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CASS TOWNSHIP.
ADAMS, DANIEL, pioneer, farmer and stock-nicer, was born in Bedford Co., Penn., March 10, 1824; his father and mother, with their family of seven children, came to Ohio about 1828, and settled in Wayne Co., when they lived about ten years, and then moved to Blooming Grove Township ; they settled in the woods. The subject of this sketch remained at home until he was married, and then moved to Huron Co., where he stayed two years ; he then came to Cass Township, and moved on s farm near Planktown, where he lived two years ; he then moved to Planktown, where be lived one year, and then moved to where they now reside, in the spring of 1855 ; his parents had nine children, five of whom are living. He was married to Miss Sarah A. Nelson Feb. 21, 1850; she was born in Perry Co., Penn., Aug. 22, 1822; her mother died in April, 1829; her father then left Pennsylvania with a family of five small children, and came by wagon to the then new country of Ohio ; he came to where Shelby now stands, at which time there was no town there. He married there during the winter, and, in the spring, he moved to Blooming Grove Township, where he died in 1866; his children are all living but one. Mr. and Mrs. Adams have five children, all of whom are living; Catherine J. married to E. B. Rose ; Annie Mary, married George O. Dickinson; Elizabeth, Sarah Alice and Charles Ellsworth are at home.
BACKENSTO, HENRY, pioneer and retired farmer, was born in Dauphin Co., Penn., Oct. 31, 1825; his father came to Ohio about the year 1830; brought his family by wagon, and settled in Franklin Township, Richland Co., where he remained until he died in 1851. Henry was the fourth of eight children; he received his education in the subscription schools of the county ; at 16 years of age, be took charge of a thrashing machine, which he followed for six years ; his father gave him an 80 acre tract of land, which was covered with timber; he built a cabin on it, and moved into it in the fall of 1847; he in a few years purchased several other tracts ; bought a tract of land near Shiloh, and then sold his farm in Blooming Grove Township; in the year 1863, be moved to Shiloh, where he now liven; in 1873, he built a brick block in Shiloh, which he still owns. He came of a thrifty stock of Pennsylvania farmers; when he paid for his dwelling where he now resides, he had $15, which he earned when a boy between 8 and 12 years of age, making broom-handles and whipstocks. He was married to Miss Sarah Clayburg Oct. 28, 1847; they have nine children, four of whom are living.
BEELMAN, CHRISTIAN, retired farmer; he was born in Cumberland Co., Penn., Dec. 10, 1806; his parents belonged to the class of thrifty people known as the Pennsylvania Germans. He spent his boyhood days on the farm; at 21 he went to learn the trade of carpenter with George Beelman, of Pennsylvania; after learning the trade, be worked at it while he remained in Pennsylvania. Was married to Fannie Beelman in April, 1831; had three children ; John A, Beelman and Eliza Ann are still living; his wife died in Pennsylvania ; he, with a number of Lis friends aad rata. lives, viz.: John Beelman and his three sons ; George Beelman, wife and two children and Joseph, his brother ; Andrew Shelby and his wife, Mrs. Rebecca Shelby, and two daughters, started in the year 1836 far Ohio ; they embarked in wagons for the wilds of the new country, coming via Pittsburgh, and crossing the Ohio River at Steubenville: the journey was by way of Massillon, Canton, Wooster and Mansfield, thence to Bucyrus; stayed three weeks, but not liking the county, they left. John Beelman purchasing a tract of land in Huron Ca., north of Plymouth, where they settled; he still follows his trade ; worked in Plymouth, where he lived about eleven years ; in the year 1846, be purchased the farm he now lives on, and, in 1848, moved to it; he had the usual experience of those who purchase in a new country ; he built the present buildings, and otherwise improved the farm until now it is under a high state of cultivation, and a comfortable place to enjoy the remaining days of his declining
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years. He was married a second time, to Sarah Sheely, in June, 1837, who had six children, viz.: Rebecca J. Beelman, living at home; Henry A. Beelman, now in Michigan ; Ann A., married to William Douglas, lives in Shiloh; Emma A., married to La Fayette Davis, lives at home; Charles and Edward, in Michigan. Mrs. Rebecca Sheely, mother of Mrs. Beelman, now lives will her daughter; she was 85 years old Nov. 18, 1879.
BEVIER, LEWIS, farmer and stock-raiser; he was born in Richland Co., Ohio, Jan. 31 , 1825; his father, Andries Bevier, came from Cayuga Co., N. Y., town of Owasco, in the year 1824, and settled on the farm on which his son now lives; the farm at the time was but little improved, having about 10 acres cleared. The subject of this sketch spent his young days on the farm with his father, and, after his father's death, which was in February, 1846, he and his brother, Jeremiah E. Bevier, took the farm and kept the family together on the old homestead; he bought out the heirs as they became of age; he came in full possession of the farm in the fall of 1858, and has put the principal part of the buildings on the farm and has it under a good state of cultivation. His father came to Ohio with his family in a two-horse wagon, and endured all the hardships of a new country; had to go many miles to market, but by industry and economy he succeeded in making for himself and family s comfortable home. Lewis was married to Miss Amanda Cordon Jan. 18, 1859; they have had four children, three of whom are living and one dead; John P. was born Aug. 24, 1860; Annie Annette, June 21, 1862; Fredric Lewis, Oct. 2, 1864.
BRIGGS, MARIA, widow of William Briggs, was born in Lincolnshire, England, Oct. 2, 1829, and emigrated to America in 1849. Was married to William Briggs March 23, 1854. William Briggs was born in Lincolnshire, England, March 31, 1823, and emigrated to America with his father, he coming while William was young; settled in Richland Co., Plymouth, now Cass Township, and was one of the pioneers. William Briggs died May 22, 1868; had one child-William R. Briggs, born June 2, 1863. The subject of this sketch deserves much praise, as she has taken care of the farm and raised her boy almost to manhood and has been successful to a marked degree.
BUSHEY, JACOB, farmer and stock raiser; he was born in Cumberland Co., Penn., Oct. 6, 1824, and came to Ohio with his father, who emigrated with his family in 1835; he remained with his father helping him to clear up the farm and he was 16 years of age when he learned the carpenter trade with his father and worked at it most of the time for nineteen years, and then worked at the saw-mill business some nine years: he sold out to his partner, S. Wentz; he bought the farm he now lives on in 1860; moved to it the following year; remained nine years, then moved to London: lived there eight years, following his trade, and again, in 1878, he moved on the farm where he now lives. Was married to Miss Elizabeth Fireoved Nov. 25, 1845; they have nine children, all of whom are living, showing that they have inherited the sound constitution of their parents; in fact, it is remarkable to see a family of so many and all living and enjoying excellent health.
