, all of whom are living except Flo, who met a tragic death at the age of six years, the result of her clothing catching fire. The mother of this little family departed this life September 23, 1893, while under medical treatment at Toledo. In June, 1895, Mr. Baker again entered the 910 - WOOD COUNTY, OHIO. matrimonial state, his second wife being Miss Minnie Hodgeman. Politically Mr. Baker is a Democrat, but not a strict partisan, the fitness of the various candidates being always considered, and at times he has given his hearty support to a Republican. Although he is an active worker in local politics he has never been a politician in the sense which that word now conveys to the public. August 15, 1893, he was appointed postmaster at Risingsun, and September 18, 1894, he was re-appointed to that position. He was a charter member of Onward Lodge No. 329, K. of P., at Risingsun, and was its first treasurer. WILLIAM BOLLINGER, a leading citizen of Wood county, operates a good farm of eighty acres, in Section 12, Portage township. He came to the county in 1873 a poor man-poor in everything but pluck and indomitable will-power. He has met with serious reverses in his business career, suffered a great deal from fever and ague, which resulted disastrously to his financial interests, but he commenced life on his present farm with renewed zeal. His sound judgment and shrewd management brought him success, and gave him an assured footing among the well-to-do farmers of the community. Mr. Bollinger was born in York county, Penn., February 5, 1834, and is the second in a family of fifteen children, eight sons and seven daughters. His father, John Bollinger, was a millwright by trade. In the subscription schools our subject was educated, then learned the trade which his father followed. On June 5, 1862, in his native county, he married Lydia Stump, who was born in Maryland, January 4, 1841, and they have become the parents of the following children: Amelia, born April 28, 1863, in York county, Penn., was married to John Huber, of Montgomery township, Wood county, March 10, 1881; Oliver J., born July 29, 1865, died January 12, 1866; John, born October 19, 1866; Albenia, born August 2, 1868; William, born December 3, 1871, died in infancy; Barbara E., born March 5, 1873, married Frank A. Hastings, March 31, 1896; Elias, born September 16. 1874; and Jacob, born April 11, 1882. On coming to Wood county, in 1873, Mr. Bollinger rented land for four years in Montgomery township, and then purchased his present place, which was covered with timber. For a time he made cross ties, which he would haul to Woodville, Ohio, and sell; but now devotes his time wholly to the cultivation of his land. He is straightforward and honorable in all his dealings; but has lost considerable money through unprincipled men with whom he has had transactions. He casts his ballot with the Democratic party; and he and his wife attend the Dunkard Church. JOSEPH HERRINGSHAW was born in Nordelph, County of Norfolk, England, November 19, 1841, and is a son of John and Mary Ann (Lyon) Herringshaw, the former of whom was a farmer and boatman in England. He was born in 1814, and died in 1861, leaving a widow and seven children, our subject being nineteen years old at the time, while the youngest child was but two years old. A brief record of the family is as follows: Ann married Thomas Harrison, also of England; Joseph comes next; John married Eliza Roush, of Sandusky county, Ohio; Saul married Eliza Watson, of London, England; Frederick married Beatrice Needham, of North Baltimore, Ohio; William married Mary Hough, of North Baltimore, Ohio; and Rebecca is at home taking- care of her mother, who is now seventy-nine years old, having been born December 21, 1816, at Somerson, Huntingdonshire, England. She never remarried. When our subject was two years old the family removed to Stickney, Lincolnshire, England, where he attended a subscription school. When he was a lad of six his parents returned to Nordelph, where he completed his education, paying one penny per week for his tuition. In April, 1851, the family crossed the Atlantic to America, and after a voyage of twenty-nine days landed at New York, on the 15th of May. They then started by boat for Albany, and there some ''sharpers " claimed that the father had not paid money enough for his passage, and withheld his luggage. Mr. Herringshaw then consulted the mayor, who sent an officer, and compelled the men to give up the goods. The family then proceeded by canal boat to Buffalo, and for a year resided within eight miles of that city, the father working as a farm hand for $13 per month. He then went to Sandusky City, Ohio, and on to Bellevue, in which locality he again secured farm work. His next home was at Townsend, Sandusky Co., Ohio, where he remained until 1856, when he removed to Huron county, making his home near Hunt's Corners until 1860, spending the following year in Weston. In 1861 the family came to Liberty township, and bought eighty acres of land in the wilderness, in the southwest corner of the township, having Henry, Jackson and Milton in the other corners. At the northeast corner is a nice brick school house; at the southwest corner, a dry-goods store; on the southeast corner (in Henry township) is a store, the WOOD COUNTY, OHIO. - 911 place being known as Haney. Four of the family reside in Jackson, one in Liberty, and all own good farms. In the various communities in which the family lived our subject attended school. He remained at home working on the farm until twenty-six years of age, when in Bowling Green, Ohio, June 6, 1867, he married Mary Ann Scott, who was born in the County of Norfolk, England, February 24, 1838, and is a daughter of Darius and Charlotte (Fletcher) Scott. Mrs. Herringshaw was in her sixteenth year when she came with her two sisters and brother to America, on the sailing vessel "Woodcock," which after a voyage of five weeks landed at New York. Her mother died in England when the daughter was only ten years old, and Mr. Scott came to this country three years before his children, establishing a home for his family near Cleveland, Ohio. About 186o they all came to Wood county, and he purchased a farm in Webster township, which he afterward sold, buying property in Liberty township. Later he owned another farm in Webster township, and afterward bought the "Ten Mile House," which he carried on until 1894, then sold, and is now living on a farm in Lucas county, Ohio. He has been three times married, and by the last union had eight children. Mrs. Herringshaw is one of six children by the first marriage, the others being: Sarah, wife of Jacob Grim, of Jackson township; Charlotte, widow of Peter Marker, of Clay county, Iowa; Darius, who enlisted, in 1861, in Company K, 21St O. V. I., and was starved to death in the prison where he was incarcerated by the Rebels; Susan (deceased), first married to James P. Daley, and after his death wedded Frank Powers; and Levi, a soldier of the Civil war, who went from Iowa to California about 1891, and is now living at Oceanside, that State. Upon their marriage, Mr. and Mrs. Herringshaw located in Jackson township, where for five years he rented a farm, and then purchased forty acres on Jackson Prairie, being the first to build on that prairie. He still owns his first farm, but since the spring of 1889 has resided at his present home, where he also owns forty acres of land, a fine residence, good barns and all the other accessories of a model farm of the nineteenth century. He takes quite an active interest in politics, and supports the men and measures of the Democratic party. He and his wife hold membership with the United Brethren Church, and he belongs to the I. O. O. F. of Milton Center, and is a Master Mason, his lodge connections being at Deshler. In 1889 he re turned on a visit to his native land, also went to Ireland and France, and attended the World's Fair in Paris, returning to his home after an absence of three months. F. FAIRBANK. Among the active farmers and well-known citizens of Montgomery township, the gentleman whose name begins this sketch holds a prominent place. A native of Ohio, he was born in Medina county October 31, 1850, and belongs to a family noted for longevity, his great-grandfather having lived to the extreme age of one hundred years. His father, J. M. Fairbank, was a native of Massachusetts, and was quite young when his father died. He was brought to Ohio by his stepfather, who located in the eastern part of the State, where he grew to manhood, and in Medina county married Miss Savina Bowman, who was born in that county, of Pennsylvania-Dutch extraction. He followed his trade of carpentering there until 1854, in that year removing to Section 1, Montgomery township, Wood county, where he erected a sawmill which he operated for some time.. Later he went to Sandusky county, and in 1872 located at Helena, where, although over seventy years of age, he still follows the carpenter's trade. He is entirely a self-made man, having, at the time of his marriage, only $6; but he now has a comfortable home, 16o acres of farming land, and money out at interest, all of which have been acquired through his own unaided efforts and strict economy. The mother of our subject passed away long since, leaving five children-Lewis, of Madison township, Sandusky county; F. Fairbank, of this sketch; Minnie, wife of William Peck, of Scott township, Sandusky county; Charles, also of Madison township; and Christopher, of Helena, Ohio. An uncompromising Republican, the father has always taken a prominent part in political matters, and was once a candidate for county commissioner in Sandusky county; but as it was strongly Democratic he failed of election, though by only one vote, which plainly indicated his popularity. During the dark days of the Rebellion he enlisted in Company I, 72nd O. V. I., in 1861, and served for over three years. At Guntown he was taken prisoner, and held in captivity for nine months. Our subject was only a child when brought to Wood county, and his education was such as could be obtained by a two-months' attendance during the year at the district schools, at first entering the "fractional school." As his help was needed upon the home farm, his educational privileges were necessarily limited, but his train- 912 - WOOD COUNTY, OHIO. ing at farm work was not so meagre. At the age of twenty years he started out as a farm hand. In Montgomery township, on December 6, 1871, Mr. Fairbank was joined in wedlock with Miss Lucinda Hartman, who was born in Section 12, that township, October 31, 1851, and is the daughter of William and Esther (Butchel) Fairbank. They have become the parents of nine children, namely: Grant, a carpenter, residing at home; Nellie, widow of William Holcomb, who was killed in the oil fields February 5, 1894; Tillie, now Mrs. David Williams, of Pemberville, Ohio; Eulo, Pearlie, Hattie, Healon, and Frankie, all at home; and Milo, who died in infancy. Mr. Fairbank began his domestic life upon his father-in-law's farm in Section 12, Montgomery township, but at the end of one year removed to his father's- farm in Madison township, Sandusky; county, which he operated in connection with his brother Lewis. Later he rented land in Scott township, that county, but on April 14, 1884, located upon his present farm in Section 10, Montgomery township, Wood county, making his home at first in a log house. In 189o, however, he erected his present excellent residence, and in 1894 built his barn, which is a substantial structure, 38 x 56 feet. He has made many other useful and valuable improvements upon his place, and ranks among the leading agriculturists of the community. He casts his ballot in support of the men and measures of the Republican party, is now serving his second term as township trustee, and socially is a member of the Odd Fellows fraternity at Helena, Ohio. ORLIN S. BURGESS, an enterprising and successful agriculturist of Webster township,- was born in Ashtabula county, Ohio, May 20, 1832. He is a descendant of Abraham Burgess, the third of the House of Burgess of England, who came with two brothers to this country in the "Mayflower," landing at Plymouth Rock in the year 1620. Alvah Burgess, his father, who was a native of New York State, came to Ohio about 183o, and after short periods of residence in Ashtabula and Lorain counties, settled, in 1838, in Wood county, and entered eighty acres of land in Montgomery township, which he cleared and improved. He was an Old-line