682 - HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY.

BLANCHARD TOWNSHIP.

F. E. ALWARD, farmer and stock raiser, P. O. Benton Ridge, was born in Iowa, December 16, 1855, son of Alfred L. and Harriet (Cayton) Alward, natives of Ohio. Alfred L. Alward, a farmer by occupation, enlisted in the One Hundred and Thirty-fifth Ohio National Guards, was taken prisoner, and died in the Andersonville Prison. The subject of this sketch was reared in Licking County, Ohio, and attended the common schools, also the Pataskala graded school. He afterward learned boot and shoe-making, and was foreman of the boot and shoe manufactory at the Soldiers' and Sailors' Orphans' Home in Xenia, Ohio, for four years. In 1876 Mr. Alward went West and engaged in stock-farming. He has been engaged in farming in Blanchard Township, this county, since 1881, and owns 240 acres of the finest land on the Blanchard River bottom. In 1881 he was united in marriage with Frances, daughter of Lewis Dukes, Jr. Mr. and Mrs. Alward are consistent members of the Methodist Episcopal Church. In politics he is a Republican. He is a member of the K. of P.

JOHN BOWER, retired farmer, P. O. Gilboa, Putnam County, was born in Bedford County, Penn., April 30, 1803, son of Daniel and Elizabeth (Foust) Bower, natives of Pennsylvania, and of German descent. They were each twice married. The family to which our subject belonged consisted of seven children. Daniel Bower, who was a butcher, came to Springfield, Jefferson Co., Ohio, in 1806. The subject of this sketch, who never attended school, cleared land, made rails and worked by the day: In 1837 he came to this county, settled in Liberty Township, took up land, and resided there until 1841, when he came to Blanchard Township, bought eighty acres of land from Alfred Hampton, and has since resided here. Mr. Bower was united in marriage, in 1826, with Elizabeth Bysel, daughter of Philip Bysel, and of Pennsylvania-Dutch extraction. Their union has been blessed with ten children: Henry, married, farming in Kansas; Jonathan, a carpenter, married, residing in Shawtown, this county; A. J., a merchant in Kansas, married; Philip B., a carpenter, married, residing in Illinois; Lydia, wife of John Haddox, of this county; Elizabeth, wife of Frank Brooks, of Ottawa (he is working on railroad bridges); Daniel, married, farming on 120 acres of land in Blanchard Township, this county; Wesley, a carpenter and farmer, married, residing in Kansas; John (deceased), was in Company K, Sixty-fifth Ohio Volunteer Infantry, and was killed at the battle of Chicamacomico; and Sarah Ann, wife of Moses Firmin. Mrs. Bower departed this life in 1879. Our subject is a member of the German Baptist Church, in which he has been deacon for thirty years. In politics he is a Democrat.

DANIEL BOWER, farmer and stock raiser, P. O. Gilboa, Putnam County, was born in Liberty Township, this county, February 2, 1837, son of John and Elizabeth (Bysel) Bower, former of whom was a pioneer of this county. Of their family of ten children the subject of this sketch is the seventh. Daniel Bower was reared on the farm, received a common English

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education in this county, and has followed agriculture all his life. He is the owner of 120 acres of well-improved land in Blanchard Township, this county, on which he resides. In 1859 Mr. Bower was united in marriage with Catherine, daughter of John and Mary (Tipton) Jennar, natives of Ohio, and of English descent; former a farmer by occupation. Mrs. Bower was born in 1838, in Harrison County, Ohio, and her father moved to Van Wert County, Ohio, in 1845, where she remained until she was married. Mr. and Mrs. Bower have four children: John W., Manuel C., Ida A. and Rosco T. Our subject and wife and then three eldest children are members of the German Baptist Church, of which he is a deacon, and of the Sabbath-school, of which he is assistant superintendent. In politics Mr. Bower is a Republican. For several years he was school director.

H: F. BROWN, farmer and stock raiser, lumberman and manufacturer, P. O. McComb, was born in Ashland County, Ohio, April 19, 1830, son of Thomas H. and Susannah (Sours) Brown, natives of Ireland and Pennsylvania, respectively. Thomas H. Brown, who was a farmer, came from New York and settled on a farm in Ashland County, Ohio. His family consisted of twelve children, ten of whom grew to maturity, our subject being the ninth. H. F. Brown was reared on the farm, educated in the district school in Ashland County, Ohio, and chose agricultural pursuits as his occupation. In 1854 he came to this county and settled in the northeast corner of Blanchard Township, where he bought 160 acres of land. He now owns 225 acres where he resides, and at one time owned 400 acres. He started a saw-mill in Portage Township, this county, in 1864 or 1865, and still operates the mill in McComb. He manufactures and repairs wagons and carriages, and owns the shop in McComb. He also contracts to build pikes, and in 1884 he constructed 200 rods. Our subject was united in marriage, in 1850, with Mary A., daughter of William Ewing; her parents were natives of Pennsylvania and of Dutch descent. The children born to this union are William, Alice J., Elizabeth Melvina and Thomas Jefferson. Mrs. Brown died in 1862, and in 1864 Mr. Brown was again married, this time to Mary W. Ray, daughter of Gyant and Sarah (Morrison) Ray, who Were of Dutch and Scotch-English descent. By this union six children were born, four of whom are now living: Nettie Gertrude, Frankie, Florence and Henry B. Mrs. Brown is a member of the Presbyterian Church, and Mr. Brown of the Lutheran Church. In politics he is a Republican. He has filled the office of trustee for three terms He is a member of the I. O. O. F. , and has taken all the degrees in the subordinate lodge.

