350 - BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY cleared and improved with a cabin. To this farm our subject, through his own industry, has added eighty acres, and has cleared over 100 acres--ditched and tiled and placed in an excellent state of cultivation; he has built a commodious dwelling, a good barn and outbuildings for all farm purposes, has a windmill and orchard, and has a neat, tidy and comfortable home, that can vie with any other in the township. In politics Mr. Mack is a democrat, has served as township treasurer two years, and is now serving his second term as township trustee; he is also a member of the board of education, and has filled, beside, several minor township offices, much to the satisfaction of his neighbors, whom he has been more desirous to serve than to reap any personal benefits through filling public positions. In religion Mr. and Mrs. Mack are consistent members of the Lutheran church, and socially they stand deservedly high. SQUIRE HIRAM MADDEN. — To the early pioneers of Ohio, who invaded the unbroken wilderness in the effort to plant for themselves, their children and their children's children, a home on the rich virgin soil of this region, we owe much, for it is due to the impetus which they gave in those early days that Ohio has arisen to her present proud position as a great and glorious commonwealth. In this connection the name of Madden is widely known in the counties of Perry and Putnam, where the members of the family were among the early pioneers. Our subject is of Irish descent, and his paternal great-grandfather was an emigrant from England to America. His grandfather, Dennis Madden, was born in Maryland, and was a participant in the war of 1812. His wife was formerly Miss Mary Butler, and to them six children were born: Lewis, John B., Mary, Thomas H., Josiah and Julia A., all of whom are deceased. Dennis and Mary Madden lived in Virginia until 1815, when they removed to Perry county, Ohio, and entered 160 acres of land of the government. Here they passed the remainder of their days, improving their farm home. The death of Dennis Madden occurred in 1848 and his widow survived him ten years. John B. Madden, our subject's father, was born in Fairfax county, Va., December 21, 1800. He married Miss Ruth Hall, who was born in Somerset county Pa., September 28, 1800. She was the daughter of Nathan and Catherine (Haskelrode) Hall, who came from Pennsylvania to Perry county, Ohio, in 1803. Our subject's father and mother were the parents of four children, named in order of birth as follows: Aaron B., deceased; Hiram, our subject; Amos, deceased; and Catherine, deceased, formerly wife of Eli Fickle. They came to Putnam county in 1853, and settled upon a portion of the farm now owned by our subject, obtaining it from the government. At that time there was not more than fifty acres of land cleared in the township, and their tract of fifty acres was entirely unbroken. The head of the household was compelled to go all over the township in order to secure enough help to raise their first log cabin. The unbroken forests abounded in all varieties of wild game, such as deer, wolves, bear, etc., and the family endured all of the hardships of pioneer life. The father was a Jacksonian democrat, and a man of influence in those early times. He died June II, 1868, and the mother on September 11, 1883. Hiram Madden was born in Perry county, Ohio, January 9, 1827, and was reared on the home farm, at the same time obtaining a good education for those days. He came in company with his father to Putnam county, Ohio, OF PUTNAM COUNTY - 351 in 1853, and secured the land from government, and owns the same to this day. He taught the first school in Monroe township, and for nearly a dozen years was a successful teacher, being considered an authority in those days on all educational matters. In the agricultural line he had the same experience as did his father, his land being new, and a large amount of hard labor being required to bring it into a proper stage of cultivation. As an instance of the wild character of the section at that time it might be mentioned that our subject has stood upon the porch of his house and shot deer and other wild game. His farm is now a fine tract of land, containing 16o acres, with comfortable buildings and good equipments. Mr. Madden is a strong democrat of the old Jacksonian type, and in an early day was elected as the first justice of the peace of Monroe township, an office which he has filled in a satisfactory manner for twenty-four years. He has been elected to various other offices, which he has filled with great efficiency. With the exception of John Grant, he is the oldest pioneer now living in Monroe township, where the family name is familiar and honored. Our subject was united in marriage, June 20, 1850, in Perry county, to Miss Catherine Davis, who is a native of Fayette county, Pa., born October 28, 1827, being the daughter of Hugh and Susanna (Etling) Davis, who were early settlers of Perry county. Four children have been born to them, being in order of birth as follows: Hugh B. ; Sarah J., wife of C. W. Whitman; Catherine M., deceased; and John C., an attorney of Antwerp, Ohio. JOHN MAIDLOW, late of Blanchard township, Putnam county, Ohio, was born in England, February 11, 1812, and in 182o was brought to America by his parents, who located in Baltimore, Md., but later returned to England, where the mother and one daughter died; the father then returned to Baltimore, bringing the surviving members of his family with him, and resuming his trade of brick-laying. To his first marriage were born three children—John, Harry and the daughter mentioned above as having died in England. To a second marriage, consummated in Baltimore, were born Mary (Mrs. Dr. Burdick, of Indiana), Georgia and Charles. John Maidlow, the subject, was reared in Baltimore, Md., until fourteen years of age, when he came to Ohio, and in Knox county found employment among the farmers. In 1837 he came to Putnam county, and entered forty acres of land in Blanchard township, in section No. 17, and in the fall of the same year erected a cabin. In March, 1838, he brought his family (having married in Knox county); he added to his original purchase from time to time until he became the owner of Boo acres in one tract, erected a fine brick residence, and became the most extensive cultivator of the soil in the locality, as well as one of the foremost stock-breeders in the county. He was a very popular citizen, was a whig in his earlier days, but in 1856 became a democrat and served two terms as township trustee. He married Lucinda, daughter of William Dowde, and this prolific union resulted in the birth of fourteen children, of whom twelve reached the years of maturity, viz: James A. ; Elizabeth, now Mrs. N. Conine; Ann, wife of E. Sandel; Charles E. ; William, deceased; Rebecca J., now Mrs. E. Buckland; Agnes, deceased wife of Thomas Wolford; Alice, wife of Robert Brooks; Alfred S., on the old homestead; Putnam, of Ottawa, Ohio; Lenna, wife of George Huntzman, and Martha, married to H. McDugall. James A. Maidlow, the eldest of the children above enumerated, was born in Knox county, Ohio, September 16, 1836, and was 352 - BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY but an infant when brought to Putnam county by his parents. He was reared to farming, as a matter of course, and was educated in the old log school-house of his earlier day. He assisted in the work on the old place until i860, when he moved upon his own portion of the old farm, which portion then comprised forty acres—but he now owns and cultivates 429 acres, and has, beside, given three of his children forty acres each. His farm is well improved with all necessary buildings, and well stocked, and is a model in neatness and general appearance, giving every evidence of being cultivated under skillful and experienced Management. In his politics Mr. Maidlow is a democrat, and as such has served as township trustee; fraternally he is a member of Ottowa lodge, I. O. O. F. Mr. Maidlow was united in the bonds of matrimony, March 19, 1860, to Miss Mary A., daughter of John Buckland, and this union has been blessed with eight children, as follows: Viola, wife of John Nemeyer; Alva R. ; Carrie, now Mrs. C. R. Sherwood; Hulda, married to Jackson Anderson; Lucinda, wife of Nathan Hickerson; Alice, wife of B. F. Conley; Mary E. and Fannie H. Mr. Maidlow and his interesting family constitute an important element in the refined social circles of Blanchard township, and Mr. Maidlow is recognized on all hands as being a gentleman of unswerving honor and unbending rectitude, and he enjoys the sincere esteem of all who have the happiness of knowing him. NEWTON H. MARCY.