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AMANDA TOWNSHIP.

DANIEL ALSPACH, farmer, P. O. Vanlue, born in Fairfield County, Ohio, December 10, 1811, is a son of Adam and Barbara (Wyant) Alspach, natives of Schuylkill County, Penn. Adam Alspach, born in 1788, was a soldier in the war of 1812; he came to Ohio at the age of twenty years, and lived in Fairfield County with his parents and grandfather, Henry Alspach, who were pioneers in Ohio. Adam Alspach married in Fairfield County, and came to Hancock County in 1830, entering 160 acres of land in Section 19, Amanda Township, where he resided until his death. He was the father of seven children when he carne to Amanda Township: Daniel, Aaron, David, Richard, Elizabeth (now deceased), La-

658 - HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY.

vina, wife of Samuel Treece, and Sarah A., who was born in this county, and is now the wife of Henry Beck. Daniel Alspach married, September 15, 1836, Catharine, daughter of Cornelius Vanlue; whose brother, William, laid out the village of Vanlue, this county. (He afterward moved to Nebraska, and there died.) Cornelius Vanlue settled in Fairfield County, Ohio, in 1823; and moved to Hancock County in 1831. Mr. and Mrs. Alspach are the parents of ten children: Barbara A. (wife of N. Buckingham), William, Savilla (deceased), James. Elmyra, Sarah E. (wife of L. Clark), Lavina (deceased), J. W. (deceased), Salathiel, and Alice (wife of F. Copeland). Our subject and wife endured many hardships during their early pioneer days. They lived for a time in Vanlue, but, preferring farm life, they again moved iota the country.

AUGUSTUS F. ASKAM, farmer, P. O. Vanlue, born March 6, 1838, in Findlay Township, Hancock Co., Ohio, is a son of John and Julia A. (Leader) Askam. natives of Pennsylvania, who came to Ohio in 1837-38, and settled in Findlay Township, this county. They entered land near what is now the city of Findlay. Of their family of throe sons and one daughter, our sub ject is the only one now living. He was educated in Findlay, and, in 1859, married Savilla, daughter of Stephen Lee. She bore him three children, two of whom are now living: Alice M. (wife of J. Campbell) and Alvin L. Their mother died in 1865, and Mr. Askam married, in 1866, Melinda Ault, daughter of a pioneer of Marion County, Ohio. By her he has three children, now living: Lola M., John B. and Anna L. Mr. Askam has been engaged in mercantile business, has also followed the carpenter's trade, and for the last four years has been engaged in farming. He is a member of the I. O. O. F. and Good Templars. He is a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church.

NIMROD W. BRIGHT, Jr., farmer, P. O. Vanlue, born March 7, 1865, in Big Lick Township, Hancock County. Ohio, is a son of Major and S. S.

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(Fairman) Bright, natives of Ohio, and a great-grandson of Major Bright, who located or entered 3,000 acres of land in Amanda Township, this county, and was an extensive stock raiser and one of the oldest pioneers of this county. His son, Nimrod, Sr., the grandfather of our subject, one of the largest land-holders and stock raisers in the county, resides in the village of Vanlue, this county. He is a thorough farmer, and held at one time as much land as his father, and perhaps more; he and his brother, John C., were pioneer ministers. The father of our subject is a well-to-do farmer, occupying lands in Amanda Township, this county, and, like his ancestors, has given his children land and educated them to become thorough farmers. His children are Elizabeth (wife of Melvin Ewing), Emma L. (wife of E. Wilcox), an infant (deceased) and Nimrod W., Jr. Our subject is a young man of promise, and has received an education equal to his day. He is a man of quick perception and good judgment, and has become an efficient teacher, a profession he follows during the winters.

BENJAMIN F. BURNAP, P. O. Vanlue, born January 30, 1837, in Columbus, Ohio, is a son of Daniel G. and Harriet (Baker) Burnap, natives of Vermont and Pennsylvania respectively, and who were married June 2, 1822. Daniel G. Burnap, by profession a physician, came to Ohio about the year 1818 and settled near Lancaster, in Fairfield County, where he had quite an extensive practice. He afterward moved to Orange Township, Delaware County, and there died. His widow became the wife of William D. Whitney, a merchant, who moved in 1850 to Mt. Blanchard, this county, where he kept a grocery, and later they removed to Vanlue, Ohio. Mrs. Harriet Whitney died in Vanlue February 19, 1869. There were seven children in the first family: John (deceased in California), Lampson S., Angeline R. (wife of Henry Cockrell), Eliza B. (wife of E. Ellis), Benjamin F., James K. and Daniel G. Daniel G. Burnap was a man of considerable talent and natural tact. His son, Benjamin F., the subject of this sketch, has engaged extensively in land speculations in the W est, where he has at the present time several hundred acres; he also owns a fine farm in Amanda Township, this county, and a saw and planing-mill, picture gallery and harness shop, in Vanlue, Ohio. He taught school for many terms, and has filled the office of mayor of Vanlue; he has been school director, and held the office of justice of the peace for six years, elected in a Democratic township although he is a Republican in politics. He married, in 1877, Nancy J. Howard, and by her has one son, Guy F.