JOSEPH M. CARTWRIGHT, farmer and stock raiser, P. O. Gilboa, Putnam County, was born in Muskingum County, Ohio, March 6, 1832, son of Stephen and Mahala (Thrapp) Cartwright, latter a native of Virginia, of English descent. His father, a farmer, was born in Delaware, of English extraction, and settled on a farm in Putnam County, Ohio, in 1836. He reared a family of ten children, eight of whom grew to maturity. Joseph M., the subject of this sketch, the third in the family, was reared on the farm, acquired a common school education in Putnam County, Ohio, and has made farming the business of his life. In 1857 Mr. Cartwright was united in marriage with Catherine Nowlan, daughter of Thomas and Margaret (Sinnott) Nowlan, natives of Nova Scotia and of Irish and English descent, former of whom came to Ohio in an early day and nettled in Wayne

686 - HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY.

County. Mr. and Mrs. Cartwright's s children are Emza J. , Telethia S. , Stephen T. and Amanda E. Our subject and wife are members of the Methodist Protestant Church, of which he has been class leader. He joined the church when he was nineteen years of age, and was licensed to preach in 1875, since when he has preached, but has never accepted a local charge. Mr. Cartwright has resided in this county since 1858, and on the farm where he now lives since 1865. He votes the Republican ticket; has been school director and township trustee; is a member of the I. O. O. F, at Gilboa.

SAMUEL DENNIS, farmer and stock raiser, P. O. Oak Ridge, was born in Washington County, Penn., August 15, 1819, son of John and Susannah (Gumbard) Dennis, the former a native of Maryland, the latter of Westmoreland County, Penn., both of German descent. John Dennis, who was a Partner in later life, met with misfortune through filling a pike contract, by which he sustained a great loss. He served in the war of 1812. He went to Knox County, Ohio, in 1824. Of his family of eleven children, Samuel is the tenth child. The subject of this sketch was reared on the farm and received his education in the common schools; when he was about fourteen years of age his father died and Samuel then went on the canal where he continued for eight years. In 1844 our subject was united in marriage with Matilda Alspach, of German descent, and to them were born George, Alonzo, John, William, Marietta, Lucinda, Elizabeth, Charles and Samuel T. Mrs. Dennis, formerly a member of the German Reformed Church, is now a member of the Church of God. Mr. Dennis came to this county in 1856 and settled in Eagle Township. He afterward removed to near Benton Ridge, Ohio, on a tract of 240 acres of land where he now resides. He is a member of the Masonic fraternity. In politics he is a Democrat; is now holding the office of school director.

WILLIAM DOWNING (deceased), son of George Downing, was born in Maryland, in 1797, of English parentage. He was reared on a farm in Pike County, Ohio, received a good English education and, from his youth, was engaged in agricultural pursuits. He served in the war of 1812. He came to this county in 1830 and helped organize Blanchard Township. William Downing was appointed the first postmaster in Blanchard Township, this county, and served in that capacity for many years; the office was established in 1848 and was kept in his house. Mr. Downing was twice married, the first time to Elizabeth Henderson. His second marriage was in 1858 with Margaret Thompson, daughter of Isaac and Anna Underwood, the former a native of Virginia, of Irish descent, and the latter of Pennsylvania, of English descent. As a farmer Mr. Downing was successful, owning 180 acres of valuable land at the time of his death, which occurred in 1863. He was a member of the M. E. Church; in politics a Democrat. His widow is the owner of 206 acres of land on which she resides, and she has managed the farm since her husband's death.

DAVID DOWNING, retired farmer, at present a resident of Findlay, Ohio, was born in Philadelphia, Penn., February 12, 1815, son of John and Mary (Boyler) Downing, the latter of German descent. His father, a native of Kentucky. of English descent, came to this county in 1832, and settled on a farm in Blanchard Township; he died in Kansas. Our subject, David Downing, the eldest in a family of eight children, was reared on a farm, acquired a common school education in the Pike County, Ohio, sub-

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scription school, and from his ,youth has been engaged in agricultural pursuits. He is the owner of 300 acres of well improved land, and at one time owned 700 acres of land. He was united in marriage, in 1837, with Marietta Dorsey, a lady of English and Scotch descent, and this union has bean blessed with five children: George T., Jane (wife of Oliver P. Shaw), Laving, John, a farmer in Kansas, and Dora (wife of Miles Dukes). Mrs. Downing is a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church. Mr. Downing has been township trustee and school director.

