OF PUTNAM COUNTY - 525 county, Ohio, where he purchased a farm, on which he passed the remainder of his days, dying about 1845 in his seventy-fifth year—a stanch old-line whig. His widow reached the ripe old age of eighty-eight years, when she also passed away, honored and respected as her husband had been. John Staley was born in Virginia in 1801, and when twelve years of age came to Ohio with his parents. He was partly educated in his native state and partly in Pickaway county, Ohio, and when a young man went to Pike county, Ohio, and learned the gunsmith's trade. In 1826 he was united in marriage with Miss Arah Kirby, daughter of James and Phenie Kirby, this union resulting in the birth of six children, viz: Elizabeth, wife of John McClure, of Paulding county; Isaac, our subject, the mayor of Dupont; Rosanna, the wife of John Miller, of Lima, Allen county ; Lorenzo, of Van Wert county; Henry, of Paulding Center, and Harriet, wife of William Atmer, of Allen county. The mother of these children was born in Maryland in 1810, and was one of the thirteen children born to James and Phenie Kirby—the former being of English and the latter of Irish descent. Of the family of thirteen children mentioned, Mrs. Staley is the sole survivor. When a child she came to Pickaway county, Ohio, with her parents, but later the father went to Illinois, where he was killed in the Black Hawk war, while defending the frontier from invasion by the blood-thirsty redskins. For twenty years Mrs. Staley was a member of the Methodist church, but for the past thirty years the Christian church has claimed her adherence and active work in its behalf. After marriage Mr. and Mrs.. Staley resided for two years in Pickaway county, and in 1829 moved to Allen county: where they entered eighty acres of land among the pioneers, and here Mr. Staley cleared up a farm, but also continued to work at his trade. He was an old-line whig and an active member of the Methodist Episcopal church; he stood high in the esteem of his neighbors as a good farmer and useful citizen, and died in 1874, deeply mourned by family and friends. He was a kind father and affectionate husband, and a truly upright man in all the relations of life. Isaac Staley, whose name introduces this biographical memoir, laid the foundation of his education in the pioneer log school-house of Allen county, but this has been supplemented by industrious and comprehensive home study since he reached his majority. He learned from his father the trade of a gunsmith, became very skillful, and worked at the business for a number of years. In 1850 he was joined in wedlock with Miss Martha Gilbert, and this union has been blessed with eleven children, viz: Clinton J., of Paulding county; Caroline H., wife of Edward Keltner, also of Paulding county; Calvin R., deceased; Mary E., married to Marion Thompson, of Van Wert county; Victoria A., deceased; Lillie J., wife of James Shearer of Paulding county; Edward M., sheriff of Paulding county; Ida M., deceased; Isaac L., of Paulding county; William H., deputy sheriff of same county, and Arthur, of Fort Wayne, Ind. Mrs. Staley was born in Canada, February I, 1833, although her parents were natives of New York and leading members of the Methodist Episcopal' church. After marriage Mr. Staley followed his trade of gunsmith, to which he added that of machinist, remaining in Allen county until 1864, when he moved to Paulding county, and purchased eighty acres in the wild woods, built a log house, and cleared a neat and comfortable farm on which he lived two years, and then moved to the banks of the canal, where he purchased several small tracts, which he also cleared, but still continued to work at blacksmithing. He next engaged in the timber trade, of which he made an entire success, and in 1880 rented out his 526 - BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY farm and has since devoted his entire time to timber—for ten years acting as superintendent for Moses Bros., of Cleveland. In 1881 he moved to Dupont, where, as a leading republican, he has held many of the more important of the township offices, and where, as mayor, he has given the utmost satisfaction to all concerned. As a member of the Methodist church he has been most active for fully half a century, of which period he has served for forty-five years as Sunday-school superintendent. He is in every sense a self-made man, and not one in the county of Putnam stands higher in the respect of his neighbors and fellow-citizens generally. ELI STEVICK, now deceased, was in his day one of the most successful farmers of Perry township, Putnam county, Ohio. He was born in Cumberland county, Pa. , in 1828, and was a son of Jacob Stevick, who was of sturdy Dutch descent. Eli learned the trade of wagon-making in his native state, and at the age of twenty-four years came to Ohio and located in Allen county, where he engaged in the occupation of farming, and at which he was as successful as he had been at his trade. January 27, 1859, he was united in marriage with Judith Stemen, a daughter of John and Nancy (Stukey) Stemen, to which marriage were born three children, viz: F. S.., of whom mention in detail will be made further on; Carlisle E., and Stemen C. The mother of these children was born in Allen county, Ohio, December 12, 1834, and was also of Dutch descent. After a life passed in the faith of the Lutheran church, she laid down her burden, September 28, 1894, an honored and faithful member of that religious denomination. Mr. Stevick, after his marriage, lived on a rented farm in Allen county until, by his industry and economy, he had accumulated sufficient capital to purchase a farm of his own. This event took place in 1865, when he became possessor of the Stevick homestead in Perry township. This farm he cleared from the wild woods and made " to blossom as the rose." From his settlement on this place until his death, he was prominently identified with the agriculturist interests of his township, and was largely promotive of its material progress. Though not a member of any religious organization, he was ever forward and ready to lend his aid in the moral and educational interests of his community. He was a member of the Patrons of Husbandry, and in politics a stanch democrat, by which party he was held in high repute and frequently elected as township trustee, assessor, and to other local offices. He died an honored, upright citizen, December 24, 1891. F. S. Stevick, eldest son of Eli and Judith Stevick, was born in Allen county, Ohio, in 186o, and when five years of age was brought by his parents to Putnam county, and here was educated in the common schools of his district and reared to farming. February 13, 1889, he married Miss Ida Wheeler, who was born in Putnam county, June. 5, 1869, a daughter of L. D. and Mary (Kirkendall) Wheeler. This union has since been blessed with two children, viz: Ada M. and Ivy B., now the joy of the household. L. D. Wheeler is a native of Ross county, Ohio, was born in 1843, and came to Putnam county while still a youth. On marrying, Mr. Stevick settled on a part of the old homestead, where he has since successfully followed his chosen calling of farming. In addition to his farming, Mr. Stevick is also engaged in the breeding of Duroc Jersey hogs, in which he has been very successful. Mr Stevick is a prominent citizen, a man of solid worth, is courteous, temperate, upright, and OF PUTNAM COUNTY - 527 possessed of superior business and social attributes, that have won for him the respect of all his fellow-townsmen. JOHN STIRN.—In writing the biographies of the many prosperous and enterprising farmers of Jackson township, Putnam county, Ohio, who came here in early days and worked hard to make it the country it is, we must not omit that of John Stirn, one of the oldest settlers in Jackson township, who was born in Hessian land, Germany, on February 4, 1831, the son of Godfrey and Anna Catherine (Dille) Stirn. Godfrey Stirn, the father, was born in the same place about 1794, and received the education usually given to German youths of the day. While working on the farm he learned the weaver's trade, and when arrived at manhood he served seven years in the army. In 1827 he married Anna Catherine Dille, and their union was blessed with two children: Harry, deceased, and John, the subject of our sketch. In 1834 the father, with his small family, left the fatherland and came to America and settled on a tract of land which he had pre-empted near Fort Jennings. One year after their arrival in their new home the devoted wife and mother died, mourned and respected by all. After remaining a widower awhile, the father married again, and became the father of five children by his second wife: Martha, the deceased wife of Joseph Wannemacher; Mrs. Mary Gessner, living near Delphos, Ohio; Gerhardt, deceased; Jacob, 'now living in Delphos, and Martin, who runs a tile factory in Wetzel, Ohio. The mother of these children died when sixty years of age. Godfrey Stirn lived awhile on his farm and then moved to Fort Jennings; where he lived until 1848, when he entered another