CORNELIUS CLARK, retired farmer, Vanlue, born in Fairfield County, Ohio, January 12, 1804, is a son of Horatio and Rebecca (Lane)

660 - HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY.

Clark, natives of Pennsylvania, whose parents came to Ohio in 1799 and purchased 640 acres of land in what is now Bloom Township, Fairfield County, and remained there until their death. Their children, ten in number, were reared on the banks of Walnut Creek. The lands entered by Horatio Clark are held by the Clark family today. For some years there were two Indian villages near the Clark homestead. Cornelius Clark, now in his eighty-second year, is an intelligent old gentleman, fall of life and vigor. He married, in 1826, Elizabeth Stephens, who bore him thirteen children. She died in December, 1883. Those of their children still living are Lewis C., Horatio, Cornelius, Mary, wife of Jacob Slike (have six children), Clare, wife of Henry Putnam (have five children), Wilkison, Van Buren, William, Luther C. and Erwin. Wilkison and Van Buren are living on the old Clark homestead farm in Fairfield County. William, Luther C. and Erwin also live in Fairfield County. Cornelius Clark came to Hancock County in 1864 and bought the old Daniel Beck farm, now owned by his son Luther C. Clark. Our subject lives a retired life with his widowed daughter, Mrs. Alspach, in Vanlue, Ohio.

JOSEPH W. CLASON, farmer, P. O. Mount Blanchard; born September, 1827, in Stamford, Conn., is a son of Benjamin and Nancy (Agree) Clason, natives of Connecticut, both of whom died in that State. Benjamin Clason was the father of seven children, four of whom are now living: Joseph W., Stephen, Samuel and John, all in Connecticut except Joseph W. The subject of this sketch came to Ohio in 1857, and settled in Amanda Township, this county, on land formerly occupied by his brother James, who came to Ohio prior to this date and died here. Joseph W. Clason had been a teacher in Connecticut for several years. He belongs to a family who early learned to take care of themselves. He received a fair education, as do most sons of New England, and, in 1858, married Sarah E., daughter of Sanford Smith. To this marriage were born two children: Solomon W. (deceased) and Lillie A. Mr. Clason has 113 acres of good land in Amanda Township, this county. He has been a successful farmer and has laid up a good competency for himself and family.

ALMON L. CONE, carpenter, P. O. Vanlue, was born in Oneida County, N. Y., December 1, 1826, son of Joseph (a native of New York) and Phebe Cone (a native of Vermont), who lived on the Indian Reservation. Joseph Cone came to Ohio, bringing with him the six survivors of his eleven children, settling in Marion County, in 1840, and afterward came to this county. Only two of his family now survive: Almon L. and Mrs. M. I. Crawford. Almon L. Cone was married, in 1849, to Margaret, daughter of William and Rachael Long, pioneers of this county, and to them were born six children: Julia A., William J., Mary E. (deceased), Elizabeth, Jacob A. (deceased) and John G. Mr. Cone has assisted in erecting many of the buildings in Vanlue, Ohio, including its best church buildings. He was a member of Company H, Fifty-seventh Regiment Ohio Volunteer Infantry under Capt. Henderson. He participated in the battle of Arkansas Post and the siege of Vicksburg, and in other engagements of the war of the Rebellion. He is an intelligent man and a great reader. He has been engaged for some time in the sash and door factory of Messrs. Hatch & Askam, at Vanlue.

