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DELAWARE TOWNSHIP.

THOMAS WILSON ARNOLD, farmer, P. O. Forest, Hardin County, was born January 24, 1829, in Athens County, Ohio. His parents, Thomas and Rachel Arnold, moved to Delaware County, Ohio, about 1831 or 1832, where they resided until their death, an event that left our subject at the age of fifteen years to take care of himself, and he came the following year to Delaware Township, this county. Here he lived with William Moore, and afterward purchased a piece of land in Pleasant Township, this county, and in June, 1851, he married, in Pleasant Township, Miss Rachel Nicholson, who had been a resident of Wood County, Ohio, from girlhood. They sold their property in Pleasant Township, and located where they now reside, in Delaware Township, Hancock County, in 1853, where they have a farm of 160 acres of land, after having given eighty acres to their sons. The children of our subject and wife were Mrs. Amelia Reigle, Aaron (killed in 1864, at the age of twenty years, by falling from a tree), Francis M., Mrs. Eliza Malone, Stephen A., Rebecca, Thomas W., Mary and Rachel. Mrs. Arnold died in September, 1870, and in 1873 Mr. Arnold married, for his second wife, Mrs. Sarah A. Martin; they have one son, William Alton. Mr. Arnold, formerly a Whig, has been a Republican in politics ever since the organization of the party. He is an enterprising and successful farmer, and one of the leading citizens of Delaware Township. In August, 1862, in response

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to the President's call for 600,000 troops, he enlisted in the One Hundred and Eighteenth Ohio Volunteer Infantry, which regiment was assigned to the Army of the Cumberland, and took part in many of the battles of the campaigns in Kentucky, Tennessee and Georgia. He received an honorable discharge from the service in August, 1864, on account of disabilities. His record in the army is that of a brave and faithful soldier, who was always reedy for the discharge of his duty.

AARON FENTON BURSON, retired physician, Mt. Blanchard, was born August 27, 1812, in Loudoun County, Va., son of George and Susanna (Kent) Burson, who settled in Columbiana County, Ohio, in 1818. They reared a family of nine children, the Doctor being their seventh child. After receiving a literary education our subject entered upon the study of medicine, in 1829, under the celebrated Dr. George McCook, Professor of Surgery in the University at Baltimore, Md., and father of Gen. McCook. Dr. Burson completed his course in the Ohio Medical College, at Cincinnati, and in 1832 began the practice of his chosen profession at Mt. Blanchard, this county, where he has since resided. He was the first physician in Delaware Township, and also the first physician in this part of the county. He was widely known for his skill and success in treating milk-sickness and the numerous malarial troubles which afflicted the pioneers of the early days. He built up a very large practice, which extended into parts of several of the adjoining counties, and, on retiring, in 1862, he found it very difficult to relinquish his connection. But, having acquired a competency, and finding that, after having practiced medicine for over thirty years, further active interest in the profession would be injurious to his health, he retired, and for years has devoted himself to experimental chemistry. Dr. Burson has discovered a process for producing engravings by light and electricity, a process by which a reproduction of photographs, drawings, engravings, etc., can be produced in the most minute detail, and either in relievo or intaglio, as desired. A brief outline of his process, which the Doctor has named "Hello-chemical Engraving," may be here given: A metal plate is first highly polished, then sensitized to light and placed under the drawing, photograph or other object desired to be reproduced. It is then exposed to the light for a short time, and after certain manipulations, the plate is placed in the decomposition cell of a galvanic battery, and left there long enough to receive a metallic deposit, which elevates the lights and leaves the shades sunken, so that the shades will hold ink, and impressions can be taken from the plate by means of a press; or, after silver or gold has been deposited on the lights, the plate itself may be framed and kept, the same as a photograph, engraving or other picture.

JEREMIAH DRAKE, Jr., farmer, P. O. Mount Blanchard, was born May 15, 1848, in Southampton County, Va. His father, Jeremiah Drake, Sr., was born in Southampton County, Va., October 15, 1804, of English descent; married. January 5, 1830, Miss Priscilla Williams, a native of North Carolina. They lived in Sussex County, Va., from 1853 to 1860, then came to Madison Township, this county, and finally settled in Delaware Township, this county, in 1862. To them were born the following named children: Benjamin, residing in Marion County, Ohio; John W. and William Allen (they were soldiers in the One Hundred and Thirty-third Regiment Ohio National Guards, and died at New Creek, Va.), Henry (deceased), Eliza (Mrs. Priscilla Osborne), Mrs. Temperance Eldert and Jeremiah, Jr. Our subject came to this county with his parents when twelve

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years of age. June 8, 1871, he married Miss Tamsen R. Harris, and to them was born one son, who died in infancy. They have adopted and reared in their family Wilbert L.. son of William Warner, of this county. Since their marriage Mr. and Mrs. Drake have lived one year in Morrow County, and five years in Marion County, Ohio. They purchased their present farm in Delaware Township, this county, in 1883. Mr. Drake devotes a great deal of attention to buying and shipping live-stock. He is a Democrat in politics, and he and wife are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church.

