UNION TOWNSHIP - 853

UNION TOWNSHIP.

ISRAEL BENNER, farmer and stock raiser, P. O. Rawson, was born in Northampton County, Penn., April 26, 1829; son of Henry and Lydia (Falk) Benner, natives of Pennsylvania, of German descent. Henry Benner was a stone-mason by trade but in later life turned his attention to farming. He reared a family of four children, Israel being second. Our subject grew to maturity on the farm, attended the common school, and, at the age of twenty years, learned carpentering, at which he worked for thirty-five years. He came to this county in 1848, and settled in the wild woods on the farm where he now resides. He is the owner of 120 acres of land. Mr. Benner has been twice married; the first time, in 1848, to Caroline Fenstermaker, and nine children were born to this union, eight of whom are now living; four are married and the rest are at home. Mrs. Caroline Benner died in 1874, and Mr. Benner then married Caroline Deihl, daughter of Peter Deihl, a mason by trade. Our subject's second union has been blessed with four children-two boys and two girls. Mr. and Mrs. Benner are members of the Evangelical Association, in which he has been steward and trustee, class-leader (for ten years) and an exhorter for two years. He also takes an interest in Sabbath-schools and was superintendent for ten years. In politics Mr. Benner is a Democrat. He has been school director, also township trustee.

854 - HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY.

J. H. BIERER, farmer and stock raiser, P. O. Mount Cory, was born in Eagle Township, this county, May 4, 1844, son of David and Catharine (Dull) Bierer, natives of Pennsylvania, of German descent. David Bierer was a butcher in early life, in middle life a carpenter, and in later life a farmer. He came to this county in 1842 and entered land in Eagle Township. He was twice married, having by his first wife one child, and by his second wife eight children, J. H. being the fifth. The subject of this sketch was reared on his father's farm, receiving his education in the common school, and chose agriculture as his occupation. His parents died when he was eleven years old and he was put out among strangers; and battled through life as best he could. He lost all his money that he had inherited, by a guardian. He worked out by the month for a short time, afterward rented land until he was able to buy a farm in Union Township, this county, where he now resides. He is the owner of two farms comprising 130 acres. Our subject was united in marriage, February 18, 1866, with Polly, daughter of Levi and Lydia (Fox) Bergman, latter of German descent, and former of whom was a prominent farmer in this county. Mr. and Mrs. Bierer have one child, Levi Elsworth. They are members of the Christian Union Church. Mr. Bierer is a Democrat in politics. He had three brothers in the Union Army during the late war; his brother Joseph was orderly sergeant, and one brother died in Vicksburg, Miss. J. H. Bierer has served twelve years as constable in Union Township.

S. H. BOLTON, farmer and stock raiser and apiarist, P. O. Stanley, Putnam County, was born in Stark County, Ohio, January 10, 1845, son of John and Mary (Houk) Bolton, natives of Pennsylvania, of German descent. John Bolton was a carpenter in early life, but in later life became a farmer and was among the early settlers in Blanchard Township, Hancock Co. Ohio. He reared a family of eight children, S. H. being the seventh. Our subject was reared on a farm, received a common school education, and has made agriculture the occupation of his life; also, for several years past, has devoted considerable time to the raising of bees, making a specialty of the Italian bee. He imports his queens and has paid $5 for a single one. At the present time he has ninety stands of bees. In 1885, when the beekeepers of Hancock County, Ohio, met and formed the Bee-keepers' Association, Mr. Bolton was elected secretary. Mr. Bolton owns a well improved farm of 100 acres of land. In 1862 he enlisted in Company D, Ninety-ninth Regiment Ohio Volunteer Infantry, under Col. Bope, and served eighteen months when he was transferred to the United States Signal Corps, in which he served until the close of the war. Mr. Bolton married, in 1866, Lucretia E., daughter of Charles Moffit, a pioneer farmer of Blanchard Township, this county, and the children of this union were Mary E., Cora O., Ella M., Willie M., Elva L., John A., Samuel E., Nellie Grace (deceased), and Lloyd Blain. Mr. and Mrs. Bolton are members of the Church of God, in which he is elder, and has been trustee and Sabbath-school superintendent. In politics Mr. Bolton is a Republican; he holds the office of school director; is a Master Mason. Mr. Bolton's father died in Findlay, in 1884, where he had retired to pass the last years of his life.

JACOB BOWERSOX, farmer and stock raiser, P. O., Rawson, was born in Pennsylvania, November 30, 1809, son of G. Adam and Mary (Steinbrook) Bowersox, both of German descent, latter a native of Pennsylvania. G. Adam Bowersox was born in Germany and was a stone-mason in his early

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life, but in later life became a farmer; his family consisted of nine children, Jacob being the fifth. Our subject was reared on the farm and worked at the stone-mason trade, but his principal occupation bas been farming, in which he has been successful. He is the owner of a fine farm of 200 acres of land on which he resides. Mr. Bowersox settled in this county in 1859, and has accumulated his property by his own exertions. In 1830 he was united in marriage with Sophia, daughter of Philip Walter, and of German descent. The children of this union are Elizabeth (deceased wife of Job Loose); Levi, a farmer, married; Bennival, a farmer, married; Harry, a farmer, married, and residing in Pennsylvania; Jefferson, a farmer, residing in Indiana, married; and Edward, who was a member of the Ohio Volunteer Infantry, and was killed at Richmond, Va., in the late war. His first wife dying, our subject married, two years later, Margaret A. Kister, a lady of German descent. This union has been blessed with ten children: Pharus (deceased); Jeremiah, a farmer, married; Cyrus, a blacksmith; Robert, a farmer, married; John, a carpenter in California; William, now in California; Frank, in California; Henry, at home; George and Charles. Mr. and Mrs. Bowersox are members of the Evangelical Association. In politics he is a Republican.

PHINEAS BROWN, the manufacturer, farmer and stock raiser, P. O. Mount Cory, was born in Waldo County, Me., June 3, 1840, son of Thomas and Susan (Filbrook) Brown, natives of Maine, the former of Holland-Dutch, and the latter of English descent. Thomas Brown, father of our subject, a fisherman by occupation, came from Maine to Ohio in 1843, settling on a farm in Union Township, this county, where he passed the remaining portion of his life, dying in 1884. His family consisted of ten children, Phineas being the fifth. Our subject was reared on the farm, and chose agriculture as his avocation. In 1880 he embarked in the business of manufacturing tile, carrying this on in connection with his other occupation, and making it a success. Mr. Brown married, in 1881, Sarah Keel, daughter of Samuel Keel, and the children born to this union are Cyrus, William, Christenah, Samantha, Samuel, Mary Jane, John and Levina. Mrs. Brown is a member of the United Brethren Church; Mr. Brown being superintendent of the Sabbath-school. He is a Master Mason in the Masonic Lodge at Benton Ridge, Ohio. In politics he is a Democrat. He has been assessor for fourteen years; also land appraiser, school director and township trustee.

WILLIAM BURNS, farmer and stock raiser, P. O. Mount Cory, Ohio, born on the farm where he now resides, April 16, 1844, eldest son of James and Mary Ann (Moore) Burns, latter of whom, a native of Pennsylvania, died August 26, 1862. Our subject's father afterward married, June 9, 1864, Charity Dixson, who died April 25, 1865. James Burns was a native of Ohio and among the early settlers of this county; he entered and cleared the land where our subject now resides; he was township trustee and assessor, and for many years a justice of the peace. He was a pioneer and a prominent man, and always worked for the advancement of morality. After the death of his second wife in 1865, he lived with our subject on the farm till his death, which occurred in 1874. William Burns received his education in the common school and in the Bluffton, Ohio, graded school. He chose farming for his vocation in life and has met with success, at present owning 160 acres of well improved land in Union Township, this county, where he resides.

856 - HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY.