GEORGE W. CORBIN, farmer, P. O. Vanlue, born in July, 1846, in Fairfield County, Ohio, is a .son of Israel and Catherine (Rea) Corbin, na-

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Lives of Pennsylvania. Israel Corbin came of one of the pioneer families of Fairfield County, Ohio, and he himself is one of the early settlers of Hancock County, Ohio. He came to this county in 1852, and purchased of Smith Carver 123 acres of land in Section 5. with slight improvements already made. The purchase price was $9 per acre, and the terms of sale were $25 cash and the balance to be paid in annual payments of $100 each, without interest. Other lands around him were soon after entered, and four years later he sold his land for over $2,000, and removed to Vanlue, Ohio, where he engaged in the grocery business and in butchering. He remained in Vanlue a few years, then purchased a farm and removed to the country. Israel Corbin married three times. Of his family of nine children three are now living (these are by his first wife). Their names are Peter F., Naomi V., now Mrs. Andrew Sallzman, and George W. The subject of this sketch married, October 24, 1872, Harriet, daughter of William Brown, and to this anion have been born three sons and one daughter: Merle C., Or land E., Gertrude E. and Edwin G. Mr. Corbin has a fine farm of 128 acres of excellent land, which he purchased from Jesse Ford in 1870, and on which, in 1878, he built a fine frame house, and in 1880 a good barn. He has also laid many hundreds of rods of tiling on his place. In politics Mr. Corbin is a Democrat.

URIAH W. EGBERT, farmer, P. O. Vanlue, born May 18, 1810. in Northumberland County, Penn., is a son of David and Mary (Williams) Egbert, natives of New Jersey, who moved to Pennsylvania, and in 1812 came to Ohio, first settling in Fairfield County, and in 1822 moving to Seneca County, where they entered land. In 1830 David Egbert came to this county and entered land in Monroe and Amanda Townships, near Blanch and Bridge. He afterward sold his land and moved to Wood County, where he and his wife died. He was the father of ten children, six of whom are now living: Joseph; Uriah W. ; Sally, wife of J. Charles; Percilla, wife of George Shoemaker; Reuben and Maria E. Our subject entered 100 acres of land, fractional lot, which he cleared, and on which he made the first improvements. He was twice married; first, in May, 1841, to Mary, daughter of Major Bright, pioneer minister and the most extensive land-holder in the county since its organization. This union was blessed with six children: Amos (deceased), Mary Louisa (deceased wife of J. Cross; she left eight children). Sarah A., wife of J. Stephens; Major; David, married to Sallie Benner, and Martha J. In 1863 Mr. Egbert married for his second wife, Marcia, M. , daughter of Richard Jaqua. Mr. Egbert has been a resident of this county for fifty-five years, engaged in farming most of the time. He is a leading member and trustee of the Methodist Episcopal Church.

FREDERICK ESTERLY (deceased) was a son. of Jacob and Mary (Boyer) Esterly. Jacob Esterly came to America in 1830, and settled in Mahoning County, where he remained two years, then moved to Seneca County, Ohio, where he settled on the south line adjoining Hancock County and lived for twenty years. In 1858 he came to this county and purchased a farm of William McKee, on which he passed the remainder of his days. He was the father of seven children, of whom four are now living: Christens, John, Caleb and Caroline now Mrs. Segrist. The deceased are Margaret, Jacob and Frederick. The subject of this sketch received a part of his education in the German and a part in the English schools. He was twice married; first, in 1840, to Mary Stackawalt, who died in 1852, leaving him

662 - HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY.

one child-Marion-wife of Leo Fenstemaker. Mr. Esterly's second marriage was in 1857, with Mena Kirchner, by whom he has one child-Caroline-wife of William Gilbert. Mr. Esterly purchased his present farm from O. Gordon, in 187, and made many modern improvements on it. He was a member of the Lutheran Church.

JOHN EWING, farmer, P. O. Vanlue, born in September, 1839, in Amanda Township, Hancock Co. , Ohio, is a son of Samuel and Rebecca (Alspach) Ewing, natives of Maryland, and who were among the early pioneer children of Fairfield County, Ohio, where they married. They came to Hancock County, Ohio, in 1834, where Samuel Ewing entered eighty acres and bought part of another eighty-acre tract of land in Section 28, Amanda Township. Here they began life as pioneer settlers of the county, cutting the first timber, patting up the first cabin on the land, and making a home for their family. This old home farm is now owned by Henry Davis. Samuel Ewing was the father of seven children: Levi; Rosilla, wife of David Alspach; William I. ; Christians, widow of Mr. Gordon, who resides in Michigan; John; Lavina (deceased) and Lucinda (deceased). The subject of this sketch married, in 1862, Lovica, daughter of Peter Shoe maker. Their union has been blessed with five children: Dells D., Ella J., Jay, Orra and Bell V. Mr. Ewing is a thorough farmer and a good business man. He purchased the farm on which he now lives, in Section 16, Amanda Township, this county, from J. Lemont. He has filled the office of assessor, also. that of school director of Amanda Township.

