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SHARON TOWNSHIP.

P. P. AMERMAN, farmer ; P. 0. Sharon Center ; was born in Somerset Co., N. J., Nov. 28, 1816. He is a son of Albert and Ellen (Peterson) Amerman. They were the parents of three children—P. P., John and Ellen. The subject of our sketch lived with his parents in New Jersey until the age of 9 years. His parents then moved to Long Island ; they remained there eight years ; they then came to Sharon Township. Medina Co., Ohio. During this time, Mr. Amerman spent his time at school and on the farm. At the age of 22, he returned to New Jersey and taught school eighteen months. In that time, he was united in marriage with Mary Cherry. daughter of Isaac Cherry. To them were born four children—Sarah E., born Nov. 16, 1844, dead ; Maria E., born Jan. 1, 1848 ; Ida L., born Feb. 20, 1851, and Perry Ellsworth. born Oct. 11, 1863. At the time of Mr. and Mrs. Amerman's marriage. they came to Sharon Township, Medina Co., Ohio, and located in the southern part. Here they erected their cabin, in which they spent their honeymoon. Their furniture consisted of six home made chairs, two bedsteads, which were covered with basswood bark, used as a substitute for cord, and a large cupboard, all of which were home made. But, notwithstanding this, they lived as happily as people of the present day do in elegant mansions. Mr. Amerman has always lived a quiet. peaceable life, never having trouble with his fellowmen in any way. He now resides in the southern part of Sharon, on the old homestead of his parents. He is a Republican in politics, and one of the prominent citizens of his township.

PETER BRANIGAN (deceased) ; was a native of Ireland, and was born in 1817. He went to Scotland when a young man, and Jan. 1. 1844, was married to Margaret Digney. and by her had five children—Margaret. born Jan. 14, 1845, lied Sept. 4, 1854 ; Tom. born Feb. 24, 1847, and is now living with his mother in Sharon township ; Peter, born Feb. 23, 1849. died March 6, 1853 ; John. born Dec. 18. 1850 ; Elen, born March 10. 1852, died March 11, 1856. Mrs. Branigan is a native of Scotland, and was born Aug. 16, 1826. They came to the United States in 1850, and afterward to Sharon Township. Medina Co.. Ohio. Mr. Branigan departed this life Sept. 8, 1854. He was an honest, upright man, and his death was mourned by a large circle of friends and acquaintances. Mrs. Branigan was married again, her second husband being William H. Varney. and to this union was born one son—Perry 0., born Nov. 9. 1860. Mr. Varney died at Ft. Scott, Kan.. April 9. 1862, from wounds received in the army. John Branigau. a son by the first marriage. married Ida Wise, Dec. 8, 1878. Tom, his brother. at the age of 14. entered the army. and his comrades all say there was no braver soldier in that bitter struggle than Tom Branigan.

METCALF BELL. farmer ; P. 0. Sharon Center ; was born in England Oct. 19. 1832. In 1833. he together with his parents, John and Mary (Coates) Bell. came to the United States. and on their arrival. started for the interior. and the same year, located in Sharon Township. Medina Co., Ohio. He is one of the following family : John. Elizabeth. James C.. Ann, Sarah. Hannah. Metcalf, Mary. and two that died in infancy. unnamed. Mr. Bell passed his youth with his parents, on the farm and attending school. In 1858. Mr. Bell and Miss Ellen J. Connell were united in marriage, and to them were born four children—DeForest, born Jan. 15, 1859 ; John. born April 1, 1860 ; Warren. born April 9. 1862, and Nettie. born July 7, 1874. DeForest married Miss Rena Totman. and lives in Sharon Township. Mr. Bell is a Democrat in politics, and a man of considerable influence in the township. He has held the position of Justice of the Peace for the past twelve years. He is a member of the Universalist Society in Sharon Township.

DANIEL G. BRIGGS, farmer; P. 0. Sharon Center. Among the many enterprising and influential citizens of Sharon Township. is the subject of this sketch. He is a native of Ontario Co., N. Y., and was born Oct. 13. 1818. He is a son of Thomas B. and Abigail (Gregg) Briggs, who were parents of the following family—Louisa. Almeda. Daniel. Silas. George G., Ben-

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jamin B., Maria A., John G. and Joseph W. Our subject lived with his parents in Ontario Co., N. Y., until he was 15 years of age. assisting on the farm. The only schooling he received, was during the winter, when he attended the district school. In 1833, he made a trip to Illinois, where he remained a short time, when he came back East, and finally settled in Sharon Township, Medina Co., Ohio, where he has ever since resided. In 1839, he was united in marriage with Miss Rhoda Pratt, and to this union was born one son—Thomas G., born April 2, 1841. This son, and his wife, Mary C. (Crane) Briggs, live with his father. Mr. and Mrs. Briggs commenced married life with scarcely anything, but, by hard labor and frugality, have accumulated a fine farm, consisting of 207 acres. This farm is situated one and a half miles directly north of the center of Sharon Township, and is one of the best improved farms in the township.