GEORGE T. DOWNING, farmer, P. O. Oak Ridge, born December 28, 1839, is the eldest son of David and Marietta (Dorsey) Downing. He was reared on a farm, received a fair English education, and has made agriculture the business of his life. He is the owner of 272 acres of well improved land in Blanchard Township. In 1865 Mr. Downing was united in marriage with Mary E. Slusser, a lady of German descent, and three children have blessed this union: Florence, Chester and Summer. In politics Mr. Downing is a Republican. He has been township treasurer for four years, also trustee of Blanchard Township, this county. He united with the Masonic fraternity at Findlay in 1864.

LEWIS DUKES, SR., retired farmer, P. O. Oak Ridge, one of the early pioneers of Blanchard Township, this county, was born in Franklin County, Ohio, April 6, 1811; son of John and Mare (Haddox) Dukes, natives of Virginia, and who had twelve children. Lewis Dukes, Sr., who was very young when his father died, was reared on a farm and acquired his education in the common schools. At seventeen years of age he started out in life for himself as a day laborer, coming to this county about 1827, and commenced clearing the forest for the small pittance of 25 cents per day, in which work he continued for about seven years. He then purchased 700 acres of wild land with money which he had saved out of his earnings, and has been very successful in all his undertakings through life. He continued to add to his possessions until, at one time, he had 1,200 acres of fine land. He has disposed of a part, and at the present time owns 800 acres of well improved land, on which he and his family reside. Mr. Dukes was united in marriage in 1838, with Laura W. Bean, a Christian lady of rare accomplishments and a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church, who departed this life in 1874. After her death, in 1876, Mr. Duke, married Mrs. Harriet Alward, daughter of James and Mary A. (Bean) Caton, and widow of Alfred L. Alward. Mr. Dukes is one of the old living land-marks left to tell the tale of the hardships and privations incident to pioneer life in Blanchard Township; and one of the pleasures of his declining years is the knowledge of having lived an upright and honorable life. His wife has been a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church for forty-one years.

LEWIS DUKES, Jr., farmer and stock raiser, P. O. Oak Ridge, was born in Franklin County, Ohio, November 30, 1827; son of Richard and Mary (Blue) Dukes, the latter a native of Ohio, of German descent. The father of our subject was a native of Virginia, of English descent, came to this county in 1828 and settled on a farm of ninety-six acres of wild woodland in Blanchard Township. He was accompanied by his brother, John Dukes, who also took up 147 acres of wild land. Richard Dukes was a successful farmer and took an active interest in all that pertained to the improvement of the county. The' first meeting-house in the county was erected on his farm, of hewed logs with a clap-board roof, and is still standing. He was

688 - HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY.

an active member of the Methodist Episcopal Church. In politics he was a Republican. He died in 1876. His family consisted of fourteen children, nine of whom grew to maturity, the subject of this sketch being the eldest. Lewis Dukes, Jr., was reared on the farm, received a common school education, and has followed agricultural pursuits with marked success. The farm on which he resides is one of the finest in the State. He now owns 1,400 acres of land, after having divided among his children (some of whom are married) 560 acres. Our subject was united in marriage, April 9, 1848, with Miss Laura Ann Spangler, daughter of Joseph Spangler, and of English descent. The children born to Mr. and Mrs. Dukes are Parlee C., a prominent farmer residing in Blanchard Township, this county; Elizabeth, wife of Daniel Jackson, a prominent farmer in this county; Frances, wife of F. E. Alward, also a prominent farmer in this county; Miles W.: married, a farmer in Blanchard Township, this county; Clark, married, operating a saw-mill, and R. B., at home with his father. Our subject and wife are consistent members of the Methodist Episcopal Church, of which he has been steward and trustee. In politics Mr. Dukes is a Republican. He has been trustee and clerk and was also treasurer and school director, and was actively interested in the Grange movement.

PARLEE C. DUKES, farmer and stock raiser, P. O. Benton Ridge, was born in this county August 24, 1851, in the first brick house built in Blanchard Township. His father, Lewis Dukes, Jr. , reared a family of seven children, our subject being the second. Parlee C. Dukes was reared on a farm; received a good English education, and chose farming for his occupation in life. He is the owner of 312 acres of valuable land in Blanchard Township, this county, on which he resides. He was united in marriage, in 1876, with Harriet E:, daughter of Jacob Grose, and three children have blessed this union: Albee LeClare, Edith Lela and Grace D. Mr. and Mrs. Dukes are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church, the Sabbath-school of which he is trustee and assistant superintendent. In politics he is a Republican: He holds the office of school director.