CRAWFORD, T. C. J. & CO. (Taylor Crawford, John Crawford and Porter Crawford), millers and proprietors of Shiloh Steam Flouring, Saw and Planing Mills, were born in Huron Co., Ohio; they moved to Richland Co., Ohio, when they were boys; they were all raised on a farm and received their education in the common schools of the county. Taylor Crawford was born Nov. 28, 1846; John Crawford, Sept. 19, 1848; Porter Crawford, Dec. 20, 1853. Taylor and his brother John, seeing an opening for a flouring-mill in Shiloh, purchased the ground and built the present mill in the fall of 1872; they carried it on for ten years; they then traded it for land in Huron Co.; they purchased the saw-mill at Shiloh and removed it to the flouring-mill furnishing power for the mill; in the mean time they took in their brother Porter as partner; in the fall of 1878, they purchased the flouring-mill, since which time they have been doing business under the firm name of T. & J. Crawford & Co.
CLOWES, JOHN Q. A., M. D.; born in Allegheny Co., Penn., May 18, 1845. His mother was of Irish and his father of French extraction. He spent his boyhood days with his father in the cabinet-shop, going to school in the winter, and reading medicine and phrenology at intervals, and often gave lectures to his school companions on the science of the mind; his father and mother dying when he was about 17 years old, he then devoted his entire time to the study of the "healing art," first with B. F. Reynolds, M. D., of Harmarville, Penn., they with Dr. G. F. Jacoby, Jr., of Pittsburgh, Penn., attending the St. Franciscus Hospital, and did all the dispensing of the hospital and Dr. Jacoby's private practice, and often, as the Doctor said won laurels for himself in dispensing physic; in the fall of 1867, he attended his first course of lectures at the Philadelphia University of Medicine and Surgery ; the following spring of 1868, he returned from Philadelphia to the city of Pittsburgh, and resumed the study of medicine with Dr. Jacoby, and again, in the following fall, he returned to Philadelphia and attended the second course of lectures, and graduated on the 23d of February, 1869; he also, while attending lectures, was a constant attendant at the Blockley Hospital, of West Philadelphia, and the Pennsylvania Hospital Clinics; after graduating, he returned to his former home at Harmarville, and retrained until June, 1869; got the Western emigration fever, and went West as far as Bloomington, Ill., and stopped a few days at Normal, Ill.; but not being impressed with the idea of success, considering the climate of Illinois, he returned East to Ohio, landing in the city of Mansfield on the morning of the 3d of July, 1869; started on foot for the north part of the county, stopping frequently at farmers' houses, making inquiries what the prospect would be for a harvest hand, but, taking his dimensions and his general appearance, the farmer's reply would invariably be, " We don't want hands at the present;" that evening found him at the hotel at Olivesburg, supper ordered and lodging for the night; next morning, walked to Rome, Ohio, and Toasted there for six months, and became discouraged at not making more than a living practice ; he sought a new field in the eastern ', part of this State ; dissatisfied with the prospects, returned to Rome, and thence to Dunkirk, Ohio; worse
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than dissatisfied, returned again to Rome, Ohio. He finally took the advice of Mr. Amon Chew, Sr., after the fashion of the old legend
"Stick to your farm and you'll suffer no loss;
For a stone that keeps rolling will gather no moss:'
This advice was taken as from one whom he respected as a man and a father, and from 1870 to 1874 he had a successful career as a country practitioner of medicine. In the mean time, Feb. 22, 1871, he was married to Miss Mary Helen Van Horn, of Rome, Ohio, to whom were born twins, Estella and Rosella, Aug. 3, 1872, and on Jan. 9, 1874, another daughter, Nellie Florence Clowes, was born. Dr. Clowes' biography would be incomplete without mentioning, in connection with his medical career, the organization of the Clear Grits, in Rome, Ohio, a society whose object was the promotion of the temperance cause; he being one of eight in number who first organized that society, he received the appellation of one of the "eight. bummers," " John, the Doctor," etc., and only through a written prescription on parchment from him was any member allowed to drink intoxicating liquors ; in this connection, a joint-stock company was organized, and commenced the publication of a weekly newspaper at Rome, Ohio, called the Ohio Clear Grit; the publication of this newspaper was removed to Shiloh, Ohio, and in 1874, the Doctor also removed to Shiloh and started the Shiloh Review, with W. H. Gilmore and H. R. Clowes, his brother, as senior editors. He sold out his interest in the newspaper business, and is giving his undivided attention to the practice of medicine, making a specialty of chronic diseases.
DELANEY, JACOB, farmer and stock-raiser; he was born is Perry Co., Penn., Jan. 20, 1821; his tether came to Ohio about 1828; the subject of this sketch attended the schools of the county, but, as the county was new his advantages for education were limited ; he was put to work while young, learning the carpenter's trade with James Crawford, working at this business for nineteen years; he purchased his present farm in 1848, where he has since resided ; he started in the world without a dollar, and, by economy and industry, has a beautiful home, with the comforts of life. Mr. Delaney was married to Miss Sarah Crawford Jan. 4, 1843 ; they have had seven children, six living. Mrs. Delaney died March 18, 1876 ; his son Merit died June 6, 1876 ; he was a bright and promising young man. Mr. Delaney is now married to Mrs. Ellen Jane Douglass.
DELANCY, MARY, MRS,, widow of Francis Delaney and pioneer, was born in Chester Co., Penn., Aug. 18, 1793; when she was about one year old, her parents moved to Perry Co., Penn. She was married in 1810, and remained in Pennsylvania until 1828, when she with her husband and family came to Ohio ; they were two years in Jackson Township ; they then removed to where she now lives; this was about 1831. She lives with her son, Peter Delaney ; she is active, for such an old lady ; she is one of the oldest residents of the township; she has had nine children, seven of whom are living, the youngest being 51 years of age.