ERASTUS S. BISSELL, deceased ; another of Sharon's best citizens that has passed away, is the subject of this sketch ; he was born in Litchfield Co., Conn., April 18, 1812, and was a son of Nathaniel and Anna (Smith) Bissell. Mr. Bissell spent his youth with his parents until the age of 21, he then taught school three years. In the year of 1836, he was married to Mary A. More, born Dec. 11, 1818, a daughter at Lawrence More : to this union were born five children. as follows : Julia A., born Nov. 2, 1850 ; Willis M., born April 12. 1853 ; George L., born Jan. 25, 1856 (dead); Claude L., born March 30, 1857 (dead); Irene L., born Nov. 29, 1862. In the year 1836, Mr. Bissell came to Sharon Township, Medina Co., and located in the northeastern part, where he resided until his death, which occurred Jan. 20. 1875. Mr. Bissell was a most highly respected citizen ; he was honest in his dealings, and always attentive to business matters. Mrs. Mary A. Bissell died Dec. 15, 1871. Mr. and Mrs. Bissell were Christian, church-going people ; they each died a Christian death, and left a large circle of friends to mourn their loss.

S. W. BEECH (deceased), Sharon ; was born in Canaan. Essex Co., Vt., Aug. 17. 1811. He was a son of Samuel and Mary (Bailey) Beech, who were parents of eleven children, as follows: Phoebe, Mary, Martha, Samuel, Israel, Isaac, Abigail, Thomas, Nathaniel, Elias and Sargeant W. The father of these children died in 1813. Our subject continued to reside with his widowed mother until 1822, when he went to live with his sister Phoebe in Maine. He remained with his sister, going to school, until 15 years of age, and then returned to live with his mother. In 1834, he emigrated to Sharon Township, Medina Co., Ohio, locating on a farm about one mile west of the Center, where he resided up to the time of his death. In October, 1842, he was united in marriage with Miss Sarah Shaw, daughter of Dr. Ichabod Shaw, and by her had the following family : Edgar L., born Oct. 1, 1843, and died in infancy ; the second, also Edgar L., was born Sept. 1, 1845, died Aug. 1, 1864, in the Saratoga hospital, from diseases contracted while in his country's service ; the youngest child, Arthur, was born April 10, 1847, died in infancy. The mother died Aug. 17, 1847. Mr. Beech's second marriage was solemnized in September, 1848, his wife being Mary L. Shaw, a sister of his former wife. To this union were born five children—Arthur J. P., born July 6, 1849, died in infancy ; Arthur W., born June 26, 1851 ; John P., born Oct. 29, 1853 ; Harry M., born May 27, 1856, and Walter E., born Aug. 16, 1857. Mr. Beech's chosen occupation was that of farming and stock-raising, and this he followed through life. In 1853, he commenced suffering from a cancer in the left cheek, but, being a man of strong will-power, refused to give up work until 1878. By degrees the cancer spread from his cheek to his nose and left eye, completely destroying the eye and the left side of his face. It then spread to his neck and shoulder, and, after untold sufferings, God came to relieve the sufferer. His death occurred July 22, 1880. Through all his illness, Mr. Beech bore his lot uncomplainingly, and, up to the day of his death, always waited on himself. His unspoken sufferings drew the family ties of love more closely about him, and, when death relieved him, he was mourned by a large circle of friends. Mr. Beech was one of Sharon's best and most respected citizens. He was a great reader, and, losing the power of speech and sense of hearing about a year before his death, it was a source of much comfort to him.

JOHN BENNETT. Sharon Center ; was born in Somersetshire, Eng., Jan. 25, 1820 ; he is a son of John and Mary (Miller) Bennett, who were parents of the following family : Ann. Edwin, John. Eliza, Edmund and Harriet.

