OF PUTNAM COUNTY - 401 During this time he attended school somewhat, during the winter months, chopping wood for his board while going to school. Returning home on a visit, he remained in Putnam county, working around at various kinds of work, principally on farms, but did not live with his parents. He then took up the study of medicine, which he continued for about one and a half years, when he concluded to abandon that profession, as his observations were that physicians were not very prosperous. Previous to this he had purchased a tract of 160 acres of land in Pleasant township, making the first payment on the land with money he had earned during the four years he was away from home, and he now went to work clearing up his farm, which he continued several years. He then determined he would be a lawyer by profession, and getting hold of some law books, he read them, and in 1860 was admitted to the bar at Kalida, and practiced until the war came on. During the summer of 1861 he he raised a company in and around Columbus Grove and took them to Camp Dick Robinson, he having been commissioned captain as soon as he had raised the company. This became company K, of the Fourteenth regiment Ohio volunteer infantry, Col. Steadman (afterward a general) commanding. The regiment became a part of the army of the Tennessee. The first engagement of the company was at Wild Cat, Ky., and their next fight of any consequence was at Mill Springs, Ky. They were at Fort Donelson, and Shiloh, and later at Corinth, and then in Alabama. Next they were in and around Nashville, Tenn., thence after Bragg up through Kentucky toward Louisville. They were at Stone river and other points in middle Tennessee, and then over into east Tennessee to Chattanooga. He was at the battle of Chickamauga, and there had a most remarkable experience. For several days previous to the battle of Chickamauga, Captain Ogan had been ill and unable to march, and when the battle began he was lying sick in an ambulance about half a mile from the line of battle. As soon as he saw the wounded being brought to the rear, some of whom were from his own company, he buckled on his own sword, 'and, jumping out of the ambulance, started for his regiment, but not knowing its exact location brought up with the Thirty-first Ohio regiment, then in line of battle. The line was demoralized and in a bad shape, and the captain began encouraging them, getting order restored, and soon ordered an advance, he taking the lead. The enemy made a charge about that time, and he, being in the advance of the line, walked right into the line of the enemy before he knew it, or before even the enemy realized it. Finding himself thus inside the enemy's lines, with death or imprisonment facing him, he determined to make his escape or die in the attempt. Seeing a line of the enemy standing not far distant he approached them and very coolly informed the captain that the Union forces had been reinforced during the night, and in a few minutes they would begin shelling the woods where they were standing. He told the rebel captain that he did not want to see too many men slaughtered, and advised them to withdraw. This they did, the line falling back. Capt. Ogan continued on in hopes of finding an opportunity of escaping or of hiding himself, when he ran into another line of the enemy. He approached the captain and told him the same story he had to the other captain, and this second line fell back. A third line was encountered, and again the captain told his story, but this rebel captain did not believe him and ordered him to surrender. The captain demurred, and told the rebel there was no need of his surrendering, for they were all surrounded by Union soldiers, and in a few minutes more would be captured. But the 402 - BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY Johnny captain insisted on his surrendering, and he gave up his sword, after which two soldiers were detailed to escort hint to Gen. Bragg's headquarters. While being marched along in front of the two soldiers, some of the time at double-quick, he was turning over in his mind various plans for escape, as he was still determined to escape or die in the attempt. He had about decided to make a sudden stop while on the double-quick, thus compelling the soldiers to pass by him, when he would grab the musket from one, bayonet the other, and then shoot the unarmed one, when he spied what he supposed was the Federal army lying down. A second look, however, showed him that instead of it being a line of battle it was nothing more nor less than the dead and wounded from what had once been the line of battle. His plan was formed in an instant, and calling out sharp and quick to his captors to halt, he demanded of one of them to give him his gun. This the bewildered soldier did, whereupon the other guard asked what he should do with his gun. " Throw it down," commanded the captain; then he took his sword from the one who was carrying it to Gen. Bragg, and buckling it on, took up the gun and commanded the two guards to " about face," and back he started them on the track they had first come over. Soon he ran across two stragglers, and ordered them to fall in and march on, and soon was in sight of the line of battle that had taken him prisoner. When he was within about seventy-five yards from this line he commanded oblique in a very loud tone of command, and marched them up to a small squad of rebels, whom he ordered to " fall in and be quick about it, as he was in a hurry; " with his squad, then comprising ten men, he double-quicked into his own lines, at about the same place he had left them, all of this in plain view of the enemy's line of battle. It occurred to the captain, when he saw his move was going to be successful, to stop and take in the enemy that had taken him previously, and he could no doubt have done it, but on second thought he concluded he was doing well enough in escaping with his ten prisoners and his own life, so did not attempt the bold scheme of capturing alone a full company. The captain was warmly congratulated upon his feat, and was urged to let an application for a medal be made, but this he refused. The captain took part both days in the fighting at Chickamauga; afterward he was at the battle of Lookout Mountain, and was in the battle at Chattanooga. After the Chattanooga campaign, the regiment of which Capt. Ogan was a member was furloughed home in January, returning in March, 1864, and joining the forces at Ringgold, Ga.,with Sherman. At Jonesboro, Ga., before Sherman's army had gotten into Atlanta, Capt. Ogan was wounded in the left arm above the elbow with a minie ball, which necessitated amputation. The same night his arm was taken off he rode in an ambulance fifteen miles to the rear, and next day he went with the army into Atlanta. He was in the hospital at Atlanta from the time he was wounded until about the middle of October. When the army started on its march to the sea, Capt. Ogan was mustered out of the service, and with the wounded and sick started on the return to Chattanooga. Before they had gone far up the railroad toward Chattanooga they found the track torn np in front, and attempted to return, but found themselves in a trap. He then undertook to escape in the confusion, but was captured. With others he was taken to Andersonville prison, but, being an officer, he was not confined there, though about Boo men captured with him were imprisoned. Instead, he was taken to Columbia, S. C., and was there about one and a half months. Thence he was taken to Charleston, where he was held as a OF PUTNAM COUNTY - 403 prisoner one day and two nights, at which time he was exchanged and went aboard one of the government boats, then in the harbor at Charleston, and was brought north, the vessel carrying him up Chesapeake bay, to Annapolis, from which place he went to Washington, D. C., thence to his home, reaching there on the 25th of December, 1864. After the was closed Capt. Ogan ran a warehouse in Columbus Grove for a couple of years and then moved on his farm, where he lived about two years. He then returned to Columbus Grove and engaged in the practice of law, at which he continued until about 1885, when he retired from active practice and has since resided on his farm near town, where he has forty-one acres handsomely improved. Capt. Ogan also owns several other farms in Putnam county—altogether some 700 acres of improved and unimproved land. He also owns two large brick business rooms on High street, Columbus Grove, and the property occupied by the City Hotel and the same street. For several years Copt. Ogan was revenue assessor of Putnam county and was also elected justice of the peace, which office he held a year and then resigned. In politics he is a stanch republican. In 1848 Capt. Ogan was married to Miss Nancy A. Custer, who was born in Tuscarawas county, Ohio, and proved herself a true helpmate. She was called to the home beyond in 1868, leaving two children, viz: J. S. Ogan, an attorney of Ottawa, and Jenny, now the wife of D. A. Hemley, of Columbus Grove. In 1875 Capt. Ogan was married to Emma Elliott, the daughter of John Elliott, deceased, and to this union have been born three