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CESSNA TOWNSHIP.

BENJAMIN AULT, farmer, P.O. North Washington, was born in Wayne County, Ohio, June 22, 1840. He is a son of Jacob and Catherine (Holser) Atilt, the former a native of Pennsylvania, who emigrated to Ohio in the year 1826. Our subject was raised on a farm and received a common school education in Wayne County, Ohio. He came to Ohio in 1877. His brother, Eli Ault, was also a native of Wayne County, born in August, 1848. He was married, July 4, 1874, to Jane Neal, of Williams County, Ohio, by whom he has had two children, Lottie and Willis. The two brothers bought their farm of rich soil, in Section 2 Cessna Township. and are constantly improving it, being repaid by rich crops of wheat and corn. Mrs. Eli Ault is a member of the Church of God. In politics, the two brothers are Democrats, but have never sought or held office.

JAMES BAILEY, farmer, P. O. Kenton, was born in Taylor Creek Township, Hardin County, Ohio, January 14, 1830. His parents are Silas and Harriet (Rial) Bailey, the former a native of Virginia, the latter of Logan County, Ky. They came to Hardin County in the year 1854. The subject of this sketch was reared on a farm, obtaining a coin Lion school


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education in this township. He was united in marriage, February 12, 1854, to Eliza A., daughter of David and Levina Evans, of Delaware, who came to Hardin County in 1854 or 1855. Seven children have blessed this union, viz., Willis, David, Siege, Marshall, Hattie, Enoch and Edward. Mr. Bailey enlisted September 17, 1864, in the One Hundred and Seventy-ninth Ohio Volunteer Infantry; was out nine months and lay sick at Nashville for three months. In politics, he is a Democrat, and is a well known citizen of Cessna Township. Mr. Bailey has lived in this county all his life.

WILLIAM BISH, farmer, P. O. Ada, was born in Rockingham County, Va., February 2. 1827, and is a son of Dawalt and Mary Ann (Drawland) Bish. His parents, of German descent, were natives of Virginia, whence they emigrated and located in Fairfield County, Ohio, at a time our subject was quite young. Mr. William Bish was united in marriage in 1852 with Eliza Jane, a daughter of Thomas and Harriet Gray, of Franklin County, Ohio. Four children have resulted from this union, viz., Williard Wilson, William Dawalt, Sarah Bell and Rollo Roscoe. Mr. Bish served through the Mexican war in the Fourth Ohio Regiment, was also in the rebellion in the One Hundred and Eightieth Ohio Volunteer Infantry. He participated in the battle of Kingston. Mr. Bish resides on his farm, which is very pleasantly situated in Section 7, Cessna Township. He is a member of the Grange, is a Democrat in politics, and has filled the office of Township Trustee, also several minor positions.

ALBERT JAMES BOYD, farmer, P. O. Ada, was born in Delaware. County, Ohio, April 12, 1851. His parents are Thomas and Susan Boyd. His father emigrated from his native county, Delaware, Ohio, and cated in Hardin County, Ohio, in 1865. The subject of this sketch was married. December 25, 1875, to Hester Ann, a daughter of Jacob and Mary Ann Lambert, and a native of Ohio. They have four children, viz., Viola May, George Alexander, Ralph Herbert and Susan Idella. Mr. Boyd and his wife are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church. Mr. Boyd was reared on a farm, obtaining a common school education. His farm shows the care and energy of its occupant.

WILLIAM HARVEY BROWN, farmer and civil engineer, P. O. Kenton, was born at Amsterdam, N Y., July 25, 1835. He is a son of Loomis and Amancy (Gifford) Brown, both natives of New York. Our subject came to Ohio in 1847, was reared on a farm and was educated at the common schools and at the Baldwin University, Berea, Ohio, from which latter place he graduated in the scientific course. He was married, November 24, 1859, to Jane E. Richards, born October 17, 1838, and a daughter of Edwin Richards, of Massachusetts. Their union was blessed with four children, viz , Virginia Eleanor, born October 13, 1860, died June 16, 1879; Florence Amelia; born October 11, 1862, died August 18, 1879; Erwin Arthur. born October 21, 1872; and Celia May, born May 9, 1876. Mrs. Brown died November 23, 1879, and Mr. Brown remarried February 19, 1880, taking for his second wife Mary Elizabeth Scott. She was born December 31, 1853, and is a daughter of William J. and Almira Jane (Rose) Scott. One child has resulted from this union, William Loomis, born July 9, 1881. Mr. Brown is an honorable member of Amicitia Lodge, No. 79, Independent Order of Odd Fellows, also of the Encampment at Kenton. In politics, he is a Republican and has served Hardin County seven years as a County Surveyor. He is well qualified as a civil engineer, in which line he does considerable business. He also gives some attention to the cultivation of his farm, which is situated on the Lima pike, Section 23.


