OF PUTNAM COUNTY - 575 W. W. EDWARDS.--Eminent among the successful bankers and business men of Putnam county is the subject of this biography, whose life for some years has been closely interwoven with the history of the city of Leipsic. His parents, T. W. and Isabel Edwards, were natives of Licking county, Ohio, but became residents of the county of Putnam a number of 'years ago, settling in Van Buren township, thence later removing to Leipsic. W. W. Edwards was born December 19, 1847, in Licking county, Ohio, and grew to manhood in the township of Van Buren, Putnam county, to which part of the country his parents moved when he was a mere child. After attending the common schools for about the usual number of years, Mr. Edwards became associated with his brothers in the man-facture of staves, and has since been prominently identified with this business, at Leipsic, the well-known firm, composed of himself, John Edwards, Joseph H. Edwards and I. N. Bushong, being styled W. W. Edwards & Co. The enterprise from the beginning more than met the expectations of the promoters, and it is now one of the best known and most successful enterprises of the kind in northwestern Ohio. In addition to the plant at Leipsic, the firm operates stave-mills at Columbus Grove, Anis; Kalida, Pleasant Bend, Centerville, Elm Center, Ohio, and Gladstone, Mich., and an idea of the volume of business transacted may be ascertained from the yearly output, which consists of 80,000,000 of staves, 1,800,000 heads, and 1,500,000 hoops; to manufacture which' the services of over 600 men are required. The Mills are all of the latest pattern, supplied with the most approved machinery, and the business is constantly on the increase. The firm owns about 8,000 acres of land, and its reputation for square and honorable dealing is well known in business circles throughout Ohio and many other states. In March, 1887, the firm purchased the banking business established at Leipsic, in 1885, by A. Rosencrantz, and in 1890 established a branch bank at Continental, both of which they still control and which have proved very successful institutions. W. W. Edwards has been the leading spirit in the management of this gigantic enterprise, a fact which speaks much for his good judgment and rare executive ability. He first sought a fortune within himself and found it in an earnest will and a large industry. He has been, throughout life, a thorough business man, noted for honesty and integrity, and as a self-made man stands out prominent as one who, amid the cares by which he has been constantly surrounded, has ever preserved his reputation for honesty and fair dealing--who has never neglected the higher duty to his fellowman, which he prizes above all others. Mr. Edwards has been three times married ; first, to Mary Reeves, by whom he had one child—a daughter, Lillian; his second wife was Alice Johnson, who bore him two children, Claude and Maud. By his present wife, whose maiden name was Harriet Donaldson, Mr. Edwards has a daughter, Ruth. In politics Mr. Edwards is a republican, and fraternally he belongs to Leipsic lodge, F. & A. M., and also to the Pythian order. John Edwards, member of the aforesaid firm, was reared and educated in Van Buren township, of which he is a native, and since 1878 has been associated with his brothers in manufacturing, and since 1890 in the banking business. Like his brother, W. W., John Edwards is one of the leading business men of Leipsic, and has much more than a local reputation among business men in Putnam county, and throughout Ohio. He can be properly classed with the representative men of the northwestern part of the state, and the county of Putnam certainly has no more successful or 576 - BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY more trustworthy citizens. Mr. Edwards entered into the marriage relation with Miss Mary Lenhart, and has a family of four interesting children: Clyde, Charles, Earl and Pearl. Joseph H. Edwards, brother of W. W. and John Edwards, with whom he is associated in business, is a native of Putnam county, within the boundaries of which the greater part of his life has been passed. He is a business man of high standing, possesses excellent judgement and business tact, and has contributed not a little to the success of the well known firm with which he is connected; he is a man of unimpeachable integrity, honorable in his dealings, and in a marked degree enjoys the confidence of his fellow-citizensof Leipsic and Putnam county. Mr. Edwards has a wife, whose maiden name was Mary Fouck, and who has borne three children, namely: Flossie, May and Helen. HICKEY FAMILY.—Thomas or William Hickey, the first name not being certainly known by his descendants, was a native of Castlemain, Ireland. He was a tanner by trade and was sold for his passage money to America prior to the Revolutionary war, and taken to Frederick, Md., by a tanner of that place. He served five years in the war of the Revolution, and after its close settled in Winchester, Va. There he married, and after the close of the war of 1812, in which he also took part, he removed to Muskingum county, Ohio, when he died. His wife was a native of England, and his children were named as follows: Ellwood, who served as a captain in the war of 1812, from Virginia, located in New Orleans, and is supposed to have died there; Henry, who settled in Circleville, Ohio; James, who settled in Illinois; William; Thomas, of Indiana, and one daughter, who married a Mr. Neff, who owned the salt works near Zanesville, Ohio. William Hickey was born in Virginia about 1797. He served in the war of 1812 from Virginia, and about 1815 settled in Muskingum county, Ohio, and later purchased in Licking county, Ohio, in Mary Ann township, a tract of school-land of some 200 acres, to which he added until he owned about 1,000 acres. He died upon his land in Mary Ann township in 1890. In politics he was first a whig and then a republican, and served as justice of the peace for many years. He was a member of the Christian church and was twice married. His first wife, Sarah Shambaugh, became the mother of five children, viz: Edward, of Utica, Ohio; Henry and Joseph, deceased ; Rev. Allen, of Knoxville, Ohio, and Malinda, deceased wife of Jackson Rowe. The second wife, Harriet Moore, became the mother of three children, viz: David, of Newark, Ohio; Elizabeth, wife of Henry Metz, and William, on homestead. Henry Hickey, the second son of William, was born in 1820 in Licking county, Ohio, settled upon fifty acres in Mary Ann township, given him by his father, but in 1850 moved to Putnam county, and located upon 120 acres in section No. 35, Blanchard township, but later removed to sections No.36 and 26, on 172 acres; and in 1870 in section No. 34, on forty acres —owning altogether 44o acres in one tract. This land he improved and placed good buildings upon the different farms, and upon his last-settled farm he died in 1871. He married Mary, daughter of Henry Wickins, of Licking county, Ohio. She died in 1865, the mother of five children: Dr. William H., of Leipsic, Ohio; Reese; Lyman, deceased; Rollua, of Lima, Ohio, and Magdaline, wife of Chas. Slotzenbaugh, of Lima, Ohio. His second wife was Sarah Haines, of Licking county. She survives him and resides in Bluffton. Ohio, OF PUTNAM COUNTY - 577 the mother of one child, Edward, of Bluffton. Politically a democrat, he filled the offices of trustee of the township and county commissioner. He was a member of the Protestant Methodist church, at Gilboa, Ohio, and his remains are buried in Clymer cemetery, Hancock county, Ohio. Dr. W. Hickey, the oldest son, was born July 29, 1848, in Licking county, Ohio, and his education was acquired in the common schools of Blanchard township, Putnam county, and later he attended the Hayesville academy. Mr. Hickey taught school in the county for some time and subsequently read medicine with Dr. T. Paul of Ottawa, Ohio, and graduated from the medical department of the Western university of Cleveland, Ohio, in 1870. He commenced the practice of medicine at Leipsic, where he has since resided and where he enjoys a large and lucrative practice. The doctor owns a fine farm of 220 acres near the city of Leipsic, which he devotes to stock-raising largely, and here he is breeding standard trotting horses and Poland China hogs. Upon this farm the doctor has raised and owned some of the best horses that the county has produced, of which there were registered, viz: Thelo A., Korn Kobb, and George Wood; the head of the swine herd is Nero, and is registered No. 12,193. Politically a democrat, Mr. Hickey has filled the office of mayor of. Leipsic, and also has served as a member of the council and of the school board; he has also been a member of the United States board of pensioner examiners. He is fraternally a member of the Leipsic lodge, F. & A. M. Mr. Hickey was married in 1870 to Miss Rachel Creighton, daughter of John E. and Elizabeth Creighton, of Liberty township, and they are surrounded by an interesting family of children, who are each a credit to their parents and the society of the city of Leipsic. DANIEL W. SEITZ was born September 16, 1850, in Putnam county, Ohio. His great-great-grandfather, a native of Baden, Germany, after serving his country in the army and being honorably discharged, emigrated to America, about the year 1764, and settled on a farm in York county, Pa., where he reared a family of six daughters and three sons, the latter being named Lewis, John and Andrew. Of these, Andrew located in Virginia, but, not liking the institution of slavery, moved to Ohio in 1801, where he reared a large family. The second son, Daniel, grandfather of the subject of this sketch, was born in 1791, in Virginia, and was a soldier in the war of 1812. He was married to Elizabeth Heit June 1, 1813, and settled on a farm in Fairfield county, Ohio, where he reared a large family, of which David, father of our subject, was born December 12, 1819, and was married to Lydia Hufford, born June 17, 1823. She is a daughter of Daniel and Nancy Hufford, of Perry county, Ohio. Having received a common-school education, our subject began teaching school in 1871, and followed this vocation for fourteen years, spending his vacations at farming, or attending school. He attended school at Lebanon, Ohio, several terms, graduating in the commercial department of that school, as well as completing some of the higher branches of mathematics. From 1879 to 1882, in connection with Prof. J. L. Geyer, he conducted a normal school at Kalida, Ohio, and during this time, in addition to teaching, carried himself through a course of surveying and civil engineering. Familiarizing himself with the practical part of that profession during the four succeeding years, in 1886 he was elected county surveyor, which office, having been reelected in 1889, he held until January 1,1893. In 1885 Mr. Seitz became a member of the Ohio Society of Surveyors and Civil Engineers, 578 - BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY a society organized by civil engineers of high standing and professional ability, for the interchange of new ideas and the advancement of the profession, of which society he is still a member. He hasOberlinty engineer of Leipsic, Ohio, since 1891, and in 1894 construced for that town the first brick street improvement in the county. On October 17, 1882, Mr. Seitz was married to Miss Josephine R. Carey, who was born October 17, 186o. She is a daughter of Simeon and Catharine J. (Wetherell) Carey. To them have been born Raymond Carey, November 30, 1883; Bessie Irene, December 19, 1885; Lydia Lenore, May 22, 1890; Cloyd Hufford, February 5, 1893. In 1895 and 1896 Mr. Seitz published an atlas of Putnam county, which has proved to be of great value to its patrons. (See sketch of D. Seitz, page 496.) JACOB WERNER, prominent attorney and counselor at law, of Leipsic, Ohio, is a son of Christian and Christiana \Verner, both parents natives of Germany. Christian Werner was born in Wurtemberg in 1808, was reared and educated there, and in 1826 immigrated to the United States, locating at the town of Sandyville, Ohio, where he resided until 1838. In the latter year he removed to the county of Hancock, where he purchased land which he improved and upon which he spent the remainder of his days in agricultural pursuits, dying May 10, 1859. His wife, whose maiden name was Christiana Heck; also born in the province of Wurtemburg, bore him the following children: Louisa, wife of Peter Ohlers; Thomas J. ; Jacob; Mary, who first married W. S. Robb, and afterward became the wife of David Simmons; Bruce; George, and Emma, who became the wife of James Mills. Jacob Werner whose name introduces this biography, was born August 20, 1839, in the town of Sandyville, Ohio, and was reared to agricultural pursuits on the home farm in Hancock county. He first Phoenixd the common schools, later attended Ob,erlin college, and ill 1862 engaged in the mercantile business, at the town of Leipsic, Putnam county. The same year he was appointed local agent of the Cincinnati, Hamilton & Dayton Railroad company at Leipsic, which position he filled very acceptably until 1878. In the meantime he was appointed postmaster