—This name is one familiar to everyone who resides in Hartsburg, Putnam county, Ohio, where Mr. Marcy has so many extensive business interests and is so closely identified with the prosperity of the town. In fact, the founding of this prosperous village is due entirely to the efforts of Mr. Marcy and his associates, who came here in 1884 and established their business. Roland Marcy, paternal grandfather of subject, was a native of Berkshire county, Mass., where the whole of his life was passed. Hadlock Marcy, the father of our subject, was also born in Berkshire county, where he was reared on a farm, securing a good common-school education. He was a participant in the war of 1812, and was a man of sterling worth of character. He was united in marriage to Miss Laura. Strickland, also a native of Berkshire county, and the union was blessed by the birth of four children, the order of birth being as follows: Theresa. Royal, Adelia and Newton H. In their early married life they moved to Crawford county, where they lived on a farm for several years, and then removed to Lorain county, Ohio, in 1835. These were the early pioneer days, when the land was in its native state, and the log cabins of settlers few and far between. There the parents of our subject purchased seventy-five acres of new land and developed it into a good farm. They were honest, hard-working people, who devoted their time to the making of a home and the care of their family.. Both were devout members of the Methodist church and highly respected people. In 1856 they sold their Lorain county property and moved to St. Croix county, Wis., where the father afterward died. The mother's death occurred in Iowa. Newton H. Marcy, our subject, was born in Lorain county, Ohio, June 18, 1837, and is of Scotch and Irish extraction. He lived upon the home farm until he reached the age of ten years, and then found employment in factories and mills of various kinds. Although he did not attend school after he was twelve years of age, nevertheless he obtained a good common-school education, and early in life developed that business acumen which has brought him OF PUTNAM COUNTY - 353 success in his numerous enterprises. He was united in marriage in October, 1859, to Miss Esther Gott, who was born in Lorain county, Ohio, in May, 1839. She is the daughter of Peter and Mary (Pangborn) Gott, who were very early settlers of Lorain county, Mr. Gott being, by occupation, a substantial farmer of that section. Soon after his marriage our subject moved to St. Croix county, where he engaged in the shingle and saw-mill business for six years, doing an extensive trade throughout Wisconsin, Michigan and Ohio. Mr. Marcy has, in fact, been engaged more or less in the lumbering business all of his life since maturity, and is well known in this branch. In 1884 he settled in Putnam county, Ohio, founded the town of Hartsburg, and has ever since worked for its growth and advancement. His business partner was Mr. G. A. Whiting, whose interest he purchased several years since. From a financial standpoint our subject has been very successful, and he is now the owner of an extensive store business, which supplies everything demanded by a farming community. In politics he is a republican, and fraternally he is a member of Oakwood lodge, No. 737, Independent Order of Odd Fellows, having passed all of the chairs. He is a progressive citizen of Monroe township, and is highly esteemed. Mrs. Marcy is a consistent member of the Methodist church, and is a lady who possesses a wide circle of friends. To Mr. and Mrs: Marcy, four children have been born: Stella I., wife of J. W. Whiting; Willie, deceased; Carrie, wife of A. S. Henry, and Eddie, deceased. MICHAEL MARK.—In the subject at hand we have a valuable example of the efficiency of self-help, when accompanied by untiring industry and integrity. The gentleman whose name heads this sketch is largely the architect of his own fortune and almost unaided he has carved out a name and reputation to which we can point with pride. His ancestors, both paternal and maternal, were of good old German stock, and the sturdy nature and characteristics of this race have been transmitted to our subject, as is clearly evidenced by the success which has met his efforts in the battle of life. His father, George Mark, was born in Luxemburg, Germany, where, in his early manhood, he was united in marriage with Miss Opelania Poary, daughter of Henry Poary, the latter being also a native of Germany, who emigrated to this country, and for a number of years lived in Forest, Ohio, where he met hi death in a railroad accident. Not many years after the marriage of George and Opelania, they decided that America possessed possibilities for advancement which could not be enjoyed in the fatherland, and accordingly they came to this country. Their eldest child, a daughter, died upon the ocean voyage and her remains found a last resting place in the deep sea. They located at Tiffin, Ohio, where the father engaged in shoemaking during the winter months, finding employment as a butcher during the remainder of the year. They were identified with the early history of Ohio and witnessed the development of that country from a wilderness into a prosperous and thickly populated state. They lived, at various times, at Berwick, Defiance, and other points in the state. Politically Mr. Mark was a Jacksonian democrat, and religiously both Mr. and Mrs. Mark were adherents of the Catholic faith. Their children, in order of birth, were: Frank, Mary A., Nicholas and Michael. Michael Mark, the subject of this sketch, was born at Berwick, Seneca county, Ohio, March 4, 1855. He was nine years of age, only, when his mother died at Frenchtown, 354 - BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY Ohio, and from that time he practically made his way unaided in the world. He managed to obtain a common-school education, and by untiring energy and perseverance attained to positions of trust and responsibility. For nine years he engaged in agricultural pursuits and then for a number of years he found occupation in different branches of the railroad service. He was assistant car inspector for the Tuscarawas Valley railroad company, and was afterward a section foreman on the Chicago, Saint Paul & Minneapolis railway, being located at White Birch, Wis. He then returned to his native state and located at Kirby, Wyandot county, where he engaged in the stave business on his own account, and at the same time made contracts for railroad ties with the Pennsylvania lines. March 4, 1891, he came to Continental, Ohio, where, with the exception of six months passed as clerk in the mercantile business, he has since been in the employ of the Buckeye Stave company. He holds the responsible position of foreman, is paid a good salary, and has, by thrift and economy, become the possessor of a modern residence property, which has most comfortable surroundings and equipments. He was first married at Forest, Ohio, April 2, 1876, to Miss Mary A. Roose, daughter of David Roose, and to them was born one daughter, Myrtle. Mrs. Mark died April 6, 1879, and June 21, 188o, our subject was, at Upper Sandusky, Ohio, united in marriage with Miss Mary A. Taylor, born March 2, 1856, a daughter of John and Chloe Taylor. In politics our subject is an ardent republican and has always' stood by the principles of that party. Although never seeking political preferment, he has, nevertheless, several times been called upon to fill public places of trust. At Kirby, Ohio, he was a member of the council of the city, and also acted as marshal of that place. He is a consistent member of the Good Templers, and follows out the teachings of that order in his daily life. He is of an unassuming nature, but his convictions are firm ones, and his life's record shows lofty ideals of right and justice. Mrs. Mark is a member of the Methodist church, in the work of which' she ever takes a deep interest. JOHN LEWIS MARTIN, one of the substantial farmers of Jackson township, was born in West Fahrlen, Prussia, May 21, 1829. He is the son of Henry and Elizabeth (Steinhurst) Martin. His father was born in the same place in Prussia in 1792, where he received an education such as is usually given to German youths. He lived on a farm, where he worked hard until called to serve his three years in the army. Later on he fought under Blucher during 1812-14, when the great Napoleon was overrunning all of Europe. He was with Blucher at the battle of Waterloo, when