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SPENCER TOWNSHIP.

ISAAC BETZ, farmer ; P. O. Spencer ; he was born May 17, 1818, in Lewistown, Mifflin Co., Penn.. and came to this State with his father in the spring of 1820. They settled in Chippewa Township, Wayne Co., Ohio. His father, John Betz, was born in Berks Co., Penn., on Feb. 28, 1773, and died in Norton Township, Summit Co., in 1852, at the advanced age of 79 years. His mother, Catharine (Troxell) Betz, was born in Pennsylvania May 24, 1778, dying in 1862, at the age of 84, in the same locality where her husband departed this life. Father Betz was a prominent man in his day, and was for years the choir leader, organist and schoolteacher in his native town, and, when following the custom of the fatherland, the teacher was furnished a dwelling, and was a personage looked up to and advised with as were the ministers of the Gospel in the early days of the New England colonies. They had eleven children—Sarah, born Jan. 28, 1795 ; Catharine, Dec. 25, 1796; Abraham, Jan. 17, 1800; he died Dec. 26, 1878 ; George, Oct. 26, 1803 ; Daniel, February, 1806 ; John, March 2. 1808, and died Feb. 1, 1863 ; Samuel, October, 1810 ;

William, Sept. 12. 1813 ; Rebecca, Nov. 30, 1815 ; Isaac and Jacob (twins), May 17, 1818. We will now continue the family history by taking up the record of Isaac's family. He married Miss Mary Hartman, Oct. 14, 1831. She was born June 11, 1815, in Lohill Township, Northampton Co., Penn., and their children's names are as follows : Jonas W., born Dec. 7, 1832 ; Rebecca, Nov. 25, 1841; she died Aug. 12, 1844; Sarah K., now Mrs. J. W. Mantz. Feb. 12, 1843 ; John H., March 1, 1847 ; Mary A., Jan. 28, 1849, and died Feb. 20, 1867 ; Isaac J., Dec. 21, 1851. Mr. Betz moved to this county from Wayne, March 14, 1843, and settled in Spencer Township, on a tract of land bought two years previously. There was but little, if anything, done toward making a farm. The giant forest stood before him as if it would dispute the farther advance of the hardy pioneer. It must disappear before any crops could be raised ; but he attacked it with a determined will to subdue it for his use, and level to the earth everything that stood in his way. How well he has succeeded, let the farm of over 200 acres, and the buildings thereon. tell the story ;

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they will speak for themselves. He has a comfortable home, in which to pass his declining years, as a recompense for past toil and privations, such as is but little understood by the dwellers on prairie lands, or the youth of today. The family used to attend the Methodist Church at River Corners, Rev. Abel Wood. Pastor, in the early days, when they had but one building for church and school purposes. Mr. Betz relates an incident of the early days. in the settlement of Wayne Co., that illustrates the newness of the country, and the advancement made in his day. One time, his twin brother and himself, when they were mere children, strolled out a little way from the house, and found a large, buck deer lying down ; hurrying back, they asked their mother to come quick and see " the little cow with the big horns," giving their own name, as children sometimes will, for what they had seen.

MRS. S. A. BEMENT nee Miss Sally A. Raineer, Penfield ; was born in Genesee Co., N. Y., April 9, 1817. Her husband,. Edmund C. Bement (deceased), was born in Lowville. N. Y., Sept. 25, 1813, and they were married Dec. 25, 1833. His last sickness, of but very few days, terminated in death July 15, 1875. They came to this State in the year 1837, and settled in La Grange, Lorain Co., where they remained until 1862, when they moved to Spencer Township, Medina Co., Ohio. The children were twelve in number—Edwin R., born March 2, 1834 ; Edmund D., March 22, 1835 ; Julia F., June 2, 1836 ; William H., May 3, 1838 ; Emily J., Nov. 5, 1839 ; Lydia L., April 2, 1841 ; George A., Aug. 14. 1843 ; Sarah A., March 28, 1846 ; Hiram N., May 20, 1848 ; Amanda M., Aug. 20, 1850 ; Ellen M., July 15, 1853 (she died July 31, 1854); Charles S., now living with his mother on the homestead, was born July 3, 1856. Four members of the family were in the army during the rebellion, their patriotism being shown by devotion to the Union, and two.. of them laying down their young lives on the altar of a beloved country, a bloody sacrifice, that we and all the coming generations might live where the blessings of a free government abound. Commencing with the eldest, Edwin It. enlisted in Battery E, 1st Ohio Light Artillery, on the 25th day of August, 1864, at Wooster, Ohio, and was mustered out of the service at Camp Dennison, July 12, 1865. He was in the battle of Nashville and Hood's raid. William H. enlisted in the 111th N. Y. V. I., and was instantly killed by the enemy's sharpshooters at Hatcher's Run, Va., by a shot through the head, April 2, .1865. George A. enlisted in Capt. A. H. Nickerson's Co. I, of the 8th O. V. I., and, after participating in a number of battles, died on July 11, 1864, in Emory Hospital, Washington, D. C., from the effects of a gunshot wound received in one of the battles around Petersburg, Va. The writer regrets that fuller information could not be readily obtained of the list of battles in which these brothers participated. George A. was promoted twice to non-commissioned officer for special bravery on the field of battle, and is highly spoken of by his commanding officer.