DAVID M. DREISBACH, farmer and stock raiser, P. O, Mount Blanchard, Ohio, was, born September 28, 1845, in Pickaway County, Ohio. His father, Rev. Abraham E. Dreisbach, a native of Berks County, Penn. , was a son of Rev. John Dreisbach. one of the first preachers of the Evangelical Association and the founder of their present extensive publishing interests. Rev. John Dreisbach will be remembered as having done a large pioneer work for the church in Ohio, at Cleveland, Circleville. Dayton and other points; he died August 20, 1871, in his eighty-third year. While living in Pennsylvania he was twice elected to the Legislature. Rev. Abraham E. Dreisbach married Miss Marianna Miesie, in 1840, and they moved to Seneca County, Ohio, near Tiffin, abort 1852. He made that place the center of his work in the ministry nearly all the remainder of his life. He was well known as a popular preacher in many of the churches in this county, where he traveled for four years as a presiding elder. He died August 28, 1876. Of his ten children four are now living in this county: Cornelius M., Gabriel M., Marianna M. and David M. The mother died February 9, 1857. David M. Dreisbach, the subject of this sketch, gave ten months of his time (from February to December) in 1865 to the service of his country, after which he carried on a grocery business and a grist-mill at Benton Ridge, Ohio, for two years. He married, October 15, 1867, Miss Caroline Wagner, who was born May 6, 1846, a daughter of Jacob and Mary Wagner. Our subject and wife resided in Findlay Township, this county, for ten years, and settled on their present place in Delaware Township, this county, in 1881. Here they have a fine farm of 240 acres of well improved land. Mr. Dreisbach is a successful breeder of fine stock and has a fine flock of French merino sheep, a herd of thorough-bred short horn cattle and several Poland China hogs. The children born to our subject and wife are Lillie W., Silas W., Helena W., W William H. W., Aaron W., David W. and Arthur W. Mr. and Mrs. Dreisbach are members of the Evangelical Association. He is an earnest Republican in politics and takes a deep interest in public affairs. He pays a great deal of attention to the education of his family, and has one of the finest private libraries in Delaware Township. He is a member of the I. O. O. F. and the G. A. R. and is a F. & A. M.

ISAIAH EAIRLEYWINE, farmer, P. O. Mount Blanchard, was born October 25, 1836, in Knox County, Ohio, ; son of George and Susan (Dyal) Eairleywine, early settlers of that county, the former a native of southern Pennsylvania, and the latter a native of Fairfield County, Ohio. They came to Delaware Township, this county, in November, 1836, purchased a tract of land and began clearing up and developing a farm. They reared a family of nine children: Aaron, in Kosciusko County, Ind. ; Mrs. Mary A. Wolfort; Mrs. Sophia Davis; Lewis; Uriah; Isaiah; Mrs. Celina Hook; Mrs. Lovina Aurand and Adam. George Eairleywine, now ninety years of

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age, resides in Mount Blanchard, this county. He is one of the oldest and most highly respected of the pioneers of Delaware Township, this county. His wife died March 4, 1869. Isaiah Eairleywine responded to the President's first call for troops, and enlisted, in March, 1861, in defense of his country, serving faithfully as a soldier. October 22, 1863, he married Miss Margaret Weir, and they then settled in Delaware Township, this county, where they have a fine farm of eighty acres of land. Their children are Robert W., Mrs. Eleanor Cordon, Elizabeth and Thurman. In politics Mr. Eairleywine is a Democrat. He has filled the office of township trustee. He is a member of the Disciples Church, his wife being a Presbyterian.

ISAAC F. ELDER, farmer, P. O. Mount Blanchard, was born in Delaware Township, this county, January 21, 1846, on the farm on which he now resides. Josiah Elder, his father, a famous pugilist in early times and a typical pioneer of the old school, married, September 27, 1832, Miss Sarah Ann Cessna, who was born in Bedford County, Penn., January 17, 1813 (her father, John Cessna, a soldier in the war of 1812, moved to Coshocton County, Ohio, in 1814, and to Hardin County, Ohio, in 1831). She was very strong and active, and could handle an ax as skillfully as a man. She and her sister, Rebecca, cut all the logs for their cabin while their father was gone to Bellefontaine to mill. Josiah Elder and his wife cleared tip a large farm on Blanchard River. Of their eleven children four are now living: Franklin, in Missouri; Jonathan, in Kansas; Mrs. Sarah Ann Pugh and Isaac F. Josiah Elder died May 1, 1868. His widow now resides in Mount Blanchard, this county. Isaac F. Elder married, January 1, 1874, Miss Charlotte Greer, daughter of John Greer. They have six children: Muzetta, Zoa, Zeller, Squire, Zana and Frank. August 7, 1879, Mr. Elder and his two daughters were struck by an express train as they were attempting to drive across the Indiana, Bloomington & Western Railway track near Forest, their wagon and team being literally torn to pieces. The girls escaped with slight injuries, but Mr. Elder received injuries from which he has never fully recovered. Mr. and Mrs. Elder are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church.