Napoleon was forced to give up the struggle. In 1828 Henry Martin married Elizabeth, the daughter of Aaron and Elizabeth Steinhurst, who died September 14, 1892, and December 23, 1852, respectively. Elizabeth Martin was born in the province of Hanover in 1800, and there she was educated. Eight years after their marriage, in November, 1836, the young couple came to America and located on forty acres of uncleared land, which the husband had entered in Greensburg township, Putnam county, Ohio. He toiled industriously until he had a farm cleared and a small log cabin with a dirt floor, in which they lived until their deaths. He died in September, 1844, a prominent member of the Catholic church, of which his wife was also a member. In politics he was a democrat. Four children blessed their union, named as follows: John Lewis, the subject of this memoir; Theodore, OF PUTNAM COUNTY - 357 who died in 1872; Catherine, the wife of Henry Rhode, a farmer near Delphos, and William, living in Missouri. John Lewis Martin, the subject of this sketch, came with his parents from Germany and lived with them on the farm in Putnam county, and there received his education. About 1849 he went to work for Col. Ewing, of Gilboa, and remained with him four years, during which time he saved considerable money, with which he purchased a tract of too acres of land in Union township. On February 14, 1854, he married Agnes Feldtman, who was born in Glandorf, Putnam county, August 14, 1836. Her parents, Henry and Margaret (Bultman) Feldtman, were natives of Hanover, Germany, came to America and located in Glandorf, Putnam county, in 1834, and became members of the Glandorf Catholic church. After their marriage Mr. Martin and his young wife moved upon the land which he had purchased the year. before. He cleared the land, which he continued to cultivate and improve until 1865, when he sold it for $2, 500, and purchased, for $4, 500, the 182-acre tract on which he now lives. This land was nearly all forest then, and he again set to work and soon had it cleared and in excellent condition, has added seventy more acres to it, and in 1874 built his present substantial brick dwelling. He and his most estimable wife have been blessed with ten children, named John, William, Frank and Barney, all four of whom are farmers in Jackson township; Mary, the wife of John Graft, a farmer in the same township; Annie, deceased; Annie, the wife of Fred Allemeir, a farmer of this township; Lewis, a farmer also living in this township; Joseph, farming in Jennings township, and Agnes, who still lives at home. Mr. Martin is a thoroughly self-made man, and has gained all he has by hard work. He has had quite a little experience in catching criminals, having, unaided, brought to justice several horse thieves and rescued the horses for their owners. He is progressive and energetic, a prominent and public-spirited citizen, honored by all. Iii politics he is a democrat, and has been township treasurer for live years, and for a number of years has been school director. He and his entire family are consistent and faithful members of the Catholic church, and live well up to its teachings. ALBERT C. MATTHIAS, M. D., of Gilboa, Blanchard township, Putnam county, Ohio, was born May 19,1844, in Stark county, Ohio, a son of Jacob and Mary (Stambaugh) Matthias. His paternal great-grandfather, Daniel, was a native of Cumberland county, Pa., and was a son of Daniel, who came from Alsace-Lorraine, Germany, prior to the Revolutionary war, in which he took an active part. He was married in Germany, but his son, Daniel, Jr., was born in Cumberland county, Pa. The latter was a United Brethren preacher and came to Ohio in 1806, settling in Nimishillin township, Stark county, two and a half miles from Louisville, Ohio. He passed his days in preaching and farming, dying in 1867 And leaving the following family: Daniel, Michael, Catherine (Mrs. John Gilbert), Susannah (Mrs. Eshelman), Henry, Samuel, and Jacob. Jacob Matthias, the father of the doctor, was born in Fayette county, Pa., whither the grandfather of the doctor had removed from Cumberland county, and in 1806 came to Ohio with his father to Stark county, where Jacob was reared to manhood. In 1849 Jacob moved from Stark county to Hancock county, and located on 220 acres of land in Blanchard township, where he remained until 1866, when he moved to Hillsbale, Mich., where he died in 1880. His children were named as follows: 358 - BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY Jessie L., who died in Michigan; Julia, wife of Rev. B. F. Sholty, of Pioneer, Ohio; Susan, married to J. H. Hickerson; Henry H., of Montgomery, Mich; Lydia, widow of George D. Wickham; Dr. Albert C., our subject, and Frank, of Nebraska. Dr. Albert C. Matthias received his preliminary education in the common schools of Hancock county, Ohio, and then engaged in clerking in McComb, in the same county. In 1861 he enlisted in company K, Sixty-fifth Ohio volunteer infantry, was veteranized January I , 1864, and served until February, 1865. He fought at Shiloh, Perryville, Stone River, Chickamauga, Chattanooga, Missionary Ridge, Rocky Face Ridge (where he was complimented for bravery by Col. More of the One Hundred and Twenty-fifth Ohio volunteers, and recommended for commission by Gen.C.G. Harker), and at Resaca, where he was shot in the right elbow, and was confined in Cumberland hospital, and at Nashville, Tenn., Jeffersonville, Ind., and Cleveland, Ohio, receiving his final discharge in February, 1865. While in the Cleveland hospital he attended a course of medical lectures, and after his return he attended school eight months, and then commenced reading medicine with Dr. G. A. Dean, at McComb, was fully prepared for college, and after a due course of study graduated from the Western Reserve college (now the medical department of the Adelbert university) in February, 1869. He commenced practice in Gilboa, Ohio, and has been in constant practice there ever since. The marriage of Dr. Matthias was solemnized April 12, 1866, with Miss Eleanor Harris, daughter of Robert Harris, of Leipsic, Ohio. The lady, however, was born in England. This marriage has been blessed by the birth of Alva C., now in the drug business at Gilboa; Everett H., in the same trade at the same place; Mary M., wife of Dr. M. A. Darbyshire, of Ottawa, Ohio, and Edward S., attorney at law, Van Wert, Ohio. Dr. Matthias is independent in politics, but has filled various public offices, including those of mayor of Gilboa, member of the council, member and president of the school board, treasurer and president of the board of United States examining surgeons, etc. He is a member of the Lindsay post, No. 75, G. A. R., at Gilboa, and was post commander for eight years of Ottawa lodge, F. & A. M., and also Ottawa chapter, R. A. M., Putnam council, R. & S. M., and Gilboa lodge, No. 459, I. 0. 0. F; also of the Northwestern Medical society of Ohio, and of the State Medical association, and has been president of the county society. In 1884, the doctor was appointed medical director for the G. A. R. of Ohio, and from 1890 to 1895 was A. D. C. on the staff of the national commander. He was a delegate from Ohio to the national encampment of the G. A. R., at Boston, in 1890, and was the delegate to represent his regiment at Chattanooga in the Chickamauga battle field to dedicate the national park, in September, 1895. EMERY MATHILE is one of the substantial and successful farmers of Monroe township, Putnam county, Ohio, and was born in sunny France, where his ancestry, both paternal and maternal, is to be traced. His paternal grandfather, Daniel Mathile, was a machinist by trade, and also served in the army of France, under Napoleon, during the French revolution. The father of our subject, Paul Mathile, was also born in France, and was apprenticed to the family trade—that of machinist. That he possessed great aptitude in this direction is evidenced by the fact that he became a master mechanic and overseer of many men, and that at one time he found occupation in Germany as an OF PUTNAM COUNTY - 359 overseer in extensive paper-mills there. His careeer also included a military experience of five years, during which time he served as a soldier in the French army. He married Adell Vincent, who, as the daughter of Daniel and Madeline (Mateo) Vincent, was born in France, April 26, 1805, Daniel Vincent also having been a soldier under Napoleon. Paul and Adell Mathile lived in France and Germany until 1845, when they emigrated with their children to America, making the voyage in a sailing vessel, which was thirty-one days on