ELI DUKES, farmer and stuck raiser, P. O. Oak Ridge, was born in Blanchard Township, this county, May 16, 1841, son of Richard and Mary (Blue) Dukes, the latter born in Ohio, of German descent. The father of our subject was a native of Virginia, of English descent; came to this county in 1828, and settled on a farm in Blanchard Township, where he passed the remainder of his life, dying in 1876, at Findlay, Ohio. Of his family of fourteen children, nine grew to maturity, our subject being the tenth. Eli Dukes acquired his education in the common schools, and in Oberlin and Delaware Colleges. He was clerk in a dry goods store for one year, and taught school four winters, but his principal business in life has been farming and dealing in stock. He is the owner of 486 acres of valuable land. At the breaking out of the war of the Rebellion, Mr. Dukes promptly enlisted in Company A, Twenty-first Regiment Ohio Volunteer Infantry, and served three years as a soldier in the ranks. He was in the battle of Chickamauga, and also at Stone River. When his regiment was captured, he, with twenty-five others, escaped. Mr. Dukes was united in marriage, in 1865, with Mary H. Delaney, daughter of Mark Delaney, .a pioneer minister in the Methodist Episcopal Church. She is of Irish, French and English descent. Five children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Dukes: Delevan D., Nannie B., Gustavus, Clemma I. and Laura G. Our subject and wife are members of

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the Methodist Episcopal Church, in which he has been class-leader for a number of years. Eli Dukes' father was one of the prime movers in founding the first church erected in this county. This building, a relic of the olden time, is still standing on the farm belonging to our subject.

JACOB GROSE, farmer and stock raiser, P. O. Findlay, was born in Westmoreland County, Penn., April 25, 1825, son of Jacob and Margaret (Sheddinger) Grose, natives of Bucks County, Penn., and of German descent. Our subject's great-grandfather, in company with two brothers, came to America before the war of the Revolution, and settled in Bucks County, Penn. In religion they were Mennonites. The father of our subject died in Wayne County, Ohio; his family consisted of eleven children. Jacob Grose, the subject of this sketch, was reared on a farm; served an apprenticeship of three years and a half at the cabinet-maker's trade, which he followed for twelve years. He was united in marriage, in 1848, with Mary Sherick, a native of Pennsylvania, of German descent. Her parents, Peter and Barbara (Funk) Sherick, now reside in Findlay, this county. Our subject and wife are parents of six children: David S., a school teacher and farmer; Peter J., Harriet E., Jacob L, Laura J. and William E. Mr. and Mrs. Grose are members of the Baptist Church of God. He has been trustee and school director for nine years, and clock of the board. He is the owner of 326 acres of land, and takes great interest in the Grange movement, of which organization he is a charter member, and has filled the office of overseer in the order.

E. L. GROVES, meat market, Macomb, was born in Blanchard Township, this county, February 6, 1861, son of Savadra and Lucinda (Fisher), Groves, natives of Ohio, of German and English descent. Savadra came to this county in 1828, with his father, Thomas Groves, and departed this life in 1877, aged fifty-three years. His widow still survives. Of their two children, E. L. alone is living. The subject of this sketch was reared on a farm, received a fair English education, and successfully followed the occupation of farming. He is the owner of 100 acres of land, on which he resides. He was married, December 30, 1885, to Alice McKinnis.

L. C. GROVES, farmer and stock raiser, and postmaster of Oak Ridge, was born in Blanchard Township, this county, April 24, 1833, son of Thomas and Adaline (Choate) Groves, the former a native of Virginia, of German descent, and the latter a native of Vermont, of English descent. Thomas Groves, who was an early settler in this county, died in 1880. His family consisted of thirteen children, ten of whom grew to maturity, L. C. being the fourth. Our subject was reared on a farm, attended the common school and chose agriculture for his occupation in life. In 1856 he was united in marriage with Geninia, daughter of David Braucht, who entered 600 acres of land in this county in an early day and passed the remainder of his life here. Mr. and Mrs. Groves have two children: Izoia and Estella, wife of John Collingwood, a farmer in this county. Mr. Groves is the owner of 200 acres of cultivated land. He has filled the office of trustee for five years and school director for eleven years, and is at present postmaster of Oak Ridge. He became a -member of the Masonic fraternity at Findlay, and has attained the degree of Master Mason in that order.

JOHN HADDOX, farmer and stock raiser, P. O. Gilboa, Putnam County, was born in Franklin County, Ohio, January 28, 1830, eldest child of Mordecai and Margaret (Lanters) Haddox, the latter a native of Ger-

690 - HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY.

many. They were parents of five children. Mordecai Haddox, the father of our subject, born in Virginia of German parentage, and who was engaged in farming all his life, came to this county in 1830 and entered 160 acres of land (where Samuel Haddox now resides) in Blanchard Township. He died in 1879. John Haddox, the subject of this sketch. was reared on the farm, attended the common schools and has been engaged in farming all his life. He has been successful and is the owner of a fine farm of 220 acres of land under a high state of cultivation. In 1854 he was united in marriage with Lydia, daughter of John and Elizabeth (Bysel) Bower; Mr. Bower was born in 1803, and has resided on a farm in Blanchard Township, this county, for many years. The children of Mr. and Mrs. Haddox are Elizabeth Alice, wife of S. A. Van Sickle; Lucinda Jane, wife of L. M. Orsborn; George P., at home; Harry P. and William Francis. The family are all members of the United Brethren Church, of which Mr. Haddox has been trustee and class-leader for several years. In polities he is a Republican. He takes a great interest in the schools of his district and is at present serving his fourth term as school director