Whig in politics, and a consistent and faithful believer in the doctrines of the Disciples Church. He married Miss Betsey Frost, who was a native of Maine, and they had eight children, the youngest of whom died in infancy. Seven lived to adult age: William, Russell, John, Daniel, Bradley, Harriet, and Orlin S. (our subject), who is now the only survivor of the family. Orlin S. Burgess began work on his own account at the age of sixteen, renting fifty-five acres of land which he afterward bought. He has since made additions from time to time until he now owns 186 acres of the best land in Webster township, which he has improved according to modern methods. He is an extensive stockraiser, and one of the, first in the township to breed thorough-bred horses. Among the noted horses now in our subject's possession is " John Harper Longfellow," a dark bay with black points, weight 1,300 pounds. He is a first-class race horse, having taken first premium and sweepstakes at the Northern State Fair at Cleveland in 1879, and first premium at the State Fair at Toledo the same year. He also has three thorough-bred mares which have never been trained, but possess a good record. Of all his horses he prizes ''Longfellow" the most, and will keep him to the end of his natural life. On October 12, 1853, Mr. Burgess was united in marriage with Miss Sarah Myers, a daughter.of Michael Myers, a prominent farmer of Freedom township. She is a native of Steubenville, Ohio, born February 9, 1834, and moved to New Rochester, Wood county, the same year. Six children were born of this union: Emily, the wife---of James P. King; Mary, who died at the age of-twenty-two; .Fred, a successful stockraiser and farmer in Webster township; Clay, who now has charge of the old homestead; Kitty Luella, the wife of W. D. Isman; and Celia, who died September 27, 1873, aged two years. Mr. Burgess is a Democrat in politics, but, although he takes an intelligent interest in all public movements, local, State or National, he has never engaged in the active work of his party. He is a member of Phoenix Lodge No. 123, F. & A. M., of Perrysburg. FRED M. SMITH, one of the most progressive and scientific of our agricultural workers, is a leading citizen of Montgomery township, and a veteran of the Civil war. Patriotism flows in his blood as a heritage from a hero of the Revolutionary war, his grandfather, Conrad Smith, a native of New York, having served eight years on special duty. He was at Valley Forge during the historic winter, and carried to his grave two bullets, one British and the other Indian. The Government gave him 16o acres of land in western Pennsylvania, but his last years were spent in Portage county, Orlin S. Burgess WOOD COUNTY, OHIO. - 913 Ohio, where he died at the age of fifty-five. He reared a large family, among whom was a son Michael, our subject's father, who was born in Pennsylvania February 22, 1800, and was only a child when his parents moved to eastern Ohio. As may be supposed his educational opportunities there were not of the best. He was married in eastern Ohio to Miss Elizabeth Hemminger, who was born in Pennsylvania November 19, 1809, daughter of Andrew and Elizabeth (Yunkman) Hemminger. In the latter part of the "thirties " Michael Smith came to Wood county, where he entered forty acres in Section 5, Montgomery township, the last entry in the section. The land was in its wild state, and he built a log house and lived through the usual experiences of a pioneer farmer. He was small of stature, but was robust and free from ills, and when sixty-five years old walked to Prairie Depot to vote; he was a Democrat, and never failed to support his convictions, but he was not an office seeker. He and his wife were members of the Lutheran Church. His death occurred April 15, 1869, and she survived him until May 27, 1880, their mortal remains being consigned to earth near Bradner, Ohio. They had six children, of whom Conrad enlisted in Company A, 100th O. V. I., and died at Andersonville in May, 1854; Moses resides in Portage township; Ann married Clark Flaugher, and died in Bloom township; Fred M. is the subject of this sketch; Aaron is a resident of Portage township. Mr. Smith was born at the old farm December 4, 1844, and during his lifetime that locality has undergone a wonderful transformation. The old log school house, known as the "Hill School house," was the first that he attended, and his own inferior opportunities have made him desire better advantages for the children of this day. His time was spent at home assisting upon the farm until November 19, 1861, when he enlisted in Company C, 72nd O. V. I., under Capt. Snyder. His first battle was at Shiloh, and he took part in all the engagements of his regiment until he was captured, at Guntown, Miss., June 12, 1864; he was sent to various prisons-Mo bile, Andersonville, where he contracted gangrene, and Milan, Ga.-and in the latter part of November was paroled at Savannah. In December he returned home on furlough, and was discharged February 14, 1865, from further service. He was wounded at Vicksburg, and lost sight of his left eye. After his return home he worked for his father as his health permitted, and after the death of his parents he bought the interests of the other heirs, and now owns the original homestead. In all, he has 100 acres in Montgomery and Freedom townships, and as a farmer he is noted for his good business qualities and systematic management, while his neatness and love of order are shown in every part of his estate. He is gifted with fine mechanical ability, and has worked at various trades, including that of painting, and he also clerked for one year at Pemberville, Ohio. On March 2, 1880, Mr. Smith was married in Montgomery township to Miss Eliza Adams, a native of Sandusky county, Ohio, who was born January 22, 1864, the daughter of William and Christina (Smith) Adams. Four children brightened their comfortable home-Chester F., born November 20, 1880; Elsie E., June 9, 1882 ; Chauncey A., January 11, 1887; and Archie F., January 19, 1892. Mr. and Mrs. Smith are not Church members, but they contribute to the support of different denominations, and take a generous interest in all progressive movements. Possessing a keen and active intellect, and a good memory, Mr. Smith has made himself familiar with much good literature, and is well-informed upon the questions of the day. While in Andersonville prison he voted for Abraham Lincoln, and has ever since been a Republican of the stanchest sort, but, he has always declined any overtures looking to official position. He is an active member of the I. O. O. F. THOMAS C. BRANDEBERRY, a most genial and companionable gentleman, has made his home in Bloom township since pioneer days. He at once made his way into the esteem and confidence of the people of his locality, and is numbered among the most valued citizens. He was born in what was then Richland county, but is now Ashland county, Ohio, October 17, 1825, and is a son of Philip and Catherine (Zimmerman) Brandeberry, the former a native of Pennsylvania, and the latter of Virginia. They were married before the war of 1812, in which the father participated, being in the engagements at Fort Meigs. They came to Ohio in the early part of the present century, locating first in Columbiana county, later going to Richland county, and on August 9, 1839, arrived in Wood county, making a settlement in the geographical center of Perry township. The township elections were often held in their pioneer home. The father later purchased three eighty-acre tracts of land in Bloom township, which he subsequently gave to three of his sons. Thomas C. is one of the family of nine children, the others being Betsy, who became the wife of John Chilcote, and died 914 - WOOD COUNTY, OHIO. in Perry township at the age of sixty years; Jonathan, who died in Portage township, Wood county, at the age of seventy-one; Philip, who died in Bloom township at the age of sixty; William, who died in February, 1894, in thesome township, at the age of seventy-four; Isaac, who was a wealthy farmer of Perry township, where he died in 1886, at the age of sixty-six years; Tena, who became the wife of William Burk, and died in Freedom township, Wood county, at the age of fifty years; Mary, who was the wife of Henry Hays, and with her husband was poisoned in Perry township; and James, a farmer of that township. The father passed away in January, 1867, at the age of eighty years, and the mother died in the fall of 1865. The former was a shrewd, far-sighted Pennsylvania-German, who made the best of his opportunities, and became a successful agriculturist. In early life he was a Whig, but later joined the Republican party, with which his sons also affiliated. The educational advantages of our subject were such as the subscription schools of those early days afforded, and he remained upon the home farm until his marriage, which was celebrated in Freedom township, Wood County, in September, 1850, Miss Catherine Miller becoming his wife. She was born in Schuylkill county, Penn., September 2, 1828, and is the daughter of David and Susan (Ketrie) Miller, who became residents of Bloom township, in 1842. At the time of her marriage she was working as a domestic, and out of her, meager wages paid part of the funeral expenses of her father. Mr. and Mrs. Brandeberry became the parents of eight children, namely: Mary A., who was born April 21, 1851, and died when young; Albert, who was horn August 2, 1852, and now operates the home farm; an infant daughter, who was born November 26, 1853, and died unnamed; David, who was born December 6, 1854, and, besides conducting his farm, also engages in the ministry of the Methodist Episcopal Church; Lorina, who was born January 24, 1859, and is now the wife of William Rider, of Bloom township; T. J., who was born March 3, 1861, and died at the age of three months; Alice C., who was born March 6, 1864, and is now the wife of James E. Long, of Bloom township; and Charles, who was born November 27, 1866, and is a farmer of the same township. Mr. Brandeberry was given eighty acres of land, by his father, in Freedom township, but this he traded with his brother Jonathan for a like amount in Section 27, Bloom township, where he still makes his home. His first dwelling was of logs, with puncheon floor, clapboard roof weighted down, stick chimney and large fireplace; but it was a happy home, where sociability and good cheer abounded. The farming operations of Mr. Brandeberry were interrupted by his service in the Union army during the Civil war. On May 2, 1864, he became a member of the Home Guards, entering the United States service as a member of Company E, 144th O. V. I., for one hundred days, and was stationed at Relay House, between Washington and Baltimore, where he was detailed for post duty under the quartermaster. While handling heavy bags of grain for horses' feed he strained himself, from which he has never recovered. On the expiration of his term of service, he returned home, resuming agricultural pursuits, which he followed until 1880, when, on account of his physical condition, he was obliged to lay aside the more arduous duties of farm life, and for several years engaged in buying and selling stock. He has a wide acquaintance throughout the county, and by his friends is familiarly known as " Uncle Tommie." He is a stanch adherent of the Republican party, but has refused all offices except that of school director of District No. 8, Bloom township, and he and his family are faithful members of the Methodist Church. JAMES J. SMITH. The subject of this sketch is one of the oldest pioneers of the county, and perhaps the oldest in Perrysburg township. He was born in Johnstown, N. Y., November 18, 1817, and was in his seventeenth year when his parents came to Ohio. He has, therefore, grown up with the country, and the wonderful changes which have occurred during its growth and development, have taken place under his observation. At that day many parts of this section were mere swamps overgrown with grass and weeds, the forests, dense with thick underbrush and teeming with wild animals, the home of settlers, made in a little patch of clearing were like angels' visits," few and far between. It is to such brave pioneers as this man and his father, that this great State owes her present high standing in the commonwealth, They are the men who literally "blazed" the path for those less daring, who sought, in the fertile lands of the West, that return for their labors