GEORGE SILAS FAHL, farmer, miller and manufacturer, P. O. Mount Blanchard, was born May 25, 1840, in Delaware Township, this county. He received his education in the schools of the home district, and his boyhood was spent at work on the farm and in the saw and grist-mill owned by his father. February 22, 1861, our subject was united in marriage with Mary C. Hempy, born in Hancock County, O. , January 14, 1844, daughter of Henry and Anna (Hall) Hempy. Since their marriage our subject and wife have resided on their present farm of 399 1/3 acres of well improved land on the Blanchard River, in Delaware Township, this county. Their children are Monroe, Emma E., Berths Gay, Arizona Jay, Owen H., Theron L, Marvin H., Clarence S., Edson E. and Allie G. In 1862 our subject came into possession of the mill which was established by Godfrey Wolford, and now operates it as a grist and flouring-mill with a saw-mill addition. In 1872 he established a steam planing-mill, shingle-mill, lath factory, etc., to which he added, in 1880, the cider-mill which took the premium at the Centennial Exposition in Philadelphia, Penn., and he makes over 75,000 gallons of cider per year. Mr. Fahl is an energetic business man, highly respected by the entire community.

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ABDIEL GOBRECHT, farmer, P. O. Arlington, was born January 14, 1831, in York County, Penn., son of William and Elizabeth Gobrecht, who resided in Pennsylvania until their death. Our subject married, March 8, 1852, Miss Caroline M. Hinch, and they then came to Delaware Township, this county, in the fall of 1853, and bought a tract of eighty acres of land, where they now reside, and which they have improved and developed, making it one of the finest farms in this part of the county. Mr. and Mrs. Gobrecht reared eight children : Mrs. Elizabeth Lackey (deceased), Mrs. Mary Treece, Mrs. Emma Bowman, William E., Oliver T., Etta May, Jacob W . and Carrie Myrtle. Mr. Abdiel Gobrecht is a Democrat in politics. He and his wife are members of the Methodist Protestant Church.

SAMUEL FORD GREER, farmer, P. O. Mount Blanchard, was born in Delaware Township, this county, July 8, 1851, son of John Greer, who was born May 15, 1812, in Stark County, Md. His parents moved to Fairfield County, Ohio, in 1816, finally settling in Delaware Township, this county, in the spring of 1825. Here John Greer married, in 1836, Miss Mary Brown, who was born in June, 1813, in Pickaway County, Ohio, and came to this county abort 1832; they settled on a farm in Delaware Township, this county, near Mount Blanchard, which they afterward sold, and then entered another place of 168 acres, one mile east of Mount Blanchard; they reared twelve children: Joshua (who died in California), John (residing in California), Mrs. Sarah Armstrong (in Missouri), Henry (in California), Eliza (in California), W William, Nathan (in California), Mrs. Ellen Cole, Mrs. Charlotte Elder, Samuel Ford, Mrs. Harriet Messimore, and Jefferson (in California). The father died October 24, 1882; the mother now resides in Mount Blanchard, this county. The subject of this sketch married, February 16, 1871, Miss Catherine Corbin, and after residing for five years in Amanda Township, this county, they located in Delaware Township, where they now reside and own 112 acres of land. Their children are Darwin, Jefferson, Elmer, Virgie, Bertie and John. Mr. Greer is a Democrat in politics. He is a successful farmer and an enterprising man, enjoying the respect of the entire community.

MELANCTHON S. HAMLIN, farmer, P. O. Mount Blanchard, was born July 29, 1818, on the present site of Cleveland, Cuyahoga Co., Ohio. At the age of six years he came with his parents to Crawford County, Ohio, and in March following (1825) they started for this county, landing in Delaware Township after a three days' trip with oxen and wagon, and here they endured the hardships and privations peculiar to pioneer life in those early days. The mother died in this county in 1837 and the father afterward moved to Wyandot County, Ohio, and there died in 1854. At the age of nineteen years our subject purchased, of Henry Green, a tract of eighty acres of land; this was his first venture in real estate. January 30, 1840, Mr. Hamlin was married to Miss Mary Marshall, and they settled down to their life work in Delaware 'Township, this county. Our subject engaged in farming and buying and selling stock, and adding to his farm until he now has, in and adjoining the town of Mount Blanchard, 720 acres of as good land as there is in the county. In 1854 he established a general merchandise store which he carried on until 1861. In 1882 he began the erection of a brick edifice on his place; this he has completed and it stands to-day one of the largest, best constructed and finely finished residences in northwestern Ohio. To Melancthon S. Hamlin and wife

704 - HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY.

have been born one son, John M., residing in Findlay, Ohio, and one daughter, Mrs. Eliza J. McVay, residing in Mount Blanchard, this county.