children, of whom two are now living—Serretus W., and Silas Jenkins, both at home. Capt. Ogan and wife are known as benevolent and enterprising citizens, being at all times ready to lend a helping hand to all charitable and worthy demands. JULIUS S. OGAN, who is prominent among the successful members of the Ottawa bar and is the senior of the law firm of Handy & Ogan, has been engaged in the practice of his profession in this city since 1883. Mr. Ogan is a native of Putnam county, Ohio, born January 9, 1850, a son of Noah W. and Nancy (Custer) Ogan—the mother deceased and the father a resident of the town of Columbus Grove. Julius S. Ogan was born on a farm near Columbus Grove, and when a lad of ten years was taken by his parents to the village, where he grew to manhood, attending in the meantime the common schools, in which he acquired his elementery education. Later, he entered Oberlin college, from which he was graduated in 1876, and two years later, completed the law course in the university of Michigan at Ann Arbor. After his admission to the bar, Mr. Ogan began the practice of law at Columbus Grove, where he remained until the latter part of 1882, at which time he came to Ottawa, and effected a co-partnership with Hon. John M. Sheets, present common pleas judge cf Putnam county, and the firm thus formed continued until May 10, 1894, when Judge Sheets retired, Hon. William H. Handy taking his place. The firm of Handy & Ogan has continued since the latter year, and has a reputation much more than local throughout the counties of northeastern Ohio. Mr. Ogan entered the profession well fortified with scholastic and legal training, soon succeeded in establishing a good practice, and has been remarkably successful. By strict attention to business, sterling integrity and gentlemanly manners, he has won the reputation of a careful and painstaking lawyer, and is the legal adviser of many prominent men of Ottawa and Putnam county. Mr. Ogan is one of the leading republicans of Ottawa, and has contributed to his party's success in a number 404 - BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY of campaigns. He served as mayor of Columbus Grove, and, at different times, was his party's candidate for important official positions, notably those of representative, probate judge and prosecuting attorney, but never succeeded in overcoming the overwhelming democratic majority, which still obtains in Putnam county. He is a member of the F. & A. M., belonging to the blue lodge, chapter, and council, in all of which he has been honored with important positions. Mr. Ogan was married in the town of Columbus Grove, December 25, 1882, to Miss Estella Turner, daughter of William and Martha Turner, a union blessed with the birth of four children, viz: Mattie, Myrtle, Mildred and Julius S. FRANK ELWOOD PALMER, member of the firm of Palmer & Crawford, dealers in pine lumber at Columbus Grove, Ohio, was born in Monroe township, Allen county, July 3, 1863. He is a son of Thomas Palmer, deceased, whose parents were pioneers of Allen county. Thomas Palmer was a. native of Pennsylvania, was born near Harrisburg in 1821, and came to Allen county, Ohio, with his parents, while it was very new. He was married, in Monroe township, to Mary M. Stirlen, who was also born in Pennsylvania, and came to Putnam county with her parents, who settled about one mile east of Columbus Grove, in Putnam county, at an early date. The father of Mr. Palmer died in 1868. His widow was again married in 1872, becoming the wife of Joseph Bushong, of Hancock county, who is now residing on a farm in Monroe township, Allen county. To Thomas Palmer and wife five boys were born, viz: One who died in infancy; Joseph W., now a farmer and stock raiser of Van Wert county, Ohio; Samuel P. is a Presbyterian minister, and now residing at Oakland, Cal., where he has a charge; Frank E. (our subject), and Daniel R., now a farmer on the old home farm in Monroe township, Allen county. Frank E. Palmer was reared on the home farm in Monroe township, Allen county, first. attended the district schools, and at the age of sixteen years went to Ada and attended the university at that place for two years. Returning home, he remained on the farm for two years, but, not being satisfied, in 1884 he went to Kansas, where he improved a claim of 160 acres in Meade county. In 1885 he went to No Man's land (now Oklahoma) and settled on the Beaver river, where he engaged in merchandising. In March, 1887, he was appointed postmaster at Beaver, Ind. Ter., and was the first postmaster commissioned in No Man's Land. His commission bears date March 4, 1887, signed by Postmaster-Gen. Vilas. At about the same time the citizens formed a temporary town and county government, and Mr. Palmer was chosen county clerk. In 1888 he returned to his old home and married an old school-mate. Mr. Palmer remained in the Indian territory until 1889, when he sold out his business and returned to Monroe township, Putnam county, Ohio, and farmed until 1893, when he engaged in his present business in Columbus Grove, succeeding Henry Arnold. In the same year the firm of Palmer & Crawford was formed by the admission of John M. Crawford as a full partner. Mr. Palmer has met with uniform success through life, and for a man of his age is comfortably situated. Beside his lumber interests he now owns a farm of fifty-three acres in Richland township, Allen county, and also real estate in Kansas and Oklahoma. Mr. Palmer is a member of the Masonic fraternity, being a member of Rufus Putnam lodge, No. 364, of Columbus Grove. In the fall of 1894 Mr. Palmer was appointed a member of the board OF PUTNAM COUNTY - 405 of health of Columbus Grove, and in the spring of 1895 was elected a member of the city council for a term of two years, when he resigned his position in the board of health. He is a republican in politics. On January 18, 1889, Mr. Palmer was united in marriage with Miss Dora E. Bowers, who was born in Monroe township, Allen county, August 10, 1865, and is the daughter of John and Ann Bowers, deceased. To this union the following children have• been born: Mae, born in No Man's Land November 22, 1889; Mont B., born in Monroe township, Allen county, Ohio, on July 12, 1891; and Martha, born in the same township on May 28, 1893. Mrs. Palmer is a member of the Presbyterian church, and Mr. Palmer is a thorough-going, up-to-date business man, and one highly respected wherever known. ALVA L. PAUL, M. D., a prominent physician and surgeon of northwestern Ohio, and member of the medical firm of Paul & Paul, Ottawa, Putnam county, is a native of the Buckeye state, born on the 6th day of September, 1848, in the county of Fairfield. His father, Alva Paul, was a physician of wide reputation, noted also for his professional ability and scholarly attainments, having been a graduate of Yale college. Dr. Paul, Sr., was essentially a self-made man. It is stated that he was thrown upon his own resources at the early age of fourteen, at which time his sole earthly possessions consisted of a small bundle of clothing and a very limited supply of money. He succeeded in making his way through Yale, earning a little money in the meantime by teaching, and upon the day of graduation he was compelled to leave college on foot and alone, having completely exhausted his means for tuition and other expenses. He subsequently became a very successful practitioner, and the once poor college lad lived to see himself in affluent circumstances. The wife of Dr. Paul, mother of the subject of this mention, was Nancy Biglow, daughter of Rev. Henry Biglow, also a graduate of Yale, and for many years a distinguished divine of the Congregational church. Mrs. Paul bore her husband the following children: Biglow H., deceased, for some years professor of mathematics in the university of Iowa; Mrs. Maria Clement, who was burned to death, in 1852, by the explosion of a lamp; --Horace, a wealthy stock-raiser, of Chalk Mound, Kans. ; Dr. Alva L., and Helen, wife of Emmet Williams, of Portland, Ore. Dr. Alva L. Paul attended, in his youth, the common schools of his native county, spent some time in the Greenfield academy, and such was his progress that, at the early age of seventeen, he was sufficiently advanced in his studies to engage in the profession of teaching. Actuated by a laudable desire to pursue his literary education in a higher institution of learning, the doctor husbanded his meager earnings, and in due time entered Miami university, Cincinnati, in which he took a partial course; paying his way in the meantime with the proceeds of his teaching. Yielding to a desire of long standing, the doctor, in 1870, began the study of medicine with Dr. George S. Castureght, of Lithopolis, Ohio, and supplemented his readings by a full course in the medical department of Miami university, and later was graduated from the Long Island Medical college, of New York, in the class of 1875. He made a specialty of the eye and ear, and in order to fit himself thoroughly for that department of the profession the doctor spent some time in the hospital at Brooklyn, N. Y., graduating therefrom in 1875. Fitted by both intellectual and professional training, the