Mr. Burns was united in marriage, in 1865, with Sarah A., daughter of Joseph Stratton, and of English descent, born in Wayne County. Ohio, June 18, 1843, and the children born to this union are Lucina J., Frank, Walter, Bessie and Ethel. Oar subject had one sister, Susan, bore June 4, 1841, died December 20, 1851, and one brother horn January 24, 1846, died in infancy. Mr. Burns is a good citizen; in politics a Democrat.

ISAAC CLABAUGH (deceased) was born in Virginia in 1798, son of Henry and Rebecca (Miller) CIabaugh, of German descent, former of whom had been a farmer all his life. Our subject was reared on a farm, received a common school education, and was a tiller of the soil all his days. He came to this county fifty yews ago, his father having entered the land where our subject resided up to his death. In 1820 Isaac Clabaugh married Miss Margaret Houser, who was born in Loudoun County, Va., October 15, 1796, daughter of Valentine and Mary (Winegardner) Houser. This union was blessed with five children, two of whom are yet living. August 23, 1885, although at the advanced age of eighty-seven years, Mr. Clabaugh purchased twelve acres of land, and at the tune of his death owned 118 acres besides twelve acres of timber land. His father settled in Ohio Territory in 1800 and Isaac Clabaugh lived in the State ever since that year. He died September 10, 1885..He was a Jacksonian Democrat in politics. His widow, who was born in 1796, is in good health and does her own work.

N. H. CLYMER, farmer and stock raiser, P. O. Mount Cory, was born on the farm where he now resides, in Union Township, Hancock Co., Ohio, November 15, 1856, son of C. F. and Catharine (Knichleson) Clymer, latter a native of Pennsylvania; C. F. Clymer, our subject's father, a native of Ohio, of English descent, was a farmer all his life, born November 26, 1821, and died July 25, 1878, aged fifty-six years. He was the son of Francis Clymer and was twice marred; he had ten children by his first wife and five by his second wife, and ten of his children grew to maturity. He was an active member of the United Brethren Church for thirty years. Our subject's grandfather, Francis Clymer, was an early pioneer of Hancock County, and entered the land where our subject was born and now resides. N. H. Clymer, the subject of this sketch, was reared on the farm, received a good English education, and chose farming as his occupation. He is the owner of 160 acres of land. February 6, 1881, Mr. Clymer was united in marriage with Eliza Whisler, of German descent, daughter of David and Mary Ann (Tobias) Whisler. Mr. and Mrs. Clymer have one child living, Irvin L. Mrs. Clymer is a member of the United Brethren Church. In politics Mr. Clymer is a Republican. One of Mr. Clymer's brothers lost his life in his country's cause during the late war.

THOMAS COLEMAN, farmer and stock raiser, P. O. Benton Ridge, born December 15, 1825, is a son of Nicholas and Susan (Alcorn) Coleman, latter a native of Delaware, of English origin. Nicholas Coleman was a native of Maryland, of Irish origin, and in early life was a stage-driver in Pennsylvania. His family consisted of five children, two of whom are still living: Thomas and Georgianna, latter now the wife of Jackson Baldwin, of Blanchard Township, this county. The parents of our subject came from Pennsylvania to Union Township, this county, in 1840. They brought three of their children with them, Thomas being one of the number, walking all the way and bringing everything they owned with them, even their cook-

UNION TOWNSHIP. - 857

ing utensil, which consisted of one little skillet (this skillet is now in the possession of Mrs. Baldwin, their daughter). Our subject's parents were poor, even for pioneers. Thomas worked out by the day and month, and for seven years for John Dukes at $7 per month, and has done many a hard day's work for 50 cents per day. He labored for 50 cents per day "dead'ning" the timber on the farm where Ire now resides, and which was then the property of another man. He then rented land, and as soon as he had accumulated money enough he bought forty acres, which he cleared, then sold and bought other land. He has met with mashed success in business, and is now the owner of 347 acres of land. In 1853 he married Susan Baldwin, a lady of English origin, daughter of David Baldwin, a pioneer farmer of this county. Mr. and Mrs. Coleman's children are Nelson, a farmer (married), Theodore, Olives, Herbert, Effie, Viola, Jennie, Belle and Charles. In politics Mr. Coleman is a Republican.

JACOB CRAMER, retired farmer, Rawson, was born in Fairfield County, Ohio, October 26, 1827, son of Philip and Catherine (Harmon) Cramer, natives of Pennsylvania, of German descent. Jacob Cramer's grandfather was a soldier in the Revolutionary war. Philip Cramer, who was a farmer and a minister of the United Brethren Church, came to Hancock County, Ohio, in 1830, settling in Union Township, and cleared up a farm which is now owned by our subject. Jacob was reared on the farm, was educated in the log schoolhouse, and chose agriculture as his occupation, which he followed with success until 1883, when he retired; he now resides in Rawson. He was married, in 1850, to Isabella, daughter of Alfred Hampton. Their only son now living, C;. C. Cramer, is a hardware merchant in Rawson, and a prominent man; he was born February 1, 1855, and reared on the farm. receiving his education in the district school in Iris native township, and in the high school at Findlay. At the age of eighteen years he commenced teaching school, and also worked at farming, being thus employed for eight years. He embarked in his present business in 1883. In 1877 he married Emma C. Tomlinson, and this union has been blessed with two children: Edward R., and Fred C. In politics Mr. Cramer is a Democrat. He is a member of. the town council of Rawson; he is a Master Mason.

HENRY DEEDS, Jr., farmer. P. O. Rawson, was born in Union Township, this county, October 5, 1846, son of Henry and Margaret (Cramer) Deeds, natives of Pennsylvania, and of German descent. Our subject's father was born in 1809, and came to this country in 1833, settling in Union Township, on the farm where he now resides. His family consisted of eleven children, ten of whom grew to maturity, nine still living. Our subject, who is the seventh child, received his education in common and select schools, and has made farming the occupation of his life. He is the owner of 242 acres of well improved land. He was united in marriage with Margaret Ellen, daughter of Moses Elza, and of German descent. This union has been blessed with five children: Etta May; Elroy G., Margaret Ann, Myrtie Estella, and Cora Dell. Mr. and Mrs. Deeds are members of the United Brethren Church; in politics he is a Republican.

GIDEON FALK, retired farmer', Mount Cory, was born in Lehigh County, Penn., April 26, 1811, son of Matthias and Mary (Shoemaker) Falk, natives of Pennsylvania, of German descent. Matthias Falk was a carpenter, a trade he followed most of his life, but in later years became a farmer. He

858 - HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY.

reared a family of six children, Gideon being the third. Our subject was reared on the farm, received his education in the common school, and chose agriculture as his vocation in life. He came to this county in 1848 and settled on a farm in Union Township. As a farmer he net with masked success, at one time owning 240 acres of well-improved land, and by economy and industry he has accumulated a fair share of this world's goods; has retired from active business, and now resides in Mount Cory, where he owns a neat and substantial residence, and passes his time in ease and comfort. Mr. Falk was united in marriage, in 1835, with Hannah, daughter of Jacob Kemmerer, and of German descent. Of their eight children four are now living: Lydia, wife of George Harpster, a farmer; Mary, wife of Thomas Chancy; Levi, married and engaged in milling and trading, and Sarah, wife of George W owner, a prominent farmer in Union Township, this county. Mr. and Mrs. Gideon Falk are members of the Evangelical Association, in which he has been class leader and Sabbath school superintendent.

THOMAS FLICK, farmer, P. O. Rawson, was born in Fairfield County, Ohio, November 18, 1832, son of John and Elizabeth (For) Flick, of German descent, and natives of Pennsylvania. John Flick was a blacksmith in early life; in later life became a farmer; he came to Hancock County, Ohio, in 1833, settling in Union Township; he reared a family of six children-four boys and two girls. Our subject, who is fourth in the family, was reared on the farm, educated in the old log schoolhouse, and chose farming as his occupation, which he had followed with success. He is the owner of 120 acres of land. In 1853 Mr. Flick married Sarah Deeds, daughter of Henry Deeds, Sr. ; her parents were of German descent. Her father, who is a farmer, came to this county in 1833, and is still living. Mr. and Mrs. Flick's children are Eliza J., (deceased), William, Henry, Samantha, Irrilla, Minerva, Leander and Maggie. Mr. and Mrs. Flick are members of the United Brethren Church. He has been school director. In politics he is a Democrat.