JACOB HARRIS, Esq. (deceased), was born June 26, 1828, in Columbiana County, Ohio, and came to this county with his parents, William and Nancy (Sterling) Harris, about 1836. Both his parents lived to an advanced age and died in this county. Jacob Harris completed his education under the Rev. Emerson, in Mt. Blanchard, Ohio. He early engaged in teaching, a profession he followed for about twelve years. He married Miss Susan E. Chase April 22, 1852, and they moved at once to their farm in Delaware Township, this county, where they went to work in the woods clearing up and developing a fine farm. They retired from this in November, 1879, and moved to Mt. Blanchard, this county, where Mr. Harris died August 23, 1880. He was a life long Republican and was prominent in public affairs. He served as township clerk for seven years and justice of the peace for twelve years, being elected unanimously the last term. Mr. and Mrs. Harris were parents of four children: Mrs. Tamsen R. Drake. Chester M., Judah E. (deceased) and Luella A. Mrs. Harris now resides in Mt. Blanchard, this county; she and her entire family are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church.

CHESTER M. HARRIS, farmer and stock dealer, P. O. Mt. Blanchard, was born October 7, 1856, in Delaware Township, this county, on the farm on which he now resides. After completing a course in the home district school he attended three terms at Mt. Blanchard school and then engaged in teaching for two terms in Marion County, Ohio, in the intervals attending the Marion High School. September 9, 1879, Mr. Harris married Miss Lizzie A. Lee, daughter of Martin Lee, of Marion County, Ohio, and they then settled on the old homestead farm, where they still reside. They have two sons: Earl C. and Clark J. Mr. and Mrs. Harris are consistent members of the Methodist Episcopal Church. He is an earnest Republican and takes a deep interest in public affairs. He is an enterprising and energetic young farmer, enjoying the respect of the community in which he lives.

JOHN W. HUGHES, of the firm Hughes Bros., Mt. Blanchard, was born August 21, 1849, in Franklin County, Ohio, and married Miss Emma Coleman, in 1872. He spent two years in Monroeville, Ind., prosecuting his business as a harness maker, and several years in North Baltimore and Fostoria, Ohio, carrying on the butchering business. He finally, in 1883, formed a partnership with his brother, Barrett J., in the dry goods business, which partnership still continues. Their store is located at Mt. Blanchard, this county, where they carry a large stock of dry goods, groceries, etc., and are doing a thriving business. Mr. Hughes has two children: Charles and Bernice. The Hughes Bros. are among the solid and reliable business men of Mt. Blanchard, and their success speaks well for their enterprise and energy.

BARRETT J. HUGHES, of the firm Hughes Bros., Mt. Blanchard, was born November 28, 1852, in Franklin County, Ohio. His parents, James B. and Miriam (Dougherty) Hughes, both natives of Ohio, came to Amanda Township, this county, in 1860, and remained there on a farm until 1867, when they removed to Vanlue, Ohio, and finally settled permanently in Mt. Blanchard, this county, in 1869. Here our subject began clerking for J. H. Biddle & Co. in 1871, remaining with them until March, 1883, with the exception of six months spent with E. & A. Thompson,

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Mansfield, Ohio, in 1874. In March, 1883, Mr. Hughes, in partnership with his brother, J. W., established a store in North Baltimore, Wood Co. , Ohio, and in March, 1884, they moved to Mt. Blanchard, this county, and located in the building formerly occupied by Biddle & Co. Here Hughes Bros. have a complete stock of dry goods, groceries, hats and caps, boots and shoes, clothing, millinery and notions. Their thorough acquaintance with the people and their uniform courtesy have enabled them to build up a large and flourishing trade.

SAMUEL HUMPHREY, P. O. Mount Blanchard, was born June 27, 1811, in Columbiana County, Ohio. At the age of eighteen years he began running a boat from Cincinnati, Ohio, to New Orleans, La., which occupation he followed until 1834. He married Miss Susannah borrow in 1841. He had previously walked out to Delaware Township, this county, in company with his father, and entered land, and after his marriage he and his wife at once located on this property, which is now the family homestead, and which he added to until he finally owned 400 acres. There is now only one other man living in Delaware Township who entered land from the Government. Mr, and Mrs. Humphrey were parents of nine children: Mary A., Margaret C., Mrs. Elizabeth Jane Woods and Susan Louisa Scott are deceased; and William D. , John J. , Samuel E. , Mrs. Mollie A. Ballard and Ida S. are yet living. Mrs. Humphrey died November 13, 1883; she had been a member of the Christian Church since 1841. Mr. Humphrey has also been a member of that church since same date. He now resides on the homestead, enjoying the peace and quiet of an honored old age.

