300 - BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY Mr. Kunneke's youngest brother, was a soldier in an Ohio regiment, under Gen. Sigel's command, and at the battle of Stone River, at Murfreesboro, Tenn., and was killed in 1864. The two other brothers are still living, one in Dayton and the other on the old homestead. The eldest brother came over to the United States between the coming of Mr. Kunneke and the family, and engaged in the milling business at Versailles, Darke county, Ohio, where he died; his widow and children are now living in Louisville, Ky. But few men in Columbus Grove are better or more favorably known than Mr. Kunneke, and he is one of the well-to-do men of the township.   BENJAMIN LANDIS, a thriving farmer of Perry township, Putnam county, Ohio, was born in Greensburg township, in the same county, in 1843, and is a son of Abraham and Margaret (Fender) Landis, the former of whom was born in Bucks county, Pa., in 1799, and was a son of Benjamin Landis, Sr., of Dutch parentage. Benjamin, Sr., died in his native state of Pennsylvania in 1861 or 1862, having always been a farmer. Abraham, his younget son, received a good common-school education, and in his youth learned the cooper's trade. In 1840 he married Miss Fender, who was born in Germany about the year 1822, and in childhood was brought to America _by her parents, who made their settlement in the Buckeye state. To the union of Abraham and Margaret Landis were born two children—Benjamin, the subject of this sketch, and Fannie, wife of Isaac Varner, of whom mention is made elsewhere in this work. On the early settlement of Putnam county, Ohio, Abraham Landis came to the new county and secured a tract of wild land, on which, after his marriage, he built a log house and started to clear up a farm, at which labor he worked earnestly and industriously until his death in 1845. His widow then married John P. Simon, and in 1872 her death also took place, in the faith of the Christian church. Benjamin Landis, the gentleman whose name heads this sketch, was educated in the little log cabin school-house of his native district, and was reared to the calling of agriculture, which he followed assiduously and attentively on this home place until a short time after he had reached his majority, when he enlisted, in 1865, in company K, Capt. Luther Black, One Hundred and Eighty-fifth Ohio volunteer infantry, for the remainder of the Civil war. He participated in several skirmishes, but, the war soon happily coming to a close, he was honorably discharged and returned to his home, and resumed his farming in Greensburg township. In 1870 he married Miss Mary Merriott, who was born in Licking county, Ohio, in 1849, a daughter of William and Salome (Dicus) Merriott, and to this union was born one child, Abbie, now the wife of Newton Whitis, of whom further mention will be made. After his marriage Mr. Landis located on a farm he had previously purchased within the corporate limits of Dupont, Ohio, and here he resided until 1888, when he moved to his present home. Mr. and Mrs. Landis have led a consistent life as members of the United Brethren church. 'In politics he is an active republican, but has never been an office seeker. As a farmer he is excelled by few in his township, even if he be equaled, and as a citizen he is broad in his views and always ready to promote any project intended for the goOd of the general public. Mrs. Abbie (Landis) Whitis, daughter of above, was born July 19, 1871, and was educated in the schools of Dupont. April 2, 1889, she was united in marriage with Newton Whitis, who was born in Kalida, Ohio, in OF PUTNAM COUNTY - 303 July, 1865. He was educated in the schools of his native city, but was reared a farmer, and is recognized as one of the most progressive young agriculturists of Perry township. In politics Mr. Whitis is a democrat, and in religion he and wife are members of the United Brethren church, in the faith of which they are rearing their three children—B. Lockwood, Marie and Edgar. Mr. Whitis is no way behind his fellow-citizens as an agriculturist or as a member of society, and, with his wife, stands high in the esteem of all who have the pleasure of mingling with either or both in the interchange of neighborly courtesies. SAMUEL P. KROHN, a well-known citizen and ex-soldier of the Union army, living in Riley township, Putnam county, Ohio, is a native of the county and was born April 4, 1848. He is a son of Samuel and Sarah (Weaver) Krohn, both natives of Pennsylvania, the former born in Northumberland county February 10, 1817. Samuel Krohn came to Ohio in 1844 with his father, George Krohn, who settled in Putnam county, and died here in 1860, his widow dying January 25, 1871. Samuel Krohn was twice married, both times in Butler county, Ohio, his wives being sisters, and daughters of Henry and Margaret (Sarver) Weaver. The first marriage took place November 11, 1841, to Sarah Weaver, who was born September 27, 1820, and this union resulted in the birth of seven children, viz: George W., Margaret, Henry, Samuel P. (our subject), Elizabeth, Martin and David. The wife and mother died August 24, 1862, and Mr. Krohn married Magdalen Weaver December 22, 1864, and to this second union one child was born —Edward. Two of the sons born to Samuel Krohn by his first wife—George W. and Samuel P. (our subject)—served in the late Civil war—Samuel P. in the Twelfth Ohio cavalry. Samel Krohn was by occupation a farmer, but one time owned and operated a saw and grist-mill; he was at all times a popular man in his township, for four years serving as township trustee, and for six years as township treasurer, and his death, which occurred April 7, 1886, was deeply mourned as an irreparable loss to the community. Samuel P. Krohn, our subject, on December 23, 1869, took to himself a life partner in the person of Lacy A. Day, who was born August 17, 1849, and is a daughter of Hiram and Harriet (Pierce) Day, natives respectively of Wayne county, Ohio, and Kent county, England, who came to Putnam county, Ohio, in 1840. The children born to Samuel and Lacy A. Krohn were four in number, and were named in order of birth as follows: Martie Estelle, born September 27, 1870, and now the wife of Jacob G. Reese; Hiram S., born October. 0, 1875; Reno A., October 14, 1877, and Hattie, born March 14, 1881. Hiram Day, father of Mrs. Samuel Krohn, was a physician of celebrity at Pandora, having been very successful for many years both as a surgeon and physician, maintaining a well-earned and well-merited reputation in his profession until his death, in April, 1889, at the age of seventy-four years. Samuel P. Krohn was but a mere lad when he volunteered to defend the honor of the country's flag and to save his beloved country from disintegration. At the early age of fifteen years he left the home farm, enlisted in the Twelfth Qhio cavalry, was assigned to the army of Tennessee, and passed through a gallant and faithful service of two years, without being wounded or captured. On receiving an honorable discharge he returned to the old farm, where he rendered valuable assistance until 1872, marrying in the meantime, as recorded above. In the year last named he opened a hotel, and in 1873 304 - BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY supplemented this business by engaging in the dry-goods trade for a few years, but did not neglect his hotel interests. After selling his dry-goods business he devoted his attention solely to his hotel, with the exception of doing some live stock buying and shipping. In 1888, however, he re-entered mercantile business, and has since conducted a grocery, in addition to his hotel business. Mr. Krohn is a stanch democrat. He served his fellow-citizens twenty consecutive years as township treasurer, has recently been re-elected to fill the same position, and is altogether popular, not only as a party man, hotel keeper and business man, but as a worthy and enlightened citizen. SENECA FELL LARGE, the popular liveryman of Ottawa, Ohio, was born in Doylestown, Pa., September 21, 1843, and is of English descent. In tracing the ancestry of the Large family in America, it is learned that it was first represented in eastern Pennsylvania, in the time of the colonies, by immigrants direct from England. Joseph Large, one of the early members of the family, lived in Bucks county, Pa., and had two sons, John and Joseph; the latter married Melicent Church, daughter of Richard and Sarah (Fell) Church, and reared two children—Joseph S. and Rebecca--a direct descendant of one of which is the subject of this sketch. The history of the Fell family is also traceable to England, and the first mention of the name occurs in the parish of Uldale, Cumberland, where one Joseph Fell, of Longlands, was born August 16, 1868. The next in line was Benjamin Fell, born in Cumberland, September 1, 1703; he married Hannah Scarborough, of Bucks county, Pa., and was approved minister of the society of Friends as early as 1745. He was the father of eleven children, the eldest, John, being the direct ancestor of the subject of this biography. John Fell was born April 1, 1730, married Elizabeth Hartley, of Bucks county, Pa., and had thirteen children, the fourth in order of birth being Seneca Fell who was born April 6, 1760. Seneca Fell married Grace Holt, who bore him eight children, the seventh of whom was also named Seneca, and was the grandfather of Seneca Large, our subject. Seneca Fell, Jr., was born September 23, 1796, married Sarah Crest, Whose birth occurred January 10, 1797; they reared a family of seven children, and died in the years 1875 and 1888, respectively. The eldest daughter, Mary Ann, born February 10, 1820, married William K. Large, and they became the parents of seven children, the subject of this sketch being the youngest in order of birth. It will thus be seen that the of Mr. Large's maternal ancestors reaches back to nearly the sixteenth century, the Joseph Fell, of whom mention is above made, having been born August 19, 1668, and having died April 9, 1748, in Bucks county, Pa. As stated above, Joseph Large married Melicent Church, a granddaughter of the above mentioned Joseph Fell, and reared two children—Joseph S. and Rebecca—the former born May, 1778. Joseph S. married Rebecca Kinsey, March 26, 1805, and had a family of seven children, the youngest being William K., who was born August 8, .1818. William K. Large was married in 