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Mr. Bennett lived with his parents until he was 13 years of age. and then worked hard for neighbors until he reached his majority. In 1841, he invested his hardearned savings in a passage to America. On his arrival he immediately engaged in farming in Onondaga Co., N. Y., where he remained over two years ; he then emigrated to Medina Co.. Ohio, locating in Sharon Township. For some time after his arrival in Sharon, Mr. Bennett worked for the settlers by the month. He then purchased a farm in the English settlement in northwestern Sharon, where he has ever since resided. In 1847, he was united in marriage with Nancy, daughter of John and Ruth Woodward, and to this union were born the following family : Lorenzo, born Aug. 28. 1848 ; Maria. born Aug. 11, 1850 ; Edwin, born Jan. 16, 1853, and Edline, born Jan. 16. 1853, and died in infancy. Lorenzo and Edwin are in the mercantile business tn Colorado Springs, Colo. Maria is the wife of .James Waters. and resides in Dubuque, Iowa. Mr. Bennett is one of the self-reliant men of Sharon Township. He started out in life with nothing but a strong will and willing hands ; he now owns 125 acres of good land, which he and his estimable wife have acquired by hard labor ; he is a Democrat in politics and is an adherent of the principles laid down by the National Democratic party.

M. A. CHANDLER. farmer and stock-raiser; P., O. Sharon Center : was horn in Windsor. Conn., July 24, 1804. He is a son of Isaac Chandler, and his grandfather bore the same name. He is one in a family of seven children, whose names are as follows : Roger, Mary A.. Edward, M. A., Louisa, Agnes L. and Isaac. Mr. Chandler lived with his parents. assisting them until he arrived at the age of 17. He then went to Great Falls, N. H., and commenced work in the great woolen-factory at that place. He had remained in the employ of the owners of the factory but one year, when. by his diligent and faithful services. he was advanced to the honorable position of foreman. After remaining at the factory some time, his health failed, and he came to Sharon Township, Medina Co., Ohio. purchasing a farm in Lot 6. where he now resides. .' n 1837. Mr. Chandler and Miss Elmira Moore were united in wedlock, and to this union were born eight children —Lucy E., Julia E.. John M.. Edgar L. (dead). Hattie, Mary B., George A. and Frances E. The first experience in farming Mr. Chandler ever had was when he first came to Sharon Township. By industry he has prospered sufficiently to be the owner of 112 acres of land, clear of all encumbrances. He is a member of the Masonic Fraternity, and a Republican in politics. He has always lived a quiet, unpretentious life. and is regarded by his neighbors as an honest and upright citizen.

GUY C. CHATFIELD, retired farmer ; P. O. Sharon Center ; was born in Onondaga Co., N. I Y., July 23, 1805. His father. William C. Chatfield. was by trade a carpenter and joiner, and he was a native of Litchfield Co.. Conn. In 1796. Mr. Chatfield, the father. emigrated to Cayuga Co.. N. Y., and, in 1798. married Miss Hope Goodrich. This estimable lady died in 1799, and, in 1800, Mr. Chatfield married Susanna Coy. and has had by her the following family : Hopapa. John M.. Guy C.. L. C.. Olive, Mary, Fillmore. William C.. Laura and D. M. The mother of these died in February, 1842. It is needless here to dwell on the life of the father. suffice to say that his life was filled with trials and hardships which he finally overcame. and, in his later years. derived much comfort and pleasure from his labor of years before. In May. 1834, he, together with his family, came from New York to Sharon Township. Medina Co.. Ohio. via Erie Canal, Buffalo. Cleveland and overland, until they reached their destination. Mr. Chatfield first settled on the farm now owned by our subject. In November, 1831. Guy C. Chatfield married Abigail 31. Barber, a daughter of Solomon and Cynthia Barber, and to this union were born seven children-Coy B.. born March 19, 1834 ; Mahlon. March 27, 1837 ; Ellen B.. Nov. 16, 1840 Elmer, Aug. 26. 1843 ; Orson K., Jan. 16. 1847 ; and two that died in infancy. Mr. Chatfield's father died Feb. 6, 1842. Mr. Chatfield was one of Sharon's earliest settlers, and he was often selected by his friends and neighbors to hold the different township offices. Mr. Chatfield, since his arrival in Medina Co., has never enjoyed the best of health. He has always been a farmer, and is at present the owner of 114 acres of excellent farming and grazing land. Politically speaking, Mr. Chatfield is a Republican, firmly adhering to the principles laid down by the National Republican party. Religiously, he is a Spiritualist, believing that the spirits of departed friends can communicate with living

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beings. In conclusion, we can say of Mr. Chatfield that there is not a man more respected or one that enjoys the confidence of the people more than does this gentleman. Since his 29th year, he has always lived more or less in the township of Sharon, seeing the young children growing to be men and women, and the old ones passing away ; he has lived until he now in the eve of his life, can fold his hands and look back on his past life, as one filled with self-denial and usefulness.