the ocean. They first located in New York city, but six months later removed to Columbus, Ohio, and this state afterward became their permanent home. The father bought a farm of thirty acres, upon which he was living at the time of his death, in 1851, and there the mother continued to reside until our subject, Emery, settled upon the farm at present owned by him. Then the beloved mother made her home with her son until her death, January 6, 1887. The union of Paul and Adell Mathile was blessed by the birth of four children: Flora, wife of Frank Gastinger; Charles L. ; Emery, our subject, and Caroline, wife of Anthony Sage,—the eldest daughter, Mrs. Gastinger, being now deceased. The subject of this sketch, Emery Mathile, was born in Alsace, France, September 28, 1837, and was only nine years of age when his parents emigrated to this country. His early life was passed upon the home farm, where he learned agricultural pursuits, and where he improved a portion of his time by obtaining a practical common-school education. January 6, 1881, he was united in marriage to Miss Lydia Moore, the daughter of Abraham and Susan (Miner) Moore, who was born in Virginia, December 3, 1844. Abraham and Susan Moore, with their family, came from Virginia in 1848, and settled in Franklin county, Ohio. They were among the sturdy pioneers of this section of Ohio, and were counted among its substantial citizens. The father was by occupation a farmer and a blacksmith; politically, a whig, and afterward a republican; while in a religious way he and his wife were consistent members of the Methodist church. The mother died in 1894, while the father is living out the remainder of a well-spent life. Their children were Sarah E., wife of J. W. Robbins; Ziza W., wife of E. Washburn; Lydia A., wife of our subject; Elzena, wife of James Holmes; E. Norton; Newman; Anson, and Alma, wife of Harvey Orr. The marriage of Emery and Lydia Mathile was solemnized in Franklin county, Ohio, where they remained until 1881, when they removed to their present farm in Monroe township, Putnam county. It consists of forty acres, with a modern farm residence and other buildings, and is a most comfortable home. Their children, in the order of birth, are Wilhurst, Clayton, Edna (wife of Charles Younger), Louis, Edward and Mary, the last named being deceased. The ancestors of our subject were men who had been prompt to respond to the call of their country in times of war. It was natural, therefore, that Emery Mathile should be among the first to enlist for service at the breaking out of our Civil war. He enlisted in company H, Ninety-fifth Ohio volunteer infantry, and saw three years of active service in the northern army. He campaigned through Kentucky, Tennessee, Alabama, Mississippi, Arkansas, Louisiana and Missouri, and was a participant in several hard-fought battles and innumerable skirmishes. He narrowly escaped capture several times, while foraging, but was finally taken prisoner at Richmond, Ky., being afterward paroled. His war record was an excellent one, and he was honorably discharged, August 14, 1865. Whatever success he has achieved in life is due entirely to his own efforts, and is certainly well deserved, for he 360 - BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY has led a busy life and one worthy of emulation, not only by the rising generation, but, indeed, by many of his fellow-citizens. N. E. MATTHEWS is among the business men of Ottawa, and is deserving of conspicuous mention as cashier of the banking firm of A. V. Rice & Co. He is a representative' of two of the oldest pioneer families of Putnam county, and a son of J. K. and Catherine Matthews. J. K. Matthews came to the county of Putnam a young man, in 1847 or 1848, from Hardin county, Ohio, but was a native of the state of Pennsylvania. He married, in Putnam county, Catherine- Row, daughter of Michael and Hannah Row, by whom he had one child, N. E. Matthews, the subject of this sketch, whose birth occurred in Ottawa April 14, 1852. Michael and Hannah Row were among the very early settlers of Putnam, coming as early as 1832, locating on a small piece of ground on the present site of Ottawa, and erecting a cabin on what is now the corner of Main and Main Cross streets; this was probably the first building in Ottawa, and shortly after its occupancy Mr. Row opened his doors for the accommodation of the traveling public. About 1859 he erected a frame structure, on the same corner, which was afterward known as the Ottawa House, but as long as the original proprietor lived it went by his name—the Row House. Mr. Row continued in the hotel business during his residence in Ottawa, but his first neighbors were Indians, who lived in the village within a short distance of the present site of the city. N. E. Matthews received his education in the public schools, and his first practical business experience was as clerk in a dry-goods house, which position he held for a period of three years.. With the exception of about three years spent in 'Wisconsin and Iowa, Mr. Matthews has been a resident of the county of Putnam, Ohto. In 1872 he accepted the position of cashier with the banking firm of A. V. Rice & Co., and has since developed business ability of a high order; he is an accomplished accountant and thoroughly familiar with all the details of the financial institution with which he is identified. He has always been untiring in his efforts to advance the material interest of Ottawa, was one of the promoters and stockholders of the Ottawa Creamery company, and took an active part in securing the electric light plant of the city; he is one of the leading republicans of Putnam county, and for several years has been very active in contributing to his party's success in a number of campaigns. He is chairman of the county central committee, and was also a member of the state central committee, in both of which his counsel and good judgment have been duly appreciated. He has frequently been solicited by his friends to accept official position, but has always declined such honors, his business interests being such that he could not leave them. Mr. Matthews was married December 20, 1877, to Miss Grace Pugh, daughter of Day and Elizabeth (Davis) Pugh, which union has resulted in the birth of two children—Kate and one that died in infancy unnamed. Mr. Matthews is a Mason of high standing, belonging to Ottawa lodge, Ottawa chapter and Shawnee commandery. In religion he and his wife are Presbyterians. The banking firm of A. V. Rice & Co. was organized and began business in 1867, with a cash capital of $25,000, the following gentlemen being the first stockholders: C. H. Rice, A. V. Rice, S. B. Rice and J. M. C. Marble, the last named of whom withdrew in 1872, and, as stated in a preceding paragraph, N. E. Matthews became cashier the same year. The bank continued business under the firm name OF PUTNAM COUNTY - 361 of C. H. Rice & Co. until 1881, at which time it was changed to A. V. Rice & Co., as it now stands. The firm at this time is composed as follows: A. V. Rice, N. E. Matthews, and the estate of S. B. Rice; A. V. Rice is president, N. E. Matthews cashier, and C. H. Rice assistant cashier. SAMUEL MELVIN is one of the prominent residents of Union township, Putnam county, Ohio, but was born in Chester county, Pa., July 11, 1814, a son of William and Mary (Stephens) Melvin. His father, William Melvin, was born on the ocean in 1799, of Irish parentage, and four weeks after his birth his mother was taken to her final rest. The father and his orphaned babe found a landing in Philadelphia, where, eleven years later, the father died, and William, at this tender age, was left among strangers to battle life alone and unaided. His earliest recollections of his active life were those that pertained to his having been taken to Chester county, Pa., by a man named Hoops, who reared him to the shoemaker's trade, and also gave him a good common- school education. Eventually, however, he became a most excellent farmer. In 1823 he married Mary A. Stevens, who was born in Chester county, Pa., in 1799, of English descent. To this marriage the following children were born: Samuel, the subject of this sketch; Jeffreys, a wholesale liquor dealer of Philadelphia; Chalkley, who was killed in a railroad accident in 1867, he being a machinist; William, who disappeared from Pittsburg, Pa., in 1857; Taylor, who died in youth; Mary A., deceased wife of Sprangle Adair, of Philadelphia, and Pascal, machinery and engine dealer of Philadelphia. The death of the mother of this family occurred in the Quaker City in 1861, beloved and venerated by her mourning