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SAMUEL RILEY CALVIN, farmer. P. O. Kenton, was born in Lawrence County, Penn, November 1, 1835. He is a son of George and Elizabeth (Lightner) Calvin, the former from Ireland, and the latter from Pennsylvania. Our subject was married. July 30, 1857, to Sarah Ann Smith, born in Pennsylvania, of German descent, and a daughter of Allen and Margaret Smith. The five children born arc as follows: Margaret Elizabeth, wife of William A. Major; Ida -May; Riley Lorenzo-, Pede, died at the age of two months; and Viola, deceased at the age of two months. Mr. Calvin volunteered in the Eighty-second Ohio Volunteer Infantry, and fought in the following battles: Slaughter Creek. second Bull Run. McDowel. Peach Tree Creek, Cross Keys. Chancellorsville, Fairfax Court House. Fred ericksburg, Woodstock and Gettysburg. He was taken prisoner in July, 1803; was confined four months, and then took part in the engagements at Kenesaw :Mountain and Atlanta: was in the march of Sherman to the sea, and was discharged January 1, 1865. In politics. Mr. Calvin is a Republican; has served as School Director and Supervisor. and at present is County Constable.

JOHN DAVIS CESSNA, farmer, P. O. Kenton, was born in Cumberland County, Penn., February 1, 1823. His father, William Cessna, was of French, and his mother, Kesiah Davis. of Welsh ancestry, both natives of Pennsylvania. Our subject came to Ohio in 1828 or 1829, and to Hardin County in 1835. He was reared on a farm and obtained the limited edification afforded by the common schools of his day. On November 14, 1851. he was married to Eliza Ann, a daughter of Manly Reid. The nine children born to them are as follows: William Manly, a resident of Hardin County, and married to Clara Bell Davis; Joseph Hiram, deceased at the age of ten months; Isaac Adis, deceased when two months old; Mary Elizabeth, at home; Zacharias Phillips, a resident of Illinois; Albert Clement, Florence, Henry. John Davis and Harriet Ann. Mrs. Cessna died August 12, 1879. Mr. Cessna remarried September 28, 1881, the lady of his choice being Lydia Ann, daughter of John and Anna Obenonr, and a native of Ohio. One child has resulted from this union, Bessie Carrie. During the late war, Mr. Cessna volunteered in the One Hundred and Thirty-fifth Ohio National Guards, but was not called into active service. He and his wife are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church, in which he has served as Trustee, Class Leader and Superintendent of the Sabbath school. He was a member of the Kenton Lodge, No. 79, Independent Order of Odd Fellows. In politics, he is a Republican, has filled the position of Township Trustee, and has also filled minor offices with honor.

WILLIAM T. COLE, farmer, P. O. Kenton, was born July 1, 1842, in Washington Township, Hardin County, Ohio. He is a son of David and Rebecca (Shafer) Cole, the former a native of Fairfield County, Ohio, and the latter of Pennsylvania, of German descent. The subject of this sketch was reared on a farm, attending the common schools, and spent one term at the Kenton Union School. He was united in marriage. October 29,1862, to Martha Ann Bateson. born September 3,1837 , a daughter of George and Eliza Bateson. To this union there have been born three children-William C., born August 21, 1863; Edwin Willis, born April 16, 1866; and Harold Irwin, born April 5, 1870. Mr. Cole enlisted September 20, 1864, in the One Hundred and Seventy-eighth Ohio Volunteer Infantry, and served nearly one year. He and his wife are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church. His hand of assistance is felt in the church and its missions, and in all educational, charitable and benevolent societies. He


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is also a respected member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows fraternity.

SAMUEL DETWILER. farmer, P. O. Kenton, was born in Franklin County, Penn., July 23, 1825. His parents, Jacob and Elizabeth (Gear) Detwiler, natives of Lancaster County, Penn., came to Ohio in 1827: located in Columbiana County. thence removed to Seneca County in 1843, and finally, in 1851, settled in Hardin County. Our subject was reared on a farm, obtaining a common school education, and was married, January 2, 1851, to Elizabeth Nisley, a native of Seneca County, Ohio, and a daughter of Henry and Anna Nisley. The nine children born to them are as follows: Alonzo Willis, died at the age of two years and nine months; Orville Augustus, married to Mary E. Bateson, of Cessna Township; Mar, Jane, died at the ago of nine years: William Henry, married to Jane Russell; John Wesley. married to Rosa Buckingham, of Bloom Township, Seneca County, Ohio; Samuel Otis, died at the age of five years; Sarah Abigail, wife of David Smith, of Blanchard Township; Jacob Ellsworth, at home: and Anna Elizabeth, in Ashland County, Ohio. Mrs. Detwilor died June 6, 1865, and Mr. Detwiler married January 11, 1866, Mary Ann. a daughter of John and Fannie Legron. She was born in Pennsylvania December 12, 1827, and came to Ohio in 1832. They have now two children, Edward Sherman and Alice Victoria. Mr. Detwiler and his family are members of the Church of Christ. He is a member also of the Amicita Lodge, No. 79, Independent Order of Odd Fellows, and of the Patrons of Husbandry. In politics. Mr. Detwiler is a Republican, is Commix sioner of the county, and has been Trustee, besides holding several minor offices.