SAMUEL KEEL, retired farmer, P. O. Benton Ridge, Ohio, is one of the representative pioneers of this county, born in Perry County, Penn. , March 1, 1813, son of Henry and Catharine (Bosler) Keel, natives of Pennsylvania, where they were married and first settled. About 1820 they moved to Fairfield County, Ohio, locating there until 1827, at which time they came to Jackson Township, this county, where they remained six years, then moved to Eagle Township, this county, and here remained until their death. Henry Keel departed this life in 1853, his widow following him in 1857. They were the parents of eleven children, of whom only four survive, Samuel being the fifth. Our subject came with his parents to this county, and was united in marriage May 10, 1838, with Mary Povenmiro, who was born in Westmoreland County, Penn., October 24, 1810, daughter of John and Sarah (Wagoner) Povenmiro, natives of Pennsylvania, where they married and first settled, and remained until 1812, in which year they immigrated to Fairfield County, Ohio, thence moved to Pickaway County, where they located until 1831, after which time they moved to Liberty Township, this county, and here remained until their death. Mr. Povenmiro departed this life first, and his widow died some years afterward. They were the parents of thirteen children, only five of whom survive, Mrs. Keel being the eldest in the family. Mr. and Mrs. Keel are the parents of seven children: Sarah, wife of Phenius Brown; Susanna and Christena, at home; Philip, married to Nancy Seitz; John, married to Martha Stover; Abraham, married to Margaret Eck, and Marvel, married to Mary Rudisill. All reside in this county except Philip, who is in Putnam County, Ohio. Mr. Keel, before he was married, entered eighty acres of land in this county. This land he afterward sold and bought another eighty-acre tract, to which he has since added until he now owns 160 acres of land. He also owns town property in this county, and 100 acres of land in Putnam County, Ohio, besides having helped his children very liberally. Mr. Keel took part in the muster of early days. He has filled various offices in Jackson, Union and Blanchard Townships. During his early life he was a Democrat, but when Pierce became a candidate for the Presidency he changed his politics. He has followed farming all his life. His wife has been a church member for forty years. They reside in Benton Ridge. and are among the leading families of this county.

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P. A. KEMERER, farmer and teacher, P. O. Benton Ridge, was born in Blanchard Township, this county, December 23, 1853, son of David (son of John, son of Phillip Kemerer) and Susanna (Deal) Kemerer, the former a native of Ohio, of German descent, and the latter of Virginia, of English descent. David Kemerer was a farmer during his life, and prominent among the early settlers of this county, moving to the farm on which be now resides in 1842. P. A. Kemerer, the subject of this sketch the youngest in a family of six children, attended the common school and Ada Normal School, was reared on the farm and taught school five terms. In November, 1877, he was united in marriage with Hattie E. Keller, daughter of Joseph Keller. Her parents were of German descent. Mr. and Mrs. Kemerer have had three children, two of whom survive, Alba Candace and Clarence. Mr. Kemerer is a member of the Masonic fraternity. He and his wife are members of the United Brethren Church. He takes a great interest in the Sabbath-school and church. He is the owner of sixty-five acres of land in Wood County, Ohio, and has made most of his fortune by his own exertions. At present he is residing on and managing the farm belonging to his father (who is still living) in Blanchard Township.

JACOB G. KNEPPER, farmer, P. O. Gilboa, Putnam County, Ohio, was born in Blanchard Township, this county, June 14, 1839; son of John and Elizabeth (Foglesong) Knepper, the former a native of Ohio, and the latter of the State of Maryland, who came to this county in 1834, and settled in Blanchard Township, where the former took up a half section of land. John Knepper died June 1, 1840, and his widow cued March 10, 1883, at the age of -eighty-one years. Of their family there were eight children, Jacob G. being the youngest. He was reared on the farm; attended the common school until March, 1856, when he with his parents moved to Westerville, Franklin Co., Ohio, where he attended Otterbein University until March, 1857, when he with his parents returned to Hancock County again. From 1858 to the spring of 1802 he worked at the carpenter trade. In the spring of 1862 he followed farming. On August 12, 1862, he enlisted under Capt. J. A. Bope, in Company D, Ninety-ninth Ohio Volunteer Infantry, for the term of three years; he was captured by the enemy at the battle of Stone River January 2, 1863, but as the enemy were repulsed and driven back, he made his escape from them, being in their hands about two hours. He participated in many of the battles, from Murfreesborough to Atlanta, and then returned to Nashville and engaged in the battle at Nashville in November, 1864, which was the cleaning out of Hood's army. In January, 1865, his regiment was sent to North Carolina by way of Louisvillle, Ky., Cincinnati, Columbus, Ohio, to Washington City. He marched from Wilmington, N. C., to Goldsborough, Raleigh, and Salisbury. While lying at the latter place war was declared at an end. He was carried from there through Danville, Petersburg, to City Point, by railroad; from City Point to Baltimore, Md., by boat: from there to Gallipolis, Ohio, by railroad, and was mustered out of service July 17, 1865. He was but six days absent from his regiment during the length of time he was in the service. He never received a scratch or bullet mark from the enemy, but is considerably broken down by hard marching and exposure. When he returned home he engaged in operating his mother's farm until 1873, when he moved on his own farm of 165 acres of valuable and well-cultivated land, a part of the original entry made by his father August 10, 1837, the pat-