WILLIAM D. HUMPHREY, teacher and farmer, P. O. Mount Blanchard, was born April 2, 1853, in Delaware Township, this county, son of Samuel and Susannah (borrow) Humphrey. William D. Humphrey was reared on his father's farm, and after completing a course in the schools of the home district, he attended a short term each in the high schools at Mt. Blanchard, Findlay and Dunkirk, Ohio. He then taught a term of four months near Forest, Ohio, and afterward entered upon a course of instruction in the Northwestern Ohio Normal School, Ada, Ohio, in 1874. He continued this course, alternating with terms of teaching, until 1881. December 29, 1881, he married Mary Bell, of Logan County, Ohio. They purchased 160 acres of land, a part of the homestead farm, and located in Delaware Township, this county, where they now reside. They have one daughter, Berths Bell, and an infant son. Mr. Humphrey has taught school, in all, thirty nine terms in Hancock, Hardin, Allen and Logan Counties, Ohio, including two years in the Union School of Mt. Blanchard, and the same length of time at Scott's Crossing, Allen Co., Ohio, and six years in home school. He has made thorough preparation for the profession of teacher, and has a fine record as a faithful and efficient instructor. Our subject is a Republican in politics; he takes a deep interest in public affairs, and is regarded as one of the leading citizens of Delaware Township.

GEORGE KETCH, farmer, P. O. Mount Blanchard, was born April 16, 1824, in Columbiana County, Ohio, son of Thomas and Ann (Bilger) Ketch, natives of Pennsylvania, the former of whom died in 1832; the latter brought her family to Hardin County, Ohio, in 1836, and died in Delaware Township, this county, in 1868, while living With her son Thomas. George Ketch, the youngest in a family of six children, lived in Hardin County, Ohio, until his marriage with Miss Adeline Warner, March 16, 1848, when

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they at once moved to their farm in Delaware Township, this county, which he had then owned for several years, and on which they still reside. Here they went to work in the woods, clearing up and improving their farm, and they now have 120 acres of fertile and well improved land, after having given their children 160 acres. Mrs. Ketch died in October, 1859, leaving three children: Thomas E., Clark and Sarah, who afterward married W. F. Cook, son of Dwight Cook, a well known pioneer. After the death of his first wife Mr. Ketch married Miss Adeline Johnson. who died in February, 1871, leaving a daughter, Laura; and for his third wife our subject then married Mrs. Paulina Switzer; she has one daughter, Lula Clare. Mrs. Ketch is a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church. Mr. Ketch cast his first presidential vote for Franklin Pierce, and has been a supporter of the Democratic party ever since. He is an enterprising and successful farmer, an upright and useful citizen, highly respected by the entire community.

CLARK KETCH, farmer, P. O. Wharton, Wyandot County, was born May 1, 1852, in Delaware Township, this county, son of the well-known pioneer, George Ketch. Our subject was reared on his father's farm, and received his education in the schools of the home district. He was married, September 4, 1873, to Miss Ellen F. Chase, and to them were born two children: Ora, who died at the age of three years, and Merle, who died when three months old. Mr. Ketch has a fine farm of 224 acres of land. in Delaware Township. this county, where he devotes considerable attention to live-stock. He is an enterprising and successful young farmer, and enjoys the respect of the entire community. He and his wife are members of the Methodist Protestant Church. In politics he is a Democrat.

MILTON MAY, farmer, P. O. Mount Blanchard, was born in Brooke County, Va. (now West Virginia), January 30, 1829. In 1850 he went with the gold hunters to California and remained there six months; during this time he had a severe attack of mountain fever. He decided to return to his native county, and leaving San Franciso, with only one dime in his pocket, he worked before the mast for his passage to Panama, and arriving there, engaged at carpenting for two months, then crossed the Isthmus to Chagres, and shipped for New Orleans, being promoted on the voyage to second mate. Arriving in New Orleans, he made his way up the Mississippi River to Steubenville. Ohio, and in the spring of 1852, he came to Delaware Township, this county, where he had previously acquired a tract of land. This land he now began clearing up and improving, and September 15, 1853, he married Sarah Louisa Smith, daughter of the pioneer Abijah Smith, and they located in their present home in Delaware Township, this county, in the spring of 1857; here they have a fine farm of eighty-one acres of well improved land; they also own a tract of 137 acres in Delaware and Amanda Townships, this county. Mr. and Mrs. May have two children: Dr. A. S. May, in Donaldson, Marshall Co., Ind., and Lewis B., at home: Mr. May is a member of the Methodist Church, Mrs. May of the Presbyterian.

JOSEPH MOORE, farmer, P. O. Forest, Hardin County, was born June 6, 1815, in Beaver County, Penn. , and when he was seventeen months old his parents, William and Amelia Moore, brought him to Athens County, Ohio. The parents afterward spent nine years in Delaware County, Ohio, and came in 1839 to Delaware Township, this county, where they entered 160 acres of land from the Government, and cleared up a farm. Of their