at Leipsic by President Lincoln and held the place, by successive re-appointments, for a period of twenty years. Mr. Werner, while engaged in his official capacities, began the study of law at Leipsic, in the office of C. Barr, and was admitted to the bar in 1878, entering upon the practice of his profession immediately thereafter. He has since given his attention to his legal business, which is large and lucrative, and in addition thereto has been called to fill various municipal positions, including that of member of the common council and of the school board, and for a period of twelve years held the office of city solicitor. Mr. Werner has been active in political matters, being a republican, and as such was one of the Harrison electors in 1888, during the campaign of which year he made a thorough and effective canvass of his district. He has served as member of the county central committee many times, in which his advice has had great weight with the other members. In connection with his legal practice Mr. Werner is largely engaged in tire and life insurance, his partner in the latter business being Thomas J. Werner. They represent many of the leading companies of the United States and the old world, among which are the Royal, of Liverpool, England; Continental, of New York; Northern, of England; German, of Freeport, Ill.; Phoenix, of London; Cincinnati Underwriters; Philadelphia OF PUTNAM COUNTY - 581 Underwriters; Fire Association, of Philadelphia; Westchester, of N. Y. ; Phu nix, of Brooklyn; Manchester, of England, and others, in all of which the firm has done a large and profitable business. Mr. Werner is a successful lawyer and bears the reputation of a safe and honorable counselor. He is a gentleman of strict integrity, stands high in the estimation, of his fellow-citizens, and all the qualities that go toward making up a perfect man are well defined elements of his character. He is a member of the F. & A. M., of Leipsic, and belongs to the chapter at Ottawa; he is also identified with the I. 0. 0. F. and K. of P. lodges, at Leipsic. Mr. Werner was married, in 1862, to Miss Polly Eastman, daughter of C. R. Eastman, of Leipsic, a union blessed with the birth of six children, two of whom, John E. and Edith G., are living. Thomas J. Werner, brother of Jacob Werner, was born July 4,1850, in Hancock county, Ohio. He received his education in the common schools, grew to manhood on a farm, and in 1866 accepted a position of telegrapher with the Cincinnati, Hamilton & Dayton Railroad company, having previously become an expert as a manipulator of the keys. He continued as operator for the aforesaid road until 1877, from which time until 1881 he was engaged as salesman in a mercantile establishment at Leipsic. In the latter year he engaged in the grocery trade, and continued the same until 1889, when he effected a co-partnership with his brother, Jacob \Verner, in the insurance business, a mention of which appears in a preceding paragraph. Thomas J. Werner is a republican in politics, and has served twice as mayor of Leipsic. He is a man of energy and intelligence; is public spirited, and every worthy and laudable enterprise calculated to enhance the interest of his city and county finds in him and ardent friend and liberal patron. Mr. Verner was married, in 1869, to Sylva Kurtz, daughter of John Kutz, of Leipsic, and he has a family of five children; Oliver, George, Joseph I., Samuel and Adeline Werner. DAVID L. WILLIAMS, a very prominent farmer Sugar Creek township, Putnam county, Ohio, was born in the northern part of Wales June 16, 1832, and is a son of Hugh and Catherine, (Lloyd) Williams. The maternal grandfather, Thomas Lloyd, was a farmer, and the father, Hugh Williams, was a stone-cutter by trade. The latter died about the year 1841, the father of eight children, viz: Catherine; Daniel, who died young; David L., our subject; Jane, still living in Wales; Thomas, now of Columbus, Ohio; Jemima, ,deceased wife of William Evans, of Newark, Ohio; Ann and Cissa, who both died young. Mrs. Catherine Williams for her second husband married E. Jones, a tanner, and both she and her second husband died in the old country. David L. Williams, after the death of his parents, made his own way the best he could in the old country, working at farm labor for $15 the first year, his wages being increased gradually until he received $45 per annum, and at last, in 1856, he had accumulated enough money to pay his way to America, arriving in New York with one or two dollars in his possession. His education was necessarily limited, and he was almost entirely self-taught. Leaving New York city in a few days after his arrival there, he spent several months near Utica in the same state, saving enough money to bring him to Ohio. Here he located in Licking counts- and worked as a farm hand until 1860, when he married, rented land on which he farmed four years, then bought a small place, which he cultivated until 1866. when he sold and came to Putnam county. 582 - BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY Here he purchased his present place, that then consisted of eighty acres, which he has since increased. He at once set to work and remodeled the dwelling, cleared off and put 100 acres of the land under cultivation, ditched and tiled it and set out an orchard. Since his residence here Mr. Williams has been very prosperous, for the reason that he has been very industrious as well as being gifted with keen perceptive faculties. Although his charities have been extensive and his aid toward all worthy enterprises liberal in the extreme, he has become the owner of 500 acres of land, of which he has cleared 200 acres, placing this number under cultivation, and has now a farm and home that will compare most favorably with any in the county. As intimated above, Mr. Williams was married, in 186o, in Licking county, Ohio, to Miss Mary, born in Wales September 17, 1835, a daughter of William P. and Charlotte (Jones) Griffiths. In 184o she was brought to America by her parents, who settled in Licking county, Ohio, where they engaged in farming and where they died, leaving ten children, viz: Sarah, Elizabeth, Mary (Mrs. Williams), Margaret, Charlotte, Ellen, Frances, Henry. Mercy and Thomas. Of these but one beside Mrs. Williams is a resident of Putnam county, viz: Sarah, who is the widow of Roger Evans and the mother of six children. To the union of Mr. and Mrs. Williams have been born ten children, viz: William G., a carpenter of California; John D., farmer of Putnam county, Ohio; Catherine, wife of John A. Lewis, farmer of Putnam county; Charlotte, who died single ; Thomas S., a farmer of Putnam county; David L., a railroader; Henry R., a farmer of Missouri; Hugh F., Mary and Walter E., all three at home. Mr. Williams is republican in political affinities, but is not an office seeker; nevertheless he has served as treasurer of the township, as township trustee, and in some of the minor offices. He is very prominent in church matters and is quite munificent in his donations thereto. He was the principal promoter of, and was the first to start, the fund for the erection of the large Congregational church at Vaughnsville, and had, indeed, to advance the greater part of the cash necessary for its completion. At that time, in 1890, the congregation comprised but twenty-eight members, but it now numbers 13o communicants. Mr. Williams has never been behindhand in work for the public good, and as a consequence stands most deservedly high in the esteem of the entire community. GEORGE C. WILLIAMS, a leading business man of Ottawa, is a native of Carroll county, Ohio, born September 19, 1845. His father, John Williams, also a native of Ohio, was of Welsh descent, and his mother, whose maiden name was Sarah Barkdoll, was descended from German ancestry. These parents were prominent members of the United Brethren church, and died at the ages of seventy-four and sixty-three years, respectively. They had a family of twelve children, nine of whom grew to maturity, viz: Mary, deceased; Jane, widow of O. Meals; Sarah C., widow of James Meals; George C. ; Amanda, wife of Henry Arnold; Maggie, wife of John Kirk; Albert, deceased; Mahala, wife of William Heffelmier, and Harriet, wife of Clark Ledwick. George C. Williams was reared to farm life, and when but fourteen years old began the task of caring for himself, working as a farm laborer and coal miner. Being thrown upon his own resources at so early an age, his educational advantages were of necessity somewhat limited, but always being a great reader, he has since amassed a store of valuable knowl- OF PUTNAM COUNTY - 583 edge, and is now one of the well informed men of the community in which he resides. He not only supported himself when young, but contributed a portion of his meager earnings to the support of his father's family, and early learned the lessons of industry and economy by which his after life has been characterized. Mr. Williams remained in his native county until seventeen years of age, when he came to the county of Putnam, locating two miles west of Columbus Grove, where he worked on a farm until August, 1864, when he entered company K, Fifth Ohio volunteer infantry, and served until mustered out June 21, 1865, at Louisville, Ky., taking part, in the meantime', in the Atlanta campaign and Sherman's celebrated march to the sea. After spending one year with his parents on his return, he learned the carpenter's trade, which he followed most successfully for a period of fourteen years. In the city of Toledo he was foreman for a large contracting firm, and in 1871 removed to Columbus Grove; where he followed contracting and building until 1880, locating in the latter year at Ottawa, where he started a lumber yard, to which he has since given his attention. Mr. Williams has done a great deal of building in Ottawa and vicinity, and his lumber yard is the largest in the county. He keeps on hand a full stock of all kinds of building material and is deservedly classed among the most successful and progressive business men of the city of Ottawa. For many years Mr. Williams has been actively engaged in church and Sunday-school work, and in 1889, made a tour of Europe, as a delegate to the World's Sunday-school convention, which convened in the city of London in July of that year. He went as a state delegate, and, after transacting his business in the convention, visited the leading cities of the continent, among which were Paris, where he attended the World's Exposition, Genoa, Italy, Pisa, the ruined city of Pompeii and Herculaneum, Rome, Florence, the principal points of interest in Switzerland, Germany and Belgium; also Rotterdam, Holland; thence across the North sea to England„ spending a number of days in the great city of London. He spent some time in Scotland, visiting the Highlands, and the important cities of that historic country; thence sailed to Ireland, making an extensive tour of the Emerald Isle, visiting its leading cities and other places of interest. A mere mention of the different points visited by Mr. Williams during this most interesting tour would tax the patience of the reader, but suffice it to state that he made intelligent observations in the different countries over which he traveled, and his descriptions of the same are given in the most interesting and charming manner to those with whom he converses relative to his wanderings. Like his parents before him, Mr. Williams subscribes to the creed of the United Brethren church, and he has contributed liberally of his time and means toward the promulgation of religion in his own and other lands. He was chosen to represent his church in the general conference at Dayton, Ohio, in 1893, and since 1872 has been one of the most prominent Sunday-school workers in the northwestern part of the state, having attended, during the past seventeen years, as delegate, a number of conventions, including the State Sunday-school convention at Fostoria, in 1882; the International conventions of 1887 and 1890, and the International and World's Sunday-school convention at St. Louis in 1893. In his local church he holds the position of class leader 'and trustee, and the amount of good he has accomplished, in his various avenues of religious endeavor, would be impossible to estimate. Mr. Williams was married November 12, 1868, to Miss Elmina Kiefer, whose birth occurred in Lebanon county, Pa., April 1, 1847. Mr. 584 - BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY and Mrs. Williams are the parents of five children, three living, viz: Henry, married to Carrie Bennett and associated with his father in business; Meda, and Lesta, who are at home and attending the Ottawa public schools. Mr. Williams was one of the first directors of the Home Savings Bank of Ottawa. He is a republican in politics, has been chairman of the county executive committee, and is at present one of the members of the republican central committee of Ottawa. THOMAS WILLIAMS, one of the most substantial and progressive farmers of Jennings township, Allen county, is a native of Wales. He is a son of Edward and Ann (Howells) Williams, the former of whom was born in Montgomeryshire, Wales, in 1797, and was the son of Thomas and Jane (Jones) Williams. Edward Williams was a miller, as was his father before him. He and his wife were the parents of nine children, who lived to reach mature age, viz: Thomas, Elizabeth, Edward, Ann, Gwlym, Jane, Catherine, Martha and Maria. Edward Williams came to the United States about 1828 or 1829, and for a time worked on the Pennsylvania railroad passing over the Alleghany mountains, and afterward on the Mississippi river. After being in this country about two years and a half, he returned to Wales, where he was married. Mr. Willliams was a hard-working and industrious man, and a good citizen. He and his wife were members of the Welsh Congregational church, and he died in Wales in 1867. Two of his children, only, came to America, Thomas and Gwlym. Edward and Martha went to Australia, and the others remained in Wales, where Catherine now alone survives, Ann, after some years, going to England and settling in Manchester. Thomas Williams was born August 9,1839, received but very little education in his native land, and at the age of ten years began working at farming and in a grist-mill. Afterward he came to this country, and upon his arrival here worked for some time on a farm, remaining thus engaged until he thoroughly understood the American system of that work. He was married in Wales to Miss Jane Williams, in May, 1862, she being the daughter of Benjamin and Catherine (Howells) Williams. Benjamin Williams, father of Mrs. Thomas Williams, wife of our subject, was a farmer by occupation, and was born in 1818. He died July 11, 1881, in Wales. His wife was born in March, 1817. Their children were George, Thomas, Jane, William, Sarah, Catherine, Elizabeth, Martha and Mary. After their marriage Mr. and Mrs. Thomas Williams remained for some time in Wales, and came to the United States in October, 1868. They sailed from Liverpool September 22, and were twelve days on the voyage to New York. They came direct to Allen county, and in 1869 settled on their present farm of eighty acres. This farm was nearly covered with timber, but he went to work with a strong will, determined to clear it and make of it a good home. By hard and continuos labor this was done, and he afterward bought eighty acres more, the latter in Sugar Creek township, and he now has as fine a farm of 160 acres as any man need desire. To Mr. and Mrs. Thomas Williams there have been born eleven children, viz: Ann, born February 6, 1865; Kate, born February 17, 1867; Edward, born March 25, 1869; Annie, born January 7, 1872; George and William (twins), born February 18, 1874; David, born December 5, 1876--died January 13, 1878; Elizabeth, born March 27, 1879; Martha, born February 1o, 1882; Arthur, born August 1884, and Albert, born in August, 1887, and OF PUTNAM COUNTY - 585 died at the age of two years. Mr. and Mrs. Williams are members of the Welsh Congregational church, of which Mr, Williams has been deacon for three years. Politically Mr. Williams is a republican, and takes great interest in his party's success. He has always been a hard-working and industrious man, and has accumulated the property he now possesses by his own unaided exertions. He is well known to many a person in Putnam and Allen connties, and all recognize the honesty and integrity of his character. By the aid of his faithful wife he has reared a family of excellent children. His daughter Kate, when twenty-two years of age, went to Washington territory, and there entered sixty acres of land and lived upon it until, under the laws of the United States, she became its owner. She is now married and is doing well. Before going to Washington territory, she was a teacher in the public schools of Putnam and Allen counties, and she has also taught in Washington, where, in order to secure her certificate, she had to travel eighty miles on horseback. By the course she has pursued she has given evidence of the enterprise and courage that runs in the family, and of her all her relatives may well feel proud. Thomas Williams, the brother of Mrs. Thomas Williams, and the second son of Benjamin and Catherine Williams, is a resident of London, England, and by process of law his legal name is now Thomas Howell Williams Idris. FREEMAN S. WILLIAMS, M. D., was born in Susquehanna county, Pa., September 13, 1847, being the son of Swain O. and Mary M. (Doud) Williams. His father was born in Caldwell, N. Y., in the year 1809, being the son of Gersham,Williams, who was a native of New Jersey and of English lineage, his father, Enos Williams, having been a native of Vermont, whence in early life he removed to New Jersey, being an active participant in the war of the Revolution, and doing loyal service in upholding the arms of the continental army. His son inherited this spirit of patriotism, and took part in the war of 1812. He finally removed to Pennsylvania, but eventually took up his abode in Ohio, in 1848, and located in Allen county, near Elida, where he was engaged in agricultural operations until 1858, when he came to the home of his son near Lima, where he lived until the hour of his death, which occurred in 1862--his wife having passed away in 1856. He was originally a member of the whig party, but upon the organization of the republican party he identified himself therewith and remained a stanch adherent of the same ever afterward. Swain O. Williams, father of our subject, was reared on the farm and was educated in the town schools of the old Keystone state. About 1832 he married Mary M. Doud, daughter of Daniel Doud, a native of Pennsylvania and of English descent. Mary M. Doud was born in Susquehanna county, Pa., about 1812, and was reared and educated in the same county; by her marriage to Dr. Williams she became the mother of the following-named children: Rosilla, Daraxa, Mrs. Malvina Callahan, Demus H., Isaac, Freeman S., our subject; Nelson, and Mary Ellen. After his marriage, Swain Williams retained his residence in Pennsylvania until 1851, when he came with his family to Allen county, Ohio, where he purchased and improved a farm, and died in 1866, his wife having passed away about 1858. Both were members of the Universalist church and Mr. Williams was a member of the Lima Masonic lodge. In politics he was originally a whig and later a republican. His brother, Nelson, was an active participant in the war of the Rebellion, being a member of the Fourth 586 - BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY Ohio regiment cavalry, under McLaughlin, his command being in service under Gen. Kilpatrick. He participated in many hard-fought engagements in the western campaign and served until the close of the war. versus H., the eldest brother of our subject, was also at the front in the late war, being a member of company D, Ninety-ninth Ohio volunteer infantry. Freeman S. Williams received his preliminary education discipline in Allen county, after which he became a student in the high school at Delphos. Though reared to farm life, he was determined to seek a wider field of endeavor. About 1872 he began reading medicine under Dr. A. T. Brundage, of Factoryville, Pa., remaining thus associated for two years. In 1873 he matriculated as a student in the medical department in the university of Michigan at Ann Arbor, and there graduated in 1875. Within the same year he came to Ohio, and was engaged in the practice of his profession in Paulding county for three months, after which, in September of the same year, he came to Kalida, and purchased the practice of Dr. J. 13. Vail, now of Lima, soon securing recognition for his professional ability in the retaining of a large and representative practice. He is known as one of the most alert and public-spirited citizens of Kalida, and enjoys the confidence and respect of all classes. In his fraternal relations the doctor is a member of the Kalida lodge, No. 280, F. & A. M., and is also a prominent member of Red Jacket lodge, No. 455, I. 0. 0. F., at Factoryville, Pa. He is not a member of any church, but has a great respect for spiritual realities and espouses all causes which converse the higher interests of his fellow-men. Politically, the doctor is a republican. He has maintained a lively interest in educational work, and has at various intervals done efficient service as a member of the common council. In June, 1876, was consummated the marriage of Dr. Williams to Miss Nora Parker, daughter of Lorenzo and Louisa Parker, who are natives of Columbiana county, this state, and of English descent. Mrs. Williams was born in Kalida in 1857, received her education in the public schools of this place and is a member of the Methodist Episcopal church. Mr. and Mrs. Williams are the parents of six children, viz: Grace, aged seventeen years (1895); Gaylord, fifteen years; Bertha, twelve; Byron, ten; Elmer DeWitt, six; and Clyde F., four years. HENRY WING was of English descent, and was a native of Vermont, his birth occurring in the year 1797. After attaining manhood he took as a life partner Miss Elinor Frazee, who was born in Pennsylvania. They first settled on a farm near Defiance, Ohio. Later, about 1825, they moved to Greensburg township, Putnam county, Ohio, and entered a small tract of land consisting of twenty-one acres. Two years later they purchased 200 acres additional, and proceeded with the difficult task of converting it into a farm home which would yield them a sustenance. The senior Wing was possessed of only an ordinary education, but he had been reared upon a farm, and was not afraid of hard work. At that time Putnam county was largely a primitive wilderness, full of Indians, and the wild forests were thick with bears, wolves, deer and other game. The highways had not then been traced, and neighbors were few and far between. Into this uninviting country did the young couple come, with stout hearts and eager hands, determined to make for themselves a home. Gradually the transformation was effected, and the worthy couple become known as substantial and respected citizens. Both were believers in Chris- OF PUTNAM COUNTY - 587 tianity, and by their daily life set an example worthy of emulation. Mr. Wing was in politics a whig, and as such he was called upon to fill various township offices, a duty which he performed with satisfaction. He died Sep' tember 18, 1844, and his beloved wife joined him in August, 1848. They were the parents Of eleven children, given in order below, all but the youngest of whom are still living: Jarvis, Rhoda, Oliver, Henry, Elnora, Jane, Pauline, Austin, Cleopatra, Francis M., and Nathan. Henry Wing, our subject, was born in Defiance county, Ohio, September 8, 1831. He was reared upon his father's farm, and, in fact, has been concerned. with agriculture all of his life. His educational discipline was that received in a log school-house of the pioneer days, but his was an observant mind, and in addition he absorbed an excellent knowledge of general affairs. March 17, 1866, he was united in marriage to Miss Mary E. Gilbert, who was born in Summit county, Ohio, August 9, 1847. She is the daughter of Jacob and Martha (Butler) Gilbert. Her father was born in the Champlain region of Vermont, while her mother was a native of Connecticut. They were married at Cayuga Falls, Ohio, where Jacob Gilbert engaged for several years in the mercantile business. They lived in Cleveland, Ohio, for three years, and then removed to Putnam county, and made their home in Monroe township. Here they purchased a tract of school land and became substantial citizens of that section. Mr. Gilbert was one of the pioneer school-teachers of this portion of Ohio, and he followed the vocation up to the time of his death, in December, 1863. He was an old-line whig politically, and was several times honored with political preferment at the hands of his fellow-citizens. His religious views led him to a membership in the Methodist church, while Mrs. Gilbert has been a Bible Christian— a lady beloved for her many sterling qualities, and a mother whose life has been devoted to her family. She still resides upon the old homestead. Eight children were born to them, viz: Lucien, Lucius, Rufus E., Martha, Sarah A., Ida M., Prosper L. and Mrs. Wing. Mr. and Mrs. Henry Wing settled upon the farm now owned by them when they were first married, and they have become closely identified with the interests of this portion of the county. Their present fine homestead could hardly be recognized as the howling wilderness of which they took possession nearly thirty years ago. It consists of 180 acres of fertile land, with good buildings, and its present stage of cultivation has been reached only by hard labor and indomitable perseverance. At the breaking out of the Civil war our subject enlisted in company E, Thirty-first Ohio volunteer infantry, and was in the campaigns through Kentucky and Virginia. He saw active camp and guard duty, and received honorable discharge in Angust, 1861. In politics he is a republican, and he has filled various township offices with eminent satisfiaction. Although not identified with any religious denomination, nevertheless Mr. and Mrs' Wing are in sympathy therewith, and aid the good work in a financial way. The have had eight children born to their marriage, viz: Martha, Albert John, Frederick, Florence, Rufus (deceased), Frank H.,Annie (deceased) and Philip (deceased.) AUSTIN WING, now a farmer of Palmer township, was born in Greensburg township, Putnam county, Ohio, April 28, 1839, received a common education and was reared on his father's farm. He is of English descent and is a son of Henry and Elinor (Frazee) Wing, and remained on the home farm until sixteen years of age, assist- 588 - BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY ing his father. December 20, 1868, he was united in marriage with Miss Electa Sandford, who was born in Defiance county, Ohio, December 17, 1849, a daughter of John and Electa (Cassady) Sandford. John Sandford was born in Tompkins county, N. Y., in February, 1803, and was one of the earliest settlers of Defiance county, Ohio. He was married in Seneca county, Ohio, and became the father of eleven children, viz: Jane, Rebecca, John, Eliza, Volney, Susan, Andrew J., Lewis C., Frank, Electa and Samuel. The mother of this large family died in September, 1850, and the father, who had served as commissioner of Defiance county, passed away March 7, 1882. The father of Mrs. Sandford, and the grandfather of Mrs. Wing, also named John, married Miss Elizabeth Miller, and both these lived all their days in the Empire state—highly respected people. To the union of Mr. and Mrs. Wing have been born the following family: James D., John S., Lewis F. (deceased), William A., Cora E., Delford A., Gracie E. (deceased), Electa E., .Missouri J., Mary E. (deceased), Frank (deceased) and Lucy F. Since his marriage Mr. Wing has lived on various farms but never outside of Putnam county. Mr. Wing is a truly patriotic American, and for the preservation of the integrity of the flag of his country and to save his nation from disintegration, enlisted in April, 1861, in company E, Twenty-first Ohio volunteer infantry, and re-enlisted August 22, 1862, but this time in the cavalry service—company F, Fourth regiment. He served in the campaigns through Kentucky, Tennessee, Alabama, Georgia and Mississippi. At Stone River he was captured by the enemy and confined in Libby prison for twenty days, and after his exchange he fought at Chattanooga, scouted and foraged up the Tennessee river, participated in the famous Atlanta campaign, and, in fact, took part in all the marches and battles in which his regiment was engaged, finally being honorably discharged after a prolonged service of three years and three months. In 1890 Mr. Wing settled on his present farm of 175 acres, but which then had no house upon it. His intention, however, is to build a dwelling in the modern style and of some pretentions, with out-buildings to match. The soil of this farm is rich and fertile, and Mr. Wing has not failed to avail himself of this fact. In politics Mr. Wing is a republican, has served as township assessor, and is very popular with his party. He bears a name that has never been tarnished by a dishonorable act 'and one of which his progeny may well be proud. He is recognized by his neighbors as a most useful citizen, ever ready to assist the distressed, and to promptly aid in advancing every project designed to forward the wellbeing of the township and county. Few men in the county of Putnam have been more patriotic, public-spirited, or industrious, or stand as high in the public esteem as Austin Wing. GEORGE WINEMAN, of Blanchard township, Putnam county, Ohio, is a son of George S. and Hannah (Wagerlander) Wineman, and was born in Wurtemberg, Germany, July 16, 1839. George S. Wineman was a farmer, lived at Groeningen, and reared a family of two sons and two daughters, viz: George, our subject; Michael, now of Michigan; Sophia, wife of John Feedman, and Barbara, deceased. The father himself died on his farm at Groeningen, Germany, and after that event, George Wineman, our subject, came in 1856 to the United States, and was shortly afterward followed by his mother and the two sisters, the brother, Michael, coming last of all. The mother located first in Michigan, but later moved to Illinois, where she died in the spring 1883. OF PUTNAM COUNTY - 591 George Wineman was educated in Germany, and after coming to America located in Hancock county, Ohio, where he lived seven years with his uncle, Leonard Wagenlander. In 1867 he came to Putnam county, and settled on his present farm in Blanchard township, which he later purchased, and which comprises 240 acres in section No. 36, forty-two in No. 25, and 195 in No. 24. This land he partly cleared, ditched, and improved with all necessary buildings, including a comfortable residence. He carries on farming to a large extent, and also raises cattle, sheep and hogs for shipment and home use, and is altogether prosperous. The marriage of Mr. Wineman took place June 27, 1867, to Miss Nancy Moffitt, daughter of J. J. Moffitt, of Hancock county, Ohio, and to this union have been born the following children: William C., John, Edith (wife of John McClure), Frank, Carrie, Alice, May, Grace, Cora, Lulu M., and Harry, the last named deceased. J. J. Moffitt, father of Mrs. Wineman, was born in Ross county, Ohio. His father, Joshua J. Moffitt, was of Scotch-Irish extraction and came to Ohio from North Carolina, settling in Ross county at an early date, and lived in this county till he died. J. J. Moffitt settled in Hancock county, Ohro, about 1835, in which county he entered land, cleared a farm, adding thereto until he finally owned some 1, too acres. He still resides in Hancock county, upon a farm of 700 acres. He married Harriet McClish, who was born in Fairfield county, and died in 1861., Mr. Wineman has filled many of the township offices, including that of trustee, assessor and school director, being in his politics an ardent republican. Fraternally he is a member of lodge No. 459, I. 0. 0. F., of Gilboa, and personally he is very popular throughout his neighborhood. He is ranked among the leading farmers of Blanchard township, is regarded as intelligent and progressive, and is universally esteemed as an honest and useful citizen. WILLIAM WINKEL, an enterprising farmer and tile manufacturer of Liberty township, Putnam county, Ohio, was born in Beaver county, Pa., December 5, 1830, and is a son of Rudy and Mary (Hicks) Winkel, both, also, natives of the Keystone state. Rudy, the father, was a life-long farmer, and to himself and wife were born ten children, named as follows: Henry, John, Moses, Catherine, William (our subject), George Barbara A. ,Mary J., and Rudy and Margaret E., twins, Of these our subject was the only one to come to Ohio, with the exception of Rudy, who came in 1869 married here, and died the father of four children. Rudy, the father, died in his native state in 1854, and his widow in 1867, the latter a member of the Presbyterian church, and both highly respected by the members of the community in which they passed their days. William Winkel was reared on the home farm and remained with his parents until 186o, when he married, of which event mention will be made in a subsequent paragraph. He then rented a small farm in his native county and began the struggle of life in earnest. On this farm he resided until 1868, when he brought his family to Ohio, and for a short time located on a small farm in Liberty township, Putnam county, until he could make a permanent settlement, which he accomplished by purchasing eighty acres of his present farm in the same township. This farm contained a cabin, and of the land about twenty acres had been cleared, the balance being cimber land. He has since added forty acres to the place, nearly all of which he has cleared up, ditched, tiled and placed in an excellent state of cultivation; has 592 - BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY improved it with a handsome two-story frame dwelling, a commodious and substantial barn and out-buildings, a wind-pump, etc., and set out a thriving orchard of choice fruit trees—all in the northeast corner of the township, five miles from Leipsic station. Up to 1892 he gave this farm his undivided attention, doing general farming and raising live stock of choice grades, making specialties of short horn cattle, and the better breeds of hogs for home use. In 1891 Mr. Winkel's son John engaged in the manufacture of tiling with his brother-in-law, John Casteel, on the home place and found an immediate home sale for all they could turn out, and also manufactured some brick. Mr. Winkel has great faith in tile as an aid to the successful prosecution of agriculture, derived from his own experience, and in 1895 purchased John Casteel's interest. Since settling on his present farm, four different seasons passed in which he failed to grow corn enough to fatten his hogs and carry him through the winter, as the water that accumulated on his land had no outlet and was withdrawn only by the tedious operation of evaporation, but since ditching and tiling have been introduced he has succeeded in making a good crop every year. He has witnessed the thousand and one other advances that have also taken place since his coming to the Black swamp. There were then hardly any roads, and the lands were in the hands of small farmer settlers, with very little under cultivation. Now all these lands are well drained and under tillage, and pikes and byways permeate every section of the township and county, and Mr. Winkel has by hard labor greatly aided in bringing about this transformation. Mr. Winkel was joined in matrimony in 1860 with Miss Elizabeth J. Lafferty, who was born in Beaver county, Pa., February 19, 1843, a daughter of James R. Lafferty, a farmer, who came to Ohio in 1865, bought a tract of 200 acres in Van Buren township, Putnam county, opened up about ninety acres to cultivation, and built a good house and barn. He was a progressive citizen, and for many years an elder in the Presbyterian church, in the faith of which he died in February, 1893—his widow being now seventy-two years of age. Their family comprised nine children, viz: Elizabeth J., wife of Mr. Winkel; Samuel, who died single; John, practicing medicine at Columbus Grove, Ohio; James a farmer; Mary A., wife of Frank Baughman, farmer; Lucinda, who died unmarried, at the age of eighteen years; Lewis, principal of the Leipsic school; Grace, on the homestead, and Ray, who died when five years old. The union of Mr. and Mrs. Winkle has been blessed with twelve children, born in the following order: Mary E., married to John Casteel, farmer; Della, wife of James Winkel, farmer; Emma T., married to Delano Decker, farmer; William J., a farmer; John, a tile manufacturer; Alice, died at the age of eighteen years; Rudy H., Lewis S., Moses, Lucinda A., Dora B. and Charles F., all at home. Both Mr. and Mrs. Winkel affiliate with the Presbyterian church, and in politics, Mr. Winkel is a republican. Although he does not aspire to office, he has, as a matter of public duty, filled several of the minor offices of the township. He is public spirited and liberal in his contributions toward improvements designed for the public good, is straightforward in all his transactions, and enjoys the confidence and esteem of the community in which he has passed so many years of his useful and well spent life.J JOSEPH WINKELMAN, tile and brick manufacturer at Glandorf, Putnam county, Ohio, was born in Rhine Pfaltz, Bavaria, Germany, February 23, 1852, a son of Jacob and Caroline OF PUTNAM COUNTY - 593 (Schwalp) Winkelman. The family came to America in 1862, and for one year resided in Alleghany City, Pa., and then came to Putnam county, Ohio, and located in Liberty township, where the father, who had been a farmer and wine grower in the old country, purchased 120 acres of land and followed farming until 1873, when he moved to Glandorf, where he lived in retirement until his death in 1891—his wife having expired on the farm in Liberty township in 1865. Both parents were devout members of the Catholic church, and had born to them a family of six children, viz: Lizzie, who died at the age of four years; Joseph, our subject; Jacob, a teamster of the state of Washington; John H., a teacher of Fort Madison, Iowa; Stephen, who died in 1891, and George who is engaged in the bottling business at Ottawa, Ohio. Joseph Winkelman, the subject of this sketch, was reared in Putnam county from the age of eleven years until manhood, when he left the home farm and began life on his own account by working on a farm for two years and in a brick-yard two years longer. About 1873, he started a brick-yard of his own, to which he afterward added a tile factory. The latter department was established in 1884 in partnership with F. N. Ellis, under name of Winkelman & Ellis. The concern is one of the most extensive in the county, turning out over 500,000 brick annually and manufacturing all sizes of tile, from three to twelve inches in diameter, at the rate of 10,000 per day, the whole being under the immediate supervision of Mr. Winkelman himself. Further mention of this enterprise will be found in the sketch of F. N. Ellis. Mr. Winkelman has been twice married--in 1880, to Miss Philomena Hueve, who was born in Putnam county, Ohio, and died, in 1881, at the age of twenty years; the second marriage took place in November, 1883, with Miss Bernardine Nartker, also a native of