692 - HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY.

ent for which is still in the possession of our subject, signed by Martin Van Buren. In March. 1866, Mr. Knepper was united in marriage with Mary E. Foltz, daughter of Noah and Mary (Hisie) Foltz, natives of Virginia and of German descent. but present residence in Eagle Township, this county. Mr. and Mrs. Knepper have six children: Noah Wilson, Jennie V., Adam Monroe, Eve V., Charles Albert, and Nellie B. Our subject and wife were members of C. U. Church. Mr. Knepper holds the office of school director: He was initiated into the I. O. O. F. in January, 1874; has passed the chairs, and has been permanent secretary for the past three years of Gilboa Lodge, No. 459, I. O. O. F. He also joined the G. A. R.. Linsey Post, No. 75, in 1882. He served two terms as Officer of the Day in said post. In politics he is a Democrat.

NATHANIEL KNEPPER, farmer and stock raiser, P. O. Benton Ridge, was born in Fairfield County, Ohio. April 24, 1828, son of John (a farmer and miller) and Elizabeth Knepper, natives of Ohio, of German descent. They reared a family of ten children, Nathaniel being the eldest of those now living. Our subject was reared on the farm, and has made agriculture the principal business of his life. In 1849 he was united with marriage to Hannah, daughter of Lawrence Hartze, born in Germany. The union of our subject and wife has been blessed with ten children (two died in infancy): Peter (died at the age of twenty-two years), George, farmer, married, Mary Ann, Amanda, Cornelia, Jacob (farmer, married), Emma and Lucinda. Mr. and Mrs. Knepper were formerly members of the United Brethren Church, of which he was a class-leader, but they have since united themselves with the Christian Union Church, of which he is an elder, class-leader and trustee. Mr. Knepper is the owner of a well improved farm of 300 acres of land, and has made most of his fortune in Blanchard Township, this county, since 1839. He takes a deep interest in the Grange organization of Blanchard Township, and is now overseer of that order.

N. B. McCLISH, farmer and stock raiser, P. O. Gilboa, Putnam County, was born in Franklin County, Ohio, August 16, 1821, son of James and Patience (Bishop) McClish, the latter born in New Jersey, of Irish descent. His father, a native of Maryland, a school teacher by occupation, and a soldier in the war of 1812, came to this county October 3, 1836, and settled within a few rods of where the McClish bridge now stands, and died three days after his arrival. His family consisted of eleven children, ten of whom grew to maturity, seven coming to this county. Only three of the family are now living: N. B., a sister residing in Illinois, and a brother who has resided in California since 1848, a large titan, weighing 400 pounds. Our subject has made agriculture his occupation, and now resides on the farm where his father settled, in 1836, and to which our subject has since added until he now owns 410 acres, the farm being one of the most valuable in this county. Mr. McClish has been twice married; first, in 1848, to a daughter of Henry Moffit; she died in 1855, leaving three children: Ivy, Herman and Mary. In 1856 our subject was again married; this time to a daughter of Owen Street, a pioneer farmer of Union Township, this county. The children of this union are Patience, Annie (wife of Samuel Cartwright), Harriet E. (wife of Samuel Burthart), Dean, P. B., Anna G. and May. The mother of these children died in 1884, and since her death our subject's daughter has kept the children together. The family attend the Method-

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ist Church. Mr. McClish takes an active interest in the schools, and has served as school director. In politics he is a Republican.

THOMAS McKINNIS, farmer and stock raiser, P. O. Oak Ridge, was born on the farm adjoining where he now resides, in Liberty Township, this county, October 26, 1826, son of Charles and Mary (Vail) McKinnis, latter of whom was a native of Virginia, of Scotch-Irish descent. Charles McKinnis, a native of Pennsylvania, also of Scotch-Irish descent, a farmer by occupation, came to this county in 1822, settled in Liberty Township, and in 1827 took up land where our subject now resides, in Blanchard Township. His family numbered six children, all of whom grew to maturity, Thomas being the second. Our subject was reared on the farm, received a fair English education, and has made farming his principal business. He is the owner of 180 acres of well improved land. In 1850 he was united in marriage with Elizabeth McClintock, a lady of Scotch-Irish descent, whose father was an early settler of Harrison County. Four children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. McKinnis: Violet (wife of Jacob Grubb, a farmer of this county), Cloys B. (at home), Alice (wife of E. L. Groves) and Laura (deceased). Mrs. McKinnis is a member of the Presbyterian Church. In politice, Mr. McKinnis is a Democrat.