denied them in the more circumscribed and less easily cultivated domains of the East. The debt of gratitude, which the people of to-day owe to these hardy and industrious early settlers, can never be repaid, but no occasion should be lost in which WOOD COUNTY, OHIO. - 915 to give them the credit due their toils and sacrifices. Mr. Smith was the thirteenth in a large family of children born to John and Caroline (Griswold) Smith, both members of old New England families. The father was born in Woodstock, Mass., August 23, 1764, and his wife, February 7, 1774.E They were married September 21, 1790, and came to Ohio, September 15, 1835, locating on the banks of the Maumee river in Perrysburg, where he died March 1, 1842, his wife surviving him until August 14, 1848. Their farm comprised what is now the site of Lime City. Of their family the following record is given: Mary, born August 14, 1791; Almira P., August 7, 1793; Caroline, May 31, I795; John P., December 12, 1797; Lucius J., November 21, 1800; Solomon, April 14, 1802; Harriet, October I, 1804; William, November 23, 1807; Sidney, October 2, 1809; Henry G., and Benjamin, twins, March 26, 1812; and James Jay, November 18, 1817, our subject. The parents at one time lived in Rutland, Vermont. James J. Smith received his education in New York, spending his boyhood days on a farm, and then learned the cooper's trade. This he followed for twenty years, and also carried on farming at the same time. He made the first barrel that ever went into Pearl Mills, at Maumee. He did much hard work on the farm, the ground being swampy and at times covered with water; but years of patient industry brought him his reward in rich harvests from fertile fields, and a pleasant home where once stood the virgin forests. He recalls many events of interest of those early days, and remembers when the Maumee pike was built. Mr. Smith is an interesting talker, and, did space permit, many of his stories of pioneer times would be of interest to our readers, presenting, as they do, such vivid contrasts to the history of to-day. Our subject was married in Syracuse, N. Y., December 23, 1840, to Miss Marana J. Barker, who was born in Livingston county, N. Y., December 6, 182o. Her parents moved to Syracuse when she was six years old, and both died there, the mother when forty years old, the father when ninety. Of this union there were four children: (1) Sidney, born September 23, 1841, died when ten years old. (2) Gustavus, a stone contractor, and a member of the Michigan Stone Supply Co., of which he is also superintendent, making his home in Detroit; he served in the war from August, 1862, to May, 1865, as private, sergeant-major, second lieutenant, and first lieutenant, respectively, Companies D and E, 111th O. V. I.; he married Miss Frances Woolson, of Syracuse, N. Y., and they had one child, Herbert, born June 17, 1874, died in infancy. (3) Charles died when four years old. (4) Kittie M. is teaching school; she was educated in Perrysburg, was principal of schools at Upper Sandusky for five years, and held the same position at Defiance for three years, and in Marion for four years, and now is principal of the high school at Warsaw, Indiana. Mr. Smith is a Jacksonian Democrat, and has been trustee of his township; in the fall of 1895, he was nominated by his party for representative, but declined on account of his age. At one time he was an active member of the old Fort Meigs Lodge, I. O. O. F. He has been so long a resident of the community, and so prominent in its affairs, that he is considered almost an oracle by its citizens. A man of superior character, public spirited, and ever ready to assist in all worthy enterprises, he is one of the most highly respected residents of Perrysburg township. M. D. CHILCOTE is numbered among the prominent and progressive farmers of Montgomery township, now making his home in Section 33, where he has a fine farm of 12o acres of highly cultivated and productive land. He is a native of Wood county, born in Section 26, Perry township, April I1, 1839, and is a son of Joseph and Elizabeth (Jones) Chilcote, who were worthy representatives of the honored pioneers of the county. The father was born November 12, 1802, in Maryland, where he was reared, but was not married until after his arrival in Wood county. The mother's birth occurred in Gallia county, Ohio, April 2, 1812. She was a daughter of James Jones, one of the oldest pioneers of Perry township, who was present at the time of its organization. In his youth Mr. Chilcote had learned the carpenter's trade, which he followed in this county, and also helped to build some of the first houses erected at Fostoria, Ohio, where he located at the time of his marriage. He later went to Jackson township, Seneca county, from there came to Perry township, and at West Millgrove his last days were passed, dying there January 21, 1889, at the age of eighty-seven years. The death of the mother also occurred at that place, July 10, 1884, and they were there laid to rest. In 1846 the father was injured by a runaway horse, from which he never entirely recovered. He was naturally quite robust, of powerful build, being six feet two inches in 916 - WOOD COUNTY, OHIO. height, and built in proportion. Previous to the war he had been a Democrat, but at that time became a stalwart supporter of the Republican party, and served in several township offices during pioneer days. He came to Wood county from Ashland county, Ohio, as early as 1833. Both himself and wife held membership with the Methodist Episcopal Church. The family of which our subject is a member comprised the following children: James F. , born August 8, 1835, served as lieutenant of Company I, 111th O. V. I. during the Civil war, and died at Bradner, Ohio, December 10, 1869. He was elected justice of the peace when a young man, and became a well-to-do citizen of Wood county. Sarah A., born May t, 1837, became the wife of George Turner, and died at West Millgrove, March 1, 1878. M. D. is next in order of birth. Perry C. is a prominent citizen of this county. John W., born January 10, 1843, belonged to Company H, 49th O. V. I., during the Rebellion, and now makes his home at Saginaw, Mich. Priscilla V., born July 7, 1845, lives at West Millgrove. Surviah H., born October 21, 1847, married Stewart Fralick, who lives in Toledo, Ohio, and died in November, 1873. G. Sylvester, born March 24, 1851, died April 4, 1852. Mr. Chilcote, of this notice, attended the district schools of Seneca county, Ohio, where his parents lived during his boyhood, and early became familiar with the life of a farmer. He remained under the parental roof until his marriage, which important event in his life was celebrated January 1, 1874, in Montgomery township, Miss Helen Adams becoming his wife. On Section 33 of that township, she was born May 16, 1844, and is a daughter of Alexander and Elizabeth (McCormick) Adams, the latter a cousin of Cyrus McCormick, the well-known inventor of the reaper. The father was born in Beaver county, Penn., November 12, 1817, and was the son of Asa and Elizabeth (Adams) Adams, who were the first of the name to locate in Montgomery township, having come from Beaver county, Penn., in the early '30s, and located in Section 29, where he lived to an advanced age. Alexander Adams was the seventh child in a family of ten children, and was brought by his parents to Wood county in 1833. By his first wife he had two children-Mrs. Chilcote; and Maurice, who died in Montgomery township, leaving two children, Charles and Mary E., the latter now deceased. After the death of his first wife, in April, 1872, Mr. Adams was again married, and he departed this life June 27, 1886, being laid to rest in the West Millgrove cemetery. He was a conscientious Christian, having united with the Presbyterian Church of that place in 1841, and always faithfully followed its teachings. After his marriage, Mr. Chilcote located at West Millgrove, where he engaged in shinglemaking with his brother Perry C., until April, 1876, when he removed to Hatton, Ohio, there engaging in agricultural pursuits. In March, 1883, however, he located upon the old Adams homestead in Section 33, Montgomery township, where he and his family still reside. Four children came to gladden the household-Bessie E., Jessie I., Maurice A. and Leander J., all at home. Mr. Chilcote was one of the boys in blue during the Civil war, having enlisted May 2, 1864, in Company E, 144th O. V. I., at Eagleville, Ohio, and was on guard duty most of the time at Wilmington, Del., until August 24, following. Before entering the United States service he had been a member of Company E, 64th O. N. G. He now belongs to Conley Post, G. A. R., at West Millgrove, of which he is a charter member. He takes quite an active interest in political affairs, supporting the principles of the Republican party, and he and his estimable wife are faithful members of the Congregational Church. They hold an enviable position in the esteem and confidence of their fellow-citizens, and have contributed greatly to the happiness and comfort of those less fortunate than themselves. ALBERT W. SPINK is a worthy representative of the farming interests of Montgomery township, where he has always made his home, his birth having occurred in Section 21, June 14, 1862. He is a son of Solon and Martha (Burns) Spink, who were worthy and prominent citizens of that locality. His early life was spent in the usual manner of farmer boys, aiding in the labors of the fields and attending the district schools of the neighborhood. At the age of fourteen years, his father having died, he and his elder brother, J. L., went to work to pay off the debt left by the sudden death of their father. In 1885, in Montgomery township, Mr. Spink was united in marriage with Miss Ella Wise, who was born in Logan county, Ohio, August 20, 1865, and is a daughter of George W. and Loretta J. (Miller) Wise. The latter having died when the daughter Ella was but a child, she made her home with her parental grandfather, John Wise. Three children have come to bless the union of our subject and his wife. Minerva, born May 2, 1886; Pearlie, born August 16, 1888; WOOD COUNTY, OHIO. - 917 and Celia, born October 25, 1889. After his marriage, Mr. Spink took his bride to the old homestead, Where they lived until January, 1890, when they removed to their present modern dwelling, which Was erected in 1889 on a piece of land, which he had purchased, adjoining the home farm. He has also put up substantial outbuildings, including a good barn, 36 x 64 feet, Which was built in 1895. He is an industrious, energetic and progressive man, of more than ordinary ability, and is held in the highest regard by his fellow citizens, who appreciate his genuine Worth. He and his brother still continue to own and manage the old home farm of 159 acres, and are numbered among the well-to-do and prosperous farmers of the community. Though not active in political affairs, our subject gives his unfaltering allegiance to the Republican party. SAMUEL SWOPE, a well-known and popular farmer of Troy township, is a native of the Buckeye State, born in Fairfield county, in 1844, and is a son of Thomas and Rebecca (Lafever) Swope. His paternal grandfather, David Swope, became one of the earliest pioneers of Fairfield county, locating there on a farm in 1801, where his death occurred on August 9, 1826. The father, who was a native of Pennsylvania, was reared and married in Fairfield county, where he extensively engaged in farming and stock dealing until his death, in 1884. His wife also died on the old homestead, in 1886. In their family of twelve children, two are now deceased-David, who died at the age of nine years; and Mrs. Emma Peters, the youngest of the family, who died at the age of twenty-two. Those living are Margaret, who still resides on the home farm; Jacob, of Wellsville, Mo.; Mrs. Mary Sturgeon, of Middletown, Mo.; Mrs. Rebecca Wood, of Mt. Sterling, Ohio; Thomas, of Reynoldsburg, Franklin Co., Ohio; Mrs. Jane Ingman, of Barnes, Kans.; Mrs. Louisa Ashbrook, of Lithopolis, Fairfield county; Abner, of Bloomburg, Fayette Co., Ohio; Samuel, of this sketch; and Felix, a stock grower, who resides near the old home farm. Mr. Swope, of this sketch, began his education in the schools of his native county. His loyalty to his country was manifested August 9, 1862, at Royalton, Fairfield county, by his enlistment in Company D, 90th O. V. I., for three years, and he was mustered into service at Circleville, Ohio, being