1840 to Mary Ann Fell, whose birth occurred November 18, 1820, and who died March 3, 1891. The following are the names of their children: Caroline, Seneca F., George Wesley, Howard P. and Arthur C. The father died February 4, 1876. He was but three months of age when he lost his father, and was quite young when bound out; but he did not remain with his employer long, and started to work for himself at $11 and his board for the first year, but from this small OF PUTNAM COUNTY - 305 beginning eventually achieved a fortune. He dealt extensively in horses during the war, was an auctioneer seven years in Philadelphia, but spent most of his life in Doylestown, and at his death was worth about $50,000. Seneca Fell Large, our subject, at the age of fourteen years, began learning the milling business, but remained with his parents until the Civil war broke out. He then enlisted, April 17, 1861, in company C, Forty-fifth Pennsylvania volunteer infantry, served out his term, and enlisted in the One Hundred and Fourth Pennsylvania infantry for nine months, and then entered the Eighth Pennsylvania cavalry, under Capt. Craver, but was later transferred to Ringgold battery. At the close of the war he was honorably discharged in August, 1865, having passed all through the struggle without injury, saving a shot in the right ankle at Gettysburg. He had gained considerable experience as a miller in Pensylvania, and after the close of the war came west and located at Metamora, Ind., where he followed his trade for four years, and December 24, 1869, married Miss Lizzie Harper, who survived but a brief period, dying October 14, 1870. Mr. Large then went to Beatrice, Nebr., where he ran a government mill two years, and then, in company with Carroll Emery, hauled freight, with thirteen yoke of oxen, to the Pacific coast, making two trips. He next wended his way eastward, making stops at Brownsville, Nebr., Abilene, Kans., and Kansas City, Mo., and in 1877 reached Cairo, Allen county, Ohio, and for a year operated the Cairo mills. In 1878 he engaged in the livery business in Columbus Grove, where he remained seven years ; was at Bluffton, Allen county, two years ; in Lima eight years, and September 29, 1894, opened his present stables in Ottawa, where his success has been most flattering. The second marriage of Mr. Large took place, in Columbus Grove, to Susan Mayor, a native of Scranton, Pa., but this lady survived only a short time, dying July 2 5, 1893, at fifty-three years of age. The third and last matrimonial alliance of Mr. Large occurred January 1, 1895, to Sadie. Fee, a native of Titusville, Pa. In politics Mr. Large is a stalwart republican, and is very popular with his party, as well as with the public in general. JAMES P. LEASURE, prosecuting attorney of Putnam county, and senior member of the law firm of Leasure & Powell, was born near Columbus Grove, Allen county, Ohio, on the 24th day of May, 1858. His parents, Henry N. and Hannah (Porter) Leasure, are among the substantial and well-known people of the county of Allen, residing in Monroe township. The subject of this biography grew up with the energies and ambition of the great west, and soon mastered the learning of the public schools within his reach, after which he entered the Normal school at Ada, from which he was graduated in 1884. For some time thereafter he followed the teacher's profession in the counties of Putnam and Allen, and in the meantime began the study of law with Sidney Sanders, of Columbus Grove.. The greater part of his legal studies, however, were prosecuted at home, and in order the better to prepare himself for the profession, he entered the university of Michigan, and was graduated fr0m the law department of that institution in 1889. He located in the practice of his profession at Ottawa, in the office of Sheets & Ogan, with whom he remained three months, and then effected a co-partnership with Charles Frayer, the firm thus constituted continuing for a limited period. . Subsequently he became associated with his present partner, David N. Powell, under the firm name of Leasure & 306 - BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY Powell, and is now rapidly coming to the front as one of the able and successful lawyers of the Ottawa bar. Mr. Leasure is an enthusiastic student and has a strong love for his profession. In the trial of a case he is absolutely fair to all parties concerned, is frank and candid in his dealings with every one, and to this may be attributed, to a great extent, his success. In politics Mr. Leasure is a republican, but numbers his friends by the hundreds irrespective of party affiliation, as is attested by the fact of his having been elected to th.e office he now holds in 1894, defeating his competitor by a majority of 1,263, in a strongly democratic county. He possesses a pleasing personality, is frank and genial, is a good mixer among men, and stands high professionally and socially. Mr. Leasure and Miss Harriet Fowler, daughter of Andrew Fowler, of Ottawa, were united in marriage in 1890, and their union has been blessed by the birth of two children—Henry N. and George P. DAVID N. POWELL, a rising young lawyer of Ottawa and junior member of the firm of Leasure & Powell, is a native of Putnam county, born on the old Powell homestead, Blanchard township, May 20, 1863, son of Joshua and Frances (McCullough) Powell. The youthful years of the subject were passed on the home farm, and in the public schools he obtained his early educational training, and later took a course at Valpariso, Ind., graduating from the commercial department of the State Normal school in 1888. Prior to the latter year he taught school for sometime in Putnam county, was for two years assistant of the schools of Leipsic, and here earned the reputation of a painstaking and successful instructor. Having early decided to enter the law, Mr. Powell, in 1888, began the study of the same at the Northern Indiana Law school, and graduated from the law department ill 1890, and afterward spent two years in the office of Sheets & Ogan of Ottawa. He was admitted to the Putnam county bar in November, 1893, and the ensuing year entered into partnership with James P. Leas.ure, and the firm thus constituted still exists. Mr. Powell has made commendable progress since entering the profession, and the firm to which he belongs has a large and constantly increasing practice in the courts of Putnam and counties adjoining. He possesses a well-balanced legal mind, is careful in the preparation of his cases, and has gained the respect and confidence of his professional brethren in Ottawa. Politically he is a republican, and takes an active part in all campaigns—local, state, and national, and in February, 1896, he was appointed by Gov. Bushnell judge of probate of Putnam county, to succeed the late A. Z. Thomas. Mr. Powell, in 1895, purchased the Sutton block, in Ottawa, in which his office is located, and in the accumulation of property he has met with well deserved success. He was married, August 20, 1890, to Miss Kittie M. Koons, the accomplished daughter of David and Margaret Koons, of Leipsic. DR. MOSES LEE, a deceased pioneer of Putnam county, Ohio, was born in Genesee county, N. Y., in 1787, of Scotch-Irish parentage, and bequite eminent as a physician. Becoming a surgeon in the army of the war of 1812, he was rewarded with a soldier's land warrant, but this he afterward sold. In 1810 he was united in marrage with Roby Branch, also a native of New York, born in 1791, and to this union were born four children, viz: Arzina, James Madison, Harrison G. and one that died in childhood. The mother of this family died OF PUTNAM COUNTY - 307 in Delaware county, and later, 1826, Dr. Lee moved to North Vernon, Knox county, Ohio, and in that county married Mrs. Deborah Parker, to which union were born two children—Alvina and Warren—both deceased. From Knox the doctor moved to Coshocton county, and in 1834 came to Kalida, Putnam county, and for a number of years was the only physician of the new town, his practice extending over a wide extent of territory; he was also prominent as a citizen and was frequently elected to township and county offices on the democratic ticket, at one time serving as county clerk. In early life he was a member of the Methodist Episcopal church, was also a member of the Masonic order at Kalida. He died in 1874, possessing the confidence, esteem and gratitude of the entire community, for which he had done so much. Harrison G. Lee, the pioneer druggist of Kalida, was born in Coshocton county, Ohio, July 15, 1816, and in 1834 came to Kalida with his father, Dr. Moses Lee. In 1847 he married Rhoda Isreal, of Piqua, Miami county, to which union was born one child, Frank G. The mother died in 1849, a devout member of the Presbyterian church, and in the same year Mr. Lee made an overland trip to California. In 1856 he returned to Kalida, via the Isthmus of Panama, and for several years was employed as clerk in the store of D. I. Brown, afterward purchasing the business and conducting it until ill health compelled him to abandon it. In 1849, also, he became a member of the Masonic order in Piqua, Miami county, Ohi0; in politics he is a democrat, and among other offices held that of township treasurer for a number of years. For a long time has been an active and consistent member of the Presbyterian church. Frank G. Lee, son of Harrison G., was educated in Kalida and for five years was a teacher in Putnam and Paulding counties. In 1873 he was married to Emma Haller, daughter of Milton and Lucinda Haller, the union resulting in the birth of four children, viz: Ward, Harrison, Inez and Rhoda. Mrs. Lee is a native of Defiance county, born in 1856, her father being an Ohioan and her mother a Canadian. After his marriage Mr. Lee engaged in Kalida consecutively in the saw-mill business, as a farmer, and as a druggist. In politics he is a democrat and has served as township treasurer and in other offices, being at present a member of the school board. With his wife he is a member of the Presbyterian church. JAMES M. LEE, of Union township, Putnam county, Ohio, and a son of Moses and Roby (Branch) Lee, was born in Greene county, N. Y., February 14, 1814. The father, who was born in the same county in 1787, was a successful physician, and acquired his knowledge of the profession, in all probability, from a brother. He served as surgeon in the western army in the war