J. J. FLICK, the manufacturer, farmer and stock raiser, P. O. Mount Cory, was born in Union Township, Hancock Co., Ohio, February 12, 1837, son of John and Elizabeth (Fox) Flick, of German descent, the former born in Virginia and the latter in Pennsylvania. John Flick, who was a blacksmith in early life, in later life a farmer, came to this county in 1835 and settled in Union Township, where our subject's grandfather was among the first to enter land in this county. John and Elizabeth (Fox) Flick reared a family of seven children, all now living, J. J. being the sixth. Our subject was reared on the farm, received his education in the common schools, and at the age of eighteen years learned a trade which he followed for eighteen years, since when he devoted his time to farming until 1880, when he embarked in his present business with Phineas Brown, his present partner. Mr. Flick also owns a farm consisting of fifty acres of land, on which he resides. He was married in Hancock County, Ohio, in 1858, to Eliza, daughter of Henry Deeds, Sr. Their children are Thomas, Oliver, Malissa J., Lawrence, Martha Ellen and Celesta May. Mrs. Flick is a member of the United Brethren Church. Mr. Flick is a Master Mason. In politics he is a Democrat. and has been delegate to the Democratic convention. He has also been a school director.

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DANIEL FOX, farmer and stock raiser, P. O. Rawson, was born in Fairfield County, Ohio, February l5, 1826, son of David and Elizabeth (Bartoon) Fox. former bore in Pennsylvania, March 13, 1796, latter born in Maryland in 1801, and both of German origin. David Fox, who was a farmer by occupation, came to Hancock County in 1833, and settled on the farm on which our subject now lives. The family consisted of seven children. The father died in 1867 ; the mother is still living, remarkably well preserved for one of her age. She remembers when there were but two cabins between her house and Findlay. Both father and mother were members of the United Brethren Church for many years. Of their children now living, Daniel, the eldest, was educated in the log schoolhouse, made farming the business of his life, and is the owner of 100 acres of well improved land. In 1849 he married Mary Jane Nowlan, a lady of English and Irish descent. Their children are S. S. , a carpenter by trade, and married; Simeon, at home; Cinderella; S. D., a teacher, was married at Concordia, Mo., March 24, 1885, to Miss Neuhaus; S. M., at home; S. V., at home; S. M. and Sophia E. In politics Mr. Fox is a Democrat. He has keen trustee of Union Township, this county, and for many years was school director; also served thirteen months in the Union Army.

SOLOMON GHASTER, retired farmer and stock raiser, P. O. Mount Cory, was born in Ohio December 3l, 1827, son of Henry and Sarah (Powell) Ghaster, former born in Germany, by trade and occupation a carpenter, mill-wright and farmer, latter a native of Ohio, and of Welsh descent. Solomon Ghaster, the second in a family of six children, was reared on a farm in Fairfield County, Ohio, and his schooling was limited to forty days in an old-fashioned log schoolhouse. He chose farming for his occupation, came to this county in 1848, and bought 133 acres of land where he now resides. In 1852 he went to California, returning in 1855. When he commenced to improve his farm he was $500 in debt, and all he owned was his ax and clothes. To use his own words he "had a good ax and good muscle, but poor clothes," but by industry and economy he has accumulated a fair share of this world's goods. Mr. Ghaster married, in 1856, Mary, daughter of William and Sarah Fox. former a pioneer farmer of this county. Mrs. Ghaster is of German descent. Eight children have been born to this anion: William H., John J., S. L., Sarah J., wife of George W. Woods; Ida May, Euphemia M., Elmer Elsworth and Charles Monroe. Mr. and Mrs. Ghaster are members of the United Brethren Church; he has been class leader and member of the quarterly conference for many years, and Sabbath-school superintendent. In politics Mr. Ghaster is a Republican. He was a member of the school board when they built the new schoolhouse. He takes an active interest in educational affairs, and has been a strong temperance man for the past twenty-six years. In early life Mr. Ghaster was a very hardy man; for example, he says he and Daniel Powell, when young men, were employed in running a saw-mill in Fairfield County, Ohio, and at one time, when business was crowding, they worked five days and four and one-half nights without sleep; he says his salary was $33. 50 per year, while Mr. Powell (now a wealthy farmer in this county) received about $10 per month.

J: W. HARRIS, farmer and stock raiser, P.. O. Mount Cory, was born in Fairfield County, Ohio, January 28, 1827, son of Abram and Sarah (Kneedles) Harris, natives of Delaware, and of English-Irish and German

860 - HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY.

descent. Abram Harris, who is a successful farmer, residing in Fairfield County, Ohio, reared a family of ten children, eight of whom grew to maturity, J. W. being the fourth. Our subject was reared on a farm, acquired a common school education and chose farming as his vocation. He has met with marked success in life, at the present time owning 293 acres of well improved land. Mr. Harris came to this county in 1849 and settled on the farm where he now resides. In 1848 he married Mary E. Dehouty, daughter of Absalom and Elizabeth (Case) Dehouty, natives of Delaware and of English descent. Four children have been born to this union, three of whom are now living: Abram B., a farmer; Sarah, wife of Peter Hummon, and George W., a farmer. Mr. and Mrs. Harris are members of the United Brethren Church, in which he has been class leader, and steward and trustee. He takes an active interest in all that pertains to the church. He has given each of his children a good start in the world. Mr. Harris is a voter but no one knows how he votes.

ADAM HEININGER, hardware merchant, Mount Cory, was born in Switzerland, September 22, 1832, son of Andrew and Anna (Kleiner) Heininger. His father, a farmer, came to America in 1844 and located on a farm in Hopewell Township, Seneca Co., Ohio, where he lived until 1850, when he removed to this county anti settled in Union Township. His family consisted of seven children, six of whom grew to maturity, four now living: Adam, the subject of this sketch; Daniel, a minister of the Evangelical Association, residing in Saginaw City, Mich. ; Samuel, a minister in the Evangelical Association, residing in Cleveland, Ohio; and Thressia, wife of Andrew Link, of Mount Cory, Ohio. Adam Heininger lived on the farm with his parents until he was eighteen years of age. His first education was obtained in Europe and he studied the English language in Seneca and Hancock Counties. When eighteen years of age he learned the cabinet maker's trade, at which he worked for ten years. In 1862 he bought a farm of 120 acres of land in Union Township, this county, which he still owns. In 1883 Mr. Heininger embarked in the hardware business, which he still carries on. In 1853 he was united in marriage with Margaret, daughter of Jacob Gressly; and born in Lancaster, Fairfield Co., Ohio, of German descent. Their children are Wesley G., Anna Catharine, Ella and Lewis. Mr. and Mrs. Heininger are members of the Evangelical Association, in which he has been class leader, steward and trustee, also a teacher in its Sabbath-school. In politics he is a Republican. He takes an active interest in public schools.

H. E. HENDERSON, grain dealer, P. O. Rawson, was born in Richland County, Ohio, January 13, 1826, son of Charles and Margaret (Moody) Henderson, latter a native of Ohio and of English descent. His father, born in Pennsylvania, of Irish descent, and a farmer by occupation, settled in 1834 on a farm in Big Lick Township, this county. H. E. Henderson, the third in a family of nine children, was reared on the farm, receiving his education in the common schools. He made farming his chief occupation until 1875, since which date he has devoted his time to his present business. He commenced first in Lima, where he located thirteen months, then removed to Findlay, where he remained four years engaged in the grain and produce business; and next came to Rawson and established his present enterprise. In 1861 he enlisted in Company H, Ohio Volunteer Infantry, and was elected first lieutenant, was wounded at the battle of Shiloh, and was pro-

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meted to captain of the company; was afterward transferred to the Invalid corps; he was discharged for disability in 1864. Capt. Henderson has been twice married; by his first wife ha had four children: Arrella, wife of George Higgins; Alfred, who is now in the West; Viola, wife of Jacob Careny; Flora, wife of Charles Burkette. Capt. Henderson's second wife. whom he married in 1866, was the widow of Albert Hollowell; by her he had one child, Jennie. In politics Capt. Henderson is a Democrat.