ISRAEL W. GEORGE, farmer, P. O. Vanlue, born December 27, 1850, in Amanda Township, this county, is a son of Peter and Mary (Woodruff) George, the former a native of Pennsylvania, and the latter of Ohio. Peter George, born October 13, 1799, came to Ohio with his parents when five years old. They settled near Ball's Bluff, Fairfield County, where he remained until 1827; then came to Hancock County, Ohio, and entered 160 acres of land. In 1830 he married Mary Woodruff, by whom he had nine children: Hannah, Henry (deceased), Amanda, John (who served in Company G, Fifty-seventh Ohio Volunteer Infantry), Eliza, Franklin ( a member of the Forty-ninth Ohio Volunteer Infantry, was killed at the battle of Lost Mountain), Mary C. (Mrs. Harland, deceased), Sarah (wife of J. Siddall) and Israel W. Peter George was a successful farmer, and held the office of commissioner for several years. He died December 10, 1884, leaving his widow to the care of their children, among whom he divided 312 acres of land. Israel W. George received his education in Amanda Township, this county. September 21, 1882, he married Mary, daughter of William Cole, of Marion Township, this county. Two children have been born to this union: William K. and one that died in infancy. Mr. George has filled the office of township clerk, and is now township trustee, and a leading young farmer of his time.

G. W. KROUT, farmer, P. O. Mount Blanchard, born October 14, 1823, in York County, Penn., is a son of John and Ann (Boyd) Krout, natives of Pennsylvania. John Krout and family came to Ohio in 1856, and settled in Amanda Township, this county. His children were nine in all, of whom G. W., Elizabeth, Ann, John L. and Adam (a physician in Van Wert County, Ohio) are now living. He was a farmer by occupation, and purchased a farm in Amanda Township, this county, which he afterward sold to his son, G. W. Our subject came to Ohio two years prior to his

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father's arrival in the State. He has been twice married; the first time, in 1847, to Jemima Anstine, who bore him four children: Rebecca (wife of LaFayette Gordon, of Kansas), John F. (married to Ella Atchison), Henry A. (married to Ann Tuttle) and Eli W. (a widower). After the death of his first wife Mr. Krout married, in 1858, Elizabeth, daughter of Eli Sampson, one of the pioneers of Jackson Township, this county. This union has been blessed with eight children: David B. (married to Emma Patterson), Amos W. (married to Emma A. Misamore), Emmet, Floyd E., Retta A., Clark L. (all now living), and Rosa and Wilber (deceased). Mr. Krout has filled the office of township trustee. He has made many fine improvements on his farm, which is situated one mile and a half north of Mt. Blanchard, on the Blanchard River.

STEPHEN LEE, farmer, P. O. Vanlue, born July 15, 1839, in Amanda Township, Hancock Co., Ohio, is a son of Richard M. and Lydia (Wyant) Lee, natives of Fairfield County, Ohio, and who came to this county in 1828 or 1830, settling in Amanda Township, where they began pioneer life, enduring many hardships and privations to secure a home for their children. Richard M. Lee departed this life in 1854, and his widow followed him in 1882. They were parents of the following named children: Perry, Caroline (wife of D. Gilbert), John (deceased), Marion, David, Stephen, Jason and Noah. Most of these children are living in Amanda Township, this county. Stephen Lee, the subject of this sketch, married, in 1862, Mary, daughter of Joseph Carver and by her had six children: Caroline (deceased), Joseph W., Loran, Laura, Addison and Louie, the five living being with their parents. As a pioneer child Mr. Lee had but meager chances to acquire an education himself. and being a reasonable and thoughtful man he is giving his children an opportunity to profit by the educational advantages which the present day affords. Mr. Lee is a well-to-do farmer: His father left him 120 acres of land, which he sold. He then purchased of James Hughes 120 acres in the eastern part of Amanda Township, this county, a well-regulated and well-improved farm. He is a member of the United Brethren Church.