DICK, JOSIAH, farmer and stock-raiser; be was born in Bedford Co., Penn., in October, 1822; his father, George Dick, Sr., emigrated from Pennsylvania when Josiah was about years old ; his father belonged to that class known as Pennsylvania Germans, who are thrifty and economical, and his son has inherited that characteristic to a large degree ; he lived at home, helping his father, until he was 31 yearn of age. In the mean time he married Miss Elizabeth Swartz, April 29, 1847. He left his father's farm and rented one for himself, clearing it up for the wood ; lived on this farm seven years and made some money, with which he purchased the farm he lives on, and set to work to clear up and ditch it and extensively improve it; being successful, he, after a few years purchased a portion of the adjoining farm, known as the Forbot farm, and, some years after, purchased the balance of the same farm; he improved it and put it under good cultivation, and raised excellent crops of grain on it he was soon enabled to purchase another tract, and now he has some 649 acres of improved land in Richland Co., beside a one-half interest in a farm in Minnesota; he still carries on farming quite extensively in Cass Township. Thus starting in life poor, having for his capital perseverance and industry, he has acquired a handsome fortune and is one of the solid men of the county; his family of seven children are all living,
DICK, GEORGE, Sr., farmer; was born in Bedford Co., Penn., Oct. 10, 1796. On the 20th day of March, 1820, he was married to Miss Sarah Nichols, of Bedford Co., Penn., who was born in June, 1797 ; in the fall of 1827, they immigrated to Stark Co., Ohio, where they remained eighteen months, from which place they moved to Wayne Co., Ohio, where they lived three years, and from there they came to their present home, where they have lived forty-eight years ; on the 20th day of March, 1880, their offspring celebrated the sixtieth anniversary of their wedded life; there were born to these parents eleven children, seven sons and four daughters ; there are living six sons and one daughter; the living are-Josiah (Cass Township), farmer; Harman, Superintendent of Construction on the C., C., C. & I. Railroad ; Lew, a farmer (Cass Township) ; George, a farmer, in Jackson Township; David, a farmer, in Hancock Co., Ohio, and Hiram, at home; Jacob is dead ; the daughters, Eliza is the wife of William Boyd, and living in Seneca Co., Ohio; Sarah, Mary and Susan are dead ; there were present at the anniversary, children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren, including sons-in-law and daughters-in-law, Mr, and Mrs. Dick commenced poor in the world, but, by honest industry, they succeeded in life; they implanted the same principles of honesty and industry in the lives of their children, so that they have all succeeded, and of whom it is often said: "They are a remarkable family."
DICK, LEVI, farmer and stock-raiser; he was born July 3, 1826, in Bedford Co., Penn.; he came of that industrious class of people known as Pennsylvania Germans; his father moved to Ohio when the subject of this notice was young; he remained at home, working on the farm, until he was 21 years of age; he then began the carpenter trade, at which he worked about four years ; he then again went to farming, and in October, 1852, purchased the farm on which he now resides, depending entirely on his own exertions to pay
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for it; he has acquired a handsome competence, and has a pleasant home ; he has the esteem and confidence of his neighbors, and exerts a large influence in the affairs of the community ; he is unassuming in his manners, and is kind and affable to all with whom be comes in contact. He was married to Miss Catherine Ann Swartz Sept. 27, 1849; they had six children, three of whom are living-Mary Jane (living at home), Sarah Ellen (married to D. Malone), and Belle (lives at home). There is now on the farm of Mr. Dick an apple-tree planted by "Johnny Appleseed." It is now seven feet and eight inches in circumference.
FICHES, WESLEY, farmer and stock-raiser; he was born in Wayne, Co., Ohio, May 4, 1834 ; his father, Samuel Fickes, moved from Wayne Co. and settled in Weller Township, Richland Co., where he now lives The subject of this sketch is the second of five children, his sister, the oldest, being dead; the others are living ; being the oldest boy, it naturally fell upon him to help his father on the farm and such work as is usual in a new country; he moved to the farm on which he now lives in 1858, his father then owning it; he purchased it in 1867 ; the present buildings were erected in 1861, and are beautifully located near the township road ; his farm is well improved, and bears the marks of care and good cultivation ; the farm was entered in 1816 by Joseph Holmes, who sold it to Samuel Carothers, who sold it to Lewis Lybarger, and he to Samuel Fickes. His parents were of German descent, and he has the characteristics of that class of industrious people; honorable in his dealings with his fellow-man, he has the respect of his neighbors and acquaintances, exerting a large influence is his vicinity ; he received a common-school education, and is intelligent, having quite a library. He married Miss Sarah Miller; they have two children-Boyd W., born Oct. 13, 1859 ; Austin I. J., born Oct. 29, 1862; they are both bright, intelligent boys, and promise to be useful and influential men.
FIREOVED, SOLOMON, pioneer and retired farmer; he was born in Lebanon Co., Penn., March 16, 1791; his father came from Prussia; his mother was an American ; when he was about 3 years old, his father left Lebanon and moved to Cumberland Co., Penn., settling near Carlisle; at 16 years of age, he went to Carlisle to learn the trade of harness - making with Joseph Egolf; he stayed two years and a half, and returned to the farm; he remained about a year and a half. In the year 1811, he was married to Miss Catharine Swartz; they had two children-George and Isaac. His wife dying, he enlisted, March, 1814, in Carlisle, Penn., in Capt. George Hendel's company, 86th Rifles; soon after, he left Carlisle and marched to Pittsburgh, Penn., via the old stage route, across the Alleghenies; the snow was quite deep on the mountain, and the march was very tedious; from Pittsburgh, they marched by way of Erie, Penn.; crossed the Niagara River at "Black Rock," July 6, 1814, and was in the battle of Chippewa the same day ; he was in the battle of Lundy's Lane July 25, 1814; he was wounded at the close of the fight by a buckshot, and, on the following day, was taken to Buffalo, to the hospital, where he remained until Aug 26, 1814, when he was discharged. After returning from the army, he followed his trade for several years, and then went to farming. His second wife was Elizabeth Haak, of Cumberland Co., Penn.: they had nine children, five of whom are dead. In 1837, he left his native State for Ohio, and settled in Cass Township, Richland Co., where he farmed for a number of years, on the farm on which his son John now lives. In 1846, he went to London, Cass Township, where his wife died Oct, 4, 1860. He is a remarkable men for his age has had an excellent constitution and has always been temperate in his habits, so that he is now hale and hearty, and can walk to Shelby, a distance of three miles, and return, with apparent ease; he is the oldest man in the township; he is spending his days with his son-in-law, Jacob Bushey.
FIREOVED, ELIZA ANN, MRS., widow of Levi Fireoved; her maiden name was Eliza Ann Bucher; she was born in Dauphin Co., Penn., March 8, 1828 ; her father, Peter Bucher, moved from Pennsylvania in 1829, and settled in Richland Co., where Eliza spent her childhood, with her parents, until she was married to Levi Fireoved, Dec. 21, 1848 ; they had seven children-Solomon P. Fireoved, born Sept. 15, 1850 ; John Albert, June 7, 1853; William Henry, March 6, 1856 ; Amos Franklin, Dec. 16, 1858 ; Levi Orin, July 14, 1860; two infants, born and died shortly after ward ; Solomon F. Fireoved, died Aug. 5, 1862. Her husband, Levi Fireoved, died June 18, 1863; Amos Franklin Fireoved, died June 27, 1863; she has thus tasted her cup of sorrow, but has the consolation of the remaining children; her son Levi Orrin is the only son at home.