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thirteen children seven are now living: Mrs. Margaret Durfee (in Rockport, Mo:), John (in Hancock County), Mrs. Eleanor Gallant (in Delaware County, Ohio), Mrs. Charlotte Calvert (in Athens County, Ohio), Samuel (in Delaware County, Ohio), Joseph and Mrs. Emily Gallant. William Moore died December 12, 1852, aged seventy-seven years, and his widow May 18, 1858, aged seventy-seven years; they were upright pioneers, highly respected by all who knew them. The subject of this sketch spent eleven years of his life in Delaware County, Ohio. He married, October 20, 1836, Miss Martha E. Thompson of Athens County, Ohio, and they moved at once to Delaware County, Ohio, and from there, in 1843, to their present home in Delaware Township, this county. Here they have a fine farm of 236 acres of well improved land. Mr. and Mrs. Moore have been blessed with six children, three of whom are now living: Sidney F. (in Forest, Hardin Co., Ohio), Naaman T., and Mrs. Mary C. Gilbert, in Forest. Those deceased are Mrs. Paulina Miller, Rebecca and Eliza E. Sidney F. and Naaman T., gave their services, from September, 1862, to the close of the war, in defense of the Union. July 10, 1873, while cutting wheat with a reaper, our subject met with an accident which resulted in the loss of his left leg below the knee. Mr. Moore, formerly a Whig, has been a Republican since the organization of that party. He has served his township for several terms as trustee, and is one of the successful farmers and reliable citizens of Delaware Township, highly respected by his fellow citizens.

THOMAS MUSGRAVE (deceased) was born March 5,1827, in Coshocton County, Ohio, son of William and Margaret Muagrave, who came to Delaware Township, this county, in 1832, where they still reside. Our subject was reared on his father's farm and shared the lot of a pioneer's son. He married, July 1, 1849, Miss Margaret Ann Wineland, born May 15, 1830, in Richland County, Ohio, and who came to this county in 1847 with her parents, John and Mary Wineland, who resided here until their death. Mr. and Mrs. Musgrave resided in Delaware Township, this county, from the date of their marriage. In 1863 they settled on their present homestead, where he had a fine farm of 200 acres of well improved land. To our subject and wife were born the following named children: John W. (married Miss Emma Moore and resides on the farm), Washington (in Jay County, Ind. ), Franklin, Mary Jane, Mrs. Angeline Castor, Mrs. Laura Sink and Ulysses S. Mr. Musgrave died June 22, 1880. He was a Republican in politics and took a deep interest in public affairs, serving as township trustee. He was an upright citizen, a man of much influence in the community. His widow now resides on the family homestead.

SAMUEL R. PHILLIPS, farmer, P. O. Forest, Hardin County, born in Athens County, Ohio, July 30, 1815, is a son of Daniel and Abigail (Cady) Phillips, natives of Vermont and Connecticut, respectively, who resided for some years near Cooperstown, N. Y., and afterward moved to Pennsylvania; they came to Marietta, Ohio, in 1812, and finally settled in Ames Township, Athens Co. , Ohio, in 1814, and there e Daniel Phillips died in 1831; his father was a soldier under Gen. Washington in the war of the Revolution for seven years, and died in 1835. The mother of Daniel Phillips was present at the massacre at Wyoming. Samuel R. Phillips, the subject of this sketch, came to Delaware Township, this county, with his mother and an elder brother, Job, in the fall of 1835; his mother resided here until her death, which occurred in 1849, in her seventy-sixth year. In

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August, 1836, he entered eighty acres of land, which he still owns; there is but one other man in Delaware Township, this county, who is living on land originally entered by himself from the Government. Mr. Phillips has added eighty acres of land to his original entry and now owns 160 acres of fine farming laud. In 1842 he taught the first school in his district, teaching in all four terms. July 8, 1849, he married Miss Matilda Roby, who was born in Franklin County, Ohio, January 30, 1817, and came to Hardin County. Ohio, in 1833 with her parents, Josiah and Margaret (Elsey) Roby. To Samuel H, Phillips and wife were born three sons: David Isaac, Daniel Josiah (deceased and Samuel Hanson. Our subject cast his first presidential vote for Homy Clay, and has supported the Whig and Republican parties ever since. He and his wife are members of the Methodist Episco pal Church. Mr. Phillips is a man of upright principles and strict integrity, greatly respected and esteemed by all who know him.

CHARLES RAMSEY, retired farmer, P. O. Dunkirk, Hardin County, was born in Montgomery County, Md. , in 1804. He was declared free at the age of twenty-one by the will of his owner, but did not really obtain his freedom until he was thirty years old. Our subject ran a ferry-boat twenty-five years on the Ohio River at Steubenville, and amassed a considerable sum of money. In 1853 he came to Delaware Township, this county, and began clearing up and farming 240 acres of land he had purchased in 1837; at one time he owned 520 acres of land. In 1868 his wife died. Of her ten children three are now living: Mrs. Christyann L. Hawkins, Martha Jane and Emily L. In August, 1871, Charles Ramsey married, for his second wife, Mrs. Louisa Watson, who died of heart disease May 16, 1885, while visiting her daughter at Forest, Ohio. Mr. Ramsey now owns a fine farm of 240 acres of land in this county, besides having given liberally to his children. He also owns a comfortable house in Dunkirk, Hardin Co., Ohio, to which he moved in 1882 and where he is living a somewhat retired life, enjoying the peace and quiet of a prosperous old age. His daughters are members of the United Brethren Church. He has been a church member since he was eleven years of age, and is now a member of the Wesleyan Church. When he was a little boy, on being reproved by a gentleman for swearing, Charles made the remark: "I throw it all in the fire," and he has never been known to swear since that time. He also formed his habit of saving while very young, by taking the timely advice of a friend. Charles Ramsey has been an industrious and energetic citizen and is very highly respected wherever known.