tract of land—this place being near Ottoville—which was yet a virgin forest, but by patient and persevering work he soon had it cleared and converted into a good farm; he prospered here and was honored and respected by all, holding the office of supervisor for four years In politics he affiliated with the democratic party. In religious affairs he was a faithful member of the German Reform church, in which he held numerous offices until his death on May 29, 1881. John Stirn, the subject of our sketch, was reared on the farm near Fort Jennings and attended school in that town. On October 4, 1856, he married Anna Elizabeth, daughter of Christopher and Anna E. (Fender) Kriesher, and born in Germany on March 31, 1831; she came to America in 1837 with her parents, who located in Henry county, Ohio, and afterward moved to Putnam county. Her father soon dying, the wife married Frank Kessler. After marriage Mr. Stirn and his young wife located on the farm where he now lives, 120 acres of which he had entered two years before; he now set resolutely to work clearing and improving it, undergoing all the hardships and trials which attend the settlement and development of a new country. Fortune favoring him, he entered forty acres more, and soon was in a position to purchase forty more acres. Neighbors were few and far apart, his nearest one being more than a mile away, and to reach them they had to go through the woods, there being no roads cut out. Having located on this farm in his young manhood, he has never moved since, except to move into his new house, which he built in 1883. On this farm were born all his children, viz: Mary C., born on March 2, 1857, now the wife of J. Ladd of Elm Centre; Annie E., born June 19, 1858, now the wife of Shelby Harris, the gardener of Fort Jennings; Adam Godfrey, born Augnst 8, 1859, now living on a farm in Jackson township; John Henry, born April 7, 528 - BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY 1861; Alva, farmer in Jackson township; John Philip, born March 19, 1863, now a farmer in Jackson township; Fanny Lucille, born December 12, 1864, and married to James Claypool of Jackson township ; Gehardt, born January 9, 1867, and died February 21, 1867; George F., born January 22, 1868, and died February 26, 1868; Charles F., born May 20, 1869, died March 2 I, 1873; Wilhelmina, born January 27, 1872, died February 1, 1874, and William B., born October 5, 1873, and died October 21, 1873. The sons living have settled near their father and help to make comfortable his old age. He still takes a great deal of interest in farming, though doing very little of it himself. Having worked hard in his younger days, he can well afford to rest a little now and enjoy the fruits of a well-spent life. He is liberal and kind to all, and ever has at heart the interest of his family and the neighborhood. In politics he is a democrat, and has held the office of school director and supervisor. His wife and he are prominent members of the German Reform church of Delphos, in which he has held the office of elder for a number of years. JOHN W. SUMMERS, of Union township, Putnam county, is a son of William P. Summers, was born in Adrian, Seneca county, Ohio, August 15, 1861, and was but six weeks old when brought to Putnam county by his parents. Here he was well educated, was reared a farmer, and remained on the home place until 1882, when he went to Jackson city, Mich., and for a year was there employed as bookkeeper; at the expiration of this term he returned to the homestead and resumed farming. August 27, 1885, he was united in marriage with Miss Rosa Clevenger, who was born in Putnam county September 2, 1857, daughter of John and Frances (Long) Clevenger, and on September 1, 1887, this union was blessed by the birth of a child—Mary E. John Clevenger, father of Mr. Summers, is also a native of Putnam county, and was born April 2 1, 1832; he married, in Allen county, Ohio, about 1853, Frances Long, and to this union were born two children; Juliet, wife of David Beam, of Pleasant township, Putnam county, and Rosa, now Mrs. Summers. In politics John Clevenger was a democrat, and in religion a Baptist, in which faith he died February 20, 1858 ; Mrs. Frances Clevenger died a member of the Lutheran church March 11, 1860. After the death of these parents Mrs. Summers lived, until her marriage, with grandmother, Mrs. Sarah Clevenger, one of the pioneers of Putnam county and still living. Several sketches of members of this respected family will be found in other parts of this volume. After marriage John W. Summers located on a farm in Union township, and after cultivating the place for five years removed to Kalida, where he was employed for two years by A. Freedman & Co., which firm has since been succeeded by A. L. Cline. Mr. Summers then settled on his present place, which he has thoroughly cleared and improved, and has placed under cultivation. In November, 1894, he was elected by the democratic party, of which he is a stanch member, to the office of county infirmary director, and was installed in January, 1895. He has proven to be a very efficient officer, as might well be expected from a gentlemen of his superior abilities and experience. Mr. Summers is not a member of any church, but is as liberal in his opinions as he is with his purse in aid of churches and all enterprises designed for the public good. A worthy son of a worthy sire, he has filled every duty, public or private, in a manner creditable to himself, his ancestry and the public. OF PUTNAM COUNTY - 531 WILLIAM P. SUMMERS, a retired farmer of Union township, Putnam county, Ohio, was born in Kilidysart, county Clare, Ireland, April 20, 1823, a son of Thomas and Kate (Qualey) Summers. The father, Thomas Summers, was born in Limerick, near the river Shannon, about 1871, was one of seven brothers and was reared on a large farm—afterward becoming a contractor. The father of these seven boys was named Fitzgibbon and was a very wealthy gentleman, but during the rebellion of 1798 his large holdings were confiscated and the seven sons were compelled to flee the country. The father of the subject of this sketch settled in county Clare, changed his name to Summers, and about 1821 married Miss Qualey, who was born in 1792, a daughter of John Qualey, and now lives in Dephos, Ohio, with her son, Michael Summers. To Thomas and Kate Summers were born nine children, in the following order: Margaret, (whether living or dead is not known); William P., our subject; John, a railroad man of Delphos, Ohio; Thomas, who for twenty-six years has been a stevedore in Liverpool, England; Mary, who died in Liverpool; Kate, who died in infancy; an infant son and an infant daughter, deceased; Michael, a merchant at Delphos. The mother and all her survivng children, with the exception of William P., are devout members of the Catholic church, in which faith the father died in 1858. William P. Summers, at ten years of age, was sent to Rouen, county Clare, Ireland, to act as clerk to a Catholic clergyman and to be educated. There he received an excellent education, attending school four consecutive years. After the expiration of about seven years in theological study he absconded, and shipped on board the " Barbara Allen," of Sunderland, England, and apprenticed himself for five years. After making several voyages, and being then at Quebec, Canada, he broke his engagement, ran away, and for seven days and nights hid on the plains of Abraham and nearly starved to death. He next wandered from place to place about six years, when he left Kingston, Canada, for Dublin, Ireland, where he passed a week, and while there visited the celebrated Donnybrook fair; he then returned to Limerick, and at the first opportunity shipped for Gibraltar, where he remained nine days, and then sailed for the island of Malta, where he met with some ill treatment, jumped overboard, boarded a trading boat and sought out the British consul, who . assisted him; arriving in Liverpool, he shipped on an English sailing vessel, laden with salt, and in three months and six days landed in Charleston, S. C. There he again ran off and shipped on board of an American cotton-laden vessel for Havre, France. He next made two voyages to New York, and then shipped as second mate of a Nova Scotia vessel and held the position eighteen months. His next experience was on board a pilot boat, on which he had both legs and arms broken; four months later. after recovery, he shipped for San Francisco, Cal., via Cape Horn, at $5 per month. Thence he started for the mines, penniless, but formed. the acquaintance of a German who had provisions, etc., and the two together opened a mine and " struck it rich." In 1852, sixty men from the mines chartered a vessel and sailed for Sidney, Australia, where they took team for the mining district, where they worked fourteen days, making $1.65, at a cost, on the part of Mr. Summers, of $700; they then sold out their claim for $100, and started, in great distress, on their return to Sidney, the expedition having cost the sixty men a total of $70,000, of which the pro rata of