J. P. HEWS, farmer and stock raiser, P. O. Mount Cory, was born in Franklin County, Ohio, July 23, 1815, son of Walter and Nancy (Harris) Hews, latter a native of Delaware, of English descent. Walter Hews was bore in Pennsylvania and was a farmer all his life; he reared a family of ten children, J. P. being the third; he died when our subject was fifteen years old. J. P. Hews was reared nn the farm in Franklin County, Ohio, received a limited education in the log schoolhouse and worked on a farm until he was twenty-one years old. In 1835 he was united in marriage with Elizabeth, a native of Knox County, Ohio, daughter of John Bowen; her parents were natives of Wales. The year of his marriage Mr. Hews went security for his cousin and had to pay the bail money; this placed him in such a position that he had to borrow 75 cents to pay his marriage fee, and left him $180 in debt besides. He then went to work clearing land in Franklin County, and in the same fall took a lease on a "dead'ning," and the neat spring he sold the lease for enough to purchase a team. In 1845 he came to this county and bought eighty acres of land in Union Township, having five years in which to pay for it. By industry, economy and prudent management he has succeeded in accumulating a handsome fortune, and is the owner of 505 acres of valuable land. Mr. Hews is a Democrat and often represents his party in conventions. He has served many terms both on the petit and grand juries. For many years past Mr. Hews has dealt largely in stock-buying and shipping. He is among the heaviest tax payers in the county, and for several years has paid more taxes than any other one man in Union Township. The union of Mr. and Mrs. Hews has been blessed with ten children. seven of whom are now living, five boys and two girls: Hiram, a farmer. in good circumstances; Elizabeth (deceased); John. married and living on the home farm; Nancy A., now the widow of Robert Stratton: William, a farmer in Wood County; Julia A. (deceased); George M., a farmer; Jane. wife of Andrew Doty; James, a farmer. and May (deceased). Mr. and Mrs. Hews are members of the Christian Union Church, in which he is class leader, and has been superintendent of Sabbath-school.

HIRAM HEWS, farmer and stock raiser, P. O. Bluffton, Allen County, was born in Morrow County, Ohio, April 10, 1836, son of J. P. and Elizabeth (Bowen) Hews, the former a pioneer farmer of Welsh, the latter of German descent. Hiram Hews. the eldest in a family of ten children, seven of whom are living, was brought to Union Township, this county, when a child, was reared on a farm and received his education in the common schools of Union Township, where he grew. to manhood, and chose farming as his occupation. He has been successful in life and is the owner of 226 acres of land upon which he resides and which is well improved and well stocked. and on which he has one of the finest farm-houses in Union Township. Mr. Hews was united in marriage, July 26, 1859, with Susannah Reese, daughter of Joseph and Mary (Young) Reese, and of English descent.

862 - HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY.

This union has been blessed with four children: Emma Augusta, Homer R., Halls Belle and Orpha Dell. Mr. and Mrs. , Hews are members of the United Brethren Church, of which he has been trustee. Mr. Hews has been school director several terms. In politics he is a Democrat.

JAMES HEWS, farmer and stock raiser, P. O. Mount Cory, was born in Union Township, Hancock Co., Ohio, January 27, 1859, son of J. P. and Elizabeth (Bowen) Hews, former a prominent farmer of Union Township, born in Franklin County, Ohio, July 23, 1815, of Welsh descent; the latter a daughter of John Bowen, and a native of Knox County, Ohio, of Welsh descent. James Hews, who is the youngest in a family of ten children, was reared on the farm, educated in the home schools, and has made farm ing and stock raising the business of his life. Mr. Hews was united in marriage, in 1879, with Miss Mollie Brundidge, daughter of Nathaniel and Mollie Brundidge, of English descent. Mr. and Mrs. Hews have one child, Jasper. Our subject owns 100 acres of valuable land in Union Township, this county, on which he resides, and which is replete with modern improvements and well stocked. In politics he is a Democrat.

CHARLES W. HUFFMAN, farmer and stock raiser, P. O. Rawson, born in Fairfield County, Ohio, November 24, 1832, is a son of Jacob and Susannah (Miller) Huffman, latter a native of Pennsylvania, of German descent. His father, who was a native of Virginia, of English and Scotch descent, and a farmer by occupation, came to this county in 1833. settling in Liberty Township, where he remained one year. He then removed to Union Township, this county, and entered land, dying here in 1868. His family consisted of twelve children, Charles W. being the fourth. The subject of this sketch was reared on the farm, acquired a common school education and has made farming the occupation of his life. In 1852 he took the overland route to California, where he engaged in mining. In 1857 he returned by water, landing in New York, and coming from there to Hancock County, Ohio; be bought a farm of 100 acres of land where he now resides. In 1865 he again went to California, remaining one year, since when he has been engaged in farming. In 1859 he married Barbara Flick, daughter of Abraham and Mary (Locket') Flick, and a native of Virginia, of English descent, she died in 1884; she was a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church, in which Mr. Huffman was class leader, steward and trustee and superintendent of the Sabbath-school. Mr. Huffman's children are Oliver; Edith, wife of Jacob Powell; America; Darius; Blanche; Laura and Clara. Our subject is a Democrat. He has been school director for nine years. He served two terms on the grand jury; was also a member of the petit jury of the courts of Hancock County, and has been a delegate to the Democratic Convention of this county.

DAVID HUFFMAN, farmer and stock raiser, P. O. Rawson. was born in Union Township, this county, June 9, 1844, son of Jacob and Susannah (Miller) Huffman, former burn in Virginia, of English and Scotch descent, latter a native of Pennsylvania, of German origin. Jacob Huffman, who was a farmer, came to Hancock County, Ohio, in 1833; he lived in Liberty Township one year, then entered land on Section 10, in Union Township, this county, where he died in 1869. His family consisted of twelve children, ten of whom grew to maturity, David being the ninth. Our subject was reared on the farm, attended common school in Union Township, this county, also the State University at Athens, Ohio. After leaving school he

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engaged in teaching for a time, also farming. He enlisted September 9, 1861, in the Twenty-first Ohio Volunteer Infantry, Company F; re-enlisted January 4, 1864, and served until the close of the war. He. was wounded at the battle of Chickamauga September 20, 1863. Since the war Mr. Huffman has followed farming. He was united in marriage, February 24, 1870, with Persis Rothen, daughter of David and Barbara (Hartmetz) Rothen, natives of Germany. This union has been blessed with seven children, four of whom survive: Arletta B., Mary A., Willis A. and Almira J. Mrs. Huffman died January 25, 1885; she was a member of the Church of God. Mr. Huffman is a Democrat in politics; he has been clerk of Union Township, this county, and school director. He is a Master Mason in the Masonic fraternity, and is a member of the G. A. R., in which he served two years as Officer of the Day.

GEORGE HUMMON, farmer and stock raiser, P. O. Bluffton, was born in Putnam County, Ohio, January 24, 1845, son of John and Mary Ann (Wininnger) Hummon, native of Pennsylvania, of German descent. John Hummon was a farmer and came from Pennsylvania to Putnam County, Ohio, among the early settlers of that county, and settled on a farm. His family consisted of ten children, eight of whom grew to maturity, George being fourth. Our subject was reared on the farm, and attended the common school, and also Findlay High School. He has made farming his occupation and is a first-class agriculturist. He owns 246 acres of valuable land, on which he resides; it is under a good state of cultivation and has excellent farm buildings upon it. In 1869 Mr. Hummon married Rebecca Gressly, daughter of Henry Gressly, a retired farmer, of Union Township, this county. The children born to this union are Viola Annis, Azotus, Elsea, Blanche, Alverda and Grover. Mr. Hummon was treasurer of Union Township, this county, for eight years. In politics he is. a Democrat.

