250 - MEMORIAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD OF Stark, namely: Sarah, now deceased; Mary, wife of James Sherman, an agriculturist of Delaware county; Angeline, wife of De Lacy Walton, a resident of Kingston township; Joseph, of the same township; and the subject of this sketch, who is the eldest of the family. Cepter Stark received but limited School privileges, but his training at farm labor was not meagre. As soon as old enough he commenced following the plow, and at the age of eighteen years began trading in stock and buying wool. He has since carried on the latter pursuit, sometimes buying as high as 600,000 pounds of wool in one season. He has also given considerable attention to agricultural. pursuits, and at this writing owns more than 2,10o acres of rich and valuable land. As a companion and helpmeet on life's journey Mr. Stark chose Miss Sylvia Benton, and their marriage, which was celebrated in 1864, was blessed with a family of two sons and three daughters: Charles, now deceased; Grace; Ethel, who is engaged in teaching; Blanche, and Bert. The mother of this family was called to the home beyond in January, 1883, and in October of the same year Mr. Stark was again married, his second union being with Miss Nina Ross, a granddaughter of John Ross, one of the oldest settlers of Delaware county, and a daughter of William and Ellen (Whitney) Ross. They had a family of nine children: Charles, who now resides. in Delaware; Nina, wife of our subject; Madge, wife of Henry Baker, of Delaware; Wilch, deceased; Lake, wife of Frank Boyle, of Columbus, Ohio; Samuel and Tad, both of whom are located in Delaware; Allen, a resident of Columbus, Ohio; and Claude, who makes his home with his sister, Mrs. Stark. The father of this family died in April, 1881, but his widow is still living in Delaware. The farm on which Mr. and Mrs. Stark reside is one of the best in this county. Their home is an elegant modern residence, which was erected in 1883 at a cost of $5,000. It is neatly and tastefully furnished, and the ruling spirit of the home is hospitality, which is freely extended to their many friends. Mr. .and Mrs. Stark have one son, Glenn. The mother is a member of the Presbyterian Church. In Mr. Stark we see- a self-made man, who began life for himself empty-handed, having no capital save a bright hope of the future and a determination to succeed. By perseverance he .has overcome the difficulties and obstacles in his path, and by industry and enterprise has steadily worked his way upward from an humble position to one of affluence.W WILLIAM A. McMASTER, a prominent farmer of Brown township, Delaware county, was born in Champaign county, Ohio, September 8, 1823, a son of Benjamin and Aminda (Humphrey) McMaster, the latter a native of Liberty township, Delaware county, Ohio. The father was a native of Oswego county, New York, and came to Ohio in 1811, and his death occurred at the age of ninety-three years. He was a son of Robert McMaster, a native of Scotland. William A. McMaster, the subject of this sketch, owns a good farm of 103 acres in Brown township, Delaware county, Ohio, which contains a comfortable residence, barns and all other necessary farm improvements. He is one of the prominent and successful men DELAWARE, UNION AND MORROW COUNTIES, OHIO - 251 of his. township, and is respected by all for his honest dealings and sterling worth. Mr. McMaster was married in this county at the age of twenty-three years, to Margaret Eaton, a native of Morrow county, Ohio, and a daughter of David and Elizabeth Eaton. They came to Delaware county, Ohio, in 1821. Our subject and wife had the following children: Aminda Norris, A. L., Amelia McDonald, Nettie Perry (deceased), and Stella. A. L. McMaster was born November 10, 1848. In 1873, he married Ellen Moore, a daughter of George Moore. At her death she left two children, —Maurice E. and Nellie M. In 1889 A. L. McMaster married Jennie R. Forbs. Mrs. William A. McMaster died July 13, 1887, at the age of sixty-one years. Our subject afterward married Louisa Gardner, widow of Joel Gardner. WILLIAM STILLINGS, another one of the well-known farmers of Union township, Union county, Ohio, dates his birth in Allen township, this county, February 14, 1843. Mr. Stillings is a son of Thomas Stillings, one of the pioneers of Union county and now a resident of Milford Centre. He was born in Maryland, came to Ohio at an early day, and in Champaign county was married to Somelia Dines. They settled in Allen township, this county, where they resided for a number of years and where he developed a fine farm. They had four children, of whom three are living : William, whose name appears above; Edward, who resides at the old homestead in Allen township; and French G., a resident of Union township, this county. Lewis, a .member of the Ninety-sixth Ohio Volunteer Infantry, died of disease contracted in the army, but not until after his father had brought him home. The subject of our sketch was reared on his father's farm and was still in his 'teens when the civil war came on. Eager to enlist his services for the protection .of the Stars and Stripes, .he entered the army, but on account of youth his father brought him back. In July, 1864, he enlisted in the Eighty-sixth Ohio Volunteer Infantry, Company B, and served for six months, being on duty in Kentucky. For some time he was sick with malarial fever at Camp Nelson and from there came home with his brother, later being honorably discharged at Cleveland, Ohio. Until 1871 Mr. Stillings was engaged in farming in Allen township, and since that year he has resided on his present farm. This place was known for a time as the " Dave " Watson farm. At an earlier period it was a part of a large tract owned by General Taylor, who gave it to his son-in-law, a Mr. Tobat. This Mr. Tobat was a Southerner. He built a house on the Southern plan and had a race track, and brought with him to this State a number of slaves. The slaves, however, nearly all ran away, and he and his family finally returned to his old Kentucky home. Mr. Stillings has a modern residence, erected at a cost of $2,000, located on a natural building  site and surrounded by an attractive lawn. He has a good barn, 38 x 40 feet, and other substantial farm buildings, and his whole premises give evidence of thrift and prosperity. The farm comprises 135 acres. Mr. Stillings was married January 1, 1865, to Emily E. Wood, daughter of Michael Scribner Wood and his wife Eliza (Thair) Wood, natives of Crawford 252 - MEMORIAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD OF county, Pennsylvania, and early settlers of Union county, Ohio. Her parents had a a family of eight children, namely : Alpheus, Lebeus, Dennis, Joseph, Clarinda, Thaddeus, Michael and Emily. The father died in 1881, at the age of seventy-five years, the mother, when Mrs. Stillings was only twelve years old. They were members of the Christian Church. Mr. and Mrs. Stillings have seven children, as follows : Charles; Stella, a clerk in the large establishment of Marshall Field & Co., Chicago; John; Nelly', also with Marshall Field & Co. ; Provie, wife of Elmer Adams; Carrie, who graduated in the high school at Milford Centre in 1893; and Lizzie. In his political views, Mr. Stillings is in accord with the Republican party. He has served the public as a Township Trustee and member of the School Board. Fraternally, he is identified with the I. O. O. F., a member of Derby Lodge, No. 636, and Encampment No. 87, of Marysville. Both he and his wife are members of the Christian Church. ELLERY P. BROWN, a farmer of Chester township, Morrow county, is a son of George Brown, who was born in Rhode Island in 1796. He was a son of George Brown, Sr. The mother of our subject, nee Beulah Sutleff, was born in Hartford, Connecticut, in 1802, and was a member of one of the old and prominent families of that State. The parents were married in Infield, Tompkins county, New York. They located on a farm near Ithaca, hut in 1836 came to Ohio, settling on unimproved land in Franklin township, Knox (now Morrow) county. The township at that time contained only six log cabins. The mother died there in 1868, and the father in 1870. They were the parents of seven children, five of whom reached years of maturity: Dr. William, who died at Washington, District of Columbia, while in the service of the United States Government in civil war; Edmund, deceased in October, 1894; Ellery, the subject of this sketch; Amanda, wife of James Frew; and George, deceased, was principal of the Cardington schools. Mr. and Mrs. Brown were members of the Methodist Episcopal Church. The former was an old-line Whig. Ellery P. Brown was born in Tompkins county, New York, September 7, 1827, and during his boyhood days assisted in clearing the farm. After reaching his majority, he purchased 190 acres of land near his home, which he farmed eighteen years, and after his marriage spent one year at Mount Gilead. He then came to his present place of 240 acres, all under a fine state of cultivation, and where, in 1882, he erected one of the finest residences in the county. Mr. Brown was married in May, 1853. to Phoebe E. Talmage, born in Franklin township, Morrow county, June 28, 1827, a daughter of John and Rhoda (Gardner) Talmage. They came to Ohio in 1817, and were among the pioneer settlers of Morrow county. The father was one of the prominent men of this community, and was a leading member in the Methodist Church. Our subject and wife have had four children, viz.: Alice, wife of Elmer McIntyre; Clarence, who graduated at the Ohio Wesleyan University before twenty-one years of age, and is now a minister in the First Congregational Church of Salt Lake City; George, who resides near Fulton, Morrow county; and Blanche, principal of a Chicago kindergarten. DELAWARE, UNION AND MORROW COUNTIES, OHIO - 253 Ellery Brown and wife are members of the Methodist Church, in which the former has served as Trustee, Steward, and Class-leader for many years. He has taken an active interest in school work, and has served as a member of the School Board. In political matters he affiliates with the Republican party, in which he has taken a leading part. He has served as Trustee of Chester township. J. D. WOOD, one of the well known and representative agriculturists of Allen township, Union county, Ohio, was born on the old homestead farm in