Mr Summers-was $1,800. After a stay of six weeks in Sidney, Mr. Summers shipped again for 532 - BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY San Francisco, at the rate of $15 per month. The vessel laid up at Honolulu for nine days and then, after running 1,500 miles, ran out of water and provisions. When almost beyond help, she was sighted by a Scotch vessel, and the famishing passengers and crew were supplied with food and water. From San Francisco Mr. Summers and some comrades made for the mines, and within two months three of them had accumulated $20,000, which they divided equally. About this time Mr. Summers met with an accident which, with sickness, cost him considerable money to recover from. He then returned to the mines, and in one year cleared $5,000. He now united with Hiram lodge, No. 43, A. F. & A. M., at Mud Springs. He then, with $7,000 in cash, started for Mariposa, but stopped at Stockton and shipped for San Francisco, where he reshipped, as third officer, on a vessel bound for New York, but, accidentally breaking an arm and leg, on the voyage, was left for treatment at Norfolk, Va., in 1856, where he lay up for ten days, and then went via Baltimore to New York, where he lay in the city hospital nine days. Being now fully recovered, Mr. Summers made a trip to Ireland, and there, March 15, 1857, married Miss Mary Martin, daughter of John Martin, this union resulting in the birth of nine children, of whom John W. is a farmer of Union township and county infirmary director; Mrs. Ellen Powell, who for the past fifteen years has been a teacher in the public schools of Ohio; Ann, wife of J. W. Claypool, carpenter of Union township; Hiram, at Ottawa, Ohio; Kate, teacher 'in public schools; Margaret, teacher at Leipsic. Fifteen days after marriage, Mr. Summers and his bride arrived in New York, where they remained ten days, and then came to Ohio, where Mr. Summers bought a tract of land in Seneca county, wrought out a home from the woods, and also worked for a time on the railroad. In 1861, September 6th, he came to Putnam county, and iingwv years lived in Kalida and then bought his present farm, on which he has resided thirty-three years. In politics a democrat, Mr. Summers was for four years postmaster of Kalida, was township clerk for four years and for seven years a constable. He is not a church member, but is a master Mason of Continental lodge, No. 576, which lodge he originated and was its first worshipful master; he had also been for six years master of the Kalida lodge, and is in all respects a very " bright " member of the fraternity. Primarily well educated, Mr. Summers hus naturally acquired much supplemental knowledge in roaming the world over. He has met with many thrilling adventures, but has now settled down to pass the remainder of his in retirement and ease, and being a very public-spirited gentleman, in the enjoyment of the honor and respect of all his fellow-citizens. JOHN H. STRAMAN, attorney and counselor at law, is a native of Ohio, born in the city of Cincinnati, on the 3rd day of July, 1856. His father, Theodore Straman, was born in Osnabruck, Germany, grew to manhood there, and in 1833 immigrated to the United States, locating at Glandorf, Putnam county, Ohio, where, shortly thereafter, he was united in marriage to a Miss Wehri, also a native of Germany. She survived her marriage sixteen years, and left four children, whose names are Theodore, Sophia, Mary and Louisa, all deceased except the first named, who at this time is a jeweler in Cincinnati, Ohio. Theodore Straman afterward married Miss Anna G. Schulte, who was born in the town of Lorup, Germany, and whose death occurred February 7, 1857, at the age of forty years. She lett two children—William J., a resident OF PUTNAM COUNTY - 538 of Denver, Colo., and John H., whose name introduces this biography. Mr. Straman's third marriage was with Miss Anna G. Voss, a native of Glandorf, Germany, who bore him three children: Henry B., Barney J., a farmer of Putnam county, and George R., superintendent of the Swift Meat company, Cincinnati. By occupation, Theodore Straman was a contractor and builder, and was widely known in Cincinnati, where, for many years, he carried on an extensive business, His residence in Putnam county was of short duration, as he moved therefrom in 1836, from which year until his death, October 17, 1873, he lived in Cincinnati. John H. Straman was twelve years of age when he came to Putnam county, and for two years thereafter he lived on a farm as a bound boy, and at the age of fifteen years began life for himself, working at whatever his hands found to do. He was variously employed until he attained his majority, at which time, on the 7th day of August, 1877, he married Miss Anna G. Reckfelder, daughter of Albert and Anna G. (Kaiser) Reckfelder, of Putnam county. Mr. Straman continued the pursuit of agriculture about one year after his marriage, and then entered the high-school of Ottawa for the purpose of preparing himself for the teacher's profession. Subsequently he took a general course in a commercial school at Cincinnati and afterward taught in the public schools of Putnam county for a period of fifteen years, a part of which time was spent as superintendent of the schools of Glandorf. In the meantime, Mr. Straman began the study of law in the office of Haskell & Bailey, and in due time was admitted to the bar and opened an office in Ottawa, where he has since followed the profession with gratifying success. He is essentially a self-made man, acquired his education by the closest application and most rigid economy, and his life is a notable example of what may be accomplished in overcoming adverse circumstances. Politically Mr. Straman is a democrat and in religion a Roman Catholic, to which church Mrs. Straman also belongs. Mr. and Mrs. Straman's family consists of four interesting children: Anna G., who was born May 9, 1878, and who graduated from the Ottawa union high school in May, 1894, and is now a teacher by profession; Mary E., who was born January 10, 1880, and is a graduate of the Glandorf public schools; Catherine A., born September 4, 1882, and Albert H., born May 1, 1884—both of whom now attend school. ALBERT STUMP, deceased farmer of Union township, Putnam county, Ohio, and a son of Joel and Catherine (Stump) Stump, was born in Pickaway county, June 22, 1818. Joel Stump, the father, was a native of Pennsylvania, and a son of Conrad Stump, who was also born in the Keystone state, of Dutch descent, and an early settler of Pickaway county, Ohio. Joel was reared a farmer and was educated partially in Pennsylvania and partially in Ohio; he married, first, Catherine Stump, who bore three children, Polly, Albert (our subject) and Jacob. After the death of his first wife, Joel was united in matrimony with Barbara Hoey, who became the mother of two children, Joel and Peggy—Joel being the only survivor and living in Pickaway county, of which his mother was a native. Albert Stump was reared a farmer, and in August, 1843, married Miss Susan Featherolf, who was born in Pickaway county, Ohio, August 31, 1823, a daughter of Benjamin and Hannah (Fink) Featherolf, natives of Pennsylvania. To the union of Albert and Susan Stump were born nine children, in the order here named; Catherine, who died at the age of two years; Julia A., wife of John Nicklan, a 534 - BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY farmer of Auglaize county; Wilson, deceased; William, of Union township, Putnam county Caroline, the wife of John Sneary, of Darke county; Charles, of Paulding county; Jane, who died in childhood; Albert, on the home farm, and Edward, a farmer of Allen county. Benjamin Featherolf, father of Mrs. Susan Stump, was a son of Philip Featheroif, also a native of Pennsylvania, of German descent, and an early settler of Pickaway county. 