JAMES RAMSEY, retired farmer, P, O. Williamstown, was born June 1, 1805, in Montgomery County, Md. He left Maryland in 1835 and came to Steubenville, Ohio. He ferried and farmed for seven years. He purchased 100 acres of land in Delaware Township, this county, in 1839, which he paid for by working for 50 cents per day; he came out and took possession of his property in April, 1842. His sister, Eletha Ramsey, came here and resided with him until her death, which occurred April 18, 1884, in her eighty-third year. James Ramsey is an earnest member of the United Brethren Church. He has never taken upon himself the cares of the matrimonial relation, but his life has been devoted principally to the benefit of others. He is strictly a self-made man, and his record in this community is such that he is respected wherever, he is known. In politics he is a life-long Republican,

DELAWARE TOWNSHIP. - 709

AARON F. BURSON ROSE, farmer, P. O. Mount Blanchard, was born August 13, 1841, in Delaware Township, this county. His parents, John and Margaret (Berry) Rose, natives of Maryland and Virginia, respectively, and early settlers of Fairfield County, Ohio, located in Delaware Township, this county, in 1828, the former having previously entered a farm, in 1823, on Blanchard River, and this farm they then began to clear and improve. John Rose was a strong Whig, afterward a Republican: he was one of the early commissioners of this county, and for seventeen years he was treasurer of Delaware Township, this county; a man of wonderful energy and strength of character, he exerted a powerful influence over those with whom he associated; he was very firm in his temperance principles, which he exemplified by practice as well as precept. His wife died January 6, 1863. and he followed her March 21, 1883, in his ninetieth year. They were parents of the following named children: Joel B., deceased, at the age of twenty-three years; James G., in Michigan; Mrs. Elizabeth Hall, in Carroll County, Mo. ; Elias Y., in Howard County, Wis. ; John A., in Carroll County, Mo. ; Mrs. Sarah Eairleywine, deceased, at age of thirty-three years; Amos H., in Carroll County, Mo. ; Mrs. Amanda Elder, in Pike County, Mo. ; two who died in infancy, and Aaron F. Burson. The subject of this sketch enlisted September 1, 1862, in the One Hundred and Eighteenth Regiment, Ohio Volunteer Infantry, serving in the Army of the Cumberland and taking part in many of the memorable engagements throughout Tennessee, Georgia and vicinity. He received his discharge August 8, 1865, leaving au honorable record as a brave and faithful soldier, and on return ing home he married, December 7, 1865, Miss Mary A. Roller. Our subject and wife now own and occupy the old homestead farm of 167 acres of well improved land; this farm has never been out of the Rose family's possession since it was first entered. Mr. and Mrs. Rose have eight children: John M., Elmer W., Hettie J., William R., Samuel E., Arthur K., Perry B. and Maggie E. Our subject is an enthusiastic Republican and takes a deep interest in public affairs. He is at present trustee of Delaware Township, a position he has filled for three years.

SOLOMON SHAFER, farmer, P. O. Mount Blanchard, was born near Mount Vernon, Knox Co., Ohio, March 23, 1836. His father, Michael Shafer, a native of Pennsylvania, came to Knox County, Ohio, in early boyhood, and there, in 1819, married Miss Nancy Ireland. Michael Shafer came to this county in 1835 with part of his family, and in 1836 returned to Knox County, Ohio, for the rest of them, bringing them back with him to this county. He cleared up two fauns in Delaware Township, this county, and was one of the earliest settlers, as well as one of the foremost in the development and improvement of the town. He kept the Mount Blanchard Hotel from 1837 to 1850, and was one of the most highly respected and honored of our pioneer citizens. His death occurred in 1852; his widow died in 1869, while residing with her son, Solomon. The children of Michael Shafer and wife were Hezekiah, in Mexico, Mo. ; Mrs. Rhoda Miller (deceased); Mrs. Christy Ann Taylor, in Decatur, Ill. ; Michael Jackson, in Dubuque, Iowa; Mrs. Mary Fahl, in Mount Blanchard, Ohio; Isaiah, in Forest, Ohio; Solomon (deceased); Henry Witt, in Hebron, Ind. ; Solomon, in Mount Blanchard, Ohio; Morgan D., in Findlay, Ohio; Aaron B. in Findlay, Ohio, and Mrs. Laura J. Smith, in Lacon, Ill. They are an intelligent and enterprising family, and are occupying high positions

710 - HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY.

in business and society. The subject of this sketch received his education in the schools of Mount Blanchard. He married Miss Mary Elizabeth Hoge, of Amanda Township, this county, September 20, 1860, and they located in Delaware Township, this county, where they now reside, and where they have a fine farm of 100 acres of land, all in the corporation of Mount Blanchard. They also own about 500 acres of land in other farms in this and Van Wert Counties. To Mr. and Mrs. Shafer has been born one daughter-Anna Lorena. Mr. Shafer was elected auditor of this county in the fall of 1864, on the Democratic ticket. He took his position in March following, and was re-elected in 1866, serving in all four years; he was the youngest man who ever occupied that position. Mrs. Shafer is a consistent member of the Presbyterian Church.