assigned to the 21st Corps, afterward 4th Corps, army of the Cumberland. He participated in the battles of Perrysville, Chickamauga, went on the march to Atlanta, and later returned to Nashville. At Marietta, Ga., he had received a gunshot wound, and June 21, 1865, at Camp Harker, Tenn., was honorably discharged, after which he returned to his home. For one year he was a student at Athens, Ohio, and then went to Cass county, Mo., where he remained until coming to Wood county in 1870. Here he is successfully engaged in the operation of his good farm of fifty-two acres. In March, 1870, was celebrated the marriage of Mr. Swope and Miss Frances LaFarree, who was born in Lake township, Wood county, in 1844, and is a daughter of James and Elizabeth (Sifford) LaFarree. Her father's birth occurred in Carlisle, Penn., January 9, 1797, and in 1807 he removed to Fairfield county, Ohio, with his father, David Lafarree, who was of French descent, and also a native of Pennsylvania, where he was reared and married. His death occurred in Lancaster, Ohio, in 1807, he leaving a widow with five small children. She was a tailoress, and supported her family with her needle until the farm was cleared. Near Carroll, Ohio, she later married Elijah Dove, and passed away in Fairfield county, in 1862, when nearly eighty-four years of age. By her first husband she became the mother of the following children-James, the father of Mrs. Swope; Mary, who became the wife of John Cheney, senator from Fairfield county, and died in that county; John C., who departed this life in Mt. Vernon, Ind.; George, who died in Baton Rouge, La.; and Mrs. Betsy Connor, who also died in Indiana. The early days of James LaFarree were passed in Fairfield county, where he was educated and learned the trade of a cabinetmaker. In Middletown, Md., March 28, 1819, he married Miss Elizabeth Sifford, a native of that place and a daughter of Christian and Lizzie (Stottlemire) Sifford, also natives of Maryland. Her father, who was a well-read man, always occupying some public office of trust, judicial or otherwise, came to Fairfield county, on a visit, and died at Lancaster in 1848. His wife died in Maryland about 1846. In 1820, Mr. LaFarree came again to Fairfield county, where he resided for three years, during which time his wife made a trip on horseback to her old home. At the end of that time he returned to Maryland, where he lived until 1828, when he removed to Lancaster, Ohio, and became overseer of the poor. In 1831 he located in Perrysburg, Wood county, where he conducted a cabinet shop, and two years later bought 400 acres of land in Troy township at $1.25 per acre. He named the village of Stony Ridge, where he served as postmaster several 918 - WOOD COUNTY, OHIO. years, and was one of the prominent early settlers of the locality. He was an earnest Christian, and an exhorter in the Methodist Episcopal Church. He continued the improvement and cultivation of his farm until his death on August 4, 1852. His faithful wife was called from this life September 10, 1888. Of their ten children, seven grew to maturity, namely: John S., who died in 1888, leaving a family of nine children; Augustus, who died in 1865, leaving a wife with two children; Cornelia, wife of M. B. Richmond, of Crawfordsville, Ind.; Samuel, a boat builder, who went to Washington Territory in 1864, where he was killed two years later, and buried at Umatilla, Ore.; James, a resident of Bowling Green, Ohio; George, who is married, and resides at Perrysburg, Ohio; and Frances, wife of our subject. To Mr. and Mrs. Swope have been born five children-Thomas; Edna and Grace, twins, who for the past three years have engaged in teaching in Wood county; Percy and Frances. The family made a trip to California in 1888, spending two years on the Pacific slope, during that time going as far north as Seattle, Wash. The family are sincere members of the Methodist Episcopal Church. Mr. Swope in politics is an ardent silver Republican. In manner he is pleasant and genial, in disposition is kindly, and the high regard in which he is universally held is well deserved. WILLIAM U. BAKER is one of the most genial and whole-souled men of this county, and a brave defender of the Union during the Civil war. He is a native son of Ohio, born in Portage county, March 7, 1837, and is a son of Michael and Susan (Rymer) Baker, the former born in Pennsylvania, March 31, 1812, of German parentage, and the latter born in the same State, September 18, 1818. The parents were married in Portage county, Ohio, and to them two sons were born-William U., and John M., a prominent farmer of Washington township. The father was reared and educated in Portage county, Ohio, from whence he removed to Ottawa county, where he engaged in farming, though by trade he was a carpenter, and there he remained until 1863, when he came to Wood county, buying a farm of forty acres of partially improved land in Washington township. With the aid of his sons he cleared and cultivated this, and thereon made his home until his death, March 23, 1884. His widow still resides upon that place. A Republican in politics, he was recognized as an honest man and a good citizen, and the encourager of religious works, being a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church. On reaching a sufficient age, our subject entered the common schools of Ottawa county, where he pursued his studies until eighteen years of age. On leaving the school room he learned the carpenter's trade, which he followed until his enlistment, September 16, 1861, at Port Clinton, for service in the Union army during' the war of the Rebellion, and was made first corporal of Company I, 41st O. V. I., under Capt. J. H. Williston and Col. Hazen. The regiment was made up at Camp Wood, in Cleveland, whence it proceeded to Louisville, Ky. In that State the winter was spent, during which time Mr. Baker was confined :in a hospital for three months on account of illness, and on March I, 1862, he went to Nashville, thence marching on St. Patrick's Day to Pittsburg Landing in time to participate in the battle at that place. On the second day of the fight our subject was wounded, a ball passing near the spinal cord, so that for nine months he was unable for further service. He returned to Ottawa county, having been discharged at Camp Chase, and there remained until the fall of 1863, when he came to Tontogany, Wood county, where he worked at his trade for 2 year. On the expiration of that time he again enlisted, this time becoming a member of the 179th Battalion, under Lieut. T. J. Wonnel, with whom he went to Point Lookout, and later guarded Blakiston Island, being at that time first sergeant, and having charge of nineteen men. He received his final discharge at Camp Dennison, Cincinnati, after having valiantly served his country in her hour of peril. On his return home, Mr. Baker purchased twenty acres of fine land where he now resides, and erected thereon a comfortable house, good barns and other outbuildings, which are surrounded by well tilled fields and a productive orchard of his own planting. He also owns a half interest in the old homestead. On February 8, 1870, our subject was joined in wedlock with Cynthia Hannah, a daughter of William P. Hannah, a leading farmer of Grand Rapids township, Wood county, and three children graced their union one who died in infancy; Clara Belle, born April 6, 1873; and Rolla M., born August i9, 1875. The last named received his elementary education in District School No. 3, which he supplemented by a three-years' course in the schools of Tontogany. He is now engaged in teaching in District No. 2, and intends to fit himself, by a thorough education, for a professional. or commercial career. WOOD COUNTY, OHIO. - 919 The family hold membership with the United Brethren Church, attending services at Washington Chapel, and all take a deep interest in religious work, while the son is at present a teacher in the Sunday-school. Socially, Mr. Baker belongs to Walter A. Wood Post No. 48, G. A. R., at Tontogany, while politically he is connected with the Republican party, and was trustee of Washington township three years, and supervisor for several years. His uprightness, integrity and public-spiritedness have won him the confidence and esteem of his neighbors, and he is classed among the most respected representative citizens of Wood county. R. B. ANDRUS. No man in Wood county is more worthy of representation in a work of this kind, than he whose name stands at the beginning of this sketch. He has been identified with the agricultural interests of the county since 1874, and is the owner of a fine farm of 120 acres on Sections 13 and 24, Ross township. A fine set of farm buildings, in close proximity to the flourishing apple orchard and smaller fruit trees, forms a beautiful picture of the ideal country home. The estate is one of the most valuable in this section of the county, and indicates in all its appointments the supervision of a man of intelligence and sound judgment, and one who has been remarkably judicious in his investments. Mr. Andrus was born at Cleveland, Cuyahoga Co., Ohio, in 1845, and is a son of Howard Bennett and Experience (Worden) Andrus. The father, whose birth occurred February 16, 1808, in Connecticut, was brought by his father, Howard Andrus, to Ohio, as early as 1824, making his first location in Portage county, and in 1832 removed to Lucas county, where he entered land in Perrysburg township. There in 1833 he wedded Miss Experience Worden, a native of Oswego county, N. Y., and a daughter of Dr. Sylvester Worden, who were also born in the Empire State. In 1828 her father erected the first residence in East Toledo, and was one of the pioneer physicians of that city. At the time of his death he was almost ninety-eight years of age, and for three years had been blind. After his marriage the father of our subject took his bride to his farm in Lucas county, on which he resided until 1834, when he removed to Cleveland, and later for some years conducted a hotel at Newburg, Ohio, but in 1848 he returned to Lucas county. He there engaged in farming until 1873, when he came to Wood county, and on May 11, of the following year, died at the home of our subject, where his wife also departed this life September 26, 1886. In politics he affiliated with the Democratic party. The parental household included two children, the brother of our subject being Cornell Eli, who engaged in farming in Lucas county, until 1873, when he removed to Kansas, but died on January 5, 1882, at the home of our subject, and was removed to Kansas for burial. In Washington township, Lucas county, Mr. Andrus, of this review, was reared and educated, and has always turned his attention to agricultural pursuits. Since locating upon his present farm, in 1874, he has erected a good brick residence; and made many useful and valuable improvements. On September 18, 1866, in Washington township, Lucas county, was celebrated the marriage of Mr. Andrus and Miss Maria Hannah Mooney, a native of that county, and a daughter of Morris and Deborah (Cook) Mooney. Her parents, who were born in New York, became residents of Toledo, Ohio, May 19, 1845, where he worked as a mechanic, but now finds a pleasant home with our subject. Nine children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Andrus, namely: Ida Lucinda, wife of Charles Hicks, in the mail service of East Toledo, Ohio; Cora P., wife of Charles Hickox, train dispatcher for the Pennsylvania railroad at Toledo; Charles B.; Irving Morris; Lynn, who died at the age of nineteen months; Howard Rollin; Lillie Marie, who died at the age of nine months; Clifford, who died at the age of one year; and Justin Grover. During the Civil war, Mr. Andrus enlisted, but was not accepted. Politically, he is identified with the Democratic party, and has served as treasurer and assessor of his township for four years each. Socially, he, is connected with Yondora Lodge No. 572, F. & A. M.; and Toledo Tent No. 8, K. O. T. M. He is public spirited and liberal, and there are few men more popular in the community than he. He takes a commendable interest in educational affairs, and is now serving as president of the school board. WILLIAM B. POTTER, a pioneer farmer of Weston township, was born in the city of Nottingham, County of Nottingham, England, June 28, 1819, and is a son of Thomas and Esther (Radford) Potter, both also natives of that county, the former born in 1779, the latter in 1782. Thomas Potter was a lace manufacturer in