'Benjamin was reared on a farm in Pennsylvania, was married in that state, and about four years after that event came to Ohio and settled in Pickaway county, where he passed the remainder of his life, dying a member of the Lutheran church, but his wife being a Presbyterian. Albert Stump, after marriage, resided in Pickaway county, where the ceremony had taken place, until 1858, when he brought his family to Putnam county, bought a tract of wild land, cleared it from the woods, and lived in an old log cabin until a proper dwelling could be erected. He succeeded in developing a fine farm and in acquiring considerable wealth, and became a highly respected and honored citizen. In his earlier days he was a member of the Lutheran church, but later united with the Christian church, becoming a most devoted member and donating to the congregation the land on which the church edifice was erected about sixteen years since, and of which he was a trustee from the building of the church until he died in the faith, February 22, 1895, deeply mourned by a sorrowing family and a large circle of devoted friends. In politics he affiliated with the democratic party. His widow has been a Lutheran from her earlier days, and her pious life and unstinted charity plainly show the sincerity of her religious convictions. Albert Stump, next to the youngest of the children born to our subject and his wife, was born on the home place in Union township, Putnam county, March 21., 1859, on which he still lives and on which he was reared to farming. September 9, 1883, he married Miss Sadie Davis, who was born in Putnam county, Ohio, September 21, I 863, daughter of Thomas and Mary (Evans, nee White) Davis, and to this marriage have been born two children, viz: Mary, December 3, 1884, and Ralph, January 6, 1892. Mrs. Stump, with her husband, is a member of the Christian church; her parents were natives of Wales, lived in New York for some years, and were early settlers of Franklin county, Ohio, but later came to Putnam county; they now live near Columbus Grove and have another daughter, Mrs. Mary Stump, of Allen county. Albert Stump, Jr., whose name opens this paragraph, was formerly a democrat in politics, but is now an ardent prohibitionist; he is a model farmer, and is much respected as a citizen and neighbor. WILLIAM R. SUMMERLAND, one of the progressive and successful farmers of Monroe township, Putnam county, Ohio, is one of the selfmade men of whom the county is justly proud, and one whose present prosperity is due entirely to his persevering industry, sound sense and integrity of purpose. He is of German descent, and his father, William R. Summerland, was a native of Switzerland, who, soon after coming to this country, settled in New York state. The senior Summerland was here united in marriage to Miss Phebe Clapper, and the young couple, in the early period of their wedded life, removed to Logan county, Ohio, where they made a good farm home and lived during the remainder of their lives. The father died in 1850, and the mother passed away about 1884. They were the parents of six children, their names, in the order of birth, being as follows: Perry (deceased), Thomas OF PUTNAM COUNTY - 535 (deceased), John, Delilah (deceased), Sarah and William R. William R. Summerland, our subject, the youngest of the family, was born in Logan county, Ohio, October 18, 1850. He was reared upon the home farm, where his early educational discipline was received at the common schools of that day. He was united in marriage, July 12, 1872, to Miss Samantha E. Pettit, a native of Coshocton county, Ohio, who was born September 27, 1856. She was the daughter of Moses and Sarah (Soverns) Pettit, and granddaughter of Joseph Pettit, who were also natives of Coshocton county, Ohio. Moses and Sarah Pettit were there married, and in 1862 removed to Putnam county, and settled in Blanchard township. Their children are six in number, their names, in order of birth, being: Mary M., Nathaniel, Samantha E., Jasper E., Robert and Catherine. After the marriage of William and Samantha Summerland they settled in Blanchard township, but in 1887 they removed to their present home in the township of Monroe. It was then a new tract of land, consisting of eighty acres, but by dint of hard labor they have cleared it of timber, drained it and made it a most productive farm as well as a very comfortable home. Our subject is in politics a democrat, and as such he takes an intelligent interest in affairs of public import. His whole life has been passed in the honorable calling of agriculture, and in this portion of the county he stands high as a successful and prosperous farmer and as a man among men. ROBERT SYBERT, a retired farmer of Jackson township, Putnam county, Ohio, was born in Bloomsburg, Columbia county, Pa., October 18, 1844, a son of Barney and Effie (Long) Sybert, also natives of the Keystone state. Barney Sybert was born in Columbia county in 1807, a son of Elias, a Pennsylvania Dutchman, was reared on a farm, and in 1835 married Effie Long, who was born January 12, 1816, a daughter of Joseph and Peggy (Detrick) Long, likewise of Pennsylvania birth. To the union of Barney and Effie Sybert was born a family of thirteen children, as follows: William, June 16, 1837, managing the home farm; George, farmer of Jackson township; Anna Margaret, who died at the age of fourteen years; Clinton, deceased; Robert, whose name heads this paragraph; Henry and Benjamin, of Jackson township; Louisa, wife of John Foley, of Kalida; Alice, wife of Thomas Ord, and Sarah Ann, wife of Ab Conaway, both of Vaughnsville; Lydia, wife of John Downing, of Kalida; Joseph Daniel, born January 5, 1859, and Hiram Truman, born March 11, 1862, both still on the home place, to be spoken of again a little further on. Barney Sybert, after his marriage, engaged in canal boating in Pennsylvania until 1855, when he came to Ohio, remained a year in Champaign county, and in 1856 purchased and began farming a tract of land in Hancock county; in 1857 he came to Putnam county and bought another tract in the wilderness, which he also began to clear, but shortly sold, and purchased an eighty-acre tract of the same description, on which Robert, our subject, now resides and which he owns. Here Barney lived and farmed until his death, which took place in June, 1863, his widow surviving until January 23, 1890. In politics Mr. Sybert was a democrat and held the office of township trustee for two terms; his son George served three years in the late Civil war, and George Long, brother of Mrs. Sybert, was for two years in the same service. Robert Sybert, whose name opens this biographical record, was reared to agricultural pursuits, and January 13, 1866, married Lucretia Wallon, who was born in Jennings town- 536 - BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY ship, Putnam county, Ohio, September 17, 1851, a daughter of Isaac and Margaret (Keller) Wallon, Margaret being a native of Germany, who, after the death of Mr. Wallon, in 1853, was several years later married to Arthur Carter, of Jackson township, and is still living. To the union of Robert and Lucretia Sybert have been born twelve children, as follows: Ida, wife of 0. Feathers, of Jackson township; Elizabeth, who died at two and one-half years of age; Robert Clinton, farmer of Jackson township; William Benjamin, farmer at home; John H., Lucinda . Ann, Mary Ruth, Clara Etta, Barney, Dollie, and twin sisters—Lesta Lena and Lena Lesta. After his marriage Mr. Sybert settled on his present place, where he has successfully carried on farming, saw-milling and threshing for about thirty-five years, but, his health having failed some years since, he has retired from manual labor, yet still keeps an active supervision over the work. In politics Mr. Sybert is a democrat and has served as school director, and is regarded as one of the most industrious, enterprising and upright citizens of Jackson township. William, Joseph Daniel and Hiram Truman Sybert, brothers of Barney, are all good farmers and live together on the home place in Jackson township, where the younger two were born, William, the elder, having been born in Bloomsburg, Columbia county, Pa., June 16, 1837, where he was reared on the farm, but worked at boating with his father and was engaged with him in all his other pursuits—moving with him to Champaign county, Ohio, in 1855, to Hancock county in 1856, and coming to Putnam county in 1857, where he helped to clear up this farm, and, after his father's death, assumed charge of the entire business; he is a democrat in politics and now holds the office of township supervisor. Joseph Daniel Sybert was born, as intimated, on this farm, January 5, 1859, received a good educa tion, and is an excellent business man and farmer, as well as a stanch democrat. Hiram Truman, the youngest of the brothers, was born on this farm March 17, 1862, and is a rising and popular young citizen. E. VAN D. THOMAS, a native of Sugar Creek township, Putnam county, Ohio, and one of the most enterprising and prominent farmers of the locality, was born December 14, 1844, and is a son of Daniel and Margaret (Lewis) Thomas, natives of Wales. These parents came to America in 1841, lived about one year in Licking county, Ohio, and then came to Putnam county, and here the father entered land in Sugar Creek township, but did not live long to enjoy its possession, as he was called away June 2, 1848, a member of the Congregational church. There were born to Daniel and Margaret Thomas two children—the elder of whom, William L., was born December 3, 1841, and died July 14, 1868, unmarried, and the younger is Evan D., our subject. After the death of Daniel Thomas, his widow, in 1849, married Richard Roberts, also a native of Wales, who came to America in 1841 or 1842, bought school land in Sugar Creek township, Putnam county, Ohio, improved a farm, and died August 8, 1856, leaving with his widow one child--Anne E., now the wife of R. N. Jones, a native of Allen county, Ohio, and also of Welsh descent; this daughter and her husband are now living on the homestead with her venerable mother, who has now reached the ripe age of about eighty years. Evan D. Thomas, whose name opens this article, was in the natural course of affairs reared to farming pursuits and was educated in the common school of his district. After the death of both