Putnam county, born in 1866. Mr. and Mrs. Winkelman are communicants at Saint John's Catholic church of Glandorf. In politics Mr. Winkelman is a democrat and has served as township treasurer; he is also a trustee of Saint John's church and a director in the Glandorf Building & Loan association. As a business man he stands in the front rank, and socially he is esteemed for his public spirit and liberal aid to all projects having for their aim the welfare of the city, township or county. MAN WINKELMAN was of late one of the most prosperous merchants of Ottoville, Putnam county, Ohio, having been at one time the senior partner in the firm of Winkelman & Vincke, and the successor of G. H. Otte, of the old firm of Otte & Winkelman, general merchants. Matthias, the father of Max, was born in Westphalia, Germany, came to the United States when young, and in 1850 reached Delphos, Ohio, where he followed his trade of tanner for about ten years. He was married, in Delphos, to Frances Merkel, daughter of Michael Merkel, the union resulting in the birth of five children, named Max, Frank, Mary, Amelia and John. In 1860 Mr. Winkelman came to Ottoville, and in partnership with Gerhard Otte established the first mercantile business of any consequence in town; in 1863 he sold out his interest in the old firm, established a new store, and was alone in the same trade until 1869, when he again sold out and went to Wisconsin, on account of his wife's health. He had held the office of postmaster from 1861 until 1867, and was a very popular official. Six weeks after reaching Wisconsin, Mrs. Winkelman expired at Franklin, twelve miles west of Milwaukee, and Mr. Winkelman 594 - BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY returned to Delphos, Ohio, and married Mrs. Thirsa Selzer; in July, 1870, he returned to Ottoville and purchased a half-interest in the business of Gerhard Otte, his former partner, and in this he continued until his death in the faith of the Catholic church, and in politics a democrat. This sad event occurred August 9, 1876. His widow, Thirsa (Buehler-Stelzer) Winkelman, survived until August 17, 1891, when she also died in the same faith. Max Winkelman, whose name opens this sketch, was born at Delphos, Ohio, February 8, 1859, was brought to Ottoville when but one year of age, and was educated in the district school. At the proper age he began clerking with his father and continued to be thus employed until the latter's death, and then clerked for Mr. Otte until 1879, when he and Ferdinand Vincke bought out Mr. Otte's stock and good will, the mother of Mr. Winkelman furnishing the capital and being the actual partner of Mr. Vincke. In 1891 our subject bought out the interest of his mother, and the business was continued under the original style of Winkelman & Vincke, . and conducted a thriving trade down to August 15, 1895, when Max Winkelman retired, Mr. Vincke purchasing Mr. Winkelman's interest, the business being continued under style of F. F. Vincke, a sketch of whose life is given on another page. The marriage of Mr. Winkelman took place in Ottoville, June II, 1889, with Miss Sabina Rekart, who was born at Ottoville, February 2, 1859, a daughter of William Rekart, a sketch of whose life appears elsewhere. This union has been blessed with four children, who have been named Mary, Albert, Frances and Rose. Mr. and Mrs. Winkelman are devout Catholics. In politics Mr. Winkelman is a democrat and was deputy postmaster at Ottoville from 1876 until 1894, and is a genial, affable and courteous gentleman as well as a thoroughly practical business man. SOLOMON WOLLAM, one of the most successful farmers of Perry township, Putnam county, was born in Fairfield county, Ohio, August 25, 1846, a son of Joseph and Mary (Shisler) Wol- lam. Joseph Wollam was also a native of Fairfield county, Ohio, and was born in February, 1811, of German ancestry. The father of Joseph was a soldier in the war of 1812 and served under Gen. William Henry Harrison in the northwest, and at the close of the war returned to Fairfield county, Ohio, where he had previously lived, and there passed the remainder of his life on a farm, dying a respected citizen, and leaving the following family: Peter, Jacob, John, Daniel Catherine and Joseph. Joseph Wollam, the youngest member of the above family, was reared both a farmer and millwright, and made good use of both callings in his career through life. To his union with Mary Shisler, a daughter of Samuel and Mary (Bullinger) Shisler, children were born as follows: Lewis, who died during the late Civil war and was buried at Shiloh; Samuel, an ex-soldier, and now a farmer of Bosworth, Mo. ; Solomon, our subject; Mary A., wife of Adam Benedict, of Morrow county; Hannah A., wife of Samuel Shisler, of Oakwood, Ohio; Catherine, who died in youth, and Joseph, of Dupont. The mother of the family was born in Fairfield county, Ohio, about 1815, was a daughter of Virginia born parents of German descent, and died June 2, 1859, a member of the United Brethren church. For some time after his marriage, Mr. Wollam lived in Fairfield county, following his trade, until his removal to Delaware county, where he continued millwrighting a few years longer, and in 1853 came to Perry township, Putnam county, where he purchased a farm on the tract where a part of Dupont now stands. With the exception of two years passed in Paulding county, Ohio, he here passed the re- OF PUTNAM COUNTY - 595 mainder of his life, being until the day of his death one of the most honored of Perry township's citizens. He was always a republican in politics, and served under the auspices of his party as justice of the peace, township trustee, and the minor offices of the township, with much credit to himself, and to the satisfaction of the public, until his death, in the faith of the Presbyterian church, September 4, 1892. An honored member, also, of the Masonic order, he had lived well up to the teaching of that ancient brotherhood, and, having done this, was necessarily an honest man and a true citizen. Solomon Wollam was .educated in the log-cabin school-house of his early day, but acquired sufficient knowledge to enable him to successfully carry him through the vocation he chose for his life calling—that of agriculture. February 14, 1864, he enlisted in company A, under Capt. George McClure, in the Fifty-seventh regiment, Ohio volunteer infantry, for the term of three years. He was at once sent to Larkinsville, Ala. , and there joined Sherman's army, with which he took part in the famous march to the sea, and in the battles of Resaca, Dallas, Lost Mountain, Kenesaw Mountain, Peach Tree Creek, Stone Mountain, Ezra Chapel, Jonesboro, Fort McAllister, and through South Carolina to Bentonville, N. C., and was present at the surrender of Gen. Joseph E. Johnson, the commander of the rebel forces, at Raleigh, N. C., April 26, 1865, the last fight with that famous rebel general having taken place at Goldsboro, N. C., March 19. The above-named battles, although not named in consecutive order, were among the fiercest and bloodiest of the Rebellion, and are more matters of war history than of biographical record. After the surrender of Johnson, Mr. Wollam marched with the triumphant forces to Washington, D. C., where he took part in the grand review in May, 1865. After this event Mr. Wollam was sent to Little Rock, Ark., where he was on provost duty until honorably discharged in August, 1865. Returning to his home, Mr. Wollam resumed his farming on the old homestead, and in 1872 married Miss Mary J. Dimock, who was born in the state of New York May 4, 1853, a daughter of D. Eli Dimock, the result of this union being two children, viz; Myrtle, wife of Dr. Edward Bird of Dupont, and Clyde, now of the university at Ada, Ohio. The mother of these children died October 18, 1889, a conscientious member of the Methodist Episcopal church. The second marriage of Mr. Wollam took place December 16, 1893, to Mrs. Martha Calkins, widow of Harvey C. Calkins and daughter of B. C. and Nancy (Martin) Clifton, but to this marriage no children have been born. In 1874, Mr. Wollam settled on his present farm, where he has made a happy home and established a reputation second to none as a farmer and citizen. CHARLES E. WIGHT.—Among the many young farmers of Monroe township, Putnam county, Ohio, none are accredited with more push and enterprise, or with a more general knowledge of affairs than the gentleman concerning whom we now make specific mention. Combined with great natural intelligence he possesses an excellent education, and is consequently admirably fitted for the duties of life. Mr. 'Wight is of English descent, his ancestors, the Wights, five brothers, having come to this country from E ngland in the early colonial days. They were promin ently identified with the early history of the republic, and from them descended the different branches of the Wight family, scattered all over this country. Reuben Wight, grandfather of subject, was born in New York state, and was married to a 596 - BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY Miss Van Buren, a distant relative of President Martin Van Buren. They moved to Cleveland, Ohio, when that place was but a hamlet, and became the possessors of forty acres of land located where now is the heart of that city. He met his death during the cholera plague of 183o. Their son, Reuben Wight, father of our subject, was born in New York state in April, 1828. He was reared a farmer, but afterward followed the vocations of carpenter and painter. He received a common-school education and was a man of intelligence and excellent parts. In 1852 he was married in Lorain county, Ohio, to Miss Altha Reichard, who was born in the state of New York in May, 1828. They lived in Lorain county for a few years and then removed to Wood county, Ohio, where they made their home for nine years, afterward returning to Lorain county. Here they lived on their farm of sixty acres, and here the father still resides, his beloved wife having passed away in 1894. Both became active members of the Baptist church, and ever stood high in the regard of their fellowmen. Their children, in the order of birth, were: Alice, who died at an early age; William, Charles E. and Edward. Charles E. Wight, the subject of this sketch, was born in Wood county, Ohio, December 9, 1861. He was reared a farmer, and, with the exception of two years spent as a teacher, he has always followed this vocation. His common-school education was supplemented by a course of study at the Western Reserve Normal college, where he used his talents and opportunities to good advantage. He was married in Paulding county, Ohio, March 12, 1884, to Miss Emma Behner, the date whose nativity was July Io, 1866. The lady was a daughter of John and Lydia (Frasy) Behner, who were likewise married in Lorain county. They lived in Defiance and in different portions of Paulding and Putnam counties, Ohio, and Mr. Behner now resides in Clinton county, Ill, where he owns a one-third interest in an extensive hoop and stave factory and bending works. He is a most successful business man, a prohibitionist in politics and a Methodist in religious affiliations. The children in order of their birth are Emma, Nellie (wife of John Tingle) and Ida (wife of James Miller), all of whom are living. After his marriage, Charles E. Wight settled upon the farm which he still occupies, and here he has ever since made his home, with the exception of two years passed in the city of Defiance. When he took possession of this farm, however, it was not the beautiful and fertile section of land that it now is. At that time only six acres were cleared, and the surroundings were anything but inviting, but by indefatigable industry he has made it a most substantial and comfortable farm home. In addition to this homestead, Mrs. Wight is also the owner of another tract of land in this township, the same containing forty acres. Mr. and Mrs. Wight are members of the Methodist church and Mr. Wight is a steward in the local organization of that denomination. He has always taken a deep interest in Sunday school work, has officiated as superintendent and now teaches a class in the school. He is also a member of lodge No. 737, Independent Order of Odd Fellows, at Oakwood. Mr. Wight is not a partisan, politically, in the sense of seeking office, and prides himself upon voting for the best men rather than for party alone. Mr. and Mrs. Wight have a family of three children—Susie, Alta and Florence—and the family circle is a very happy one. Mr. Wight is well and favorably known throughout this section, where he is classed as one of the progressive and successful young farmers, and recognized as a public-spirited and liberal-minded citizen, ever ready to contribute his share toward the weal of the public. OF PUTNAM COUNTY - 597 EDWARD L. WYGANT.