this county, January 5, 1848, his father, W. C. Wood, having also been born on the old homestead, December 5, 1829, his father, Luther Wood, having been one of the pioneer settlers in this county. Luther Wood was born in the vicinity of Fredonia, New York, and came of a prominent and patrician New England stock. W. C. Wood, father of our subject, became one of the leading and representative men of his native county, where he was reared and educated and where he passed the entire span of his life. He married Maria McWilliams, a woman of much refinement, the daughter of Alexander McWilliams, who was born near Wheeling, Virginia (now West Virginia). She has passed nearly her entire life in this county, and is now a resident of Milford Centre. After his marriage Mr. Wood settled on eighty acres of land in Allen township and then set himself the task of clearing the same of forest trees and bringing it to a state of cultivation. He was industrious and honorable, possessed a most discriminating judgment, and his efforts were ultimately crowned with success. He accumulated a nice property before his death, which occurred in 1886. In politics .he was originally a Whig, but upon the .organization of the Republican party he transferred his allegiance to the same and ever after supported its principles and policies. He was a most zealous member of the Methodist Episcopal Church of Milford Centre and for many years was one of the officials of the organization. Honored alike for his unswerving rectitude of character and his intelligence and executive ability, his death was deeply deplored in the community where he had passed his life and to whose interests he had ever been devoted. The members of his family are adherents of the Methodist Church. W. C. and Maria Wood became the parents of five children, four of whom are living: Alice is the wife of Stanton Marsh, of Allen township; J. D. is the subject of this review; Luther A. is a resident of this township; Anna is the wife of M. D. Coe, of Union township; and one child died in infancy. J. D. Wood was reared on the old homestead and early became inured to the sturdy duties incidental to its cultivation. His theoretical educational discipline was that which the public schools afforded, but the later years, with their practical duties and demands, have rounded out his knowledge in a most symmetrical manner. He was enabled to attend the public schools in Marysville for a time and profited duly by the opportunities thus afforded him. Mr. Wood's landed estate in this county comprises 314 acres of choice land, a large portion of the same being situated on the rich bottom lands of Big Darby creek. The entire farmstead is under a most effective sys- 254 - MEMORIAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD OF tem of cultivation and gives evidence that its operation is one in which enterprise and progressive methods are brought to bear. The permanent improvements include a very commodious and handsome residence of modern and attractive architecture, the same having been erected, in 1887, at a cost of $4,000. The home is delightfully situated and is surrounded with attractive lawns. Two large barns and other buildings are of substantial order and neatly kept, and a modern windmill supplies water for both domestic and farm purposes. Mr. Wood has a large number of excellent horses and denotes considerable attention to general stock-raising. On the place is a maple orchard of 1,500 trees, which is one of the most extensive in the county and from which is derived a large annual output of sugar. January 6, 1870. our subject was united in marriage to Miss Addie Wilber, a lady of much refinement, who was born, reared and educated in Allen township, her parents, James and Sarah Wilber, having both died in this township, where they were prominent and honored residents. Mr. and Mrs. Wood have had three children, namely: Ida May, who graduated from the Marysville high school in 1891; Lillie Estelle, who graduated at the same school in the class of 1892; and one child who died in infancy. In politics Mr. Wood votes with the Republican party, and in his fraternal relations he is identified with the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, retaining a membership in Darby Lodge, No. 636, of Milford Centre, and Encampment No. 114, of Marysville. He and his wife and daughters are devoted members of the Methodist Episcopal Church at Milford Centre, and Mr. Wood is one of the Trustees of the organization. He is a man who is honored by all who know him and one whose influence in the. community is ever directed along the line of all that is good and true. He has been a most active worker in advancing church and educational causes, and has taken a prominent part in temperance work. HENRY BARTLETT.—The name which the subject of this sketch bears is one that has been identified with the history of this section of the Buckeye State since the early pioneer days. and is one which has gained and granted honor as one generation followed another. He was born in Westfield township, Morrow county, Ohio, August 8, 1838, being the son of Lester Bartlett, a native of the State of New York, where he grew to maturity and there married, coming to Delaware county (now Mori ow county) within the year following his marriage, and entering claim to land in Westfield township, and residing there until his death. He was one of the prominent men of the county, and at one time owned 50o acres of land within its borders. He served for many years as Justice of the Peace, and as County Commissioner for several terms. He was a member of the Presbyterian Church, and was conspicuously identified with the Masonic order at Cardington. He was for many years engaged in manufacturing fanning mills, and the output found a ready demand in all sections of the county, bringing to him a most extended personal acquaintanceship. He lived to attain a venerable age, passing away in his seventy-ninth year. The mother of our subject was born in DELAWARE, UNION AND MORROW COUNTIES, OHIO - 255 the State of New York, her maiden name having been Belinda Schofield. She died at the age of forty-two years, and subsequently the father of our subject consummated a second marriage, being united to Nancy Wicks. Of the first marriage nine children were born, namely: Hannah, who is the wife of Myron Smith, of Indiana; Loren, who is now a resident of Wyandot county, Ohio; Lorinda, wife of J. S. Peck, of Cardington; Emeline, wife of David Sherwood, of Westfield township; Henry, subject of this sketch; Louisa, wife of Henry Benson, of Colorado; Lorenzo, a resident of Westfield township; Lester, who also resides in this township; and Loretta, wife of Paul Meredith, of Colorado. Two children were born of the second marriage: William, who is a resident of Logansport, Indiana; and Alice, wife of Lemuel Peck. of Cardington, this county. Our subject was reared in this township, and received his rudimentary education in the log school-houses, which were the only scholastic institutions in the vicinity at that time. He remained at the paternal home until the time of his marriage, this important event in his career being celebrated October 9; 1859, when he joined hand and heart with Miss Caroline May, who was born in Westfield township, September 3, 1840, the daughter of Edwin May, who was a native of New York, and who was one of the early settlers in this township. His father, Asa May, was born in the Empire State, being of English lineage, his father having been born on British soil. The maiden name of Mrs. Bartlett's mother was Electa Aldrich, and she was born in Westfield township, her parents having come hither from the State of New York. Mrs. Bartlett was the third of nine children, and she was reared and educated in this township. After his marriage our subject engaged in the potash business, continuing this line of enterprise for two years, after which he directed his attention to fanning, locating on what is known as the Knapp farm, in this township, a property which he purchased. He remained on the place for ten years, after which he effected the purchase of the Meredith farm, where he still retains his residence, the place comprising 200 acres. Mr. Bartlett also owns a large interest in the old homestead. His present fine residence was erected in 1880, at a cost of $3,000, and is one of the most attractive rural homes in the county. The farm is under most careful and effective cultivation and is well improved in every quarter, the greater portion of this work having been accomplished by the present proprietor, who is recognized as one of the most alert and progressive farmers of the section. In politics Mr. Bartlett does not bind himself to the supporting of any party, preferring to maintain an independent position, and to be free to vote for men and measures. Our subject and his wife became the parents of four children, namely: Clara, who is at home; Charles, who married Alberta Lewis and who has one son, Floyd; Cora, wife of Truman McHirk, is the mother of two children, Henry B. and Baby; May is the wild of William Schaff and has two children, Edna and Baby. CLAYTON N. WILLITS, a farmer of Cardington township, was born on his father's farm in this township, May 6, 1845, a son of Joel and Cynthia Willits. July 25, 1864, he en- 256 - MEMORIAL AND BI0GRAPHICAL RECORD OF listed in Company A, One Hundred and Seventh-fourth Ohio Volunteer Infantry, and was first made Corporal and afterward promoted to Sergeant. The regiment was organized at Camp Chase, Columbus, Ohio, and was sent to Murfreesboro, Tennessee, doing drill and guard duty. Mr. Willits took part in the skirmishes at Decatur and Athens, Alabama, returning to Murfreesboro, took part in the battle of the Cedars, went thence to Clifton, Tennessee, by boat to Cincinnati, by railroad to Columbus and on to Washington, next to North Carolina and took part in the battle of Vise's Fork, next went to Raleigh, joined General Sherman's army at Greensboro, took part in the battle of Johnston's surrender, went to Charlotte, North Carolina, and then returned home by way of Baltimore. Mr. Willits was mustered out of service at Charlotte, North Carolina, and was discharged at Columbus, July 8, 1865. His father having died while he was in the service, he immediately joined his mother in Le Grand, Iowa, but returned to Cardington the spring of 1866, and he