doctor, after his graduation, began the practice at Ottawa, where he has since 406 - BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY continued to reside, acquiring, in the meanwhile, a large and lucrative business in \An arn and adjoining counties. Standing in the front rank among his brethren of the profession, in the prime of manhood, surrounded by many friends, and moving in the best circles of society, there is probably no physician that occupies a more enviable position than does Dr. Paul. He keeps fully abreast of the times in all matters pertaining to his profession, is a close student, and his services are frequently required in difficult cases at considerable distances from his home. He is a member of the State Medical association, and fraternally stands high in the Masonic order, being past master of Ottawa lodge, No. 325, past high priest of Ottawa chapter, No. 115, and past T. I. M. of council No. 169. He also belongs to the K. of P., Knights of Maccabees, and is a member of the National Union, in the deliberations of all of which he takes an active interest. Politically, he is a stanch republican. The doctor was married October 27, 1875, to Miss Gertrude Paul, daughter of Truman E. Paul, M. D., of Putnam county, Ohio, a union blessed with the birth of two children: Edwin T., a student in the Findlay college, preparing for the legal profession, and Gertrude, member of the senior class of the Ottawa high school. WILLIAM PFAHLER, who stands high as a farmer and business man of Van Buren township, Putnam county, was born in Crawford county, Ohio, September 15, 1838. His parents, John G. and Caroline (Waltman) Pfahler, were natives of Germany, but came separately to America and were married at Warren, Ohio. The father was a butcher in the old country, but was a progressive man, and after reaching the United States ran a threshing machine and finally became a prominent farmer and land owner His death took place in Putnam county, while on a visit in 1882 at the age of eighty-three years, he being a member of the German Lutheran church at the time. His family comprised six children, named as follows: William, our subject; John G., on the homestead in Crawford county; Caroline, wife of John Arden; Charles, on the homestead; Sophia, married to John Croft, of Marion county, and Christ, of Marion township, Henry county. William Pfahler, our subject, has mostly followed farming pursuits. At the age of fourteen years he left the home farm and went to Illinois, where he was employed as a farm hand one year, and one year in running a threshing machine; he then returned to his native county, was employed for a year, by the month, at farming, carpentering and saw-milling; he next engaged in carpentering, and during the proper season he ran a threshing machine. In 1862, he married, in Crawford county, Miss Mary Dewalt, a native of that county, born August 16, 1841, a daughter of Abel and Lucinda (Sparks) Dewalt, who were born in Harrison county, Ohio, and in Washington county, Pa., respectively, both of German descent and married in Carroll county, Ohio. Mr. Dewalt was a farmer during his active life, and died in January, 1895, leaving a wife and seven children, named as follows: John, on the homestead; Mary, wife of subject; Elizabeth, Thomas, Quinn, Delilah and Abel. Eleven children blessed the marriage of our subject, in the following order: Charles, died in infancy; William Q., May 23,1864, a farmer; Lucinda, October 7, 1866—wife of Daniel Tegard; Sarah E., September 2, 1868—wife of Sherman Powell; Mary S., April 8, 1870—wife of John Keran; Columbus O., February 19, 1872; Thomas J., July 18, 1873; Anna L., April 19, 1875; Christian G., February, OF PUTNAM COUNTY - 407 19, 1877; Rosa M., May 24, 1879, and Samuel J., October 1o, 1881. In 1865 Mr. Pfahler came to Putnam county and bought eighty-eight acres of wild land, on which he erected a small cabin (which he still retains as a relic) and then cleared up his place, doing much of this work at night, and it was at least ten years before his farm was brought to a condition fit for the support of his family. Of course he did his own carpenter work, and was among the first to introduce wood tiling, although some of his neighbors remonstrated against such an innovation. He had always a leaning toward threshing machines, and about 1871 he, with a partner, A. Casteel, engaged in running such machine and continued in the business fifteen years, using the first traction engine brought to the locality. After the dissolution of his partnership with Mr. Casteel he joined another gentleman and continued in the same business until 1886, when he turned his interests over to a son, who is still engaged in it. About 1880 Mr. Pfahler built a saw-mill, which he still owns, and up to the past year continued to do carpentering. Mr. Pfahler has added to his first purchase of land in Putnam county twenty acres to his home place, and two other farms of forty acres each. The home place of 108 acres has about eighty acres cleared, ditched and tiled, and under a superior state of cultivation, and his dwelling, mostly his own handiwork, is an ornament to the neighborhood. His wind-pump supplies this with water, and also supplieshis barn, which is commodious and strongly constructed, and all his numerous out-buildings are made to match; his orchard is set in the choicest varieties of fruit adapted to the latitude, and, on the whole, he has one of the best equipped homesteads in the township. Of his two other farms, fifty-eight acres are cleared and under cultivation. For the accommodation of the sorghum-growing farmers, Mr. Pfahler has erected a sorghum-mill on his home farm, and he has, beside, put up an excellent cider-mill. Of late he has given his chief attention to his farm and is now reckoned among the best agriculturists in the township, although his natural leaning is more toward mechanical pursuits. He is a gentleman of undoubted integrity and public spirit and has done a vast deal toward advancing the interests of the community in which he has so long resided in every respect—financially, morally and materially. During the late war he was appointed drill-master of the state militia by the government and held his position until near the close of hostilities, when the militia was disbanded, when, as luck would have it, he was himself drafted, but paid a substitute $1,000 in cash; but this substitute never served, as the war closed before he reached the front. Few men have done as much for Van Buren township as Mr. Pfahler, and fewer men are more highly honored by its citizens. FREDERICK PITSON, superintendent of the Rice farm, of Palmer township, Putnam county, is a native of the Buckeye state and was born in Lucas county, December 31, 1858. His father, Peter Pitson, was born in or near Berlin, Germany, in 1814, came to America at the age of twenty-eight years, and settled in Lucas county, Ohio, which was then quite new, and wrought out of the forest a good farm. He there married Catherine Jacklin, also a native of the vicinity of Berlin. To this union were born the following children: Minnie, wife of Peter Hartselt; Matthias; Barbara, wife of Joseph Fackelman; Mary, wife of August Herr; John, Frederick, Peter, Stephen and Catherine —the last named deceased. The mother of this family died in 1860, a devout member of 408 - BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY of the Catholic church of the parish of Providence, Lucas county. Later the father migrated to Mercer county, Ohio, where his death occurred in September, 1886. He also was a devout member of the Catholic church, a democrat in politics, and a hard-working, honest farmer, highly respected by all who knew him. Frederick Pitson, the subject of this sketch, received a good common-school education and was reared to agricultural pursuits, which he has always followed. February 25, 1890, he married Miss Frances Bibler, who was born in Iroquois county, Ill., a daughter of John and Matilda (Layton) Bibler. Mr. Bibler, now deceased, was a member of the Disciples' church and in politics a democrat. Mrs. Bibler still resides in Putnam county and is highly respected by her neighbors for her many womanly virtues. Mrs. Pitson was a child when brought from Illinois to Ohio by her parents, was here reared to womanhood, and here met and was married to Mr. Pitson. To the congenial marriage of Mr. and Mrs. Pitson were born two children: John P. and Frances M.—the latter deceased. After his marriage Mr. Pit-son was placed in charge of the farm of A. V. Rice & Co., and he still holds this position. This farm comprises 320 acres of prairie land and is chiefly cultivated for potatoes and onions, and under the management of Mr. Pitson has been made to yield a handsomely profitable crop annually. June 23, 1894, Mr. Pitson was bereaved of his beloved helpmate, who died a member of the Catholic church, deeply lamented by her husband and child and a large circle of sincere and devoted friends, who had become attached to her through her many womanly virtues and amiable disposition. Mr. Pitson is himself a Catholic, adhering to the faith of his father in this respect, as he also does in politics, being a stanch democrat, always exercising his franchise in favor of his party at the polls, but never seeking office. Since residing in Putnam county, he has made hosts of friends, through his manly qualities and honest conduct—never being intimidated in the expression of his honest convictions on any subject. He has filled his present position faithfully and efficiently, and it is needless to say he has met with the approbation and holds the confidence of his employers, whose interests he has so successfully subserved, as well as promoted.   