RALPH DILDINE, farmer. P. O. Kenton, was born in Delaware County, Ohio, December 31, 1833. His father, Allen Dildine, was born in Pennsylvania, and his mother, Mary Boyd. in Ohio. Our subject came to Hardin County. Ohio, in 1851, and to Cessna Township in 1881. He was educated in the common schools of Delaware County, and was reared on a farm. On March 2, 1859, he was married to Patience, a daughter of John and Huldah Clark of Marion County, Ohio. Her father was a native of Pickaway County, Ohio, and her mother of the State of Delaware. Mr. and Mrs. Dildine are the parents of seven children. viz., Demeris Jane, wife of William Halpin, of Jackson Township; Fronie Ellen. Huldah Ann, Myrtie Adell. Mary and Amy (twins), Willie, deceased at the age of four months, and Nettie. deceased at the age of six years. Mr. Dildine and his wife are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church. In politics, he is a Democrat. He is one of the latest accessions to Cessna Township, and is a man that will make his mark.

JOHN ECCARIUS, farmer, P. O. Kenton, is a native of Germany, born October 23, 1834, and is a son of George and Margaret (Gessard) Eccarins. He came with his parents to America in 1819, and the same year settled in Hardin County, Ohio. His schooling was mostly obtained in Germany and he was reared to farming. He was united in marriage in April, 1857, to Margaret Oschman, a native of Germany, who came to Hardin County with her parents in 1854 or 1855. Nine children resulted from this union, viz., Jannette, Ernest. Caroline, John George, Martha, David Robert, U. S. Grant, Carl and Florin. Mr. Eccarius was a member of One Hundred and Thirty-fifth Ohio Volunteer Infantry, and was in the engagement at, John Brown's meeting house. He belongs to the Lutheran Church is in politices, a Republican, but has never sought nor held office


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SAMUEL MITCHELL EDENS, saw-miller, P. O. Kenton, was born in West Virginia June 20, 1840. His parents, John and Sarah (Miller) Edens, were natives of Virginia and of German lineage. When quite young, our subject came with his parents to Ohio, locating in Highland County, and subsequently, in 1866, in Hardin County. He was reared on a farm and attended the common schools; then worked at milling for about twenty years, and is now running a mill of his own. In 1869; he was united in marriage to Catherine Jane, a daughter of John and Alary Ann Swartz, of Muskingum County, Ohio. They have eight children, viz., Ervin Algern, Arizonia Adelaide, Emery Melvin, Leona Adelle, Euretta Almena, William Merlin, Lillian Dale and Reginald Guy. Mr. Edens served one week in the chase after Morgan during the Morgan raid in Ohio.

B. P. EULIN, farmer, P. O. Kenton, was born in Hardin County, Ohio, October 26, 1847. He is a son of John Perry and Elizabeth (Linck) Euline, natives of Ohio. His father was a pioneer of Hardin County, and is still living. Our subject was reared on a farm, securing a common school education, and for a time was a teacher in the schools. Ile has since been engaged in carrying on farming. On November 7, 1872, he married Rachel O., daughter of William and Nancy Cessna, which union resulted in one child, Cora Elizabeth, who died when little over a year old. Mrs. Eulin died March 10, 1875, and Mr. Eulin remarried December 25, 1878. His second wife is Mary Elizabeth, daughter of Israel and Patsey Smith, and a native of Fayette County, Ohio. Mrs Eulin is a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church. Mr. Eulin was a member and Warden of the Patrons of husbandry, but his Grange has since been discontinued. In politics, be is a Republican, has served as Constable, and is an intelligent, thrifty farmer.

JOHN FOIT, farmer, P. O. North Washington, was born in Germany December 18, 1822, and is a son of Frederick and Catherine (Horbecker) Foit. He came with his parents to America in 1838, and settled in Hardin County, Ohio, in the same year. In 1844, he was married to :Margaret Troutman, a native of Germany, whence she emigrated when a child. To this union there was born one child, John S., married to Rebecca Lipper. Mrs. Foit died April 13, 1845, and in December, 1845, Mr. Foit was married to Rebecca Yerriaa, a native of Ohio. She died without issue in April, 1857, and in May of the same year Mr. Foit took for his third wife Mary M. Smith, by whom he had ten children, as follows: Henry, Jonas, Stephen, Edward, Melinda, William, Thomas, Ellen, Lilla and Emma. Mrs. Foit departed this life on August 29, 1882. Mr. Foit is a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church, and has been its Class Leader for ten or twelve years. In politics, he is a D Democrat, and is one of the Township Trustees, having also served as Supervisor and School Director.

PLINY GROVER, farmer, P. O. Kenton, was born in Hardin County, Ohio, May 6, 1840. His parents are Samuel and Margaret (Gerard) Drover, the former of German and the latter of French ancestry. They carne to Ohio in 1814 and to Hardin County in 1837. The subject, of this sketch was reared on a farm and obtained a fair education from the common schools of Hardin County. In 1868, he was married to Lizzie A., a daughter of Philip and Catherine (Mingle) Shingle, of German lineage. This union has never been blessed with children. Mr. Grover went to California in 1862, and on his journey back in 1866, rode horseback from North Angeles to Jacksonville, Ill. He is employed in cultivating his well-kept farm, located in Section 25, Cessna Township.


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WILLIAM H. GUIDER, farmer, P. O. Kenton, was born in Columbi Ohio, February 24, 1840. He is a son of August and Christina (Daniel) Guider, both natives of Germany, who came to Ohio in 1835 and settled Hardin County in the spring of 1841. Our subject was united in marriage, January 2, 1868, with Marriett Ault, of Pennsylvania descent, a native of Medina County, Ohio. and a daughter of George and Mary Ault. The four children resulting from this union are Emma May, John William, Mary Ann, and Sarah Jane. Mr. Guider, during the war, served fourteen and a half months in the Eighty-second Ohio Volunteer Infantry, and eleven and a half months in the Second Ohio Volunteer Battery. He and his wife are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church.