now owns eighty-three acres of good land, eighteen acres of which is covered with timber. In addition to his general farming, he raises a fine grade of horses. In his political relations, he affiliates with the Republican party, and has frequently served as a delegate to conventions. He is now serving his third year as Township Trustee of Cardington township, and for the past twenty years has held the position of Director of district school. Mr. Willits has passed through the chairs in the I. O. O. F. lodge, and is also a member of James St. John Post of Cardington. In December, 1866, our subject was united in marriage with Mary Vickers, who was born in England, November 14, 1847, a daughter of John and Mary A. (Chantry) Vickers, also natives of that country. They came to America July 3, 1852, locating in Cleveland, Ohio, where the father died in August, 1852. He was a blacksmith by occupation. The mother also died in that city in 1878. The paternal grandparents of Mrs. Willits were Thomas and Mary Vickers, and the maternal grandparents were Robert and Elizabeth Chantry. Mrs. Willits came to Cardington township in 1857. She was one of six children, but only one brother, Thomas Vickers, still survives, and he resides in Cleveland. He was a soldier in the civil war. The parents were members of the Church of England. Our subject and wife have had five children, three now living: Bertha E., born May 22, 1873; Ralph, June 18, 1875, and Kathleen E., October 9, 1885. Of the deceased children, Bernard, born February 12, 1870, died October 1, 1876; and Milton, born April 1, 1871, died August 28, 1872. JOHN R. REYNER, Peoria, Union county. Ohio, has been a resident of this place since 1878. Mr. Reyner was born near Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, August 17, 1829, son of David Reyner, also a native of that place. David Reyner was a wagonmaker by trade, at which he worked in early life. In 1837 he brought his family to Ohio and settled in Columbiana county, the following year removed to Union county, and in 1839 they took up their abode in Liberty township. Here the parents spent the residue of their lives and died, the father's death occurring in 1889, the mother's in 1879. Her maiden name was Eliza Mann. and she was a native of the same county in which her DELAWARE, UNION AND MORROW COUNTIES, OHO - 257 husband was born. She was a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church. They had four children, namely: Mrs. Sarah A. Skidmore, John R., Theodore and Vianna. John R. was a lad of nine years when he came with his parents to Ohio. He was reared on his father's farm and was educated in the district school, and when a young man learned the trade of stonemason, at which he worked some in early life. His chief occupation, however, has been farming. After his marriage he lived for some Years near Plain City, then Union. now Madison county, and in 1878 came from there to Peoria. Here he owns a nice house and lot in the village and has a farm of ninety-seven acres near by. Like most of the worthy citizens of this country who have passed middle life, Mr. Reyner has a war record. He enlisted in the spring of 1865 in Company F, One Hundred and Ninety-sixth Ohio Volunteer Infantry, and with his regiment was stationed at Winchester, Baltimore and Fort Delaware, being on garrison duty. After seven months of service he was honorably discharged and returned home. January 1, 1855. Mr. Reyner married Emeline Moore, daughter of Jeremiah and Hannah (Arahood) Moore, both natives of Virginia. The Moores descended from Scotch-Irish ancestors and were related to General Jackson. Mr. Moore was a soldier in the war of 1812. He and his wife died in Coles county, Illinois, his death occurring at the age of fifty-four years. and hers at forty-nine. They had nine children, namely: William, Lucinda, Mary, Anna, Phoebe, John, Eli, Silas, and Emeline. Mr. and Mrs. Reyner have three children, as follows: Emeline Arvilla, wife of W. J. Strader, of Liberty township, Union county, Ohio; Mary Anna, wife of J. Evans, Peoria, Ohio; and Stephen A. Douglas, at home. All have had good educational advantages and both Mrs. Strader and Mrs. Evans have been teachers. Mrs. Evans has three children,—John W., Maud Ethel, and Villa St. Clair. Mr. and Mrs. Reyner are members of the Disciple Church, and in politics he is a Democrat. J. O. SMITH, proprietor of the Odevene Bath and Dye House, Delaware, Ohio, is a native of the Buckeye State. He was born in Portsmouth, Scioto county, in April, 1839, a son of John D. and Drusella W. (Wilcoxan) Smith, the former of English descent. Mr. Smith was reared on a farm in Washington township, Scioto county, and was educated in the public schools and at the Ohio Weslyan University, attending the latter institution one year. About this time the civil war broke out, and in September, 1861, he enlisted in Company E, Thirty-third Ohio Volunteer Infantry. He was in numerous engagements and was wounded in four different battles, namely : Hoover's Gap, Chickamauga, Mission Ridge and Resaca, at the last-named place being shot through the left breast. From the effects of this wound he has never fully recovered. After being confined in the hospital for sonic time, he was mustered out of the service with the rank of First Sergeant. That was in Georgia, in October, 1864. Upon his return from the army, Mr. Smith remained on the farm in Scioto county for some time, after which he was for one year clerk in a general store. Then he 0, cued a grocery at Buena Vista, Scioto 258 - MEMORIAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD OF county, which he conducted three years. In 1868 he came to Delaware, where he became interested in a soap company and also in auctioneering, remaining here until 1872, when he returned to Portsmouth. There he engaged in farming for four or five years, on the old home farm. In 1882 he came back to Delaware, and since that date has been identified with the interests of this city. In 1885 he opened a dye house, which he has since profitably conducted, and the present year, 1894, he leased the Odevene Bath House. both of which he is now running. Mr. Smith was married in Delaware, Ohio, to Miss Sarah B. Vining, daughter of E. Vining, and they have a family of six children, viz : Lillian B., Edith 0., Ellen F., Mary E., Edward C. and George L. In his political affiliations Mr. Smith was formerly a Democrat, but since 1884 has been a stanch Prohibitionist. He is a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church. J. B. JACKSON, a well-known farmer and stock-dealer of Troy township, Delaware county, Ohio, is a native of Orange county, New York, the date of his birth being April 4, 1825. Mr. Jackson's father, James Jackson, also a native of Orange county, New York, was of Scotch-Irish descent, and was a merchant from the time he was fifteen years of age. He came to Delaware county, Ohio, in 1840 and located in Troy township. Subsequently he removed to Wyandot county and settled near Sandusky, the land upon which he located being now a part of that city. He remained there until the time of his death, at the age of sixty years. He was a Deacon and an Elder in the Presbyte rian Church, and his political views were those advocated by the Whig party. The mother of our subject was before her marriage Miss Eliza Board. She was born and-reared in New Jersey, and died when J. B. was only three years old. Later the father married Miss Emily Bruce. He had two sons and two daughters by his first wife and four children by the second. J. B. is the only one of the first children now living. Mr. Jackson was fifteen years of age when he came out to Delaware county, and the following year he was employed to teach school in Troy township. He made his home with his father until he reached his majority, and then, in partnership with his brother, engaged in farming. Farming has been his life occupation. He now owns 360 acres of land in Troy township, nearly all of which, at the time of his settlement here just after his marriage, was an unbroken forest. Its excellent improvements, residence, barn, etc., have all been placed here by him, and the general appearance of the premises is indicative of the energy and enterprise which have characterized his years of labor. Mr. Jackson was married October 4, 1848, to Sarah M. Bush, who was born on the farm where they now live, May 8, 1827, her father having come to Delaware county as early as 1807. Her parents, David and Elizabeth (Wilson) Bush, were born in New York and New Hampshire respectively, and Mrs. Jackson was the fourth in their family of nine children, three sons and six daughters, all of whom reached maturity. Mr. and Mrs. Jackson have had seven children, namely: Elwyn Bush, Edgar Bruce, Lewis Bradford, Frank Board, Harry Seward, Hattie and Bertha. The last named died in infancy. DELAWARE, UNION AND MORROW COUNTIES, OHIO - 259 At an early day Mr. Jackson affiliated with the Whigs, and since the organization of the Republican party has given it his support. He has served most efficiently in various local offices, such as Trustee, Treasurer. Clerk and Assessor of the township. He and his family are members of the Presbyterian Church. JOHN W. CULVER is one of the leading citizens of Delaware county, now living in Sunbury, where he is engaged in the livery business as a member of the firm of Perfect & Culver. Being so well and favorably known in this locality, his sketch will prove of interest to many of the readers of this volume. The record of his life is as follows: He was born in Trenton township. Delaware county, Ohio, in 1844 and is a son of Basel Culver. The latter was born on the 28th of March, 1811, and his parents were John and Catherine (Johnson) Culver. Farther hack WC have no account of the ancestry of the family. Basel Culver died May 19, 1891, and his wife. Elizabeth, who was born April 1, 1811 , survived him only a few days, passing away June 6, 1891. They left four children,--Truman, Martha J., Mary and John W. Mr. Culver was an enterprising and thrifty man, and in his business dealings won success as the result of capable management and foresight. He became owner of a valuable farm, and carefully reared his children. The subject of this sketch was reared in the place of his nativity, and in its public schools acquired a good education. He manifested special aptitude in his studies and fitted