England, and inventor of pearl edging; but on coming to this country, in 1832, he took up farming pursuits in Mercer county, Ohio. His death occurred in that county May 2, 1848. He was 920 - WOOD COUNTY, OHIO. twice married, and by his first wife, Elizabeth, he had seven children: Mary, Ann, Samuel, Lucy, Maria, John and Thomas. By his second wife, Esther (Radford), five children were born, as follows: Dr. Henry Radford, a physician, who resided near Weston; William, who died in infancy; William B., the subject of this sketch; Hannah B.; and Joseph, who died in infancy. William B. Potter obtained a part of his education in England, and, after, coming to this country with his parents, worked in a printing office in Piqua, Ohio, for two years. He then worked on his father's farm until he was twentyfour years old, at the end of which time he went to Clark county, where he was employed some three years. He then returned home, and buying out the other heirs took the management of the home place, and the care of his widowed mother, who died in 1854. In 1864 he came to Wood county, and bought eighty acres of land in Weston township, on which he still resides. This place has been well improved with a handsome residence, capacious barns, granaries, etc., and here Mr. Potter carries on general farming. He is a man of broad and liberal ideas, progressive in his methods, and has been successful in his undertakings. Well and favorably known throughout the county, he has a large circle of warm friends, who throughly appreciate his many good qualities. Mr. Potter was married in Mercer county, Ohio, in 1852, to Miss Clarissa Shipman, who was born January 29, 1829, and ten children have blessed their union, as follows: Thomas, born October 28, 1853, is a farmer in Bellevue, Ohio; Sarah Jane, born February 11, 1855, died January, 1885; Henry S., born September 11, 1856, is a farmer in Bellevue; Lydia, born June 17, 1858, is the wife of J. Barton, a farmer in Plain township, Wood county; Esther S., born May 5, 1859; George W., born October 12, 1861, is farming on the old homestead (he married Miss Nettie Revenaugh, a lady of French descent, and they have one child); Harriet L., born September 22, 1863, now the widow of Henry Abbott, who died February 17, 1889; Mary E., born December 6, 1866, died April 6, 1884; Harmon, born April 6, 1868, is a fireman on the Wheeling & Lake Erie railroad; and Cora B., born September 6, 1871. The mother of these children died November 8, 1887. She was a most estimable woman, one who reared her large family carefully, and devoted her life to the interests of her household. Mr. Potter is a Republican in his political views, has held the office of trustee of Franklin township, Mercer county, and has served as school director. He is a consistent member of the Disciples Church. J. G. HELTMAN, a well-known and greatly respected citizen of Prairie Depot, was born in Center county, Penn., November 24, 1831. When he was six years old his parents, Joseph and Catherine (Goldman) Heltman, moved to Richland (now Ashland) county, the journey being made in wagons. In the latter county the father bought 16o acres of land, part of which was improved, on which he built a double hewedlog house, which was pretty comfortable for those days, and there reared a family of eight children. In his earlier days he was a millwright and a thorough mechanic, being an expert in that line. He was also a cabinet maker, and when his older daughters were married he made them each a set of furniture. All the children grew to maturity, and four sons and one daughter are still living. Mr. and Mrs. Heltman were members of the Evangelical Church. They both died in Ashland county, he at the age of eighty-four years, and she when ninety-five. J. G. Heltman, our subject, received his early education in the district schools of Ashland county, where his father built, on his farm, the first school house our subject ever attended. He worked on the farm and hauled wheat for his father when he was too small to set up a sack in the wagon. At home he remained until he was twenty-one years old, and was married, in Ashland county, to Miss Elizabeth W. Wheeler, who was born in Rochester township, Lorain Co., Ohio, a daughter of Thomas and Matilda (Link) Wheeler. The mother of Mrs. Heltman died when the latter was a child, and left her and a younger sister, who were reared by their maternal grandfather, Adam Link, a farmer in Ashland county. Mrs. Elizabeth W. Heltman was educated in the Union school in Ashland; and there learned dress-making with an aunt, which business she followed, more or less, for thirty-five years. After his marriage, our subject and his wife located on the paternal homestead, where he followed farming until the spring of 1858, when he moved to Osceola, Crawford county, where he bought land and began to work for a home of his own. On that place he lived for over three years, and then moved to a farm near Annapolis, Crawford county, where he intended going into the hardware business, but changed his mind, and farmed for two years. In the summer of 1861 he enlisted in Capt. Keller's company, 49th O. V. I., and went to Galion for examination, J. G. Heltman WOOD COUNTY, OHIO. - 921 but was rejected. Not satisfied, however, he again made application before the examining board at Toledo, but was again rejected. In the spring of 1863 he came to Section 29, Montgomery township, and bought eighty acres of land, fifteen of which were cleared. His house was part frame and part hewed logs, and there he lived for three and a half years; at the end of which time, as his health was poor, he went to West Independence, Hancock county, and engaged in a general merchandise business. In that he remained for three years; but indoor work did not agree with him, so he returned to his farm in Wood county, which he had rented during his absence. His health was completely broken down, and for a year or more he was unable to work. Subsequently he bought sixty acres of land in the same section, and built a home, where he lived until January 2, 1891, when he moved to Prairie Depot, at which place, in 1890, he had built the finest house to be seen there. At one time he was engaged in the stock business, and raised many fine horses and cattle The children of Mr. and Mrs. Heltman are as follows: Leander, who died when thirteen years old; Ora B., deceased at the age of three years; Elmer W., who lives in Toledo, where he is a well-known specialist and physician, and a lecturer in the Toledo Medical College; Arthur A., now of Prairie Depot, where he is engaged in the general merchandise and oil business. At present our subject has 120 acres of land, all of which is cleared except ten acres. He has one of the best barns in the township, besides a fine horse-barn and other buildings, all of which are in excellent condition, and which he has put up by his own means. Mr. Heltman is a Republican, and has served as township assessor; for many years was president of the board of education, of which he has been a member some twenty years. He and his wife are identified with the Methodist Church, in which he has been an elder, trustee and for sixteen years superintendent of the Sundayschool. He has always been liberal in his support of all Church work, and was active in building the one at Prairie Depot. He is a charter member of Prairie Depot Lodge No. 646, I. O. O. F., and was one of the committee selected to erect a monument to the soldiers of Montgomery township, at Prairie Depot, the design chosen being the one selected by him. He is a warm friend of better education, and has spent a great deal in the education of his sons. Withal he is an honest man of unquestionable integrity, and one of the most prominent citizens of his vicinity. A. L. HEMIMGER, an esteemed citizen and honored veteran of the Civil war, is now practically living retired upon his good farm of fifty acres in Montgomery township. He was born on January 24, 1843, in Loudon township, Seneca Co., Ohio, and is the son of Henry and Catherine (Kiser) Heminger. He acquired his education in the district schools, which then were not as proficient as at the present day, and he heartily endorses the great improvements that have been made in educational institutions. Like most farmer boys, as soon as large enough, he began to assist in the labors of the fields. While calmly employed in the peaceful vocation of a farmer's life, the storm of war, which had been gathering for so many years over our beloved country, broke, and bidding adieu to home and its influences, Mr. Heminger enlisted in September, 1861, in Company B, 55th O. V. I., under Capt. Bement, and first took part in the engagements in the Shenandoah Valley. He was with his regiment on duty continuously until after his re-enlistment in 1864, when, in August of that year, he was taken ill. He refused to go to the hospital, and instead rode in the wagon of a friendly teamster. After a few weeks absence he rejoined his regiment, and, aside from detail duty oft several different occasions, he remained with the command until the close of the war, being discharged in July, 1865, with an honorable war record. Resuming his duties as a civilian, Mr. Heminger has since made his home in Montgomery township, with the exception of two years spent near Green Springs, in Sandusky county. At his marriage he had twenty-five acres of land in Section 21, but rented another farm in Montgomery township for one year, and it was the following two years that he passed upon a rented farm in Sandusky county, while in the winter seasons he engaged in teaming. Returning to Montgomery township, he lived on different places until the spring of 1882, when he purchased twenty-seven acres of land in Section 22, where he yet resides, and now has fifty acres under a high state of cultivation. On December 26, 1867, Mr. Heminger was married in Montgomery township to Miss Anna Peebles, who was born in Fayette county, Ohio, in April, 1845, and is the daughter of Andrew Peebles, of Perry township, Wood county. To this worthy couple were born seven childrenLewis, of Bloomdale, Ohio; Albert, at home; Clara, now Mrs. Samuel Pierce, of Montgomery township; Leroy, at home; May, wife of William Brown, of Perry township, Wood county; and 922 - WOOD COUNTY, OHIO. Charles and Ralph, both at home. Mr. Heminger has been called upon to mourn the loss of his faithful wife, who died April 1, 1890, and was laid to rest at Prairie Depot. Physically, Mr. Heminger has been nearly a wreck since the war ended, and is compelled to leave the operation of his farm to his sons. He has always been a stanch Republican in politics, but never an office seeker, and, socially, is a prominent member of Petroleum Lodge No. 329, K. of P., and Randall Post, G. A. R., at Prairie Depot, in which he has served as junior vice-commander. He is a well-known and highly respected citizen, and has the confidence of the community. HENRY STERNAMAN, a leading and progressive farmer of Middleton township, is a native of Portage county, Ohio, born October 17, 1843 and is a son of Jonas and Maria Sternaman. The father was born in Pennsylvania, and when nine years of age removed to Buffalo, N. Y., where he learned the carpenter's trade. He afterward took up his residence in Portage county, Ohio, where he followed contracting and building, and there married Maria Gearhart, also a native of Pennsylvania, and a daughter of John Gearhart. They became the parents of five children: Henry; Cordelia, widow of Daniel Myers; Ellen, wife of Enoch Kramer; Ettie, wife of Herbert Cobb; and Addie, who died in childhood. In 1846 the father removed with his family to Troy township, Wood county, where he purchased a small farm, and where he continues to reside. His wife passed away in 1894. Our subject was only three years old when the family came to Wood county. He received a very limited education in a log school house, but his training at farm work was far from meagre. Prompted by a spirit of patriotism, he gave his services to the government during the Civil war, and at Woodville, Ohio, enlisted in the 68th O. V. I., under command of Capt. H. H. Poe, and Col. R. K. Scott. He participated in the battles of Port Gibson, Jackson, Champion Hills, Black River, and Vicksburg, also in the siege of Atlanta, and was with Sherman on the memorable march to the sea. He afterward went to Washington, where he received an honorable discharge at the close of the war. On his return he purchased forty acres of land in Middleton township, which