DANIEL KEEL, farmer and stock raiser, P. O. Mount Cory, was born in Hancock County, Ohio, September 9, 1843, son of Joseph and Rebecca (Alspach) Keel, natives of Pennsylvania, and of German descent. former of whom came to Hancock County, Ohio, and entered land near Findlay, where he spent the remaining years of his life and died in .1851. Daniel Keel was reared on the farm of his uncle, in Eagle Township, this county. He received his education in the common school, and at the age of twenty years he enlisted in Company D, Ninety-ninth Regiment Ohio Volunteer Infantry, serving three years. In 1867 he was united in marriage with Amanda Bartoon, daughter of John Bartoon, and of English descent. The children born of this union are Willie D. and Thornton W. Mrs. Keel died in 1869, and in 1870 Mr. Keel married Miss Mary Elizabeth, daughter of Thomas Banham, of English descent. Their children are Sylva May and Tiella Dell. Mr. and Mrs. Keel are members of the United Brethren Church, in which he has been class-leader, steward and trustee, and Sabbath-school superintendent and school director.

JOHN KEEL,-farmer and stock raiser, P. O. Rawson, born in Union Township, this county, August 23, 1846, is a son of Samuel and Mary (Povenmire) Keel, natives of Pennsylvania, of German descent. The father of our subject was an early pioneer of Hancock County, Ohio, and now resides in Benton Ridge, Ohio. John Keel, the fifth in a family of eight children, was reared on the farm, acquired a common school education, and

864 - HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY.

wisely chose agricultural pursuits as his occupation. He is owner of a well improved farm in Union Township, this count, on which he resides. Mr, Keel was united in marriage, in 1869, with Martha J., daughter of Henry Stover, and of English extraction. Mr. and Mrs. Keel are members of the United Brethren Church. In politics he is a Republican. He enlisted, in 1864, in the Ninety-second Ohio Volunteer Infantry, was a non-commissioned officer in Company H. He is a member of the G. A. R., and is chaplain of Post No. 144.

NATHANIEL J. KRAMER, farmer and stock raiser, P. O. Rawson, was born in Fairfield County, Ohio. October 26, 1839, reared in Franklin County, Ohio, and grew to manhood on the same farm where he was born. (This statement may seem incorrect, nevertheless it is true and easily explained: the county boundary lines were so changed as to bring Mr. Kramer's farm from one county to another). Nathaniel J. Kramer is the son of John and Hannah (Boyd) Iiramer, of German descent. John Kramer was a successful farmer. His family consisted of seven children, Nathaniel J. being the third. Our subject was reared on a farm, received his education in the common schools of Franklin County, Ohio, and learned the carpenter trade, which he followed in connection with farming till the present time. Financially he has been successful, but he has been dangerously injured three different times: on the first occasion he had his collarbone broken, the second time he had his right shoulder broken, and on the third occasion he had his left leg broken. Mr. Kramer is the owner of a well improved farm of eighty acres of land, on which he resides, and on which he has a neat and substantial house and barn and other out-buildings, and which is well stocked. In 1860 Mr. Kramer was united in marriage with Susannah, daughter of David Fox, and they have six children: David E.; John H. and Hannah E. (twins-Hannah E. is wife of Isaiah Foltz); Willard B. and Wilson D. (twins), and Carrie Dell. Mr. and Mrs. Iiramer are members of the United Brethren Church, of which he has been steward and trustee. In politics he is a Democrat. He takes great interest in the education of his children, and has been school director of his district.

J. C. LEE, farmer and stock raiser, P. O. Mount Cory, was born in Fairfield County, Ohio, October 5, 1833, son of James and Elvina (Coleman) Lee, both of English descent, former of whom, who was a farmer, died in 1852; latter died in 1849. Of their family of nine children, eight of whom grew to maturity, only two survive: Stephen, now residing in Nebraska, and J. C. The subject of this sketch was brought to this county when three years of age, was reared on a farm, received a common school education and has followed agricultural pursuits all his life. In 1855 he went to Iowa and in 1859 to California, by the overland route. There he worked in the mines, and on his return came by way of water, arriving in New York City in 1865. He subsequently returned to his vocation of farming. Mr. Lee has been twice married, his first wife being Rusena, daughter of Charles Mallahan, and of English descent. Mr. Lee's present wife was Mary M. Walter, of German descent, daughter of Frederick Walter, a farmer in this county. Mr. and Mrs. Lee's children are Alvan Alphonso and Neoma Melvina. In politics Mr. Lee is a Republican.

MATTHIAS MARKLEY, farmer and stock raiser, P. O. Mount Cory, was born in Harrison County, Ohio, May 3, 1829, son of Solomon and Elizabeth (Salsbery) Markley, latter a native of Pennsylvania of English

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descent. Solomon Markley, a native of Pennsylvania, of German parentage, and who was a farmer during life, settled in Pntnam County, Ohio, in 1836; he died in 1853. His family consisted of eight children, six of whom are now living, Matthias being the second. Our subject was reared on the farm, acquired his education in the old-fashioned log schoolhouse, with paper windows, in Pntnam County, Ohio, and chose farming as his vocation, which he still follows with success. Mr. Markley may properly be called the father of the town of Mount Cory, for he was instrumental in having H. P. Eaton locate the flour - mill there, which gave the town a railroad station. The land where Mount Cory now stands was owned by Mr. S. Kemerer and Mr. Markley, who laid out the town in 1872. Our subject has been school director and township trustee, and takes a deep interest in all that tends to benefit Mount Cory. He has been remarkably successful in business, and is the owner of a farm and considerable town property. Mr. Markley has been three times married; first, in 1851, to Mary Heathman, who died in 1853, without issue. His second marriage was in 1854, with Philena Miller, a lady of German descent, and their children are Cyrus; Joseph L. ; Elizabeth Ann, now the wife of George F. Smith; Hiram D. ; Thomas W esley; Plyna M. ; Mary C. ; William Peter; Ada C. and Jennie V. Mr. Markley's second wife died in 1878, and for his third he married, in 1884, Mary Williams, a lady of French origin, from Canada. In polities Mr. Markley is a Democrat. He was appointed postmaster by President Cleveland in 1885.

J. W. MARSHALL, farmer and dealer in stock, P. O. Cannonsburg, was born in Trumbull County, Ohio, October 9, 1837, son of Benjamin and Jane (McKinley) Marshall, natives of Pennsylvania, of Irish descent. Benjamin Marshall, who was a farmer, came to this county in 1838 and settled on the farm where our subject now resides. His family consisted of nine children, J. W. being the youngest. Benjamin Marshall died in 1861, and his widow, now in her eighty-ninth year, resides with the subject of this sketch. J. W. Marshall was reared on the farm, and has made agriculture and dealing in stock his business; has met with marked success, and is the owner of a fine farm of 205 acres, with first-class improvements. Mr. Marshall married, in 1858, Mary Nonnamaker, daughter of Ami Nonnamaker, and of German descent. Eleven children have been bore to this union, nine of whom survive: Lucinda J. (deceased), David Perry (deceased), William Ami, George Clifford, Charles E., John DL, Samuel A., Nellie A., Nora M. and Mollie G. The eldest daughter, Nancy E., is the wife of Amos Rankle. Mr. and Mrs. Marshall are members of the Evangelical Association, in which he is steward and Sabbath-school treasurer. In politics he is a Democrat. He has served three years as township trustee.

JESSE MILLER, farmer and stock raiser, P. O. Bluffton, was born in Fairfield County, Ohio, August 17, 1845, son of Henry and Catharine (Drassley) Miller, the former born in Pennsylvania, of German descent; the latter born in Germany. Henry Miller came to this county in 1839 and settled on the farm where our subject now resides. He has been a successful farmer, has retired from active business and now resides in Mount Cory, this county. Of his nine children eight are now living, Jesse being the fourth. Our subject was reared on the farm, attended the home school and chose tilling of the soil as his vocation. He is a successful farmer and owns ninety-five acres of good land in Union Township, this county. In 1863

866 - HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY.