himself for teaching, which profession he followed with good success for some years. His work was always thorough and progressive and gave good satisfaction to those interested. Later he engaged in the lumber business both in Ohio and in the South. At this writing he is conducting a successful livery business in Sunbury and by his straightforward dealing and earnest desire to please his customers, he has secured a liberal patronage. He also owns two good farms in Trenton township, which yield to him a fair income. In his social relations Mr. Culver is connected with Sparrow Lodge, No. 400, F. & A. M., of Sunbury, being one of its active and zealous members. He is a man of intelligence and broad and liberal views, who has read extensively and always keeps himself well informed on the questions of the day. A pleasant, genial gentleman, his social manner has made him very popular and gained him many warm friends. ELZY S. CURL, eldest of six children of Henry W. and Elizabeth Curl, a farmer of Morrow county, was born in Richland township, Marion county, Ohio, August 22, 1851. He was reared to farm life in his native place, and after attending the district schools, completed his eduation at Cardington union school. After his marriage he remained on the farm two years, spent the following five years in Cardington, and nine Years ago removed to his present farm of sixty acres. It was one of the earliest settled places in the locality, and is under a fine state of cultivation. Mr. Curl was married in 1876 to Eliza Rose, the youngest child of eleven children of James and Nancy Rose, born in Lincoln township, Morrow county, Ohio, September 260 - MEMORIAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD OF 8, 1856. Mrs. Curl completed her education in the union school at Cardington. Our subject and wife have one child, Lena R., born March 27, 1878, who is attending school. The family are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church, and are workers in the Sunday-school. In his social relations Mr. Curl affiliates with the I. 0. 0. F. and the Knights of Pythias. Politically he is identified with the Republican party. REUBEN B. GARDNER, a farmer of Peru township, is a son of Robert Gardner, who was born in the District of Columbia in 1792. His father, John Gardner, was a native of Scotland, and came to America as a soldier in Cornwallis' army during the Revolutionary war, and served under that General until the surrender at Yorktown. He then settled near Washington, District of Columbia, where he followed the tailor's trade. In a very early day he came to Ohio, purchasing and locating on a farm where Zanesville is now situated, but in 18 l o located on the farm now owned by our subject in Morrow county. At that time there was only one house in this locality. He was the father of two sons by his first marriage, three by the second, and seven children by the third. Robert Gardner, father of our subject, was married in this county, in 1817, to Polly Benedict, born in Peru, New York, in 1798, a daughter of Reuben Benedict, who came to Morrow county, Ohio, in 1812. After his marriage, Mr. Gardner located on fifty acres of land just east of our subject's present residence, which he cleared and improved, and died there April 6, 186o. His wife departed this life June 1, 1873. They were the parents of eight children, three sons and five daughters, seven of whom grew to years of maturity,—Nelson. deceased; Sarah, wife. of Samuel Ullery, who resides near New Albany, Ohio, and they have five children; Annie, deceased, was the wife of Anson Place, and they had two children; Rebecca. deceased: Phoebe, widow of Daniel Osborn, and has one child; Hannah. wife of Morgan Doty, and Reuben B., the subject of this sketch. The parents were members of the Methodist Episcopal Church, in which the father was Trustee and Class Leader for many years. He was am active worker in the Whig party, afterward becoming identified with the Republican party, and served as Trustee of Peru township for many years. Reuben B. Gardner was born on the farm where he now resides, June 18, 1820. He has been a life-long farmer, and now owns 320 acres of the best agricultural land in this locality, where he is engaged in general farming and stock-raising. He was married in 1853 to Hannah Wilson, born in Bennington township. Morrow county, September 3, 1831, a daughter of Elias and Wealthy (Wells) Wilson, the former born in New York, July 8, 1791, and the latter born in Pennsylvania, March 20, 1806. They located in Ohio in a very early day, and were among the early and leading pioneers of Bennington township. The father was a soldier in the war of 1812. He was first married to Charity Demuth, and they had five children, four now living,—Mary Ann Dubois, Julia Harvey, Maria Wells and Sally Tinkham. By his second marriage he had eleven childrren, seven now living, viz: Abigail Beard, Charity Duty, Thomas, Mrs. Gardner, James, Polly Rogers and Rosalind Westbrook. Mr. Wilson died November 5, 1885, and his wife survived until October 27, 1887. Our subject and wife have two DELAWARE, UNION AND MORROW COUNTIES, OHIO - 261 children, —Robert Nelson, born February 4, 1859, married Margaret Ella Gardner, and resides on the home farm; and Nevada, born October 4, 1869, is the wife of C. Flavius Brown, of Lincoln township, Morrow county. They have one child, Francis G. Mr. Gardner has one daughter deceased, Alice, and her child, Cora A., born May 8, 1875, has been reared by our subject. Reuben Gardner and wife are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church, in which the former has served as Steward and Trustee. In his social relations he has passed all the chairs in the I. 0. 0. F. He affiliates with the Republican party, and has served as Trustee of Peru township for many years, as Road Supervisor, and is the present School Director, having held that position for over thirty years. RICHARD WOOD, a farmer of Peru township, Morrow county, is a son of Rev. Daniel Wood, born in Peru, New York, January 19, 1789. He was a son of Jonathan and Rachie (White) Wood, natives also of New York, the father born in December, 1760, and the mother, January 18, 1764. They were among the early pioneers of this county. Their children were: Phoebe Nichols, Esther Irish, Daniel, Amy Peasley, David, Susannah Kingman, Israel, Lydia Osborn, Jonathan, Rachel Hathaway, and Matilda Benker. .Daniel Wood, father of our subject, was married April 30, 1812, to Phoebe Benedict, born in Peru, New York, March 1, 1791, a daughter of Reuben and Anna (Stevens) Benedict, natives respectively of New York and Pennsylvania. Reuben Benedict came to Ohio in 1812, locating on the farm now owned by John Osborn. His children were: Phoebe Wood, Polly Gardner, Aden, John, Ezra, Lucy Mosher, Annis Oliver, George, and Martin. Rev. Daniel Wood and wife came to Ohio about 1816, and he taught the first school in this township. They located on land now owned by our subject, near Alum creek, Peru township, but afterward settled on a farm now owned and occupied by Rev. George J. Wood. In 1830 Daniel Wood laid out the village of Woodbury, having purchased the land at 75 cents per acre, and named the place. He was one of the Pioneer ministers in this locality, working in the Friends' Church. His death occurred September 24, 1868, and his wife departed this life July 28, 1822. They were the par- ents of the following children: Annie, deceased, was the wife of Griffith Lewis, and they had five children; Levi married Caroline Whipple; Rachel, deceased,. was the wife of James Vernon; Jemima, deceased, was the wife of Jacob Heely, and they had four children; Richard, the subject of this sketch; and William, deceased in infancy. For his 'second wife Daniel Wood married Elizabeth Benedict, a cousin of his former wife. Richard Wood, the only survivor of his father's family by his first marriage, was born on the banks of Alum creek, Morrow county, October 2, 1820. He early learned the wagon-maker's trade, and followed that occupation continuously in 'Woodbury for fifty-four years, having made the first spring wagon and covered carriage in Peru town-. ship. He now owns 140 acres of fine farming land. April 3, 1844, Mr. Wood was united in marriage with Elmina James, who was born April 19, 1824, a daughter of David and 262 - MEMORIAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD OF Charlotte James, natives of Loudoun county, Virginia. Mrs. Wood died March 9, 1871. Our subject's second marriage occurred September 20, 1871, to Cynthia (Webber) Philbrook, born in Vermont, July 28, 1840„ a daughter of Lyman J. and Mary A. (Goodnow) Webber. The father was born in Vermont, April 20, 1810, a son of Richard and Lydia Webber. Richard was a son of Hiram Webber, who was a son of Able and Susan Webber. Able was a son of John and Hannah Webber; John was a son of William and Mary Webber; William was a son of Arnot and Sarah Webber; Arnot was a son of Walfort and Graticia Webber. Lyman Webber, father of Mrs. Wood, and a carpenter by occupation, remained in Vermont until 1851, went thence to Massachusetts, and next located at East Liberty, Ohio. His death occurred February 26, 1889. Mrs. Wood was first married to David C. Philbrook, now deceased, and they have one child living, William C., of Cardington township, Morrow county. Mr. and Mrs. Wood have also one child, Lyman Daniel, born August 8, 1872. Our subject and wife are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church, the former having united with that church over fifty years, ago. In political matters Mr. Wood affiliates with the Prohibition party, and has served as Township Trustee and in many other minor offices. CYRUS H. ZIMMERMAN, one of the prominent farmers of Union county, postoffice address, Unionville Centre, Ohio, has resided here since 1881. Mr. Zimmerman was born on hiS father's farm, adjoining Springfield, Ohio, October 12, 1850, and, as the name indicates, is of German descent. The ancestry is traced back to three brothers who came from Germany to this country at an early day. Some members of the family were participants in the war of 1812. From one of these brothers was Isaac Zimmerman descended. He was born in Dauphin county, Pennsylvania. and in 1846 came from that State to Ohio, settling on a farm near Springfield. A portion of his farm is now within the corporate limits of that city. Isaac Zimmerman