of 1812, and for his services received a land warrant, which he subsequently sold. He was married, about 1810, to Miss Branch, a native of New York, who bore the following children, viz: Arzina; James M., our subject; Jane; one child that died in infancy, and Harrison, now of Kalida, Ohio: Mrs. Roby Lee was born March 2, 1789, was a pious Methodist, and after her death, in 1824, in Delaware county, Ohio, Dr. Lee married Mrs. Deborah Parker, of Knox county, to which union were born two children—Mrs. Alvina Lee and Warren, both now deceased. Dr. Lee had come from New York to Ohio about 1826 and practiced his profession at North Vernon, Knox county, until after his second marriage, when he moved to Coshocton county, where he continued to practice until 1834, when he settled 308 - BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY in Kalida, being then not only one of the earliest pioneers, but for years the only physician of the place—his practice extending over a wide expanse of territory. He was very influential in his community and frequently elected by the democratic party to fill positions of honor and trust in both township and county--being at one time deputy county clerk. In his religious views he was first a Methodist, but later joined the church of the Disciples; as a member of the Masonic order he stood very high, and as a physician he was without compare in Putnam county. He twice passed through the hardships and vicissitudes of pioneer experiences, reached nearly four score and ten years, and passed away, a truly honored citizen, in 1874. James M. Lee, our subject, laid the foundation of his education in the log cabin schoolhouses of Knox and Coshocton counties, Ohio. In his youth he learned the trade of carpenter, which he followed many years before adopting agriculture as a calling. His marriage took place in 1836 to Miss Rebecca A. Pratt, who was born in Caroline county, Md., February 4, 1821, a daughter of James and Elizabeth (Ringgold) Pratt, and to this union have been born two children, viz: Levi G., a printer of Kalida, and Charles, who lives on the old homestead. James Pratt was also a native of Maryland, born October 16, 1792, of French-Irish parentage,, was a school-teacher, and married Elizabeth Ringgold, native of the same state, and to this union were born four children, viz: Washington and Philip, deceased, and Rebecca A., of this mention, and Francis A., of Guernsey county. About 1823 James Pratt and his family came to Ohio, their destination being Chillicothe, but on the way Mrs. Pratt sickened and died, the children being reared by friends—Mrs. Lee being reared by Susan Johnson, who afterward became Mrs. Levi Lee. Mr. Pratt next married Mrs. Lydia Oxley, to which union were born six children, of whom three are still living, viz: Elizabeth, wife of Isaac Sickman; Harriet, wife of John Clark, and Susan, wife of Charles Lathrop—all of Illinois, in which state Mr. Pratt also took up his abode and there died June 22, 1872. In 1849 James M. Lee made the overland trip to California, being three months on the journey, and for three years engaged in carpentering and mining in that state, returning via the Isthmus of Panama to Kalida, where he has since resided. For twenty years Mr. Lee has been engaged in farming, in which occupation he has been very successful. He and wife are members of the Missionary Baptist church, and also of the Putnam County Pioneer association. Mr. Lee is a stanch democrat, and has served as justice of the peace, as mayor of Kalida, and has also filled several of the minor offices with great ability and fidelity. He is one of the oldest pioneers of the county, and has won the esteem and respect of the entire community. Levi G. Lee, son of James M. Lee, was born in Kalida, March 21, 1840, and in 1858 married Miss Elizabeth Haggard; to this union were born four children, viz: Annie, wife of Isaac Gray, of Kalida; Edith, wife of James D. Huddle, county surveyor, of Ottawa; Walter and Charles, of Kalina. Mrs. Lee was a native of Franklin county, Ohio, and died July 4, 1894, a devout member of the Methodist Episcopal church. Levi G. Lee, as a printer, has traveled extensively, as is the custom with most members of his craft. In 1861 he enlisted in company K, Capt. B. A. Holland, One Hundred and Eighteenth Ohio volunteer infantry, and served through the trying campaigns of Keutucky, Tennessee, Georgia and Alabama, and is now a member of the G. A. R. and Pioneer association. He had published the Kalida Sentinel two years before the war, until the removal of the county seat to Ottawa. OF PUTNAM COUNTY - 309 Charles Lee was born in Kalida July 6, 1837, and has always been a farmer. In 1861 he enlisted in company H, One Hundred and Eighteenth Ohid volunteer infantry, and at the battle of Mossy Creek was wounded by a fragment of a shell; after recovery he was transferred to the invalid corps and served until the close of his enlistment. The Lee family are all held in the highest esteem by their neighbors, and certainly well deserve the position in which they stand before the public. PETER LEFFLER, one of the old-time practical farmers of Van Buren township, Putnam county, Ohio, is a native of Hocking county, born September 10, 1839. His parents were John and Nancy (Myres) Leffler, the former a native of Maryland and the latter of Pennsylvania, and both of German descent. They came to Ohio single and were married in Fairfield county, where the father was engaged in butchering at first, but afterward became a farmer, and after one or two changes of location brought his family to Putnam county about 1852, bought a tract of woodland, which he cleared up as far as he could, and made into quite a comfortable home before his death, which occurred some five years later, in L857. When the family came here, game was still quite plentiful, and Mr. Leffler did considerable hunting in order to make a living for his family of children, which numbered nine, named as follows: Levi, unmarried, and now the owner of the old homestead; Daniel, also single and living with Levi; Mary, widow of Samuel Ramsey and the mother of 0ne child; Catherine, wife of John Rails, farmer of Henry county, Ohio; Peter, our subject; Leah, wife of Thomas Trott, farmer of Van Buren township, Putnam county; David, who died at the age of seventeen years; Caroline, yet single, and Elizabeth, who died at the age. of fourteen years. Ili his educational acquirements John Leffler was well advanced, and in his earlier days had taught school a -number of terms; in politics he was a democrat, filled many offices of honor and trust in the township, including that of magistrate, and no man stood higher in the esteem of the citizens of Van Buren. With his wife, he was a devoted member of the Lutheran church. Peter Leffler, subject of this sketch, has always been identified with agricultural pursuits and was quite well educated in the public schools. In 1852 he came to Putnam county with his parents, and beside assisting to some extent on the home farm, worked in his younger years of labor about saw-mills, helping to run engines, etc. The father, it will be seen, died before our subject reached his majority, but the latter continued to make his home with and to assist his mother until he was twenty-seven years of age, with the exception of the time he was in the army. His enlistment took place, in 1861, for three years, in the Forty-ninth Ohio volunteer infantry; he was assigned to the army of the Tennessee, under Col. W. H. Gibson, who was afterward promoted to be general and department commander. Mr. Leffler saw some severe service in a number of skirmishes, took part in the battle of Shiloh, and at Stone river was wounded in the right side by a minie mall, which, being cut out, he still retains a souvenir. He was confined for treatment in the hospital nine months, and for fifteen years was hardly able to perform any manual labor, and yet feels the effect of his wound. At the time of being injured, it should be mentioned that he was captured by the enemy, was held four days and was re-taken by the Federals and sent to hospital at Nashville. After having sufficiently recuperated, he returned to active service and served in the campaign from Chattanooga to 310 - BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY Atlanta, and in front of the latter place received a shot in the leg which prostrated him temporarily, but did not disable him for duty. At this point also, his term of service expired, and, nothing daunted by the injuries he had received, he made an effort to re-enlist, but was rejected on account of his disability. He then returned home and is now the recipient of a small pension. The first marriage of Mr. Leffler took place, in 1866, to Miss Nancy A. Punches, who was born in Henry county, Ohio, a daughter of George Punches, of German descent, and an early settler of Ohio, but who later moved to Michigan, where he ended his days. To this first marriage of Mr. Leffler were born two children—Mary, the wife of Milton Fisher, of Van Buren township, Putnam county, Ohio, and John H., a farmer of Wyandot county. Mrs. Leffler passed away in 1873, and in 1879 Mr. Leffler chose for his second helpmate Miss Caroline Hile, who was born, in Wyandot county, Ohio, in 1852, a daughter of Adam Hile, who was a German by birth and a tailor by trade, as well as the owner of a large farm. He died in. Seneca county, the father of seveh children, viz: Solomon, Elizabeth, George, Susan, Ellen, Caroline (Mrs. Leffler) and Laura. The second marriage of Mr. Leffler has been blessed with three children: Millie, Ethel F. and Pearl, all at home. Mr. and Mrs. Leffler are members of the Lutheran church, but in politics Mr. Leffler takes little or no interest. After his first marriage, in 1866, Mr. Leffler lived in Henry county, Ohio, four years, and then came to Putnam county and purchased a small farm, on which he lived three years. He then bought the eighty-acre tract on which he now lives, and on which there was at the time a cabin and a clearing of about twenty-five acres, but through the skill and industry of Mr. Leffler, as well as the exercise of that practical knowledge of agriculture for which he is famous, this farm has been transformed to one of the best of its size in the county, being all under cultivation old improved with a handsome dwelling, substantial barn and out-buildings, orchard and wind-pump, and being pleasantly located