FIREOVED, JOHN, farmer and stock-raiser; he was born in Cumberland Co., Penn., Oct. 26, 1824; his father, Solomon Fireoved, removed from Pennsylvania in the year 1838, to Richland Co., Ohio; he came with him; he remained at home on the farm until he was 21 years of age. He was married, Dec. 24, 1845, to Miss Mary Wentz, a daughter of Henry Wentz; they have seven children, all living-Levi Fireoved, born Sept. 6, 1840 (is an engineer and resides at Crestline, Ohio); Hannah C., born March 6, 1849 (is married to Daniel Sanders, and resides in Ft. Wayne, Ind.); Solomon H., born May 1, 1852 (lives in Cass Township); Mary E., born Aug 14, 1854 ; Sarah A., born July 31, 1856, and Samantha J., born May 22, 1858.
GILMORE, W. H., cider manufacturer; be was born in Juniata Co., Penn., June 7, 1841; his parents removed from Pennsylvania in April, 1844, and arrived in Planktown May 1 of the same year, then to Blooming Grove, where they lived until the fall of the same year; moved to Butler Township and purchased a farm in the woods. They cleared it up and lived there some six years, then sold and moved to Blooming Grove Township, where they remained six months. In the mean time, they purchased the farm in Butler known as the "Chapman farm;' and moved on it April 21, 1851. The subject of this sketch remained on the farm until December, 1869 ; he took charge of the farm at an early age, and in connection with the farm he commenced the manufacture of cider in 1861. He removed to Shiloh in 1869, and in connection with his other business be dealt in hay for two seasons, after which he attended exclusively to the cider business. About
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the 1st February, 1875, he bought the Shiloh Times, then published in Shelby, from Hon. S. S. Bloom, and took in as partners Dr. Clowes and Bro., at which time the Clear Grit and Time were consolidated, and out of which grew the Shiloh Review. They ran together under the firm name of W. H. Gilmore & Co., about one year and a half. He then purchased the interest of the Clowes Bros., and published it, as editor, until April, 1878. He then sold one-half interest. He repurchased it Dec. 1, and was editor and proprietor until March, 1879, when he sold the paper to J. C. Higgins, and gave his attention to his other business. He controls the stock yards of Shiloh, and is also land and excursion agent for the Kansas Pacific Railroad. He is what might be called a self-made man. Starting in the world without material help, he has by industry and strict adherence to business principles acquired for himself a good business. He is a man of keen business tact. He is liberal in his views, and takes hold of any enterprise which will add to the interest of the community in which he lives. He was married to Miss Margaret E. Hammond May 11, 1869. They have one child, a bright, promising boy, who was born Jan. 9, 187 3.
GUTHRIE, N. S., retired farmer and pioneer; was born March 8, 1816, in Harrison Co., Ohio. His father, William Guthrie, came to Richland Co., Sept. 25, 1816, with his family of eight children. He settled in Blooming Grove Township when there were five families there, where he had entered two quarter-sections of land. He built a cabin, and his wife and three oldest boys then helped him to clear one acre of land, and put it in wheat, which they did. They had no fodder for the cattle. They subsisted on browse. His family was compelled to live on corn that had been frosted, which the cattle refused to eat. The meat they had was game. The first thing that he (N. S. Guthrie) recollects of doing was to gather some basswood-leaves for his mother to make a Dutch oven lid. During the winter of 1825-28, he went to school barefooted. His first book was made out of a shingle, with the alphabet on one side and words of two letters on the other. He was engaged in farming until he moved to Shiloh, Dec. 16, 1875, where he now resides. He was married to Miss Sarah Turbett April 30, 1840. They had twelve children, nine living, viz. : Oliver T., born Aug. 10, 1844 ; Ransom F., Oct. 22,1845 ; Artimissa, March 27, 1847; Arkinson B., Aug. 14, 1848 ; Aberson, Dec. 27, 1849 ; Lucilia, June 23, 1851 ; Rebecca A., April 16, 1856; Emma J. April 23, 1858; Frank D., Jan. 23, 1863.
GUTHRIE, JAMES, grape and small-fruit grower, was born in Richland Co., Ohio, May 31, 1842 ; he spent his boyhood on his father's farm, attending the common schools of the district. He enlisted Sept. 7, 1861, in Co. I, 15th O. V. I, and served with the Army of the Cumberland, being in twenty-seven battles, besides a cumber of minor engagements ; he was taken prisoner by John Morgan, at Stone River, Tenn., and was paroled on the field; he came home, but returned again about the 1st of April, although he need not have done so, as there was no exchange of prisoners, but wished rather to be in active service then he subject to a camp life at Camp Chase; returned to Murfreesboro, but was sent back on account of not being exchanged ; he remained at home about one month, and again returned to his regiment at Murfreesboro and participated in all the engagements, never missing duty; he was discharged at the expiration of enlistment; returned and rented his father's farm; farmed eight years ant then bought a tract of land near Shiloh, where he now resides; he put on improvements, building a comfortable dwelling; planted a vineyard of 1350 vines, which are now in fine bearing condition, besides some 600 vines of recent planting; his farm bears marks of good cultivation and careful attention. His neighbors, irrespective of party, have kept hint in offices of trust for the township for eleven years, thus showing that he is a man who has the confidence of the people: he is now one of the Trustees of Shiloh Select School. He was married Dec. 14, 1866, to Miss Susan Ehret; had three children-Amanda Ann; Carrie A., born July 4, 1871 ; her twin brother, John, died Oct. 4, 1871.
HENCH, SAMUEL, merchant, was born in Perry Co., Penn., Aug., 14, 1813 ; his father died when Samuel was but a few years old, and the raising of the family devolved upon his mother, who was compelled to put the children out: his mother bound him to John Bull, of Perry Co., Penn. for five years, to work on a farm; he had but limited advantages to attend school: he was indentured to Jacob Iches, of Perry Co., three years, to learn the milling trade; he followed milling at different places for twenty-five years; he was appointed Postmaster at Roseburg, Perry Co., Penn., by W. T. Barry, Postmaster General, May 24, 1834: he served three years; he came to Ohio in the fall of 1849 and settled in Richland Co., Ohio; he moved to Shiloh in the spring of 1861; he was appointed Postmaster March 22, 1864, by Mr. Blair, Postmaster General, and served very acceptably far thirteen years and six months. He was married to Miss Eliza Delancy, of Perry Co., Penn., Aug. 14, 1833; they had one son Peter, born Sept. 26, 1834.
HENRY, CYRUS, pioneer, farmer and stock-raiser; be was born Dec. 18, 1812, in Stark Co., Ohio; he is of German extraction ; his parents came to Richland Co., about 1828, and settled near where the subject of this sketch now resides. When about 19 years of age, he went to learn the shoemaking trade at Mansfield, where he remained about four years ; he again returned to where he now lives, and has been farming and working at his trade ever since. His parents being poor, he was thrown entirely upon his own resources ; he started in the world without a dollar, but by dint of hard labor and economy, he was enabled to buy the farm on which he lives; at the time be purchased it, it was covered with timber ; he has succeeded in making for himself a pleasant and comfortable home. He was married to Miss Adaline Ensign, March 14, 1833; they had ten children, seven now living ; his wife died March 21, 1874. He was again married, to Mrs. Abbie Gregg, Feb. 24, 1876; they had one child. He has the esteem of his neighbors, and is looked upon as a man of strict integrity.