JOEL CURTICE, farmer; P. O. Spencer. He owns New York as the land of his nativity, having been born in Cayuga Co., Jan. 20, 1804. In his younger days he worked on the Erie Canal, and learned the trade of molder in Rochester, N. Y., working there some fifteen years. He came to this State in May, 1833, and settled in La Grange, Lorain Co., taking a contract for 166 acres, and giving $400 for it. He then worked at his trade in the foundry at Elyria, and made some improvements upon the land by building a log cabin upon the lot and clearing some of it. He afterward wrought at his trade for two years more, then went on his farm again and cleared fifty acres, having the land all paid for in four years from the time he bought it. In April, 1843, he traded his farm there for one in this township, and moved here, cleared 105 acres, with some help. Later on, he bought 54 more acres, making a good-sized farm of 159 acres. His father, Hosea, was born in Deerfield, Mass., in 1773, and his mother in the same State about 1775. Her maiden name was Catharine Moore. Their children's names were Philena, Worthy, Amos, Hosea, Joel, Reuben, Harlow (died when a child), Alonzo, David, Susannah, Solomon and Catharine. His father died Feb. 5, 1864, in La Grange, Ohio, and his mother in the spring of 1850. Mr. Curtice was married June 6, 1826, in the town of Summerhill, Cayuga Co., N. Y., to Miss Emma Freeman, who was born in Otsego Co., N. Y., March 12, 1801. They had the following children : Clarissa A., born April 1, 1827 ; Harold, June 26, 1829 ; Joshua E., Nov. 11, 1831 ; Joel N., Oct. 6, 1834 ; Emma

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C., Dec. 8, 1837 ; Laurinda E., June 24; 18.40 ; William, May 23, 1843 (he died June 9, 1843 ; David A., April 22, 1845 ; Reuben E., March 24, 1849 ; Hiram A., Dec. 25, 1852. The great great-grandfather of Hosea Curtice was born in England, four brothers coming over to settle in the New World. There was a grand family reunion and golden wedding held here four years ago, on June 6, 1876 ; 105 relatives and friends of Mr. and Mrs. Curtice assembled to do honor to the event, coming from Wisconsin, Michigan and Ohio, marking a day long to be remembered by those who participated in the festivities. There were music and singing, short and appropriate speeches were made by Rev. Cyrus Inman, Dr. Willey, Messrs. Smith and Cornell ; and Joshua E., one of the sons of the aged pair. alluded in feeling terms to the advice his father gave him when he went out into the wide world for himself—to always be honest, and never, by word or deed, disgrace the family name. Mr. and Mrs. Curtice might be justly called typical pioneers, and, for persons at their time of life, still enjoy good health and buoyant spirits, acquired by active lives, temperance and frugality.

EPHRAIM COOLMAN, farmer ; P. 0. Spencer ; was born in this township Feb. 5, 1849, and was married, April 20, 1873, to Miss Julia M. Dickinson, who was born Nov. 13, 1852 ; they have two children—Alice B., born Aug. 14, 1875, and Emma K., Sept. 5, 1876. Mr. Coolman owns the farm where he was born, and where his father first settled in this township, of 126 acres ; it formerly consisted of 136 acres, but a small part of it has been sold. Upon this homestead his father toiled for many a weary day, clearing the land that was to be his home and the home of his children ; showing all of the enterprise and firmness that used to characterize the early settlers of this county, and persevered until victory crowned his efforts and a fine farm well rewarded him for all the toil and privations he was obliged to undergo during those early days. He bought the first mowing-machine (Ball's) in the neighborhood, and left his son his father's firelock, a relic of bygone days ; also the family clock, of Connecticut make, still running and marking the time of day as it did forty years ago. Mr. Coolman had a brother named John, who enlisted in the 2d 0. V. C., Co. B, Capt. Lindsley, and died in theservice at Ft. Leavenworth Feb. 20, 1862. Joseph Coolman, the father of the subject of this sketch, was born in Stark Co., Ohio, July 16, 1814, and died Oct. 14, 1875, in Spencer Township. He married, June 1. 1837, Miss Sarah Lance, born July 19, 1819, in Milton Township, Wayne Co., Ohio ; their children were Mary, born June 8, 1838, died Aug. 28, 1878 ; Clara, born May 7, 1840, died Aug. 2, 1841 ; John, born Sept. 19, 1841, died in the service Feb. 20, 1862 ; Charity, born Oct. 24, 1843, now Mrs. Calvin Kryder ; Harriet, Aug. 20, 1845, died March 31, 1846 ; William, born Jan. 29, 1847 ; Ephraim, Feb. 5, 1849 ; Milton W., May 18, 1851, died Oct. 15, 1877 ; Frances M., born April 7, 1853, now Mrs. F. Cornelius ; Edward F., Aug. 22, 1855, died Feb. 13, 1874 ; Joseph A., born Sept. 24, 1858, died Jan. 16, 1862 ; Orville B., born June 19, 1864, and Sarah A., April 27, 1866. Mrs. Joseph Cool-man is living at Spencer Center with the younger members of her family in a quiet retirement. Her husband came to this county in 1838, making it some forty-two years since they became identified with the history of Spencer Township.

JAMES B. DICKINSON, farmer ; P. 0. Spencer. The subject of this sketch has led a somewhat checkered life until within the past few years, but has managed to hold his own against all assailants, until now his life passes on the even tenor of its way. He was born in Wayne Co., N. Y., Nov. 8, 1832. His father, John Dickinson, was born in Macedon, Wayne Co., N. Y., June 3, 1807, and came to this State in the spring of 1851, settling in Spencer Township. He died June 1, 1880. The mother was born in one of the New England States, the date not obtainable, and died in 1834 ; her maiden name was Catharine Bradford. The children by this first marriage were James B. and an infant sister who died when a child six months old. His father married again, in 1834, a Miss Catharine Foote, who was born in Marion Township, Wayne Co., N. Y., July 6, 1815. They had the following children : Merritt (dead), William N., Mary, David L. (horn July 24. 1845, died in the service), Staley H., and Julia M. (now Mrs. E. Coolman). James has a good record as a soldier among his old comrades of the 8th. He enlisted April 19, 1861. under the first call of President Lincoln for troops for the three months' service,