one mile and a half from Leipsic. Mr. Leffler stands very high in the opinion of the community, not only for his ardent devotion to his country during the late Civil war, but for his straightforward and honorable conduct as a civilian. BERNARD LEHMKUHLE, one of the oldest settlers of Ottawa township, Putnam county, Ohio, was born it in Glandorf, Germany, October 13, 1813, a son of George Lehmkuhle. He was reared a farmer, was married in his native land, about 1834, to Miss Katrina Schnupke, and came to America shortly after that event, locating at once in Glandorf, Putnam county, Ohio, where he rented twenty-two acres of land from the original colony, which he improved with the requisite buildings, and later purchased this land and a tract of forty acres, also in section No. 30; the latter, however, he sold, and then bought fifty-two acres in Pleasant township, which he presented to his son, Joseph. After clearing up his farm, Mr. Lehmkuhle taught public school in Glandorf for twelve years, then returned to his farm, where he rested four or five years, after which he taught school in Greensburg township for thirteen years, then, retired to his farm for four years; he was .then elected county auditor by the democratic party, and served two terms; he next served as deputy auditor under his son Lewis for six years, or two terms, since when he has made his home with his son, William C., at Glandorf, where he is doing an office practice in medicine, having studied the home- OF PUTNAM COUNTY - 311 opathic school under Prof. Horstman, the founder of Glandorf, Ohio. Mr. Lehmkuhle lost his wife in October, 1886. They wer parents of three children, viz: William Charles, Joseph and Lewis. William Charles Lehmkuhle was born in May, 1837, on the home farm in Ottawa township, Putnam county, Ohio, and this farm he assisted materially in clearing up as he increased in years. He has always followed farming, with the exception of three or four years that he devoted to carpentry. He now owns three tracts of land—one of twenty acres, on which he resides, and one of fifteen acres, both in section No. 20, and one of forty acres in section No. 5, Ottawa township. His improvments are all of the best, elegant and convenient in all respects. Since 1878 Mr. Lehmkuhle has been secretary of the German Mutual Insurance association of Glandorf, which he assisted in or-organizing and which is one of the strongest assurance companies in northwest Ohio. He was married, January 19, 1859, to Miss Katrina Elizabeth Uphaus, born in Ottawa township, Putnam county, Ohio, April 5, 1840, a daughter of John G. Uphaus. This gracious union has been blessed with seven children, born in the following order: Mary C., February 13, 1863, wife of Theodore Heckman, a blacksmith of Glandorf; Catherine E., March 13, 1866, wife of Charles Bucker, farmer of Jackson township; Anna Bernardina, August 7, 1868, wife of William Strautker, also a farmer of the same township; Charles Henry, December 28, 1870, married to Elizabeth Beck-• man, and an employ of the C., H. & D. railroad company, with his residence at Columbus Grove; Joseph Bernard, November 17, 1872, at home; John Frank, September 19, 1880, and Edward Bernard, July 25, 1883. The family are all members of the Saint John's Catholic church at Glandorf, and in politics Mr. Lehmkuhle is a stanch democrat. He is one of the most enterprising citizens of the township and is universally esteemed for his integrity and many excellent social and business qualities.. PROF. A. L. BELCH, superintendent of the Columbus Grove public schools, is a native of Ohio, having been born in Tuscarawas county, on July 24, 1852. He is a son of Joseph and Rebecca (Alford) Belch, both of whom were natives of Ohio, the father having been born in Jefferson county in July, 1812, and the mother in Carroll county in 1 8 1 7 . The ancestors of Prof. Belch came to Ohio from Virginia and were among the pioneers of the state. The parents lived in Tarcarawas county until 1864, and then came to Allen county, locating in Sugar Creek township, where they purchased a farm of 160 acres. They resided in Allen county until the spring of 1874, when they moved to West Cairo, and there remained until 1893, when, the mother dying, the father broke up housekeeping and went to Van Wert county, and made his home with his daughter until his death, which occurred on December 23, 1894. Both parents were members of the Meth0dist Episcopal church, and had born to them ten children, five of whom—three boys and two girls—are living. Prof. Belch was twelve years of age when his parents moved to Allen county. Before leaving Tarcarawas county he attended the district school, and continued to attend the same school in Allen county until he was sixteen years old. The first school away from home which he attended was one select term at West Carib; the same year he entered the Normal school at Ada, where he attended also one term. The same winter he taught a school in district No. 3, Monroe township, 312 - BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY Allen county. The next spring he attended school one term, worked on the farm that summer, and again taught during the winter term. The next spring he took a position in the store of Watt Bros., of Lima, where he contracted to remain for a year's time. But the following fall the school directors of the district where he had taught the previous winter urged him to again take charge of their school, and finally prevailed upon his employers to grant him permission to do so. This they did with the understanding that he would give them his service on Saturdays, and would also give them one week's time in February, when they would invoice. Upon these conditions he took charge of the school, and conducted it during the winter, and at the expiration of the term he entered a store at West Cairo, and the following winter he taught the West Cairo schools. For the following four winters he did not teach, but continued in the store at Cairo, with the exception of one month, which he spent in teaching in his old district, finishing up a term. After this he spent two years in teaching in district schools near West Cairo, and then taught one year in the intermediate department of the Cairo schools. He next spent two years as superintendent of the Middlepoint (Van Wert county) schools. While at Middlepoint he passed his vacations in the Normal school at Valparaiso, Ind., and next moved to a farm in Monroe township, Allen county, about two and one-half miles southwest of Columbus Grove, where he remained several years, farming during the summers and teaching during the winters, three years of which time he was superintendent of the West Cairo schools. In September, 1885, Prof. Belch took the position of teacher of the ,high school at Columbus Grove, which position he held for two years. In 1887 he went to the country and taught two years, returning to Columbus Grove in 1890 as teacher of the high school. In 1891 he was elected superintendent of the Columbus Grove schools, and in 1892 was re-elected for one year; in 1893 he was re-elected for two years, and in 1895 was re-elected for a term of three years, at an increased salary. Prof. Belch was married on April 8, 1875, to Miss Sarah I. Porter, who was born in Monroe township, Allen county, and is the daughter of the late James C. Porter, who died in 1877, leaving a widow and two sons and one daughter. Two sons and two daughters have been born to Prof. Belch and wife, as follows: Elsie, born on November 27, 1880; Joseph Earl, born July 17, 1883; Golda A., born February 21, 1886; and James C., born December 15, 1889. Mr. and Mrs. Belch are members of the M. E. church, and Mr. Belch is a republican in politics; fraternally he is a member of the Masonic order, Rufus Putnam lodge, No. 364, of the K. of P. lodge, No. 376, and Royal Arcanum, No. 409, all of Columbus Grove, Ohio. HON. JAMES BELFORD, mayor of Columbus Grove, Ohio, and one of the leading citizens of the place, was born within one-half a mile of the corporate limits of Columbus Grove, on May 6, 1837. He is a son of Joseph Belford, who was one of the pioneers of Putnam county. Joseph Bedford was born- in Westmoreland county, Pa., October 1, 1806, and was the son of James Belford, a native of Virginia, who removed from that state to Pennsylvania, and from the latter state to Licking county, Ohio, in 1816, and there died. Joseph Belford was married in Marion county, Ohio, on June 5, 1835, to Eleanor Geyer, who was born near Zanesville, Muskingum county, Ohio, October 1, 1817, and was the daughter of John Geyer, who was of Ger- OF PUTNAM COUNTY - 313 man parentage. In the first week in March, 1836, he removed with his wife to Putnam county, and settled on a farm of 160 acres, which he purchased in Pleasant township, on which our subject was born. In 1853 he met with an accident which left him a cripple for life, and finally caused his death. During his younger days he had learned the shoemaker's trade, and about two years after his accident he engaged in the boot and shoe trade and also ran a shoe shop in Columbus Grove until 1868, in which year his death occurred, on March 1. Up to 1865 he made his home on his farm, though engaged in business in Columbus Grove, and in that year he moved to town, where he was living when he died. His widow survived him, dying on August 1, 1886. Joseph Belford was justice of the peace of Pleasant township for twenty-one years. He was an elder in the Presbyterian church, and was one of the original members of that church at Columbus Grove. To these parents six children were born, four of whom survive. Of the children Mayor Belford is the eldest. He was reared on his father's tarm, and attended the old log school-house of his day and neighborhood. He did not attend school after he reached his sixteenth year, but he applied himself diligently and took advantage of every opportunity to improve his education, and succeeded so well that by the time he was twenty years of age he passed an examination and secured a certificate to teach school, and the same year he taught a district school in Pleasant township. He taught school altogether, five terms. In the fall of 1867 he removed to Columbus Grove and engaged in the planing-mill and saw-mill business, and was then actively engaged until 1893. He still owns the mill property but does not operate it. In 1879 he was elected justice of the peace, which office he held for nine years; a short time before his election as justice of the peace he took up the study of civil engineering, which profession he mastered by himself, and, purchasing a set of instruments, he was engaged in surveying more or less, during all the time he was justice of the peace, and continues the same at the present time. When the streets of Columbus Grove were graded he did the civil engineering of the same. For a number of years he served as corporation and township clerk, and in 1886 was elected mayor of Columbus Grove, served two years, and in April, 1894, was again elected for a term of two years. Mr. Belford was married on October 6, 1864, to Elizabeth Elwell, who was born in Sugar Creek township, Putnam county, on November 1, 1840, and is a daughter of John H. and Nancy J. Elwell, pioneers of Putnam county. To this union the following children have been born: Clara A., now the wife of Benjamin Hiner, of Columbus Grove; Annie C., wife of Lewis Bagley, of the same city; Nellie, Elizabeth E., and James N.