J. R. McLEOD, M. D. , Benton Ridge, was born in Delaware County, Ohio, July 27, 1833, son of John and Elizabeth (Cole) McLeod, the former a native of Philadelphia, of Scotch and English extraction, and the latter a native of Ohio; they reared a family of eleven children, J. R. being the eldest. Our subject came to this county in 1834 with his father, and they settled in Amanda Township, where the Doctor's maternal grandfather, Mr. Cole, entered land. Our subject was reared on the farm, acquired his education in this county and at Delaware College in this State; he then began the study of medicine in the office of Dr. Williamson and commenced the practice of medicine in Clinton, Ill., in 1857; in 1861 he turned his attention to the study of law and in 1863 graduated in the law school of the Cincinnati College, and was admitted to the bar. He practiced law until 1876, when his health failed and his physicians gave him up, telling him that his disease would prove fatal in less than twelve months. Our subject now resumed the study of medicine, making his own case a specialty; he regained his health and graduated in medicine in Keokuk, Iowa, in 1877. In 1880 the Doctor came to Benton Ridge, and has been engaged in the practice of medicine since. He was united in marriage, in 1862, with Mary E. Howard, daughter of Capt. Samuel Howard, who was several times treasurer of this county, served in the war of the Rebellion and held a com mission as captain of volunteers; he is a resident of Findlay, Ohio. Mr. and Mrs. Dr. McLeod are parents of the following named children: Charles D., Samuel H. and Bessie Belle. Mrs. McLeod and daughter are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church. The Doctor is a member of the Masonic fraternity, of the I. O. O. F. and of the Northwestern Ohio Medical Association, also of the Hancock Medical Association. The Doctor resided in Shelby County, Mo., for several years after the war, and in 1870 was elected president of the county court of that county. serving for six years. During the war of the Rebellion he was a non-commissioned officer in the One Hundred and Sixty-first Regiment Ohio Volunteer Infantry.

R. I. MOFFITT, farmer, P. O. Oak Ridge, was born in Blanchard Township, this county, October 1, 1837, son of William and Polly (Lattie)

694 - HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY.

Moffitt, natives of Ross County, Ohio, of Irish descent. William Moffitt was among the early pioneers of this county and succeeded in accumulating a handsome fortune; he died in 1884. His family consisted of eleven children, four of whom survive, our subject being the youngest son. R. I. Moffitt received his education in the common schools, has followed farming all his life and resides on the home farm consisting of 840 acres of land. He owns a half interest in this farm and another farm of eighty acres. Mr. Moffitt was united in marriage, in 1867, with the daughter of William McClish, a pioneer farmer of Franklin County, of Irish descent. Mr. and Mrs. Moffitt are parents of the following children: Clarence L, Arthur A., David O., Mary E., Alonzo I. and Harold R. Mr. Moffitt is a Republican in politics; has been school director and trustee of Blanchard Township. He has never united with any secret organization, except the Grange.

BEATMAN BEATTY POWELL, one of the leading farmers of Blanchard Township, P. O. Benton Ridge, was born in Fairfield County, Ohio, May 14, 1833, son of Daniel and Eliza (Beatty) Powell, natives of Union and Lycoming Counties, Penn., respectively. The Powells come of a long and worthy line of Welsh pioneer ancestry in Pennsylvania. In 1803 Daniel Powell located in Fairfield County, Ohio. The subject of our sketch was reared there, and at the age of twenty-seven came to this county and took up land, clearing and improving a nice farm of eighty acres, to which he has since added nearly 300 acres, making a total of 370 acres of valuable land. He resides on Section 23, Blanchard Township. He married, in 1857, Elizabeth, daughter of John Whitehurst, of Fairfield County, Ohio, and they have a family of two sons and two daughters: Margaret Virginia, wife of Charles Heckerman, farmer, Blanchard Township, and America Belle, wife of John Kizbeth, also a farmer of Blanchard Township. His sons, Sherman Ellsworth and Henderson, are both of the same vocation as their father. Mr. Powell pays considerable attention to the rearm; and breeding of fine bred cattle and hogs. He is a leading character in his locality, of a genial nature, open-hearted, frank and generous to a fault. He has oftentimes been selected by the people of his township and county to represent their interests in the councils of Blanchard Township and the county. He and his wife attend the services of the Methodist Episcopal Church, to which he is a liberal contributor. Mr. Powell has always done a leading share in the support of all measures tending to the welfare of his locality. In politics he is a Democrat.