his father and his step-father, he and his brother, William L., assumed charge OF PUTNAM COUNTY - 537 of the homestead and together cultivated it in the interest of all concerned as long as the brother lived, and then he, alone, managed the place until his own marriage, which important event took place October 21, 188o, with Miss Martha H. Jones, a native of Allen county, Ohio, and a daughter of Daniel D. and Martha E. Jones, natives of Wales. In 1881, Mr. Thomas built for himself a house on eighty acres of land adjoining the farm owned by his mother, which he had purchased in 1863, and here he at once began housekeeping on his own account. To this original purchase of eighty acres Mr. Thomas has continued to add until his farm now comprises 418 acres, a large part of which is in a fine state of cultivation, and the premises as a whole will be found hard to match by any other farm of like dimensions in the county. Here, also, the marriage of Mr. Thomas with Miss Jones has been blessed by the birth of two children, viz: Daniel W., who was born September 12, 1891, and died March r, 1893, and Margaret G., born May 25, 1884. The parents of Mrs. Thomas came to America in 1840, were married in Cincinnati, Ohio, whence they came direct to Allen county, where Daniel D. Jones entered a tract of land which he cultivated until his death, in 1862. He was a republican in politics, a Congregationalist in religion, and reared a family of seven children, all living, with the exception of one. In politics Mr. Thomas is a democrat, has held the office of township trustee and some of the minor township offices, but has no desire for public position of any kind. With his wife he is a member of the Congregational church, and his daily deportment shows the sincerity of his belief in its teachings. He has exhibited more than ordinary financial ability, possesses a quick perception and an extraordinarily retentive memory. He has never had a dread of hard labor, and his success in life has been phenomenal. With a small capital derived from the parental estate he made his start in business and has risen to be what may be called one of the financial kings of his township. He has money to loan, and always treats his patrons with the utmost consideration, demanding but a small interest and allowing them to retain the principal as long as they will—and it is a remarkable fact, that those who have the most transactions with him are those who speak of him in the kindest terms. JOSEPH THOME, of the firm of Thome & Co., hardware merchants of Glandorf, Putnam county, Ohio, is a wide awake and successful young business man, and is a native of the place, born October 1, 1864, a son of Nicholas and Agatha (Buckhold) Thome. Nicholas Thome was a native of Germany, was a wagon-maker by trade, and came to America a young man of twenty-two years and for a short time lived in Seneca county, Ohio, whence he came to Putnam county, about the year 1853, and here established a wagon-making business, which he conducted until his death, which occurred in the seventy-second year of his age, in 1884. He was a democrat in politics, and a Catholic in religion, and had a family of nine children, viz: John, born in August, 1854, died February 12, 1883; Veronica, born November 7, 1856, and now the wife of Joseph Nienberg, of Glandorf; Frank, born January 8, 1859, a shoemaker of Ottawa; Mary, born October 11, 1862, a milliner of Glandorf; Joseph, subject of this sketch; Filemena, born September 30, 1867, and now the wife of Harmon Kolkenmeyer of Glandorf ; Magdalena, born July 22, 1871; Amelia, and Bertha, twins, born May 3, 1874, the last three living in Glandorf. Joseph Thorne was educated in his native 538 - BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY town, and at the age of eleven years began work on a farm, continuing at this kind of labor until he was twenty years of age, when he went to learn the tinning trade with Mr. Nienberg, for whom he worked six years, and then, in 1890; became his partner, under the firm name of Joseph Thome & Co. In 1892 they erected their present fine brick business room, and in 1893 put in a full line of hardware in connection with their tinware business. They carry a well assorted stock of heavy shelf hardware, stoves; tinware, paints, oils, agricultural implements, etc., and have the only establishment of the kind in Glandorf. The concern is under the immediate supervision of Mr. Thome, whose honest dealing and accommodating courtesy have won the firm hosts of patrons. Mr. Thome was united in marriage August 19, 1890 to Miss Anna Hoffman, who was born. in Glandorf April 18, 1870, a daughter of William F. and Clara (Schroeder) Hoffman. To this happy union have been born three children, as follows: Albert, July 18, 1891; Walter, December 10, 1892, and Clarence, January 10, 1895. The parents are members of the Saint John's Catholic church at Glandorf. Mr. Thome is a director and stock holder in the Glandorf Building & Loan association—a company that has been of inestimable benefit to the citizens. In politics he is a stanch democrat. HON. THOMAS J. SWEENEY, the efficient and popular mayor of Ottawa, is a native of West Virginia, and son of James and Mary J. (Redmond) Sweeney, both of whom were born in the north of Ireland. James and Mary J. Sweeney came to the United States in their youth, were married in Philadelphia, Pa., and in 1836 became residents of West Virginia; they had a family of ten children, three of whom died in infancy, and the rest grew to maturity. The oldest member of the family living is Margaret G., who resides in the city of Ottawa, Ohio. James W. Sweeney, the second in order of birth, served as major in the Confederate army and participated in a number of battles, receiving, during his period of service, eighteen wounds. He was a popular officer, was never known to mistreat or abuse prisoners who fell into his hands, and at the close of the war was warmly welcomed at his old home, by both Union and non-Union men. He was a man of daring, met with many adventures during his life, and took part with Walker in the celebrated Nicaragua expedition where he came very nearly losing his life. His death occurred in Ottawa, in March, 1883. The next member of the family was Robert E., also deceased; he served in the Confederate army and by profession was a lawyer. The names of the other children, beside our subject, are Sarah C., wife of Joshua Russell; Mary J., who resides with the subject in Ottawa, and Lucy A., wife of O. B. Ramey. Hon. Thomas J. Sweeney is the seventh child of his parents, and was born in the city of Wheeling, on the 15th day of February 1851. He attended the schools of his native city for some years, and afterward assisted his father, who was a well known manufacturer of glass and iron. Mr. Sweeney came to Ottawa, Ohio, in 1882, as assistant to his brother-in-law, O. B. Ramey, in the mercantile business, with which branch of trade he was identified until the aforesaid gentleman disposed of his establishment. Since severing his connection with merchandising, Mr. Sweeney has given his attention to his own affairs, having been variously engaged until his election, in 1890, to the office of mayor. So well did he discharge his official duties that he has been honored by a third term, a fact which attests OF PUTNAM COUNTY - 541 his popularity with the democratic party, to which he belongs, and also with the public in general. Mr. Sweeney is a progressive man, broad minded, and has the best interests of the city at heart. He is affable, courteous and kind, and his integrity and worth have made him many friends, and he enjoys, in a marked degree, the good will of the people of his adopted city. Before leaving his native state he served as commissioner of Ohio county, W. Va., which position he resigned in order to become d resident of Ottawa. He belongs to a family of extensive manufacturers of both iron and glass, and a number of his immediate relations have accumulated great wealth in Virginia and eastern Ohio. JOHN TROYER, a prominent citizen and farmer of Dupont, Perry township, Putnam county, Ohio, is a son of Henry and Catherine (Burkhardt) Troyer. The father was born in Cambria county, Pa., in the year 1803, and his father (grandfather of our subject), Henry Troyer, attained the great age of 104 years. He was a farmer and hunter, and much of his long and eventful life was spent in the open air—in field and forest. His wife was a Miss Kaufman, and to them four boys were born, the father of John Troyer, our subject, being the third son; David is at this writing (1895) living in Michigan at the age of ninety-three, and Peter is in Oregon; the other is deceased. The father of these children, politically, was identified with the democratic party and was ever true to his allegiance. He lived with his youngest son a number of years in Putnam county, but died in Holmes county, Ohio. Henry Troyer, the father of our subject, was reared on the farm in Pennslvania, near the site of Johnstown, where he received his education, and when quite a young man came to Holmes county, Ohio, with his