JOHN DANIEL GUIDER, saw-miller and farmer, P. O. Kenton, was born October 4, 1850, in Washington Township, Hardin County, Ohio. He is a son of Augustus and Christina (Daniel) Guider, both emigrants from Germany in the year 1832. Our subject was married, February 17, 1876, to Emma, a daughter of I. N. and Mary Huey. This union has resulted in three children, viz., Ollie Verba, born February 7, 1877 ; and Ira True, born January 24, 1879; and Daisy Grace, born February 9, 1881. Mr. and Mrs. Guider are both members of the Church of Christ. Mr. Guider is a Democrat in politics, and is now serving as Township Clerk.

I. N. HUEY, farmer and saw-miller, P. O. Kenton, was born in Fairfield County, Ohio, May 28, 1829; and is a son of Jonas and Rosanna (Fry) Huey. His parents are natives of Pennsylvania, and came to Ohio at an early day. He (I. N. Huey) located in Hardin County in the year 1869. Our subject was reared on a farm, obtained an education from the common schools of Ohio, and for one year was at the Ohio Wesleyan University, Delaware, Ohio. He taught school in his younger days for about sixty months in the district schools, and part of the time he had charge of the advanced classes in the graded schools. For twenty-four years past, he has been running his saw mill, and latterly clearing and improving his farm. He was married, December 30, 1852, to Mary Woods, born July 8, 1832, in Knox County, Ohio, and a daughter of Timothy and Mary Woods, and to this union six children have been born, viz., Emma, born November 13, 1853, married to J. D. Guider; Melville, born April 3, 1856, married to Emma Bowman and residing in Cessna Township; Mary Ann, born June 2, 1858; Madaline Leslie., born October 3, 1860; Leclair, born May 3, 1864, died March 19, 1873 ; and Carlie, born August 19, 1866. Mrs. Huey died February 3, 1867, and Mr. Huey was remarried February 18, 1868, taking for his second wife Ruth Ann Brooks, who was born October 2, 1838, in Coshocton County, Ohio. Her father, James Brooks, was a native of Pennsylvania, and her mother, Elizabeth Brooks, a native of New Jersey; they were residents of Coshocton County, Ohio. The four children born to this second union are Alice May, born May 1, 1869 died March 25, 1871; Milton, born July 19, 1874; Cora Arametta, born April 5, 1877; and Bessie Mondella, born February 18, 1881. Mr. Huey and family are members of the Church of Christ, of which he has been an Elder for fourteen years. In politics, he is a Republican, and is serving as Trustee of Cessn a Township.

GEORGE WASHINGTON KEEL, farmer, P. O. Kenton, was born in Philadelphia, Penn., January 1, 1811, and is the youngest of a family of eight children. His father, Peter Keel, was a native of Germany, and his mother, Nancy (Davis) Keel, was born in Dauphin County, Penn. His father and grandfather fought in the Revolution. On Marsh 3, 1836 our




924 - BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES

subject way married to Susanna Kyler, born October 31, 1816, a daughter of Henry Kyler. The twelve children born to them are as follows: Thomas H., died in Pennsylvania; William Henry, also died in Pennsylvania, Barbara Ann, wife of W. S. Harris, of Hardin County; Louisa Margaret, wife of John F. Littell, Delaware, Ohio; Laura Jane, wife of Joseph Novitt, of Kenton; Susan Mary, deceased at the age of eighteen months; Mary Elizabeth, wife of Samuel Payne, of Kenton, George W. H., at home; High C., married to Emma Brooks: John Cyrus. deceased at the age of eighteen months; Susan Martha. at home; and John Davis, deceased. Mr. Keel and his wife are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church. Mr. Keel formerly belonged to Cumberland Lodge, No. 90, Independent Order of Odd Fellows, of Pennsylvania, but has never renewed his membership in this State. He served seven years in the Light Horse Guards of Pennsylvania. In politics. he is a Republican, and has served as School Director and Supervisor, but has never sought office, desiring to cultivate his well-kept, and fertile farm.

CHARLES KRAFT, farmer, P. O. Dunkirk, was born in Washington Township, Hardin County, Ohio, February 3, 1840. He is a son of William and Louisa (Strassman) Kraft. His father was a native of Germany. He emigrated from Hanover in 1835 and the following year located in Hardin County, Ohio. Our subject received a common school education. and was married October 20, 1867, to Catherine Serson, born September 9, 1846. a native of Germany. She emigrated to Ohio in the year 1862. They have five children, viz., Albert, born January 30, 1869; Frank, born October 3, 1871, Lizzie, born November 30, 1873; Emma, born June 23, 1876; and William, born January 3, 1879. Mr. Kraft enlisted in the Eighty-second Ohio Volunteer Infantry, November 4. 1861, and served three years and eight months. He was first in McDowell's division, and took part in the following engagements: Cedar Mountain, second Bull Run, Fredericksburg, Chancellorsville and Gettvsburg. At the last-named battle, he was wounded in the left breast, and confined for eighteen weeks to the hospital. He was then transferred to the Western Division; was in the battle of Missionary Ridge, and closed with Sherman's march to the sea. Mr. Kraft settled on his present farm in 1873 and has pursued farming for his occupation.