SILAS LONG, farmer, P. O. Vanlue, born August 14, 1837, in Ridge Township, Wyandot Co., Ohio, is a son of John and Mary (Wingate) Long, the former a native of Pennsylvania, the latter of Ohio. They were married in Pickaway County, Ohio. The parents of John Long were early pioneers of Ohio, and he a pioneer of Wyandot County, Ohio, His children, seven in number, were all reared in this county, and five of them are now living: John W., Francis N., Eliza (now Mrs. A. Alspach), Mary J. and Silas. Our subject received his early education in Wyandot County, Ohio, and January 23, 1862, married Rebecca, daughter of Charles Cross, an old settler in this county, and the third child and second daughter in a family of six children. To Mr. and Mrs. Long have been born tan children: Charles S., William G., Jay, Bemis, Scott, Mary E. (wife of George H. Grant), Rosilla E., Malinda A., Lillie V. B. and Minnie G. A. Our subject removed to Amanda Township, this county, in February, 1863. Mr. Long is a member of the I. O. O. F. He has a well watered farm of 107 acres of the best of land. He is a member of the United Brethren Church; a Democrat in politics.

HENRY MILLER, farmer, P. O. Vanlue, born May 25, 1847, in Pickaway County, Ohio, is a son of Sebastian and Virginia (Rea) Miller, former

666 - HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY.

a native of Pennsylvania, latter of Ohio. Sebastian Miller, a wagon-maker by trade, was born August 10, 1816, in Chester County, Penn., came to Ohio in 1838, and settled in Pickaway County , Ohio, where he purchased land. In 1852 he came to Hancock County, settling in Amanda Township, and there remained for many years. then sold his property and removed to Michigan, where he remained for three months; then returned to Hancock County and purchased a farm adjoining the one he formerly owned. Here he died; his widow survived him about three years and a half. He and his brother, J. R., , were the only members of the family who came to Hancock County, butte settling in Amanda Township. Sebastian Miller was father of eight children: Henry, Perry (married to Miss Wingate), John (married to Miss A. Beard). Maggie, Emma, Mary, Eliza and Martha. Henry Miller, the subject of this sketch, is a substantial farmer. He owns land in Marion Township, and also has charge of his father's old homestead, which has not yet been divided. He is a prominent member and trustee of the United Brethren Church.

JOHN MISAMORE, farmer, P. O. Mount Blanchard, born December 25, 1813, in Pickaway County, Ohio, is a son of Michael and Mary (Hager) Misamore. the former a native of Virginia, and the latter of Pennsylvania. Michael Misamore came to Ohio soon after it was organized as a State, and settled in what is now Pickaway County. In order to get land at that time he was obliged to take 640 acres. He came to Hancock County in 1831 and settled in that hart of Jackson Township which was afterward struck off into Amanda Township. He entered 160 acres of land, in two tracts, erected his cabin in the forest; and made his home on what is now Section 13, Amanda Township. He had at that time eleven children, of whom there are now living Henry, Emanuel, Mollie (wife of Chester Cook), Matilda (wife of Elijah Corsage) and John. The subject of this sketch has been twice married; first, in 1835, to Rachael Hammond, who bore him five children, of whom three survive: Henry, Amanda (wife of J. Siddall) and Mary Jane (wife of Harrison Hoy). After the death of his first wife Mr. Misamore married Mary A. Sheldon, and to this union were born James, Milton, Michael, Ellen, Eli J., Presly H., Owen G., Emma, Delma and Mollie, all now living, and three others deceased, Mr. Misamore being the fatter of seventeen children in all. Mr. Misamore has been a successful farmer, and says he worked to accumulate property in proportion to the increase of his family. His father built the first grist-mill in Amanda Township, and our subject afterward rebuilt and operated it for twenty years.

AMOS MOORE, farmer, P. O. Vanlue, born August 15, 1807, in Fairfield County, Ohio, is a son of John and Annie (Spurgeon) Moore, natives of Maryland and pioneers of Ohio and of Hancock County. John Moore moved from Fairfield County, Ohio, to this county in 1832, and entered land near the Limestone Ridge, called " Ridgeville" or " Big Spring," where he resided until his death. Of his family of seven children three only are now living: Rosilla (wife of J. Duddleson), Elizabeth (now in Tennessee, widow of Stephen Lea), and Amos. Our subject received his education in Fairfield County, Ohio, and there learned the wheelwright trade, and engaged in the manufacture of spinning wheels, both large and small. He carried on this business until some time after the .breaking out of the late war. He married, in 1838, Margaret, daughter of Robert Walker, a native of County Tyrone, Ireland, who came to America in 1802, settled in

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Pennsylvania, and afterward moved to Stark County, Ohio, where Mrs. Moore was born in 1815, the sixth child in a family of ten children, only three of whom are now living. Mr. and Mrs. Moore have been blessed with two children: Francis and George W. Mr. Moore resides on his farm near Vanlue, this county. He is in good circumstances, and is respected by his fellow citizens.