parents, where, about the year 1832, he was married to Catherine Burkhardt, a daughter of John and Mary Magdalene Burkhardt, to whom ten children were born, viz: John, the eldest, the subject of this sketch; Levi, a farmer of Dupont, Joseph, deceased in infancy: Jacob, who died in Indiana; Mattie, wife of John Shondel, deceased; Daniel, died in Libby prison, a member of the Ninety-ninth Ohio volunteer infantry, in which he served a year and a half, his suffering and imprisonment lasting nine months; Andrew J., whose biography follows this sketch: Henry of Indiana; David, also of the Hoosier state, and George, of Paulding county, Ohio. The wife and mother was born in the Old Dominion and was an early pioneer of Holmes county. Her father was a Whig politically and a Lutheran in religious faith, but in his later years a Dunkard. He was a soldier in the war of 1812 and enjoyed all the luxuries of warfare, among them the privilege of shaving and making his toilet without a looking glass. His death occurred in Paulding county, Ohio. After the marriage of the father of our subject, he lived, in Holmes county for seven years and in 1840 came to Putnam county in wagons, camping for six weeks while a party of men went on to Indiana to look around, and on their return in May his grandfather bought 147 acres of land entirely unbroken in Greensburg township, which our subject now owns. The mother of John Troyer (our subject) died at the age of forty-five years in 1855, and in 1857 the husband married Mrs. Rachael (Schaeffer) Hoskins, and to this marriage three children were born, as follows: james, of Palmer township; Lucinda, wife of Israel Guy, of Indiana, and Sarah, wife of Henry Barkmeir of Henry county. The mother still lives and resides in Palmer township. The father farmed and improved the place, making a pleasant and com- 542 - BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY fortable home for his family. He died in 1885, the Dunkard church losing a faithful member, and the democratic party of his county sustaining the loss of an honest and conscientious voter. His education was limited, but such as he had he used to good and useful purposes.. His son Jacob served three months in the war and was a true soldier during his brief term of service. John Troyer was born in Holmes county, Ohio, June I, 1834. His life was spent on the farm and his education acquired in the schools of the county. March 20, 1859, he was married to Louisa Bair, daughter of Daniel and Catherine (Callinger) Bair, and to this union four children have been born and named as follows: Mary Elizabeth, now at home; Daniel W., living in Monroe township; John Abraham, lives one mile from Dupont, and William Sherman resides on the home place. Louisa Bair was born in Seneca county, Ohio, July 15, 1839, her parents coming from Pennsylvania to this county at an early day. Her sisters are Elizabeth, wife of M. Shank, deceased, and Catherine, wife of Joshua Timons of Dupont. After their marriage Mr. and Mrs. Troyer located in Greensburg township, where he purchased forty acres of land, remaining here until 1865, when he sold this place and bought 100 acres in Perry township, where they now live, having made one of the best farms in the county, to which he has added 280 acres, and owns in Perry and Monroe townships two farms of seventy and eighty acres each. In 1881 Mr. Troyer erected a commodious barn, and in 1888 built a handsome house and surrounded himself with all of the luxuries and convenience of modern farm life. Mr. Troyer is a man of marked ability—an up-to-date fanner and stock raiser; progressive in his views and wide and liberal in opinion; never backward in doing his share of whatever needs be done for the good or welfare of the neighborhood, township or county. He served one term as trustee of his township, but does not especially aspire to public office. Politically he is a stanch republican, and can always be found at his post of duty. Mr. Troyer is a man who bears the respect of all who claim his acquaintance and is esteemed as a solid, thoroughgoing, substantial citizen. ANDREW J. TROYER, an exceptionally good farmer, now residing in Perry township, Putnam county, Ohio, is a native .of the county, and was born October 23, 1846, a son of Henry and Catherine (Burkhardt) Troyer. The father Henry, was of good old Dutch stock and was born in Pennsylvania about the year 1804, his father, Henry, having been one of the early settlers of the Keystone state, where he was a farmer, blacksmith, and a noted huntsman. Henry, Jr., was married, probably in 183o, in in Holmes county, Ohio, and had born to him ten children, viz: John and Levi, farmers of Perry township; Joseph and Jacob, twins, of whom the former died in infancy, and the latter in 1891; Mary M., the deceased wife of John Shondel of Ottawa; Daniel, a member of the Ninety-ninth Ohio volunteer infantry, who died in Andersonville prison, having been taken a prisoner of war while serving in defense of his country's flag; Andrew J., whose name opens this sketch; Henry, of Marion, Ind.; David, of the same place, and George W., of Paulding county, Ohio. The mother of these children was born in 18o6 and died in 1855, and by a second wife, Mrs. Rachael Hoskins, Mr. Troyer had born three children: James M., of Palmer township, Putnam county; Lucinda, wife of Isaac Guy, of Indiana, and Sarah, married to Henry Barkmire, of Henry county, Ohio. After his first marriage Mr. Troyer lived on a farm in Holmes county, Ohio, and about 1839 OF PUTNAM COUNTY - 543 brought his family, in wagons, to Putnam county, where he purchased a tract of wild woodland, from which he cleared up an excellent home, and on which he passed the remainder of his life, an honored citizen, a democrat in politics, and a christian gentleman. Andrew J. Troyer, after acquiring a very good education in the common schools, was prepared to teach for a term or so on his own account, but, having been reared a farmer, chose that as his life-calling, notwithstanding the fact that he received an injury in infancy that somewhat impaired him for the active pursuit of that noble vocation, but nevertheless he has made a success of it. In 1870 Mr. Troyer married Miss Caroline Brower, who was born in Greensburg township, Putnam county, July 2, 1848, a daughter of Hoadley and Lydia (Crow) Brower, this union resulting in the birth of five children, named as follows: Alonzo J., 011ie C.. Effie A., Ralph B. and Evert R. After his marriage Mr. Troyer engaged in contracting and road building in Monroe township, and then rented his father's farm in Perry township, which he cultivated until 1886, when he moved to his present place, which he had previously purchased,winning the place through his industry and savings as a tenant on his father's farm. He still kept up his activity as a contractor and road builder, and well earned the competency he is now enjoying. Fraternally Mr. Toyer is a member of Ellis lodge, K. of P., of Hector; he is also president of the farmer's institute of Continental. Although not a member of any church, Mr. Troyer has always extended a helping hand in the advancement of the cause of religion and of public education, and, in fact, of every cause tending to the moral, intellectual and material improvement of the community in which he lives. In politics he is a sound republican, and has been repeatedly elected to the office of township trustee and other posi tions of trust. He is a gentleman who has ever held the confidence and respect of his fellow-citizens. JAMES M. TROYER, one of the younger and rising farmers of Palmer township, Putnam county, Ohio, is a native of Greensburg township, in the same county, and was born December 4, 1858. His grandfather, Henry Troyer, was a German by descent, and from Pennsylvania came to Putnam county, Ohio, in his old age. The father of our subject, also named Henry, was born in Bucks county, Pa., in September, 1803, and there married a native of the Keystone state. In 1836 he came to Ohio, bought a farm in the wilds of Putnam county, from which he hewed out a good farm for that early day, and here lost his wife. For his second life-companion he chose, in the course of time, Rachael Shaffer, who was born near Springfield, Ohio, June 7, 1817, and who became the mother of three children—James M. (our subject), Lucinda and Sarah. The parents of this lady, Frederick and Rosanna Shaffer, were old-timers of Putnam county, and among the most respected of the farming community, owning a farm of 211 acres, which the father earned through his own industry. Her father died September 2, 1885, a member of the German Baptist church, while his widow is a member of the United Brethren church, and is now making her home with our subject. James M. Troyer, the subject of this biography, was reared on the home farm and early initiated to hard farming labor, which strengthened his sinews and made ripe his intellect. April 1, 1882, he married Miss Elizabeth Barkmire, who was born in Seneca county, Ohio, March 16, 1858, a daughter of Henry and Charlotte Barkmire, the union resulting in the birth of the following children; 544 - BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY Cloyd, Harry, LeRoy, Emma and Joycie, of whom Henry and LeRoy have been called to a happier home beyond. After his marriage Mr. Troyer lived on the old homestead until 1893, when he bought his present farm of eighty acres, which he has improved with a good dwelling and substantial out-buildings, all earned through his indefatigable labor. His soil is rich and productive, and he avails himself of its fertility, making some of the most prolific crops to the square acre that are produced on any other farm, of whatever size, the township embraces. The United Brethren church claims both Mr. and Mrs. Troyer as members, and in the support of this both are very liberal contributors—Mr. Troyer also promoting its spiritual advancement through his earnest efforts as class leader. In fact, both Mr. and Mrs. Troyer are active in forwarding every moral and social movement, calculated to enhance or elevate the community with whom they dwell. Successful as a farmer and progressive in his ideas and consistent as a Christian, Mr. Troyer has won the respect of the entire community, which is shared alike by his amiable wife and children. D. W. TROYER.