DAVID OBENOUR, farmer. P. O. Kenton, was born in Stark County. Ohio, December 2, 1826. His parents, Harmon and Christina (Acre) Obenour, both natives of Pennsylvania, came to Ohio about the year 1820, and settled in Hardin County in the fall of 1837. Our subject was married, February 10, 1848, to Hannah Clapham, born in England, December 13, 1827, and a daughter of William and Sarah Clapham, of Yorkshire, England. Her father Nvas born about the year 1793. and was married to Sarah Powell in 1826. They came to America in 1830, settled in Marion County, Ohio, and subsequently located in Hardin County, where they have since remained. When first living in Hardin County, they passed months without seeing a white person outside of their own family. Mr.. Clapham's family consisted of nine children, eight living. two of whom are natives of England. Mr. and Mrs. Obenour have six children, viz., Melodic Ann, wife of John M. Reid, residents of Brown County. Kan.; William Harmon, married to Maria M. Darst, of Washington Township: George Washington, of Washington Township; Sarah Genevra, wife of Austin Wilbur Mathews, of Cessna Township; Robert Elmore, married to Eva Gertrude Gould, Cessna Township; and Minerva Estella. The latter is an intelligent and accomplished young lady, who left home for Kansas August 2, 1876, and


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taught in a normal school in Pardee; on July 2, 1879, she was in Minnesota, teaching in Howard, `'right County, and August 8, 1880, she engaged to teach in Morrill, Kan. She is now living at home. Mr. and Mrs. Obenour are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church, of which the former has been a Steward for a considerable time. He is a member of the Grange, is Republican in politics, has held offices of trust, and for live years past has been serving as Infirmary Director.

JOSIAH OBENOUR, farmer. P. O. North W Washington, was born in Hardin County, Ohio, January 24, 1850. He is a son of Harmon and Elizabeth (Fultz) Obenour, both natives of Pennsylvania. The subject of this sketch was educated at the common schools of Hardin County. He has been a lifelong farmer and owns eighty acres of land on Section 4, Cessna Township. On November 20, 1873, he was married to Susan, a daughter of John G. and Susan (Neaunt) Smith, of Hardin County, Ohio. Two children have been born, Nora May, born in 1874; and Melvin Perry, born in 1876. Mr. Obenour and his wife are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church. Mr. Obenour is a Democrat in politics, and one of the preent Trustees of Cessna Township.

WILLIAM BENJAMIN POOL, farmer, P. O. Kenton, was born in Pennsylvania February 28, 1838. He is a son of George and Emily (Carroll) Pool, his father a native of Pennsylvania and of Welsh descent, anal his mother from Delaware, of English ancestry. Our subject obtained a fair education from the common schools of Pennsylvania, and moved to Hardin County, Ohio, in 1854. On the 1st or December, 1863, he was married to ---------, by whom he has had two children-Frank Shane and Carrie Leito. Mr. Pool volunteered, September 4, 1864, in the Ono Hundred and Seventy-sixth Ohio Volunteer Infantry, serving about ten months, and was in the battle at Nashville. He and his wife are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church. Mr. Pool is a Republican in politics and has served his township as School Director and as Supervisor.

FRANKLIN JONAS POST, farmer, P. O. Kenton, was born in Know County, Ohio, August 10, 1831. and is a son of Jonas and Lorain (Lindley) Post, both natives of Pennsylvania. Our subject came to Hardin County, Ohio, in 1853, and settled on Section 12, Cessna Township. During the war, he paid $220 for a substitute. On December 12, 1850, he was united in marriage to Elizabeth, daughter of Peter D. and Mary (Clutter) Jones, the former a native of New Jersey, the latter of Pennsylvania. Three children were born, viz., John Andrew, born September 20, 1855; George E. Wallace, born November 21, 1863: and Mary Ermine, born April 20, 1866, died August 18, 1866. Mr. Post lost his wife August 1866, and still remains a widower. He is a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church. In politics, Mr. Post is a Democrat, and has filled the offices of School Director and Supervisor for several years. His well-kept, farm shows his energy and enterprise.

WILLIAM A. REED, farmer and carpenter, P. O. Kenton, was born in Ross County, Ohio, January 3, 1845, and is a son of Alexander and Eliza (Bowdle) Reed. His father was a native of Virginia, and his mother of Ohio. Our subject was educated at the common schools of Ohio, reared on a farm and learned the trade of a carpenter, at which he sometimes works, but is chiefly employed in farming. He came to Hardin County in 1866, and married, February 15, 1870, Lucinda, a daughter of Asa and Nancy Cooney, and a native of Champain County, Ohio. They have but one child, Leona.. Mr. Reed volunteered' in the One Hundred and Fifty.


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fifth Ohio National Guards, and served. a hundred days' campaign in Virginia. He and his wife are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church. Mr. Reed was a member of the Patrons of Husbandry, which Grange is in a flourishing condition. In politics, he is a Republican, and has served as School Director.