AARON OBERBECK. — Among the successful, self-made men of Putnam county is Aaron Oberbeck, the present audtior who was born June 29, 1843, in Bucks county, Pa. The Oberbecks were early settlers of Pennsylvania, and their ancestry is easily traceable to the first settlement of New York, the name having been common among the early Dutch immigrants of that state. Later a representative of the family emigrated to Pennsylvania, in which state the great-grandfather of the subject of this biography was born. His grandfather, Conrad Oberbeck, was a soldier in the war of 1812, serving as captain during that struggle, followed farming all his life, and died in his native state at the advanced age of ninety-four years. His son, John Oberbeck, father of Aaron, was born in Bucks county, Pa., in 1812, and at the age of twenty-eight married Sophia Beck, daughter of Philip Beck, also a soldier in the last war with Great Britain. After their marriage Mr. and Mrs. John Oberbeck resided in Bucks county, which was their home until 1848, when Mr. Oberbeck came to Ohio, locating in Greensburg township, Putnam county. His family at that time consisted of himself, wife and four children, and for their support he relied upon the cabinet-maker's trade, which he had previously OF PUTNAM COUNTY - 411 learned at his old home. He resided later at Kalida, until the death of his wife in 1884, since which date he has made his home with his son Aaron in Ottawa. To John and Sophia Oberbeck were born ten children, all deceased but four, the majority of them dying in infancy. Those surviving are Louisa, wife of S. E. Mills, of Leipsic; Sarah, wife of William L. Baxter, of Van Wert county; Christina, wife of John Warner, of Hancock county, and Aaron, whose name introduces this biography. Mr. Oberbeck's boyhood was spent in attending the public schools in Kalida, Ohio, in which he acquired a fair knowledge of the English branches. He was one of the first brave boys to respond to the country's call at the breaking out of the rebellion, enlisting April, 1861, in company, E, Twenty-first Ohio volunteer infantry, being at the time less than eighteen years of age. On account of sickness he was not accepted for the service, but, nothing daunted, he enlisted again the same year in company A, Fifty-seventh Ohio volunteer infantry, with which he served until honorably discharged on the 12th day of September, 1864. Mr. Oberbeck's army record was made up of duty faithfully performed, and although the youngest and smallest in his company, on the recommendation of his colonel, was appointed corporal for gallant conduct at the battle of Shiloh. He participated in many bloody battles, including Shiloh, Corinth, Champion Hill, or the siege of Vicksburg, Baker's Creek, Missionary Ridge, the Atlanta campaign, Arkansas Post and a number of other battles and skirmishes—twenty-three in all. Mr. Oberbeck had many narrow escapes, one of which is worthy of note. While in the thickest of the fight at Shiloh he was struck by a rifle ball, which spent its force after penetrating the package consisting of some half dozen letters, a daguerreotype, folded silk handkerchief and a folding comb which he carried in his pocket, the package thus proving the means of saving his life. After being discharged Mr. Overbeck returned home, and for two or three years thereafter attended school, teaching during the winter seasons. Later, he accepted a position in the recorder's office, and during the summer of 1869, served as a deputy clerk of courts and at intervals before and afterward clerked in the auditor's office. In 1866 he took up the study of surveying, to which he devoted all leisure time, and became quite proficient. In 1871 he was appointed deputy county surveyor, and five years later was elected to the office, and discharged the duties of the same most efficiently for a period of six years. At the expiration of his term of office he continued his profession of civil engineering and was thus employed until elected county auditor, in 1892. In the meantime he served for a period for fifteen years as city engineer, 'for three years was a member of the Ottawa school board, and for four years was a member of the city council of Ottawa. During his long period of public service Mr. Oberbeck has proven faithful to every trust, and his record is such as to warrant the belief that any position to which his fellow-citizens may call him in the future will be ably and worthily filled. As already stated, Mr. Oberbeck is a self-made man, and it can be truthfully said of him that he is the architect of his own fortune. He has always been actuated by a laudable desire to increase his knowledge and to discharge the duties devolving on him when placed in public office. Mr. Oberbeck was married December 5, 1871, to Miss Jennie Cartwright, daughter of William and Pauline (Bowman) Cartwright. Mrs. Oberbeck was born in Putnam county, July 14, 1851, and died April 3, 1889, the mother of three children: Laura E., born June 9, 1873, wife of John Conine; Harry, born August 16, 1875; and Nellie, born December 412 - BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY 9, 1879. Mr. Oberbeck's second marriage was solemnized with Katie Eisenbach, daughter of Conrad and Christina Eisenbach, January 23, 1890, which union has been blessed with the birth of one child, Zella, who was born July 14, 1891. In politics, Mr. Oberbeck is one of the leading democrats of Putnam county. He is a member of the G. A. R., belonging to Thomas Allen post, No. 576, and has been a member of Blanchard lodge, No. 284, I. 0. 0. F., for about twenty-five years. OTTO L. PLETTNER.—It is interesting to note the life-history of one who has, by indomitable pluck and industry, succeeded in surmounting the many obstacles in the pathway leading toward success, and who has from the smallest beginning accomplished desirable results in the line of achieving success in a business way. A perusal of the following sketch will be valuable to young men starting in life on their own account, as showing what may be accomplished by energy and perseverance, coupled with the exercise of good judgment. Otto L. Plettner is himself a young man still, but he has achieved a great measure of success, and is now owner of the machine, blacksmith and wood- working shops located in the lively little village of Continental, Ohio. He was the eldest of a family of seven children born to John and Eva (Fashbaugh) Plettner. His father, who was born at Frankforton-the-Oder, in Germany, April 16, 1832, came to America when he was twenty-five years of. age, and settled in Fulton county, Ohio. Four years afterward, in 1861, he took to himself a wife in the person of Miss Eva Fashbaugh, who was born in Tuscarawas county, Ohio, July 30, 1 8 3 5 . In 1865 they moved to Macon county, Mo., but returned to their former home in Fulton county in 1872. Both were earnest christian people, the father being of the Lutheran faith and the mother a member of the German Baptist church. The latter died February 5, 1892. Their children were Otto L., Augusta 0., John (deceased), Elizabeth, Alonzo (deceased), Amanda E., and Ferdinand (deceased). The father had served two years in the Prussian wars, and during the Civil war in this country served five months in the One Hundred and Thirtieth Ohio volunteer infantry. Otto L. Plettner was born in Fulton county, Ohio, July 7, 1862. Until he arrived at the age of twenty-two years he lived and worked upon the farm, at the same time obtaining the basis of a practical education in the district schools. He learned t trade of blacksmith, and later found employment in machine shops, living in his native county unitil 1888. At this time his foresight led him to locate in the then little village of a Continental. in which place he felt assured there was rood opening for the establishment of a buss ness in his line. That he was correct in his surmise has been clearly demonstrated. When he first arrived at Continental the young man was far from rich, as far as worldly goods are concerned, but he possessed that which was of far more value—a thoroughly practical knowledge of his trade and the perseverance necessary to success. He commenced with a capital of $19 and a few tools, and to-day he is the owner of well-equipped machine, blacksmith and wood-working shops, which do a large business. Our subject was united in marriage, July 4, 1888, to Miss Minnie V. Holmes, who was born in Clay county, Ind., September 26, 1869.. Her parents were Dr. W. B. Holmes and Ellen (Russell) Holmes, the former having been born in Brown county, Ohio, April 29, 1840, and the latter in Parke county, Ind., March 23, 1847. They were married in