—The township of Monroe, Putnam county, Ohio, contains a number of well-to-do young farmers, but none of them are better known as progressive, up-to-date agriculturists than the gentleman whose life-record we now have under consideration. Personally he is a young man of intelligence and enterprise, and his farm, in point of culture and productiveness, compares favorably with the best in this locality. Although of German descent, he is, neverthelss, an American in every sense of the term, and a representative citizen. His grandfather, Henry Troyer, came to Putnam county from Pennsylvania in an early day— more than half a century since--and settled in Greensburg township. Here he obtained possession of a tract of new land of considerable size and proceeded to improve it. He married a Miss Burkhart, also of Pennsylvania, and in an early day they were among the leading citizens of Putnam county, where the greater portion of their lives was spent. Henry Troyer was a Jacksonian democrat in politics, while in religious affiliations he was connected with the German Reform church. The biography of John Troyer, father of 1). W. Troyer, will be found in a preceding sketch. D. W. Troyer, our subject, is the second child, in order of birth, of John and Louisa Troyer, and the date of his nativity was August 15, 1862. He was born upon the family homestead in Greensburg township, Putnam county, Ohio, where his early youth was passed. In addition to obtaining a practical knowledge of farming, he was enabled to improve his mind to the extent of securing a good common-school education, which has been of value to him through life. He was united in marriage, December 25, 1892, to Miss Laura M. Kirkendall, who was born in Putnam county, February 2, 1871, and the union has been a very happy one. Mrs. Troyer is the daughter of Lewis and Rebecca (Bear) Kirkendall, who were married in Kalida, and who have been prominently identified with Putnam county. Mr. Kirkendall owned and operated a threshing machine for many years,. and is now engaged in the operation of a saw-mill in Perry township, where he still resides. In politics he is a democrat; and he has ever been a man devoted to his home and family. Mrs. Troyer's paternal grandfather, Benjamin Kirkendall, came from Columbiana county, Ohio, to Putnam county in an early day, and was one of the county's honored pioneers. He was a Jacksonian democrat and a man prominent in the affairs of the county. He married Miss OF PUTNAM COUNTY - 545 Sarah Black, who is still living, hale and hearty, at the age of eighty-seven years. Mr. and Mrs. D. W. Troyer reside upon a fine farm of eighty acres which they purchased in 1893. It is a productive and well tilled tract of land, and comfortable buildings have been erected thereon. Our subject affiliates with the republican party, although he is in no sense a rabid partisan. The worthy young couple have by personal effort made the major portion of their possessions, and in this portion of the county they have the reputation of being upright citizens, who are possessed of even more than the usual amount of push and enterprise. HUMPHREY TUDOR, a progressive agriculturist of Sugar Creek township, Putnam county, Ohio, was born in Wales in March, 1839, and was reared there to farm work. At the age of eighteen years, in 1857, he came to America with his mother and step-father and their family, who located in Van Wert county, Ohio, and soon afterward our subject found work as a farm hand, chiefly in Allen county, where he grew to manhood, saved his earnings and was soon able to purchase a tract of forty acres. October 7, 1862, he married and then rented a farm for four years, in the interval selling his purchase; in 1867 he bought 104 acres of his present farm, to which he later added twenty acres, and of the whole there were sixty acres cleared, but there was no house on the tract. He began its cultivation and improvement at once, however, and now has a comfortable frame house and out-buildings, barns and fences, and has ninety acres cleared, ditched, tiled and cultivated. In .1883 he purchased another farm near by, but located in Allen county; it contains eighty acres, has a good house, barn, etc., and he is thus busily employed in conducting both places, breeding graded cattle and doing general farming. The first wife of Mr. Tudor bore the maiden name of Sophia Davis; she was born September 19, 1840, near Gomer, Ohio, and was a daughter of Thomas and Mary Davis, natives of Wales, but now deceased. To this union were born nine children, of whom six grew to maturity, as follows: Mary, born September 19, 1864, married Owen B. Owen, of Van Wert county, and died March 22, 1894; Maggie, born March 21, 1867, died July 16, 1891; John, born June I I, 1870, is married and is farming; Jane, born October 31, 1871, married Elmer Rees, and died August 17, 1894, and left one son; Lizzie, born March 30, 1874, died June 7, 1891; and William, born July 12, 1876, is still with his father. The mother of this family was called to her heavenly home April 12, 1883, a devoted member of the Congregational church. Mr. Tudor remained a widower until March 27, 1895, when he was united in wedlock with Miss Catherine Jones, who was also born near Gomer, Ohio, the date of her birth being January 27, 1856. Her parents, Cadwallader and Ann (Reese) Jones, were natives of Wales. The father came to America in 1834, at the age of nineteen years, located in Putnam county, Ohio, and was there married in 1846. He became a large landowner, was very prominent as a citizen and was a church deacon. The children born to Mr. and Mrs. Jones were nine in number, viz: Susan, Francis, Amelia, Samuel, all died young; Mary J. is the wife of J. R. Thomas, merchant of Blocton, Ala. ; Richard W., farmer and justice of the peace; Catherine, now Mrs. Tudor; Frank W., on the homestead; John C., of Ottawa. The father of this family died September 19, 1881, and the mother February 19, 1894. In politics Mr. Tudor is of republican proclivities but is rather indifferent to party poli- 546 - BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY tics, yet he has filled some of the minor offices and has also served as township trustee. In all other respects he is quite public spirited, and is always ready to assist any enterprise of merit intended for the public good. He was one of the first to contribute to the railroad company in its incipiency, donating $200; is free with his purse in aid of all the churches, and to the Gomer church, of which he is a member, he has contributed most liberally. He is regarded as one of the best citizens of Sugar Creek township and is esteemed as one should be, who is the architect of his own fortune. " DANIEL VANDEMARK, one of the most prominent farmers of Union township, Putnam county, Ohio, was born in Franklin county January 3 I, 1835, a son of Daniel and Sarah (Hubbell) Vandemark. The father, Daniel, Sr., was born in Luzerne county, Pa., April 13, 179o, and was a son of Jeremiah, a native of Holland. Daniel was reared a farmer and also was taught shoemaking. About 1811 he mar.: ried Sarah, daughter of Hezekiah Hubbell. She was born in Pennsylvania February 10, 1791, and died April 12, 1869, a member of the Christian church, as are all her children, who were born in the following order: Agnes, deceased wife of Futhey Barfell; Jeremiah, deceased; Elizabeth, deceased wife of Samuel Harmon; Esther, deceased; Nancy, deceased wife of Daniel Hipshire; Alvira, deceased wife of Isaac Clevenger; William, who died in August, 1891; Mary J., deceased wife of Lewis Stover, and Daniel, the subject of this sketch. After his marriage Daniel Vandemark, Sr., remained in Pennsylvania some years, and then came .to Ohio and located in Franklin county, where he farmed and followed shoemaking until 1837. He next moved to Allen county, where he lived one year, and in 1838 came to Putnam county