SIMON ADIS REID, farmer. P. O. Kenton, was born in Columbiana County, Ohio, July 26, 1820. His father, Manly Reid, a native of Monmouth County, N. J., was a son of John and Charity (Manly) Reid. The latter was a daughter of John Manly, who was a Captain of the Minutemen of New Jersey during the Revolution, and whose family came originally from Holland. John Reid, the grandfather of our subject, was a son of John Reid, of England, and Margaret Miller, of Scotland. He was a soldier in the war of independence, and served part of the time as one of Washington's scouts. Manly Reid. the father of our subject, fought in the war of 1812, and about 1817 came to Ohio, where he was married in 1819 and settled down in Columbiana County. The subject of this sketch was raised on a farm, had a little common school education and by dint of hard study at nights, and the exercise of perseverance,, he qualified himself to teach in after years. At the age of twenty-four years, he emigrated to the backwoods of Hardin County, to take a share in reducing her fertile lands to cultivation. On March 18, 1845, he was married to Eliza, daughter of John H. and Barbara (Bibler) Houser, born in Union County, Ohio, August 25, 1825. She came with her parents to Hai-din County in 1828. Her parents were pioneers of Hardin County, and the first election was held at their residence on the Scioto River below Kenton. Mr. and Mrs. Reid had a family of nine children, viz.. an infant, born December 23, 1845, died the day following; John Manly, born November 4, 1847, married to M. A., daughter of David and Hannah Obenour, and now Principal in the Normal School at Morrill, Kan.; George Houser, whose sketch is given elsewhere; an infant, born January, 1852, died same day; Mary Adelaide, born October 6, 1854, wife of Peter J. Bryan, of Adams County, Ind.; Charity Ann, born August 22, 1857, wife of John J. Macklin, of Hardin County, Ohio; Simon Adis, born June 19, 1861, at home; Emma Eliza, born August 26, 1864, at home; and Thomas Hiram, born March 15, 1869, died September, 1869. Mrs. Reid died April 4, 1869, and Mr. Reid remarried February 17, 1870. His second wife is Rebecca E., daughter of Allen and Mary (Bell) Leeper, a native of Richland County, Ohio, born October 9, 1818, and an emigrant to Hardin County in March of 1833. Her father was born in New Jersey, but removed with his father, James Leeper, to Pennsylvania at an early day. James Leeper returned to New Jersey for the rest of his plunder, and died, leaving his wife with a family of little children in a wild, new country. Mr. Leeper, while a small lad, while hunting cows one evening, was standing on a log to look for them, when he was shot in the arm by an Indian. He dropped off the log, taking to his heels, and made his escape. In the winter of 1844, and for four or five years following, our subject taught school in an old log house in District No. 1, Cessna Township. He and his wife are members of the Church of Christ, of which he has been Elder for twenty years. He is a Republican in politics and is now serving his third term as Justice of the Peace, his first two terms having been filled before the war. He enlisted in the One Hundred and Thirty-fifth Ohio National Guards, and served a campaign in Maryland and West Virginia, having previously enlisted in the Eighty-second Ohio Volunteer Infantry, from which he was discharged for


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disability. Mr. Reid has always followed farming, and still resides on his farm of 160 acres. which is under a high state of cultivation. Although sixty-two years of age, he is still robust and hearty, his even life and temperate habits having contributed to his good health. Respected by all, he stands out a bold beacon light to the young, saying " Go thou and do likewise."

GEORGE HOUSER REID. farmer, P. O. Kenton, was born in Hardin County, Ohio, December 31, 1849. (For his parentage see sketch of S. A. Reid in this volume.) He was educated in the common schools and brought up to farming. He was married to Mary Elizabeth Bryan, born October 5, 1849, and a daughter of John and Hannah (Huey) Bryan, of Jay County, Ind. Her father was born in Allen County and was one of the first settlers of Jay County, Ind. ; her grandfather was a native of Pennsylvania, and also a pioneer of Jay County. Both of her parents helped to give decent burial to the soldiers' bones collected around Fort Recovery. Mr. Reid and his wife are the parents of two children--Lewis Eugene, born September 13, 1875, and Eva Loraine, born October 27, 1877. Mr Reid is still young and occupied in farming, but so afflicted with rheumatism that be is often unable to do a good day's work.

GEORGE D. ROBERTS, farmer, P. O. Kenton, was born February 6, 1847, and is a son of John and Ann (Mahan) Roberts. His father born October 17, 1817, in Virginia and came to Carroll County, Ohio, 1828, and was one of the pioneers of that county. He was a member of the Church of Christ, and died September 30, 1882, after a life of service to God and his fellow-men. Our subject was married, August 30, 1873, to Miss Eva Thorpe, born April 1, 1854, daughter of Milo and Mary (McCord) Thorp, of Sandusky County, Ohio. Mr. Roberts was educated at the common school of the county, and he and his wife are members of the Church of Christ. They have four children-Myrtle B., born July 15, 1874; Eddie, born January 25, 1876: Clarence Emmet, born April 20, 1878; and George Elgin, born June 16, 1883. Mr. Roberts follows farming for an occupation, and owns eighty acres of land. He is a Democrat in politics, and has served as Trustee of his township. He is a man of sterling worth and reliable character, well worthy of the estimation in which he is held by the community where he resides.