JOHN MOREHART, farmer, P. O. Vanlue, born October 30, 1830, in Fairfield County, Ohio, is a son of Andrew and Mary (Cashner) Morehart, natives of Pennsylvania, and who came to Ohio in 1817; they were pioneers of Fairfield County, Ohio. In 1832 they came to Hancock County and settled on Section 10, Amanda Township. Andrew Morehart entered eighty acres of land, which he sold in a few years, and then bought eighty acres of a Mr. Brown, and entered 160 acres adjoining it, and there lived until 1855, when he bought 160 acres together with eighty acres now belonging to Mrs. Pratt, and here he lived the remainder of his days. Andrew Morehart was the father of thirteen children: Matilda (deceased), Mary A., Andrew J. (deceased), John, Adam (deceased), Jacob (deceased), Selina, Lydia, Alfred (deceased), Christian (deceased), Noah (deceased), David C. (deceased), and Henry. John, Adam, Jacob (who died November 13, 1885), David C., Andrew J. and their father served in the army, Andrew J., Adam and David C. dying there. The father came home and died from the effects of army life. John, the subject of this sketch, was wounded twice, the first time at Resaca, the second time at Atlanta, Ga., where he was captured by the enemy. He was in Andersonville Prison sixty-four days and then exchanged. He married, in 1854, Frances, a daughter of Charles and Alice Hill, who came from Pennsylvania to Hancock County, Ohio, in 1844. Mrs. Morehart is the eldest of five children who settled in Amanda Township, this county. Mr. and Mrs. Morehart have been blessed with twelve children: Alice V. (wife of John Leader), George C. (married to Josephine Howard), Alfred F. and Arminda (deceased), twins, John E., Henry L. and Laura E. (twins), Olive B. Mary C., Lucy J., William F. and Iona F. Mr. Morehart now occupies the old homestead of his father, a well regulated farm of fifty-nine acres. He is a member of the G. A. R. ; also a member of the United Brethren Church.

WASHINGTON MOREHART, farmer, P. O. Vanlue, was born March 4. 1817, in Fairfield County, Ohio. His grandparents came from Westmoreland County, Penn. , and were pioneers of Fairfield County, Ohio. Our subject, with his brother William Josiah and sisters Sarah and Maria, came to Hancock County, Ohio, in 1833, and began pioneer life on land which he and his uncle. Andrew (then a resident of Seneca County, Ohio), had entered some time prior to that date. They soon erected a cabin and began, clearing their land with a view to making a home. In 1839 Mr. Morehart married-Elizabeth, daughter of George Breiner, and by her he has three children: Malinda, wife of F. M. Lee; Caroline, wife of R. M. Lee; and Christians, wife of Isaac Wohlgamuth. Mrs. Morehart departed this life in 1884. Mr. Morehart lived on his farm forty years, then moved to the village of Vanlue, this county, where he has since resided, but still owns and manages his farm. He had but little to begin life with, but has acquired a fair competency. He has filled the office of township trustee for several years, and is a man highly respected by his fellow townsmen.

IRA PLOTTS, merchant, Vanlue, born July 10, 1830, in Fairfield

668 - HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY.

County, Ohio, is a son of Gershom and Mary (Plotner) Plotts. natives of Pennsylvania, who came to Ohio in 1800. Gershom Plotts was one of the pioneers of Fairfield County and Hancock County, Ohio, and a soldier in the war of 1812, having enlisted in Fairfield County. He was three times married and was the father of ten children, eight of whom are still living: Hiram, Washington, Andrew J., John, (William L., Ira, Oliver and Moses. In 1834 Ira Plotts, our subject, was brought to Hancock County with his parents, who settled in Amanda Township on Section 16, near Vanlue. Gershom Plotts remained in Amanda Township twenty years, and in 1854 he removed to Michigan, where he died. Ira Plotts went to Michigan with his parents, and in 1859 returned to Hancock County, Ohio, where he has since remained. He married, in 1854, Mary J., daughter of George Morehart, of Amanda Township, this county. To this union have been born ten children, five of whom are living: Ella, wife of S. C. Chesebro; Etta, wife of J. V. Rice; Augusta, wife of F. Cross; Alwilda J. and Sarah. In 1860 Mr. Plotts embarked in the grocery business, adding in 1863 the, dry goods branch, and has been engaged in the grocery and dry goods business ever since. He has been a successful business man. He has served .as justice of the peace six years. He has a farm near Vanlue, this county, on which he has passed a good portion of his time. In politics Mr. Plotts is a Democrat; a member of the I. O. O. F.