HERSHISER, JOHN, pioneer; he was born in Bedford Co., Penn., Oct. 30, 1791, and is the second oldest man in Case Township. He came to Ohio in 1829, and
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settled on the farm where he now lives ; his farm at that time was almost entirely covered with forest., but, bringing with him the sturdy industry of his native State, he soon had considerable cleared, and under cultivation. He is one of those quiet men who exert an influence in the community in which they live. He was elected Justice of the Peace, and served for twelve years; he was solicited to serve longer but declined to do so, as the interest of his farm required his attention. During the time he was Justice of the Peace, he married forty-two couples. He was married to Miss Elizabeth May, Sept. 14, 1813; they had eight children, seven of whom are living. His children are well to do; his sons being farmers, except John, who is a carpenter. He has survived his wife many years; she died in September, 1855; he lives with his son, Leonard May Hershiser, on the old farm, and is passing the closing days of his life with that serenity which follows a well-spent youth.
HIGGINS, JOHN C., editor of the Shiloh Review; was born in Wayne Co., July 28, 1854. He learned printing in Orrville, Ohio, and worked as a journeyman on many of the leading papers of the State. Since his taking charge of the Review, he has increased its circulation- and made it a welcome visitor to the households of the patrons; he has brought up the paper is tone, and made it one of the leading weeklies of the county.
HUNTER, ELIZA, MRS., widow of John B. Hunter, was born in Onondaga Co., N. Y., Oct. 2, 1812 ; her maiden name was Ellis; she spent her youth on her father's farm ; she was married Oct. 9, 1831; they have three children, all living ; her husband died in August, 1836 ; she was therefore left alone with three small children, for whom she had to provide but being a woman of excellent health, she managed to provide plentifully for them ; she remained in New York after her husband's death, until 1844, when she came to Ohio, being accompanied by her brother, Sydney Ellis, and settled in Greenwich Township, Huron Co., where she shortly afterward purchased 10 acres of land; not getting possession of the little land for several months, she in the mean time worked for her neighbors at whatever she could find to do ; after she moved into her home, she followed weaving for many years, and as there was plenty of work, she wove during the day, and in the evening did her housework; she thus succeeded in making a comfortable living for herself and children. She with her family, went to Kansas, in 1857, and preempted land and returned to Kansas City, Mo., and engaged in hotel-keeping for two years; thence to Leavenworth, Kan., where she kept hotel one year. She returned to Ohio about 1860, and moved to Shiloh in 1869, where she in now living with her daughter, Mrs. Thorp, enjoying good health.
HUNTER, S. S., foreman and manager of Breneman's dry-goods and clothing store, Shiloh. He was born in Onondaga Co., N. Y., Feb. 10, 1834 ; about the age of 16 years, he went to work at the carpenter trade and remained at that about six years; he then went to Kansas City, Mo., and was engaged in a hotel about two years and a half ; he then resumed his trade for a short time in Missouri; he went to New Orleans and worked at his trade for about six months; thence to Copiah Co., Miss., where he stayed about two years, engaged in contracting and building; he left Mississippi for Ohio, March 4, 1861; after arriving in Ohio he followed his trade up to the close of the war; he then farmed for three years, after which be removed to Shiloh, and took charge of the grocery and provision store of John Breneman ; he was out of business for one year, after which time be took charge of the present business. He was married to Miss Julana C. Breneman Dec. 29, 1864; they have six children, five boys and one girl, all living.
HUSTON, TRACY, MRS., widow of Jesse Huston; she was born in Adams Co., Penn., March 4, 1811; her maiden name was Tracy Miller; she came of Pennsylvania German parentage, and inherits the characteristics of that people; she came to Ohio with her first husband, Adam Louck, about 1839; they lived one year in Stark Co.; they then came to Richland Co., where Mr. Louck died, in 1848; she was again married to John Clay, and removed to Ashland Co., where she remained five years; Mr. Clay dying, she was again n married to Jesse Huston, with whom she lived until he wan killed by a horse running away with him in Shiloh in April, 1879 ; having no children, she took Isaac Hollenback (who now lives on her farm), when he was about two months old. He taught school for twelve terms, and is highly respected by the community, thus showing he was instructed well in his youth.
LONG, DAVID, an early pioneer and retired farmer; was born in Knox Co., Ohio, Nov. 29, 1811. When he was 4 years old, his father, John Long, name to Richland Co. and settled where Richland (better known as Planktown) is now, about 1815; at that time there were no neighbors nearer than three miles, and the next nearest were five miles; he entered the land and built the first log cabin in the upper end of the township; he formerly came from York Co., Penn.; the first school taught in the township was in the log cabin which was built by Mr. John Long, when he had settled in the county; he died in 1842, aged about 77 years. David Long, the subject of this sketch, remained at home until he was about 20 years of age, and then went to farming near Richland; farmed for several years, and then moved to where he now resides-this was about the year 1839-where he has since remained; he was the ninth child of a family of ten children; he has seen two generations pass away, and has experienced the hardships of an early pioneer life. He joined the Methodist Church at an early age, and has been a consistent member of that denomination ever since, taking a lively interest in the work. There are six of the family still living-David Long, aged 68 ; twin sister, 68 ; W. W. Long, 71; Mrs. Murry, 74 ; Mary Wooly, 83; Hugh Long, 84. David Long was married to Miss Emily Rose Oct. 13, 1886; they had four children; his wife died Nov. 4, 1870.
LYBARGER, LEWIS, pioneer, farmer and stock-raiser; was born in Bedford Co., Penn., April 19, 1819. His father removed from Pennsylvania with his family, which consisted of himself and wife and five children, leaving one in Pennsylvania, who was married; this was in 1830 ; he went to Knox Co., Ohio, and remained eighteen months, and then came to Richland Co. and settled in Case Township-then Plymouth and purchased a quarter-section of land, covered
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with timber; he was therefore compelled to commence as an early settler; he lived and died where he first settled. The subject of this sketch lived on his father's farm and worked it until he purchased the farm on which be now resides, January, 1856; he built the buildings which are now on the farm; he is a man of quiet demeanor, and has the respect of the community in which he lives. He was married to Miss Margaret Walkup Feb. 24, 1842; they have ten children-Andrew, born Dec. 10, 1842; Valentine, Jan. l9, 1845; Oliver, Jan. 3, 1847; Barton E., Sept. 8, 1851; Lydia J., Dec. 13, 1853; Esther Belle, March 8, 1856; Harrispn, Sept. 7, 1858. Margaret Walkup, wife of Lewis Lybarger, was born Dec. 10, 1818, in Richland Co., Ohio; her father entered the farm on which they now live; at that time the Indiana were numerous, and they frequently visited her father's house; they often exchanged game for corn-meal, etc.; Mrs. Lybarger remembers very well when the Indians left Ganges; she was attending school, and remembers seeing thorn go by on their way West; Mrs. Lybarger relates that one of the Indiana expressed a desire to live with her father, Mr. Walkup, and learn farming; he would hold the plow while Mr. Walkup would drive, but when the sun would shine very warm be would soon leave for the woods.
