400 - BIOGRAPHICAL MEMOIRS. and Charlotte Edgington were eight in number, and were named Margaret, Susan, Mary (who was married to Charles DeJean) and Adeline, all deceased; Joseph, who is farming the old homestead; William Abbott; and two who died young. When Jesse Edgington came to Eden township in 1845 and purchased one hundred and twenty acres of, government land, covered with a wild growth of heavy timber ; here he put lip a log house and in the fall moved in. Here his wife pase'd away June 28, 1889, at the age of seventy-seven years, and here his own death occurred April 3, 1901. They were highly esteemed by their neighbors and, besides the homestead, left to their surviving children a heritage of much greater value—a spotless name. Joseph Edgington, son of the late Jesse and Charlotte (Koontz) Edgington, was born in Richland county April 27, 1844, and is now farming on the old homestead in Eden township. He married April 17, 186,6, Miss Rebecca White, a native of Wyandot county, and a daughter of Hugh and.Eveline (Brown) White, who were born in Ashland county, Ohio, and came to Eden township, Wyandot county, in 1851: Hugh White was a farmer who stood very high in the esteem of his fellow citizens and passed the remainder of his life in Eden township, where he died in 1859, but his wife, a very estimable lady, passed away in Ashland county in 1874. The latter had, after her husband's death, resided with her daughter, Mrs. Edgington. To Joseph and Rebecca Edgington have been born three children, namely : Flora, the wife of George Brown, a farmer, in Crawford county; Adeline, who still graces the parental home; and Eva, wife of J. A. Horick, of Eden township, and they have two sons, Arlington R. and Boyd B. There is one episode in the life of Mr. Edgington well worth recording as exhibiting his love of country. In 1864 he enlisted in Company H, One Hundred and Forty-fourth Ohio. Volunteer Infantry, but after a brief service of four months in Virginia and Maryland was sunstruck and honorably discharged in .September, 1864. He would gladly have served his country much. longer, but military discipline is inexorable and he was not permitted to have his own way in the matter. Mr. Edgington has passed his entire life on the old homestead, with the exception of the four months alluded to above and perhaps a temporary absence on a visit or some similar occasion, and has devoted his attention strictly to his pursuit of general farming. The farm having been under skillful cultivation so many years is now one of the garden. spots of the township, being very productive and unexcelled in appearance by any place of its size in the neighborhood. All the improvements are neat and tasty and the well-tilled fields, show the management of a master hand. Joseph Edgington is a Republican, having first voted for General Grant, and in religion is a member of the Church of God. Unlike his father, he has to vote at the polling place some little distance from his home, whereas, in the early days the voting- was done on the old homestead, his father's house being officially designated as the place at which the voters of the district were authorized to cast their franchises; our subject can remember how they voted through the window of his father's home. Mr. Edgington's early education was obtained in the BIOGRAPHICAL MEMOIRS - 401 primitive school house of the pioneer period, with its meager furnishing of slab seats, etc., and his sole text-book was an elementary spelling book. What a striking contrast to those old log-cabin school houses, are the present magnificent brick structures which now' adorn this locality. Along with other pioneer experiences Mr. Edgington used to recount that at a time when all the surrounding country was an unbroken wilderness droves of deer were frequently to be seen close to their home. When he first saw Eden township the Morrison state road had not yet been laid out and Nevada at that time contained but one store. JAMES ANDERSON. This venerable gentleman is probably the oldest person living in Eden township, having been born in. Colerain township, Lancaster county, Penn., September 9, 1813. Hugh Anderson, father of the subject, and a son of Gilbert Anderson, was also born in Lancaster county, Penn., and was a weaver by trade. Gilbert Anderson was born in Ireland and was: the first of the family to come to America, being unmarried at the time. He purchased a tract of land in Pennsylvania, returned to Ireland, and was there married, and then brought his bride to his new home in the new world, and here they passed the remainder of their lives. Hugh Anderson owned a farm of one hundred acres in Lancaster county, which he cultivated while still following his trade of weaver until the fall of 1824, when he removed to Washington county, in the same state, lived there nine years, and in conjunction with farming conducted a still. William Anderson, an uncle of James, the subject of this sketch, was the first of the family to come to Ohio; he located in Ashland county in 1824 and lived there nine years. Robert Anderson, a brother of William, located in the Same county in 1832 and bought a farm of one hundred and sixty acres. Our subject, James, and a brother, started from the Keystone state with a horse March 31, 1833, and on reaching Ashland county, Ohio, purchased a farm of one hundred and sixty acres for $600. James started to clear off the timber and erected a log cabin, twelve feet square, and soon afterward others of the family came from. Pennsylvania. In the fall of 1833 they erected another cabin, when the rest of the family came, and here the old folks passed the remainder of their lives.. Hugh Anderson and his wife, Sarah (Miller) Anderson, had a family of nine children, namely:: Hannah, Peggy, John and Robert, all deceased; Joseph, deceased; James, subject of this sketch.; Ebenezer, deceased; Mary and Rachael. James Anderson, subject of this sketch, remained with the old folks: at home until his marriage, January 25, 1838, to Miss Elizabeth Hilborn., a native of Richland county, Ohio, who died September 19, 1892. She was the mother of nine children, namely : An 'infant that died unnamed; Joseph M., who lost his life in the Civil war in 1863 ; Rachael A., widow of William Todd, and living with our subject; Mary M., wife of Harvy Pool, a farmer in Eden township; Sarah Elizabeth, married to Isaac Hinkle, who is farming on the old place for our subject; James L., living in Plankington, S. D. ; Peggy Jane, deceased wife of George Troupe; Catherine J., wife of Joseph. Balliet, an ag- 402 - BIOGRAPHICAL MEMOIRS. riculturist of Mansfield, Ohio; and Hannah M., wife of Daniel Sanger, of Crawford county. After his marriage Mr. Anderson located on the old Buett farm, on which he lived until May 7, 1846, when he came to Wyandot county in three wagons drawn by five horses, and settled in section 21 , Eden township, where he bought eighty acres and rented a log cabin until he had cleared up about sixty-five acres. In the spring of 1863 he bought a sawmill in Eden township and operated it one year. He then went to Nevada, this county, where he lived until February 23, 1901, when he was burned out, losing about one thousand five hundred dollars by the conflagration. He had started a planing mill about 1864 and manufactured American beehives for a short time and also did a considerable amount of carpet weaving. He next engaged in the real estate business and at one time purchased a forty-acre tract of land which he converted into building lots and sold on easy terms; he still owns a large amount of property in Nevada. In politics Mr. Anderson is a Union. Reformist and has been elected trustee of Eden township several times. He cast his first vote for "Tippecanoe and Tyler, too." In religion he is a Presbyterian and for sixty years has been active in church work. As the first settler in Eden township, his name is known all through the county, and the great amount of work he has clone and the good he has accomplished have made him famous in its highways and byways. Over what a field of vast change and almost magical transformation can the venerated subject of this sketch cast a retrospective glance, far-reaching and comprehensive in its scope, and recalling, like a flash of lightning in a dark night, a view of the rugged and weird scenery of Wyandot as it was three-quarters of a century ago; with what ease can he perform a task that would be difficult to others —that of throwing open the gates at the portal of memory, on their creaking hinges, and of peering into the obscure caverns of the past, hidden deep as they are, and of reviewing in detail hundreds of scenes and events that would fill at least two periods of an ordinary life. Holding within his grasp the clew to the labyrinth, he can easily follow the path that was open and plain to hundreds that have now passed away, while he still lives to recall such scenes at will. Although his early life was one of hard toil, his industry has been well rewarded, and he is now basking at ease in the golden rays of the sun that is sinking gradually behind the western horizon of life, having made for himself a name that will endure as long as the boundary lines of Wyandot county shall have an existence. JOHN CASTANIEN. It was the custom in this country during the pioneer period to either teach the boys the business of farming or to attach them to some tradesman under an indenture of apprenticeship in order that they might have an opportunity to, learn some useful trade. If one or the other of these courses was not followed it was because the boy was intended for some professional career, or else the parents were willing to set their boy adrift on the world, fully convinced that he was capable of taking care of himself. In recent years. it is more generally the case BIOGRAPHICAL MEMOIRS - 403 that they are left to choose their own occupation in life and with this end in view the boys are given better educational opportunities and other advantages. There are many who would rather live and labor on. a farm than to try to make their way Up in the already crowded cities. The chances for a young man on the farm at the present day are far better than in the cities, if