HARMON PRATT (deceased) was born in Fairfield County, Ohio; came to Hancock County in 1836 and settled in the woods. He was the youngest of eight children and was reared on a farm. In 1854 he married Elizabeth E., daughter of Josiah Shawn. This union was blessed with twelve children; ten are now living, viz.: Leroy J., married to Permelia W Woodard; Leander C. ; Laura A. ; Lorenzo D. ; Violet R., wife of William Smith; Freddie S. ; Etta Z. ; Ann A. ; Lucy D. and Oliver A. Mr. Pratt filled the office of trustee of Amanda Township, this county; was also school director. He was a member of the I. O. O. F. He died February 25, 1884, leaving a farm of 160 acres of the best of land.

JOSEPH SHULL was born September 15, 1815, in Franklin County, Ohio. He was married in that county in 1839 to Mary Huber, a native of Fairfield County, Ohio: born October 6, 1821. They settled in Franklin County, where they remained eight years, then moved to this county, where they have since resided. They were the parents of nine children: Francis, Sarahan, Clarissa, Amanda, Isabelle, Lewis, Catharine, Lenella, and Emery, all deceased except Francis, Amanda, and Isabelle. Clarissa was married February 15, 1864, to Philip, son of William Shuck, and died June 17, 1871, leaving two children: Sherman and Dora. Catharine married December 12, 1874, Henry, son of Stephen Lee, and died November 4, 1882, leaving one child, Roger. Francis married, December 14, 1873, Naomi, daughter of David Morehart, and they have two children: Joseph and Emma. Joseph Shull is a member of the Reformed Church, his wife of the Presbyterian Church.

JACOB SIDDALL, farmer, P. O. Mount Blanchard, born January 11, 1836, in Mahoning County, Ohio, is a son of Joseph and Elizabeth (Slamaker) Siddall, who came to this county in 1848 and settled in Amanda Township, where they purchased Iand of John Claver. Joseph Siddall, who was a farmer, reared his sons to agricultural pursuits. His children were W illiam, Abraham, Jacob, Nancy (wife of Washington Myers) and Lucinda

AMANDA TOWNSHIP. - 669

(latter deceased). Jacob Siddall was educated in Hancock County, and married, in 1867, Amanda, daughter of John Misamore, one of the pioneers of this county, who is still living. To this union have been born the following named children: Elizabeth, Lydia. Zilla J., J. D. and Forrest (latter deceased). Mrs. Siddall is fourth in a family of eighteen children. Mr. Siddall has 165 acres of fine land on the Blanchard River bottoms, which was his father's old home farm. He is an energetic man and one of the leading farmers of Amanda Township. He devotes considerable attention to sheep raising.

PETER TREESE, farmer, P. O. Mount Blanchard, born in December, 1830, in Amanda Township, Hancock Co., Ohio, is a son of Henry (who served in the war of 1.812) and Elizabeth (Hager) Treese, natives of Pennsylvania. Henry Treese purchased land in Jackson Township, Hancock Co. , Ohio, and October, 1830, came to this county and entered 160 acres of land in Section 24. Amanda Township. His was the third or fourth family in the township at that time. The Wyandot Indians frequently passed his place, going to and from their hunting. Henry Treese built a cabin in the woods, cut the first timber from the land, and there lived and reared his family of nine children, who assisted him on the farm. Those of his children now living are Sarah, wife of J. Durand; Elizabeth, wife of Uriah Selick; Mary, wife of James Shooly; George and Peter; Eliza, wife of J. Snider, died in December, 1862; John, died in 1862; Amos, died in 1861; Isaac, died in 1882. The subject of this sketch married, December 26, 1858, Martha, daughter of R. H. Bennett, and by this union there were eight children, seven now living: R. H., Isaac H., William H. (deceased), Olive E., Ella J., Mary E., Eva A. and Edith. Mr. Treese lives on the old homestead of his father, on which he has made many modern improvements. In 1881 he erected a fine house, and in 1883 built a commodious barn. He is a member of the I. O. O. F., a careful farmer, and has filled the office township treasurer.