was one of a family of seven sons and five daughters. He was married in Pennsylvania to Anna Ober, a native of Harrisburg, that State, and a daughter of a prominent and wealthy farmer. Following are the names of their children: Cyrus H. , Barbara E., wife of John Crabill; Agnes, wife of W. J. Welsh; William; Ida F., a music teacher, and wife of Samuel Spencer, attorney at law, Emporia, Kansas; Effie J., wife of Dr. Custer, of Dayton, Ohio; and Carrie May, teacher of languages in a Springfield seminary. Both parents are deceased, the father dying at the age of forty-eight years, the mother at forty-nine. In politics he was first a Whig, and later a Republican. He was reared in the Lutheran faith, but during the closing years of his life was identified with the United Brethren Church. Financially he was a success, having made his own way in the world, and at his death left to his family a property valued at $40,000. Cyrus H. was reared and educated in his native town, completing his studies by a course at Wittenburg College. Being the oldest of the family, the care of the farm devolved upon him after his father's death, and he continued to operate it until 1880. That year he purchased his present farm and the following year moved to it. Here DELAWARE, UNION AND MORROW COUNTIES, OHIO - 263 he owns 217 acres of choice land, where everything on the place is kept up in first-class order. Mr. Zimmerman was married June 10, 188o, to Miss Lydia E. Lowe, an amiable and accomplished lady and a daughter of George S. and Edith (Powell) Lowe. Her father is deceased. This marriage has resulted in the birth of five children, whose names are as follows: Albert Isaac, Walter Austin, Joseph Foraker, Cyrus Edwin and Ralph Waldo. Mr. Zimmerman is one of the active Republicans in the county and has done much efficient work for his party, frequently serving as delegate to county conventions. He has been a Justice of the Peace for nine years, has served on the School Board, and at this writing is on his third term as Township Trustee. At the last nomination election, in the summer of 1894, he was the choice of his party for the office of County Commissioner, and in November, 1894, was elected by a handsome majority, running ahead on his ticket, and without doubt will make a good official in that capacity. In fraternal circles he is prominent and active, and, indeed, he is whole-hearted in whatever he undertakes. He is a member of Urania Lodge, No. 46, F. & A. M., Plain City, and in the I. O. O. F. he belongs to both the lodge and encampment, having passed all the chairs and served as Noble Grand. Both he and his wife are active members of the Presbyterian Church. A. H. GOODWIN.—The history of our nation found its cradle in the old Colonial States of New England, and back to this locality does the subject of this sketch trace his lineage, and that in his character abide those sterling traits which marked the individuality of the New England type is manifest when we come to consider the more salient points in his life history, which has been one marked by constant application, invincible spirit, sturdy loyalty and unwavering honor,—all of which have eventuated most naturally in securing to him a position in the respect and esteem of his fellowmen and the tenure of offices of public trust and responsibility. The last preferment which has come to him is that of County Recorder of Union county, and the duties of this office he assumed in January of the present year (1894). Mr. Goodwin is a native of the Buckeye State, having been born in Jefferson county, February 28, 1844, the son of George and Mary J. (Wilson) Goodwin, the former of whom is now a resident of Canton, Ohio, the mother having died in 1863. The father of our subject was for many years engaged in the mercantile business and his son became associated with this line of enterprise at an early age, his education having been received in the common schools of his native county. He remained with his father, assisting in the store, until he had attained the age of seventeen years, when the full fire of his youthful patriotism was enkindled as the dark cloud of civil war began to obscure the national horizon. Thus it came about that, in August, 1861, he enlisted as a member of Company B, Thirtieth Ohio Volunteer Infantry, the place of his enlistment being Cadiz, Harrison county. He served valiantly and participated in a number of the most crucial conflicts which marked the history of the late war, among which may be noted the following : Carnifax Ferry, West Vir- 264 - MEMORIAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD OF ginia, September 10, 1861; Bull Run, August 29, 30, 1862; South Mountain, Maryland, September 16, 17, r862; the sieges of Vicksburg and Jackson, Mississippi, May, June and July, 1863; Mission Ridge, November 25, 1863; Dallas, Georgia, May 28, 1864; Kenesaw Mountain, same State, June 27, 1864. At the last named engagement he was severely wounded in the left leg and was conveyed to the hospital at Big Shanty, Georgia, whence he was transferred to Altoona Pass, then to Rome, Georgia, and finally to Columbus, Ohio, where he was mustered out, in February, 1865. Mr. Goodwin's injuries received at the battle of Kenesaw Mountain consisted of five separate and distinct wounds, touching both feet and both hips. The left foot was entirely shattered and was amputated the same day that the battle occurred. This amputation was made just above the ankle joint, and about eighteen months later, after he had reached his home, it became necessary for him to submit to a second operation, an incision being made and amputation performed somewhat above the point of the original operation. These severe wounds incapacitated our subject for any active business for a period of three years, but at the expiration of this time, in 1867, he fortified himself for the even sterner battle of life, undaunted by the physical infirmity which other warfare had brought upon him. He came to Union county and engaged as salesman for Mr. Webb, a grocer at Milford Centre. He remained in this position for somewhat more than four months and then entered the employ of James H. Neal, who was engaged in the insurance business at Milford Centre. This incumbency he held for fifteen months, when he received an appointment as guard at the Ohio State Penitentiary, his service in this capacity extending over a period of nearly four years, when he was advanced to the superintendency of the State shops in the prison and remained in charge for nine years. After this he returned to Milford Centre and then for three years acted as Deputy Sheriff of the county, under Sheriff Hopkins. Finally, he once more returned to Milford Centre and shortly after was elected Township Clerk and Justice of the Peace. and also Mayor of the village, which offices he held for six years, or until the time of his removal to Marysville, whither he came, ill January 1294, to assume his official duties as County Recorder, an office to which he has been elected by a large majority, as the candidate of the Republican party. Mr. Goodwin has long been one of the active politicians of this section of the State, has never swerved from his close allegiance to the Republican party and its principles, and has always served his constituents faithfully in any position of trust to which he has been called. Fraternally our subject retains a membership in Silas Kimball Post, No. 579, G. A. R., at Milford Centre. His marriage was celebrated at Uhrichsville, Ohio. November 12, 1876, when he was united to Mrs. Elizabeth P. Gregg, daughter of Alfred Pumphrey, of that place. They have one child, Raymond, who is a student in the Marysville high school and who assists his father in his official duties during vacations. Mrs. Goodwin has one son by her former marriage, Walter P. Gregg, who is a student at Starling Medical College, in Columbus. He also gives his time during vacations to assisting in the clerical work in the Recorder's office. DELAWARE, UNION AND MORROW COUNTIES, OHIO - 265 PELEG CRANSTON, who holds the responsible preferment as Treasurer of Union county, Ohio, and who is held in the highest regard by the people of the community, is a native of the Buckeye State, having been born in Champaign county, November r6, 1826, the son of John B. and Betsey (Lathrop) Cranston, the former of whom was a native of Rhode Island, and the latter of Connecticut. John B. Cranston came to Ohio with his parents in 1815, and they settled on the rich plains lying contiguous to Darby creek, in this section, with whose history from that early day has that of the family been identified. The Lathrop family emigrated from their Eastern home to this State a few years subsequent to the arrival here of the Cranstons. The paternal ancestry of our subject was of Scotch lineage, and the maternal, of English. John B. Cranston was a farmer of the more intelligent. active and progressive type, and he naturally became somewhat of a leader in local affairs. He was an ardent Whig, and within his life-time held local offices of importance. He passed the greater portion of his life in Champaign county, near the Union county line. Religiously, he was an active member of the Christian Church. He and his wife became the parents of seven children, four of whom are living at the present time. We offer the following record of the family: Mary, wife of Joseph Johnston, of Iroquois county, Illinois; Peleg, the immediate subject of this review: John, deceased: Dollie, deceased wife of William H. Robinson, of Yates City, Illinois; Betsey, deceased wife of Rosalvo Smith, of this State, and Ann B., who still resides in Champaign county. Our subject, Peleg Cranston, was reared on the farm, and received his education in the common schools, remaining at his home until he had attained his majority, December 24, [846, he was united in marriage to Miss Mary A. Bland, and after this event he still continued his residence at the parental home for a few years, after which he engaged in the mercantile business in Woodstock, Champaign county, where" he remained about two years, and then returned once more to the home farm, where he continued to reside until 1856, when he removed to Union county and located at what is now the village of Broadway. where he engaged in farming and simultaneously conducted a general mercantile business. He owned a farm of 192 