October, 1866, and settled in Clay county, Ind., afterward, in 1876, locating in Parke county, in the same state, OF PUTNAM COUNTY - 413 Dr. Holmes has been and is still a leading physician in both counties, and is gentleman widely known in that section. He is a prominent Knight of Pythias, a member of the Masonic fraternity and a veteran of the late war, having seen three years of service and participating in many battles. Dr. and Mrs. Holmes are leading members of the Methodist church and active Sunday-school workers, both having filled the position of Sunday-school superintendent for years. Their children in the order of birth are: James A., Louis E., deceased, Minnie V., William A. and Samuel M. Mrs. Plettner's paternal grandfather, Angus Holmes, was one of the pioneers, of Clay county, Ind., his wife being Sarah and Otto L. Plettner, our subject, is a strong republican, takes a lively interest in public affairs, and is a member of the republican township central committee. Fraternally. by is a member of Knights of Pythias lodge, No. 339. The family circle consists of husband, wife and one daughter, Mildred E., and they live most happily and comfortably in a neat residence which they own. The success which has thus far been theirs in life is due to their own efforts, their possessions have been attained by industry and thrift, and they are among the leading and most highly respected people of the live community in which they live. JONATHAN W. POAST, a substantial farmer of Jennings township, Putnam county, Ohio, and one of the present county commissioners, descends from a Holland-Dutch family that was among the first settlers of the state of New York. John Poast, his grandfather, was a farmer living near Albany, that state, and reared a farmily of seven children. One of these, John Poast, the father of our subject, was born in New York state January to, 1790, and when still a young married man came to Ohio and located in Crawford county. His first marriage was with Polly Dolt, and to this union were born David, Susan, Ira and Benjamin F. The father was a soldier in the war of 1812, and was one of the unfortunates surrendered at Detroit by Gen. William Hull. He was a shoemaker by trade, but on locating in Crawford county bought a small farm, and was also elected a justice of the peace. His first wife having died, Mr. Poast took for his second helpmate Susan Whetstone, and this union resulted in the birth of five children, viz: Jonathan W. (our subject), William J., Henry L., Samuel and Levina (both deceased), all born in Crawford county. In 1859 Mr. Poast and his family came to Putnam county and engaged in farming in Sugar Creek township until he retired and went to reside with his son, Benjamin F., in Jackson township, where he died on June 2, 1868, at the age of seventy-eight years, a member of the Baptist church. He had three sons in the Civil war, viz: Ira, who was a colonel of a New York volunteer regiment and was killed in battle; Benjamin F., who first served in a three-month Ohio volunteer infantry regiment in 1861, and re-enlisted, in 1862, in company D, One Hundred and Eighteenth Ohio volunteer infantry, for three years, and was honorably discharged in July, 1865. The military record of Jonathan W., our subject, is given below. Jonathan W. Poast, subject of this sketch, was born November 3, 1846, and was thirteen years of age when brought to Putnam county. He was reared to farming from the time he was old enough to begin work, and continued at this vocation until his enlistment, at the age of fifteen years, in company D, One Hundred and Eighteenth Ohio volunteer infantry, but after three weeks of detention in camp at Lima, Ohio, was rejected on account of his size and age. In the fall of 1864 he made 414 - BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY another attempt to get to the front, and re-enlisted at Lima, but was reclaimed by his father as being- under eighteen years of age. Nothing daunted, however, and determined to serve his country in her hour of need, and being now of lawful age to serve as a soldier, he enlisted March 14, 1865, at Lima, in company E, One Hundred and Ninety-seventh Ohio infantry, and served until honorably discharged, August 7, 1865, at Columbus, Ohio. He did duty in Maryland, Delaware, Virginia and Tennessee, skirmishing and fighting bushwackers----and of such was the martial spirit of the boy soldiers of Ohio. On his return after the close of the war Mr. Poast married, August 30, 1868, Miss Julia Ann E. Ford, who was born June 27, 1851, a daughter of Jonathan G. and Marinda (Hicks) Ford, of whom a history will be found in a sketch of the Ford family elsewhere. Mr. and Mrs. Poast at once departed, after marriage, for Nemaha county, Kans., where Mr. Poast engaged in farming for four years, and then returned to Jennings township, Putnam county, Ohio, and here, in 1877, Mr. Poast bought his present farm of forty acres, nearly all cleared, to which he has added, and now owns a fine farm of eighty-two and a half acres, which will vie with any farm of its size in the county. To Mr. and Mrs. Poast have been born three children, viz: William G., born in Kansas; Myrtle A., born in Putnam county, Ohio, and Mary Alice, also born here. In politics Mr. Poast is a democrat, and has served as justice of the peace six years, and was elected 'county commissioner in the fall of 1894. He is a member of the Joe Collar post, G. A. R., at Vaughnsville, and also a member of the K. of P., No. 165, of Ottawa. Mr. Poast's life has been one of energy and industry, as well as of morality, and through his own exertions alone has he risen to his present comfortable position in life. He has given his children good school advantages, and has been ardent in his support of all educational enterprises. He enjoys the full confidence of the people of his township and surrounding country, and is highly respected by all who know him, and this respect is shared by all the members of his family. BENJAMIN F. POPE, of the firm of Crawfis & Pope, furniture dealers and undertakers, Ottawa, is a native of Putnam county, Ohio, and a son of Henry and Priscilla (Wade) Pope, the father born in Virginia and the mother in Pennsylvania. Henry Pope was the son of Frederick Pope, an early pioneer of Fairfield county, Ohio, and a member of an old German family, which settled in the Buckeye state in a very early day. Henry Pope was reared in the county of Fairfield and there married, in 1832, Priscilla Wade, daughter of Joseph and Elizabeth Wade, and the year following brought his family, consisting of himself, wife and one child, to Putnam county, locating in Blanchard township. On his arrival he erected a small log cabin, with the aid of a few white settlers and some Indians, and began the work of preparing a home in what was then an unbroken wilderness. For five years he leased land, and at the end of that time entered a tract of 160 acres, which he improved and upon which he lived until his death in 1878. He was a true type of the pioneer, a great hunter, and is remembered as a man of domestic taste and was a member of the Protestant church for forty years. He was seventy-five years of age at the time of his death, and his wife, who died in 1885, had reached the age of eighty-three. Henry and Priscilla Pope reared a family of four children, whose names in order of birth are as follows: Amanda M., Benjamin F., whose OF PUTNAM COUNTY - 415 name appears at the head of this biography; Catherine J., and Caroline A. Benjamin F. Pope was born in Blanchard township May 22, 1838, and received his schooling in a small log school-house which stood not far from his father's farm. His early life was one of industry and he remained under the parental roof until his twenty-sixth year, assisting his father on the farm in the meantime. In April, 1861, he was one of twelve to enlist from Putnam county in company D, Twenty-first Ohio volunteer infantry, and served out his full term. On the 12th day of November, 1863, he entered into the marriage relation with Angeline, daughter of Robert and Agnes (Siler) Stewart, and immediately thereafter engaged in farming on rented land in 1871, Mr. Pope purchased his first' real estate, consisting of forty acres, in Pleasant township, to which he made, the following year, an addition of forty acres, the greater part of which he cleared and prepared for cultivation. He disposed of this farm in 1885, but in the meantime had purchased a tract in Blanchard township—the same upon which his father located in 1833. He moved to the latter place in 1875, and at different times purchased other pieces of land in Pleasant and other townships, and became the possessor of quite an amount of valuable real estate. In 1885, he purchased his mother's interest in the homestead in Blanchard township, consisting of 215 acres, adjoining his own, making his farm contain 307 acres of as valuable land as lies within the limits of Blanchard township. He became one of the leading farmers of the county, and earned a reputation as a very successful raiser of fine stock. He was largely instrumental in introducing a superior breed of hogs into the county, and was known far and wide as a successful breeder. He