JACOB FULMER,, farmer ; P. O. Sharon Center ; was born in Northumberland Co., Penn., Dec. 6,1814. He is a son of Daniel and Catharine (Stiver) Fulmer, who were parents of nine children—William, John, Daniel, Catharine, Samuel, Jacob, Jeremiah, George and Anna. Our subject passed his early years on his father's farm, and. at the age of 15. started in the ashery business for himself. In 1838, he was united in marriage with Mary. daughter of John Lamb. and by her has had two children—Minerva, born May 23. 1839 ; and William H., May 29, 1841, died Jan. 3, 1844. The mother departed this life June 18. 1856. Mr. Fulmer's second marriage was solemnized in October, 1856, the bride being Matilda High, daughter of Abraham and Hettie High, who was born Aug. 8, 1831. To Mr. Fulmer's second marriage, there were born the following family : Ida, born Oct. 8, 1857 ; Allen, July 2, 1859, and died in infancy : Norman, June 25, 1860 ; Kent. Feb. 27, 1863 ; Jennie. Sept. 22, 1865 ; and Abbey, March 30, 1868. In 1865, Mr. Fulmer came to Sharon Township, Medina Co.. Ohio, and engaged in the ashery business at the Center. He worked at that for some time, and then located on a farm east of Sharon Center, where he has since resided. In politics. Mr. Fulmer is a Republican, and he and wife are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church.

C. E. FRENCH, farmer ; P. O. Medina ; one of the followiug family, born to Timothy and Mary (Towle) French—Cyrus E. Eliza J., Josiah W., Abigail T., Mary J. (died in infancy), Mary, Timothy (died in infancy), Timothy B., Joseph F, and another that died in infancy. Cyrus E. was born in Loudon. N. H., April 1, 1811, where he remained until he was 24 years of age. In 1835, Mr. French emigrated Westward, making his home in Sharon Township, Medina Co., Ohio, where he has since resided. In November of the same year, he married Sarah J., daughter of E. and C. Stebbins, and to this union were born the following family : James H., born Jan. 31, 1838; Mary J., born Jan. 7, 1839 ; Philomela E. and Timothy B., born Oct. 29, 1846, died May 4, 1874; Timothy was an intelligent and industrious young man, and gave promise of being at the head of his profession—law—but death claimed him while pursuing his studies. Mr. French had been married but about four years when his house took fire, in the family's absence, and his total possessions were thus destroyed, as his grain was all stored in the house. He luckily had loaned eleven bushels of wheat to a neighbor, and. with this, recommenced the start he had made. It was at this time in his life that Mr. French realized what it was to have good neighbors, and he undoubtedly would have had a severe time of it had not his neighbors been free to loan him implements. and assist him in various ways. Since that time, Mr. French makes it a point never to refuse the loan of anything if it will assist a friend or neighbor, knowing, as he does, that it was by this means that he was enabled to recover what he had lost by fire. Mr. and Mrs. French are honest and upright people, and are members of the Free-Will Baptist Church.

SETH GOODWIN, deceased. He was a son of Nathaniel and Lovira (Low) Goodwin, and was born April 11, 1812. In 1817, Nathaniel Goodwin and family moved to Cuyahoga Co., Ohio, and, after one year's residence there, moved to Granger Township, Medina Co., Ohio. Seth remained with his parents, assisting them on the farm until he was 20 years of age, and then began for himself in life. In December, 1834, be married Pamelia Wolcott, daughter of Joseph and Lucy Wolcott, who were among the earliest settlers in Granger. To this union were born four children—Marcia M., born Sept. 17._1835 ; Russell W., born April 19, 1839 ; Laura 0., born June 20, 1843, and Clarinda L., born Oct. 18, 1849. At the time of Mr. and Mrs. Goodwin's marriage, they moved to Sharon Township, where they have ever since resided, excepting the years of 1844 and 1845, when they lived in Granger. After suffering fourteen months of paralysis; Mr. Goodwin died Nov. 24, 1878. Mrs. Goodwin still survives him. She is one in a family of seven children and whose average age is eighty years.