McCARRON, FREDERICK, blacksmith; be was born in Colombians Co., Ohio, Sept. 22, 1841; his parents moved to Knox Co., Ohio, when be was young, and he spent his boyhood on the farm; about the age of 18 years, he went to learn the trade of blacksmith, at Shenandoah, this county; he worked at that about two years and a half, and then returned to Knox Co., where he stayed about one year and a half; he then returned to this county and remained about one year. He enlisted in the spring of 1864, in Co. K, 126th O. V. I., for three years; he was in the battles of the Wilderness, Cold Harbor, Spottsylvania, Fairfax Court House and in front of Petersburg, and with the army until the surrender of Lee ; he was discharged at Columbus, Ohio ; he was hurt on his way home from the army by being knocked off the cars by a bridge; this was at Wheeling, W. Va.; be suffers from this accident very much, occasionally, as it was a contusion of the head. When he returned home, he went to farming ; he after some time, worked at his trade in Morrow Co.; moved thence to Shiloh, is 1871, where he has since remained. He was married to Miss Percilla Hunter Nov. 28, 1865; they have six children, four living-three boys and one girl.
MILLER, SAMUEL, farmer; was born is Blooming Grove Township Dec. 16, 1842 ; his father, Samuel Miller, immigrated to Ohio from Cumberland Co., Penn., in August, 1839; be settled in Blooming Grove Township, where he remained twenty-one years, and then came to Cass Township in September, 1862. He was born in 1808, and was married to Miss Catherine Shaffer, who was born in 1811; they had thirteen children, six sons and seven daughters; those living are John, farmer, lives in Blooming Grove; Mary Ann, married to Milton White, and lives in Butler Township; Samuel Miller, the subject of this notice, was married to Sarah A. Wentz April 22, 1875; Chester C., born July 30,1876; Harry Blaine, born March 10,1880; Catherine, married to Charles Moore, farmer, and lives in St. Clair Co., Mo.; Diannah, married Levi S. Wentz, farmer, and liven in Cass Township; Elizabeth J., married Solomon Fireoved, lives in Cass Township; Henry T., farmer, lives in Barry Co., Mich.; Adeline, married to John J. Shoup, farmer, Huron Co., Ohio; James M., Cass Township. Mr. Miller is a reader of good books; he is one of the leading young men of the town.ship.
NEWMAN, JOHN M., farmer; was born in Richland Co.; his father, Henry Newman, was also born in the county; his grandfather, M. Newman, was one of the pioneers of this county. Mr. J. M. Newman was married to Miss Eva Miller, of Jackson Township, Jan. 28, 1880.
NOBLE, HARVEY, retired farmer; he was born in Washington Co., Penn., May 12, 1806; his father died when Harvey wen about 18 years of age, leaving his , mother with four children ; his older brother having gone to learn his trade just previous to the death of their father, it devolved upon him to maintain his mother, and he was, therefore, compelled to work at, anything he could find to do: about the age of 17, he started, with some of his neighbors, for Ohio, of which he had previously heard a good report ; he returned home in about three months and remained about one year, when he returned to Ohio and entered 80 acres of land, now owned by N. S. Guthrie, in Blooming Grove Township; he has owned, in different places, 850 acres of land ; he has been industrious and economical; was one year without a dollar, but still persisted, until at last he accomplished his object-the possession of property. He was married to Miss Margaret Little, of Washington Co., Penn., March 8, 1827. They had eight children, six living at the present time; his wife died July 2, 1865. He was again married, to Mary J. Hopkins, September, 1867 ; they had four children, three living at the present time. His mother died while living with him, at the advanced age of 97 years. Mr. Noble has a good mind for a men of his age, but, meeting with an accident some years ago, he is partially disabled from walking.
OPDYKE, C. (Christy) L., pioneer, farmer and stock-raiser; was born in New Jersey, Hunterdon Co., Sept. 21, 1827. His father, John Opdyke, (mother Esther Little) came to Ohio in the spring of 1836, and settled in Plymouth Township. He remained with his father about two years, and then returned to New Jersey, where he remained until he was about 17 years old; he then returned to Ohio and remained with his father until he was married. After he was married, he moved to his own farm, which he had bought in 1849. He now owns some 329 acres of good land. He is held in high esteem by his neighbors who look upon him as a straightforward man. He is Township Trustee, and a member of the School Board of Shiloh. He was married to Miss Sarah Moss Nov. 10, 1853; they had nine children, eight living and one dead. (Reference Page 374, 375 and 394; "The Op Dyck Genealogy," 1889, by Leonard Eckstein Opdycke)
OZIER, NELSON, stock-dealer; was born in Union Co., Penn., Jan. 4, 1823. His father, Stephen Ozier, came to Richland Co. about 1824 ; he came to Mansfield and remained a short time; he then moved to Petersburg, Richland (now Ashland) Co.; he remained there about one year, and then moved to Olivesburg, Rich-
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land Co., where he died. After his father's death it devolved upon Nelson and his brother, John Ozier, to provide for their mother, two sisters and younger brother, who were at home. The subject of this sketch worked at anything he could find to do by which he could make a living. Some four years after his father's death, the entire charge of providing for the home fell upon him, as his brother got married and went to work for himself. At a very early age, his natural business tact commenced to develop, and he, therefore, conceived the ides of doing business for himself. He accordingly bought six barrels of eggs for the Mansfield market, and started full of expectation of a handsome profit, but he had the misfortune to upset the wagon and break the eggs, so that his first investment proved a failure. He returned home somewhat disheartened. He shortly after had an opportunity of taking charge of 100 head of cattle to drive to Lancaster, Penn., which he did. After his return to Ohio, he soon found an opportunity to buy stock and wool for D. B. Sexton of Cleveland. He remained with him until 1850, when he engaged in buying stock on his own account and delivering them to Buffalo and other points East. He followed shipping stock of different kinds until 1856, at which time he commenced to deal exclusively in sheep and wool, buying and selling as many as fifteen thousand in a year. He has been engaged in the business every since. For a number brother, David Osier, has also been in the same business with him. In the fall of 1864, he was nominated for the office of Sheriff of Richland Co., by the Republicans, and was elected, although the county gave a Democratic majority on the State ticket. After his term of office, which he filled very acceptably, he still continued his present business. He moved from Rome to Shiloh in 1875, at which place he still resides. He was married to Miss Margaret Snapp, of Rome, Ohio, March, 1852 ; they have two children.