they would only recognize that fact. A farmer that owns his own home and is but of debt and has a little ahead, haS the advantage of the merchant who is run to death by his sharp and unscrupuldus competitor. In such a situation is the subject of this sketch, who was born in Perry 'county, Ohio, June 11, 1825, being the son of Alexander Castanien. He grew to manhood on his father's farm, receiving at the same time a somewhat meager eduCation; and learning all the arts on the farm. He remained in Perry county until 1848, when he came to this county and established himself in Pitt township and began to clear the land where he now resides. In 185o he moved on his present place; upon which he had erected a rude log cabin, with clapboard roof and Puncheon floor, and in this primitive structure began housekeeping with his young wife. The land was covered with heavy timber, much of which was the best of black walnut, which. would be worth a fortune could it be replaced upon, the farm at this day. It was in the way at that time and was given to the. flames without remorse in order that the light of day might be let in upon the fertile soil: He at first owned one hundred acres in section 11, but at later dates` bought other tracts until he possessed a large and very valuable farm. In recent years he has divided among his children over three hundred acres and has left two hundred acres in the old homestead. Although he has had to make his own way in the world, he has been unusually successful. Starting with a meager education he has, by sound judgment, untiring industry and wise management amassed a fine, property, and at the same time has become one of the most subuqential men of the county. He ShoWed the breadth of his character by so wisely assisting his children in getting a start in life. Others would do. well toy imitate his example in this respect. In 1850 he was united in marriage with Miss Christina Alspach, and by her had the following children: Mahala, now living in Pitt township; Caroline, the wife of Emmett Bechtell ; David, a farmer of Pitt township, wedded Miss Jennie McBeth ; Frank, now residing in Arkansas, married' Emma Harlon ; and Amos, a farmer of Pitt township. His wife having died January 25, 1861, Our subject, on November 25, 1863, Married her sister, Sophia Alspach, who. has borne him two children: William, the eldest, is an 'agriculturist residing on the homestead. He married Miss Anna Dirrneyer and they have Six children, two Sons. and four daughters, as follows : Edith, Frederick, Paul, Martha, Murchie and Florence. Allen, the younger brother, also resides on. the estate. He married Miss Mary A. Moulds and they are the parents of four daughters, Ruth, Helen, Bessie and Mabel. Mrs. Sophia Castanien was a most estimable woman and none in Pitt township were held in higher esteem. She was a native of Perry county, Ohio, having been born April 15, 1837. Her funeral, which: was held from Emanuel Reformed church, was One of the largest ever witnessed in Pitt township. The obsequies were conducted by Revs. N. H. Loose and 404 - BIOGRAPHICAL MEMOIRS. J. W. Belser, the interment being in Oak Hill cemetery. The pall bearers were John Barth, John Niederhauser, E. S. Hethouse, Joseph Beaver, , L. T. Smith and Joshua Cochran. Mr. Castanien occupies a high position in the estimation of all his acquaintances, and stands among the leaders in this part of the county. He is a member of the German Reformed church and in politics is a Democrat. His long life is filled with right living and honorable performances. His former little log house has been replaced by one of the handsomest and most modern styled brick residences in Pitt township, containing all up-to--date improvements. DAVID SELSOR MILLER. This well-known man was for many years a prominent farmer and dealer in stock. He is now practically retired from business, though he still retains his agricul tural interests and is also a shipper of hay. Before referring more particularly to his personal career it will be appropriate to note a few facts, regarding his ancestors. David Selsor Miller is a member of one of the notable pioneer families of Ohio. His great-great-grandparents, Robert and Elizabeth Miller, of Scotland, emigrated to Prince George county, Md., in 1738. In this county their eldest son, David, was born, and here he was married to Miss Rachel Blackwood, who was also born in this county. Her mother, Ann Swain, was born in this country, but her father, John Blackwood, was a native of England. David Miller was a gallant and patriotic soldier of the Revolution and died in the service in 1778. His son, Robert, was born in Prince George county, Md., on the 19th day of August, 1767. He was married to Miss. Mary Highfield on the 19th day of January, 1793, and in a few days thereafter removed to Buckingham county, Va. In the spring of 1797 he removed to Kentucky and settled in Mason, county. He was ordained a deacon of the Methodist Episcopal church by Bishop Asbury in Cincinnati in 1809 and was later ordained an elder by Bishop Robert R. Roberts. Becoming thoroughly dissatisfied with the institution of slavery Rev. Mr. Miller emancipated his slaves in 1812 and removed to Champaign (now Clark) county, Ohio. He was an uncompromising foe of slavery and intemperance and his pronounced views on these questions were far in advance of his time. David Miller, his eldest son, and the father of David Selsor Miller, was born in Buckingham county, Va., February 12, 1794, and was married to Sarah Bent Parker October 28, 1833. He was three years old when he was taken by his parents to Kentucky and in 1812 accompanied them on their removal to Ohio. Here he received the advantages of such schooling as was the lot of the farmer boy in that early day. On April 7, 1827, he came to what is now known as Pitt township, Wyandot county, Ohio (at that time Salt Rock township, Marion county), and settled in what was then called the Sandusky Plains. He entered land and bought it the first land sale held there, and on that tract he made his home. Altogether he .entered and bought one thousand acres of land in what is now Pitt township, Wyandot county. He started active life there a comparatively poor man, but was energetic and ambitious and soon gained a competency. He made a business of going BIOGRAPHICAL MEMOIRS - 405 to Indiana and to buy cattle which he brought to the Sandusky Plains and grazed during the summer. He then drove them to market at :Philadelphia, Penn., or to Baltimore, Md. He was also the pioneer sheep raiser of this..county :and a, breeder of fine cattle and horses. At the time of his death he was the owner of five thousand. acres of land in Wyandot county. At one time he held the office of county commissioner of Marion . county, Ohio, and :after the organization of Wyandot county he held the same office there. He was formerly a stanch Democrat, but upon the formation of the Republican party he joined that organization. He was one of the principal supporters of the first Republican paper published in Wyandot county. David Miller was thoroughly Methodist in his religious views and his home was the stopping: place for itinerant preachers. He was a man of strong mentality and was foremost in the advancement of all worthy enterprises. He built the first frame house in Wyandot county. He died on the 28th, day. of August, 1835, at the age of sixty-one years, and, now lies in Oak Hill cemetery, situated south of Upper Sandusky, Ohio. David Miller's wife, whose maiden name was Sarah Bent, was born on the 19th day of August, 1806, in Belpre, Ohio. She was the daughter of Abner and Elizabeth (Williams) Bent, who settled in Marion county, Ohio, at a very early day. Her ancestry dates from John. and Edith Bent, residents of England, the former of whom died July 11, 1588, and the latter in 1601. Her grandfather, Silas Bent, was born in. Sudbury, Mass., April 14, 1744. He saw service in Captain. Ephraim Jackson's company in Canada in the French and Indian war. He served as private, ensign and first lieutenant in the Revolutionary war. On July 1. 1781, he was commissioned lieutenant-colonel of the Seventh Regiment, Massachusetts militia, and held this position until his removal from Rutland in 1798. He yvas a member of the Ohio Company at Marietta. Mr. Bent and others laid out Belpre, Ohio, which was situated sixteen miles down the Ohio river. At this place he spent the remainder of his days,. He died April 4, 1818, respected by all who knew him. The connection of his ancestors. with Revolutionary war entitles our subject, David Selsor Miller, to membership in the Society of the Sons of the American Revolution. Abner Bent was a farmer residing in Marion, county, Ohio. He was born in 1780 and died in 1834. His daughter, Sarah Bent, was quite young when brought to Marion county. She was married in 1826 to George Parker, who died in 1828. They were the parents of one child, Mary Ellen, who was born March 19, 1827, in Marion county, Ohio, married F. F. Fowler October 23, 1851, and died January 30, 1877, near DeWitt, Ark. Mrs. Sarah Bent Parker was again married October 28, 1833, to David Miller. She survived her husband about four years, dying on the 24th day of June, 1859, at the age of fifty-three years, and also lies in Oak Hill cemetery. She was an active and worthy member of the Methodist Episcopal church. David and Sarah Miller were the parents of three children, viz. : Maria M., born November 21, 1835, married in 1855 to R. N. Taylor and died April a, 1874; Princess. A., born August 4, 1837, became the wife of James. H. Anderson in 1856, and is now living in Columbus, Ohio,. and our subject. 