he cultivated until 1870, when he purchased a farm in Michigan, making his home thereon for a year. Returning to Wood county, he bought a farm of eighty acres in Troy township, which he afterward sold, and became the owner of forty acres in Middleton township-his present home. This he has cleared and improved, having erected a good residence and barn, and he now has one of the well equipped country homes of the locality. Mr. Sternaman was married in Troy township, in 1865, to Jane Goodell, who was born in Huron county, Ohio, in October, 1846, a daughter of Cyrus and Lucretia (Studley) Goodell. They have two children, Mary E., born February 12, 1866, wife of Lew Ward; and Fred, born September 23, 1870, who, in 1892, married Katie Munson, who was born at Point Pleasant, W. Va., in 1874, daughter of Henry and Caroline (Rouch) Munson. Our subject has served as township trustee for four years; as school director seven years; and has been a member of the township board of education, He belongs to Middleton Lodge No. 786, I. O. O. F., and Robert Stewart Post No. 690, G. A. R., of Dunbridge. His diligence and good management may be said to have been the essential factors in his success. JOHN P. TUMISON is one of the most prominent business men of Hull Prairie, where he is engaged in general merchandising and grain dealing, and is also agent for the C. H. & D. Railroad Company. He was born in Seneca county, N. Y., July 1, 1836, a son of Thomas Tunison, who was born in New Jersey, and was a shoemaker by trade. He married Annie Cole, of Seneca county, N. Y., and they became the parents of six children: Sarah C., wife of William Conk ling, of Rochester, N. Y.; Daniel C., a farmer of Michigan; Susan S., wife of W. H. Williams, a retired farmer of Nebraska; John P.; Elizabeth, wife of C. Crissey; and Ezra C., deceased. In 1848 the father removed with his family to Lucas county, Ohio, where he carried on farming until 1863, in which year he went to Michigan, and there carried on agricultural pursuits until 1886, in which year both he and his wife died, he at the age of eighty-nine years, and she at eightythree years, having lived together sixty-seven years. Our subject was about thirteen years of age when the family emigrated to Lucas county, and he was there educated, completing his course in . the high school at Maumee. He then taught school for one year. After the breaking out of the Civil war, he enlisted, August 25, 1861; in the 14th O. V. I., under Gen. Steedman, Capt. Chase commanding the company. He participated in the battles of Stone River, Mill Springs, Chickamauga, Lookout Mountain, Nashville, Mission Ridge and Atlanta, and in all his service WOOD COUNTY, OHIO. - 923 he escaped wounds, but had a couple of very narrow escapes at Chickamauga, one bullet passing through his hat and another through his pants. He served as a private, being some ten months on detached service, at Gen. Thomas' headquarters, the rest of the time with his regiment. He secured an honorable discharge September 11, 1864, with the record of a faithful and brave soldier. Returning to his father's farm in Michigan, Mr. Tunison continued his residence in that State until 1883, when he came to Wood county, and has since engaged in general merchandising and grain dealing. He is straightforward and honorable in all his business transactions, is enterprising and far-sighted, and has steadily worked his way upward to a position among the substantial citizens of the community. For several terms he has served as school director, was a member of the township board of education for two terms, and postmaster two terms, discharging his duties with a promptness and fidelity that won him high commendation. His political support is given the Republican party, and both he and his wife are prominent members of the Baptist Church. He takes an active interest in its work, is serving as deacon and trustee, and has been both teacher and superintendent in the Sunday-school. In July, 1865, Mr. Tunison was united in marriage with Miss Helen Ten Brook, a native of Michigan, and their children are Gertrude, wife .of L. I. Brown, a contractor of Kansas City, Mo.; Lottie, at home; and Della, wife of David Parker, of Bowling Green. The mother of this family died in 1881, and Mr. Tunison, in 1883, wedded Mrs. Elvina C. (Carpenter) Brown, widow of H. S. Brown. WILLIAM R. WALKER, a representative of the mercantile interests of Dowling, carrying on a general store at that point, was born in Webster township, May 14, 1859, and is a son of William and Lydia (Bowen) Walker. He attended the district schools of the neighborhood, also pursued his studies at Bowling Green and Fostoria, working on the farm at intervals. He afterward engaged in teaching school for fourteen years, and was a successful educator, giving general satisfaction. In 1891 Mr. Walker removed to Dowling, where he purchased the store of E. S. Townsend, a general merchant of the place. He now carries a large and complete stock of general merchandise, and is a successful, energetic business man, who has succeeded in building up a large trade, his earnest desire to please his patrons, and his honorable dealing, winning him a liberal patronage. He is also the popular postmaster of Dowling, and formerly, during President Cleveland's first administration, held the same position at Scotch Ridge for four years. His political support is given the Democracy, and socially he is connected with Middleton Lodge No. 786, I. O. O. F., of Dunbridge. In religious belief he is a Methodist, and contributes liberally to the support of the Church, and to all enterprises calculated to prove of public benefit. On March 21, 1888, was celebrated the marriage of Mr. Walker and Miss Amy Grim, daughter of Jacob Grim, the ceremony being performed at the '' Russell House," in Bowling Green. They have three children-Goldie, born September 14, 1889; Eulilee, born February 25, 1891; and Gerald E., born August 12, 1894. JOHN H. CALLIN, a prominent and leading farmer of Middleton township, was born in Ashland county, Ohio, August 10, 1840. His father, William H. Callin, was born at Callinsburg, Clarion Co., Penn., September 10, 1813, and was the fourth son in a family of nine children. He was an industrious, hardy, persevering man, possessing great physical strength, but had only a limited knowledge of books. He had a mind of keen perception and sound judgment, and was well fitted for pioneer life. In 1831 he accompanied his parents to Ashland county, Ohio, where his father entered a tract of land from the government, becoming one of the first settlers of that locality. William Callin aided in clearing and improving this property, and finally, on the death of the father, in paying it out of the land office and receiving title (the land having been entered on what was termed the ninety-nine-year lease). In 1835, he married Elizabeth, daughter of John Barlin, of Ashland, and of their union were born eight children, the eldest and youngest dying in infancy. The surviving members of the family are Harriet, widow of William Sly, of Bowling Green; John H.; James M., and George W., both of Bowling Green; Hugh H. and Zimri L., of Pioneer, Ohio. In 1849 William Callin removed from Ashland county to Peru, Huron Co., Ohio, locating on a farm of eighty acres which he sold in 1860, preparatory to his removal to Wood county. Here he settled on 160 acres of land in Plain township, and, on his retirement from farming, took up his residence in Bowling Green. He was an exemplary man, of high Christian character, and a consistent and faithful member of the 924 - WOOD COUNTY, OHIO. Methodist Episcopal Church. He supported the first Republican presidential candidate, John C. Fremont, and was ever afterward a stanch advocate of the party. His death occurred in Bowling Green, December 11, 1881. His widow still makes her home there, and is now in her seventy-ninth year. John H. Callin, subject of this sketch, and the eldest son of the family, removed with his father from Ashland to Peru, Ohio, in 1849. and aided in the farm work during the summer months, while in the winter he attended the district school. At the age of eighteen he became a student in the Western Reserve Normal School at Milan, Ohio, and in the spring of 1861 removed with the family to Wood county, where, in the succeeding autumn, he taught his first district school. Dismissing his pupils, however, in the middle of the term, he enlisted in the Twentyfirst Battery of the Ohio Light Artillery, Capt. Patterson commanding, and went to Camp Dennison. The battery was ordered to West Virginia to operate against Gen. Williams, and Mr. Callin was placed in command of detachment B of the battery, which, however, was soon recalled to Ohio, to oppose Gen. Morgan, who was raiding through the southern portion of the State. The battery was effectual in checking this raid, and in the capture of Morgan's army at Pomeroy, Ohio; 1,600 prisoners were escorted to Cincinnati under the Federal guns, and Mr. Callin participated in the final capture of Morgan. The battery was afterward sent to join Gen. Burnside in Tennessee, and, having participatedd in the battles of Walker's Ford, Bean Station, Strawberry Plains and the siege of Knoxville, it built, and mounted its guns on, Fort Dickinson. At the close of the war the guns were removed to the State House yards, at Columbus, Ohio, where they still remain. Mr. Callin received an honorable discharge from the army at Louisville, Ky., May 27, 1865, and immediately returned home. He then entered Hillsdale College at Hillsdale, Mich., and, on completing the course there, resumed school teaching, which he successfully followed for twenty-two years, being an educator of excellent ability. In the spring of 1874 Mr. Callin married Miss Amanda L., the eldest daughter of William Walker, a prosperous farmer. Her father is now living at Scotch Ridge, Ohio, where her mother died October 13, 1879. To our subject and his wife were born seven children-Leota, who died in infancy; Byron H.; John V. D.; Emma B.; George Prentice; Wells M.; and Ray. After residing for a number of years in Bowling Green, Mr. Callin, in 1887, removed to Middleton township, where he and his wife have improved and beautified their pleasant home and farm. He here owns eighty acres of valuable land, which is now under a high state of cultivation. In 1895 he further added to its value and attractive appearance by erecting a handsome residence at a cost of $2,000. Through industry, progressiveness and strict application to business, he has one of the best cultivated farms in Middleton township. He is also secretary and stockholder of the Dunbridge Elevator Co., and in business circles has a most enviable reputation. He and his family adhere to the faith of the Presbyterian Church, in which he has held the office of trustee for a number of years, and has also been superintendent of various Sunday schools. He is a charter member of Robert Stewart Post, G. A. R., in which he has filled with ability all the offices, and is its present commander. His wife is a member of the Woman's Relief Corps. In politics he is a stanch Republican, having been identified with that party since casting his -first Presidential vote for Abraham Lincoln. Genial in manner, he is a popular citizen; his well-spent life and genuine worth having gained him high regard. Always cheerful and ready to surmount the common struggles of life; rising above all barriers and bridging all chasms, he feels sure to arrive at the summit. With untiring zeal to accomplish the grand purpose of life, and all things that are right, he is led by an eye of faith to Christian reward, that it might be said of him - " Blessed are they who strive to enter in at the straight gate." J. C. LOY, a prosperous farmer of Perry township, was born December 25, 1840, in Big Spring township, Seneca Co., Ohio, and is the son of Abraham and Elizabeth (Elarton) Loy. His grandfather was born in Germany, and at eighteen years of age carne to the United States. He taught school in Virginia, where he was marred and reared a family of six boys. Abraham was born in Virginia, where he was obliged to go five miles to school. When he first came to Ohio he located in Franklin county, going from there to Wyandot county, where he worked in a sawmill owned by judge Carey. Later he moved to Big Spring township, Seneca county, which was then in a primitive condition, and here bought 173 acres of land for $470. Here he married Miss Elizabeth Elarton. He built a cabin on his