continued farming and stock-raising with most encouraging success until the fall of 1892, at which time he retired from active life and for a period of two years lived in quiet and content in Ottawa. In February, 1895, Mr. Pope purchased an interest in the furniture business of H. L. Crawfis, and has since been engaged in that trade under the firm name of Crawfis & Pope. The firm deals in general furniture and carries on undertaking, and the establishment is one of the best equipped of the kind in the county. Mr. Pope has made an addition of eighteen lots to the town of Ottawa, and in 1895, with his partner, purchased a tract of thirty-one acres, near Miller City, which he proposes to plat and put upon the market. Financially the subject has been more than ordinarily successful, and his accumulations are the result of his own industry and business sagacity. He is a member of the F. & A. M., in which he has taken a number of degrees, and in politics has for years been an uncompromising supporter of the republican party. To Mr. and Mrs. Pope have been born five children, viz: Ella, wife of James E. Pierman; Winnie, wife of John C. Agner; Fenelon F., married Winnie Koch; Agnes and Byron W., the last two still at home. JOSHUA POWELL, a retired and wealthy farmer of Blanchard township, Putnam county, Oho, was born December 12, 1835, in Greensburg township, in the same county. His grandfather, Joshua Powell, was a native of Delaware, who came to Ohio, located first in Ross county, and thence moved to Hancock county, Ind., where his death took place at an advanced age, leaving a family of two sons and three daughters. Nutter Powell, the younger son of Joshua the elder, was born in Delaware in 1800, was brought to Ohio by his father, and was reared to farming in Ross ccunty. In 1831 he entered, 416 - BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY in Greensburg township, Putnam county, 208 acres of land, and in 1832 moved his family upon his place, where he resided until 1850, when he sold and moved to Blanchard township and purchased 204 acres in section No. 28, where he passed the remainder of his life, dying in i860. He was married, in Ross county, to Hettie, daughter of Isaac Owens, who survived him about twelve years. Their children were named as follows: Perry, deceased; Clarinda, deceased wife of James Beard; Joshua, our subject; Mrs. Margaret Woods; Mahlon, of Wabash, Ind. ; Emeline, married to John Gibson, of Illinois, and Amos, who was in the army and died at Nashville, Tenn. In his political views Mr. Powell was originally a whig, but on the formation of the republican party, became a member of that organization. Joshua Powell, whose name opens this biography, was educated in one of the old-fashioned log school-houses of Greensburg township, and on reaching manhood purchased 118 acres of land in section No. 28, Blanchard township. This land he cleared and improved and continued diligently to cultivate for twenty-five years, making a splendid home. In 1890 he erected his present fine residence at Crawfis College, Blanchard township, and withdrawing from active business care, retired to enjoy the fruits of a well spent and industrious life, in peaceful quietude in his elegant village home. He is the owner of 381 acres of well improved land in the township, now under the supervision of his sons, who have relieved him from all personal care of the same. The marriage of Mr. Powell took place, in 1858, to Miss Fannie McCullough, daughter of David U. McCullough, deceased. One of the children born to this union, D. U., is a leading lawyer of Ottawa, Ohio, and one of the brightest legal lights of the country. Mr. Powell was always a stanch supporter of the cause of the Union, and in 1864 enlisted in company G, One Hundred and Fiftieth Ohio volunteer infantry, and served 100 days, taking part in the battle of Silver Springs and in several severe skirmishes. Politically he is a republican of the stanchest kind; fraternally he is a member of Lindsay post, G. A. R„ of Gibboa, Ohio. In his social relations Mr. Powell stands with the best citizens of Blanchard township and the surrounding country, and is highly respected for his public spirit and manifest patriotism. He has few equals as an agriculturist, and his liberality in forwarding all good works and the educational interests of the town and county is proverbial. WILLIAM PRICE, a deceased farmer of Perry township, Putnam county, Ohio, was a son of William and Susan (Decker) Price and was born in Virginia September 30, 1827. The parents were alSo natives of Virginia and came to Putnam county, Ohio, in 1830. William Price our subject, was reared in Jackson township, Putnam county, and at the age of fourteen years began to make a living for himself, helping to construct the canal. December 5, 1846, he married Miss Ruth. Jones, who was born in Richland county, Ohio, December 31, 1827, a daughter of Moses and Mary (Gannin) Jones, the former a native of New York and the latter of Pennsylvania, of Dutch parentage. To the marriage of Mr. and Mrs. Price were born nine children, as follows: Nathan George and William Henry, deceased; Samuel, on the home place; Andrew, deceased; James Reuben, deceased; Lucretia, deceased, Martha Ellen, wife of Harvey Combs, of Perry township; James deceased and one who died in infancy. A sister of Mrs. Price. Mrs. Mary Elbin, is a resident of Columbus Grove, Ohio. Moses Jones, father of Mrs. Price, was a democrat in politics and in relig- OF PUTNAM COUNTY - 417 ion a Presbyterian, in which church he held several offices, his wife being a member of the same denomination. After marriage, William Price settled on the home farm now occupied by his widow, which farm he cleared from the woods and for several years the family dwelt in a log cabin, but in 1863 erected the modern dwelling that now adorns the place and which was his happy home until his death from typhoid fever, February 11, 1880. Mr. Price was a democrat in his politics and held the office of school director; in religion he was liberal in his views, but was a regular attendant at the United Brethren church, although he was not a member of the congregation. He had been a hard-working man, was an excellent farmer and a shrewd and accomplished less man, and by his unaided efforts and industry became the owner of 450 acres of good land. He was a kind and loving husband and an indulgent father, a true friend and obliging neighbor, and his death was sincerely mourned by the entire community in which he had passed so many years of his active life. Mrs. Ruth Price, whose grandfather was a soldier in the Revolutionary war, was a faithful and affectionate helpmate to her husband and aided him acquiring a competency, and as a mother few have excelled her in the exercise of her maternal duties. Beside her own children, she has reared one grandchild, Eva, now the wife of Stemen Stevick, of Perry township, on whom she has bestowed as much care and attention as she has upon her own children. For twenty years Mrs. Price was a member of the United Brethren church, but for the passed eighteen years has been a consistent member of the Christian church. She is a truly pious lady, charitable to all the poor about her, and honored and respected throughout the township by rich and poor alike. Beside the general respect enjoyed by Mrs. Price, a large circle of private and personal friends and acquaintances never tire in manifesting for her an ardent friendship. BENJAMIN A. PRICE, D. D. S., is a native of Ohio, born in Belmont county, February 17, 1860. He is a son of George and Sidney A. (Wilson) Price, the father deceased, and the mother still living in the above county. Dr. Price is descended paternally from English ancestors, and from the mother he inherits the characteristics of the English, Welsh and Irish races. The Price family has been in America for several generations, the doctor's grandfather, a native of Baltimore, having served with distinction in the last war with Great Britan. He was a physician, a school-teacher and a farmer, a prominent man in his locality and an active member of the society of Friends. He and wife had a family of six children, all of whom are deceased. The doctor's father, George Price, was a farmer and stock raiser, and died at the age of thirty-nine years, leaving five children—John, deceased; Sullivan, Benjamin A., George and Amos. Dr. Price spent his boyhood on the home farm looking after the interests of his mother and younger members of the family, and attended, as opportunities would admit, such schools as the country afforded. At the age of twenty-two years, he went to Arkansas, but failing to meet with success in that state, returned after two years of hardship, and worked on the home farm in the summer, and attended school during the winter season for a couple of years. He proved a close student, and in the spring of 1886 taught his first term of school, and the same year went to Sedalia, Mo., where he engaged in the cigar business. After a short time spent in that city, Mr. Price went Iowa, in which state he was engaged in 418 - BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY teaching from the fall of 1887 until 1890. In the meantime, he pursued his studies, and in the fall of the latter year was graduated from the normal school of Greenfield, Iowa, after which he went to Afton, to begin the study of dentistry, under the instruction of Dr. Phillips. He further prepared himself for efficiency in his profession by taking a thorough course in the Iowa State university of Iowa City, graduating from that institution March 10, 1892. After finishing his course, the doctor practiced at different places in Iowa and Kansas, and while looking for a favorable location selected the town of Malvern in the former state. There he met Miss Mary L. Baird, daughter of Chauncy and Martha (Silversides) Baird, to whom he was united in marriage May 22, 1895. Soon after his marriage, Dr. Price concluded to seek a field further east; accordingly he came direct to Ottawa, Ohio, May 23, 1895, and has already succeeded in building up a lucrative practice in this City. The doctor is a man of energy, endowed with a goodly share of what is known as pluck, and his friends predict for him success in his chosen calling. He is a member of the K. of P. and the I. 0. 