—the latter deceased. Mr. Belford is a member of the Masonic fraternity, and is at present secretary of Rufus Putnam lodge, No. 364. He is also a member of the Presbyterian church, of which he is treasurer and chorister. Mayor Belford has seen Columbus Grove grow from its very foundation to its present size, as he was here before it was laid out. MICHAEL LEIDY, a prominent and highly esteemed farmer of Jackson township, Putnam county, Ohio, was born in Franklin county, Pa., March 27, 1820, and is the son of Michael and Jane (Inglebright) Leidy. The father was born in the same county in the year 1790, but the grandfather, also Michael Leidy, was born in Germany and came to America in his youth and located in Pennsylvania. The grandmother, Mary, was born at sea. To the grand- 314 - BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY parents of the subject of this sketch eight children were born; the father of Michael, of this review, was the second youngest son, was reared on a farm in Pennsylvania, and in 1815 was united in marriage to Jane Inglebright; to them twelve children were born, of whom eight were named as follows: Mrs. Charlotte Geis, deceased; Michael, William Henry and Ann, deceased; Sarah Jane; John, deceased, and Benjamin F. The mother of these children, Jane (Inglebright) Leidy, was born in Franklin county, Pa., in the year 1795, her father being Samuel Inglebright, of English ancestry, and her mother, Jane, of Dutch descent. In 1842 the parents of our subject came to Franklin county, Ohio, where, after living a year, the father died, August 13, 1843. He was an old-line whig and a member of the Lutheran church. The mother was also a member of the same church, and died in August, 1854. Michael Leidy, the third, and the subject of this memoir, spent his early years on the farm, and at the age of seventeen learned the blacksmith's trade, which he followed in Pennsylvania until. 1842, when he came west to Franklin county, Ohio. In August of 1840 he was united in marriage to Matilda, daughter of John and Mary (Cobler) . Ashway, and to them four children were born, viz: Mrs. Eliza Clarkson, of Paulding county, deceased; Mrs. Mary Donnell, deceased, of Union township (see sketch of William Donnell); William and John, living on part of the homestead. The wife and mother was born in Franklin county, Pa., September I 1, 1822, and died November I I , 1867. She was a woman of sterling worth and died a member of the United Brethren church. After locating in Franklin county, in 1842; Mr. Leidy began farming in connection with blacksmithing, continuing in this until 1855, when he came to Jackson township, Putnam county, and here bought a farm of 112 acres, on a part of which he at present lives. On January 1, 1857, while attending dinner services, his house was destroyed by fire, burning the lumber stored for the erection of a new house, and $1, 1 00 in money. The fire was the work of incendiaries and the robbers secured $63 in gold and silver. After this serious misfortune he followed his trade for the next five years, and.afterward farmed and blacksmithed, when, on August 6, 1862, he entered, as orderly, company I, Ninety-ninth Ohio volunteer infantry, and valiantly served his country two years and nine months, when he was mustered out on account of consolidation of troops. He participated in all the battles between Louisville and Atlanta, with but one exception. June 9, 1868, he was married to Mrs. Mary (Barker) Faler, the widow of Henry Faler, and in this union five children were born, viz: Ella, wife of Edward Holmes, a blacksmith; Melinda Ann, wife of Frank Holmes, of Seneca county; Ida; Bennie and Samuel, deceased. The mother was born in Shelby county, Ohio, October 28, 1841, and is the daughter of Stephen and Mary Barker. In 1855 Mary Barker, the present Mrs. Michael Leidy, was married to Henry Faler, and this union resulted in the birth of four children, viz: Lucinda, of Union City, Ind. ; David, of Utica, Ind. ; Eliza, wife of William Leidy, and Joseph, in the west. The father of these children, Henry Faler, was born in Logan county, Ohio, January 30, 1833. He was a soldier in the late Civil war and a member of company I, Ninety-sixth regiment Ohio volunteer infantry, and died in the service, January 11, 1863. After his second marriage Mr. Leidy took his wife to the farm on which he now lives, which is not his forest home on locating in this county, but a part of the same, and the homestead is now occupied by his son John. The grandfathers of both Mr. and Mrs. Leidy were OF PUTNAM COUNTY - 315 in the war of 1812, and their children have apparently inherited the same patriotic spirit in the defense of their country. Mr. Leidy is pre-eminently a self-made man, as he made for himself an honored name, a good home, and a stainless reputation for honesty and integrity, and no citizen of Jackson township stands higher in the estimation of the people than he. He has filled numerous public offices of the township and school district to the satisfaction of all concerned. Both husband and wife are prominent and worthy members of the United Brethren church, in which Mr. Leidy has been class leader and steward. Politically he is a republican and of the kind that makes the party better for their support and affiliation. WILLIAM LEIDY, who is one of the most prominent and progressive of the young farmers in Jackson township, was born in Franklin county, Ohio, June 9, 1852. His parents were Michael and Matilda (Ashway) Leidy, of whom mention is made in detail above. When quite young his parents moved to a farm in Putnam county, where William learned to farm and attended the common schools. On June 29, 1875, he was married to Eliza, a daughter of Henry and Mary (Barker) Faler. This lady was born in Logan county, Ohio, on April 20, 1858; when but seven years of age her father died and she was bound out to a Mr. Bruner, with whom she lived until she was sixteen years of age, when she returned to the home of her mother, who is now married to Michael Leidy. Here she met Mr. Leidy, her present husband. After marriage the young couple located where Michael Leidy now lives, but in a year they moved across the river where they remained two years. In 1888 they moved onto a piece of uncleared land, the site of their present home, worked industriously and soon had a place cleared and a modern house erected, and here our subject has ever since continued to improve his farm. Three children have been born to William Leidy and wife, as follows: Eleanor, born February 28, 1878; Emma Alice, born November 20, 1881, but who died February 25, 1884; and William B., born August 24, 1885. Mr. Leidy is a republican in politics, and in religion is an active member of the United Brethren church, in which he has been steward for several years, and has also held the office of trustee. His wife and daughter are also members of this church, and all three are active workers in advancing its prosperity. Mr. Leidy is a public-spirited man, a good neighbor, is progressive, and is honored and respected by all who know him. His present prosperous circumstances, as will readily have been perceived, are entirely the result of his own industry. JOHN LEIDY, a brother of William Leidy, whose biography can be found in conjunction with this memoir, is, as will be seen by a persual of that sketch, a son of Michael and Matilda (Ashway) Leidy, and was born in Franklin county, Ohio, August 27, 1854. His childhood, however, was passed on his father's farm in Putnam county, where his father had moved, and where, during the winter, he attended the common school. The 26th of October, 1879, he married Alberta Captold, the estimable daughter of Lelah and Isabel M. (Taylor) Barnard; this lady was born in Morrow county, Ohio, February 29, 1860, and died September 11, 1895. After their marriage John Leidy and wife located in Paulding county, where they lived three years on a farm. In 1882 Mr. Leidy 316 - BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY returned to Putnam county and lived on a farm in Jackson township one year, and then on his father-in-law's farm in the same township two years, and on another farm two years, and in 1887 moved upon the old homesread farm, where he now lives and prospers and is respected by all. In politics he is a republican and has held the office of supervisor one year. He is a prominent and successful young farmer, always progressive and active. To his marriage have been born ten children, as follows: Infant son, deceased; Emma Myrtle, who died when four years old; Michael, born July 9, 1882; Sylvester, who was four months and four days old when he died; Frank Earl, born March 12, 1885; Ola May, born September 4, 1886; Matilda Belle, born December, 1887; Curry Abraham, born June is, 1889; Annie Elwood, who died, aged eight months; and Chester Ansel, born March 2, 1894. The living children of this family have all been educated in best manner possible, and are to-day a credit to the community in which they live. FERDINAND LEININGER, of Jackson township, Putnam county, Ohio, is a man who has had many experiences, having served in two wars on two continents. He was born October 5, 183o, in Schwartzburg, Sondershausen, Germany. His parents were Adam and Amelia (Levy) Leininger, the former of whom had been born in the same place, and had died eighteen months after his son's birth, who, on his father's death, was taken