family. After his marriage William Melvin lived on a rented farm in Chester county, Pa., until 1846, when he moved to Philadelphia, where he lived. in tranquility until the breaking out of the Civil war, when, most extraordinary to relate, at the advanced age of nearly sixty-four years, he volunteered in defense of the flag of the only country he ever knew. This remarkable event took place in 1862, when he enlisted in company with his three sons, endured two years of the hardships of a soldier's life in the terrific and bloody campaign in Virginia, and served until the close of the war, returning safely and honorably to his home in Philadelphia, to meet, in 1867, a tragic end through an accident on a railroad locomotive. Samuel Melvin, our subject, was brought up to agriculture on his father's place in Chester county, Pa., and received a good common-school education, which he later greatly enhanced by home study. He also learned the stone-mason's trade, and subsequently became a skillful railroad engineer. December 4, 1 847, he married Miss Ann A. Harper, a native of Chester county, Pa., born in February, 1825, and a daughter of Alexander and Margaret (Rigg) Harper. Alexander Harper was a native of Ireland, came to America when a young man, was a hatter by trade, and here married Margaret Rigg, a native of Pennsylvania, of English parentage, and an active member of the Presbyterian church. To the marriage of our subject have been born eight children, as follows: Margaret, wife of Frederick Price, of Kalida; Alexander, farmer of Texas; Taylor, deceased; Etta, of Ottawa; Florence, deceased wife of John Whities, of Washington state; William, deceased; George, a farmer of Kansas, and Eugene, an engineer of Finderne, New Jersey. After marriage Mr. Melvin relinquished 362 - BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY railroading and followed stationary engineering in Philadelphia until 1851, when he came to Ohio, and for nearly four years engaged in farming in Franklin county, near Columbus. He then came to Putnam county and purchased, in Jackson township, forty acres of farm land, re-engaging in farming. For twelve years, also, he was mail contractor on several routes, and was also engaged in saw-milling four years. Soon after moving to Putnam county he purchased his present home in Kalida, having now been a resident of the place for over thirty-nine years. He is a member of the Baptist church, which he has never failed to aid liberally, and in politics is a democrat, having served as mayor, city clerk and as a member of the board of education for over thirty years, and as justice of the peace for an equally long time, beside filling several minor offices. Although he has passed his three score and ten years, he is still strong and active, retains the confidence of the citizens, and looks back on a well spent and useful life. JOHN BERNARD MERSMAN, one of the most enterprising business men of Putnam county, Ohio, was born in Glandorf, this county, July 24, 1851. His father, Bernard Mersman, came from Westphalia, Germany, and was one of the original settlers of Glandorf in 1843. He engaged in mercantile business, and was one of the founders of the Glandorf woolen mills, with which he was connected one year. He married Julia Bockhold, and to the union were born ten children, of whom the following lived to maturity: John B., Joseph, Frank, Kate, and Henry. His death took place June io, 1861, at the age of about forty-eight years, and his loss was keenly felt by the community. He was a member of the Catholic church, was a democrat in politics, and was a successful business man. John B. Mersman received a good common-school education in both English and German, and for two or three years taught school and traded through the county. In 1871 he went to Fort Wayne, Ind., and engaged in the lumber business for three years, then went to Kendallville, Ind., where he followed the same business for twelve years, and in 1889 returned to Putnam county, Ohio, continued in the lumber business, and in 1892 bought the Beckman House at Ottoville, which he subsequently sold; he then built a tasteful residence, and in 1894 became the proprietor of the Mersman House, now so popular with the traveling public. His saw-mill is one of the largest in Putnam county and employs twenty men as a rule, and has occasionally given employment to as many as 100 men at a time. Mr. Mersman is a natural genius as well as a mechanic and machinist, having had years of experience in all branches. During his earlier life his inventive mind developed some very valuable patents and in wood-working machinery, and he is known as one of the most skillful of workmen. Mr. Mersman is one of the up-to-date men in his trade and calling, his eye ever being alert to catch that which will be useful and beneficial in his line, and, although not one that would be called an adventuresome man in business affairs, is at all times ready to adopt a new piece of machinery or method that would aid him in a business way. He is a man of farsightedness from a business standpoint, and, although meeting with some reverses during his business career, yet upon the whole it can be said that he has been one of the successful men. The marriage of Mr. Mersman took place February 28, 1871, at Fort Wayne, Ind., with Miss Mary Maag, who was born April is, 1847, at Glandorf, a daughter of Theodore OF PUTNAM COUNTY - 363 and Katie (Purl) Maag. The father was one of the original Glandorf pioneers, and cleared up a large tract, of which he left to nearly every one of his ten children eighty acres each, dying at the age of seventy-seven years. To the marriage of Mr. and Mrs. Mersman have been born three children, viz:. Edward, Walter, and Albert. In politics Mr. Mersman is a democrat and has served as a member of the town council of Ottoville ; he is a member of the board of education and is serving on the building committee of the new school-house now being erected. Mr. Mersman also has an interest in the development of oil production, and is an all-around business man, always ready to seize upon advanced business ideas. Ile is respected for his integrity and enterprise, and his genial and pleasant disposition well fits him for the proprietorship of the Mersman House. Mr. Mersman takes a deep interest in matters educational, and is ever ready to assist and encourage educational work. He is also known as one of the progressive men, liberal and benevolent in all works of charity and public enterprises, assisting both with his time and his means, and is a man well respected wherever known. GEORGE MIEHLS, a well-to-do and prominent farmer of Jackson township, Putnam county, Ohio, was born in Pittsburg, Pa., November 11, 1848, and is the son of George and Mary (Hegner) Miehls. The father was a native of Bavaria, Germany, and was born October 24, 18'8, and was a weaver by occupation. In 1844 he came to America and located at Pittsburg, where he was a collier for fourteen years. On February 14, 1847, he was united in marriage to Mary A. Hegner, a native of Wurtemberg, Germany, and born February 27, 1823, coming to America when she was four years of age. She was the daughter of George Herman and Regina Hegner, and became mother of a family of eleven children: George, the subject of this sketch; Joseph and Catherine, twins, the former a farmer of Jennings township, and Catherine the wife of Clements Pund, of Ottawa; Mary, wife of I. N. Kahle, of Ottawa, whose sketch may elsewhere be found; Barbara, wife of William Kohlhoff, a cabinet maker of Glandorf; Regina, in a convent at New Riegle, Seneca county; Clara, wife of William H. Rower, of Jackson township, whose sketch may also be found in this volume;, Benjamin A., a stock buyer of Ottoville; Frank, a liveryman of Ottoville; Theories, wife of Elvin Rower, and John Albert, a commercial man of Toledo, Ohio. After his marriage the father of our subject lived in Pittsburg until 1858, then moved to Carroll county, Ohio, and followed farming until 1866, in the fall of which year he came to Greensburg township, Putnam county, where he purchased a tract of land of 100 acres, only twenty of which were cleared; this he sold in 1872 and bought the farm where George Miehls now resides. This land was but little improved, only a small clearing having been made. Here he lived until his death, which occurred October 3, 1876. In summing up his life it may be said: He had served six years in the German army; he was a faithful Catholic and a member of the Ottoville church; a democrat in politics, he had been township trustee and died an honored man. The wife and mother still