Mr. Miller enlisted in Company E, Thirty-first Regiment Ohio Volunteer Infantry, and participated in forty of the most severe engagements of the wax. He was discharged in 1865, at the close of the war, and on his return home resumed farming. Mr. Miller was married, in 1868, to Minerva Hummon, daughter of John Hummon, and their children are, Vida, Ada Della, Edmon F., Harley J., Metta, Cloyd, Cosy, Cruden D. and Jesse Blame. Mr. and Mrs. Miller are members of the Evangelical Association, in which he has served as superintendent of Sabbath-school. He holds the office of school director. In politics he is a Republican.

D. W. MOORE, merchant, Rawson, was born in Union Township, Hancock Co., Ohio. October 11, 1857; son of George and Maryana (Fox) Moore, natives of Fairfield County, Ohio, and of German descent. The father of our subject, who was a farmer, came to Hancock County, Ohio, and settled in the wild woods; his family consisted of thirteen children, nine now living. Our subject, who is the eldest. received his education in the common school in Union Township, where he was born, also attending Findlay High School. He was reared on the farm and followed agriculture until 1884 when he embarked in the grocery business in Rawson. February 23, 1882, he was united in marriage with Jennie Foltz, a lady of German descent. Her father was a farmer by occupation. This union has been blessed with three children: Nellie Grace, Carrie Agues and Harry DeWitt. Mr. and Mrs. Moore are members of the Christian Union Church, in which he has been class leader and also superintendent of the Sabbath-school. He is a member of the I.O.O.F., and has filled all the chairs in the subordinate lodge, and is now permanent secretary. He is treasurer of the village of Rawson. In politics he is a Democrat.

GEORGE MOORE, farmer and stock raiser; P. O., Rawson, was born in Fairfield County, Ohio, December 30, 1828, son of Edward and Sarah (Andrick) Moore, natives of Maryland and Ohio, respectively, and of German descent, former a farmer. Their family consisted of twelve children, nine of whom grew to maturity, George being the third. Our subject, who was reared on the farm and educated in the common schools, chose agricultural pursuits for his occupation and came to Hancock County, Ohio, in 1849. His father died in 1863. Our subject went to California in 1864, returning in 1865. He married, in 1855, Mary Ann Fox, a sister of Daniel Fox, and their children are Daniel W. ; Florence; wife of George Knepper; Elizabeth, wife of Simon Stager; George M. ; David E. ; Charley; Ida; Ada and Cora. Mrs. Moore is a member of the United Brethren Church. Mr. Moore is the owner of a well improved farm in Union Township. He is a member of the I. O. O. F., and has taken all .the degrees in the Encampment. He is a Democrat in politics; has been trustee of Union Township, this county.

W. S. PETERSON, farmer, P. O., Gilboa, Putnam County, was born in Wayne County, Ohio, Oct. 8. 1830, son of Samuel and Polly (Shepard) Peterson, natives of New York, of German man and English descent. Samuel Peterson, who was a carpenter, came to Hancock County, Ohio, in 1844, and set tled on a farm in Union ToWnship. His family consisted of four children, our subject being the youngest; one daughter is living, now sixty-seven years of age, wife of Amos Showalter, and residing in Paulding County, Ohio. W. S. Peterson was reared on a farm, and has followed agricultural pursuits all his life. He married, in 1850, Margaret Clabaugh, born in

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Ohio, January 11, 1828, daughter of Isaac and Rebecca Clabaugh, and to this union have been born the following named children: Isaac M., a farmer in Putnam County, Ohio, married; Samuel H., a farmer in Union Township, Hancock Co., Ohio, married; Polly Jane, wife of Calvin Harkness. (Mr. Harkness was born in this county, February 24, l854, son of Garrett and Mary (Johnson) Harkness; his father was of Irish and German origin; Mr. and Mrs. Harkness have three children: William B., Arrey A. and Mary Myrtle. Mr. Peterson is a member of the Church of God. He enlisted in 1861 in Company K, Sixty-fifth Regiment Ohio Volunteer Infantry, serving three years; he was in several hard fought battles and in all the engagements the regiment took part in, and he was discharged at Nashville, Tenn. In politics he is a Democrat.

DANIEL POWELL, retired farmer, P. O. Benton Ridge, Ohio, was born in Fairfield County, Ohio, May 19, 1815; son of John Phillip and Elizabeth (Raudebaugh) Powell, of German origin and natives of Pennsyl vania, former a farmer and carpenter; their family consisted of fourteen children, twelve of whom grew to maturity, Daniel being the sixth. Our subject was reared on the farm and attended the common school in Fairfield County, Ohio, and has made agriculture the business of his life. He came to Hancock County in 1844, and settled in Union Township. on the farm where he now resides. As a farmer he has been successful, owning now 240 acres of land. Most of Mr., Powell's life has been devoted to hard labor; he has worked all day and all night, when business was crowding, in the saw-mill in Fairfield County, Ohio. In 1840 he was united in marriage with Elizabeth Ranch, daughter of John Ranch, and fourteen children were born of this union: Emanuel, a farmer; Mary Ann, wife of A. Foltz; John H., a telegraph operator; George W., a physician in New York State; Jonas, a farmer; Sarah J., wife of Joseph Bender; Ellen, wife of George Whisler; Hattie, wife of F. Andre; Louisa, at home; Catharine A., wife of D. Craft; W. C. V. ; Levina (deceased wife of Aaron Double); Elizabeth, and an infant (deceased). Mrs. Powell died in 1879. She was a member of the United Brethren Church. Mr. Powell is a member of same church. He has been trustee and school director. In politics he is a Democrat.

WILLIAM REESE, farmer and stock raiser, P. O. Rawson, born in Pennsylvania, February 26, 1829, is a son of Charles and Frances (Seigler) Reese, former a native of Switzerland, latter, born in Pennsylvania, of German descent. Charles Reese, father of our subject, came to America when he was eighteen years of age. He followed farming in Pennsylvania and came to Hancock County, Ohio, in 1839, settling on a farm in Liberty Township. He died in this county in 1854. His family consisted of eleven children, ten of whom grew to maturity. William, our subject, who is the eighth child, was reared on the farm, received a common school education and became a farmer. He has met with success and is the owner of 108.99 acres of well improved land, where he resides. Mr. Reese was united in marriage with Miss Catharine Bergman, daughter of John and Elizabeth (Polk) Bergman, of German origin, former of whom, a farmer, died in Liberty Township, this county, in 1874, latter died in 1865; they reared a family of twelve children. and four of the sons now reside in this county. Mr. Bergman took an active interest in public schools and helped build the first schoolhouse in the district where he lived, in Liberty Township, this county. Mr. Reese has filled the office of trustee of Union Township, this county. In politics he is a Democrat. He is a Master Mason.

868 - HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY.

JONATHAN SAGER, retired farmer, Mt. Cory, was born in Fairfield County, Ohio, November 2, 1828, son of Shem and Maria Barbara (Nunermaker) Sager. The parents of Mrs. Maria Barbara Sager were natives of Wurtemberg, Germany. Shem Sager, a native of Virginia, of German descent, and a farmer by occupation, came from Virginia to Ohio and settled in Fairfield County in .1806; he was twice married. By his first wife he had six children, and by the second he had eight, Jonathan being the eldest child by the second marriage. Our subject was reared on the farm, and educated in Fairfield County School. He chose farming as a business and came to this county in 1853, settling in the woods in Eagle Township, where his father entered land. He has been successful in life and at present owns two farms in Union Township, this county. Retiring from farm life he removed to Mt. Cory in 1884. Mr. Sager married; in 1851, Mary Ellenberger, a lady of German descent, and their children are Sarah B. , wife of James Cantner; Lucinda, wife of John R. George, and Rebecca, wife of Henry Williams. Our subject's second wife was Nancy Spangler, and by her he had the following named children: Clarinda, wife of W. H. Whitenmyer; George; Esther A., wife of Jacob Nepper; Augusta and Nancy L. Mr. Sager's third wife was Elizabeth Sampson. Our subject and wife are members of the Evangelical Association, and Mr. Sager has been a local minister for twenty years. He has been school director, assessor and trustee. He is a member of the Grange at Benton Ridge and is lecturer of that order. In politics he is a Democrat.