0. F. fraternities, belongs to the K. 0. T. M., and is a member of the Iowa State Dental association. The parents of Mrs. Price were natives of New York; the father died May 28, 1893. He was for many years a minister of the Baptist church and did much missionary work in Iowa, where he located in an early day. He became the father of ten children, the following of whom are still living, 0. W. Baird, physician of Marquette, Kans; Channing C., business man of Iowa; Mary L., wife of the subject; Henry J., graduate of the Iowa State university and attorney at law; John L., farmer and stock raiser of Mills county, Iowa, and Ella L.; wife of H. R. Wills, agent and operator at Union, Nebr. Mrs.. Price was born in Dallas county, Iowa, April 17, 1858, is a graduate of the Western Normal school, taught school for some years and is an expert stenographer and type-writer. REV. JOHN PROWANT, a pioneer and one of the leading farmers of Perry township, Putnam county, Ohio, and a faithful and prominent minister of the Dunkard church, was born in Lancaster county, Pa., December 2, 1821. His parents were Christian and Catherine (Gabel) Prowant —the father having been born in the same county in Pennsylvania in 1795, a son of Jacob Prowant, born of Swiss-French ancestry. Before the war of 1812, Jacob was one of the most extensive land owners and wealthiest farmers in Pennsylvania, owning and cultivating the famous Wheatland farm. Suffering some business reverses, his fine and large estate was sold by a decree of the court and it passed into the hands of James Buchanan, who was afterwards president of the United States. The new proprietor kindly permitted the former owner to spend his declining years on the old farm. Christian Prowant, the father of the subject of our sketch, was the eldest son of the above, received his education in the common schools of his native state, passed his boyhood on a farm, and remained a farmer all his life. In 1820 he married Catherine Gabel, who was born in Lancaster county, Pa., in 1800; her parents were of stanch German parentage, and were members of that large body of Germans who have made that part of the state one of the richest farming sections in this country. She was a consistent member of the German Baptist church. After their marriage the husband was for six years the landlord of an inn situated on the banks of the Susquehannah river. He then moved to Cumberland county, Pa., where for three years he worked as a day- OF PUTNAM COUNTY - 421 laborer. In 1827, he crossed the mountains with his family and purchased forty acres of unimproved land in Wayne county, Ohio. On this he erected a log cabin and established his young family, and having well provided for them he decided to visit the scenes of his boyhood days. In order to do this he was obliged to walk the entire distance of 36o miles and carry on his back provisions for the entire journey. After making a short visit, he then set out and walked back to his home and family in Wayne county, Ohio, where he continned to clear and improve his farm, and for nine years he was 'a successful farmer among the hills of that county. In 1836 he made a trip to Putnam county, in a wagon, but was discouraged at the prospect of establishing a home in such a wilderness, where the mammoth trees, which had stood for ages, seemed to defy man to remove them. He however counseled with the different members of the family as to the advisability of remaining, or returning to the home in Wayne county. His eldest son John, of this mention, advised remaining in the new country; this turned the scales, and a tract of land containing eighty . acres was entered from the government. Then began the labor of clearing a farm from the forest and making a home. He and his family set resolutely to work to accomplish this and soon a fine farm was theirs and Christian Prowant recognized as a prosperous farmer. His family consisted of ten children: John, the subject of this biographical sketch; William, who was a minister in Illinois and is now dead; Henry, a prosperous farmer of Paulding county; Daniel, a farmer of Perry township; Ephraim, also a farmer in the same township; Christian, deceased; Elizabeth, the wife of Philip Shirley, of Dupont; Barbara, who was married to Furman Harter, both of whom are now dead; Annie, who died in childhood, and Mary, the wife of Jesse Rogers, now living in Kansas. The father was an influential man in the community, a man of strong convictions, upright and honorable in all his dealings, was very successful in all his undertakings, and had the confidence and esteem of all. In his early life he was identified with the democratic party, but later became a whig, and ultimately, when the republican party was formed, he became a member of that party, and was honored with several of the local offices of the township. He was an active member of the German Baptist church, to the support of which he contributed very liberally. His death occurred in 1867, the wife dying on her seventy-fifth birthday, in 1875. John. Prowant, eldest son of Christian and Catherine Prowant, laid the foundation of his education in the primitive log school-house situated in the woods some distance from his home. Afterward he taught one term in the district school of Putnam county. His boyhood days were passed on his father's farm, which he had helped his father clear, and so much does he like farming that he has never given it up, although he has had many opportunities to do so. On September 3, 1843, he married Susan Burkhart, who was born in Holmes county December 29, 1825, and had come with her parents to Putnam county in 1839. She is the daughter of John and Mary M. (Harger) Burkhart, natives of Virginia, but early pioneers of Holmes county, Ohio. Her grandfather, George Burkhart, was a soldier in the Revolutionary war, and afterward settled in Kentucky, where for sixteen years he kept an inn in a sycamore tree. In this tree, which was sixteen feet in diameter, he made three floors, so his tree-inn was three stories in height. He reached the great age of 118 years. After their marriage Mr. and Mrs. Prowant lived for three years on the old homestead, but on March 6, 1847, they moved to the farm on which they now live. This he has cleared and 422 - BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY improved and brought to a high state of cultivation, and he is known as one of the best farmers in Perry township. He is very successful in all things that he undertakes. In politics he is a republican, and has held numerous offices, among them being township trustee and township treasurer. He has been a member of the Dunkard church since he was twenty-two years old, and has been a minister in it for forty-five years. His wife is also a member of the same church; she is skillful in weaving cloth and spinning wool, as she still follows those womanly pursuits that were common in the days of our parents; she is a very industrious woman, and can show much as the result of the skill of her hands. Their marriage has been blessed with nine children, viz: Mary M., deceased; John W., living in Nebraska; Catherine, deceased; Sarah E., the wife of George Titler, a farmer of Perry township; Daniel R., who lives on a part of the old homestead; Nathaniel; Salome, married to Samuel Schafer, a farmer of this township; Mary A., the wife of Jefferson Schafer, of Paulding county, and Ruth, the wife of Isaac Carnahan, the grain buyer of Dupont. With their grandchildren, Mr. and Mrs. Prowant have sixty-two descendants, and their great-grandchildren number seven, and when, in 1893, they celebrated their golden wedding, 318 people attended. They are both much respected and honored, and now in their old age, with a large and good family about them, they can enjoy to the fullest extent the fruits of their long and well-spent life. REV. DANIEL PROWANT, a promi nent and progressive farmer, and Dunkard minister of Perry township, Putnam county, Ohio, and a brother of Rev. John Prowant, whose sketch may be found on another page, was born in Wayne county, Ohio, June 29, 1831, and when but four years old his parents brought him with them to Putnam county, where they had purchased a farm. Here he received his education in the common schools, and when twenty-one years old he began preaching at Leipsic, where he taught one term, and eight terms in Perry and Greensburg townships; during the summer months he worked on his father's farm. On April 19, 1857,- he married Sarah J., who was born in Columbiana county, Ohio, May 1, 1837, a daughter of James and Elizabeth (Kirkendall) Rogers. Both her parents were of Columbiana county, the father having been born in 1813 and the mother in 1807, and were blessed with five children, viz: Daniel, of Iowa; Jesse, of Kansas; Sarah; Elizabeth, the wife of John Close, and Dornington. The grandfather Kirkendall was a Revolutionary soldier, serving under Washington, and when he died, in 1856, he had reached the advanced age of five score and one, years. Two years after marriage Mr. Prowant purchased the farm where he now lives and where his family of ten children have been born: Christian and James, farmers in Perry township; William J., living at home; Nelson D., farming in Wood county; Lucinda E., the wife of Ezekiel Parsons, of Van Wert county; Cora E.., the wife of Francis Rowe, of Perry township; Mary E. ; Emma R. Anninta; Estella M. and Elmer. R.