lives in Ottoville, and in April, 1893, was united in marriage to P. Wannemacher, an ex-sheriff of Putnam county—a sketch of whose life may be found in this book and read with interest. George Miehls, of whom the remainder of this sketch will in the main concern, was educated in Pennsylvania and Ohio, and after ten years of age lived on a farm. At nineteen years of age he learned the carpenter's trade, 364 - BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY which he followed for nine years, spending one summer in Indiana and one in Tennessee. His marriage to Margaret Keifer occurred May 31, 1881; she was the daughter of Peter Keifer, of whom a sketch has been prepared for this volume. Seven children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Miehls: Valentine, born May 18, 1882; Gertie and Bertha, born September 5, 1884; Frances, born July 8, 1886; Edward, born June 12, 1888 ; Adeline, born August 17, .1892, and George Herbert, born August 25, 1895. The mother was born in Iowa, June 9, 1857. After their marriage Mr. and Mrs. Miehis lived at Douglas, Ohio, where Mr. Miehls was engaged in the mercantile business and was railway agent for nine years. From Douglas they moved to Montana and after four years' residence came, in 1894, to the place where they now live. In religion Mr. Miehls is a Catholic and a communicant of the Ottoville church; politically a democrat. He received the election of township treasurer but did not serve, having no special desire for public office or honors. He is a splendid citizen—wide-awake, up-and-doing and progressive. Peter Keifer, the father of Mrs. George Miehls, was born January 12, 1824, in Luxemburg, Germany, where his father lived until 1851, when he came to Seneca county, Ohio, and in 1859 to Putnam county, where his death occurred in 1892. The mother died in 1893, seven months after the decease of her husband. Peter Keifer was reared and educated in Germany, living upon a farm, and in 1849 came to the United States, living in New York for two years, but coming to Ohio with his parents in 1851. April 20, 1854, he was married to Susan Wagner, and in this union eleven children were born. Mrs. Keifer was born in Luxemburg, January 14, 1835, coming to America with her parents in 1846; they first settled in Buffalo, N. Y., where they remained five years, and in 1851 came to Seneca county, Ohio, and later to Putnam. The mother died in 18i9 and the father in 1881, both members of the Catholic church. After marriage Mr. and Mrs. Peter Keifer made a number of moves, but finally located on their present place in ,Putnam county, where they have since lived surrounded by their children and many friends and in the full enjoyment of the fruits of their thrift and industry. ST. MARY'S CATHOLIC CHURCH. —To Father Mueller may be given the credit of furnishing the following account of the origin of the, Catholic congregation of Ottoville, Putnam county, Ohio: The Miami & Erie canal was built through northwestern Ohio during the years 1843-45. When this canal was built through the section of the country where Ottoville is now situated, there was nothing but a wilderness between that and Lake Erie. When the the canal was completed, some of the laborers, for some reason or other, remained here as settlers and even induced some of their relatives in Cincinnati and other places, especially Seneca county, Ohio, to join them. In the year 1846 Father Otto Bredeik, the pioneer priest of Delphos, after whom Ottoville was named, paid the new settlers a visit and found in all ten Catholic families. He gathered the small flock and held divine services for them, once a month, in the private dwelling of Joseph C. Fournier, until 1858. During Father Bredeik's administration he purchased the land upon which the village of Ottoville now stands, which land he donated to the congregation to be laid out in lots—the proceeds of the sale of the lots to be used for the purpose of building a church. In 1858 Father Bredeik died, and Father Westerholt succeeded him and continued the monthly visits until 1860. During his administration a frame OF PUTNAM COUNTY - 369 church, 40 x 80, was built at a cost of $3,000. Mr. Fred Heitz, of Delphos, was the contractor. From 1861 to 1864 Father Goebels, of Fort Jennings, administered to the spiritual wants of the new congregation twice a month. The first resident priest was Father Abel, who came here in 1865 and remained until 1866. He was succeeded by Father D. H. Best, who had charge of the congregation until 1867. Father M. Mueller, the present pastor, took charge on March 15, 1868. An excellent view of this noble structure will be found on an adjacent page preceding. REV. MICHAEL MUELLER, one of the leading members of the Catholic clergy of northwestern Ohio and the founder of the new church of Saint Mary's at Ottoville, Putnam county, was born January 21, 1833, in the kingdom of Bavaria, Germany, a son of John and Elizabeth (Frey) Mueller. He received an excellent common-school education in his native country, and at the age of. eighteen years thought it prudent to come to America. July 5, 1852, he arrived in New York city. Coming to Ohio, he first taught school in Huron, Washington and Crawford counties, for four years, and then attended Saint Mary's seminary at Cleveland, Ohio, and next the Assumption college at Windsor, Canada, studied philosophy at Saint Benedict's and elsewhere, and then studied theology at Saint Mary's seminary at Cleveland, Ohio; was ordained June 25, 1865, and was assigned to the congregation at Rockport, Ohio, and ministered to that charge two and one-half years, and then came, March 15, 1868, to Ottoville, and assumed charge of Saint Mary's congregation, which he has since filled to the unbounded satisfaction of his flock. He found the church building a small frame affair, the country with no roads, and the hamlet surrounded with forest trees of primeval growth, to drain which no attempt had ever been made, and in the rainy season the mud was simply terrible. The pastors had previously endured great hardship and had a hard struggle, and Father Mueller at once turned his energies in the direction of a remedy for these unpleasant conditions. By persistent effort he at last succeeded in securing sufficient funds by contribution to justify the laying the corner-stone for the present large and elegant structure, and June 22, 1885, that important event took place, and the completed edifice was dedicated for divine services September 23, 1 888. The cost had reached something over $50,000, and when the briefness of the period in which, the funds were raised is taken into consideration, what praise can be measured out to the pastor for the pluck, energy and indefatigable industry with which he succeeded in accomplishing so herculean a task? Nor should praise be withheld from the devoted congregation, who contributed so freely of their means and labor in forwarding this worthy undertaking,. and many names among the more liberal contributors to the commendable enterprise will be found scattered throughout these pages. Too much credit, indeed, cannot be given the pious pastor for his zeal in raising this noble structure in honor of his God a.nd his faith, nor to the pardonable pride of his flock for their early aid. in 'the erecting of a structure meet for the assembling of so devoted a congregation. But a weak description of this architectural pride of Ottoville can here be given. Suffice it to say that the building is of brick, with stone base-. ment and trimmings, 175 feet long and seventy-eight feet wide, and has two towers, each 180 feet high, and is so situated as to form a prominent and effective object to the view of an observer at a distance. The auditorium is decorated in a most tasteful manner and artistically finished in every detail. This beautiful 370 - BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY structure is the result of Father Mueller's fruitful conception, and will stand for ages as a monument to his venerated name. The congregation comprises 250 families, and the communicants number 1,000--a small number, indeed, to have achieved so grand a task as that of having erected this noble house of worship; yet it may be admitted that the village of Ottoville and the vicinity are almost entirely composed of the devotees of the church of Rome, and none others take more interest in church affairs, while they pursue, at the same time, those industries which lead to the temporal welfare of the country in which they have their home. Of the reverend priests of this faith ,within the county of Putnam none stand higher in the record of its progress