JAMES M. VAN HORN, farmer, P. O. Vanlue, born January 11, 1829, in Bucks County, Penn., is the son of Charles and Sarah (Twining) Van Horn, natives of Bucks County, Penn. The Van Horns were originally from Holland, the earliest record of them in this country dating back to 1640, when they settled in New York. Abraham Van Horn, the great grandfather of our subject, came to Backs County, Penn., with a number of his sons, who purchased, in 1720-22, the first land held by the family. His grandsons, Charles and Samuel. afterward came to Ohio. Charles Van Horn, born in Bucks County, Penn., was the youngest of twelve children, none of whom are now living. He married, in 1826, Sarah Twining, and by this anion there were ten children. In 1832 he stopped one year in Jefferson County, Ohio, and came to Hancock County, Ohio, in 1833, settled in Amanda Township, bought 110 acres of land, entered another ninety-six acres, began pioneer life, and became one of the leading and successful farmers of his day. His children were George W., James M., Robert, Mary (wife of H. McUmber), Martha (widow of Mathias Marvin), Harrison (deceased September 28, 1837), Phebe (wife of Dr. J. A. Grove), Sarah (wife of William Carothers), Charles E. and John James M. Van Horn was married in October, 1848, to Mary M., daughter of David and Elizabeth Morehart. By this union there are ten children: Sarah E. (wife of George Russell), Harriet A. (wife of A. F. Wise), W. S. (a physician in Mount

670 - HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY.

Blanchard, married Agues A. Allison ), James F. (married to Diana Wagoner), Martha J. (wife of S. B. Vansant), Iro, Elma F., Melinda, Lincoln, Ralph W. Our subject has a fine farm, and is one of the leading farmers of Amanda Township. He is a member of the I. O. O. F,, and also of he Methodist Episcopal Church. His brother, John, who was born January 19, 1846, in Amanda Township, this county, married in March, 1872, Miss Anna Parker, by whom he has three children: Sarah, Earl and Virgil. He owns a part of the old home farm on which his parents lived for many years. He is of a cheerful disposition, and, surrounded by his pleasant family, resides near Blanchard Creek.

CHARLES E. VAN HORN, farmer, P. O. Vanlue, born April 17, 1843, in Amanda, Township, Hancock Co., Ohio, is a son of Charles and Sarah (Twining) Van Horn, natives of Pennsylvania, and who were among the successful pioneer farmers of Hancock County, Ohio. Our subject was educated in Amanda Tow reship, this county, reared on a farm, and became one of the prosperous farmers of his county. October 17, 1866, he married Elizabeth, daughter of John and Rebecca Smith, natives of Virginia, who settled in Wyandot County, Ohio. This union has been blessed with five children, of whom Annie A. and Lorena Garnet are living; the others died young. Mr. Van Horn, who is one of the prosperous farmers of this county, lives on the old home farm originally entered by his father, and on which he has made many modern improvements. It contains 100 acres of excellent land, and is under good cultivation. Mr. Van Horn is a charter member of Mt. Blanchard Masonic Lodge, No. 519, and member of the Commandery of Tiffin, also of the Ancient Order of Scottish Rites, of Cincinnati, Ohio.

SMITH VAN HORN, farmer, P. O. Mount Blanchard, born August 26, 1826, in Bucks County, Penn., is a son of Samuel T. and Phebe (Twining) Van Horn, natives of Pennsylvania. Samuel T. Van Horn came to Ohio in 1834. He was twice married. His first wife, nee Phebe Twining, bore him five children: Jacob (deceased), Charles, Isaac, Sarah (wife of William Richardson, of St. Joseph County, Ind. ), and Smith, our subject. His second wife was Mrs. Sarah Delph, a widow, and by her he had two children: Mary J. (wife of Alfred C. Russell, in Michigan), and John, in Jackson County, Oreg. Samuel T. Van Horn resided one year in Monroe County, and then moved to Big Spring Township, this county, where he passed the remainder of his days. Smith Van Horn received his education in the county schools, and became an efficient teacher. Of twenty years of his early life, the first ten were spent in teaching daring winters and farming during summer, and occasionally going to school a term either in fall or spring. The last ten were devoted to teaching and superintending union schools during the entire school year. Was once offered the mathematical chair of the Moore's Hill College, Indiana. He married, November 22, 1857, Martha E. Wiseman, and to this union four children have been born: Alma, wife of William Watermire; Flora, Minnie M. and Bessie. In 1869 Mr. Van Horn purchased from his father-in-law a fine farm of 112 acres of land. He is a Republican in politics; has held the office of school director twelve ,years; was a member of the township school board most of that time, and is an attendant of the Methodist Episcopal Church. He acquired his education and property by his own exertions, and has been successful. His library is one of the finest in Amanda Township.