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in the 8th O. V. I., Co. K, Capt. W. M. Pierce. They re-enlisted for three years, or during the war, before their first term expired, at Camp Dennison, near Cincinnati. While in camp the only incident that transpired worthy of note, except the usual routine of dress parades, camp and guard duty, was his attempt to swim the river and back again, in which he came near being drowned, but was rescued by a comrade named William Bacon, now of Medina. The first battle in which he participated was that of Kernstown, Va. They were under the command of the heroic veteran Gen. Shields, who drove " Stonewall " Jackson, after the battle was decided in our favor, up the famous Shenandoah Valley, in an almost continuous skirmish for many miles. Col. Ashby, of the Black Horse Confederate Cavalry, covered the retreat of the rebels. A good shot was made by him at an officer said to be Ashby, who was mounted and at a distance of half a mile from our advancing line. Having received permission from his Captain to try a shot at that distance, he threw the sights of his Enfield rifle to 900 yards and fired. The bullet, sent true to its aim, struck the bullet-proof breast-plate of the officer and nearly carried him off his horse, the impact being heard plainly at that distance. His Colonel, coming up soon after, commended the good marksmanship displayed. The next action of any importance was that of Romney, W. Va., where they drove the enemy out of town, followed by the fight at Blue Gap. They went into winter quarters at Romney, performing picket and guard duties ; while here he was taken sick and transferred to the convalescent camp at Alexandria ; upon his recovery, he rejoined his command and taking transports were moved to. the Peninsula under Gen. McClellan. They were generally held as a reserve force in the battles of that period. He was also in the battles of Fredericksburg, Chancellorsville and Blooming Forge. Again they faced the enemy at Mine Run, with Gen. Meade as commander, and in the many skirmishes along the Rappahannock. In the last battle (that of Gettysburg), he was wounded three times ; first, in the early part of that great battle by a small piece of shell which wounded his forefinger, but did not disable him ; then by another fragment of shell, which struck him on the right leg ; soon after a bullet pierced his right arm just above the elbow, shattered the bone, and he was obliged to retire from the fight. He was sent to the corps hospital, and transferred to Pittsburgh, then to Philadelphia and lastly to Newark, N. J., and put into the Invalid Corps, afterward sent to New York, where the duty consisted in guarding the deserters and prisoners of war. He was mustered out of service on the 29th of June, 1864. The month previous, May 21, he married Miss Harriett E. Gage, who was born in Rochester, N. Y., Nov. 28, 1843. Coming back to Ohio, soon after his discharge from the service, he went to Jones Co., Iowa ; has been there and back several times in periods of five or six years at a time, but finally settled down permanently in this township in 1871. He has the reputation of being a fearless soldier and faithful in the discharge of his duties as such, obeying every order with alacrity, unmindful of the dangers he might encounter.

SOLOMON F. DIMOCK, farmer ; P. O. Spencer ; was the son of a clergyman, and the sixth child of a family of twelve members. He was born in what was then known as the county of Montrose, Penn., Feb. 6, 1816, moving with his father's family to this county in 1834. He afterward settled in Spencer Township, where he now resides. He was married Nov. 7, 1839, to Miss Cynthia Warner, who was born April 16, 1821, in Genesee Co., N. Y. She was the daughter of William Warner, of Montville Township, and a sister of Dr. Henry Warner (deceased), whose biography will be found in the medical department of this work. Mr. Dimock, buying the land where he now lives with only fifteen or twenty acres of slashing that might be called improvements, has made a fine farm of 100 acres as a homestead, although owning, at times, other pieces of real estate. The present improvements, consisting of a substantial farmhouse, barns, etc., attest the energy and industry of its occupant. For many days has he taken his ax and walked three miles to work for 50 cents per day, and board himself The father of the above-named gentleman, Rev. S. Dimock, was a native of the Green Mountain State, and was born in Bennington, Sept. 22, 1780. He was married in 1804, to Miss Clarissa Phelps, of Pownel, Vt. She was born April 16, 1788. They moved; in 1813, to the State of Pennsylvania. He was licensed to preach, the next year, and was ordained as a clergyman of the Methodist Epis-

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copal Church, in 1818. They again moved, this time to Allegany Co., N. Y., in 1828 ; and, after laboring in the Master's vineyard in different localities there, they came to Sharon, Medina Co., in the year 1834. Here he preached the Word, the Truth and the Life, until, worn out, his age and infirmities began to tell upon him, when he selected a home with his youngest daughter in Olmsted, Cuyahoga Co., Ohio, where he calmly gave up this life, spent in doing good to his fellowmen. He died Aug. 8; 1873, at the good old age of 93 ; his wife, Clarissa. died at the same place, April 18, 1877. Their children were Sally P., Theoda B., Horace N.. William P., John P., Solomon F.. Clarissa H., Sally P. (2d), Davis H., Laurenia G., Mary J. and Augusta M. William Davis Dimock, only child of the subject of this sketch. was born in Sharon, this county, Dec. 26, 1840. and was married July 4, 1864, to Miss Helen L. Holland. She was born in Huntington, Lorain Co.. July 24, 1840. Her parents were Abram and Mary A. Holland, and were from the State of Massachusetts. They have one child. named Bertha A., born Aug. 9, 1873, and an adopted son, Hally F., born in Wooster, Wayne Co., Ohio, Feb. 16, 1864. His father, Henry D. Warner, is a cousin of Mr. Dimock. W. D. Dimock is one of the rising young farmers of this township, owning and managing a large farm, and is respected by the people of the community for his integrity and moral worth.