acres, upon a part of which the present village of Broadway is located. He was prospered in his farming and other business operations, was in the lead in all matters of public order, and was called upon to accept various offices in the gift of the people. He was retained as Treasurer of Taylor township for a number of years, and also officiated as Justice of the Peace for many consecutive terms. That Mr. Cranston was a capable official and painstaking executive is manifest from the fact that he was finally chosen as the candidate of his party for the notable office which he now holds, that of County Treasurer of this county. He was elected to this office in the fall of 1891. The duties of his official incumbency demand his constant present at the county seat, and accordingly, in the fall of 1892, he took up his residence in the city of Marysville, where he still abides. In his political adherency he is strongly in line with the Republican party, in whose interests he has long been a most zealous worker. Mr. and Mrs. Cranston became the pa- 266 - MEMORIAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD OF rents of four children, concerning whom we offer the following data: French, died in childhood, as also did Webb and Inez; Walter F. resides in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, and is a clergyman in the Free-will Baptist Church. He was born July 25, 1856, and received his education at Merom, Indiana, and Oberlin, this State, being ordained to the ministry in 1889. In his early life he was for some time engaged as a telegraph operator, and prior to this had been for four years, connected with a mercantile enterprise at North Lewisburg, this State. Our subject has never identified himself with any religious denomination, but has ever been in close touch with the broader spirit of Christianity, and has been a most active worker in the cause. He has given special attention to Sunday-school work for many years and has accomplished much good in a quiet, unostentatious way, having held the position of Sunday-school superintendent for more than a quarter of a century. For the past twenty years he has been the president of the Union County Sabbath-school Association, and is still the honored incumbent in that office. He has done a noble work and may well revert to the same with pleasure and satisfaction. He has organized a large number of Sunday-schools in the county, which had about thirty-six schools when he began his efforts in this line, but which now shows a total of seventy-six. S. M. WILCOX, a farmer of Porter township, Delaware county, was born near Wilkesbarre, Luzerne county, Pennsylvania, October 12, 1829. His father, Samuel Wilcox, was born near Poughkeepsie, Dutchess county, New York, in 1786, a son of Isaac Wilcox, a native of Vermont. The mother of our subject was formerly Clarissa Montoine, a native of Luzerne county, Pennsylvania, and a daughter of Isaac Montoine, of French descent. Samuel Wilcox and wife had twelve children. The sons were: Bowen, S. M., Charles, Calvin and James. Calvin was a soldier in the late war, and James served in the Florida Indian wars. Samuel Wilcox and wife died in Luzerne county, Pennsylvania, the former in 1848, and the latter in 1844. S. M. Wilcox, the subject of this sketch, was reared to farm life in his native county, and subsequently spent five years, from the age of sixteen to twenty-one, just the age (as he says) to form good habits, in boating on the Susquehanna river. In 1851 he located in Richland county, Ohio, but since 1853 has resided in Porter township, Delaware county, where he own 168 acres of well-improved land. Mr. Wilcox has served with honor and credit as a Justice of the Peace for twenty-seven years. In his social relations, he is a member of the Masonic order, as follows, of Sparrow Lodge, No. 400, at Sunbury; Chapter Lodge, at Delaware; Ancient Accepted Scottish Rites, of Columbus, eighteenth degree; Ancient Accepted Scottish Rites, of Cincinnati, thirty-second degree, and Knights Templar, Mount Vernon Commanders, No. 1, of Columbus, Ohio. In Kingston township, this county, at the age of twenty-four years, our subject was united in marriage with Sarah Starks. To that union were born five sons,--Allen, Porter, Oliver, Coreaell C. and Galvin. Coreaell C. received a good education at Antioch College, and has been a popular and successful teacher for a number of years. The wife and mother died in 1873. Mr. DELAWARE, UNION AND MORROW COUNTIES, OHIO - 267 Wilcox was again married, in Richland county, Ohio, to Cynthia, a daughter of James R. Gass. SHERMAN F. WILLIAMS, one of the prominent and well-known citizens of Delaware county, was born in Harlem township, this county, September 5, 1850, a son of Jacob Williams. The latter was born in Sussex county, New Jersey, September 19, 1818, and for many years was a prominent citizen of this county. His father, Abraham Williams, was also born in New Jersey, and was a member of an old Puritan family, noted in war and religion. He married Sarah Ackerson. His death occurred at Sunbury, Ohio, and his wife died in Franklin county, this State. Jacob Williams, father of our subject, married Mary Fairchilds, who was born July 17, 1821, a daughter of B. M. Fairchilds, a soldier in the war of i 812. Jacob and Mary Williams had nine children, six now living, viz.: Rose Sweet, of Salina, Kansas; Sherman F., our subject; Gusta Clapen, of Baldwin City, Kansas; James Finley, of Lawrence, Kansas; Ben A., a resident of the same place; and Jacob T., of Sunbury, Ohio. The deceased children were: Catherine, Henry and John W. Henry was a soldier in the late war, a member of the Thirty-second Ohio Volunteer Infantry, and his death occurred in 1885. Jacob Williams died September 15, I 890, at the age of seventy-two years. He was a life-long farmer, was identified with the Republican party, held the office of Trustee, and was an active and zealous worker in the Methodist Episcopal Church, in which he served as Class-leader, Trustee and Steward. Mrs. Williams departed this life March 2, 1889. S. F. Williams, the subject of this memoir, was reared on the old home farm. He now owns 1091 acres of fine farming land in Harlem township. October 22, 1871, he was united in marriage with Mary E. Wickham, who was born, reared and educated in Delaware, Ohio, a daughter of Joseph W. and Phoebe (Thompson) Wickham, natives respectively of Saratoga county, New York, and Sussex county, New Jersey. They were the parents of eight children,—William W., Robert B., Mary E., Iola Z., Oscar, Eva A., Joseph and Capitola. During the late war William W. was a member of the Thirty-second Ohio Infantry. The father was also a soldier in that struggle, a member of Company I, Thirty-first Ohio Volunteer Infantry. In his political relations he was identified with the Democratic party. His death occurred at Westerville, Ohio, at the age of sixty-five years. Mr. and Mrs. Williams have had six children, viz.: \V. W. and Jacob E. are successful teachers; Walter Sherman, Eva Maud; John W.; and Mary E., deceased in infancy. Mr. Williams affiliates with the I. O. O. F., No. 404, of Galena. Mrs. Williams is a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church. B. F. FRESHWATER, Judge of the Probate Court of Delaware, was born on the 24th of November, 1852, on the old Hinton farm in Delaware township, and grew to manhood on a farm in Berlin township. His early education, acquired in the common schools, was afterward supplemented by a more advanced course of study. At the age of nineteen he entered the Ohio Wesleyan University, completed the classical course 268 - MEMORIAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD OF of study in that school, and was graduated in 1877. Mr. Freshwater then took up the study of law in the office of Carper & Van Deman, and in order to meet his expenses taught school at the same time. He was admitted to the bar on the 2d of June, 1880. and on the 1st of July began the practice of his chosen profession in connection with F. B. De Witt, in Paulding county, under the firm name of De Witt & Freshwater. On the 1st of January. 1881, the partnership was dissolved, and our subject continued alone in business at that place until October 14, 1884, when he returned to Delaware county, and on the 27th day of November, 1885, opened an office in Delaware. Attracted by politics, Mr. Freshwater became connected with the work of the Republican party, the principles of which he warmly advocates, and was made Secretary of the Republican Central Committee, serving in that capacity two years. In 1893 he was nominated on the Republican ticket for the office of Probate Judge, .and, being elected, entered upon his duties February 9, 1894. Mr. Freshwater is a member of Hiram Lodge, F. & A. M., of Lenape Lodge, No. 29, K; P., and of Delaware Lodge, B. P. 0. E. He aided in the organization of Company K, Fourteenth Regiment of Ohio National Guards, and was elected Second Lieutenant, but resigned in 1880. He was married July 2, 1889, to Miss Nellie L. Babcock, and they have one child. Judge Freshwater is an able young attorney, whose skill and ability are rapidly winning him prominence in the rani s of the legal profession. In the discharge of his public duties he has ever been found true and faithful, and has the confidence and respect of the entire community. SAMUEL DEMUTH. a farmer of Cardington township, is a son of John Demuth, a native of Bucks county, Pennsylvania. He located on an unimproved farm in Pickaway county, Ohio, in 1820. He was married in Pennsylvania to Magdalena Wimmer, a native also of Bucks county, and a daughter of Philip Wimmer, a soldier in the Revolutionary war. Mr. and Mrs. Demuth had seven children, four sons and three daughters, and four are now living: Samuel, the subject of this sketch: John, a resident of Circleville, Ohio: Jacob, of Cardington; and Daniel, also of Circleville. The parents were members of the Lutheran Church, and both died in Pickawav county. Samuel Demuth was born in that county April 20, 1820. He received his education in the district schools, also spending one term at Granville, and, after completing his education, taught thirteen terms. After his marriage he located at Adelphi. Ross county, Ohio, where he worked at the blacksmith's trade, and was also proprietor of a hotel. Seven years afterward he purchased a farm in Hocking county, this