and reared by Christian and Elizabeth Leininger, his grandparents. Christian was an office holder for life, serving in a capacity somewhat similar to that of sheriff in this country. Ferdinand Leininger was educated in Germany and was apprenticed to the trade of ship-carpenter when he was fifteen years old. He worked at this for five years, and in 1851 enlisted in the German army, and for eighteen months served in the Crimean war against Turkey. On peace being declared, he was honorably discharged. He again followed his trade until 1861, when he came to America and enlisted in the Union army, in which he served faithfully three years, and then went into the United States navy, in which he served three more years, and was honorably discharged at Annapolis in July, 1867. In the same year he came to Putnam county, Ohio, and in April, i868, married Mrs. Phena (Friend) Allemeier (see sketch of Henry Friend), who was born July 18, 1833, in Pennsylvania; her parents were born in Germany. In 185o she had married Frederick Allemeier, who was born in Germany in 1823, and died in 1862. To that union there were born six children: Jake and William, carpenters in Fort Jennings; Henry, a carpenter living in Illinois; Mary, the wife of H. Yuner; Caroline, wife of Otto Naustner, of Spencerville; and Louisa, wife of Frank Lye, of Delphos. After his marriage to Mrs. Allemeier, Mr. Leininger settled on the place where he has ever since lived, happy in enjoying a home after the many vicissitudes of his earlier life as a soldier and sailor. Two sons have been born to him, to lighten and make happy his old age: John, twenty-seven years of age, and Fred, twenty-five years old, both of Jennings township. Politically Mr. Leininger is a republican, and he, with his lovable family, are highly respected members of the Lutheran church. Since settling here he has followed farming industriously and has been very successful. The habit formed on shipboard of " a place for everything and everything in its place," still clings to him, and his farm is neatly kept. He is a well-educated and intelligent citizen, and is held in high esteem by all his associates. OF PUTNAM COUNTY - 317 LEROY J. LEMLEY, a native of Monongalia county, Va. (now West Va.), was born July 1o, 1837, and was reared to farming by his parents, of whom fuller mention will be made further on, and with whom he remained until he reached his majority. In the interval between this event and that of his marriage, in the year of 1861, the details of which are given below, he made some money for himself and settled on his newly bought farm. The war of the Rebellion opened in the year he was wedded, and as he did not care to join the forces marshaled for the defense of the Union, he paid a good round sum for a substitute, though he was at heart a Union man. Nevertheless, every abled-bodied man in the county was enrolled as a member of the home guard, and Mr. Lem-ley was frequently called to aid in repelling an invasion of his state by the enemy. He lived on the farm he first purchased until 1 8 7 1 , when he came to Riley township, Putnam county, Ohio, and purchased, at first, 160 acres of land, to which he added eighty acres, 2 1 0 acres of which are now under cultivation, and this is the farm on which he now lives, and which is improved, as every good farm should be, with excellent buildings and under drainage. He formerly gave a great deal of attention to stock breeding, but of late years has devoted his attention exclusively to general farming, in the prosecution of which he accumulated more wealth than was necessary to defray expenses, and wisely invested his surplus in banking, being now vice-president of the People's bank at Columbus Grove. In politics Mr. Lemley is a republican, and as a good citizen has served in several minor town- ship offices, but he has never been an aspirant for political honors. The parents of L. J. Lemley were Asa and Elizabeth (Evans) Lemley, both natives of Greene county, Pa., but who, after marriage, removed to West Virginia (then part of Vir- ginia), the removal taking place about the year 1830. The children that came to bless the union of Asa and Elizabeth Lemley were five in number, and were named in order of birth as follows: Martha, who was married to Alford Morris, of Virginia; Lewis, residing on the old homestead; Leroy, jr., the subject of this sketch; Alexander, farming near the old home, and David, still living on the old home- stead. The mother of this family died in 1874, and the father in 1878, both within the pale of the Methodist Episcopal church. The first marriage of Leroy J. Lemley, our subject, was with Miss Sarah Layton, daugh- ter of Peter and Catherine (Linning) Layton, of West Virginia, Peter Layton being a tan- ner. The children of Peter and Catherine Layton were seven in number and were named as follows: Susan, who still lives in West Vir- ginia; Abraham, who died in 1867; George, whose death took place in 1858; Lewis, in the queensware business, in Pittsburg, Pa. ; Sarah, who became the first wife of our subject; Louisa, married to a Mr. Postlewait, of Missouri; and Rebecca, wife of David Core, of Pleasant township, Putnam county, Ohio. To the marriage of our subject with Sarah Layton were born the following children: Two that died in infancy; Alice, wife of William Alkire; Charles, a farmer; Mary and Elizabeth, yet at home. In 1877, Mrs. Sarah Lemley was called away from her sorrowing husband and children, dying in the faith of the United Brethren church. The second marriage of Mr. Lemley took place in 1885, to Miss Abiah Day, daughter of Elam Day, a lawyer of Ottawa, Ohio, who died in 1889, his wife having died in 1880, leaving five chil- dren, viz: Emma, wife of Burt Clippinger; James, a carpenter of Toledo, Ohio; Lewis, of Ottawa; Amos, of Toledo; and Abiah, wife of Mr. Lemley. To this second marriage of 318 - BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY our subject have been born four children, named Laura, Peter, Mabel and Lewis. Both Mr. and Mrs. Lemley are members of the United Brethren church, and socially stand among the most worthy members of the community. W. S. LENHART, ex-county treasurer of Putnam county, Ohio, is one of the leading citizens of Ottawa, and has been prominently identified with the growth and development of the county since the year 186o. Mr. Lenhart was born in Mahoning county, Ohio, February 13, 1837, and is a son of Jacob and Lydia (Sprinkle) Lenhart. These parents were both natives of Lancaster county, Pa., and for many years Jacob Lenhart was a minister of the River Brethren church, to which he devoted the best energies of his life. His house was used as a place of worship, and services wereleld therein every alternate week for years while he resided in Mahoning county, and later his place served the same purpose in the counties of Hancock and Putnam. Jacob and Lydia Lenhart had a large family consisting of sixteen children, two of whom died in infancy; the following are the names of those who grew to maturity: Harriet, deceased wife of Jacob Metzler; George, Peter, David and Henry, twins; Catherine, deceased wife of William Green; John; Lydia, wife of Caleb Bckerman; Reuben S. ; Martha, wife of John Cartwright; William S. ; Anna, deceased wife of William Green, and Jonas. William S. Lenhart was reared to agricultural pursuits, attended the common schools of Hancock county, and at the age of nineteen began learning in the city of Springfield the trade of harness making, at which he worked for a period of three years. In 186o he returned to the home farm, which he managed for seven years thereafter, and in 1867 was married to Miss Matilda Hall, daughter of Jesse and Margaret Hall, of Putnam county. After his marriage, Mr. Lenhart purchased a farm of i zo acres in Riley township, upon which he, resided four years, disposing of the same at the end of that time and buying his father-in-law's place, consisting of 16o acres in the aforesaid township, where he lived for about two years; he then sold the latter place and purchased a farm of 13o acres adjoining Columbus Grove, upon which he spent four years, and then moved to that town and embarked in the hardware business for two years. Serving his connection with the mercantile trade, Mr. Lenhart next .turned his attention to the buying and shipping of live stock, also looking after his farm interests. He was engaged in stock buying for about sixteen years, during which time he did an extensive business, his field of operation being Putnam and Allen counties. While a resident of Columbus Grove, Mr. Lenhart erected a large two-story brick block and in many other ways did much toward the material advantage of that town. In September, 1891, Mr. Lenhart moved to Ottawa for the purpose of entering upon the duties of the county treasurer's office, to which position he was elected in the fall of 189o, by a majority of 300. His party, the republican, was defeated that year by a majority of 1,900, and his election, in spite of such an overwhelming opposition, speaks volumes for his popularity with the masses of the people. He discharged his official functions for a period of two years and proved a most capable public servant. At the expiration of his official term, Mr. Lenhart retired from active life and is now spending his declining years in the enjoyment of that quiet and content which only those know how to enjoy who have been so long and prominently identified with business and public interests. Mr. Len- OF PUTNAM COUNTY - 319 hart is an active member of the I. 0. 0. F. and Masonic fraternities, in the latter of which he stands very high, having taken a number of degrees, including those of chapter, council and Sir Knight. Mr. and Mrs. Lenhart are the parents of two children.