406 - BIOGRAPHICAL MEMOIRS. David Selsor Miller was born in Salt Rock township, Marion county (now Pitt township, Wyandot county), Ohio, on the '23d day of June, 1843. His boyhood days were spent on his father's farm and here he attended the district schools. Upon the death of his father, which occurred in 1855, his mother •with her family moved to Upper Sandusky, Ohio, where Mr. Miller attended the public schools. He also attended the Ohio Wesleyan University at Delaware, Ohio, for a short time. At this time his health failed. In May, 1863, he took a trip to Europe, spending most of the time in Germany, for the purpose of recuperating his health, and returned to his native land in January, 1864. Upon his he engaged for about one year in farming and stock raising. Then he went to Alabama, where he bought a large Plantation and went into the business of raising cotton. After spending two years in the south Mr. Miller returned to this county and for two years again operated his farm in connection with stock raising. In 1872 he became a member of the firm of G. B. Stevenson & Co., manufacturers of sawmills, engines, etc. In 1874 this firm was dissolved and Mr. Miller again engaged in the live stock business, which he followed about nine years. In 1885 he went to Pittsburg, Penn., and took a position as salesman in the stock yards in that city, being with the firm of S. B. Hedges & Co. for four years. In 1892 Mr. Miller engaged in the hay business. On the l0th day of April, .1873, David Selsor Miller was united in marriage with Miss Fannie Witter, who was born at Frederick, Md., March 17, 1845, and died on the. 15th day of December, 1888, at Upper San dusky, Ohio. Her remains were taken back to her birthplace for interment. Fraternally Mr. Miller is a member of Warpole Lodge, No. 176, F. & A. M., McCutcheon Chapter, No 96, Royal Arch Masons and Marion Commandery, No. 36, Knights Templar. He is a thirty-second-degree Scottish Rite Mason, and is a member of the Ancient Order of Nobles of the Mystic Shrine. He has 'been a Mason since 1864, joining as .soon as he reached the required age. He is a member of the Society of the Sons of the American Revolution. After an active life Mr. Miller is now living practically a retired life. By strict attention to the ethics of life he has won a reputation for probity and is a man whose word is as good as his bond. He has earned and enjoys the honest regard of the community in which he lives. DR. G. W. KEMP. This prominent physician and citizen comes of a distinguished ancestry, both in the arts of peace and of war. His grandfather, John Kemp, served as soldier in the Revolution, and afterward became one of the pioneers in the "territory northwest Of the Ohio river." He settled in what is now Stark county, near Canton, early in the nineteenth century, pursued the ,occupation of farming, and lived to be a very old man. His life was full of stirring scenes connected with the formation of the state of Ohio, and of the government of the United States. First a half-starved and half-clad soldier in the great army of General Washington, then BIOGRAPHICAL MEMOIRS - 407 as a citizen of the free government under the old Articles of Confederation, then as a pioneer in the wild country beyond the Ohio river, then as a farmer engaged in clearing himself a home in the heavy timber of Stark county, he proved his steadiness under great difficulties as he had previously proved his courage in the battles of his country. He lies buried in Seneca county. His son, George, the father of the subect of this notice, was born in Maryland In 1792 and when a young man came with is father to Stark county. There he was eared to manhood on the farm and obtained rudimentary education at the pioneer hools. He married. Miss. Isabella Hughes, native of Pennsylvania, born October 16, 1788. They became the parents of eight hildren, as follows: Nancy and Mary, twins; Nancy married Peter Chronister; Mary married Adam Hissong; David, deceased; subject; Isabelle married George Bryant, who died in the great Civil war. ; John, deceased; Jesse, deceased. George Kemp, in the year 1828, moved from Stark county to Richland county, bringing out all is household goods and his family in wagons drawn by cattle and horSes. He settled near Belleville, where he purchased a tract of land in 1835. Still later he sold out and moved to Hancock county and entered a body of land from the government. On this he made his permanent home and here he finally passed away, dying October 1, 1862, when the country was convulsed with Civil war. He was a man of steady and excellent qualities, and died lamented by a large circle of friends and acquaintances. His good qualities had.been inherited. The subject of this notice grew to maturity on his father's farm and was educated first at the common schools of the district, but not being satisfied with such opportunities, he began while yet a youth to purchase books from his savings and to read all such that came into his possession. He began working out at the age of seventeen years, in the meantime continuing his course of reading. Books in that day were scarce and very expensive. It thus occurred that often a young man of studious habits, became aware of every new book brought into the neighborhood, and as soon as possible borrowed and read it with intense avidity. In return he was required to similarly lend the books which he had purchased. In this way young persons in search of learning secured the advantages of quite a large library of the best books in circulation, usually the works of the standard authors. Very little trash was read then. Tn fact, such matter was not published, so that the learning of our fathers; was of the best and most substantial character, unadulterated with the rubbish afloat at the present day. At the age of nineteen years G. W. Kemp began an apprenticeship at the chair-making and painter's trades, serving thus in Ashland for two and a half years. Succeeding this he worked at his trade for five years and devoted his savings in securing an education. He attended the Ashland Academy for several terms, and later attended Vermillion College in 1842 and 1843, and while thus engaged took up the study of chemistry. In 1844 he began the study of medicine under the tutelage of Doctor Rodgers, of Hayesville, continuing thus for two years, when he was licensed to practice that profession. After working at his trade for a while, he began practicing at Nashville, Ohio, but at the end of a. year removed to 408 - BIOGRAPHICAL MEMOIRS. Kenton and continued there until 1856. He then attended Miami Medical College, at Cincinnati, to take advanced medical instruction, and then returned to Kenton and practiced continuously until 1861, when he entered the service of the government. He was first detailed on special hospital service at Bowling Green, Ky., but in the spring of 1862 was commissioned surgeon of the One Hundred and Thirteenth Infantry, and continued to serve as such until after the battle of Chickamauga, when he resigned, came home and resumed his practice. He has practiced ever since in Marseilles township, where his skill and learning are fully recognized and appreciated. In 1844 he wedded Miss Irene Greeley, a distant relative of Horace Greeley, by whom he had children : Ann Seville and Romina A., the widow of William H. Smith. His wife dying in 1851. he married Miss Jane Allman, niece of Governor Vance. To this union no children were born. His second wife having-died, he married Miss Arrila M. Snow, and by her had four children: Orris, Sarah E., dead, Lucy E., a practicing physician of Bucyrus, and George W., engaged in the hotel business in Marseilles. Subject has been notary public for twenty-four years, and for many years has. been a local minister of the Methodist Episcopal church. He is also a member of the Grand Army of the Republic, at Kenton, Ohio. He stands very high as. a. citizen and a professional and moral man. Dr. Kemp is a Democrat, but takes high ground on the subject of temperance. Dr. Lucy E. Kemp, daughter of Dr. G. W. Kemp, is highly educated. She received a good common school education and then studied at the normal school at Ada, Ohio. For a number of years she taught school very successfully in Wyandot county. Having possessed a thorough knowledge of music, both vocal and instrumental, she also instructed in that art. She matriculated in Taylor University, Ft. Wayne, Ind., and graduated from the medical department there in 1889. She is also a graduate in pharmacy, She, began the active practice as a physician and surgeon at Bucyrus, Ohio, in 1890,and because of her eminent professional qualifications and her intense devotion to her clientele she has built up one of the large practices of the city. She is affiliated with the Crawford County Medical Association, of which she has served as .secretary, the State Medical Association and the National Medical Association. ADAM PONTIUS The leading hardware dealer of Upper Sandusky, Wyandot. county, Ohio, and the senior member of the firm of Adam Pontius & Son, was born three miles from Circleville Pickaway county, Ohio, January 17, 1834, and is a son of Samuel and Susannah Pontius. Samuel Pontius, a native of Cumberland county, Penn., was a lad of fifteen or eighteen years of age when he came to Ohio with his parents, who settled in Washington township, Pickaway county; there he grew to manhood, prospered as a farmer and reared a large. family of children. He served in the war of 1812 as fife major in Major William H. Harrison's army. In early life he was a Lutheran.. He bore the reputation of a good and industrious man and aided each of ,his children to get a start BIOGRAPHICAL MEMOIRS - 409 in life. In politics he was a Democrat, but was never an office seeker. In his latter years he'saw fit to change his religious views and joined. the United Brethren church, in which faith he passed away, at the age of seventy-six years. The parents of Samuel were both natives of Germany, where it is probable their marriage took place; it is known, however, that they early settled in Pennsylvania, where George, father of the subject, followed farming, and thence came to Pickaway county, Ohio, where he pursued the same calling. He and his wife lived to a ripe old age in the latter county and died members of the Lutheran church. They were -honored by the community as pioneers an.d lived lives great usefulness. The mother of Adam Pontius, before marriage, was Susannah Spahr, a native of Pickaway county, Ohio; while on a visit to a son in Kansas, she was called away at the age of seventy-six years. She had been twice married; by her first husband, Zachariah McClain, she was the mother of five children, and to her marriage with Samuel. Pontius, four children were