ELLIS SAMS, farmer, P. O. Kenton, was born in Brown County, Ohio, May 30, 1827. His mother, Elizabeth Gatts, was a daughter of Martin and Sarah Gatts, of German descent, who came to Brown County, Ohio, at an early day. Her father owned a mill and three farms near Newhope, and was Justice of the Peace in his township for several years. Our subject's father was Levi Sams, born September 6, 1798, died May 9, 1855; his mother was born October 12, 1800, died January 10, 1870. They were married August 3, 1825. Our subject was united in marriage, April 9, 1850, to Delilah Hendriexson, born in Brown County, Ohio, March 19, 1829, and a daughter of George and Alley (Court) Hendriexson. Her father was born January 31, 1803, died September 23, 1854: her mother was born January 13, 1801, died September 6, 1854; they are buried on the homestead in Scott Township, Brown County, Ohio. George Hendriexson was a Methodist Episcopal exhorter and class leader, a pattern of Christian piety, and was respected and beloved by all. He served several years as Justice of the Peace of his township. Mr. Sams and his wife have had nine children, as follows: Eliza Jane, born March 9, 1851, married to Wilson Cole September 22, 18 70, by whom she has had four children;


928 - BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES



Sarah Elizabeth, born April 11, 1852, died February 20, 1853; William Levi, born July 25, 1853, married to Emma Bell Draper, March 15, 1876; Emeline, born January 23, 1855, married March 11, 1873, to Samuel Strahm; George Farris, born July 27,1857, married October 5, 1880, to Mary Martin; Melissa, born May 29, 1859, married October 7, 1880, to David C. Hively; John Alonza, born March 24, 1861; Charles. born January 31, 1863; and Francis Marion, born December 11, 1867. Mr. Sams and his wife are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church. Mr. Sams is an old-fashioned Jackson Democrat., has served as Justice of the Peace of Cessna Township, and has also filled several minor offices.

JOHN SCHWEMMER farmer, P. O. Kenton, is a native of Germany, born in the year 1820, and is a son of George and Christine (Steve) Schwemmer. His parents emigrated to America in 1812. Our subject married, in 1855, Mary Eliza Welertz, a native of Germany, who came to America when about twenty yearn of age. They have eight children. viz., Mary Eliza, born January 12, 1857, and wife of Michael Bash, of Kenton; Whilhelmina, born February 19, 1859, wife of George Henry, of Kenton; William Oscar, born January 7, 1861: John Noah, born May 13, 1863; Charlie Ellsworth, born November 13, 1866; Audrew J., born April 25, 1870, and Caroline, born April 25, 1872. Mrs. Schwemmer died March 14, 1874. At the time of the rebellion, Mr. Schwemmer was drafted in 1864, but hired a substitute. He belongs to the Lutheran Church. He owns a fine farm of 105 acres of laud, located on Section 11, Cessna Township.

MICHAEL STEINER, farmer, P. O. Kenton, is a native of Germany, born in 1828, and is a son of George and Margaret Steiner. He emigrated with his parents from his native country in 1846, and was fifty-two days on the voyage. He located in Holmes County, Ohio, and subsequently, in 1858, in Hardin County, where he has since remained. His education was obtained from the common schools of Germany, and by occupation he is a farmer. In 1859, the year following his arrival in Hardin County, Mr. Steiner was united in marriage to Elizabeth Metzger, born in 1831 in Columbiana County, Ohio, a daughter of John and Elizabeth Metzger, of German descent. Eight children have resulted from this union, viz. , John M., William F., Mary Eliza, Lucinda Emeline, Joseph Elmore, Aaron and Ames (twins), and Charles F. Mr. Steiner and his wife are members of the Lutheran Church. Mrs. Steiner's brother, Enoch Metzger, was killed by a thresher in Hancock County, Ohio. Her father's and mother's death's were just one week apart; the former was aged seventy-five and the latter seventy-four years. George Steiner, the father of our subject, was born in 1796, is still living and resides in Hardin County.

GEORGE JOHN STEINER, farmer, P. O. Kenton, was born June 1, 1830, in Germany, whence he emigrated in 1844, first locating in Holmes County, Ohio. In 1858, he moved to Hardin County, Ohio, where he owns a farm of eighty acres in a fine state of cultivation and with good farm buildings. He was married, October 4, 1860. to Julia Ann, widow of Robert. Skates, and a daughter of August and Christena Guider. Mrs. Steiner was born in Columbus, November 9, 1835. Her father moved to Hardin County when she was six years old. Mrs. Steiner by her first husband had four children, all of whom died in infancy except one-Mary V. Skates, who is married to James W. Cessna, in Hardin County, but moved to Kansas in 1881. Mr. and Mrs. Steiner have been blessed with five children, viz., Henry William, born November 9, 1861, at home; an in-


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fant. deceased at the age of ten days; John Daniel, born August 26, 1865, at home; Emma Lavinia, died at the age of five years and ten months; and Clarence Wilson, born May 13, 1875, at home. Mr. Steiner and his wife are both members of the Methodist Episcopal Church. Mr. Steiner is a farmer and has a comfortable home with pleasant surroundings.