ALFRED D. DONARD, farmer ; P. 0. Spencer ; is a well-to-do and prominent citizen of this township, and was born April 18, 1843, in Schuylkill Co., Penn. He came to this State Nov. 18. 1859. and was married in Spencer March 21, 1867. to Miss Mercy J. Driskell. who was born in this county and township Sept. 6, 1848. Their children are Mertie M.. born July 6, 1868 ; Hattie F., Oct. 29, 1870 ; Alice L.. April 6. 1873 ; Hugh E.. Aug. 8. 1875: Lou Gertrude, May 21. 1879. Mr. Donard has a fine farm of 225 acres that constitutes his home-stead, and another farm of' 130 acres. three-quarters of a mile east, all valuable land, and under the best of cultivation. There are two good houses and barns upon the home lot, which he has built, besides other improvements, such as belong to a well-ordered farm of the American type. His business. conducted upon a systematic, liberal plan, cannot be other than remunerative. as industry and economy will bring their own reward.

REUBEN FALCONER, farmer; P. O. Spencer ; his father, a gentleman of English descent, whose given name was Henry, was born in 1763, and . died in 1836. The mother's maiden name was Fannie Thockmorton, of French extraction, was born in 1774, died in 1827. The record of their marriage is not available, and we omit the date. They had ten children—Samuel A.. Esther, William, Keziah. Abraham, Daniel. Francis, Belinda, Gilbert D. and Reuben ; all dead except the latter and Belinda. Reuben was born May 9. 1818, in Wadsworth. Medina Co.. Ohio. and wedded Oct. 1. 1840. Mrs. Lucinda May Booth, who was born in Leroy. Genesee Co., N. Y. Nov. 25. 1814. The children by this marriage were Reuben Henry, born Oct. 27. 1841 ; Fanny L., July 26. 1843. died Feb. 16. 1855 ; Lucinda 31.. Aug. 14, 1845 (now Mrs. George W. Gallatin) ; Archalaus R.. Sept. 21, 1847 ; Amandus D., Sept. 27, 1849 ; Roswell G.. April 5. 1852 John E., Feb. 10. 1855. Names of the children of Mrs. F. by first marriage with Daniel Booth were Laura G. and Lebues Luman. Mr. F. came to Spencer Township in 1828, taking up 50 acres in the southeast part of the township. Afterward removing to his present location one-half mile north of River Corners, on an unimproved place, cleared it up himself and made the improvements now to be seen upon the premises. And now, in the decline of life, he can enjoy the fruits of his early labors and self denial. His life, the repetition of the struggles and hardships of hundreds of others who begin life in the forest, and, persevering, surmount all impediments, and succeed by force of will and energy. He has a good farm of 100 acres, which, although of forbidding nature at first, has been made prolific by applying the modern methods of farming. Good books are his delight, and his mind is stored with valuable treasures of information. Enlisting under the first call of President Lincoln, for three months in the 8th O. V. I., Company K. commanded by Capt. Pierce ; his regiment mustered in at Cleveland, April 27, 1861. and were sent to Camp Dennison, and mustered out Aug. 18. 1861, without Mr. F. seeing much service, except the ordinary routine of drill, guard and camp duty. His eldest son, Reuben H., enlisted in Capt. Williams' Company B, of the 42d O.

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V. I. (President-elect J. A. Garfield's old regiment), serving as drummer until promoted to the position of Drum Major, which he held to the close of the war. The company were mustered in Sept. 22, 1861, and were mustered out at Camp Chase, Ohio, Sept. 30, 1864.

RICHARD FREEMAN, farmer ; P. 0. Spencer. He was born in December, 1837, and is one of the go-ahead, active farmers of this part of Medina Co., enterprising and fully up to the times. He married Miss Mary C. Aldrich, a lady of refinement and culture, by whom he has two children—James W. and Minnie M. He is located upon a good farm, with permanent improvements and well-settled neighborhood, and has a host of friends throughout the township, which speaks well for his uniform kindness and conduct to all. His parents, James and Elizabeth (Gull) Freeman, were born in Lincolnshire, England, and came to this State in 1837, settling in Akron, Summit Co., but moved to Spencer Township, this county, in the year 1842. Richard Freeman left this county in 1858. going to Iowa, where he remained until the firing upon Ft. Sumter, when he enlisted in the 12th I. V. I., Company K. They went to Camp Benton, Mo., remaining there about two months ; drilling, guard and routine duties comprising the labor of those days, but fitting them for the more serious work of the near future—for they were soon sent to take part in the battles and victories of Fts. Henry and Donelson. That they performed their allotted tasks faithfully, winning the plaudits of the nation, for the first victories, we well know, bearing their part in those actions with the undaunted bravery which characterized the Western soldiers. In the next battle, that of Shiloh, Mr. Freeman was taken prisoner, April 6, 1862, and was paroled and exchanged Oct. 16, 1862. After rejoining his regiment, he participated in the battles of Raymond, Champion Hills, etc., and was at the surrender of Vicksburg, also the second battle of Jackson ; he was with the disastrous Red River expedition, under Gen. Banks, comprising the battles of Pleasant Hill, Peach Orchard Grove, and Sabine Cross Roads. Among the other engagements were those of Iuka and Franklin, near Nashville, where the rebel army, under Gen. Hood, met a terrible defeat, and were driven out of Tennessee. He also participated in the pursuit of Gen. Price across the State of Missouri, for hundreds ofmiles, our army suffering greatly by reason of forced marches and privations. Serving out his time of enlistment, he returned north and settled upon the farm where he now resides.