born; Samuel Pontius was also twice married ; first to Miss Amelia Earnest, who bore, him four children, and next to Mrs. Susannah Spahr, by whom he had twelve offspring.; of his sixteen children, the majority lived to Maturity and became useful in their various spheres. Adam Pontius was reared on the home farm, where he dutifully assisted his father in cultivating the soil in the summer season, and in the winter attended the common school, after quitting which he taught a district school one term:, In the fall of 1860 he came to Wyandlot 'county and purchased eighty acres of timber land five miles southeast of Upper Sandusky in Pitt township, which he at once began to improve, while thus engaged he rented a farm near by, on which he lived in a log, cabin for three years, and meanwhile made a sufficient space on his farin on which to erect a fair frame dwelling, in which he lived until 1880, when he came to Upper Sandusky. Here he formed a partnership with Gen. Isaac M. Kirby in the hardware trade, which partnership lasted six years. Charles Juvenall then bought out Kirby's interest, and this gentleman and Mr. Pontius carried on the business together six years longer, when the firm was dissolved and Mr. Pontius took his son, George A., as a partner. This firm carries one of the heaviest stocks of shelf and builders' hardware to be found in the county, and also sells machinery and farming implements of every description, doing a very extensive business. Mr. Pontius was united in marriage in October, 1854, to Miss Elizabeth V. Winstead, of Pickaway county, Ohio, a daughter of 'William Winstead, a farmer and prominent politician, who for twenty-one years has served as a justice of the peace. To this marriage have been born nine children, viz. : Prof. William. H., who was educated in music in Florence, Italy, and other parts of Europe by noted professors, and is now teaching music in Dubuque, Ia.; Samuel F., now in business with his father ; George. Allen, his father's partner in the hardware trade; David Willard, ticket and freight agent for the Pacific Railway Company, at Lathrop, Cal.. ; Ira R., deputy sheriff of Wyandot county, Ohio residing, in 410 - BIOGRAPHICAL MEMOIRS. Upper Sandusky; Mary C., wife of R. F. Alspach; Susan Ellen, at home; Matilda E., wife of Edward Billhard; and Ida E., who married Henry Katzenmeyer, of Paulding, Ohio. In politics. Mr. Pontius is a stanch Democrat and is very active in serving his party's interests in both local and national affairs: He. was elected sheriff of Wyandot county in the fall of 1895, proved an excellent official, and was re-elected in 1897, his son, Ira R., serving as his. deputy both terms. Mr. Pontius was also assessor of Pitt township for several years, and was noted for, the impartial and conservative manner in which he discharged the duties of the office. At the present time he is a member of the board of health and has been for several years; he is also a member of the Royal, Arcanum. He and his wife belong to the Methodist Episcopal church; he was one of the building committee that superintended the erection of the new church edifice, which cost the congregation eighteen thousand dollars; he was also a member of the committee that had charge of the erection."of the elegant court house that cost about. two, hundred thousand dollars. Mr. Pontius. has always been an advocate of education and when a young man of but twenty-one years Of age,: in Pickaway county, was a director, and for many years was a member of the school board in Pitt township; Wyandot county. He still maintains his interest in educational‘ matters and has also well seen to it that all his children have been well instructed: Mr. Pontius has been very suttessful as a business man, bears an unsullied. reputation, and socially he and his family move in. the. best circles of Upper Sandusky. JOHN BRAND, DECEASED. Notwithstanding the fact that the republic of Switzerland is one of the smallest countries of the world, it has sent a large number of emigrants to the United States during the years that have elapsed since independence was secured.: The people of that country, appreciating the blessings of liberty; of which they had had a strong example in their own land, were not slow to recognize the possibilities that opened out in splendid, perspective before all who located early in this country. Accordingly, ever since the close of the Revolutionary war, large numbers of the hardy Swiss have crossed the Atlantic and sought homes in the great west of the United States. And here their descendants have become among the most intelligent, patriotic, industrious and upright of our great and wonderful cosmopolitan population. The subject of this brief memoir was a native of Switzerland, having been born in. the canton of Berne in 1840 and being the son of Christian and Anna Brand. He was one of a large family, and when about five years old was brought to America. The following year, or about 1846, the family came to Wyandot county, and the father bought a farm of eighty acres in Pitt township and there continued to reside until. the date of his. death. He was more than ordinarily educated, as the advantages afforded in his, native land were, good and were usually made the most of by the inhabitants While living in this country, the elder Brand built up a comfortable home and left behind at his death an excellent name. He was a pioneer in the fullest sense of the term, full of energy, and at all times had the good of his country at heart. BIOGRAPHICAL MEMOIRS - 411 After a life of much usefulness and respectability he passed to his reward. His son, the subject of this memoir, passed his youth his father's farm, and was educated in the neighboring schools. He learned the business of farming and stock raising and, thus engaged, attained his manhood. When the Rebellion broke out he enlisted in Company K, Fifty-fifth Regiment, Ohio Volunteer infantry, and with his regiment was on afterward sent to the front. He saw live service from the start to the finish the struggle, and, at all times bore a brave d honorable part. He passed through any battles, skirmishes, marches and camigns, and was conspicuous for his intredity and for his readiness for any battle or campaign. He participated in the following engagements, often fighting where the bullets fell thickest and more than once where the dead and wounded lay in heaps: Mootfield, W. Va., McLowell, Cross Keys, Cedar Mountain, Freeman's' ord, Sulphur Springs, the second Bull Run, Chancellorsville, where he was captured by the enemy and held as a prisoner of war at Annapolis; Md., for two months, when he was •exchanged, and again immediately . went to the front; Gettysburg, Lookout 'Mountain, Chattanooga, Resaca,' Cassville, Buzzard's oast, Burnt: Hickory, Charleston, Fort Mountain, near Marcella, Ga., 'Peach Tree Creek, and many others of less magnitude and importance. At the close of the war he came home in triumph with his regiment and resumed the arts of peace. When the Grand Army of the Republic was established few years later, he became a member and remained until the day of his death, which accrued at Upper Sandusky. In 1857 he married Miss Elizabeth Neiderhauser, who bore him seven children, two of whom are dead. Those living are Mary (wife of Howard Kuhn), Ida (wife of Harley Smith), William, Charles and Samuel. After the war Mr. Brand followed farming and stock raising. He owned one hundred acres of excellent land, upon which he made most of the improvements himself. He also conducted a threshing machine with much success for a number of years. He was a member of the Reformed church. Since his death his widow, a most estimable lady, has conducted the farm with the assistance of her sons. MYRON B. CASE, DECEASED. While death is the inevitable fate of all, there is always a deeper and darker shade of sorrow or sadness that falls upon the heart of the mourner for the beloved departed when the latter is cut off in his early prime than when "nipped in the bud" of infancy or after passing the verge of old age. Myron B. Case, of late well known as a teacher and as an agriculturist of practical experience in Eden township, Wyandot county, Ohio, was a native of the township, born February 22, 1850, and was called away November 9, 1890. Although his educational advantages were confined to the common schools, he was a great reader and student, and the greater part of his information was self-acquired. He became quite famous. as a school teacher and for many years had charge: of some of the best schools of Eden and Crane townships. His early vocation was that of a farmer and it was also his calling from the termination of 412 - BIOGRAPHICAL MEMOIRS. his career as a teacher until the close of his comparatively brief, but exceedingly useful life. Myron B. Case was also the name of the father of our subject, and his, mother, before marriage, was a Miss Lucinda Goodrich. On: the homestead of this highly respected couple our subject was reared to manhood and filially aided. in its cultivation until his marriage, January 16, 1876, to Miss May Bowers. The latter was born in Crane' township, Wyandot county, June 28, 1851., and is a daughter of J. S. and Mary (Mower) Bowers. The former was born in Richland county, Ohio, and the latter in Shippensburg, Cumberland county, Penn., and they came to Wyandot county, Ohio, in 1850. The father is now living in retirement at Upper Sandusky. Mr. and Mrs. Bowers had born to .their marriage a family of eight children, of whom Mrs. Case is the eldest. The marriage of Myron B. Case, subject of. this sketch, and his estimable wife, Mary (Bowers) Case, was blessed with two children, Mabel and Buelah, who still live to brighten the home of their mother, which, without the cheering sunshine of their presence, would be enveloped in gloom and melancholy. As it is, Mrs. Case, still young and surrounded by .a host of admiring and warm hearted friends and her little darlings, endures . with Christian. fortitude her sad bereavement, and being naturally of a most amiable temperament still finds life worth living. . She still resides on the home farm, which she. skillfully manages and draws from it a comfortable livelihood, and keeps it