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JOSHUA HARTMAN, farmer ; P. 0. Sharon Center. Among the few early pioneers of Sharon Township still living is the subject of this sketch. He was born in 0Pennsylvania Jan. 9, 1813, and is a son of Peter and Catharine (Zollnar) Hartman. Mr. Hartman spent his youth with his parents, not being allowed the privilege of attending school but six months during his youth ; at the age of 15, he commenced working at the mason's trade ; this he followed six years. At the age of 20, Joshua Hartman, with his parents, came to Medina Co., Ohio, locating in Wadsworth Township. One year from this time, he was married to Julia Wall, daughter of Christian Wall. To them was born one child, Eli, born Oct. 31, 1834. Mrs. Julia Hartman departed this life May 1. 1835. Mr. Hartman was again married, in 1837, to Catharine Meyer, daughter of Simon Meyer. To this marriage were born seven children, as follows : Paul, born July 3, 1838 ; Nathan, born May 9, 1840 ; Mary A., born Dec. 28, 1841 ; Lizzie, born Jan. 14, 1844 ; Milton, born Aug. 20, 1845 ; Josiah, born Nov. 15, 1847 (is now married to Ida L. Amerman, born Feb. 20, 1851 ; to this union is born one child, Ellsworth P.. born May 2, 187 7), and Catharine, born July 6, 1849. Mrs. Hartman died suddenly of the palsy, Sept. 7, 1850. Mr. Hartman was again married in 1851, to Mary Holben. By this wife were born eight children, as follows : Lovina, born Oct. 14, 1852 ; Samuel, born Nov. 4, 1854 ; Clara B., born Sept. 26. 1857 ; William K., born Feb. 27, 1860 ; Viola L., born Oct. 26, 1862 ; Nora E., born May 8. 1866 ; Ida, born Sept. 19, 1870, and Jennie L.. born Nov. 19, 1871. Mr. Hartman is a successful farmer and stock-raiser, and owns 133 acres of well-improved land. He is a member of the Presbyterian Church, and an influential man in society. He is highly respected by the citizens of Sharon Township.

HIRAM HAYDEN, farmer ; P. O. Sharon Center ; was born in Mahoning Co., Ohio, Aug. 9, 1815. His parents were Samuel M. and Asenath (Sprague) Hayden, who were parents of the following family : Julia, Lucinda, Belsey, Louis, Mary, Hiram and Harriet. In 1817. this family moved to Medina Co., Ohio, locating in Wadsworth Township, where they remained, farming until 1831. In that year they removed to Sharon Township, same county, and settled on the farm now owned by M. A. Chandler. The first settlement in Sharon Township was made in 1830, and, at the time of Mr. Hayden's arrival, it was an almost unbroken wilderness, their nearest neighbor being about three miles distant. It was here they erected a log cabin, and commeneed life in the wilderness. April 20, 1837, Hiram Hayden and Emeline Briggs were united in matrimony, and to this union were born three children—George, born April 5. 1840 ; Henry S., born April 29, 1842 and Daniel H., born Oct. 6, 1845. George is the present County Clerk of Medina County, his biography appearing in another part of this work. Henry enlisted in Company I. 42d 0. V. I., under Gen. James A. Garfield. He valiantly served in his country's defense, and was mortally wounded at the battle of Chickasaw Bayou. He was conveyed to the hospital at Young's Point, and. on the 25th of January, 1863. all that was mortal of Henry S. Hayden passed away, and he died bravely the death of a soldier. Daniel married Genevra J. Hagerman, and he died Sept. 13; 1880. His widow yet survives him. her home being in Sharon Township. Mrs. Hayden. beloved wife of Hiram Hayden, departed this life March 10, 1879. By honesty and hard labor, Mr. Hay-den has, by his own exertions, bought and paid for 344 acres of land. He is a radical Republican in politics, and a member of the Universalist Society in Sharon Township. He is an active, energetic man, and, in his time. has done much to advance the education and morals of the township.

WILLIAM HOPKINS. Sharon Center. This gentleman is one of the oldest pioneers of his neighborhood, now living ; is a native of Luzerne Co.. Penn., and was born Feb. 19, 1814. His parents. Isaac and Susanna (Harrison) Hopkins, had born to them this family : Lucy, Iarius. Sally. William, Stephen, Clarrissa, Isaac R. and Maria. At the age of 15, he left his father's home in Bath Township, Summit Co.. and went to Richfield to learn the carpenter's trade. After six years' labor at that place, he returned to Bath Township, and at that time married Mary L. Goodwin. At a very early period in the history of Sharon Township, they emigrated to and settled in the eastern part. They first erected a rude log cabin and lived in that until their circumstances improved. Mr. Hopkins was one of the pioneers of Sharon Township. and takes much pleasure in relating

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the hardships and incidents of the pioneer's life. To his marriage with Miss Goodwin, there were born one son and one daughter. H., born Dec. 1, 1836, and Louisa, born Oct. 10, 1841. These children are both married ; the former to Betsey A. Kennedy, and the latter to J. C. Hatch. Mr. Hopkins started in life without any capital, but by hard work and economy has gained him a nice farm of 117 acres of excellent land. He is, in the fullest sense of the word, a self-made man ; is a Republican in politics and a member of the Lutheran Church.