ALVIN W. GANNETT, farmer ; P. 0. Spencer ; was born June 8, 1824, in Genesee Co., N. Y., and was married Oct. 1, 1846, to Miss Mary Stuart. She was born April 11, 1821, in Cortland Co., N. Y. The names of their children are—Frank A., born Nov. 16, 1847 ; Sarah M., May 17, 1849 ; Martha D., Aug. 20, 1850 (now Mrs. Henry Franks) ; Worthy H., April 24, 1856 ; Warner A., May 26, 1858, he died March 30, 1862 ; Willie A., May 26, 1860. The father of the subject of this sketch, Joseph Gannett, was born June, 1774, and was a native of the Old Bay State, his occupation being the oldest known to man, viz., farming. He married Miss Martha Stone, who was born in March, 1783, in the State of Massachusetts. They moved with their family to this State in the year 1835. Mr. Gannett died in this county in 1846. They had the following children—Aleck, Ruth, Olive, Joseph, Hannah, Alvin W. and Mary J ; there are four now living—Olive, Joseph. Hannah and Alvin W. Mr. Gannett says their present fine farm was a perfect wilderness when he and his father moved upon it. Together they felled the forest and subdued the land for their chosen occupation, and in common with others felt the privations of pioneer life. Theirs was the first frame house between the centers, and for a long time they were nearly alone. He has seen farm after farm gradually brought under cultivation, until now a landscape spreads out to the view, of well-cultivated fields dotted in all directions by homes of friends and neighbors. The farm, consisting of 150 acres of high, rolling, easily drained land, lies on both sides of the north-and-south road, is well fenced, has a good, commodious farm dwelling and convenient barns. Mrs. Mary (Stuart) Gannett had two brothers in the Union army who served their country faithfully during the war, in the 23d 0. V. I., President Hayes' old regiment. Elijah R. was twice wounded, and once had the misfortune to be taken prisoner of war, and confined at Danville, Va.

JOSEPH GIAR, farmer ; P. 0. Spencer. The father of our subject, Henry Giar, was born in. Westmoreland Co., Penn., in June, 1787 ; was by occupation a farmer, and married, in 1814, to Elizabeth Bender, who was born in

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1797, and whose father, Jacob Bender, served throughout the time " that tried men's souls " —the Revolutionary war. The names of the children by this marriage were Mary, Joseph (the subject), Samuel, John, Elizabeth, Francis, Henry W. and James J.—all living at the date of this writing. Joseph was born in what is now called Carroll Co., Ohio, May 31, 1817, and came to this county April 14, 1834. He was married Nov. 1, 1840, to Relepha Tanner, born in Wayne Co.. Ohio, September, 1818. Celia Lovina was the only child, who was born Feb. 11, 1843. and died June 27, 1850. Mrs. Giar departed this life Aug. 9, 1843. Mr. Giar was married again, May 22. 1845, to Miss Almira A. Turner, who was born June 23, 1827, in Orleans Co., Vt. The names of the children by the second marriage were—Emma M., Nettie R., Williard S., Levi W. and John H. Mr. G. came to Spencer Township at a time when there was but very little improvement in the south part of the town. helping to chop and clear of timber twenty-six miles of road, and, taking the farm where he now resides, which was a solid block of forest. has chopped and cleared, in the vicinity, 206 acres of beech and maple woods. In those early days a source of revenue was derived from the ashes of burned log heaps, by making what was called black salts, from which pearl-ash was made. After making enough for a load, he would haul it with an ox team to Litchfield to find a market. He has seen the wilderness blossom as the rose, and the primeval forest disappear before the sturdy blows of the ax in the hands of the daring, progressive pioneer. We can have but a faint conception today of the difficulties our fathers had to contend with; we hear the recital from aged lips of the hardships and privations of those early days, but, surrounded with our present civilization, cannot realize what our progenitors endured while erecting a home in the wilderness. Friend Giar made a division of his property a short time ago, bequeathing to each of his five children forty acres, retaining the buildings with nine acres of land, but has since bought back from one of' the heirs the portion allowed, for $1,000, which leaves him a homestead proper of about 50 acres.

M. H. HUFFMAN, farmer ; P. 0. Spencer ; His father was Jacob Huffman, born in Washington Co., Penn., in 1804, and married Elizabeth Protsman, in Wayne Co., Ohio, in 1826. Thechildren were David H., Malachi H., Mary E., Melinda, John E., Jacob, George F. and Elizabeth L.; but five living at this date. Malachi H. was born on the 24th of August, 1830, in Chippewa Township, Wayne Co., Ohio ; married June 6, 1858, to Miss Ann J. Rice, born in the same county, April 12, 1840. The children of this union were Horace Porter (dead), Charles T. (dead). Ada R., Francis M. (dead), Redella M., Eugene H. (dead), and Lilla B. Mr. Huffman came to Spencer Township in 1862, and. buying the farm of 106 acres where he now resides, has made a beautiful home by building a large, well-arranged and convenient house. warmed by a furnace, and supplied with other modern improvements, a good-sized library of valuable books, as well as other articles which evidence taste and refinement. His home is noted for its boundless hospitality and solid comfort. while a cheerful. smiling hostess dispenses the bounties of a well-filled table ; an interesting, intelligent family of' children. make up the sum of happiness to be found in this well-ordered household. In 1853. Mr. Huffman journeyed to Iowa. where he remained for several months. coming back to Ohio only to return in the spring of 1855. traveling on foot over a large part of the State, with the object of exploration and adventure. While there he bought a tract of laud near Fort Dodge, afterward sold for lands in Medina County. He was a volunteer to repel a threatened Indian attack upon the frontier settlements of Western Iowa. The farm he now owns there is located four miles west of Des Moines. Mr. H., like many others, finally returned to his first love. Ohio. to settle down permanently in the everyday, uneventful life of a farmer, and he may well have a pardonable pride in his home and its surroundings. He has been President, for several years, of the Union District Fair, of West Salem, composed of members from the three counties of Ashland. Wayne and Medina.