than Father Mueller, of Ottoville, and Father Hoeffel, of Delphos, for energy and devotion to duty, the civilization of a frontier community and the beatification of themselves and the inhabitants of the land in which they dwell. JOHN HENRY MILLER, a deceased farmer of Blanchard township, Putnam county, Ohio, was born in Wurtemberg, Germany, near Stuttgart, about the year 1795, and was reared a gardener. Upon coming to the United States he located in Bloomsburg, Pa., and in 1856 came to Ohio and entered 160 acres of land in section 19, Blanchard township, Putnam county. He had married Mrs. Sophia Cook, née Egler, a native of Bloomsburg, Pa., and their union was blessed by the birth of one child—Joseph H., who was born on this farm March 11, 1838. John H. Miller died here in 1850, and his remains were interred in Poplar Ridge cemetery; his widow was called from earth in 1866, and her remains were buried in the Hummon graveyard. Joseph H. Miller was reared on the home farm on which he was born, and assisted in clearing up as he acquired strength, and in bringing to its present state of cultivation. He was educated in the log school-house of his neighborhood, and acquired a fair knowledge of books. After he had succeeded to the ownership of the homestead he built the present brick residence and added to the farm until he now owns 204 acres, all of which is finely improved. Mr. Miller was joined in matrimony, in 1861, with Sarah, a daughter of Jane and Elizabeth Clark, and to this union were born twelve children, of whom eight reached maturity, as follows: Mary A., wife of George E. Krush; Elizabeth, wife of Alva Maidlow; John W. ; Margery, wife of William Harris; Lucy E., wife of Fred Heffellmyer; James E.; Clara E., wife of Clayton Hummon, and Joseph L. The mother of these children died in 1890, and her loss was a great blow to her husband and surviving children. In politics Mr. Miller is a democrat, and in 1887 was elected infirmary director, in which capacity he served six years; he also served as township trustee two terms, and was several years on the school board. He has long been a member of the Lutheran church, in the faith of which his lamented wife was called to rest. He has always been a prominent man in his township, noted for his industry and urbanity, and he is now living in retirement on a well-earned competency. HENRY MILLER, one of the most enterprising and thriving farmers of Union township, Putnam county, Ohio, is a son of Joseph and Barbara (Rader) Miller, and was born in Auglaize county, Ohio, March 15, 1840. Joseph Miller, the father, was born in Maryland in August, 1784, and was a son of Veinga Miller, a native of Germany, who served three years in the army OF PUTNAM COUNTY - 371 of his native country and at an early date settled in Maryland, where he passed the remainder of his days. Joseph Miller was a farmer and a carpenter and about 1836 married Barbara Rader, who was born in Germany, October. 7, 1805, and at the age of thirty years came to Ohio with her father, who settled in Allen county. To the marriage of Joseph and Barbara were born four children, viz: Mary, born August 20, 1838; Henry, our subject; Louisa, born April 3, 1842, and Barbara, November 8, 1846. The father of this family died about 1846; the mother remarried in 1848 and survived until about 1883, when she expired at the home of our subject. Henry Miller, our subject, was kept in school, in Auglaize county, until fourteen years of age, when he began working out for weekly or monthly wages until his enlistment, August, 1862, in company H, Thirty-second Ohio volunteer infantry, serving with his regiment at the battles of Champion's Hill and Harper's Ferry. At the latter fight he was wounded in the head, was taken prisoner and confined in hospital two weeks, and after being exchanged was in the siege of Vicksburg, in the Atlanta campaign, in the march to the sea with Sherman, and thence on to Washington, D. C., where he participated in the grand review. He was, in fact, in all the numerous engagements in which his regiment took part, was mustered out at Louisville, Ky., and honorably discharged at Columbus, Ohio, July 20, 1865. The marriage of Mr. Miller took place February 24, 1867, with Miss Ruth A. Watt, daughter of John and Frances (Beckham) Watt. Mrs. Miller was born in Auglaize county March 17, 1845, where she resided until her marriage. Her father was a native of Urbana, Ohio, born about 1815. He was reared on a farm and in youth came to Auglaize county, where he married Frances Beck- ham in 1841 and became the father of two children—William H., deceased, and Ruth A. (Mrs. Miller). Mrs. Frances Watt died in 1847, and Mr. Watt next married Jane Fischer, and of the two children born to this union, one is living—Sarah, wife of Willis Brackney, a farmer of Auglaize county. Mrs. Jane Watt was also called away by death, and for his third wife Mr. Watt married Susan Clevenger, who bore him three children: James, of Auglaize county; Allie, wife of Jackson Black, and Margaret, wife of Frank Carter, both, also of Auglaize county. Mrs. Susan Watt dying, Mr. Watt married Annis Clevenger, who bore him one child (deceased), and she, herself, was called from earth in 1887—Mr. Watt surviving until April, 1892, when he, also, died, a member of the Methodist Episcopal church, and in politics a republican. After marriage Henry Miller, our subject, lived in Auglaize county two years, and in 1870 came to Putnam county and purchased his present farm of eighty acres, then in the deep woods, but now all cleared, cultivated and transformed into one of the neatest and most profitable in the township for its size. In 1887 he displaced his log cabin and erected the comfortable dwelling in which he still lives. To the union of Henry and. Ruth A. Miller have been born ten children, viz: Leroy, farmer of Auglaize county; Joseph, at school in Findlay, Ohio; an infant son, deceased; John, a farmer at home; Martha, wife of Daniel Hunt, a farmer of Jennings township; an infant daughter, deceased; James, born April 12, 1879; Henry L., born May 4, 1881; Lawrence E., born June 25, 1885, and died October 2, 1886, and Ida E., born December 18, 1886. In religion Mr. and Mrs. Miller, with three of their children—Leroy, John and Martha—are members of the United Brethren church. Mr. Miller has been a communicant for the past thirty years, and for many years a 372 - BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY trustee, an office which he still holds. In 1892 Mr. Miller made an additional purchase of land in Jennings township, where his daughter now resides. Mr. Miller is an honored and respected citizen, and is ever ready to perform his duty as such, never being behind in his aid of any cause calculated to be of any benefit to the township or the county. Politically he is an ardent republican, but has never sought or cared to fill public offices. JOHN J. MILLER, postmaster and one of the leading business men of Ottoville, Putnam county, Ohio, in the township of Monterey, was born at Fremont, Ohio, April 14, 1854. His father, John Miller, was born in Germany June 14, 1820, and when a young man came to America in 1848, and settled in Sandusky county, Ohio, where he engaged at his trade of tailoring in the town of Fremont, and was married there. In 1863 he came to Ottoville, Putnam county, bought a farm near the village, is now one of the most prosperous farmers, and owns 240 acres of the best land in the county. His marriage took place in 1853 to Johanna Flatz, who was born in Austria in 1828, and to this union were born seven children, viz: John J., Johanna, Annie, Edward, George, Josephine and Kate. The father of this family is a devoted member of the Catholic church and was most liberal in his contribution to the erection of the splendid edifice of Saint Mary's, at Ottoville. John J. Miller, the subject of this sketch, was quite well educated in the public schools of Fremont and of Ottoville and Delphos. He was reared a farmer, but his first business enterprise, outside of agriculture, was in the drain tile business for seven years. Next he became one of the proprietors of the Beckman House, in 1890, but a year and a half later sold out and entered the mercantile trade. In 1895 he was appointed postmaster, under Cleveland's second administration, he being politically a democrat, and he has proven himself to be a most popular and efficient official, as well as an honest one. He has been a member of the town council since its first organization, and served as such until he was elected mayor. He has also served as township clerk a number of years, and was always a