M. M. SAYLOR, M. D., Cannonsburg, was born in Fairfield County, Ohio, September 24, 1846, son of Daniel and Ardilla (Whiteley) Saylor, the latter of whom, born in Dorchester County, Md.. of Welsh descent, was the daughter of Willis Whiteley and sister of Judge M. C. Whiteley, of Findlay, Ohio. Daniel Saylor, father of our subject, was born in Westmoreland County , Penn. , of Irish descent. He was a wagon and carriage-maker by trade, came from Pennsylvania to Ohio and settled in Fairfield County. Of his six children Dr. Saylor is the sole survivor, all the rest having died young. Dr. M. M. Saylor was reared on a farm, and received his education in the Findlay High School. Since thirteen ,ears of age he has made his own way in the world. At the age of twenty-two he embarked in mercantile business in Fostoria, Ohio. He commenced the study of medicine in 1876, and attended the Ohio Medical College. He then moved to Ft. Wayne, Ind. , where he graduated in medicine in 1881; then commenced the practice of his profession (to which he is wonderfully attached) in Cannonsburg, this county. In 1871 the Doctor was united in marriage with Lydia, daughter of Martin and Sophia (Frederickson) Royce, natives of New York, of English descent. Of the four children born to this union, only one, Minnie, is now living. Dr. Saylor is a member of the I. O. O. F. In 1864 he enlisted in the One Hundred and Sixty-first Regiment Ohio Volunteer Infantry and served the full term of his enlistment. In politics he is a Republican.

LEVI SHOWALTER, retired farmer, Mount Cozy, was born in Adams County, Penn., January 8, 1814, son of Daniel and Susannah (Rode) Showalter, natives of Lancaster County, Penn. ; his father and grandfather were farmers. Daniel Showalter had a family of thirteen children, Levi being the third. Our subject was reared on the farm, received his education in Adams County, Penn., and came to this county in 1837. He worked out by the month to earn money to enter eighty acres of land. He married, in

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1837, Mahala Wade, a native of Virginia, of English descent, and by her had nine children, of whom there are now living four boys and two girls. Mrs. Showalter dying, Mr. Showalter married his second wife, whose maiden name was Sarah Watkins, with whom he enjoyed twenty-three years of wedded life, and she dying, Mr. Showalter married his present wife, whose name was Mary A. Clymer, nee Sickafoose. Mr. and Mrs. Showalter are members of the Methodist Church, in which he has been steward and trustee. Mr. Showalter has been successful in business, at one time owning 500 :acres of well-improved land. He has been liberal with his children, and has given each of them a good start in the world, and those yet living are all doing well. In politics Mr. Showalter is a Republican. He has filled the office of school director.

RICHARD SHOWALTER, farmer, P. O. Mount Cory, was born in Lancaster County, Penn., March 10, 1827, son of Daniel and Susan (Red) Showalter, natives of Pennsylvania and of Dutch and German descent. Daniel Showalter, who was a farmer, reared a family of thirteen children, eleven of whom grew to maturity, Richard being tenth. Our subject was reared on a farm, receiving his education in an old log schoolhouse in Han cock County, and has resided in this county since 1836. He has been a farmer all his life and has met with moderate success. He is the owner of eighty acres of well-improved land near Mount Cory. In 1852 Mr. Showalter was united in marriage with Susannah. daughter of Thomas Watkins; her parents were of German and Irish descent and among the pioneer farmers of Union Township, this county. To Mr. and Mrs. Showalter have been born seven children, of whom four are dead: Robison 5.., Seward S. and two in fants; three daughters are living: E. C., Alice and Zella. Our subject and wife are members of the Methodist Protestant Church in which he is class leader and has been Sabbath-school superintendent, being now teacher of the Bible class. He has held the office of school director. In politics he is a Republican.

J. H. STRAUCH, farmer, P. O: Mount Cory, was born in Pennsylvania, May 14, 1834, son of Daniel and Susan (Reed) Strauch, of German descent, former of whom was a boat-builder, working at the carpenter trade in later life. J. H. Strauch obtained his schooling in Pottsville, Penn. He has lived in this county since he was a child; was reared on a farm; and chose agriculture for his occupation in life; he also deals in stock. Mr. Strauch is owner of 140 acres of well improved land. In 1857 he was united in marriage with Sarah J., daughter of Henry James, and of German descent, which union has been blessed with ten children, seven of whom are now living: Savilla, Samantha, Aaron, Sherman, Eve, Adam and Joseph. Mrs. Strauch is a member of the Evangelical Association. Mr. Strauch is a Republican in politics. He has been school director. He has one sister, Elizabeth Diefiendiefer, now aged about sixty-four years, and one brother, T., now aged about fifty-four years.

WILLIAM D. TURNER, merchant, Mount Cory, was born in Northampton County, Penn., September 15, 1833, son of Cornelius and Elizabeth (Bebelhim) Turner, latter a native of Pennsylvania, of German descent. His father, a native of Connecticut, and of English extraction, died in 1836. The subject of this sketch was reared by his grandfather, on a farm, and when he was five years of age his grandfather moved to Ohio, settling on a farm. Here our subject received his education in the common

870 - HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY.

schools. During the gold excitement of 1852 he went to California, where he engaged in mining for seven years. He theca went to Adams County, Ind., and bought a farm and saw-mill which latter he continued to operate until 1873, when he removed the mill machinery to Mount Cory, this county, and ran the mill in this place for four years. In the fall of 1877 Mr. Turner embarked in his present business, keeping a general store. In l863 he was appointed United States Marshal for Adams County, Ind., and while acting in that capacity he had several narrow escapes from death, and was shot at though not hit. He continued to act as marshal until the close of the war. Mr. Turner is an agreeable gentleman, and a good business man. He lots been three times married; the first time, in 1862, to Jane, daughter of George Hackett, and of English and German descent. They had one child. Nolin V., at present a partner with his father, and who was married in 1885 to Huldah Miller, a lady of Dutch descent. Our subject's first wife died in 1870, and in 1871 he again married, this union being blessed with one child, Jennie, now at home. Mr. Turner's third wife is a twin sister to his first wife. One child has been born to this last union, Antoinette. Mr. and Mrs. Turner are members of the Methodist Protestant Church. In politics he is a Republican.

I. M. WATKINS, farmer and stock raiser, P. O. Mount Cory, was born in Union Township, Hancock Co., Ohio, January 4, 1844, son of James and Elizabeth A. (Nowland) Watkins, the latter born in New Brunswick, of English descent, ,yet living at the advanced age of sixty-five years; James Watkins, born in Ohio, of English descent, a farmer by occupation, came to this county in 1839, and settled in Union Township, where he passed the remaining portion of his life, dying in 1874. Of the seven children in their family, four grew to maturity, three of whom survive. I. M. Watkins was reared on a farm, attended the home schools, and chose farming for his occupation; has also dealt extensively in stock; he owns 181 acres of well improved land, on which he resides. February 12, 1865, Mr. Watkins was united in marriage with Mary D. Feller, daughter of Daniel and Mary (Donnelson) Feller, natives of Ohio and of German descent. The children of this union are Teressa A., Daniel Webster. James Mellvil, Mary Elizabeth, Isaac Scott, Lottie Emaline and Jennie Alice. Mr. and Mrs. Watkins are members of the Me hodist Protestant Church. He has been trustee and secretary of the financial board, and has been school director seven years; is trustee of Union Township. In politics he is a Democrat. Mr. Watkins' eldest daughter has seen her four great-grandmothers.