State, and in 1860 came to his present farm of 240 acres, all of which is under a fine state of cultivation. Mr. Demuth has served as Trustee, Justice of the Peace three terms, and School Director of Cardington township, and is identified with the Republican party. He began life as a poor boy, and, although afflicted with asthma, has made all he now owns by hard labor and economy. November 6, 1842, Mr. Demuth was united in marriage with Harriet Patterson, who was born in Ross county, Ohio, January 9, 1820, a daughter of John Patterson, an early pioneer of Ross county. To this union have been born eight children, viz.: DELAWARE, UNION AND MORROW COUNTIES, OHIO - 269 Robert B., a soldier in the Ninetieth Ohio Volunteer Infantry, died at St. Louis, Missouri, while in the service; John, a member of the One Hundred and Seventy-fourth Ohio Volunteers, also died in service, at Louisville, Kentucky; Smith, of Westfield township; Otto, Martin, and Samuel, at home; and two deceased in infancy. Mr. and Mrs. Demuth have been members of the Methodist Episcopal Church for fifty-five years, in which the former was Class-leader for fourteen years. He is a member of the I. O. O. F. at Cardington, has been a member of the Odd Fellows' order since 1848, and has passed all the chairs in the latter lodge. Smith, eldest son of Samuel Demuth, was born at Ade1phi, Ross county, Ohio, February 16, 1849. In 1860 he came with his father to Morrow county, and spent two years in a dry-goods store in Cardington, spent the following year in the West, and then taught school in this county one year. In October, 1873. he entered the United States Navy as a Blue Jacket" for eighteen months on the Roanoke. Mr. Demuth afterward served as schoolmaster on the United States flagship, Minnesota, in New York harbor, his duties haying been to teach the boys the common branches and drill them in all departments of seamanship on board the ship. His time expiring July 20, 1876, he returned home, and taught school the following year in Westfield. After his marriage he was engaged in the sewing-machine business two years, and then, in partnership with Mr. White, began the raising of Percheron horses, in which he still continues. Mr. Demuth was married, in 1877, to Miss Harriet White, a daughter of J. M. White, a prominent and early pioneer of Bennington township, Morrow county. He had two daughters,—Mrs. Lovenia Dickey and Mrs. Demuth. Mr. and Mrs. Demuth are the parents of three children,— Josephine, Roy, and Marie. They are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church. Mr. Demuth is identified with the Populist party, and is a member of the Royal Arcanum. JOHN J. GABRIEL, who stands as one of the successful and influential farmers of Union township, Union county, Ohio, figures as a representative of one of the old and honored pioneer families of the county, and it is signally consistent that a review of his life and ancestral history be incorporated in this volume. He was born in a primitive log cabin on the farm where he now abides, the date of his birth having been April 20, 1823. His father was John F. Gabriel, who was a prominent figure in the pioneer history of the county, where he settled within the first year of the present century. John F. Gabriel was one of three brothers who, in 1798, effected the purchase of 50o acres of land in this county, and it is a portion of this tract which constitutes the farm operated by our subject. The father was born in Washington county, Maryland, near the village of Hagerstown, and was a son of Abram Gabriel, who was likewise a native of that county, with whose history that of his ancestors had been identified for many generations, the agnatic line tracing back its origin to Germany. In 1801 the three brothers, William, Richard and John F., came overland from their native State to Ohio, and, arriving here, the first named settled near the present vil- 270 - MEMORIAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD OF lage of Milford Centre, the second locating on a tract just to the south, and John F., father of the immediate subject of this review, establishing himself on the farm which is now retained in the possession of his son, the place being at the time entirely unreclaimed. His wife, nee Maria Stewart, was born October 15, 1800, in Pennsylvania, near what is called Friends' Cove, her father, Joseph Stewart, having removed to this county and settled upon Buck Run, about a mile and a half north of Milford Centre, in 1809. The Stewart family is of Irish extraction, and the original American ancestor came from the same section of the Emerald Isle as did the late millionaire merchant of New York city, A. T. Stewart. John F. and Maria Gabriel were the parents of five children: John (first) is deceased; Josiah was killed by a falling tree when he was but twelve years of age; John J. is the subject of this review; Hiram went to Green county, Wisconsin, in 1844, being one of the first settlers in that section: i 1849 he, in company with his brother, Joseph S., became afflicted with the California —gold fever" and joined the innumerable caravan which was then wending its weary way toward the new Eldorado: he is now a resident of Green county, Wisconsin; Joseph S. is a prominent resident of Lake City, Calhoun county, Iowa. The father, John F. Gabriel, was born in 1778 and died November 15, 1828, at the age of fifty years. He was the twin brother of Richard Gabriel and they settled on adjoining farms and lived and died there. They were experts as musicians, the violin being their favorite instrument, and our subject has now in his possession his father's old violin which he bought in the city of Baltimore about one hundred years ago. The mother never remarried, but devoted her life to her children, whom she cared for with greatest solicitude, rearing them to fill honorable and useful positions in the world. She died April 26, 1872, having reached the age of seventy-one years. Both were zealous members of the Presbyterian Church. This church was situated about a mile below where he resided and was the first church in the county, being organized in 1809, with Samuel Woods as pastor. Our subject, John J. Gabriel, was reared on the old homestead, lending effective assistance in the work of the farm and acquiring such mental discipline as was available in the district schools. He was an avidious reader and student as a boy, and night after night in the winter he sat before the cheery old fire-place, and in the light of its crackling flames conned his books and learned his first lessons as to the great outside world. Diligence and ambition conquer many an obstacle, and notwithstanding the meagre advantages, our subject was enabled to secure a good, practical education and eventually to become a teacher in the district schools, proving a capable and popular instructor. He taught in various schools in Union township and was for three years in charge of the school at Milford Centre, and for twenty-five or thirty years a member of the School Board. He finds it pleasant to recall the fact that there were several of his pupils who in time became men of prominence in public and private life Mr. Gabriel has a fine farm of 150 acres and the same is thoroughly well improved. His residence is a commodious and substantial one and the place is well equipped with barns and other outbuildings so essential to the successful conducting of the farm. In connection with general farming he has DELAWARE, UNION AND MORROW COUNTIES, OHIO - 271 made a specialty, for the past forty years, of raising fine draft horses, of the Norman breed, that stock having been introduced here about that time, and he has raised some very fine specimens of that line. At the age of thirty ye ars he was united in marriage to Miss Sarah C. Parthemor, a lady of intelligence and refinement, who was reared in Union township, the daughter of Jacob and Sarah C. (Thorton) Parthemor, natives respectively of Virginia and Ohio. Her mother, Sarah C. Thorton, was born in Urbana, Ohio, in 1806. Mr. and Mrs. Gabriel have four children, namely: Myron, who is a well known resident of Milford Centre, and who holds official preferment as Constable, and is a painter by trade; Elmer, who is engaged in the furniture business at Milford Centre; John, who is a carpenter and builder; and Helen, who has been a successful school teacher, but who is now at the parental home. Mr. Gabriel has met with some very serious reverses in life. In 1846 he had a severe spell of sickness, from which he never entirely recovered. February 12, 1877, the house where he now resides was almost entirely destroyed by fire, together with nearly all the contents, not leaving them a change of clothing. The weather at the time being extremely cold, they cleared up as best they could and utilized the woodhouse until they could rebuild, which they did the following summer. In politics, our subject supports the Republican party and its principles, and has been an active worker in the cause. He has held the office of Township Trustee, and has been urged by local constituents to allow the presentation of his name for some responsible office, a nomination in this township or county being equivalent to an election, but he has ever held that his private interests demanded his full time and attention and he has had no desire for political recognition. It has been his ambition to strive to live an honest life and to deal fairly and honestly with his fellowmen, having never sued a man or been sued in his life, so that he may leave a name that his children will not be ashamed of, believing that –a good name is better than great riches." As a man he is genial, frank and honorable, strong in his convictions, and never afraid to defend his position upon any point where principle is involved. That such a man enjoys a marked popularity in the community is a foregone conclusion. E. J. CONDIT.