OZIER, FREDRICK, was born in the town of Rome on the 2d of August, 1858, but has resided the most of his existence at Shiloh. His occupation principally, has been that of a dealer in horses, cattle, sheep and hogs; he is considered to be one of Shiloh's best citizens.
PETTIT, MERRIT, farmer and stock-raiser, was born in this county Nov. 24, 1835 ; his father died before he was born; he was with his mother until he was 10 years of age; his mother marrying again, he was thrown upon his own resources at an early age, but, being of a determined mind he overcame all obstacles. In the fall of 1861, he moved to Huron Co., Ohio; he stayed eighteen months, then moved to Planktown, Richland Co., where he stayed about two years, and then went to Huron Co.; he stayed about one year, and sold his farm and returned to Cass Township, Richland Co.; he stayed one year, and then, moved to Indiana, bought a farm, stayed two years, and returned to Richland Co., where he now lives. He was married to Miss Mary A. Ruckman Jan. 26, 1861; they had three children-Christina, born Nov. 21, 1862; Amelia, born Oct. 12, 1866, and Nancy, born March 12, 1868. Christina Broach, widow of Peter Broach, a pioneer of Richland Co., was born in Hampshire Co., Va., March 27, 1804 ; her father, Thomas Pettit, came from Virginia in 1814, and settled near Mansfield, where he died. She was married to Peter Broach Aug. 30, 1826; they moved, a year afterward, to where she now lives; they stayed some time with Ephraim Vail, until they built a cabin, which was located about fifteen feet south of where the dwelling now stands, in which she and M. Pettit reside ; she has good health, and remembers well things which happened sixty years ago.
PITTENGER, M. R., Justice, Shiloh.
ROSE, MARY M., MRS., widow of Andrew M. Roes; was born in Cass, then Plymouth Township, June 29, 1819; she is one of the oldest citizens living, who was born in and still lives is the township; her maiden name was Green ; she spent her youth on her father's farm. She was married to Andrew M. Rose, July 18, 1839, and has lived in the county ever since, except two years when she resided in Lorain Co., Ohio. Mr. Rose was born is Belmont Co., Ohio, Feb. 7, 1817, and died in Richland Co., Sept. 6, 1872; he came to Richland Co., when a boy, with his parents; they had six children, five of whom are living.
ROSE, ELMORE Y., farmer, was born in Richland Co., Ohio, Dec. 15, 1844 ; he spent his youth on the farm; he enlisted May 2, 1864, for 100 days, in Co. H, 163d O. N. G. and served with the command ; he was discharged with the regiment, and returned home, where he remained until February, 1865, when he again enlisted is Co. A, 187th O. V. I ; he served with the regiment and was discharged Jan. 20, 1866; on his return home he learned the trade of shoemaking, and worked at it since, except two years and a half, when he was farming. He was married to Miss Dorcas Backensto March 15, 1868; they have one child, Burtie E. Rose, born March 11, 1869.
ROSE, ENSIGN B., farmer ; he was born in this county, March 28, 1843, sad was raised on a farm; at the age of 19, he enlisted in the 2d Heavy Artillery, Co. D, July 25, 1863; he was with the Army of the Cumberland; he was in the ordnance department at Knoxville, Tenn., about thirteen months, and the balance of the time was with the regiment; he was discharged with his regiment Aug. 23, 1865. After he returned he worked for two summers at carding and spinning ; he then went to farming, at which he has since been engaged. He was married to Miss Catharine J. Adams Jan. 8, 1878. They have three children.
ROSE, HIRAM S., blacksmith ; he was born is this county, April 28, 1841; he was raised on the farm; he received a common-school education ; he enlisted in the 1st Ohio independent Battery and served with the army of the Potomac most of the time ; he was in fifteen regular engagements with his company ; he never was off duty; he was discharged with his company ; after he returned home, he went to farming and, in 1873, he moved to Shiloh, where he has since lived, engaged at his trade. He was married to Miss Mary Hunter Nov. 1, 1866.
ROSEBOROUGH, J. E., M. D., was born in Wayne Co., Ohio, Feb. 16, 1834, his father dying when be was 4 years old ; he remained at home, attending the common schools until he was14 years of age ; he attended school at Wooster, Ohio, at intervals, for several years ;
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his means being limited, he taught school, and did anything by which he could obtain means to pursue his studies; he attended school at Vermillion Institute, at Hayesville, for a part of two terms; he followed teaching for several years. He went to Iowa in the year 1857, and taught numbers of terms; while in Iowa, be took up medicine, and read about six months; he spent some time in Prof. Hughes' office, at Keokuk ; he taught school again one term, and then went to Cincinnati, Ohio; he spent some time in Commercial Hospital, for medical information ; he then went back to Wayne Co., Ohio, and commenced reading medicine as though he had never read; he read with Dr. L. Firestone, of Wooster, for three years ; he attended lectures one term at Ann Arbor, Mich.; while there, he graduated in the chemical department; he went back to Iowa and practiced medicine for about one year; he returned to Burlington, Fulton Co., Ohio, and practiced one year; he went to Congress, Wayne Co., and practiced a short time with Dr. J. Georget; he then went to Charity Hospital Medical College, at Cleveland; he graduated there in the spring of 1864, and came back to Wayne Co., Ohio; he practiced some time with Dr. W. C. Moore, of Wooster. In the spring of 1866, he removed to Shiloh, Richland Co., Ohio, where he now resides, and has been in successful practice ever since, except two years, when his health failed ; he went to Henry Co., and engaged in the wood, butter and egg business; be returned to Shiloh to resume his practice. Previous to the war, be taught school in Kentucky one year, then went to Mississippi and sold books for some years. He went into the army at the first call for three months ; at the aspiration of his time he returned to Wooster and received a commission as First Lieutenant; he raised a company and joined Co. C, 120th O. V. I.; he remained in the service about one year, and resigned on account of ill health. Before going out. with his company, the citizens of Congress Township presented him with a sword and sash, in acknowledgment of his saving the township from the impending draft by raising the company. After he came home, the citizens elected him Captain of militia, and be was afterward elected and commissioned Lieutenant Colonel of the same. He was married, Oct. 4, 1870, to Miss Celesta Cleland, of Shiloh; they have had five children, four of whom are living. The Doctor is known in the north part of the county as the "Happy Compound man," on account of a medicine known as " Happy Compound," of which be is proprietor.