—Lulu, wife of W. M. Reese, and Della. THEODORE LEOPOLD, a representative agriculturist of Ottawa township, Putnam county, Ohio, was born in the city of Glandorf, in the same township, August 24, 1850, and was reared and educated in his native place. February 19, 1873, he married Miss Wilhelmina Kemper, . who was born in Glandorf in 1850, a daughter of B. H. and Wilhelmina (Myer) Kemper. One year after this important event Mr. Leopold moved to the farm he now occupies in section No. 17, Ottawa township, which farm now comprises 137 acres, all of which he has cleared with the exception of twenty-five acres, and cultivates a general farm. Mr. Leopold also owns 160 acres in section No. 5, Ottawa township, divided into two tracts of eighty acres each, and one of the tracts he has himself cleared, now having both under cultivation. In 1894 he erected on his home place a modern two-story brick dwelling, complete in all its parts, and one of the finest in the neighborhood or township, being 56x40 feet in its ground plan. This is the second dwelling he has erected on this farm, the first being a frame, which he removed bodily to Glandorf. He has also erected on home place good, substantial, commodious barns for stock and grain, and the farm is quite complete in all its appointments. Mr. Leopold also owns the old family homestead in Glandorf, which is one of the oldest brick edifices in this part of the county. Mr. Leopold, although yet a young man, is well known in business circles, as he was engaged for eight years in the milling business at Glandorf, in partnership with I. H. Kahle, and made a splendid record. Besides this, he at the same time carried on his farming operations, and, in addition, stock raising to a large extent. ' He has always been energetic as a business man, and as a citizen is one of the most public spirited in the township, always favoring movements designed for the public good. He has a family of seven children, named as follows: John, Philomena, Cornelia, Herbert, William, Anna and Laura. In religion the family are Catholics and communicants at Saint John's church at Glandorf. Politically Mr. Leopold is a democrat, but has never been a seeker after office, although he is one of the most popular men in the township, with a large circle of friends and acquaintances who hold him in the highest esteem. FRANK LERO, a substantial farmer of Palmer township, Putnam county, and now in the prime of life, was born in Seneca county, Ohio, November 19, 1854, and there his early life was passed in agricultural pursuits. His grandfather, Andrew, was a native of France, and there lived under the various rules of king, emperor, and president, and there passed his life away. Andrew Lero, Jr., son of Andrew above mentioned, was also born in France, his birth having taken place in 1796. He was taught the trade of a tailor and was quite an artist in his line. He married Mary Krause, who was of German ancestor, and by her became the father of the following children: Tracy, deceased; Frank, our subject; Michael; Angeline, wife of Adam Cleinmens; Joseph; Martin; Annie, wife of John Reynon; and Lucy, deceased. Andrew Lero and the younger members of his family came to the 320 - BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY United States in 1850, and for eighteen years resided in Seneca county, Ohio, and then moved to Adams township, Defiance county, Mrs. Lero having died in Seneca county, March 3, 1866, a member of the Catholic church. In 1875 Mr. Lero moved to Kansas and now rests in his grave at Osage Mission, having died in Crawford county in September, 1879. Frank Lero, the subject proper of this memoir, was well educated in both the English and German languages, and, although reared a practical farmer, began his business life in a saw-mill and stave factory, of which he was foreman for eleven years; for five years, also, he was a head sawyer for different firms, and by this means accumulated sufficient means to purchase his present farm, in 1892, and on which he settled May 27, 1894. This place comprises forty acres, of which twenty-seven acres are devoted to fruit culture, he having one of the best orchards in the township. He has a neat and comfortable dwelling, and good, substantial farm buildings; his remaining acres are in a first-class state of cultivation, and he is recognized as as one of the best horticulturists and agriculturists in the township. In politics Mr. Lero is a democrat and in religion a Catholic. October 16, 1872, he married Miss Mary Diemer, who was born in Henry county, Ohio, May 22, 1854, a daughter of John and Catherine (Wilhelm) Diemer, who were natives of Bavaria, and quite early settlers of Henry county, Ohio, where they had born to them two children—Mary and Frances. Mr. Lero, although yet a comparatively young man, has made a fair competence through his skillful management of his farm, which he had won through his earlier efforts in life. He stands well in the esteem of his neighbors, and is of that caliber which leads to the upbuilding and prosperity of any community. His progress through life has been very prosperous, and the future gives 'promise of still greater success. JOSHUA C. LIGHT, one of the leading insurance men of Ottawa, and a soldier of the late war, is a native of Virginia, born in the town of Hedgesville, Berkeley county, April 23, 1839. He is a descendant from an English family, his great-grandfather having come to America, as a British soldier, during the war of the Revolution. At the close of that struggle he decided to remain in the United States and settled at Baltimore, Md., where he passed the remainder of his days. He had two sons, one of whom, Cornelius, the subject's grandfather, was born in Baltimore, about the year 1785. Cornelius Light married, in that city, Elizabeth Cabol, a German lady, and some years later, about 1822 or 1823, removed with his family to Leitersburg, Md., where he made his home many years, working at his trade, that of shoemaking. His death occurred about 1856; he had a family of four children, three sons and one daughter, one of whom, Elias Light, spent a part of his life in Maryland, and afterward immigrated to Ohio, locating in Champaign county, where he became a prominent citizen. About the year 1867 he changed his residence to the county of Putnam, and here remained until his death in 1873. The following are the names of Cornelius' children: Elias, Samuel, father of Joshua C., and John, who died in Virginia in 185o. Samuel Light was born in March, 1819, in the city of Baltimore, Md., and died in Ottawa, Ohio, January 24, 1874. He was reared in his native state and when a young man went to Virginia, where he married Amy Chew, and where he resided until his removal to Washington City, D. C., in 1844. He afterward OF PUTNAM COUNTY - 321 lived in Baltimore, Md., Cincinnati and Urbana, Ohio, and in 1866 became a resident of the county of Putnam, Ohio, locating in Perry township, where he made his home until 1868, in which year he changed his residence to Ottawa. Samuel Light was a devout member of the Methodist Episcopal church, in which he held the office of class leader for many years, and was noted for the vigorous stand he took in opposition to tobacco and intoxicating liquors. Politically he was a democrat. Mrs. Amy Light was born in Berkeley county, Va., April 19, 1818, and died in 1892. She was the daughter of Joshua and Elizabeth (McNelley) Chew, of Welsh and Scotch-Irish descent respectively. Joshua Chew was born in Maryland, April 23, 1770, and died in 1858. He was a soldier in the war of 1812, and is remembered as a very quiet man, far above the average in intelligence and a strong whig in politics. Mrs. Chew departed this life in 1872. Samuel and Amy Light were the parents of the following children: Joshua C. ; John W., deceased; Mrs. Elizabeth V. Harmann, died January I, 1870; Hezekiah C., died August 3, 1878; Milton C., of Indianapolis, Ind. ; Mary E., of Fostoria, Ohio; Samuel E., of Moline, Ill. ; Caroline, wife of Calvin Frey, of Fostoria, Ohio, and Frank a well-known physician and surgeon of Ottawa. Joshua C. Light, when young, attended the common schools in winter and assisted with the farm work during the summer season, until the breaking out of the great Rebellion. He was one of the first to offer his services to the country, enlisting April 17, 1861, in company K, Second Ohio volunteer infantry, for three months; this was the first company raised in Champaign county. While in the three months' service he took part in the battle of Buil Run, and shortly after returning home re-enlisted October 11, 1861, in company K, Sixty-sixth Ohio volunteer infantry, of which he was made sergeant. He was with his command in the Virginia campaign, took part in a number of battles, among which were Port Republic, Cedar Mountain, second Bull Run, Antietam, and was discharged April 25, 1863. He entered the army a third time in 1864, in the One Hundred and Thirty-fourth regiment, Ohio national guard, with which he participated in Gen. Butler's campaign on Appomattox river, and was honorably discharged in August of the same year. At the expiration of his period of service Mr. Light returned to Champaign county and engaged in teaching, in which he was very successful, for a period of twenty-eight years in the counties of Champaign and Putnam. He became a resident of the latter in 1871, taught in the district schools during the winter season, and followed the pursuit of agriculture in the summer. In 1877 Mr. Light accepted a position in the city schools of Ottawa, which he held for thirteen consecutive years, which fact certainly speaks well for his ability as an instructor. He severed his connection with educational work in 1890 to become postmaster of Ottawa, which position he-held until 1894, when he engaged in the insurance business, which he has since continued. He represents a number of the leading life and fire insurance companies of the United States, also one of the leading companies of England, and does an extensive business in his line. Mr. Light has been active in church work for many years, being at this time one of the leading Sunday-school men of Ottawa; he has held the office of class leader in the Methodist Episcopal church, and has served for some years as superintendent of the Sunday-school and steward of the congregation. Politically he affiliates with the republican party, but is not a partisan in the sense in which that term is usually understood. He is a prominent member of the F. & A. M., belonging to Ottawa 322 - BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY lodge, No. 326, Ottawa chapter, No. '15, and Putnam council, No. 69. He also belongs to Thomas Allen post, No. 578, G. A. R., of which he is post commander, and he held the position of colonel of the first county battalion. Mr. Light was married September 2 I , '866, to MissjSusan Thompson, daughter of Abraham andr:Susan Thompson. Mrs. Light was born February 16, 1847, in Champaign county, Ohio, and is the mother of seven children, all daughters; their names are as follows: Winifred, principal of the Seventh