land, and lived there until the spring of 1869, when he passed away at the age of John C. Loy WOOD COUNTY, OHIO. - 925 sixty-seven years. His wife died six years later in Big Lick township, Hancock county. Their children were eight in number, three of whom are now living, viz.: James, in Putnam county, Ohio; F. Marion, in Hancock county, and our subject. Mrs. Loy was a Methodist in her religious belief, and Mr. Loy belonged to the Evangelical Church, in which faith he died. Our subject attended the common schools of his time, and although his opportunities were few he learned rapidly. Had his early education been better he would not have been a farmer. As it was he remained on his father's farm until his enlistment, September 4, 1861, in Company D, 49th O. V. I., Col. W. H. Gibson. He remained with the regiment, and participated in all the battles until December 31, 1862, when he was wounded at the battle of Stone River and taken to hospital, where he remained three months; this hospital was taken by Rebels within three minutes after our subject arrived. His injury consisted of a gunshot wound in the right elbow, and he was discharged from service March 27, 1863, for disability. Returning home, he spent one summer at school which was taught by the lady who afterward became his wife-Miss Sarah A. Copley, who was born in Wyandot county, and who is the daughter of Benjamin Copley. The marriage took place in Wyandot county, October 12, 1864, the young couple going to house-keeping on a rented farm, near Adrian, Seneca county. In October, 1868, they moved to Andrew county, Mo., which was then a pioneer section, and Mr. Loy bought 170 acres of land. Seven years they lived there, four of which was during the season of grasshoppers, when those insects caused such great destruction throughout the State. That venture cost our subject $3,000 in all. For six weeks at a time he did not have the price of a postage stamp, which condition was general in his section. In the winter of 1876 he returned to Seneca county, Ohio, and was for five years a resident on judge Carey's farm of 1,240 acres, at Center, Big Liok township, Hancock county. Here it was that M. Loy " got on his feet," and when he left the farm he came to Perry township, Wood county, and bought eighty acres of land in Sections 12 and 13 in the spring of 1882, where he has remained ever since, improving the farm in many ways from time to time. To Mr. and Mrs. Loy has been born six children, namely: Ulysses E. who lives at home; Benjamin B., a farmer of Seneca county; Marian O., who died when twenty-two months old; Edward W., at home; Eff: U., a dressmaker, at home; and Clara, who was married July 29, 1896, to H. E. Corfman, an estimable gentleman of Wyandot county, Ohio, and they are now living near McCutchenville, that county. Politically, Mr. Loy is from principle a Prohibitionist, although until 1888 he affiliated with the Republican party. He is a member of the County Central Committee, and is representative for Perry township. He has been director for District No. 5, and is a great advocate of better education. With his wife he is a member of the Evangelical Church, with which he has been connected thirty-five years, holding, during that time, various offices. He is a member of the Quarterly Conference, and has served as a delegate to several important conventions of the Church. He also belongs to the P. of I., and was at one time agent of the Phoenix Insurance Co. for several years. He is a well-informed man, being an extensive reader, is a good conversationalist, and a popular citizen. HENRY GOODENOUGH is a native of England, having been born in Wiltshire, September 20, 1842, where his parents, Robert and Ruth (Limerick) Goodenough, were also born. His father was a stone cutter by trade, and came to America in the spring of 1849, locating in Greenfield, Huron county, where he died when our subject was twelve years old. His wife died in Bowling Green at the age of sixty-four years. She was a Baptist, and he was a member of the Church of England. They had five children who grew to maturity: Henry, our subject; Harriet, the wife of William Buvinger, of Bowling Green; Thomas, living in Weston township, Wood county; Liza Ann, wife of James Carr, of Plain township; Esther, who died when about sixteen years old. Henry Goodenough came, with his mother, to America in the fall of 1849, landing in New York. He was but a boy, and his first employment, in England, was keeping birds off wheatfields with a rattle-box. He lived with his parents in Huron county until the breaking out of the Civil war, when he enlisted in Company C, 123d O. V. I., and served in the army of the Potomac for three years, lacking one month. He entered on August 19, 1862, and was in the following battles: Romney Station, Winchester, Snicker's Gap, Cross Keys, below Stanton; Lynchburg, Va. ; Cedar Creek, under Phil Sheriden; Strasburg, under Sigel; and Winchester, under Gen. Crook; he was in the grand charge of Grant on the assault round the rear of Petersburg, and was in the last battle of High Ridge, where he went on a scouting expedition, reaching 926 - WOOD COUNTY, OHIO. there at daylight, when the enemy charged, and he was taken prisoner with the rest. This was just four days before Lee's surrender, during which time he was a prisoner, and was them let go on parole at the same time as was Lee's army. He was a private all through the war, and was at one time detailed for blacksmith service-which trade he had learned when young. After the close of the war, he went back to Huron county, but found that his parents had moved to Wood county, where he also went. On January 15, 1873, he was married to Miss Mary Coen, who was born in Plain township, October 20, 1847. Five children have been born to them: Hattie May (wife of Edwin Russell, of Bowling Green), Ruth, Sarah, Harry and Walter. The eldest daughter attended school at Findlay, and another daughter is mow attending school at Bowling Green. After his marriage, Mr. Goodenough settled in his present home, where he is occupied in general farming. He has 143 acres of land, on which are located five oil wells, and he has also a one-half interest in five other wells on leased land. He has not leased his land and oil interests, as most of the farmers in the township do, but has drilled and developed all his own wells, and is now one of the successful operators in his section of the county. His first well flowed for three months. Socially, Mr. Goodenough is a member of the I. O. O. F. and the G. A. R. In religious connection, he is a member of the Presbyterian Church. Politically, he is a Republican, and though he is mot what might be termed a politician, he has held many offices of trust; he was trustee three terms, and school director for fifteen years, always taking great interest in local educational affairs. NATHANIEL FIFE. The name of this gentleman is both widely and favorably known throughout Wood county, and he has been an honored resident of Bloom township since pioneer days. He is of Scotch extraction, and was born in Cecil township, Washington Co., Penn., on July 5, 1827, to John and Anna (Hill) Fife. Accompanied by his brother, John, the paternal grandfather, William Fife, came from Scotland to the New World before the Revolutionary war, in which struggle they aided the Colonies in securing their independence. Both the grandfather and the father of our subject died in Washington county. In the family of the latter were eight children who grew to adult age, namely: William, John, James, Thomas, Robert, Nathaniel, Margaret and Andrew. Our subject received his education at the subscription schools, held in rude log buildings, with puncheon floors and furnished with primitive wooden benches. As a farmer he was reared to manhood, and on reaching maturity was marries September 7, 1848, to Miss Letitia Harsha, of Chartiers township, Washington Co., Penn., daughter of John Harsha. For one year the young couple lived with his father, after whist Mr. Fife rented land in his native county unti 1854, when in November of that year he came t( Wood' county, where he and his brother William had bought I60 acres of land in Section 31, Bloom township. Our subject became sole owner o 10o acres of the amount, on which he still make his home. Only ten acres had ever been cleared but it was them as badly covered with brush am( timber as the remainder. The land was then dry but in the spring it was mostly covered wit] water, and where mow is one of his best and mos productive fields, at one time was good fishing ground, catfish being caught there a foot long On April 1, 1855, he brought his family, whist then consisted of, his wife and three children, to Bloom township, and they made their temporary home with Andrew Campbell, a neighbor and relative, who had once lived in Washington county, Penn. Clearing away the trees, Mr. Fife erected his first dwelling, 18 x 20 feet, of hewed logs, and in the fall it was ready for occupancy By his first marriage he became the father o six children, namely: John B., of Bairdstown William H., who died in Bloom township; James T., of North Baltimore; Mary E., a native o Wood county, who married John M. Wright and died in McComb, Ohio; Esther A., now Mrs Thomas Patterson, of McComb, and Andrew T. who is sergeant-major in the 2d United State: Cavalry, stationed at Fort Wingate, N. M. The mother of these children died August 29, 1865, and was buried in Van Buren cemetery, Hamcock county. On September 26, 1867, Mr. Fife was married in Van Buren, to Frances J. Presler widow of Samuel Presler. The lady was born in Wayne county, Ohio, November 26, 1830 and is a daughter of Richard and Nancy (Bovard; Bayless, who became pioneers of Big Lick town ship, Hancock county, in 1838. Three children grace this union: Robert H., at home; Cassandra E., now Mrs. Oscar Marvin, of Findlay, Ohio; and Emma L., mow Mrs. J. F. Luden, o Toledo. On buying his land, Mr. Fife was obliged to go in debt for it, but, being young and robust, he went to work with a resolute will and soon had it free from encumbrance. By clearing, draining, WOOD COUNTY, OHIO. - 927 and otherwise improving his land, he has made it one of the best farms in the township, on which are seen substantial buildings and all the accessories of a model farm. On May 2, 1864, he joined the Home Guards, and was mustered into the United States service as a member of Company E, 144th O. V. I. From Camp Chase the troops were sent to Wilmington, Del., where they did guard duty until discharged at Columbus, Ohio, at the expiration of the one hundred days for which they had enlisted. Mr. Fife now holds membership with Urie Post No. 110, G. A. R., of Bloomdale. His political support is given to the Republican party, and religiously he and his wife belong to the Presbyterian Church of Van Buren, Hancock Co., Ohio. JOSEPH X. DURLIAT was born near Niagara Falls, on the Canada side, May 28, 1858, and is of French lineage. The founder of the family in America was Xavier Durliat, a native of Alsace, France, who with his family crossed the Atlantic to Canada, where he and his wife spent their retraining days. The father of our subject, Joseph Durliat, Sr., was born in Alsace, in 1830, and when fifteen years of age came with his parents to America. He was married in Canada to Magdalena Trendall, who was born in that country in 1837, and there he followed farming for many years. In 1865 he brought his family to Ohio, taking up his residence on a tract of wild land in Jackson township, Wood county, where he made his home until his death. In his business undertakings, principally sawmilling, he was, quite successful, and accumulated 520 acres of valuable land. He passed away in 1889, but his widow is still living in Custar. The following named constituted their family-Joseph X.; Mary Ann, wife of Joseph Metzger, of Custar; Elizabeth, wife of Peter Louy, of Toledo, Ohio; Regina, wife of Henry Wentzink, of Henry county, Ohio; Frank X., of Custar; John M., a farmer, of Milton township; Henry, of Custar; Charles, who is living on the old homestead; and Martin and Louis, who are also residents of Custar. Mr. Durliat, of this review, spent the first seven years of his life in his native land, and then came with his parents to Wood county. He acquired his education in Jackson township, and as soon as old enough to handle the plow his training at farm labor began. He also worked in his father's sawmill in Jackson township. In 1880 Mr. Durliat was united in marriage in Custar with Miss