REUEL W. MILLS (deceased) ; was a native of Litchfield Co., Conn., and was born June 5, 1805. His parents, Ebenezer and Lucretia (Hinman) Mills, were parents of five children—Corel H., Fenel W., Flora E., Ebenezer R. and Reuel W. When but a small child, Mr. Mills' father died, and he went to live with a Mr. Dyer. In 1821, he, together with Mr. Dyer, moved to Trumbull Co., Ohio. In about 1826, Mr. Mills went to Onondaga Co., N. Y., and engaged there in the hatting business with an uncle. Aug. 2, 1829, he was united in marriage with Mira Beswick, who died June 19, 1848. Mr. Mills' second wife was Lucy A. Newton, to whom he was married April 21, 1849. To this union were born four children—Leroy, born Feb. 22, 1850 ; Sally M., born April 9, 1852, died Feb. 12, 1863 ; Cyrus N., born Oct. 28, 1855, and Lucretia, born July 20, 1858. During the fall of 1835, Mr. Mills came to Western Star, Medina Co., Ohio, and engaged with his brother Ebenezer in the wagon-making trade ; in April 1840, moved to the southeastern part of Sharon, where he lived until his death, which occurred in 1849. In religion, Mr. and Mrs. Mills were of the Universalist faith.

JOHN S. MERTON, farmer ; P. 0. Sharon Center ; was born in Bloomsburg, Columbia Co., Penn., Nov. 21, 1813. He is a son of Jacob and Mary (Smith) Merton, who were the parents of the following children—Andrew H., Belinda, Mary, Oliver P., Jacob, Catharine and Margaret A. Mr. Merton remained on the farm with his parents until the age of 18, receiving a common-school education during that time. At the age of 18, he left the farm and went to learn the tanning and currier's trade, which he followed five years, then went to Summit Co., Ohio, and during the year of 1840, Mr. Merton was married to Susannah May, a daughter of John May, To this union were born the following children —Gertrude A., Walter S., T. C., Charles B., Henry G., Irene M., Clara A., Edward M., Arthur M. and Florence R. In the year 1872, Mr. Merton came to Sharon Township, Medina Co., where he has since resided. He is a highly respected citizen. In politics, he is a Republican. He owns a farm of 122 acres of well-improved land, and is an industrious farmer.

WILLIAM McCOY, farmer ; was born Jan. 19, 1836, in Wadsworth Township, Medina Co., Ohio, and is a son of John and Rebecca (Freeborn) McCoy, and grandson of Samuel McCoy, who was a native of the " Emerald Isle," across the Atlantic. William remained with his parents until he reached his majority, and then went to Illinois. In August, 1861, he enlisted in Company I, 2d O. V. C., and, after one year's service, was discharged on account of poor health. In August, 1863, his health had so improved that he again enlisted in the service of his country, but this time in the infantry. In 1865, he was united in marriage with Miss M. E. Nixon, daughter of Charles and Catharine Nixon, and to this union were born the following family : Minnie D., born May 3, 1866 ; Okie E., born July 12, 1867 ; Henry A., born Aug. 25, 1870 ; and Zara and Zada, twins, born Dec. 19, 18 71. After his return from the army, Mr. McCoy located in southwestern Sharon, where he has remained farming up to the present. Mr. McCoy is a Republican in politics, and is an intelligent and enterprising citizen.

PETER A. MORE, deceased ; was born in Scotland July 9, 1797, and was a son of Lawrence and May (Beid) More, who emigrated to the United States, landing at Philadelphia in 1801. Soon after their arrival, this family moved to Pittsburgh. At the age of 17, Peter came still further westward, locating in Copley Township, Summit Co. After remaining here four years, he returned to Pittsburgh and the following nine years was employed in a paper manufactory at that place. In 1827, Mr. More removed to his old home in Summit Co., Ohio, and in 1829 moved to Sharon Township, Medina Co., Ohio. He was among Sharon's very earliest settlers, and was, perhaps, the first landowner in the township. Mr. More was very intimately connected with the early history of Sharon Township, and more of him will be said elsewhere in this volume. In 1821. he

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was united in marriage with Martha W. Boggs, and this union was blessed with a family of thirteen, as follows : Andrew B., Eleanor H., Thomas W., A. P., Henry H., Martha J., May R., Cornelia A., Lawrence W., John F., Cornelia, Eliza T. and Augusta. Mr. More was a gentleman whose private and public life was above reproach, and his sterling qualities made him many warm and sincere friends ; his death occurred Nov. 11, 1859 ; he and wife were members of the Methodist Church.