ASA WARD, P. O. Kenton, Hardin County, Ohio, was born in Madison Township, Perry County, Ohio, October 25, 1815. lie was married in 1815 to Louisa Gipe, third daughter of Henry and Margaret Gipe, who emigrated to Ohio from Pennsylvania in 1840. Has been a resident of Hardin County, Ohio, since 1865. He has six children as follows: John H., married to Mariah Shadly, deceased, and subsequently to Samantha Grubb; Lucy Margaret, wife of John Daniel of Hardin County, Mary Minerva, deceased, wife of Gilman Houseworth; Sarah Ann, wife of Alexander Daniels, a resident of Cessna Township; Barbary Elizabeth, wife of Elisha Atha, of Allen County, Ohio; air David Edwin, at home. Mr. Ward is a fine type of the pioneer farmer honest, intelligent and hospitable. He is very much respected by all that leave his acquaintance. and has filled various positions of honor and trust.



JACOB WARMBROD, farmer P. O. Kenton. is a native of Switzerhind, born May 19, 1809, and is a son of John and Barbara Warmbrod. He came with his parents to the United States in 1852 and settled in Harden County, Ohio, in the same year. On October 2, 1863, he was married to Anna Mary Wagoner, a native of Switzerland, whence she emigrated with her parents when abort two years of age. The three children born to their are Lee, born in 1866; Mary, and Laura. Mrs. Warmbrod departed this life in 1874, and in 1876 Mr. Warmbrod remarried, taking for his second wife Katy Fry, a native of Hardin County, Ohio. This union resulted in three children-Etfie, Robert Ingersoll and Neddy. Mr. Warmbrod is an intelligent, energetic farmer, but takes no part either in political or church affairs.

JOHN ROBINSON WETHERILL farmer, P. O. Kenton, was born in England March 19, 1809. His parents were William Peter and Ann (Fountain) Wetherill In 1821, our subject emigrated from England, landing in New York, and the following year came to Ohio and located in Richland County, remaining there until 1839, when he settled in Hardin County. In 1834, he was married to Betsey Gloyd, of Richland County, Ohio, by whom he had thirteen children, viz., Rebecca F., wife of Henry Groves, both deceased; William P., married to Martha Irwin, and residing in Allen County, Ohio; Adelaide, wife of J. L. B. Leatherman, and a resident of Allen County, Ohio; Amanda, wife of William Conner; Alexander, married to Lydia Ellen Heath, of Allen County; James G., married to Emily Donelson and living in Hardin County; Thomas F., married to Cordelia A. Rombeau, and resident of Paulding County, Ohio; Eulalia, at home: Harriet Ann, wife of John C. Durbin, of Hardin County; Sarah, wife of Milton Belford, of Allen County; Ira R., married to .Susan Latimer and residing in Allen County; John Franklin, married to Sally White, in Allen County; and Alice, wife of Granville Latimer, of Hardin County. Mrs. Wetherill died in 1865, and Mr. Wetherill subsequently married Phceba, Ziegler, daughter of John Tankard, of England. Four of Mr. Wetherill's sons served during the rebellion, James G., in the Fortieth Ohio Volunteer Infantry; Alexander and Thomas, in the One Hundred and Eighteenth Regiment; and William P., in the One Hundred and. Eightieth Ohio Vol-


930 - BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES:

unteer Infantry. Mr. Wetherill and his first wife were members of the Methodist Episcopal Church, and his present wife of the Disciple Church.

JOHN WILSON, farmer, P. O. Kenton, was born July 29, 1844, and is of Irish parentage, a son of James and Ann (Sutton) Wilson. He came to Ohio in 1863, and, in the spring of 1869, settled on his present farm of fifty acres, which he has since been occupied in cultivating. On May 22, 1861, he enlisted in the New York Second Scott Life Guards, and served to June of 1863. He took part in the following engagements: Bull Run, Yorktown, Williamsburg, seven days before Richmond, Fredericksburg, Chancellorsville, second Bull Run, Chantilla, and at the last named battle he was slightly wounded. The regiment had started out full and returned with 138 men, and his company with only eighteen. He was awarded a silver medal for meritorious conduct. On March 17, 1870, he was united in marriage to Eliza Jane Bateson, a native of Fairfield County, Ohio, by whom he had four children. He and his wife are members of the Disciple Church. Mr. Wilson is an F. & A. M. in good standing in Lodge No. 154.in Chapter No. 119, and in Council No. 65, of Kenton.

OWEN PERRY WILSON, farmer, P. O. Ada, was born in Marion Township, Hardin County, Ohio, May 3, 1853. He is a son of H. H. and Mary J. (Cooney) Wilson, of Logan and Champaign Counties, Ohio. respectively. Our subject was reared on a farm, educated at the common schools and completed the scientific course of the Northwestern Ohio Normal School, June 11, 1875, the course including instruction at Mount Union College, the years 1874 and 1875. Since then be has been teaching; was for five terms in the common schools of the county and one year in the Normal School at Ida. He was united in marriage. October 2, 1877, to Mary Lindsey, born May 6, 1857, a daughter of James H. and Elon Lindsey, of Wyandot County, Ohio. They have one child, a son, who was born March 29, 1880, died April 7, 1880. Mr Wilson and his wife are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church, of which he is a Class Leader, and where he has also served as Superintendent and teacher in the Sabbath school. He and his wife visited the centennial of 1876, their trip including Washington City and New York, returning via the Hudson River and Niagara Falls. Their wedding tour in 1877 included Niagara, with other Eastern points of interest.