—The development of the state of Ohio from an almost unbroken wilderness into the beautiful and fertile country that it now is, has been accomplished only by the natural enterprise, progressive spirit and ambitious perseverance of the men who invaded the uninviting forests and made for themselves and families comfortable homes. A man of these attributes is Edward L. Wygant, concerning whose genealogy and life work we now make due mention in this volume. Leroy Wygant, our subject's father, was a native of the state of New York, where he learned his trade as wheelwright and wagon-maker. When a young man he left his native state and located in Summit county, Ohio, afterward removing to Portage county, Ohio. Still later he located at Hartsburg, Putnam county. During the greater portion of his life he was employed at his trade, although later in life he engaged in the manufacture of ax handles. In politics he was an ardent republican, and from the standpoint of that party took a lively interest in public affairs. His marriage to Miss Elmira Chase, daughter of Heman Chase, was solemnized in Summit county, Ohio, and their union was blessed with the birth of six children: Lorinda A., Viola E. (wife of Valentine Yakee), Edward L., Frank E., Allison H., and John D., the last named being deceased. The father died in October, 1886, while the mother is still living. Edward L. Wygant, our subject, was born in Iowa, September 19, 1854. He was reared on a farm until he was fifteen years of age, in the meantime improving his opportunities by obtaining a common-school education. A goodly portion of his life was passed at mechanical labor, until 1887, when he took possession of the farm where he now resides. August 20, 1876, he united his destinies with those of Miss Florence J. Smart, who was born in Delaware county, Ohio, August 31, 1858. She is a daughter of M. L. Smart, who now makes his home with Mr. Wygant. The name of Smart is closely linked with the early history of Ohio, and a brief mention of Mrs. Wygant's father and grandfather is not out of place in this connection. M. L. Smart was born in Delaware county, Ohio, November 4, 1836. He married Miss Priscilla Carr, daughter of I3enjamin and Elizabeth (Crain) Carr, who was born in Delaware county, April 14, 1836. To them were born six children—Alta J., Florence J., Olive C., William F., Estelle and Leroy. Olive C. is now deceased. They always lived in Delaware and Union counties until they came to Putnam county in 1872. Mr. Smart is one of the genuine Jacksonian democrats, and he takes a decided interest in public affairs. Although possessed of only a common-school education, he is a man of keen observation, and has been called upon to fill various positions of trust and honor. His father, William Smart, was born in Franklin county, Ohio, in 1803, and was a man prominent in the early history of Ohio. His whole life was passed in the state and county of his nativity, and his name was a familiar one in that section. He was a colonel in the old militia, and at one time represented his county in the state legislature. Politically he was one of the old-time Jacksonian democrats, and was an active political partisan. In religious belief he was a Presbyterian, and a man held in high regard. He married Catherine Davids, who was born in 1803. She was the daughter of David Davids, and proved a valuable helpmate for her distinguished husband. Seven children were born to them, their names being Joseph, Isabella J., M. L., Samantha 0., Clarinda, Leroy and Frank. After the marriage of Mr. and Mrs. Wygant they settled in Hartsburg, Ohio, where 598 - BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY they lived until they came to their present place in 1887. The land comprising their fine farm was then a perfect wilderness, not a foot of the land being cleared, and covered nearly knee-deep with water. With stout hearts, however, the young couple set to work to make themselves a home. A spot was cleared away sufficiently large to erect a house thereon, and when this had been accomplished they settled down with the determination to transform the wilderness into a comfortable abiding place. That they have succeeded in the effort is plainly to be seen to-day. Of the forty acres comprising the farm thirty-seven acres are now tillable and fertile land, and the transformation has been effected entirely by their own efforts. Two daughters have been born to them, Isabella D. and Bertha 0., the first-named being deceased. Politically Mr.Wygant is a republican, and in religious affiliations his wife is a Methodist, and both are among the highly esteemed people of this township and surrounding country. DAVID WISTERMAN, in whose honor Wisterman, Putnam county, Ohio, was named, is a gentleman of general culture, refinement and wide education, who is descended from a long line of ancestors noted for the possession of similar attributes. His paternal grandfather, George J. Wisterman, was born in Wurtemberg, Germany, and in 1795 he came to America and settled near Buffalo, N. Y., where he married a Miss Brosius. He was a fine German and English scholar, and a student of Hebrew, Greek and Latin. For many years he was the leading Lutheran divine of the state of New York, and was known throughout the east as a man of scholarly attainments, being the author of several books and possessing, in addition to his classical education, a thorough training in music. George J. Wisterman, our subject's father, was born near Seneca, N. Y., in 1797, and in his youth received a liberal education, being prepared for the ministry of the Lutheran church. He was a German and Latin scholar, and early in life taught school for a time. Under the direction of Dr. Shingler he studied medicine, and in connection with his other vocations practiced the noble art of healing for many years. 1836 he came to Putnam county, Ohio, and settled in Kalida, where he built, owned and operated a tan yard. In 1846 he disposed of this and settled upon a farm he had purchased in Greensburg township, on the Blanchard river. Two years thereafter he bought the water power and grist and saw-mills five miles west of his farm, and operated the same. In 1849 he crossed the plains to California, and returning in 1852 settled down on the old place in Greensburg, where he died in January, 1853. He was an old-line whig in politics, and for a number of years acceptably filled the office of justice of the peace. He was twice married, his first wife being a Miss Pontius, by whom he had three children—Henry, Joseph and Isabella. His second marriage was to Miss Elizabeth Cigler, who was born in Carlisle, Pa., September 3o, 1817. She was the daughter of Henry and Catherine Cigler, who were also natives of Pennsylvania. Our subject's parents had eight children, as follows: Sarah, David, Eliza, Isaac, Jonas, Mary, Catherine and Susan. David Wisterman, our subject, was born in Kalida, Ohio, March 6, 1838. In his early youth his time was passed at school, in his father's office, and upon the farm. He received private instruction in Latin and later attended the college of Kenyon, where he prepared himself for the profession of teaching, paying particular attention to higher mathe- OF PUTNAM COUNTY - 601 matics. He taught twenty-eight terms of school with unqualified success — the major portion of the time in Putnam county—where lie ranked as the best instructor of the day, teaching the highest grades then in vogue and being the first teacher to give instruction in algebra in the common schools. During his pedagogical labors he always kept fully abreast a the times by pursuing a wide course of reading, and eventually gave up the profession only on account of continued ill health. For the past fifteen years he has practiced homeopathy more or less, and possesses a fine collection of works by the best medical authorities. Mr. Wisterman is a polished and highly educated man, and one with whom it is a pleasure to converse. He is a wide reader of current and scientific literature, is an enthusiastic disciple of Darwin, and takes a deep interest in educational matters. August 14, 1862, David Wisterman responded to the call of his country and enlisted in company E, One Hundred and Eleventh Ohio volunteer infantry, as musician, and was in the " foot race " after Bragg. On account of physical disability he received an honorable discharge August 27, 1863. Mr. Wisterman owns three productive farms, their acreage being respectively 141, 1 20 and eighty-three, and makes his home upon the largest one of the three. Last summer he erected a modern elevator and feed-mill which will add greatly to the welfare of this community. He believes that the people's party stands nearer the old Jacksonian principles than does any other party in existence in this country, and consequently he is a firm believer therein. He is a member of Drake post, G. A. R., at Continental, and socially is deservedly popular. Mr. Wisterman was united in marriage, March 17, 1864, to Miss Leandra Brower, daughter of Brickman and Angeline (Stalnaker) Brower. The father was a native of North Carolina, and the mother a native of Virginia, and early became identified with Putnam county, Ohio, as pioneer settlers. Brickman Brower was a leading man in the Methodist church and a strong republican. Mrs. Wisterman's paternal grandfather, Frederick Brower, was a native and resident of Randolph county, N. C., where he married Miss Nellie Staley. He was in the war of 1812, and a prominent citizen of the south. Nine children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Wisterman, of whom the eldest two are deceased. In order of birth they are named as follows: Chauncey B., Lizzie I., William H., Thomas C., Harvey M., Alexis E., Viola M., George J. and Myra M. PAUL YARGER.—Well may those of this end of the century period pay tribute of honor to the courageous men and women who deprived themselves of those elements which go to make up the creature comforts of life and those environments which contribute to personal enjoyment, for the purpose of grappling with the forest wilds and evolving therefrom fertile and productive farms, thereby contributing to the material prosperity and the substantial advancement of this greatest republic the world has ever known. Strong hearts and willing hands were typical of the sturdy pioneers of the middle west, and there is to be accorded them not only honor but gratitude for their ceaseless toil and endeavor. Paul Yarger, the subject of this review, is one of the substantial farmers of Monroe township, Putnam county, Ohio, and is honored for his integrity and for his earnest efforts in furthering the advancement of this prosperous section of the state. His grandfather, John Yarger, was born in the state of Pennsylvania and was reared there to maturity. He espoused in marriage a Miss Anker, and in 602 - BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY 1804 they identified themselves with the pioneer history of Perry county, Ohio, taking up their abode upon a tract of 160 acres, all of which was a virgin forest, and which Mr. Yarger succeeded in reclaiming and developing into a rich and productive farm. In politics he was a Jacksonian democrat and in religion he and his wife were members of the Lutheran church. They became people of prominence and influence, and during the war of 1812 Mr. Yarger showed his loyal allegiance to his native land by rendering active service in that struggle. John Yarger, the father of our subject, was born in Pennsylvania and was reared to farm life. Upon attaining maturity he was united in marriage to Christina Kiester, daughter of John Kiester, and they became the parents of the following children: Jacob, Paul, Adam, Eve, Sarah, Samuel and Isaac. The parents were married in Perry county, Ohio, and there passed the remainder of their lives, having maintained their residence upon a fine farm of eighty acres. In religion they were Lutherans, and in politics Mr. Yarger clung to the principles of his father. Paul Yarger, the immediate subject of this review, was born in Perry county, Ohio, December 9, 1831, and received his educational discipline in a primitive log school-house, such as represented the only evidence of educational institutions in that period and locality. In December, 1853, in Fairfield county, Ohio, our subject was united in marriage to Mary A. Yarger, daughter of George Yarger, and they became the parents of the following children: Adam, Eve (deceased), John, Paul, Jr., Annie, Sarah and Joseph. After residing for two years in Fairfield county Mr. Yarger removed with his family to Monroe township, Putnam county, becoming one of the pioneers of this section, and undergoing many of the trials and vicissitudes which had attended his ancestors in their efforts in the still earlier days. The date of his arrival in this county was i855, and he has seen the county transformed from a veritable wilderness into a favored and flourishing section, with well-tilled farms and attractive villages. He labored early and late, and at last realized his ambition in the reclaiming of as fine a tract of farming land as is to be found in the county. He has cleared two farms, and the area of his possessions now aggregates 224 acres. He is a man of inflexible principle and strong individuality, and well merits the position which he holds as one of the leading and honored pioneers of Monroe township. Politically he has ever been an ardent supporter of the principel and policy of the democratic party. JOHN YARNELL, a leading farmer of Palmer township, Putnam county, was born in Guernsey