SILAS KITCHEN, farmer ; P. 0. Spencer. Father Moses Kitchen was born in 1778, in Northampton Co., Penn. His occupation was that of tanner. He was married to Ann M. Andrews, of the same State. Their children were in the following order of birth : Elizabeth, Hannah, Jacob, Thomas, Christean, Susan. Eve, Silas (the subject of this biography), Jeremiah and Simon Peter-only three now living. Mr. K. came to the State of Ohio in the fall of

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1818, stopping in Jackson Township, Wayne Co. then, but now known as Ashland Co. He died March 18, 1848. Silas was born May 5, 1819, in what is now Ashland Co., Ohio, and married Elizabeth Dickason, who also was born in Ashland Co., April 29, 1826. They moved in the spring of 1854 to this county. Ann M., James W., Sarah L., Zachariah H., Willard (dead), Elmer Ellsworth and Jeremiah. are the names of this interesting family. Mr. Kitchen has made the extensive improvements now seen on the homestead ; has a large farm (380 acres), making additions from time to time to the original 100 acres of the old farm. The house, a large, substantial frame structure, gives promise of the comfort and contentment within. The grounds, adorned with shade trees, and the well kept surroundings, show the handiwork of the intelligent, go-ahead American farmer. The well-stored bookcase shows that Mr. K. intends to keep posted in all that pertains to advancement and literature, and he needs these helps, for a family of schoolteachers have grown up around the hearthstone, and these books have played an important part by affording them general information so necessary to a successful teacher. An obliging neighbor, a friend in time of need, and a well-spent life, characterizes his record, an example that will live in the memories of children and friends long after he has passed away.

ALONZO H. MILLER, farmer ; P. O. Chatham. Samuel Miller, the father of the gentleman whose name appears above, was born A. D. Dec. 2, 1821, and married March 26, 1837, to Miss Susanna Rice, who was born in Wayne Co., Ohio, Nov. 11, 1815 ; his occupation was that of cabinet-maker, learning his trade in Massillon, Ohio ; he died Nov. 27, 1850. The children were Edwin R., born Feb. 15, 1838 ; Orlando died when a child ; Alonzo H., May 31, 1841 ; Emma E., July 2, 1843 ; Charles E., Dec. 30, 1845, and George *W., Nov. 11, 1848 ; all born in Stark Co., this State. Alonzo wedded Rachel A. Inman, March 26, 1867. (Her father, John Inman, was born in the State of New York, Aug. 5, 1822 ; he died Aug. 29, 1877 ; he was one of the earliest settlers of this township ; her mother, Polly E. Graves, born July 26, 1827, and died July 18, 1862.) There were seven children, Frank I., born Jan. 8, 1868 ; Lecta E., Nov. 5, 1869 ; Clyde, Oct. 6, 1871 (dead) ; Lillian, Feb. 23, 1873, died March 20, 1873 ; John H., Sept. 11, 1874 ; Charles, July 11, 1877; Rachel A., Dec. 4, 1880. Mr. Miller met with the greatest misfortune that can fall to the lot of man, by losing the partner of his joys and sorrows, the mother of his children, who died Dec. 4, 1880 ; she was an estimable lady, and loving wife and mother. Upon the breaking-out of the war, Mr. Miller, impelled by patriotic ardor, enlisted in the 42d O. V. I., Company B, mustered in Sept. 22, 1861, and served three years and eight days. The regiment rendezvoused at Camp Chase, Columbus, Ohio, and were sent from there to Eastern Kentucky. The first battle in which he engaged was that of Middle Creek, Ky., marching from there to Cumberland Gap, where they had a number of lively skirmishes about that part of the State ; were withdrawn from Cumberland Gap to Jackson, Ohio, and marched from there to Charleston, W. Va., the enemy retreating, thence back to Gallipolis, taking a steamer to Memphis, Tenn. The next engagements in which the regiment took an active part were Chickasaw Bluffs and Arkansas Post. From there to Young's Point, where they worked on the canal, intended to change the channel of the Mississippi, but the father of waters was too much for engineering skill, and the forces engaged were defeated in the attempt. He was with the expedition to obtain cotton bales for the purpose of protecting the men and boats preparing to run the batteries of Vicksburg. As the country was inundated, it was not so difficult to obtain it by poling flat-boats across the plantations wherever cotton could be found, but not so easy to return against the current. The succeeding action was that of Thompson's Hill, in the rear of Grand Gulf, followed by that of Champion Hills, near Vicksburg ; he was in two desperate charges upon that besieged city ; also the fight at Black River and Jackson (the second battle of that name). The regiment were then sent to New Orleans, thence to Opelousas, West Louisiana, and back to Plaquemine, where the majority of the regiment, tired of "tramp, tramp, the boys are marching," offered to veteranize as cavalry, but were refused the boon, and marched to Baton Rouge, near which place they had a skirmish, the last fight in which Mr. Miller was destined to be engaged. He was placed upon detached service soon after, under Adjt. Gen. Thomas ; serving his country

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long and well, true to the old flag, conscious of having performed his duty as a citizen and a man, he was finally mustered out at Camp Chase, Ohio, Sept. 30, 1864. In civil life, he has the respect and confidence of his neighbors, who have several times elected him to the office of Township Trustee and Justice of the Peace.