REV. JOHN POWELL, minister of the United Brethren Church, and author of the history of the Powell family, was born in Fairfield County, Ohio, in 1819, son of Philip and Elizabeth (Radebaugh) Powell, natives of Pennsylvania, of Welsh and German descent, respectively, the former of whom died in 1849. Of their family of fourteen children twelve grew to manhood and womanhood, and still survive, our subject being the eighth in the family. Rev. John Powell received his schooling in Fairfield County, Ohio, and has been a minister of the gospel since he was nineteen years of age. He traveled a circuit when he was twenty-one years of age, and has been an itinerant preacher for forty-five years. In 1878 he commenced compiling the work known as "The Powell History," completing the first volume in 1880; the second volume is now nearly ready for the press. Our subject is a successful farmer and at one time owned 600 acres of land. He still owns a farm in Blanchard Township, this county. In 1843 Rev. John

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Powell was united in marriage with Elizabeth Trapp, daughter of Andrew and Elizabeth (Berkley) Trapp, of German descent. Our subject and wife have four children living: Mary K., wife of Elmer Harpst; Lydia A., wife of George W. Kinney; Ester J., wife of George Harpst, and John L., the last named being the only child of our subject now at home. John L. was born January 1, 1861; received his education in this county and is the owner of 100 acres of well improved land; he also works his father's farm, and deals in stock. He is remarkably successful as a farmer and trader; is also much interested in the breeding and rearing of horses. In politics he is a Republican.

S. G. ROBINSON, farmer and stock raiser, P. O. McComb, was born in Erie County, N. Y. , May 29, 1839, son of B. E. and Sarah (Gail ) Robinson, the former a farmer and a native of Fairfield County, Ohio, of Irish descent; the latter a native of Erie County, N. Y. , of English descent. Of their sin children five are still living, the subject of this sketch being the eldest. S. G. Robinson was reared on the farm in Erie County, N. Y., until seven years of age; next lived on a farm in Franklin County, Ohio, until he was twenty years old; then came to this county, where he has since continued to reside. He walked the entire distance from Franklin County, Ohio, to this county, and when he arrived here he was a poor boy with only one suit of clothes and no money, but he was willing to labor. He worked out at 50 cents per day, clearing land and chopping wood; also worked by the month until he was able to buy eighty acres of wild land, which he cleared, and on which he still resides. In 1859 Mr. Robinson was united in marriage with Mary, daughter of Enoch Haddox, a native of Virginia. Five children blessed this union: Edgar, Estella, Ida, Samuel and Everett. Mrs. Robinson departed this life in 1875; she was a member of the Methodist Church. S. G. Robinson is at present the owner of 200 acres of well improved land. In politics he is a Republican. He was a delegate to the first Republican convention, in 1856. He has been school director for twelve years, and in 1884 was elected justice of the peace.

W. S. SHAFER, farmer and stock raiser, P. O. McComb, was born in Stark County, Ohio, October 20, 1829, son of John and Mary (Putnam) Shafer, natives of Pennsylvania and of German descent. The father of our subject, who was a farmer, came to Allen Township, this county, about 1834, and took up land from the Government; he died in 1849. Of his family of eleven children eight grew to maturity, the subject of this sketch being the ninth child. W. S. Shafer was reared on the farm until he was seventeen years of age, and worked three years at the tailor's trade. In 1854 he was united in marriage with Jane Shaw, daughter of George Shaw, who was of Scotch and English descent, and was among the first settlers of this county, coming here in 1827 or 1828. His family consisted of eight children, Mrs. Shafer being the only one now residing in this county. Our subject and wife are the parents of eight children: Linus S., married, a farmer; L. W., farmer; Homer W., at home; Mary J. wife of B. Vandoren; Charles O., at home; Bessie May, at home, and Frank I. and Dellia C. (twins). Mr. Shafer is a member of the United Brethren Church. He has never had a lawsuit in his life; he is the owner of 180 acres of land, and has served for many years as school director.

AMOS WITTENMYER, justice of the peace, Benton Ridge, was born in Snyder County, Penn., December 24, 1825, son of George and

696 - HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY.

Mary (Bachtel) Wittenmyer, natives of Pennsylvania and of German descent, the former a shoemaker by trade but in later life a farmer. Our subject, who is the fourth in a family of six children, was educated in the common schools. He came to Ohio with his family in 1853, and has resided in this county since 1871. He was proprietor of the hotel at Benton Ridge for several years, and was also engaged in farming. Mr. Wittenmyer is now serving his second term as justice of the peace in Blanchard Township. In politics he is a Republican. He has been successful in life, having accumulated a fair share of this world's goods.

JOHN WORTMAN, farmer and stock raiser, P. O. McComb, was born in Lawrence County, Penn., September 10, 1825, son of Jacob and Rebecca (Smith) Wortman, natives of Pennsylvania, former a farmer of German descent, and latter of Irish and Dutch descent: Our subject was the third in a family of eleven children (three being deceased). In early life he taught school. In 1855 he was united in marriage with Julia, daughter of Robert and Catherine (Davis) Dilworth, of English and Holland descent, natives of Pennsylvania. Mrs. Wortman was a school teacher in early life. In 1857 Mr. Wortman came to this county and settled on a farm of 160 acres of land where he now resides. Mr. and Mrs. Wortman are members of the Presbyterian Church in McComb, in which he is ruling elder, also at one time was assistant superintendent of the Sabbath-school. He served as township trustee for four years, has been justice of the peace four terms and was land appraiser in 1880. Mr. and Mrs. Wortman have been blessed with three children: Mary Ellen (deceased), Edwin C., a farmer and school teacher, and Florence, at home.