county, Ohio, September 9, 1854, a son of David and Mary (Lantz) Yarnell. The father, David Yarnell, of English descent, was also a native of Guernsey county, was born in 1810, and followed the vocation of a farmer all his life. He married in his native county Mary Lantz, a daughter of George Lantz, who was born September 11, 1814. David Yarnell died September 6, 1854, and in November of the same year his widow, with her infant child, who never knew his father, and her other children —Aaron, Mary A., Jonas, Sarah, Alexander, George, David and Hugh—moved to Hardin county. She lived for thirteen years a single woman, and then became the wife of William Spurr, who also died, and the mother was summoned to her long home October 1, 1893, dying at the residence of her son John, our subject, with whom she had passed the later years of her second widowhood. She was a lady of many domestic virtues, being devoted to her children and her home, and her loss, OF PUTNAM COUNTY - 603 even at her advanced age, was a deep affliction to her sorrowing offspring. It will be seen that John Yarnell, our subject, was a mere infant in arms when his widowed .mother moved to Hardin county. There he received his education in the common schools, and being an apt scholar soon attained the information necessary to carry through successfully the affairs of life. Reared under his mother's care until about fourteen years of age, he was taught all those lessons of morality which make men successful in life---for, from honesty always springs prosperity when added to industry, a virtue which our subject never lacked. After arriving at his majority he was married, November 25, 1875, to Miss Mary J. Long, who was born October 14, 1846, a daughter of Tobias and Sarah Long, the marriage resulting in the birth of one child—Ida. Mrs. Yarnell was a pious Christian and died in the faith of the German Reform church January 25, 1882, on the farm at present occupied by Mr. Yarnell. The second marriage of Mr. Yarnell was to Ophelia, (laughter of Zacharias Tobias, and this union has been blessed by the birth of four children Metta, Lloyd, Elva and Paul. At the time of his first marriage Mr. Yarnell settled on his present farm in Palmer township, Putnam county, and has brought to perfection a homestead that vies with any in the township. This farm comprises 110 acres, is improved with a modern frame dwelling and is well stocked in every particular. He makes a specialty of potatoes, to the cultivation of which edible he has the past year devoted twenty-five acres. In politics he is a republican; in religion is a member of the United Brethren church, of which he is a trustee. His wife is also a member of this church, and both are active in its work, and deeply interested in the progress of the Sunday-school. They contribute liberally of their means to the support of the denomination in which they place their faith, and live in strict accordance with its teachings. Mr. Yarnell is an advocate of good toads, good schools and good morals, and is a promoter of everything that tends to elevate the standard of the community in which he lives. He has been very successful in his undertakings, and although yet a comparatively young man, has reached a standing among the formost of the agriculturists of Palmer township. He is universally respected for his straightforward demeanor and honest expression of opinion, and few men of the township stand higher than he in the general esteem. HENRY D. YENNER, a prominent farmer and highly respected citizen of Jackson township, Putnam county, was born in Fairfield county, Ohio, December 20, 1849, and is the son of David and Francis Yenner. The father and mother were born in Wurtemberg, Germany, and were there married, but came to America and located in Fairfield county, Ohio, somc time in the early 'forties, and in 1855 removed to Putnam county, where they purchased 240 acres of land, on a part of which Henry D. Yenner, the subject of this memoir, now lives. The mother 'died in 1856 and the father six months later, two children surviving them, Henry David, and Frances, the wife of John Friend, a fanner of Jackson township. Three other children were born to them, all deceased; Mary, Christian and Fred. After the death of their parents Henry and his sister, Frances, were taken care of by J. H. Allemier, but when the brother attained the age of fourteen years he began life for himself and for three years made his home with Mr. Friend; at the expiration of that time he went to Grand Rapids, Mich., where he remained a year, and then returned to Putnam 604 - BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY county, where he worked at the carpenter trade for two years, when he was united in marriage to Mary Allemier, daughter of Frederick and Phena (Friend) Allemier. The fruit of this union was five children, as follows: Phene, born October 1o, 1876; Otto, who died at the age of five years; John, who died at the age of three years and Lena, born April 26, 1885; and Jacob, July 13, 189o. The mother, Mary (Allemier) Yenner, was born August 11, 1856, in Putnam county. Her father was a native of Germany and her mother of Pennsylvania; the father departed this life in 1862 but the mother is still living. Immediately after his marriage Henry Yenner and his young wife lived on a part of his present place, which part he has since sold, and in 1888 located where we now find him, where he has built a pleasant home and surrounded himself with the many comfortable things that go to make farm life happy and desirable. He and family are members of the Lutheran church and are esteemed as among the best ane most worthy citizens of the township. Mr. Yenner is a model American citizen politically—that is, he supports the best man, regardless of politics and party, and withal he is a public-spirited, wide-awake, thoroughgoing citizen, and the kind of neighbor and friend one wishes to possess. WILLIAM H. YOUNG, a mill owner and the postmaster at Dorninton, Putnam county, Ohio, and one of most prominent and influential of the young men of Greensburg township, was born in Vermillion, Ohio, in 1854, his parents being John W. and Margaret (Sterns) Young, the former of whom was born in Germany in 1830, a son of Henry Young, an architect and builder. About 1832 or 1833 Henry Young came to this country and located in Lorain county, Ohio, but afterward moved to Sandusky county, where he remained a while and then moved to Ottawa county, where he died. His son John, the father of the subject of our sketch, received his education in Germany before his parents emigrated to this country. He afterward taught school there and learned the trade of stone-cutter and stone-mason. Soon after coming to America with his father he married Margaret, the daughter of Daniel and Katharine Stevens, of Vermillion, Ohio, who had come from Germany to America with her parents about 183o. One son was born to them—William H., of whom this sketch is written. The wife and mother died in 1856 in the faith of the Lutheran church. Mr.Young remained single for a while and then married Margaret Hague. After this marriage he, for a while, lived at Amherst, Lorain county, and then moved to Ottawa county, where he engaged in saw-milling and the manufacture of staves. Ten years later he moved to North Creek, Putnam county, where he owns a large stave and mill plant, and is also engaged in farming. In politics he is a democrat, and has held several local offices, including that of justice of the peace for twenty years. He is a member of the Lutheran church, and socially a member of the German order of Druids. He is a prominent and public-spirited citizen. His family by his second marriage consists of twelve children: Kate, the wife of Roy Trout; Maggie, married to Harry Swartz; Annie, married to Boone Taylor, of North Creek; Delia, the wife of Globe Perry, of Wood county; Lizzie and an infant, deceased; Susie, at home; Louie, of Ironville, Ohio; Henry and Fred, of Wood county; Jacob and Andrew, still at home. William H. Young, of whom this biographical sketch is written, was given an education in the common schools at Ottawa and then attended high school at Elmore, He married OF PUTNAM COUNTY - 605 Katie Frances, who was born in Fremont, Ohio, July 8, 1865. Her father, James Frances, was a native of France, and her mother, Mary (Perney) Frances, was a native of Fremont, Ohio, but of French ancestry. After his marriage Mr. Young engaged in the saw-mill business at North Creek for awhile, and then moved to Toledo, where he was foreman of a machine shop for two years, and for three years lumber inspector. In 1889 he operated a saw-mill at Wisterman, and in 1890 at Continental. In 1891 he started his present mill and has been very successful. He is an active worker in the interest of the democracy, and he has been rewarded by being made postmaster of Dorninton. He is an active, energetic business man, a public-spirited citizen; socially he is an active member in the I. 0. 0. F. His wife is a member of the Catholic church. One little daughter, Mabel, makes bright their happy home. DR. A. M. ZEBOLD, of Palmer township, Putnam county, with his residence at Hector, is one of the most prominent physicians and surgeons of northwest Ohio, and although a resident of a few years only of Putnam county, has here attained a most enviable reputation. He was born in Fairfield county, Ohio, October 17, 1853, and is of German descent. George Zebold, grandfather of our subject, was born in Baden, Germany, February 8, 1803, and was a brother of Christian Zebold, a famous general of the German army. He married Elizabeth April, who was born August 19, 1805, and there were born to this union, in Germany, three children — John, George and Louisa, and after the coming of the family to the United States, in 1832, there were born Christian, Andrew, Daniel and Mary F. On coming to America, the grand- father located in Fairfield county, Ohio, near Basil, and engaged in work on the Hocking Valley canal, but a few years later moved to Hocking county and bought a tract of government land, at $1.25 per acre. This land was all in timber, but by strenuous exertion and unceasing industry Mr. Zebold cleared it from the forest, converted it into a productive farm, improved it to the utmost, and eventually became one of the most substantial farmers of the county. Mr. Zebold, until the opening of the late Civil war, was a democrat in his politics, but afterward became a republican. He was an active member of the German Methodist church, in the faith of which he 'died in March, 1867; his wife survived him until September, 1874, when she passed away in the faith of the German Reform church. George Zebold, Jr., son of George and Elizabeth (April) Zebold, spoken of above, was born in Germany, as stated, November 24, 1829, and was but three years of age when brought to Ohio by his parents. He received a good common-school education and learned the trade of millwright. In 1850 he married Miss Louisa Lance, who was born in Hocking county, Ohio, November 12, 1829, a daughter of Christian and Sarah Lance, natives of Pennsylvania and of German extraction. Mrs. Sarah Lance died a devout member of the Methodist church July 26, 1861, a true Christian woman and devoted mother. To George and Louisa Zebold were born four children, in the following order: Elizabeth, October 18, 1851; Abraham M., October 17, 1853; Christian, January 6, 1856—died May 9, 1888, and Samuel, born January 21, 1858. The father of this family enlisted August 3, 1861, in an Ohio infantry regiment, and gallantly served until honorably discharged August 3, 1864. He was the first man to mount the breastworks at Corinth, an act of daring for which he was very highly commended. In 1866 he took for his second 606 - BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY helpmate Louisa Simon, and this union has been blessed with five children, born in the following order: Hannibal E., November 9, 1868; Carrie B., June 3, 1870; Olona H., January 9, 1872; Francis A., December 2, 1875, and Mary A., December 3o, 1877. Mr. Zebold is politically a stanch republican, a Methodist in religion, and fraternally a member of McCoy post, C. A. R., and is also a Mason. Abraham M. Zebold, the subject proper of this memoir, passed his early years on the home farm, and at the age of twenty-one entered the Northwestern Ohio university at Ada, where he remained three years, acquiring a sound literary education. He then taught school for eight consecutive years, meeting with exceptional success. In 1881 he began the study of medicine under Dr. Davis Harderman, of Sterling Medical college, from which he graduated March 4, 1884, and located for practice in Saint Clair county, Mo., where his superior abilities were at once recognized, and after four years of remunerative practice in that county was appointed assistant physician at the Kansas State Insane asylum, which position he filled for five years with great credit to himself and to the entire satisfaction of the authorities, availing himself, in the meantime, of the opportunity for the investigation of the idiosyncrasies of the demented inmates, and storing up the results of his observations for future use. He then, in 1893, came