JOHN ORISON MARSH, farmer ; P. O. Spencer. The father of Mr. Marsh, John P. Marsh, is known as the first settler in this township, coming in the spring of 1823, buying 104 acres of land of Simon Parkman, two miles and a half east and north of the village of Spencer, by road. The person named at the head of this article was then 9 years old ; born Jan. 2, 1814, in Smithville, N. Y.; he married Hannah Inman in the year 1839. Their children were named as follows : Maria, Elizabeth, Samuel P. and John A. His wife died Jan. 12, 1867. July 12, 1868, he married Miss Martha Murray, sister of Squire John C. Murray, of Spencer. Samuel P. Marsh, a brother of John 0., was the first white child born in this township, A. D. March 25, 1826 ; he is now a resident of Oregon, doing well and amassing considerable property. John 0., taking the gold fever in 1849, started that year for the land of promise, crossing the plains in wagons, until they reached Humboldt, where they took to saddles and pack-mules for the rest of the journey. After mining and prospecting two years, he started to return via Panama, but for some reason the vessel got out of its latitude, was becalmed for over sixty days, and the passengers and crew were put on short allowance of food and water, for that time suffering greatly, but were finally relieved after being out of sight of land ninety-four days. This trip and journey, with its scenes of excitement, danger and suffering, identifies Mr. Marsh with the celebrated " 49-ers" of that era. The writer was shown, as a relic of early days, by Mr. Marsh, the family clock, which he has had in his family for forty years, and which cost $40. It was made at Bristol, Conn., and has needed but trifling re-pairs, and is still running, keeping good time.

V. W. PARENT, farmer ; P. O. Spencer ; was born in Ontario Co., N. Y., Jan. 9, 1819, and married, June 23, 1842, Miss Lucy A. Baldwin. who was born Aug. 21, 1821 ; their children were William, born July 18, 1843. died Dec. 29, 1844 ; Paulina, now Mrs. H. J. Foster, born Sept. 18, 1844 ; Julia and Julius (twins). born Sept. 9, 1847 ; Julius died Dec. 28, 1847 ; Edgar, born Sept. 18, 1849 ; Isabel, now Mrs. J. W. Ross, born Nov. 11, 1851 ; Alonzo, born April 9. 1855, died Feb. 2, 1874 ; Cora, now Mrs. Roswell G. Falconer, born Aug. 2, 1858. Mrs. Lucy A. Parent died Nov. 28, 1862 ; Mr. Parent married again, Feb. 9, 1863, Mrs. Julia A. Rounds, of Hampden Co., Mass.; she was born March 12, 1820. V. W. was the fourth child of William and Lois (Robbins) Parent. His father was born in New Jersey May 5, 1775, and died Jan. 21, 1873, aged 98 ; his mother was born Nov. 28, 1790 ; she died Jan. 13, 1878, aged 86 years. The names of his brothers and sisters, in order of their birth, are as follows : Calista, born June 13. 1810 ; Roxana, born Aug. 27, 1811 ; Benjamin. born May 3, 1813 ; V. W.. born Jan. 9, 1819 ; Lois, born Oct. 11, 1820 ; William W., born Jan. 19, 1822 ; Hezekiah, born April 29, 1823 ; Margaret, born Sept. 19. ] 825 ; Abigail, born Nov. 27, 1827 ; Elmina, born Aug. 12, 1829 ; Lucy, born June 21, 1839. Mr. Parent came to this county in 1837, a boy of 18, and, in the past forty-three years. has seen many and important changes occur in Spencer Township. Fruitful fields and happy homes have taken the place of the wild woods and bark wigwams, the home of the savage. In place of the tortuous trail, winding in and out among the trees and stumps, are broad highways with good bridges over the streams they were wont to ford. He is a well-to-do farmer ; has over 200 acres of good land ; keeps a large herd of stock, and is rugged and hearty for a man of his age. but would now hardly enjoy the pioneer life of forty years ago. He had two brothers who lost their lives in the army during the great rebellion—William W. enlisted in the 67th O. V. I., Co. F, Capt. E. Woodford, and participated in the battles of Winchester, Mt. Jackson, Edinburg, Harrison's Landing, Va., and Morris Island, Ft. Wagner, and the siege of the same, in South Carolina. Chester Station, Drury's Bluffs and the Cross Roads, Va., also at Richmond and Petersburg.

LEVI C. WILLIAMS, civil engineer, Spencer ; was born June 16, 1834, at Shoal Creek, Lauderdale Co., Ala. He came to this State April 11, 1866, and settled in the eastern part of Spencer Township. He was married, March 31. 1855, to Sophia L. Blackman, who was born