warm advocate of public schools, having been for a long time a member of the board of education. In religion he is a most devoted member of the Catholic church, and no man is more faithful than he in the observance of the duties pertaining thereto. The marriage of Mr. Miller took place at Ottoville, August 28, 1879, with Miss Margaret Lauer, who was born in the province of Alsace-Lorraine, in 1855, a daughter of Alexander and Elizabeth Lauer, and to this happy marriage six children have been born, named as follows: Elizabeth, Alexander, Mary, Eddie, Katie and Maggie. Mr. Miller is one of the most substantial citizens of Ottoville and owns his business establishment and other property in the city. He has been foremost in all public enterprises and has never been lacking in his aid to all projects that tend to the public good. His aid to the building of Saint Mary's church was nowise a weak one and his carriage through life has been such as to win the respect and esteem of all who know him either in private or public associations. HON. JOHN J. MOORE, eminent as jurist and judge, -has been a resident of Putnam county since 1866, and is one of the most widely known and successful attorneys of northwestern Ohio. OF PUTNAM COUNTY - 373 Judge Moore is descended paternally from Scotch-Irish ancestry. According to the most reliable information, his grandfather, James Moore, appears to have been born in the northern part of the Emerald Isle. 'When a young man James Moore came to the United States and located in Westmoreland county, Pa., where he engaged in the pursuit of agriculture. He served under Wayne during that general's celebrated campaign against the Indians, and saw much of military life on the frontier during the early history of Ohio. He married in his native state, and became the father of seven children, whose names were as follows: James (the subject's father), Alexander, William, Joseph, Robert, Jane (married John Hepburn), and Sarah (wife of Eli Miller), all of whom left families which are scattered throughout the country. James Moore, the judge's father, grew to manhood in Pennsylvania, but came to Ohio in 1825, settling in the county of Trumbull, where he married Margaret Johnston, who came with her parents to the Buckeye state as ear), as 1811. The parents of Mrs. Moore were John and Margaret (Robinson) Johnston, both of Scotch-Irish descent, but natives of Pennsylvania. James Moore, was for many years a man of prominence in the community where he resided, and represented his county in the state legislature in 1849. He was a democrat in politics, and while in the legislature was a leader of his party, and promoted much important legislation. He was a man of more than ordinary intellectual abilities, a great reader of the best literature, a deep thinker, and did much as an adviser for his many neighbors and friends. James and Margaret Moore had a family of six children, two sons and four daughters, viz: Elizabeth, wife of Rodney Orr, of Mahoning county; Margaret, who died in early life; Mary J., deceased wife of Delorma Thurston; Sarah, deceased wife of George Gilmore; James, who died in childhood, and John J., the immediate subject of this biography. Judge Moore was bOrn in Trumbull county, Ohio, now a part of the county of Mahoning, August 3, 1835, and was educated in the common schools and at Mount Union college. He early began the study of law, under the able instruction of Hon. S. W. Gilson, of Canfield, Mahoning county, was admitted to the bar in 1863, and immediately thereafter effected a copartnership in the practice with his preceptor, with whom he was associated until 1866. In the latter year Mr. Moore located at Ottawa and entered into a partnership with C. J. Swan, under the name of Swan & Moore, a firm which continued until Mr. Moore's election to the common pleas bench, in the fall of 1878. In the meantime he built up a large and lucrative practice in the courts of Putnam and counties adjoining, and earned the reputation of one of the ablest and most successful attorneys of northwestern Ohio. Mr. Moore held the office of common pleas judge from 1878 until 1884, at which time he was elected judge of the third judicial circuit, which at that time comprised nineteen counties, but later was reduced to sixteen. Judge Moore's judicial career was eminently honorable and satisfactory, and as a judge he was the peer of any in the state. While on the bench he tried many important cases, in which his legal acumen, impartial rulings and thorough knowledge of the law earned him a widespread reputation, and but few of his decisions suffered reversal at the hands of the supreme court. Among the noted cases tried in his court was that of R. K. Scott, for the murder of young Drury, and Wesley Johnson, for the murder of the Williams family, the latter of which was one of the most cruel murders ever perpetrated in the state of Ohio. As a lawyer, Judge Moore is clear and methodical, manages his 374 - BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY cases with consummate skill, is honorable in his treatment of opposing counsel, and never stoops to disreputable practices. He has been a member of the State Bar association ever since its organization, and in 1889 was elected president of that honorable and dignified body. In 1869 Judge Moore was appointed to fill the unexpired term in the state legislature of H. W. Boehmer, and in 1872 was elected a representative from Putnam county. His career as a legislator was replete with duty well performed, and while a member of that body he acquitted himself with satisfaction to his constituency. In politics he has always affiliated with the democratic party, and has been chosen delegate, at different times, to county, congressional and state conventions. Fraternally, he is a member of the F. & A. M., in which he is highly esteemed. The judge is identified with the mercantile interests of Ottawa, being a member of the clothing firm of Moore & Moore, the business at this time being personally conducted by the judge's son, Gilson H. Moore. Judge Moore was married in Mahoning county, in 1859, to Elizabeth C. Patterson, daughter of Ilugh and Anna (VanEtten) Patterson, a union blessed with the birth of two children—Gilson H., who, as above stated, is a business man of Ottawa, and Douglass E., whose death occurred in 1869, when he was eight years of age. ALFRED MORRIS, who is descended from a family the members of which were noted for their intelligence, refinement and excellent capabilities, has inherited these traits to a remarkable degree, and to-day he stands as a representative citizen of Continental, Ohio, being counted as one of her hustling business men and an influential and honored citizen of the town. He is the proprietor of a saw-mill and planing-mill, and does a large business in hard and soft lumber (rough and planed), lime, lath, shingles, etc., the institution being counted as one of the leading industries of the place. Alfred Morris, our subject, is of Welsh descent, his paternal grandfather, Henry Morris, being a native of Pennsylvania, where he married Miss Margaret Weaver, of Philadelphia. They came to Ohio in 1842, settling in Allen county, where they entered new land from the government and developed it into a fine 200-acre farm. It was in an early day, with Indians still on the trail, and for four months the wife never saw the face of a white woman. For many years the grandfather engaged in successful ministerial work, being of the Regular Baptist church, his field of labor lying in this and surrounding counties. He was one of the leading men of the day and an authority in all matters of importance in that section. Politically he was a Jacksonian democrat, and was elected as the first probate judge of Allen county. Joseph Morris, our subject's father, was born in Allen county, where he was reared upon a farm. He received a liberal education for those days, and taught school successfully for many years. In 1861, after pursuing a course of study in medicine and surgery, he graduated with honor from the medical department of that noble institution of learning, the university of Michigan, at Ann Arbor, and located at his old home, where he practiced for ten years. Then he purchased a small farm one mile from Columbus Grove, and afterward removed to the city. He was eminently successful in his profession and business, and accumulated a large property, all the result of his own efforts. In politics he was a democrat, but devoted his time to his profession, family and business. He was united in marriage, about 186o, to Miss Sarah Smith, daughter of James and Mary Smith.