ELI SHANK, farmer ; P. O. Sharon Center ; was born in Lancaster Co., Penn., Jan. 3, 1823. He is a son of Christian and Nancy (Raudfung) Shank, who were parents of the following family : John, Jacob, Christian, Reuben, Elizabeth, Eli, Barbara and Sebastian. When Eli was but 8 years of age, his father died, leaving a widow and eight children in almost destitute circumstances. When old enough to do anything, the children would work out and contribute their earnings for the general family use. When 9 years old, Eli made his advent in the world. He worked at different kinds of employment, and, up to his 26th year, assisted his mother in the care of the family. In January, 1850, he married Harriet Mellich, and by her had one son—Augustus W., born Sept. 2, 1853. This son married Matilda Hartman, and to them was born one child—Jessie, Nov. 4, 1876. At the time of our subject's marriage, in 1850, his cash capital amounted to only $2, but since that time he has, by hard labor and economy, acquired valuable property. They came to Sharon Township first in 1832, but have moved away since, and also returned. Mr. Shank and family are plain, honest and upright people, and deserving the respect of their large circle of friends and acquaintances.

JEHIEL SQUIRE, retired farmer ; P. 0. Sharon ; was born in Roxbury, Litchfield Co., Conn., May 1,1793 ; his parents, Benjamin and Patience (Ward) Squire, were of that class of New Englanders that were very strict in their religious belief, and highly honored people ; they were the parents of five children—Solomon R., Miram, Abigail, Jehiel and Abraham. Jehiel Squire was married to Miss Ida Amerman. daughter of Albert Amerman, April 28, 1819. After a wedded life of many years, this lady died, the date of her death being Aug. 31, 1871, Mr. Squire remarried Jan. 7, 1873, his second wife being Harriet M. Allen, daughter of William and Harriet Heacox. Mr. Squire passed his youth and early manhood on the farm, receiving but a limited education. In 1816, his health began failing, and he discontinued farming, and commenced teaching district school in New Jersey ; he continued this business some four years. In 1820, he went west to the then new State of Ohio, locating in Columbiana Co. After seven years' residence there, he removed to Wadsworth Township. Medina Co. During the spring of 1832, Mr. Squire moved into Sharon Township, same county. and commenced farming. His health failing, he was compelled to relinquish active life, and accordingly moved to Akron. Summit Co.. where he remained until 1860, and then went to Wadsworth. He again moved to Akron in 1863, and remained there until 1867, and then moved to his old home in Sharon Tonwship, Medina Co., where he has remained ever since. Mr. Squire is a Republican in politics, and a member of the Universalist Society ; he is an old and honored citizen. and is among the few men that follow the Golden Rule.

S. S. TOTMAN, farmer ; P. 0. Sharon Center. He is a son of Ira and Nancy Gregg) Totman, and grandson of Samuel and Naomea (McCartney) Totman, who are parents of the following family of children : Ira, Delos, Jonathan, Melinda, Caroline and Adaline. Ira and Nancy Totman are parents of three children, as follows : Mary and Martha, born July 18, 1838, and S. S. Totman, born in Ontario Co., N. Y.. 1845. S. S. Totman was married in the year 1867, to Lucy Crane, daughter of Barnabas Crane. To this union were born four children. of whom only one is living : Ira C., born April 1, 1878. Mr. Totman is an able farmer, owning 115 acres of well-improved land, situated two miles north of Sharon Center. He is a noted athlete, being a Captain of the Sharon Base Ball Club during the past eleven years.

ADAM TURNER, farmer ; P. 0. Sharon Center ; was born in Canfield, Mahoning Co., Ohio, Nov. 16, 1810. He is a son of John and Dorothy (Waldrof) Turner, and grandson of Adam Turner. Our subject is one of a family of ten children—Elizabeth, Adam, Lovina, James, Lucinda, Peggy, Clark, John, Alvin and Almira. When but 4 years of age, Adam, together with his parents, moved to Copley, Summit Co., Ohio, and for nine years followed farming. They then returned to Canfield, where

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they remained four years, and, in the fall of 1829, moved to Sharon Township, Medina Co., Ohio, locating in a wilderness full of wild beasts and game. Mr. Turner Sr., was quite a hunter at the beginning of his residence in Sharon, and was often known to go out, and, in one day, kill three bears. The following story is related of him : One evening he was watching for a bear, and, seeing what he supposed to be the bear in the distance, fired, and the beast fell dead before the unerring rifle of the hunter. On examination, it proved to be a neighbor's steer that had strayed away from its owners. Mr. Turner is said to he the first landholder in Sharon Township. and this place is situated in Lot 6, in the north part of the township, on the center road. Li 1832, Adam married Aurelia E. Crosby, who was born April 12, 1812. and by her has the following family : Henry N., born March 29, 1834 Betsey E., born Nov. 6, 1836, died July 14, 1845 ; Milton W., born May 17, 1846, died April 12, 1865, from disease contracted in the army, and Dwight M., born Dec. 29, 1847. Mr. Turner remembers vividly the scenes of his youth. and one incident he remembers is here worthy of mention. At an early date, his father gave for a barrel of salt a good twoyear-old colt, which. in comparison with the price of a barrel of salt now, is quite noticeable. Mr. and Mrs. Turner are devoted members of the Congregational Church. and Mr. Turner is a Republican in politics.