Emma Metzger, who was born in Dunreath, Iowa, April 4, 1861. Their union has been blessed with seven children, namely: Joseph B., William H., Fred M., Magdalena J., Mary E., Lawrence M. and Agnes L. Mr. and Mrs. Durliat, after their marriage, lived for one year in Jackson township, and then located on their present farm, comprising seventysix acres, which is a part of the estate left by his father. In 1881 he erected his present residence, and now his entire time and attention is devoted to his business interests, which he is capably and successfully managing. In politics he is a Democrat, and has served for two years as supervisor. He belongs to St. Louis Catholic Church of Custar, and takes quite an active interest in its work. T. J. MEARING, who is one of the most esteemed residents of Plain township, where he is recognized as a man of integrity, good judgment, and also honored as a brave veteran of the Civil war, is, one of the many citizens of foreign birth who have contributed in no small degree to the growth and prosperity of Wood county. Mr. Mearing is a native of Cheltenham, England, where he was born January 30, 1838. His parents, James and Isabella (Wiley) Mearing, were natives of the same country, the former born in 1808, and the latter in 1807. Their family comprised six children, namely: Sarah, who married Thomas Sessor, and died at Newark, Ohio; Martha, the widow of James Drake, is living in Bloomington, Ill.; T. J., the subject of this sketch; Emma, who married Charles Hartkorn, and died at Wabash, Ind.; Mary Ann became the wife of William Hahn, and died in Peoria, Ind.; Charles lives in Miami county, Ind. The mother of these children died when our subject was about eight years old, in 1846, the family having come to America in 1843. The father had been a coachman in the old country, and followed the same occupation after locating in Newark, Licking Co., Ohio, being in the service of Nathaniel B. Hogg. In 1854, some years after the death of his wife, he removed to Indiana, and purchased a farm in Miami county, on which he spent the remainder of his life. Both were consistent members of the Episcopal Church and were estimable people. On the death of his mother, our subject and his sister Martha were bound out to a man living at Utica, Ohio, with whom they were to remain until of age. The death of the latter's wife set them free, but his .sister was induced to remain with the family. The gentleman married again, and our subject returned to him, remaining there some years. In this home the two children were always treated as if they were children of the family, their pro- 928 - WOOD COUNTY, OHIO. tector, a wealthy stockman, being a genial, kindly man, able to provide abundantly for them. Two years after his second marriage he died, and thus what had been more a home to our subject and his sister than their own father's house, was broken up. Mr. Mearing then worked on a farm during the summers and attended school in the winter time until the latter part of 1859, when he went to Miami county to visit his father. He was not pleased with the country, and went on to Illinois and stopped at Monticello, Piatt county, where he worked at various occupations until July 27, 1862, when he enlisted in Company E, 107th Illinois Infantry, to defend the stars and stripes against the Rebels of the Confederacy. He enlisted as a private, but was made duty sergeant before any active service was seen. Soon afterward he became orderly sergeant, and filled this position throughout his three-years' service, receiving his honorary commission of second lieutenant at the time of his discharge. Among the important engagements in which he participated were those of Franklin, Tenn.; Nashville; siege and battle of Knoxville; and skirmishes all the way from Strawberry Plains to Nashville. After his return to Illinois, Mr. Mearing worked by the month on a farm for a short time, and then went to Indiana, where he was married,' November 2, 1868, to Miss Mary E. Cook, who was born in Wood county, Ohio, March 3, 1847. Of this union three children have been born: Bertha, wife of Frank Hughes, of Plain township; Pearl and Frank, both of whom are at home. Mr. Mearing lived in Indiana until 1882, when he removed to Wood county. In his earlier years he was a Democrat in principle, but cast his first Presidential vote for Abraham Lincoln, and has voted the Republican ticket ever since. It is one of his most gratifying remembrances that he once met the martyred President at his home, and had the pleasure of shaking hands with him. Mr. Mearing is a member of the G. A. R., and is justly proud of his war record. He is highly respected and esteemed in the community, and is a public-spirited and loyal citizen. LORIN THOMPSOM is a retired farmer, who, after a well-spent life, is now resting from business cares in the enjoyment of the fruits of his former toil. He was born in the State of New York, March 30, 1821, and is a son of William and Sarah (Cook) Thompson, the former a native of Rhode Island, the latter of Connecticut. Their marriage was celebrated in Rhode Island, and to them were born twelve children, namely: Reuben, Sally, Hannah, Washington, William, Rial, Lewis, Wealthy, Luman, Johial, Phoebe and Lorin. The father died in Michigan, and the mother's death occurred in Wisconsin. Our subject attended school and worked on the home farm in Pennsylvania during his boyhood days, continuing under the parental roof until twenty-six years of age. He then learned the blacksmith's trade, which he followed until 1864, when he came to Wood county, and located on forty acres of land covered with timber and water. This he cleared and improved, and extended the boundaries of his farm by the additional purchase of 100 acres. The wild land was transformed into a rich and valuable tract, and by his energetic efforts and good business ability he acquired a handsome competence, which now enables him to lay aside all business cares. In Erie county, Penn., in 1848, Mr. Thompson was united in marriage with Alvia Wright, a native of the State of New York, and a daughter of Nirum and Polly (Allen) Wright, and to them were born seven children, as follows: Rosina, Russel, Roxana, Laura, Alvah, Alvira, and Henry. Mr. Thompson has the high esteem of his fellow townsmen, for he is a man of sterling worth and strict integrity. Nirum Wright, the father of Mrs. Thompson, died at Jerry City, this county, and the death of his wife Polly, occurred at North East, Erie Co., Pennsylvania. JACOB HUFFMAM. Among the representative citizens of Washington township, none stands higher than the subject of this review, who is now engaged in the manufacture of brick and tile. He is a native of Pennsylvania, born in Dauphin county, August 3, 1834, a son of John and Nancy Huffman, both born in Pennsylvania, the father in 1808, the mother in 1813. Our subject received his education at the public schools of Pennsylvania, and then commenced to learn the trade of a tailor, which he followed some four years. In 1850, when sixteen years old, he came with his parents to Ohio, locating in Weston township, on a partially-improved farm, which he assisted in clearing and improving. After his marriage, which event will be spoken of presently, he bought eighty acres of wild land, and at once set to work to improve it. In 1862 he built a log house, into which he and his wife moved, and he has since added t0 his property until his farm now consists of 190 acres, all well-improved, besides land in Lucas Jacob Huffman WOOD COUNTY, OHIO. - 929 county and in the West. In 1882 he erected his tile and brick factory, the second in Washington township, which he has since successfully managed, finding a ready sale for his products in Wood and adjoining counties. In this enterprise he employs from six to twelve hands. He is enterprising and industrious, and his honest dealing and straightforward business methods have won him a liberal patronage. He is also engaged in stock dealing, selling in Buffalo and Eastern markets. In 1858 Mr. Huffman was married in New York to Miss Elizabeth Kraus, a native of that State, born in 1839, daughter of Melchior and Elizabeth (Letwyler) Kraus. Her father, who was a farmer, was born in Wurttemberg, Germany, whence, when eighteen years old, he came to America. Her mother was born in Switzerland, and was fourteen years old when she came to this country; both her parents died on the voyage, leaving four children on the ship without any means; but when they landed in Philadelphia, they found homes. The mother of Mrs. Huffman died November 10, 1884, the father, a farmer by occupation, on August 18, 1885, in Erie county, N. Y. They had a family of five children: Anna (Mrs. Shiffley), living in Ohio; John, a farmer in Erie county, N. Y., a member of the Legislature, and holding other prominent positions; Fannie (Mrs. Stutzman), also of Erie county; Susan (Mrs. Rupp), of Lucas county; and Elizabeth (Mrs. Huffman). Mr. and Mrs. Huffman have no children of their own, but have an adopted son, who is nineteen years of age, and was four years old when adopted. During the Civil war, Mr. Huffman served as a member of Company B, 144th O. V. I., under Capt. Black and Col. Miller. Politically he is a Republican, and for several years he served his township as supervisor and trustee, discharging his duties with strictest fidelity. ANDREW BURDITT is a representative of one of the honored pioneer families of Wood county, and was born in Washington township, July 3, 1855, his parents being Greenbury and Martha (Grey) Burditt. The common schools of the neighborhood afforded him his educational privileges, and at the early age of nine years he began the work of clearing land, thus aiding in the development of his father's farm. His early years formed a period of labor, but he developed thereby a self-reliant spirit and force of character that have been important factors to him in his business career. In 1879 he started out in life for himself, and for three years owned and operated the Van Tassel farm, which he then sold and bought sixty acres of the Chubb farm, which, when he had improved it, he traded for forty acres of the eighty-two where he now resides, receiving the other forty-two for taking care of his parents. The same he has placed under a high state of cultivation. On November 11, 1878, was celebrated the marriage of Mr. Burditt and Miss Clara Coleman, who was born in Huron county, Ohio, in 1860. They have two children-Georgie and Frankie. They hold membership with the United Brethren Church, and Mr. Burditt gives his political support to the Republican party. The true worth of his character is shown by the fact that for the past five years he has supported his parents, of whom it will be interesting in this connection to. note something further. Greenbury Burditt, who is now living with Andrew, was born May 1, 1818, near St. Clairsville, Belmont Co., Ohio. His parents, William and Ruth (Fitzgerald) Burditt, were natives of Montgomery, county, Md., and were of English and Welsh lineage. They had the following children: Elias, deceased, who was a resident of Guernsey county, Ohio; James, who resides in Washington township; William, who served in the Mexican war, and was killed by a horse in Tuscarawas county, Ohio; Meletha,, who became the wife of John W. Tullis, and died in Hardin county, Ohio; Tamzon, deceased wife of John 'Peters, of Tuscarawas county; and Bentley, who was wounded during his service in the Civil war, and died in Tuscarawas county. The parents of this family also passed away in that county, and of the children only Greenbury is now living. He obtained the greater part of his education by the side of the home fireplace in Belmont county, and in the subscription schools. When he was eighteen years of age the family removed to Tuscarawas county, where he remained for four years. At the age of twenty-two he went to Port Clinton, where he was employed on his brother's farm for four years, and then leased a tract of land on which he located. He was married. September 12, 1841, to Margaret Bowlus. They had three children, two of whom died in the war of the Rebellion, Lewis Hanson and George, William H. Burditt, of Washington township, being the survivor. The mother died in 1847, and the following year Mr. Burditt married Martha Ann Gray, by whom he had eight children: Maletha Ann, wife of Laurence Long; Lucy Ann, wife of Zahm Stevens; Andrew; Martha Jane, wife of William Digby; Maggie, wife of Newton Petteys; Levi, who died RETURN TO THE TITLE PAGE