—the latter two of whom are twins. Since locating upon this farm, Mr. Prowant has added more acres to it and greatly .improved it in many ways, and has built a large and commodious barn for his abundant harvests. He has a comfortable home, and keeps his farm in an excellent state of cultivation. Since 1874 he has been a minister in the Dunkard church; and has ever been a zealous worker therein. In politics he is a republican, and has held the office of township clerk for three years. On his farm he raises fine stock OF PUTNAM COUNTY - 423 and also deals in the same, shipping to eastern markets. He has the esteem and confidence of all, is liberal minded and charitable, and ever to the front in advancing the welfare of the community. EPHRAIM PROWANT. is one of the most prominent and successful farmers of Perry township, Putnam county, Ohio, is the youngest son of Christian and Catherine (Gabel) Prowant, and was born October 2, 1842, on a farm in the section joining the one where he now lives. He laid the foundation of his education in an old-fashioned log school-house not far from his home. Opportunities for acquiring knowledge were few, but he made the most of his advantages, and every since has sought diligently after knowledge. His boyhood days were passed on his father's farm, and when the time came for choosing an occupation he decided to cast his lot with that ever-to-be respected and substantial class of our citizens, the farmer. On February 15, 1863, he married Mary, the daughter of Joseph D. and Elizabeth (Shenk) Myers; she was born in Greensburg township, Putnam county, Ohio, June 8, 1841. Her father was a native of Maryland, and was born in 1802. He was reared on a farm and married Elizabeth, the daughter of Michael and Barbara (Wideman) Shenk, and was born in Canada, near Toronto, June 20, I 8 16. Mr. and Mrs. Shenk were among the first to settle in Putnam county, coming here about 1836, traveling the entire distance of 500 miles in a small wagon drawn by one horse, and much of the way they had to make their own road, cutting down timber and underbrush so their small wagon could be drawn through to their destination, then an unbroken wilderness, where the Indians still loved to hunt, where bears, wolves and deer and small game were plentiful. Mr. Shenk located in Greensburg township and went hard to work to erect a small log house for his family and to clear a place where he could raise something for their immediate necessities. By hard and faithful work he finally had a farm cleared for himself, and this he continued to improve until he had one of the best in that section; he was an active member of the Menonnite church and a prominent and public-spirited citizen.  His death occurred in October, 1885, his wife surviving him nearly four years, dying April 19, 1889. Their family consisted of seven children, Mary, the wife of the subject of this sketch, being the eldest; Jonas, deceased; Nancy, the widow of Daniel Hoover, of Indiana; Michael, deceased; Barbara and Fannie, still live on the old home place; and Sophia, the wife of Joseph T. Crow, a farmer of Palmer township. After his marriage, Mr. Prowant, the subject of our biographical sketch, took his young wife to the old Prowant homestead, where he took charge of the entire farm, relieving his parents of the most of their duties. After the death of his father, in 1867, he purchased the old homestead place and live there until 1883, when he moved to a piece of uncleared land, which he purchased in 1863, six months after his marriage—a son purchasing his former home, the original Prowant home. Having moved upon the new land, he set resolutely to work clearing it, living in a log cabin for several years. By hard work, early and late, he was soon able to see fine fields of grain standing where but a short time before stood nothing but large forest trees. He continued to improve his farm and soon could boast of one of the best tilled farms in the township. In 1887 he built a fine large barn, and the following year his present large and commodious two-story house. In 1895 he built another 424 - BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY large barn to hold his ever-increasing harvests. Every year he added to his improvements, but all his prosperity has not been without some reverses. On March 9, 1872, he lost his home and entire contents by fire, and again, August 2o, 1883, fire visited him, his barn being struck by lightning and destroyed, but he had the latter covered by insurance except about $800. These fires occurred while living on the old homestead. These losses did not discourage him, but he set to work more resolutely to retrieve them, and the prosperous looks of everything about the place show that he has fully done so. He has 120 acres under cultivation, and it is considered one of the especially good farms in this township. He makes a specialty of raising short-horned cattle, Poland 'China hogs and horses of the higher grades. Politically he is a stanch republican and has been intrusted with the office of township trustee for four terms. He has also been a member of the school board for a number of years and takes an active interest in all things that are for the good of the neighborhood. He is not a member of any church, although his wife is member of the Menonnite church, to which he he gives liberally. He is a thoroughly self-made man, having begun life with only a team of horses, which he had paid for by the savings of many months of hard labor, working by the month. He is prominent and influential in the neighborhood and is known as one of the most progressive farmers in the township. His family consists of six children: Noah W., druggist of Dupont; Joseph C., who farms the old Myers place in Greensburg township, and with him Mrs. Prowant's two maiden sisters live; Jacob D., a farmer .of Perry township, owning and living on the original Prowant homestead, where his father was born; Henry Orlando, a farmer at home; Elizabeth E., the only daughter, who still lives at home, and Michael E., also at home. EDMUND F. QUAINTANCE, one of the younger but prominent and rising young farmers of Palmer township, Putnam county, is a native of Crawford county, Ohio, born March 28, 1863, and is of sterling English stock. His great-great-grandfather was drafted, in England, into the British army and was sent over to America to assist in subduing the Revolutionary colonists, but seeing the injustice of the English cause, deserted it and joined the army of the patriots. After independence was gained, he settled in Chester county, Pa., and engaged in farming, dying there, in the faith of the Friends' society, and in politics a whig. His son, Joseph Quaintance, great-grandfather of our subject, was born in Chester county, Pa., was reared to farming, married Susannah Lambourn, and then came to Ohio with wife and children and located in Jefferson county, but late in 1829, moved to Crawford county, where he cleared up a farm from the wilderness, and where he and wife both passed the remainder of their lives. They, also, were members of the society of Friends. In politics he was an old-line whig. Fisher Quaintance, our subject's grandfather, was also a native of Chester county, Pa., born in 1792, was a cooper by trade, but mostly followed farming after coming to Ohio, clearing up 16o acres from the wilderness. He married Sarah Irey, who was born in Loudoun county, Va., in 1791, a daughter of Philip and Hannah Irey. Fisher Quaintance, like his forefathers, was also a whig, but voted for Abraham Lincoln for president of the United States. To the marriage of Fisher and Sarah Quaintance were born the following children: Ann, Eli P., Hannah, Ira, Susanna, Dawson, George E. and Charles R. (twins), and Sarah J. Dawson Quaintance, the father of Edmund F., our subject, was born in Jefferson county, Ohio, June 22, 1826, was reared a farmer, and