well up to the standard. The late Myron B. Case, our subject, was an excellent business man and at the time of his lamented death was secretary of the Wyandot Mutual Insurance Company. In politics he was a Republican, and although very popular with his fellow townsmen and very active and influential in party relations, was never ambitious, as far as holding public office was concerned, being content with his lot in life and the enjoyment of the society of his wife and little ones. He was a devoted husband and a loving and indulgent father, but never spoiled his offspring by substituting fondness for what his common sense pointed out to him as being the necessary discipline to render them self-reliant and to prepare them for the stern realities of life and the struggles that life inevitably entails. But this discipline was mild as well as effective; a harsh word never came from his lips, never an angry expression, nor a violent gesture of his hand, and his memory will be cherished With love and affection by his widow and children as long as life with them is vouchsafed with the faculty of remembrance. Mr. Case was a member of the Methodist Protestant church and was active in its works and liberally contributed to its maintenance. SOLOMON S. LONGABAUGH. The gentleman of whom the biographer now writes is Widely known as one of the honored citizens of Wyandot county, Ohio, and for many years has been actively identified with the varied interests, of his community. His well directed efforts in the practical affairs of life., his capable management of his own business interests and his sound judgment have brought to him prosperity and his life demonstrates what BIOGRAPHICAL MEMOIRS - 413 may be accomplished by the man of energy and ambition, who is not afraid to work and has the perseverance to continue his labors; even in the face of seemingly discouraging circumstances. In all the relations of life he has commanded the respect and confidence of those with whom he has been brought into contact, as is abundantly evidenced by his selection to fill the important office of treasurer of Wyandot county, which he held two terms. Without a brief record of the life of Mr. Longabaugh the history of his county would be incomplete. Solomon S. Longabaugh was born in Warren, Henderson oounty, Ill., on the 14th of April, 1853. His parents were Samuel and Martha (Chery) Longabaugh. Samuel was a native of the Buckeye state, having been born in Pickaway county, and in that county he was reared and married. His parents were probably of Pennsylvania-German stock and were natives of the Keystone tate. In his young manhood the subject learned the blacksmith's trade, and soon after marriage came to Wyandot county, settling in Tymochtee township, where he ran a blacksmith shop for several years. Believing that further west lay better opportunities for an ambitious and energetic man, he went to Warren, Henderson county, but after a short stay there moved to Warren county, Iowa. He there also started a blacksmith shop, but in a few months after arriving there became ill and, summoning a quack doctor, was given an overdose of medicine, from the effects of which he died. He was forty-five years of age at the time of his death, and had been a Democrat in politics, though never active in party work. His wife, Martha, was also a native of Ohio, and after the death of her husband returned to her native state, and settled upon a farm in Tymochtee township, which she rented, and where she spent the remainder of her life. She was the mother of fourteen children, thirteen of Whom grew to maturity. Though she was in straightened circumstances, she reared her children as best she could, giving them a fond mother's careful and faithful attention. She was long an active and consistent member of the Methodist Episcopal church, was eighty-one years old at the time of her death, and her remains now lie in Pleasant Ridge cemetery. The subject was the youngest member of the large family mentioned above, and re- mained alt home, faithfully attending to the wants of his mother until her death. When but fourteen. years of age he began working on a farm by the month, following this pursuit through the summer months, while in' the winter, when there was less work to do on the farm, he attended the district school of the neighborhood. He was also so fortunate as to be able to attend for a short time the high school at Carey.. By sturdy industry and strict economy he at length saved enough money with which he was enabled to buy a team and harness and he then rented a farm in Tymochtee township. He operated this place for several years and so successful was he as an agriculturist that he was then enabled to buy a farm of one hundred and eight acres in the same township. He made that place his home until, his election as treasurer of the county, at which time he sold his farming interests and took up his residence in Upper Sandusky. He was first elected to the office of treasurer of Wyandot county in November, 1896, and assumed the office in September of the follow 414 - BIOGRAPHICAL MEMOIRS. ing year. So eminently satisfactory was his administration of the financial affairs of the county that he was re-elected to the office in November, 1898. On the loth of October, 1881, Mr. Longabaugh was united in marriage with Miss Florence M. Stokley, the daughter of Louis and Sarah M.. Stokley. Politically our subject has been a stanch and active adherent to the principles and policies of the Democratic party, and has been honored by his party with office other than the one he now fills, having served for three years as trustee of his township. He was also director of the Wyandot Agricultural Society for four years, but resigned the office when he became county treasurer. Socially he is a member of Justice Lodge, No. 393, K. of P., of Carey, the Uniform Rank, and also the Modern Woodmen of America. In company with a brother, Mr. Longabaugh conducts a buggy repoSitory in Upper Sandusky. and is meeting with the gen. erous patronage he so well deserves.. Truly he deserves that somewhat hackneyed, but most expressive title, "a self-made man." NOAH STONEBURNER. This well-known resident of Pitt township was born in Fairfield county, Ohio, near Lancaster, March 2, 1823, and is the on of John and Catherine (Bretz) Stoneburner, to whom were born a family of ten children, four sons and six daughters. John Stone-burner was a native of Loudoun county, Va., and came to Ohio at the age of eighteen years in company with his father, Frederick Stoneburner. The latter located in Fairfield county, and was one of its earliest and most prominent settlers. He was a pioneer in every sense of the term and occupied during his busy life many positions of honor and trust., His son John also became prominent in the affairs of the county where he lived. He took an active interest in all matters that had for their object the upbuilding and improvement of his community. The subject of this notice was reared in his native county, securing in his youth such educational advantages as the rude schools of the frontier afforded and devoting his energies to the cultivation of his father's farm. The first school-house which he attended was located one and a half miles from his father's farm, and over this long distance, through the deep snows of winter, he was obliged to walk twice a day when he was yet a small boy. The house was the ordinary rough log structure so well known and well remembered by all the early settlers, slabs, or puncheons, serving for both seats and benches. The three R's—"readin', .'ritin' and 'rithmetic"—were the principal studies pursued, and not infrequently the scholars were obliged to do wholly without books, their prices being too high and the parents too poor to buy them. Although the education there secured by Mr. Stoneburner was meager, he has since by much reading greatly supplemented the results of the early schools. He began to do for himself when he had attained the age of twenty-three years, or in 1846, at which date he went to Marion county and lived with an uncle for the period of two years, managing in the meantime to save up a small sum of money from his earnings. In April, 1848, he came to Wyandot county and located in Antrim township, moving on a farm of BIOGRAPHICAL MEMOIRS - 415 eighty acres which he had previously purchased from the government. The farm was then covered with heavy timber. He erected a small log cabin, containing one room, in which he established himself and family. His land was covered with the largest and finest walnut timber, much of which was. sacrificed to. the' flames to get rid of it. Could the walnut thus .destroyed be replaced on the farm at this day it would be worth much more than the present farm—'would, in fact, be worth a small fortune. Upon this place he lived until 1867, adding in the meantime eighty: acres, more and putting a large portion Of the same under a high degree of cultivation. In 1867 he went to Nevada where he engaged in the shoe business, continuing for- about seven months; and then conducting a grocery until 1869, when he returned to Pitt township and purchased one hundred and seventy-four acres where he now resides: At that time there were only about fifty acres partly cleared on this tract. He now has about one hundred. and thirty acres cleared, and all under a high state of. cultivation. He is engaged in general farming and stock raising, particularly sheep raising, at which he is more than ordinarily successful. On the l0th of February, 1848, Mr. Stoneburner was joined in matrimony with Miss Magdaline Hite, who bore him five children, their names being as follows : Agatha, now the widow of Milton Perkey; Frank E., who was killed by a bolt of lightning; Catherine, the wife of Miles Lewis, of Pitt township, and two that died in infncy. After the death of his second wife, the subject married Mrs. Mary Boyer, the widow of Jacob Boyer and daughter of W. B. Miller. By his second marriage he has four children : Miller N., who lives in Upper Sandusky and is a furniture dealer ; Charles A., at home; May, the wife of John Secoy, of Crane township; and Minnie E., at home. Mr. Stoneburner, now far advanced in years, has