to Hector, Putnam county, Ohio, where he has already established a lucrative practice, extending for miles into the surrounding country. The marriage of the doctor took place March 3, 1886, to Miss Annie J. Sniffen, who was born in Marietta, Ohio, September 12, 1866, a daughter of Joseph and Eliza A. (Westerman) Sniffen, the result of the congenial union being four children, viz: Mabel A., born July 8, 1887; William T., July 4, 1889; Russell W., May 28, 1893, and Cloyd Meakin. The doctor and his wife are. both members of the Methodist church, of which he is a Sunday-school superintendent, and their social standing is in the best circles of Putnam county. Politically the doctor is a republican, and fraternally he is a member of the North- western Ohio Medical society, of Osawatomie lodge, No. 264, Ancient Order of United Workmen of Kansas, and of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, lodge No. 72, of Deep Water, Henry county. Mo. The doctor keeps well abreast of the advances made by the profession, being a subscriber to most of the higher class of medical journals of the United States and to several of the more important publications of Europe. His library is well supplied with all the standard authorities up to date, and, being a close student and constant reader, he has made himself familiar with the contents of all these various volumes. But it is to his own keen powers of observation that the doctor's success is mostly due, and he would seem to be endowed with an innate aptitude for the profession which he has adopted for his life work. DANIEL ZEIGLER, a prominent and fore-handed farmer of Perry township, Putnam county, Ohio, is the son of Peter and Sarah (Fullmer) Zeigler. The father was born in Northumberland county, Pa., October 11, 1806, his father, Jacob Zeigler, being also a native of Pennsylvania. He was a carpenter by trade, and married and became the father of seven children, Peter, our subject's father, being the eldest. Peter Zeigler was reared on a farm and in the year 1827 married Sarah Fullmer, a daughter of John Fullmer, also a native of Pennsylvania and an early settler of Ashland county, Ohio. Mrs. Sarah Zeigler was born in the same state, February 1 0, 181o, and OF PUTNAM COUNTY - 607 died November 2, 1892. She was the mother of eleven children, as follows: Caroline, deceased; John, a farmer; Daniel, of this sketch; Catherine, widow.: of William Leathers; Hannah, widow of Isaac Fellows; Jacob, a farmer of Illinois; Elizabeth, widow of William Rosen-dale and later widow of Samuel Heaton; Sarah, wife of George Browneller; Peter, of Kansas; Adeline, deceased, and Emanuel, farmer. In the spring of 1834 Mr. Zeigler came to Ashland county, Ohio, and bought a tract of uncleared land, which he improved and farmed until 1852, when he moved to Wood county, Ohio, where he remained until eight years ago, when he removed to Bloomd ale and retired trom active life. He has been a successful man in many essential respects—financially he is well-to-do, and is highly esteemed by all who know him; he is liberal and public spirited, and never loses sight of the welfare and best interests of any place in which he lives. In politics he is a democrat and in religion a Lutheran. Daniel Ziegler was born in Northumberland county, Pa., July 19, 1833, remained at home until twenty-five years of. age, and on January 1, 1859, was united in tnarriage to Mary Jane Cushman, a daughter ot John and Nancy (Russell) Cushman. This marriage took place in Pennsylvania, and to them was born seven children, viz: Calvin, a tarmer of Dupont; John, born July 4, 1861, now of Dupont; Ella. born January 19, 1865, wife of Albert Thomas, an engineer of Dupont; Liberta, born in 1869, wife of Albert Neff; Corintha, wife of 0. Ladd of Dupont; Virgil, born 1871, now at home, and Lisle, born 1873, at home. The mother and wife was born in Trumbull county, Ohio, in 1835, on the loth day of February, but when twelve years of age went to Pennsylvania, where she lived until married to Mr. Zeigler. Her father was a native of Pennsylvania, and was the parent of nine children, viz: Ras. sell, of Waterville, Wood county, Ohio; David, of Michigan; Mrs. Daniel Zeigler; Squire, of Michigan; Celestia, widow of George Ward, of Michigan; Corinthia, wife of Orlando Russell, of Saint Louis, Mo., a retired lawyer; Almeda, wife of Samuel Robinson, of Philadelphia; John, a publisher, of Detroit, Mich., and Calvin, also of Michigan. Mrs. Zeigler's father died in 1852, but her mother is yet living in *Michigan; both were members of the Disciple church, and the father was an old-line whig. After his marriage Daniel Zeigler came to Wood county, Ohio, where he lived on the home place until 1862, when he moved to Paulding county, and bought a tract of land, which he partly improved; this, in 1874, he sold and came to Putnam county, where he bought forty acres of partly cleared land in Perry township, which he continued to improve and on which he built a house and barn, but in 1888 he sold this and bought his present place of 120 acres of the best-improved farming land in the township. Here he has a handsome home, surrounded with the elegancies and conveniences common to modern farm life, and when we look upon this comfortable homestead and remember that but a few years ago the owners' worldly goods were represented by one horse, it is understood what pluck and perseverance mean. He is a liberal man—both in purse and in character—broad viewed and generous—a man who makes any community richer and better for having lived in it. He is a member of the United Brethren church, but has the wide faith that there is good in other societies, and believes that a Christian is known by his deeds and not his creed. Mrs. Zeigler is a member of the Christian church, to which denomination Mr. Zeigler donates liberally. In politics he is a democrat in principle, and has held numerous offices. He is a member of the G. A. R. post, No. 93, of Dupont, having served in the late 608 - BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY war, enlisting February 10, 1865, in company H, One Hundred and Ninty-first Ohio volunteer infantry, serving until the close of the war, and receiving his discharge at Camp Chase in September, 1865. As a general farmer and breeder of fine horses, our subject stands among the first in the county. He is enterprising, honest, and liberal, a combination of qualities that rarely fails to make a good citizen. WILLIAM S. ZELLER, member of the firm of J. J. & W. S. Zeller, the leading insurance and loan firm of Ottawa, is a native of Putnam county, Ohio, born near the "old Ashenfelter mill", Blanchard township, on the 8th day of October, 1865, and a son of J. J. and Eliza A. (Ashenfelter) Zeller. Until his thirteenth year, the subject lived with his parents in the town of Gilboa, Putnam county, and then came to Otta, with the family, and has since made this city his home. He enjoyed the advantages of a good education in the Ottawa schools, graduating from the same in 1885, after which he accepted the position of deputy postmaster of Ottawa, under his father, serving in that capacity until commissioned to the railway postal service. He was the first postal clerk on the Pittsburg, Akron & Western railroad from Carey to Delphos, and after serving as such for sixteen days, was transferred to the Cincinnati, Hamilton & Dayton road, his run being from Toledo to Cincinnati. Mr. Zeller remained in the mail service for a period of two years, nine months, and thirteen days, during which time his reputation was second to that of no other clerk on the route. At the expiration of his term of service, Mr. Zeller engaged in the insurance business in Ottawa, and at this time, as already stated, is the leading insurance man in the county. Associated with him in the business is J. J. Zeller, the firm thus constituted having been organized in 1889, since which time he has been operating extensively in Putnam and counties adjoining. So encouraging has been the success of the Messrs. Zeller that, in 1894, their business was much greater than that of all other firms in the county combined. They represent at this time fifteen of the largest and most responsible fire companies in the country, give considerable attention to life and accident insurance, and have a large and lucrative business as loan agents. Mr. Zeller is one of the progressive men of Ottawa, and his success is due to his own energy and untiring industry. Politically he is a democrat, and fraternally stands high in Masonry, belonging to Ottawa lodge, No. 325, Ottawa chapter, No. 115, and Putnam council, No. 89. He is also prominently identified with the I O. O. F., and the Pythian order, in the deliberations of which he takes an active interest. Mr. Zeller was married December 17, 1890, to Miss Ella H. Musser, daughter of Henry and Ella (Hagenbaugh) Musser. Mrs. Zeller was born at Osborne, Greene county, Ohio, September 17, 1865, and is the mother of one child, Anna T. Zeller, who was born September 19, 1891. REV. CHRISTIAN ZINNERLY was born in Putnam county, Ohio, October 6, 1841, and is still a resident of his native township of Riley. He is the youngest of three children born to John and Anna (Burner) Zinnerly, both natives. of Alsace, France. The father came to America in 1831, and to Ohio in the same year, tarrying in Wayne county until about 1834, when he came to Putnam county and entered the land on which our subject now lives. The father, although a cripple, was very industrious: he was a weaver by trade, and filled in his OF PUTNAM COUNTY - 609 spare time in making wooden rakes and forks. After entering his land he began improving it, and after his marriage, which event did not take place until he was fifty years of age, he found in his wife a faithful and valuable helpmate. The three children born to this union are Peter, a farmer of Allen county, Ohio; John, of the same county and following the same calling, and Christian, our subject. Mr. Zinnerly died June 21, 1855, his wife surviving until March 23, 1894. Mrs. Anna (Burner) Zinnerly, mother of our subject, was a daughter of Nicholas Burner, who served as a soldier in the armies of the great Napoleon and died in France. His wife, Margaret, subsequently came to America and settled in Wayne county, Ohio, her family consisting of herself and three daughters—Catherine, Mary and Anna. Of these Catherine was first married to a Mr. Sutter, by whom she became the mother of seven children, and after his death she married A. Lugabill, to whom she has borne one child, Magdalena. Mrs. Margaret Burner ended her days in peace in Wayne county, highly respected by all who knew her. Rev. Christian Zinnerly, whose name opens this biography, was taught the rudiments of English in the old log school-house of his district and was reared to endure the severe training of farm life on the old homestead. At the death of his father, as above related, he became the chief aid and reliance of his mother and virtually had charge of the farm in the interest of his mother, and her children until he himself bought the right of the heirs and became sole proprietor of the place. While still a single man, Mr. Zinnerly taught school for a number of years, giving instruction" in both German and English. After his marriage, of which further mention will be made further on, he commenced preaching, in 1876, in the Swiss Mennonite church, having that year been ordained a preacher, and in 1888 was ordained an elder. Since 1872 he has had charge of various flocks and is now a bishop, his diocese comprising two churches, with three ministers and an attendance of over 1,000 communicants, supplemented with well attended Sabbath-schools. The marriage of our subject was solemnized May 26, 1870, with Miss Mary Welty, who was born in Putnam county, Ohio, November 20, 1849. The father of this lady, John Welty, was born at Berne, Switzerland, was there married to Mary Ann Garber, and then came to America, buying, a few years later, the farm on which he still lives, in Riley township, Putnam county, Ohio. He has reared a family of twelve children, viz: Frederick, John N., Abraham, Fannie, Christian, David, Mary, John, Amos, Peter, Samuel, and Anna. The mother of this family died September 29, 1892, aged seventy-four years; the father still survives, at the age of seventy-eight, and, with the children that still surround him, is a faithful member of the Mennonite church. The union of Rev. Mr. Zinnerly and wife has been blessed with the following children: Sarah, born April 1, 1871, wife of Levi Oberly, a farmer; Caroline, born July 10, 1872; Mary A., March 20, 1874; John, December 15, 1875; David, September 25, 1877; Anna, May 26, 1880; Lavina, July 18, 1882; Paulina, August 31, 1884; Arden Christian, December 5, 1886; Leonard Milton, March 6, 1889, and Horner C., September 20, 1891. Mr. Zinnerly has been very successful in his ministerial career and has brought, through his eloquence and fervid exhortations and lucid explanation of the doctrines of his church, many within its fold, who would still, were it not for him, be as lost sheep in the wilderness, and his efforts have been fully appreciated, not only by his immediate adherents, but by the public at large.