—One of the most noteworthy of the many fine farmsteads in Trenton township, Delaware county, Ohio, is the Homestead Percheron Stock Farm, of which the subject of this review is proprietor. Mr. Condit was the fourth in order of the five children born to Jotham and Mary (Mulford) Condit, both of whom were natives of New Jersey. The parents came to Delaware county, Ohio, in an early day, locating on the farm where our subject now resides, and there remained until they were summoned to the life eternal,—the father dying at the age of seventy-nine years and the mother at eighty-nine. The father was a man of sturdy integrity, marked intelligence, and much business ability, and success finally came as a reward for his perseverance and singleness of purpose. He became an extensive farmer, owning 1,200 acres of the most desirable land in Trenton township, the village of Condit having been named in his honor. In his political adherency he 272 - MEMORIAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD OF was an ardent Democrat, and a quite active partisan in a local way. He bore arms in the war of 1812 and was a thorough patriot in thought, word and deed. Mr. and Mrs. Jotham Condit became the parents of five children, namely: John K., deceased; Mary J., now Mrs. Green; 'Winfield Smith, a resident of Delaware county, Ohio; Elias J., subject of this sketch; and Susan E., now Mrs. Perfect. E. J. Condit was born in Trenton township November 27, 1837, and passed his boyhood days upon the parental farm, receiving his education in the schools of the township. In his maturer years he did not depart from the noble art of husbandry, with which he had been identified from his youth up. The wisdom of his continued allegiance has been shown in the success which has come to him,—the diametrical result of his consecutive application and thorough knowledge of the most expedient methods to be employed. He now owns 580 acres of magnificent farming land, which is in a state of highest cultivation, and which shows the most substantial and attractive improvements, among which may be particularly noted a commodious residence and five large barns. Mr. Condit has attained no little prominence as a breeder of Percheron horses, and upon his place may be seen some of the best specimens of this celebrated and popular breed, including Contigny, a magnificent individual, whose registered number is 35,338, the horse having been bred and reared by Mr. Periott, of France. He also owns American Herdbook, whose weight is 2,000 pounds. It is conceded that the Percherons owned and raised by our subject hold rank with the very best in the State. At the age of twenty-six years Mr. Condit took unto himself a wife, in the person of Miss Jennie C., a daughter of Middleton and Huldah (Patrick) Perfect, prominent among the early settlers of Delaware county. To our subject and his wife five children have been born: Mulford S. ; Lizzie C., wife of John Williamson, of Delaware county, Ohio; Ed. G. ; Minnie, wife of Milford Merideth; and Milo J. It is scarcely necessary to state that Mr. Condit is one of the influential farmers of this section, nor that he is held in the respect and esteem of the community where his entire life has been passed. He is actively identified with the Democratic party, and in his religious views and adherency supports the tenets maintained by the Christian Church. J. M. MOODY, the efficient Treasurer of Morrow county, Ohio, was born in Marion county, this State, January 11, 1842. Joseph Moody, his father, was a native of Maryland, was reared in Pennsylvania, and was one of the early settlers of V Marion county, Ohio. He cleared away the forest and developed a farm in Tully township, Marion county, and lived there for a number of years. Subsequently he removed to Morrow county, where in died in the seventy-fifth year of his age. John B. Moody, the grandfather of J. M., is supposed to have been born in Massachusetts. He was of Scotch, Welch and Irish descent, was captain of a vessel, and during the war of 1812 was in the United States Navy. Joseph Moody married Miss Ezemiah Mickey, who was born and reared in Pennsylvania, daughter of Robert Mickey, who was of Scotch origin. She died in her forty-fifth year. They were the parents of DELAWARE, UNION AND MORROW COUNTIES, OHIO - 273 ten children, only two of whom reached maturity, namely: Mary A., wife of Ed. Beatty, of Pennsylvania, and J. M. J. M. Moody was the second born in the family. He was reared in his native county, receiving his education in the district school and at Central College, and remaining at home until the outbreak of the civil war. October 22, 1861, he enlisted as a private in Company H, Sixty-fourth Ohio Volunteer Infantry, and was mustered out December 10, 1864, at Nashville, Tennessee. Among the battles in which he participated were those of Stone River, Atlanta, Spring Hill, Franklin and many others. At the battle of Franklin he had his ear pierced by a ball, and after his return home his mother found in his ear a piece of lead which she extracted. After the war Mr. Moody settled down to farming in Marion county. Subsequently he removed to Iberia, Morrow county, and engaged in the manufacture of drain tile, which he continued for some years. He still has the tile business carried on at that place. For four years he was traveling salesman for the Standard Oil Company. In 1892 he received the nomination for County Treasurer of Morrow county, was duly elected, and has rendered a high degree of satisfaction in this office. At this writing, 1894, he has the nomination for a second term in the same position. While a resident of Washington township, he served as Township Clerk. Mr. Moody married Miss R. M. Colmery, who was born in Pennsylvania but who has been a resident of Morrow county from her early childhood, and they have a family of four, two sons and two daughters, namely: Jennie L., E. C., M. L. and Robert M. Jennie L. is the wife of J. F. McClaren, of Whetstone. Like his father before him, Mr. Moody is a stanch Republican. He is a member of Wallace McNeal Post, No. 687, G. A. R., and he is also identified with the K. of P., U. V. L. and I. 0. 0. F. For many years he has been a Deacon in the Presbyterian Church. Thus in business, political, social and religious circles he is alike prominent and active, and he is as highly respected as he is well known. H. C. KENNEDY, who is conspicuous as one of the successful farmers and honored war veterans of Union county, is a resident of his native county, since he was born in the vicinity of Milford Centre, July 9, 1840, son of Othias Kennedy, now deceased, a native of Pennsylvania, and of Irish extraction. The maiden name of our subject's mother was Sarah Lee, and she was born in the Old Dominion State. She is still living, being well advanced in years, and resides at Collingwood, a suburb of the city of Cleveland. She became the mother of five children, of whom we make mention as follows: H. C., the immediate subject of this sketch; Harry B., who was a soldier in the late war, a member of Company F, Thirteenth Ohio Volunteer Infantry, and who met his death in the service, having received a mortal wound, September 20, 1863, at Chickamauga; Hester; Anna, and Ella. Henry C. Kennedy was reared to farm life on the parental homestead in this county, receiving his educational training in the public schools at Milford Centre. In his early manhood he devoted his attention to work as an engineer for some little time. Young, ambitious and loyal, it was but natural that he should have been one of 274 - MEMORIAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD OF those brave boys who stood ready to take up arms in the nation's behalf, and on the 1st of June, 1861, he enlisted as a member of Company F, Thirteenth Ohio Volunteer Infantry, and served faithfully and with distinction for a term of four years. He participated in a number of the most notable bat ties of the Rebellion, among which were the following: Chickamauga, Missionary Ridge, Stone Mountain, Franklin, Nashville and the memorable siege of Atlanta. While with his company in front of Atlanta he received a severe wound in the foot, from a fragment of flint rock upon which he jumped barefooted with sufficient force to penetrate and pass through the foot, between the instep and toes. This wound continued to trouble him after he had returned home, an I eventually it was found necessary to amputate the foot. Mr. Kennedy was discharged from the service at San Antonio, Texas, and was one of a party of seven who made the long homeward journey from that State on horseback In 1879 he took up his residence on his present farm of fifty-five acres, in Union township, the place being under thorough cultivation and well improved, with a good dwelling and all essential outbuildings. The care and discriminating attention which our subject has given to the cultivation of his prolific little farm has resulted in his securing goodly returns therefrom, and he is not one of the class who consider farming a failure. Mr. Kennedy's marriage was celebrated in October, 1867, when he espoused Miss Caroline Stewart, a native of Union township, and the daughter of James and Elizabeth Stewart, the former being a native of Pennsylvania and the latter of Virginia. They had eight children, namely: Emily Johnson, who met her death as the result of an assassin's hand; Armeda; Americus; Caroline, wife of our subject; Margaret, Ellen, Louisa and E. Taylor. Mr. and Mrs. Kennedy have had the following named children: William R. , who is a member of Company D. Ohio National Guard, and who accompanied his company to the scene of the great strike in the Ohio coal mines in the present year (1894), taking part in a skirmish between the troops and the miners; Hattie A. ; Edna; Norton Reed; James Oliver, who was drowned November 26, 1893, at the age of fourteen years; Orpheus, deceased, was the twin of James 0. ; Laura and Altina. In politics our subject is a stanch Democrat, and religiously he and members of his family are connected with the Methodist Episcopal Church. Fraternally Mr. Kennedy retains a membership in Ransom Reed Post, No. 113, G. A. R., of Marysville, said post having been named in honor of the first comrade killed in the company of which our subject was a member. LYMAN P. LEWIS, the Auditor of Delaware county, now living in the city of Delaware, is numbered among Ohio's native sons, his birth having occurred in Wyandot county, on the 7th of April, 1861. His parents, Loran P. and Mira S. (Dutton) Lewis, were also natives of the Buckeye State. The father made farming his principal profession and carried on agricultural pursuits in Marion and Wyandot counties until about 1870, when he moved to Upper Sandusky, Ohio. His death occurred on May 7, 1893. In their family were three children, two sons and a daughter, —Truman C., Etta I. and Lyman P.