ward school, Sandusky, Ohio, and has been engaged in educational work since since 1883; the second daughter, Carrie, is the wife of William Ackerman, agent of the Cincinnati, Hamilton & Dayton railroad, of Ottawa; Myrta is the wife of Noah Huddle, of Moline, Ill. ; Eleanore married Oliver C. Tallbott; May is clerk in the Bee Hive store, Ottawa; Amy is a teacher in the Ottawa public school, and Zoa lives at home with her parents. FRANK LIGHT, M. D., of Ottawa, Putnam county, was born in Urbana, Champaign county, Ohio, March 2, 1861, and is a son of Samuel and Amy (Chew) Light. He was reared and educated in the city of Ottawa, receiving his preliminary education in the common schools and graduating from the high school of that city in 1880; he next read medicine with Dr. Paul, a prominent physician of the city, and being thus thoroughly prepared for advanced studies, entered the Columbus Medical college, from which he was a graduate in 1883. He then returned to Ottawa and for a year practiced his profession in company with his former preceptor, Dr. Paul, following which period he practiced for sixteen months in Custar, Wood county. For the following six years he followed a successful professional career in West Leipsic, Putnam county, after which he had a valuable practice for fifteen months in Chicago, Ill. He then returned to Ottawa, and resumed practice among his many friends. Although still a young practitioner, his abilities have been freely recognized by his fellow-professionals as well as by the public in general, and he is now a member of the Northwestern Ohio Medical association and the Putnam County Medical society. He is physician for the county infirmary, is United States pension examining surgeon, having been appointed to the latter position March 20, 1894, and is also health officer for Ottawa, Ohio. In politics the doctor is a stanch democrat, and when a resident of West Leipsic was a member of the council for six years. The doctor was married July 29, 1891, to Miss Aramanta V. Bartholomew, daughter of Rev. A. S. and Sarah (Scott) Bartholomew, of Lima, Oeio, both of whom are now deceased. This marriage has been blessed by the birth of two children, Sarah Margaret and Frank B. The religious faith of the doctor and his wife is that of the Lutheran church, to the tenets of which they faithfully adhere. COL. JACOB L'H. LONG is an Ohio man, born in the town of Franklin, Warren county, on the 28th day of June, 1833, and a son of Jacob and Maria (L'Hommedieu) Long. Paternally he is descended from English ancestors, while on the mother's side there flows in his veins the blood of the French, English, and Irish, the characteristics of which sturdy races have been reproduced in his life. At the age of seven years, young Long was taken by his parents to Cincinnati, where he received his literary education, attending, first, private schools, and later Saint John's college, in which institution he made substantial prog- OF PUTNAM COUNTY - 323 ress in the higher branches of learning. While still quite young, he turned his attention to the study of civil engineering, and so well did he master the intricacies of the profession that, when but seventeen years of age, he was placed in charge of a division of the Springfield and Delaware railroad, as division engineer. Later he accepted the position of chief engineer of the Memphis & Charleston railroad, with which company he continued for some time and then returned to Ohio, in which state and in Iowa he was professionally employed for several years. In 1853 he was engaged in the preliminary survey of the Dayton & Michigan railroad through Ohio, and the better to prosecute the work he located in the same year at Ottawa, where, with the exception of two years spent in Dayton., he has since resided. After severing his connection with the aforesaid road, Mr. Long continued civil engineering in Ohio, and other states until the breaking out of the late rebellion, at which time he tendered his services to his country, enlisting in April, 1861, in company D, Twenty-first Ohio volunteers, for the three months' service. Shortly after the organization of said company Mr. Long was made third sergeant of the same, and later received the appointment of regimental engineer, with the rank of captain, which position he held until mustered out at the expiration of this term of service. In May, 1862, Capt. Long, again entered the army as member of the Eighty-eighth Ohio volunteer infantry, but shortly thereafter was transferred to the Eighty-seventh Ohio, as adjutant, with the rank of first lieutenant, and when the latter regiment was recruited for veteran services he was appointed major. Subsequently, upon the consolidation of the Eighty-seventh and the One Hundred and Twenty-fifth, Maj. Long severed his connection with the service, returning home in the fall of 1862, and accepted a position as local agent of the Cincinnati, Hamilton & Dayton railroad company at Ottawa, which position he held for two and a half years. In the meantime Mr. Long devoted what leisure time he could spare to the study of law, for which he had long evinced a strong liking, and after be-corning' well versed in the principles of the same, was admitted to practice, entering upon the duties of his profession at Ottawa, while still engaged with the aforesaid railroad. In 1865 he accepted the position of ticket agent at the Union depot, Dayton, for all the roads centering in that city, and discharged the duties of the place for about two years, resigning in 1867, in order to resume the practice of law at Ottawa. Shortly after devoting his entire time to the profession Mr. Long succeeded in building up a large and lucrative practice, and winning for himself a prominent position among the successful attorneys of the Putnam county bar. He has been retained as counsel in many important cases in various courts of northern Ohio, one of the most noteworthy of which was the leading case upon the question as to whether contributory negligence can arise in an action for damages for the wrongful killing of another, which question arose in the case of Darling vs. Williams, 35 Ohio state reports, page 58, in which cause the supreme court sustained Mr. Long in his construction of the law. While engaged in the general practice, Mr. Long makes a speciality of laws pertaining to drainage and irrigation, upon which he has in preparation a learned treaties. For some years Mr. Long has been a member of the State Bar association, and as such has been honored by appointment to important positions in the same, having served on the judiciary and legal reform committee and on the executive committee, following such men as R. P. Ramey, Durban Ward, Rufus King and Gov. Lee. In January, 1895, he was appointed by 324 - BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY the supreme court one of the committee for examination of applicants for admission to the bar; he has also served as president of the County Bar association, and for several years was a member of the state republican committee, also of the central committee, and chairman of the central committee of Putnam county. As a politician, Mr. Long has ever been in accord with the republican party, and he has contributed much to its success upon the hustings and in private counsel, where his abilities have long been recognized and appreciated. He was presidential elector in the Garfield-Hancock campaign, and made a strong canvass of his district, doing much to swell the majority that year. In all matters pertaining. to the material improvement of the town and counrty, Col. Long has been an active participant, and has the credit of having been active in his efforts to procure the construction of railroads through Putnam county, and for other improvements which have conduced largely to the advancement of northwestern Ohio. Col. Long is a Mason of high standing, belonging to Ottawa lodge, No. 325; Ottawa chapter, No. 115; Putnam council, No. 69; Shawnee commandery, No. 14, and Ohio consistory, A. & A. Scottish rite. He has been deputy grand master of the grand lodge of Ohio, grand high priest of the grand chapter of the state, served as chairman of the committee on foreign correspondence of the general grand chapter of the United States, and has filled with great credit all the places of honor that can be conferred upon a Mason of the thirty-second degree. He also belongs to the G. A. R., holding membership with Thomas Allen post, No. 578, at Ottawa. Col. Long was married, February 2, 1854, to Miss Katie M. Cox, daughter of David Cox. Mrs. Long was born in the city of Mansfield, Ohio, and is the mother of six children: Jane C., wife of J. J. Brotherton, financial agent for a manufacturing firm at Rector, Ark. ; David C., associated with his father in the practice of law; Charles L. H., city editor of the Newark Daily American; Tillinghast L. H., engaged in silver mining in Washington; Guy P., city solicitor of Continental, Ohio, and Agnes K., wife of Prof. H. L. Creveling, principal of the public schools of Mansfield. Col. and Mrs. Long are members of the First Presbyterian church of Ottawa. LEROTUS LOUB, farmer of Jackson township, Putnam county, Ohio, is a son of John and Sarah (Monroe) Loub, and was born in Hancock county, Ohio, June 16, 1848. His father, John, was a native of Pennsylvania and was a farmer. He was twice married: first in his native state, and to this marriage there were born six children, viz: John, a farmer of Michigan; Mrs. Betsey Hipkins, of Gilboa, Ohio; Mary, wife of Harvey Hashbarger, farmer of Michigan; Henry, retired farmer of Findlay, Ohio; Daniel, farmer of Hancock county, Ohio, and Jacob, who died in the service during the late Civil war. John, the father of these children, came to Ohio and located in Hancock county, where his first wife died, and in 1846 he married Mrs. Sarah (Monroe) Giles. Sarah Monroe was born in Chenango county, N. Y., a daughter of William Monroe, who was born in 1801 , of English-Scotch descent. She was married, in her native state, to William Giles, to whom she bore five children, as follows: Alonzo, deceased; Philora Heck, deceased; William, of Washington, D. C., an inventor and retired farmer; John Murray, of New York, and Thomas Palmer, of Kansas. On the loss of her first husband Mrs. Sarah (Monroe) Giles came to Hancock county, Ohio, and was here married to John Loub, and to this union have been born two children—Lerotus,