JOHN WEISEL, farmer, P. O. Mount Cory, was born in Allen Township, this county, September 6, 1845, son of Isaac and Jane (Dorsey) Weisel, natives of Pennsylvania, and of German and English descent. They moved from Pennsylvania to this county about 1835, and settled in Allen Township, on a farm where they spent the remaining portion of their lives, their deaths occurring in 1878, within one week of each other. John Weisel, the subject of this sketch, is the eighth in a family of ten children, nine of whom grew to maturity. He was reared on a farm, received a common school education, and has been a farmer all his life. He is the owner of 118 acres of land in Union Township, this county, where he resides. In 1870 he married Barbara Jane Swab, daughter of Solomon Swab, and of German descent, and their children are William R., Charley Otto, Parlee E., Oliver Earl and Nolin S. Mr. and Mrs. Weisel are members of the Evangelical Association. In politics he is a Democrat.

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DAVID WHISLER, a farmer, P, O, Mount Cory, was born in Pickaway County, Ohio, June 2, 1821, son of Michael and Rebecca (Vangundy) Whisler, natives of Pennsylvania and of Dutch descent, former a mill wright and a farmer. They reared a family of eight children, of whom David is second. Our subject was reared on a faun, receiving a limited education in the common schools, and has made his own way in the world, He has made farming his principal business, but has worked at and dealt in everything he could see money in; he has framed and built houses and barns, both brick and wood; has contracted for public works; has also done all his own building, repairing, and blacksmithing. He has met with marked success in life, and now owns several fine farms (three being in Illinois), and pays more than twice as much taxes than any man in Union Township. His acres number over 1,000, Starting with $1,000 Mr. Whisler has made each dollar furnish him with an acre of land. Mr. Whisler started from Pickaway County, Ohio, on April 2, 1846, for this county, arriving on the 7th in the woods, and he and his wife went to work to clear a farm of 125 acres, both working early and late. While Mr. Whisler would be out burning logs and brush, Mrs, Whisler would be busy making new garments out of old ones for the child, and so save buying new cloth, and often she would be out in the clearing assisting her husband in burning brush, etc. ; when they went to chinch, in those primitive days, they traveled afoot or in the big wagon, not in a carriage as they do now. In 1846 our subject was united in marriage with Mary Ann, daughter of Benjamin Tobias, a blacksmith. Mrs, Whisler was born in Pennsylvania and is of Dutch descent, The children of this union were George; Cyrus (deceased); Rebecca, wife of Irvin Clymer; John T, ; Eliza, wife of Nelson H, Clymer; Susan, wife of David Miller; Scott; Ada, at home, and Olive; the boys are all married and farmers. Mr, and Mrs, Whisler are members of the Evangelical Association. Mr. Whisler is a Republican in politics. He has never desired office, nor has he held any, except that of school director, which office he considered it his duty to accept while he had children in the school.

ABSALOM WILKINS, farmer and stock raiser, P, O, Bluffton, Allen County, was born in Licking County, Ohio, March 26, 1832, son of Joseph and Elizabeth (Kretsinger) Wilkins, natives of Virginia and of Dutch descent. Joseph W ilkins, who was a farmer all his life, came to Putnam County, Ohio, in 1844,. and settled on a farm, spending the remaining portion of his life in that county, Absalom Wilkins, the subject of this sketch, the eldest in a family of six children, was reared on a farm and has followed agriculture all his life, except during the time he spent in the army. He was drafted in 1862, and served ten months in Company K, Twenty-first Regiment Ohio Volunteer Infantry, and was in several engagements. Mr, Wilkins is the owner of 113 acres of well improved land in Union Township, this county, where he now resides, In 1861 he was united in marriage with Rebecca Carnahan, daughter of John Carnahan, of Scotch descent, and the children of this union are Cela A,, wife of William Hartman; Isett; John and James (twins); Milton; Ross; Cora; Peter and Ira, Mr, Wilkins has been school director in this district. In politics he is a Republican.

WILLIAM WILLIAMSON, farmer, P. O, Mount Cory. is a native of York County, Penn,, born April 3, 1810, son of David and Catherine (Duncan) Williamson, natives of Maryland and Pennsylvania, respectively, and

872 - HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY.

who married in York County, Penn. They lived for several years in Washington County, Penn. , and moved, in an early day, to Ohio, settling first near Steubenville; from there went to Tuscarawas County, Ohio, and later to Greene County, Ohio, where they died. They were the parents of ten children: William, Ann. Duncan, John S., David, Sampson S., Margaret, Jonathan, Essemiah and Robert. Margaret and Anna are deceased. Our subject's father was a sailor, but followed farming after coming to Ohio He was a Whig and Republican in politics. William Williamson came to this county in 1850, purchased land and cleared up a large farm. He married, first, Jane McCroskey, of Greene County, Ohio. She bore him nine children: Granvil L., Madison H., Joseph H., Catherine E., David R., Martha F., Mary L, William A. and Amanda J. The eldest two and Martha F. and Mary I. are deceased; the mother is also deceased. Mr. Williamson's second marriage was with Hannah H. Carson, with whom he resides at Mount Cory, this county. Mr. Williamson and wife are members of the United Presbyterian Church. In politics he is a Republican.

G. F. WONDER, farmer and stock raiser, P. O. Mount Cory, was born December 29, 1844, son of Mathias and Sarah Catherine (Fowl) Wonder; former a Pennsylvania-German and a farmer, now residing in Wyandot County, Ohio, latter born in Germany. They reared a family of ten children, all now living and doing well, G. F. being the second. Our subject was reared on the farm and received a good English education. The occupation of his life has been agriculture, in which he has met with marked success, being now the owner of a well improved farm of 175 acres, on which he resides. He came to this county in 1870. In politics he is a Republican. He has been school director for nine years. In 1864 Mr. Wonder enlisted in the United States Signal Corps; was in eighteen well fought battles, and was present when Gen. Lee surrendered to Gen. Grant. He was discharged from the service at the close of the war. He is a member of the G. A. R. In 1869 Mr. Wonder was united in marriage with Sarah, daughter of Gideon and Hannah (Kremerer) Falk, Pennsylvania-Dutch, both now deceased. To Mr. and Mrs. Wonder have been born five children: Olive A., Rosa J. (deceased), Levi Elroy, Irvin Hayes and Eva Pearl. Our subject and wife are members of the Evangelical Association at Mount Cory. He is class leader, trustee and secretary of the board, and teacher in the Sabbath-school.

THOMAS E. WOOD, physician, Rawson, was born in Hancock County September 20, 1840, son of James and Hannah (Hatchery Wood, natives of Ohio and of German and English descent. James Wood, who was a farmer, camp to Hancock County in 1837, and settled on a farm; his family consisted of eight children, Thomas E. being fourth. The subject of this sketch was reared on the farm, attended the common school and worked on the farm with his father until 1862, when he enlisted in the Eighty-seventh Ohio Volunteer Infantry, Company G, serving three months. He was taken prisoner at the battle of Harper's Ferry, and after his exchange and discharge he re-enlisted in the Second Ohio Heavy Artillery and served until the close of the war. He participated in several battles and skirmishes. Mr. Wood commenced the study of medicine in 1867, in the office of Dr. J. Miller, and continued his medical education at the W estern Reserve University at Cleveland, Ohio, where he graduated in 1870. He commenced the practice of his profession in Rawson, this county , where he still continues with marked success. The Doctor is a member of the G, A. R.., and was

VAN BUREN TOWNSHIP. - 873

commander of a post in 1883 and 1884. He is a prominent member of the I. O. O. F. and has filled all the offices in the subordinate lodge, and is a member of the Encampment. He is also a F. & A. M. In politics he is a Republican. From 1872 to 1880 our subject was engaged in the grocery and drug business in Rawson. Dr. Wood is one of Rawson's best citizens, and has done his part toward the improvement of the town.