CHRISTIAN WALL. farmer ; P. O. Sharon Center ; is a native of the township in which he now resides, and was born Feb. 24.1834. He is one in a family of ten children born to Charles and Sophia (Fredrick) Wall, and their names respectively are Jonas. John, Christian. Saloma. Thomas, Reason, Charles, dead ; William, dead ; Margaret, dead, and Franklin. These children, with the exception of the eldest, were all born in Sharon Township. Mr. and Mrs. Wall were among the township's earliest settlers. They settled in the southeastern part in 1831, and in 1835, located on the farm they now occupy. Mr. Wall figured quite prominently in the early history of Sharon, and it was he that located and cut the road through the woods from the Montville line to Sharon Center. An item of interest in Mr. Wall's history is, that he owned the first wagon in his neighborhood, and for this he gave seven good three-year-old steers and $35 cash. At that early day this wagon was considered a great luxury, and was only used on Sundays, etc. Mr. and Mrs. Wall are members of the Lutheran Church. Christian Wall remained with his parents on the farm until he was 26 years of age. Sept. 30, 1855, he was united in marriage with Ann M., daughter of Jacob and Mary (Koonkle) Giger, and to this union was born one child—Jennie L.. born March 26, 1865. From the time of Mr. Wall's marriage, until 1867, he lived in different localities, and at that date he settled in Sharon Township on a farm one mile east of the Center, where he has ever since resided. Mr. Wall owns 107 acres of good land, and his vocation in life is that of farming and stock-raising. He and family are members of the Lutheran Church, and for the past nine years he has held the position of Deacon in the same. Mr. Wall takes quite an interest in church matters, and is one of the many excellent citizens of Sharon Township.

BENJAMIN J. WILLET (deceased) ; was a native of New Jersey, and was born Jan. 16, 1806. His parents, George and Rebecca Willet, were the parents of eight children. When but an infant, our subject, together with his parents, moved to Columbiana Co., Ohio, where they remained until the death of the father, which occurred in 1828. In the same year, Benjamin J. was united in marriage with Mary J. Rudisill, and to this union were born a large family of children, as follows : Rebecca B., born April 6, 1829, died June 28, 1864 ; Harriet, born Nov. 16, 1831, died February 1835 ; George. born April 26, 1834 ; Roswell W., born Aug. 27, 1836, died Aug. 30, 1878 ; Alonzo D., born Jan. 7. 1839 ; Parthenia J., born June 24, 1841, died Feb. 22, 1872; Benjamin F., born Dec. 4, 1843 ; William W., born Oct. 25, 1846, and Harriet M., born April 26,1849. In 1830, Mr. and Mrs. Willet came to Sharon Township, where they have ever since resided. Mr. Willet was a farmer and a hardworking and enterprising citizen. He settled on a farm that was all woods, and by his own labors, cleared and improved it. On the 29th of June, 1875, after a short illness, Mr. Willet's death occurred from heart disease. He was a man that 0had many friends, and the news of his sudden death filled not only the hearts of his relatives with sorrow, but those of a large concourse of friends that followed his remains to their last resting-place in the city of the dead. Mr. and Mrs. Willet

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were consistent and devoted members of the Disciples' Church in Granger. Their two sons, George and Alonzo, served three years each in our late civil war, and deserve much credit and praise for their brave and meritorious conduct in the time of trouble.

T. C. WOODWARD, farmer and stock-raiser ; P. O. Sharon Center ; is a native of Sharon Township, Medina Co., Ohio, and was born Oct. 16, 1840. He is a son of John and Ruth (Waters) Woodward, who were parents of the following family : Nancy, Mary, William, Dinah, Elizabeth, John, Thomas, James, dead ; Edward, and Victory E., dead. Thomas C. livedwith his parents, assisting them on the farm until he was 25 years of age. In 1865, he was united in marriage with Joanna, daughter of Richard Amerman, and by her had three children—Elnoadell, born Nov. 16, 1866 ; Verna, born Feb. 1, 1875, died Aug. 21, 1876, and Lena, born Feb. 21, 1877. At the time of his marriage, Mr. Woodward settled on the old Woodward homestead, in the northeastern part of Sharon Township, and has made that his home up to the present. In politics, he is a Republican, and is regarded as a genial, intelligent gentleman.