JAMES C. TREECE, postmaster at Mount Blanchard, was born in Jackson Township, this county, March 1, 1851. His father, John, the son of Henry Treece, a native of New England, married, May 12, 1841, Sarah, daughter of Henry Treece, of Pennsylvania, and they reared a. family of four sons and one daughter: William B., born November 24, 1843, married to Mary J. Marshall; Mary C., born February 6, 1845, married to W William W. Anderson; James C. ; Isaac N., born January 7, 1854, married to Mary E. Gobrecht; John T., born April 24, 1860, married to Minnie E. Fahl. They came to this county in 1832, and resided in Delaware Township until his death, which occurred March 7, 1861 His widow, the mother of our subject, afterward married Daniel Aurand, and after living in Michigan for fifteen years returned to Jackson Township, this county, where she now resides. James C. Treece carried on the harness-making business in Mount Blanchard, this county, for three years (in 1871-73). He then went to the Northwestern Ohio Normal School, at Ada, Ohio, where he attended in all five years, and on returning he engaged in teaching, a profession he has since followed in Delaware Township, this county, and in Wyandot County, Ohio. During this time he taught for eight years continuously in his home district, and made a fine record as a faithful and efficient educator. He was elected justice of the peace in 1884, and was appointed postmaster of Mount Blanchard, under President Cleveland, April 23, 1885. Mr. Treece is uniformly polite and courteous, and discharges his duties to the satisfaction of the public. He is a member of the I. O. O. F.

JOHN G. WILSON, farmer, P. O. Forest, Hardin County, was born November 28, 1829, in Medina County, Ohio. His parents, Robert and Betsey E. Wilson, settled in Delaware Township, this county, in April, 1835, after having spent the winter in Hardin County, Ohio, and here they went into the woods and began clearing up and developing a farm. Robert Wilson died in February, 1850, and his widow in February, 1867. John G. Wilson, the subject of this sketch, was reared on his father's farm, and received his education in the schools of the home district. He married Miss Mary Ann Higgins, October 16, 1854, and then settled in Delaware Township, this county. They have acquired, by their own industry and good management, a fine farm of 400 acres of land, with excellent buildings and other improvements. Their children are Mrs. Amanda E. Spencer, Mrs. Harriet H. Porter, Mrs. Mary Ann McElrie, Alva M., Mrs. Maggie Cooper, Mrs. Martha Jane Smith, William H. and Effie B. Mr. Wilson is a Republican in politics; has served two terms as township trustee. He is a leading and representative citizen of Delaware Township, this county.

EAGLE TOWNSHIP. - 711

WILLIAM N. YOST, M. D., Mount Blanchard, was born April 14, 1836, in Thornville, Perry Co., Ohio, son of Peter and Elizabeth Yost, natives of Virginia, and who were among the early settlers of Perry County, Ohio. The father died in 1868; the mother is now residing in Jackson Township, this county. When our subject was a lad of ten years of age his parents moved across the county line into Licking County, Ohio, where he was reared and educated. In 1860 he began the study of medicine with Dr. J. R. Black, in Hebron, Licking Co., Ohio. In 1862 Dr. Black entered the Federal Army as surgeon, and William N. Yost went as hospital steward, under Dr. Black's instruction. Our subject served in the Army of the Cumberland, under Gen. Sherman, throughout Tennessee, Alabama, Georgia and on the famous `'march to the sea." He received an honorable discharge July 15, 1865, and the following September he entered the Miami Medical College, from which he graduated March 3, 1867. After remaining as house physician at the Commercial Hospital one year, Dr. Yost established himself in Jacksontown, Licking Co., Ohio., and in 1872 located at Houcktown, this county, and in 1877 removed to Mount Blanchard, this county, and here, by strict attention to his profession, the Doctor has succeeded in building up a large practice. Dr. Yost was married, May 12, 1868, to Miss Rebecca A. Stewart, daughter of Capt. James Stewart, of Licking County, Ohio, and their children are Minnie Laura, Maggie May, Gertrude, Charles C. and Clarence. Dr. Yost is recognized as one of the leading and influential citizens of this county. In politics he is a Democrat. He has been an active and useful member of the school board of Mount Blanchard ever since his location here. He is a member of the Northwestern Ohio Medical Association, and of the Ohio State Medical Society. He is a Royal Arch Mason, and helped to organize the lodge of Master Masons at Mount Blanchard, and was its Master for the first three years. The Doctor has also filled all the chairs in Odd Fellowship, and is a leading member of the G. A. R. at Mount Blanchard.