been prominent in the affairs of his community. He has 'been school director for many years, supervisor and township trustee, and under all responsibilities has shown himself well qualified for public duty and deserving of the highest confidence. He is a Democrat and since attaining his majority has steadily polled his vote for the candidates, of that party. In his old age he has the satisfaction of looking back on an honorable and well-spent life and on a name that his children wear without shame or reproach. Ohio would be better off had it more men of irreproachable character like this old and respected citizen. [Since the above was put in type, this aged and respected old pioneer has passed into the life beyond. His death came suddenly, though peacefully and without pain. The funeral, which was held from the family residence, was conducted by Rev. Dr. J. W. Byers and interment was in Oak Hill cemetery.] EDWARD N. HALBEDEL. There are few who can more justly claim the proud American title of self-made man than the subject of this brief sketch, who at the early age of twelve years started out in life for himself. His educational privileges were very limited and no special advantages fitted him for the cares and responsibilities of life. He was industrious, determined, ambitious and resolute, however, and these 416 - BIOGRAPHICAL MEMOIRS. qualities stood him instead of fortune, enabling him to overcome the difficulties and obstacles in his path and work his way steadily upward to the plane where success. places the laurel upon the victor's brow today he is one of the capable and efficient officials of Wyandot county, Ohio; and by his courteous manner, genial disposition and' genuine worth has, although comparatively youthful in years, attained a foremost position among the public men of the county. The subject of this notice was born in Upper Sandusky, Ohio, on the 11th of March, 1865, the "son of Nicholas and Mary (Schectala) Halbedel, who celebrated their golden wedding anniversary January 24, 1902. The father is a native of Switzerland and Was there reared until young manhood. Emigrating to America, he came West and settled at Little Sandusky, Ohio, where he worked at anything he could find to do. Later he came to Upper' Sandusky and for several years was employed here in a .distillery.. He. is now retired and makes his home here amid the comforts which his early labors have enabled him to enjoy. Politically he is a Democrat, but possessing a quiet, modest disposition, never consented to accept any public office. He is a member of the German Reformed church. Mary Halbedel was brought to Ohio when but an infant. Her father, Who emigrated to this county, was. a soldier under Napoleon. He had followed agricultural pursuits in early life and lived to the advanced age of over ninety years. In his later years he made his home with his daughter, the subject's mother. The latter is a faithful and consistent member of the German Lutheran church. The fruits of her :marriage with Nicholas Halbedel Were sixteen children, eight of whom died while young. The names of those who attained 0 years of maturity are as follows : Frank H., a mechanic in Upper Sandusky ; Louisa, wife of William F. Boehler, resides at Tiffin, Ohio Edward N., of this review ; Anna is a clerk ; Harry lives in California; Otto lives in Upper Sandusky ; Rosa and Fred are at home. The last named enlisted for service during the Spanish-American war, being a corporal in Company E, Second Ohio Regiment. The boyhood days of Edard N. Halbedel were spent at home, attending school as opportunity afforded until he was twelve years old. Then he determined to master the "art preservative" and worked in printing Offices at Upper 'Sandusky and Kenton, this state. During the years 1880-81 he was connected with the Clara Scott theatrical company. Returning 'to his first love he worked in a printing establishment for a while, and then for several years served as a reporter on the Chief; resigning that position upon his election to his present office, that of auditor of Wyandot county. In 1896 he served as secretary of the board of trustees oaf the natural 'gas plant, then owned by the city, and' also served three terms as village clerk. He 'was elected to his present office in the fall of 1896 and assumed its duties in October, 1897. That his performance 'of the important and exacting duties of this office was eminently satisfactory to the taxpayers of the county is evidenced by the fact of his re-election in 1900. He has always been an 'active, stanch and uncompromising Democrat and. has frequently been found in the councils of his party. An important event in the career of Mr. Halbedel was his marriage on the 13th of BIOGRAPHICAL MEMOIRS - 417 March, 1886, to Miss Minnie E. Steiner, daughter of Edward G. and Elizabeth Steiner, of Nevada, Ohio. Socially our subject is a member of the Royal Arcanum, of Lodge No. 83, B. P. 0. E., of which he served as exalted ruler, and of the Upper Sandusky Mutual Aid Society. His wife is a Member of the Methodist Episcopal. church. Mr. Halbedel is one of the most popular men in Wyandot county, a popularity richly merited because of his genial disposition, his acknowledged capability and his conStant efforts to benefit those with whom he comes in contact. He is an. unusually fine penman and is generally acknowledged-to be one of the most efficient auditors in the state of Ohio. HENRY SWARTZ It is the custom with many farmers, even in this day of known advantage in putting, all corn and hay raised on a farm into stock, to sell the grain which they raise and only deal to a limited extent in live stock. Time has shown that this course is unwise and those farmers who still adhere to that Obsolete custom are by no Means the. thriftiest and most successful. It is unquestionably true that the best results are obtained in combining the &Owing of grain and the rearing of stock. One business Seerns to supplement the other ; so that this day the largest and most successful farmers are heavy dealers in stock also. One of the successful farmers and stock raisers of this county is the Subject of this brief notice. He was born in Richland county, Ohio; August 20, 1847, and is the son of Abraham and Caroline (Balliett) Swartz, both of whom were natives of Pennsylvania. The parents grew up in their native state, but were married in Richland county, Ohio, after their removal from Pennsylvania. Abraham moved to this state with his father, Abraham; Sr., at the.age of nineteen years, and the family settled in Richland county, where the elder Swartz engaged in farming. Abraham, Sr., had married in his early manhood Miss Tena Zaner. He bought one hundred and forty-seven acres of excellent land in Richland county. He was a farmer primarily, but also conducted the business of stone masonry in conjunction with his operations on the farm. He and his wife were consistent members of the German Reformed church. Abraham, Jr., was born February 14, 1819,. and his wife May 19, 1823 ; the latter died in May, 1901. After their marriage they resided in Richland county until 1848, When they came to Morrow county and made it their home until 1876, in the latter year removing to this county. They made Many improvements on their farni in Marion county, and When they finally sold out they received a snug sum for their property. It enabled them to get a good start in this county: Abraham was a stone mason, as his father had been before him. He bought two hundred acres of the best land in Antrim township, upon which considerable improvements had been made, and here he resided until 1900. He was engaged, in farming and stock raising and was more than usually successful at the latter occupation.. He built up a large property, and was one of the leading citizens of 'this part of the county. Since quitting the farm, in 1906, he has lived retired in Nevada. To himself and wife the following faMilY were born: BIOGRAPHICAL MEMOIRS - 418 Hannah, Henry (subject), Abraham, Catherine, Alice, John and Charles. All the thildren were educated in the common schools and were reared to hard work on the farm. Henry remained on his father's farm until he had attained the age of twenty-five years, and in the meantime he contrived to lay aside a comfortable sum for himself. On the 17th of January, 1875, he married Miss Remina C. Vickroy, of Bedford county, Penn., daughter of Emanuel and Matilda (Hardman) Vickroy, parents and daughter, being natives of that state. Mr. Vickroy was a farmer by occupation and a man of excellent habits. He passed away in 1898, his wife having preceded him to the grave in 1864. After his marriage our subject resided for one year in Morrow county. He then came to this county, and in 1893 purchased his present place of eighty-seven and. a half acres, and here he has lived until the present time. The place was partly improved and he; has added greatly to it since. In 1898 he built his present barn. He is engaged in general farthing, raising wheat, oats and corn and rearing hogs, cattle and sheep. He is a Democrat and a member of the Presbyterian church, While his .wife belongs to the Disciples church. He is one of the substantial farmers and citizens of the county. JOHN WOOD. Among the citizens of this township who have built up a comfortable home and surrounded themselves with large landed and personal property, none has attained a higher degree of success than the subject of this sketch. With few opportunities except what his own efforts were capable of mastering and with many discouragements to overcome, he has made an exceptional success of life, and in his old age has the gratification of knowing that the community in which he has resided has been benefitted by his presence and his counsel. His birth occurred in Clarke county, Ohio, near Springfield, on the 7th of September,: 1818. He is the son of Isaac Wood, a native of New Jersey, and a man of more than ordinary capacity to meet the duties of life, to whom were born a family of thirteen children,—eleven sons and two daughters,—all of whom grew to manhood and womanhood. In 1821 Isaac Wood moved to Marion county, where he purchased four hundred acres of land from the government, and still