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in the town of Walworth, Wayne Co., N. Y., on the 6th of December, 1835. Their children were named George T., Jennie A., Alvan J., Jessie M., Flora A., Norman H., Ada L. and Seymour B. On the breaking-out of the war, he enlisted, on the 19th of April, 1861, in Co. A. (Capt. Lockaby) 96th N. Y. V. I. Their Captain deserting them, Earl Pierce was transferred from another regiment to the command of Co. A. Stephen Moffitt was Colonel, and George W. Hindes. Lieutenant Colonel. The regiment rendezvoused at Auburn and Elmira, N. Y., going to the front at Washington June 11, 1861, and were assigned to the First Division, Second Brigade, Sixth Corps. He participated in the following battles : Yorktown, Williamsburg, Fair Oaks, Jones' Ford, Malvern Hill, Charles City Cross Roads, Blackwater, Kingston, Whitehall, Swift Creek, Little Washington, Gardner's Bridge, Petersburg, Drury's Bluff, Cold Harbor, Ft. Harrison, and the second battle of Fair Oaks in 1864, and in the campaign resulting in the fall of Richmond, the rebel capital. Mr. Williams was, at different times, under Gens. Devens, Curtis, Nelson, Butler and Terry. and was twice slightly wounded. The father of the above-named gentleman was Theophilus Williams. born at Red Hook, Dutchess Co.. N. Y., Dec. 20, 1799. His father moved to Oneida Co. while it was yet a wilderness. and he and his family endured great hardships and privations during the early years of the settlement. Mr. Williams was emphatically a self-made man, and. although he attained to quite an eminence in his profession as a civil engineer, yet he had no advantages for obtaining an education, but fought against early poverty, without teachers, and almost without books, except the few that were kindly loaned or given him. He taught school in the townships of Lee, Western, Fish Creek and other places, from 1822 to 1826. The somewhat celebrated Maj. Gen. H. W. Halleek, when a boy, was a pupil of his in one of these schools. He was married on the 10th of July, 1823, to Miss Annis A. Seymour, and, in 1826, received an appointment as civil engineer (under Judge Roberts. Chief Engineer) on the Ohio & Chesapeake Canal, also to the United States Topographical Engineers, under Col. Abert, in 1827. A year later, we find him making a survey and map of the Potomac River under Col. James Carney (or Karney). In the fall of 1831, he was sent to the State of Alabama, under Judge Roberts, to engage in the construction of a steamboat canal around Muscle Shoals, on the Tennessee River. Re succeeded Judge Roberts as Engineer in Chief in 1833, and finished the work in 1836, when he was promoted to the rank of Colonel in the United States Topographical Engineer Corps, and placed upon the staff of Gen. Andrew Jackson, then President, in 1838. He after-ward resigned for a more active service—that of Consulting Engineer of the State of Tennessee, on a State system of McAdam and turnpike roads. In this position he remained until the summer of 1843, when he resigned and came North to Oneida Co., N. Y., but removed in the spring of 1846 to Western New York, and settled in Ontario Township, Wayne Co., where he followed the plow until 1850, when he was called to a more congenial pursuit as Chief Engineer on the enlargement of the Erie Canal, with an office located at Lockport, where he remained until removed by the opposite political party, when he obtained a situation as Chief Engineer on the Auburn & Syracuse Railroad in 1852 and 1853. He resigned to accept the position of Resident Engineer on the enlargement of the Erie Canal during the years of 1853 to 1856, having sole charge of the construction of forty-three miles of the canal. from Spencer Port to Reynale's Basin. He was again removed by the accession to power of the Know-Nothing party, to make room for some party favorite, in the fall of 1856. In 1860, Mr. Williams labored earnestly for the election of Abraham Lincoln, espousing the cause of the North, the more heartily from his knowledge of the evils of slavery, which his residence in the South had given him. He tendered his services to the Government, but was refused on account of his age. He became identified with the history of Medina Co. by moving to the eastern part of Spencer Township, where his son Levi C. now resides, in the spring of 1866, and purchased what was then known as the Peter Rice farm, where he lived until his death by apoplexy, Oct. 29, 1879. He experienced religion a few years before, and was a man universally respected as upright, just and charitable in all his dealings—a friend of the needy and oppressed, a champion of every reform. We cannot close this interesting biography without speaking of the life com-

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panion of Mr. Williams. Annis Amanda Seymour was born in the town of Lee, Oneida Co.. N. Y., June 19, 180 7. She was related directly, on her father's side, with ex-Gov. Seymour. of New York. Her father was one of the earliest settlers of Oneida Co. She followed her husband with unerring devotion in all his various professional wanderings. She was the mother of seven children, three girls and four boys ; only four of them are now living. She was ever the faithful, affectionate wife and kind, loving mother. After Mr. Williams' death. she bought a house and lot in the village of Chatham Center. this county, where she still lives, at the age of 73 years.

REV. ABEL WOOD, farmer and clergyman, Spencer. His parents were Francis Wood, born Oct. 12, 1764. in New Jersey ; his mother. Rachel (Dodd) Wood, born in New Jersey. in January, 17 74. They were married Oct. 22. 1722, in New Jersey. The father died Jan. 8,1853, in this township, and his mother died in Sullivan. Lorain Co., Ohio. Mr. Abel Wood was born Oct. 9. 1802, in New Jersey, and married Jan. 9, 1823, in Richland Co., Ohio, Miss Catharine Rowland, who was born Aug. 6, 1800. The children by his first marriage were Rachel M.. William B., Joseph R., Francis M., Christina R.. James A. and Charles D. His wife and infant child died

April 7, 183S. The second marriage was with Mrs. Sophia (Graves) Tubbs, who was born Sept. 19, 1810. in Leroy. Genesee Co., N. Y. The children were Lucena S., Lebbues A., Charlotte C., Parmelia A.. all born in Spencer Township. Mr. Wood has belonged to the Methodist Church for fifty-one years, and has assisted in the services, first. as Class-leader and Exhorter. and was ordained Deacon in 1853. and Elder in 1862. He was one of the earliest settlers, and a pioneer preacher ; a conscientious earnest worker in his Master's service. sometimes. in order to meet appointments, walking to Sullivan. Brighton. Rochester, and many other places to hold divine services on Sundays. For further details of his pioneer life, see history of Spencer Township. His son. L. A. Wood, is a farmer. living a mile and three-quarters north of River Corners, formerly called Spencer's Mills. He was married March 22. 1869. to Miss Caroline Koons. who was born in Homer, Medina Co., Ohio. Feb. 20. 1850. The names of their children are as follows : Monroe E., born April 26, 1871. and died April 24. 1872 ; Mary A., March 15, 1873 ; Arthur Sidney. July 10. 1875. Mr. Wood's farm contains 103 acres. and shows the evidences of thrift and good management usual to our young American farmers.