and leased land in Sugar Creek township for ten years. He then bought an uncleared farm in the same township, on which he lived until his death, January 8, 1857. He was a member of the Christian church, and a republican in politics, serving as constable for several years in Putnam county, and was a soldier in the war of 1812. Our subject's maternal grandfather, Hezekiah Hubbell, served through the Revolutionary war, living to the extreme age of 100 years, one month and twelve days. Daniel Vandemark, whose name stands at the head of this biography, was educated in the common school of Vaugnsville, was reared to manhood on a farm, and June 23, 1857, married Miss Ruhama Maybury, a daughter of James and Polly (Jamison) Maybury, of Irish descent. To this marriage were born six children, as follows: Loretta E., wife of Evan Anderson, of Sugar Creek township; Elmer E.; W. A. ; John, of Sugar Creek township; Lillie May, wife of Seymour Benroth, of Union township, and Jesse G., on the home place with his father. The mother of this family passed away January 13, 1882, a devout member ot the Christian church. Two of the brothers of this lady, William and Alfred Maybury, were members of company A, Fifty-seventh Ohio volunteer infantry,, in which they had enlisted for three years—William dying in the service —and another brother, Theophilus, was a member of a 100-day regiment. Mr. Vandemark, after his marriage, located in Vaughnsville, where he lived until 1873, when he moved to Union township and bought his present farm, which was but partly cleared, but which he has since put under an excellent state of cultivation, and in 1884 erected his present fine dwelling, and a little later a sub. stantial barn. April 26, 1883, Mr.Vandemark took for his second wife Miss Lina Evans, who was born in Miami county, Ohio, Febru- OF PUTNAM COUNTY - 547 ary T2, 1847, a daughter of Isaac and Eunice (Hubbell) Evans, her father being a native of Virginia and her mother of Shelby county, Ohio. Of the children born to Mr. and Mrs. Isaac Evans, Thomas served in the late war in the Twenty-first Ohio volunteer infantry. Six of their family are still living, as follows: Mary Ellington, of Iowa; Martha Valentine, of Nebraska; Lina, wife of subject; Jane Sheets, of Lima, Ohio; Isaac, a carpenter of Pleasant township, Putnam county, and William, of Iowa; with whom the mother is making her home. In politics Mr. Vandemark is a republican, and has served as township trustee for three years, as well as filled a number of minor offices. With his wife he is a consistent member of Maple Grove church, also a member of Columbus Grove lodge, No. 464, I. 0. 0. F. He is one of the most progressive and useful citizens of the township. He is entirely a self-made man, having been only possessed, when he first married, of $22 in cash, but is now the owner of one of the best farms in the county. ISAIAH VARNER, a prosperous and prominent farmer of Greensburg township, Putnam county, Ohio, is a native of the township and was born May 8, 1842, a son of Jacob and Eliza (Guyton) Varner. The father, a native of Virginia, was born in 1805, was of German parentage, and was reared a farmer, and also worked in a distillery. In 1832, he came to Ohio and was among the early settlers of Putnam county, locating on the north bank of the Blanchard river, and clearing up a farm. He married Eliza Guyton, daughter of Vincent and Annie (Davis) Guyton, and to this union were born nine children, viz: Mary A., Ellen, Isaiah, William J., Barbara (deceased), Elizabeth, Ruth, Asa, and Rebecca. Mrs. Eliza (Guyton) Varner was born in Maryland in 1814. Her mother, Mrs. Anna (Davis) Guyton, was a second cousin of Jefferson Davis, president of the so-called Confederate States of America. Mrs. Varner was of English descent and was a child when her parents came to Ohio, and located in Fairfield county, whence they came to Putnam county, where her father entered government land and farmed until his death, which occurred about the year 1855; his widow, who was a devoted member of the Methodist Episcopal church, died February 16, 1892. Mr. Varner was originally a democrat, but in 1856 joined the abolition party, and later became a republican. He was intrusted with several township offices, and was a potent factor in clearing away the forest and in developing the agricultural interests of the township, and his was a life well spent; he died August 21, 1895, in his ninety-first year. Isaiah Varner, our subject, was reared to the hardships of frontier farm life, and followed the vocation as an assistant to his father until he enlisted, September 2, 1861, in company A, Fifty-seventh Ohio volunteer infantry. He participated in the campaigns of Tennessee, Alabama, Georgia and Mississippi. At the battle of Shiloh he was wounded by a minie ball in the left hip, was treated in the hospitals at Savannah, Tenn., and Cincinnati, Ohio, and then furloughed home for ninety days. Rejoining his command at Memphis, Tenn., he took part in the siege of Vicksburg, the battles of Chickasaw Bayou, Arkansas Post, and then at Memphis, Chattanooga and Missionary Ridge, as well as taking part in many skirmishes and battles in northern Georgia. July 22, 1864, he was captured in front of Atlanta and sent to the pen at Andersonville, where he suffered for two months, and on October 1, following, he was exchanged and honorably discharged, his term having expired. 648 - BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY Mr. Varner was married, in 1865, to Fannie J. Landers, daughter of Abraham and Margaret (Fender) Landers, and to this union have been born the following children: Emma (deceased), Maggie, Mary, Charles, S. J., Jerry M., Martin W., Curtis, Grace and Chester. The mother of these children was born in Putnam county, Ohio, in 1843, her parents having been among the very early settlers from Pennsylvania. In 1886 Mr. Varner purchased his present farm, and has since given it his entire attention, rendering it one of the best in the township. Mrs. Varner is a strict member of the Methodist church, and Mr. Varner is a member of Weiser post, No. 93, G. A. R., of Dupont, Ohio. Politically he is a republican, and he and family stand among the most highly respected citizens of Greensburg township. WILLIAM J. VARNER, one of the young and progressive farmers of Greensburg township , Putnam county, Ohio, and in fact one of the self-made men and up-to-date citizens in all that term implies, dates his birth from the year 1847 and is one of the native sons of Greensburg township, being the second son, but fourth child, born in a family of nine children to Jacob and Eliza (Guyton) Varner, of whom further mention is made above in a sketch of Isaiah Varner. William J. Varner, the subject of this sketch, was reared upon the home farm and assisted his father in improving same until a man grown. He was early inured to hard labor, industry and economy, which traits of character were indelibly stamped in his make-up. He received a liberal education from the common schools in the home district, and being of an observing disposition and blessed with a retentive memory, has greatly added to his fund of knowledge, which her finds a valuable factor in the progress of life. He remained under the roof of his honored parents until twenty-two years of age, during which year, on the 21st of November, 1869, he was married to Miss Anna Simon, one of the most worthy young ladies of Greensburg township. Soon after marriage the young and hopeful couple settled on the old Varner homestead, where they resided for three years, after which, in 1872, he located upon the farm on which he now lives, on which he has made many valuable improvements, and to-day enjoys one of the most comfortable and. pleasant homes of the township. Mr. Varner has been one of the successful farmers, giving his attention largely to the culture of grain and other farm products, and in connection with his agriculture interests, which are not neglected from any standpoint, he has dealt extensively in live stock and has for several years been a shipper to the eastern markets. He is well posted upon the topics of the day, reading some of the best farm journals, and finds time to experiment in the raising of grain and stock as well, and there is no reason why he should not be a leader in his most honorable calling in the county of Putnam. Politically, Mr. Varner is a stanch republican, and at present is township treasurer, having been elected by the people, overcoming a very large adverse majority, which shows his popularity in the vicinity where he has spent his entire life. He is honored and respected by all wherever known, and none can speak ill against him. Fraternally he is a member o the Ottawa lodge, F. & A. M. Religiously he is not a member of any church, although he gives very liberally to the support of religions and all charitable enterprises. To the marriage of Mr. Varner and Miss Simon have been born five children, viz: Nettie, Gertrude, Carl C., Zoe and Laura. Mrs. Var ner is a member of the United Brethren church, and is very popular in the social world. She