later bought one hundred and sixty acres more, all providing him a farm large enough to conduct operations on a very large scale. He also became the owner of six hundred and forty acres in Hardin county. With his large family of sturdy boys he became one of the most extensive stock raisers and general farmers in northern Ohio. He became specially interested in the development of stock grades and in rearing for the market the most select and improved varieties, and from this source made much of the money he left at his death. His immense farm afforded the means of providing on the cheapest scale all the products needed to feed and fatten his stock. But all this required sound judgment and untiring energy, both of which were possessed in a marked degree by Isaac Wood. He amassed a large and valuable property, which later descended to BIOGRAPHICAL MEMOIRS - 419 his children. He was prominent in the affairs of the county, and filled a number of positions of profit and trust, and finally passed away, leaving an excellent reputation for industry and philanthropy for the benefit and gratification of his descendants. The subject of this memoir remained on his father's farm until he had attained the age of twenty-two years, when he hired out to his father for one summer's work at the rate of ten dollars and fifty cents per month, but continued thus engaged for two yeard. During this time he managed to save a considerable portion of his wages. Succeeding this he rented a tract of land of his father and tilled the same for two years, when, having amassed considerable property, he bought a farm of one hundred and sixty acres in Salt Rock township; Marion county, which was partly improved and upon which he continued to reside for twelve years. In 1855 he removed to Pitt township, Wyandot county, and bought from the government a tract of one hundred and sixty-eight acres, upon which he now lives. He erected a log cabin on the land and began to clear off the heavy timber, and has steadily added to the tract and the improvements until he now owns a total of eight hundred and seventeen acres, much of which is under a high state of cultivation and constitutes one of the best farms in this part of the state. This land is comprised of two different tracts, one of four hundred and twenty-four acres. and one of three hundred and ninety-three acres. Mr. Wood has made for many years a specialty of sheep rearing, and has shown excellent judgment in this 'important branch of husbandry.' He is one of the largest and most successful farmers in. the county as well as one of the most prominent citizens. Mr. Wood is a veritable pioneer, he having witnessed from an early day the advancement and progress. of the old Buckeye state. His educational privileges were limited, being confined to an attendance at the little old log school house. It was about 18x2o feet in size, possessed a clapboard roof and puncheon floor. The desks consisted of wide planks resting on wooden pegs driven into the wall, while the' seats were slabs with wooden. legs and no backs. The dunce-block and the birch rod were the principal aids in enforcing discipline, while the text-books consisted of the American Spelling Book and the introduction to the English Reader. At first the school was maintained by subscription. Mr. Wood has ever been a stanch friend of education and the public-school system and the beautiful .1iigh school( at Harpster is named in .his honor. He has served as school director for thirty years, and otherwise has shown his capacity to handle public affairs. His first presidential vote was cast for William Henry Harrison, and from that day to this he has affiliated with first the Whig and then the Republican party. For thirty years he has been a member of the Methodist Episcopal church. He was united in marriage to Miss Catherine Marsh, who presented him with five children, whose names are as follows : Mary A., who died at the age of eight year Sarah who became the wife of Marion. B. Myers, of Pitt township; Effie K., wife of Emery Smith, living with our subject. The family is one of the most prominent in this part of the county. Mr. Wood has every reason to be. proud of his 420 - BIOGRAPHICAL MEMOIRS. fine home, of his wide and beautiful lands and of his good citizenship and his excellent name. He is a gentleman who in spite of his. eighty-four years. is still possessed of his. keen mentality, and is revered and es:- teemed by all for his sterling integrity of character. His sun is fast setting beneath the western horizon of life, but his years have'been filled with good deeds. and he can look back with the satisfaction that comes only at the close of .a life Well spent. He is now residing with his: daughter, at whose hands he is the recipient of that care and attention which comes only from- a loving heart. The following quotation, concerning the death' of Mrs. Wood, is fittingly inserted here: "MrS, John Wood, of Harpster, died at her late residence early Tuesday morning, having sttffered a Stroke of paralysis Saturday. Deceased and hUsband came to this c6unty in early times, and were hard work- crs and prospered. EiVe children were born to, them, but only two are living, Mrs. Sarah Myers and Mrs. E. Smith:, "Deceased' was a member of the Methodist Episcopal Chutch, and the erection of that nice churth and its prosperity are largely due to the generosity and devotion of this venerable and estimable lady and her surviving husband. Deceased was sixty-nine years and six months of age. "The interment of the remains accrued. at Oak Hill Cernetery. Mr, Woad was known as one of those kind Christian mothers, whose admonitions and prayers were regarded and revered by her children. Her beautiful life was a daily picture in the heart and minds of all who knew her, and her presence is sadly missed by children, friends and her affectionate husband." THOMAS EMPTAGE. A man who boldly faces. the responsibilities of life and by determined and untiring energy carves out for himself an honorable success exerts a powerful influence upon the - lives of all who follow him. Such men constitute the foundation of our republican institutions and are the pride of our civilization. To them life is so real. that they find no time to plot either mischief or vice. Their lives are bound up in their duties, they feel the weight of their citizenship, and take Pleasure in sowing the seeds. of 'uprightness. Such has been the career of the subject of this brief notice. He was born in Mansfield, Richtand county, Ohio, October 24, 1834, is the son of Thomas Emptage, Sr., a native of England. The latter grew to manhood in that country,' receiving a good education in his youth and learning the occupation of farming. Upon reaching man's estate he was united in marriage to Miss Ann Omersham, also a native of England, by whom he had the following family : William, now living in Marseilles township; James, also living in Marseilles township; and the subject of this review. Thomas Emptage, Sr., came to America in 1836. He realized that a young man could unquestionably do better here than in the old country. The opportunity for advancement was more promising and the results to, be attained were likely to much more satisfactory. Accordingly, he boarded a sailing vessel, and after tossing nine weeks on the ocean, landed with other emigrants in New York. He had heardof the western country and, determining to go there, he crossed the mountains and filially Stopped at Mansfield. This was then a flourishing state. Land of BIOGRAPHICAL MEMOIRS - 421 the best quality could be bought very cheap, homes were being established in thousands of clearings, the dense woods were fast disappearing, schools and churches, though often rude, were numerous, and the tides of civilization were running high as the waves of the endless sea. This locality seemed good enough for him, so he stopped. After living there for some time he removed to Hardin county, but still later came to Wyandot county, and selected a farm in Marseilles township, where his son James now lives. After a useful and respectable life, he finally passed away at the ripe old age of seventy-seven years, respected by all who had the honor of his acquaintance. The subject of this memoir was brought to Marseilles township when be was six years old. He passed his childhood and youth on his father's farm and when old enough was put to work in clearing the timber and in tilling the improved land. He passed through all the routine of farm life, with its many cares and responsibilities, and was given a moderate education at the common pioneer schools. He remained with his father until he had attained the age of twenty-three years, when he married Miss Mary J. Atkinson, who bore him four children as follows.: Ina, the wife of J. C. Reubens, now living in California; Allen, of Marseilles township; Ray, also residing in Marseilles township; Mary, deceased: Soon after his marriage Mr. Emptage moved to Grand toWnship, Marion county, where he farmed on rented land for one year. He then returned and bought the farm where he now resides. His purchase was one hundred and forty acres of woodland, and he immediately began the great task of removing the heavy forest therefrom. He now has one hundred and thirty acres cleared, all the result of his own energy and industry. He carries on farming a.nd stock-raising. He is held in high esteem in his township, where: he has served as trustee for twenty-two consecutive years. He has also served as school director many years. He is a Republican. Few in this part of the county stand as high as Mr. Emptage in all :that makes the upright man and faithful citizen. JOHN WRIGHT. The United States, since the foundation of the government, has been considered the asylum of refuge for the oppressed of all countries and climes. The design of the fathers was to make of this country a home of such undoubted freedom that the unfortunate of every land could come here and do better than they could do in their own countries. In this way the fathers reasoned that they could build up the nation with an adventurous and freedom-loving people, and by offering- such a refuge could build it up quickly and satisfactorily. And their reasoning was sound and eminently wise, as is shown by the phenomenal development of this continent., In proportion to population, no foreign country has sent so many emigrants to the United States as Ireland. Restricted and oppressed at home by the blindness of the British ministry, curtailed of their rights and privileges in the management of their local government, compelled to be the tail to the English kite under galling conditions, the indignant people by the thousands boarded any sort of a vessel they could secure and crossed the wide Atlantic to the better shores of America in the hope 422 - BIOGRAPHICAL MEMOIRS and with the utmost confidence of improving their worldly condition. One of those to do so was the subject of this sketch. He was born in County Down on the 17th day of March, 1823, a notable day, as all 'Irishmen will readily admit, and a notable birth, as Mr. Wright will not deny. His birth occurred on a farm near the city of Belfast, and there he was reared and educated. In 1847 he determined to leave the land of his birth, and accordingly secured a ticket of passage, boarded a sailing vessel and, after four weeks and three days of tossing on the stormy Atlantic, landed in the harbor of New York. He came to Hardin county, Ohio, and soon afterward to Marion county, where he began to work by the month on a farm. He thus continued for the period of about two years, when he concluded to change operations, and accordingly rented land in Marion county, and with the means he had at hand continued operations on a larger and more profitable scale than was possible for a farm hand. He was thus engaged for about four years when he changed his location, but not his business, going to Marion county from Wyandot county, where he had been engaged, and resuming renting as he had done before. Succeeding this he went to Mifflin toWnship where he rented land, as before, for two years, and in 1858 came to his present place. He first bought eighty acres, upon which there were considerable improvements and upon which was standing a double-log house. To this farm, from time to time, Mr. Wright continued to add tract after tract until he owned a. total of two hundred and sixty acres. Nearly all the improvements have been made by him., While yet a young man in Ireland, Mr. Wright was married to Miss Mary Woods, both himself and his wife being of Scotch descent. His marriage occurred in 1847, and to this union were born a family of nine children, as follows : Elizabeth, who became the wife of William Vanorsdall, of Mifflin township; William D., a resident of Mifflin township; Mary, deceased; John, deceased; Catherine, the wife of J. O. C. Slover, of Mifflin township; Salena, wife of N. F. Dean, of Putnam county; Ella, wife of J. W. Morrow, of Ada, and Minnie, deceased. Mr. Wright is getting well along in years, and has seen many of the ups and downs of life, but he has at all times retained the respect of his neighbors and made a good citizen. His family are members of the Christian church. WILLITS LUNDY This gentleman is a native of Wyandot county, Ohio, was born in Tymochtee township March 25, 1847, and is now one of the most influential. and best known, as well as one of the most skillful agriculturists of Sycamore township, where he has resided since 1868. His father, Henry Lundy, was born near Hackettstown, Warren county, N. J., and after coming to Wyandot county, Ohio, married Harriet Babcock, a native of Pennsylvania. Henry Lundy was a son of John and Elizabeth (Willson) Lundy, who came to Wyandot county. in 1835, when Henry was a boy, and bought one hundred and sixty acres of land in Tymochtee township. John was a farmer and shoemaker, and both he BIOGRAPHICAL MEMOIRS - 423 and his wife were members of the Society of Friends. Both were gifted speakers and frequently addressed the Quaker congregation in their meetings. Mrs. Harriet Lundy died at the early age of twenty-four years and her husband followed her to the grave March 4, 1852, when but thirty-three years old. To Henry and Harriet (Babcock) Lundy were born two children, viz. : Evi A., who is a retired furniture dealer of Sycamore, this county, and unmarried, and Willits, the subject of this sketch. Willits Lundy, being of tender age when he lost his parents, was reared by his paternal grandfather On the old homestead until seventeen years old, and then went to work in a mill in Richland county. September 3, 1864, he enlisted in Company G, One Hundred and Seventy-eighth Ohio Volunteer Infantry, under Capt. M. D. Miller. He served in Tennessee, North Carolina and Virginia, and took part in many battles. He served eleven months and was never wounded, nevertheless. he contracted a severe illness while in the army. After returning from the . war, for all was over when he was honorably discharged from the service, he farmed out for two years and then, in 1868, he and his. brother purchased one hundred and ten acres of land in section 7, Sycamore township. It was all in heavy timber, but was improved with a small house and was known as the Hill place; it was but partly cleared, however, and the task of clearing the remainder was undertaken by Willits. April 11, 1872, Willits Lundy was oined in marriage with Miss Emma S. Bare, a native of Sycamore township and a daughter of Abraham and Mary (Miller) Bare, the former of whom was born in Rockingham county, Va., and the latter in Hagerstown, Md. These parents were married in Fairfield county, Ohio, lived there for a short time afterward, perhaps two or three years, and then came to Wyandot county, in 1828 or .1830, and entered eighty acres of land in Sycamore township. They later entered forty acres additional, and at the time of Mr. Bare's death the property had been increased to two hundred and seventy acres. Mr. Bare was a very successful farmer, although a cabinetmaker by trade, and was a highly respected citizen. He was reared in the Methodist Episcopal church, but died a member of the United Brethren congregation in Sycamore township. The marriage of Mr. and Mrs. Lundy has been graced with one child, Harry A., who was born January 23, 1873, and who is married to Anna Stover, who has borne him two children, Glenn, W. and Emma E. For three years Willits Lundy and his wife lived in the old town of Sycamore, having rented their. farm out on account of sickness. After recovering he resumed agriculture and has now a well-cultivated place of one hundred and eight acres, all cleared and improved with a cozy dwelling and substantial out-buildings, and here he conducts general, farming, raising all the grains that thrive in this latitude. Mr. and Mrs. Lundy are members of the United Brethren church and politically Mr. Lundy is a Republican and a Prohibitionist; he has never, however, sought office at the hands of any party. He is a member of Jaqueth Post, G. A. R., and he and his wife are among the most highly respected residents of Sycamore township. 424 - BIOGRAPHICAL MEMOIRS. GEORGE W. SAVIDGE. The gentleman whose name serves as a caption for this review is a worthy descendant of one of the old and prominent pioneer families of Wyandot county. According to reliable local annals, his grandfather, Reuben Savidge, a native of New Jersey, came here. from the county of Muskingum as early as 1836 and opened a house for the accommodation. of the traveling public in the village of Crawfordsville. Reuben Savidge was a man of some note during- the early days of the above named place and in the capacity of mine host became widely known, his inn having been a popular resort from 1836 until his death, which took place about the year 1855. At the breakout of the Mexican war he joined an Ohio, regiment and served throughout the struggle. He was one of the early Whig politicians of Wyandot county and exerted considerable influence as a partisan, being first and foremost as a worker during the progress of local, state and national campaig-hs. The maiden name of MrS. Reuben Savidge was Jane Clossen. She was also born in New Jersey and survived her husband about ten years. Her children, eight in number, grew to maturity, but now they are all sleeping the sleep that knows no awakening. Foster W. Savidge, son of Reuben and Jane Savidge, and father of the subject of this sketch, was born in October, 1816, in Somerset county, N. J., and when a lad of ten years was taken to Muskingum county, Ohio. There he grew to be twenty years old and in 1836 accompanied his parents to the county of Wyandot, spending the next few years in his father's hotel in Crawfordsville. When thirty years of age he married Julia. Ann Kirtz and immediately thereafter. settled on one hundred acres of timber land in Salem township (the same now owned by the subject), and with strong arms and determined purpose began an onslaught on the gigantic forest with which the place was covered. He cleared a fine farm and continued to live on the same until his death, which took place January 19, 1901, at the age of eighty-four years, four months and twelve days. In addition to the homestead he owned other valuable real estate in various parts of the county, all of which, with other property in his possession, was accumulated by his own labor and wise business management. Foster Savidge needs no eulogium from the pen of the writer. "He stood foursquare to all the world," a man among men, honorable and upright in all his dealings and a notable example of what can be accomplished by energy, good judgment and a well-defined purpose. A Republican of the most orthodox type, he worked long and earnestly for the success of his party, but persistently refused to accept official position of any kind at the hands of his fellow citizens. He lived as nearly as possible according to his standard of manhood and, dying at peace with the world, left to his family a spotless character, a monument far more endearing than marble shaft or granite obelisk. Mrs. Julia Savidge was born in Marion county, Ohio, the daughter of Michael and Elizabeth (Simpson) Kirtz, both parents natives of Maryland. The father of Mrs. Savidge was an early settler of Marion county and in after years became one of its most successful farmers and enterprising citizens. He Served in the Mexican war, also took