SHUPE, J. N., proprietor of Exchange Bank and produce dealer, was born in Zoar, Tuscarawas Co., Ohio, Jan. 25, 1836; spent his boyhood with his parents ; be received a common-school education; be lived successively in Ashland, Ashland Co., Ohio, Sharon Township, Richland Co., and moved with his father to Shelby and remained there for some fifteen years; he clerked in the grocery store of J. May, of Shelby, for some time ; about the age of 20 years, he moved with his father to La Fayette, Ohio, and clerked for him in a dry-goods and grocery store; he remained in La Fayette about four years ; removed to Rome with his father ; he attended store there two years, and then went to Cleveland; opened a commission house under the firm name of Glenn, Burnham & Shupe; was one year in business there; he went from Cleveland to New York ; attended grocery store one year on commission, and clerked in the Western Gleaner newspaper office for six months; he returned to Shiloh and engaged in the grocery business again under the firm of Shupe & Son ; sold out, and went into dry goods and groceries; remained in that about three years, but not being successful in store-keeping, he was compelled to go into bankruptcy. He went into the produce business in the fall of 1867, at which he has since been engaged ; seeing an opening for banking in Shiloh, he also engaged in that in the fall of 1874. He is a self-made man, starting in the world without a dollar, he has, by strict adherence to the principles of business, built a paying trade. He was married to Miss Maggie J. Sarett Jan. 5, 1864 ; they had two children-Minnie May, born Feb. 13, 1867, and Harry, Jan. 23, 1876 ; his wife died Feb. 12, 1876. He was married again, Feb. 26, 1878, to Miss Emma R. Little, of Pittstown, N. J.
SNYDER, CURTIS S., carpenter, contractor and builder; was born in Juniata Co., Penn., Nov. 5, 1850; attended common schools until he was 17 years old; commenced his trade in 1868, with his brother; he remained three years; he went to Williamsport, Penn. in the spring of 1871, thence to Titusville and thence to Oil City, Penn., working at his trade a short time in each place ; he returned home a short time, and started for the West, arriving in Shiloh Nov. 1, 1871 ; he went back to Pennsylvania in the following spring, and was married to Miss Nannie E. Orr, of Juniata Co., Penn.. April 4, 1872, and on the 8th of the same month returned to Shiloh, where they have since remained: they had four children-Lizzie Irene was born Dec. 31, 1872 ; Richard Malvern, Feb. 24, 1875, died May 27, 1875; Maggie May, born June 2, 1876 ; Lathie Maud, May 24, 1878. He has built twenty-three houses in Shiloh, besides numerous jobs in the surrounding country. He can at all times be found ready to contract work.
STINE, HENRY, farmer ; be was born in Berks Co., Penn., May 18, 1818 ; his father, Adam Stine, emigrated from Pennsylvania in the year 1833; he went to Clark Co., Ohio, but did not like the country or the customs of the people, and soon moved his family to Richland Co., where he afterward lived ; he died Oct. 4, 1876, aged over 81 years. Henry lived with his parents, during their lifetime caring for them. His mother was confined to her bed eight years, hence there devolved upon him more than usually falls to the lot of one man who struggles to do his duty. He was married to Miss Amanda Bertorf in the year 1857; they had eight children, six of whom are living.
SWARTZ, JACOB, farmer and stock-raiser; he was born in Cumberland Co., Penn., May 2, 1820 ; his father came to Ohio Oct. 5, 1835; settled in Plymouth, now Cass Township; he remained with his father until he was 30 years of age, assisting to clear and improve the farm. He married Miss Mary Rasey, of Bucyrus, of Crawford Co., Ohio, and then went to farming on the farm be now lives on; farmed nineteen years on it as renter; purchased it in 1869; he has since purchasing the farm, greatly improved it, putting the buildings on some eight years after he bought. He
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came of Pennsylvania German descent ; is honest, industrious and economical ; his farm is under a good state of cultivation; his wife is an excellent helpmeet, and they have all life's comforts.
WENTZ, SOLOMON, farmer and stock-raiser; he was born in Perry Co., Penn., Nov. 12, 1821; he spent his boyhood on a farm and in learning the carpenter trade, until he was 19 years of age ; he then went to Juniata Co., Penn., and remained there one year; he then went to Schuylkill Co., Penn., and remained one year; returned to Perry Co. and remained one year, and then emigrated to Richland Co., Ohio; walked from Perry Co, to Pittsburgh ; took steamboat to Steubenville, Ohio, and thence by foot again; after arriving, he worked at his trade for some five years, and then engaged in the saw-mill business, purchasing one-third interest, and, the second year, one-half interest; worked at that for several years; the mill finally burning, he disposed of the remaining machinery; purchased the farm he now resides on in 1865; moved the house, the same year he bought, from London ; he come of German Pennsylvania stock, and is an excellent farmer and a good citizen, honest in all his dealings. He was married to Miss Catherine Fireoved, of Cass Township; they have seven children-Mary Jane Wentz, born July 9, 1851, married Henry J. Sheely; Sarah Catherine Wentz, born Nov. 28, 1853, married to Frank Darling; George F. Wentz, born July 28, 1856, lives in Chicago; Solomon A. Wentz, born Dec. 2, 1857, died March 24, 1862; Annie Laura Wentz, born March 29, 1865; Clare Susan, born Oct. 3, 1867 ; Charles Delbert, born Sept. 13, 1873. The last three yet live at home.
WHITE, SAMUEL, farmer and stock-raiser; was born in Columbia Co., Penn., Feb. 12, 1807; spent his childhood on his father's farm until his mother's death, which was about the year 1830. Was married to Miss Jane Vault Nov. 30, 1830 ; had two children while in Pennsylvania-Mary Elizabeth White, born Nov. 18, 1831; Sarah Jane White, born July 4, 1834. Having heard of Ohio as a beautiful country, be concluded to emigrate and leave his native State for the wilds of that new country; so, having made all the necessary arrangements, he, with his wife and one child (Mary Elisabeth having died), bade adieu to friends and neighbors and started for Ohio, in a two-horse wagon, via Pittsburgh, and, after sixteen days' journey, they landed in Mansfield, when the town was scarcely as large as Shiloh now is, having only $90 in money ; being persuaded to go farther West, he started on foot, leaving his family near Mansfield, and went as far as Indiana, and thence to Michigan; but, not liking the country, the weather being extremely wet, he returned to Richland Co., and, having some acquaintance in Plymouth (now Cass Township), he took his family and started north. Liking the appearance of the country he purchased an 80-acre tract in the northern part of the township, living there nearly three years; but, being sickly a good part of the time, he concluded to leave that locality and move farther south, which be did, settling on the farm he now owns in the year 1833; he experienced all the hardships of a new country; at that time, everything was very scarce, and wheat was worth $2.50, oats, $1, potatoes, $1.25, and everything in proportion; this was when he first came out. He at first purchased 40 acres, and added from time to time such as he could buy of adjoining Land, until now he has a large farm, well fenced and improved. His children are William C., born Oct. 18, 1836; John F., born May 17, 1840; Anna E., born Oct. 1, 1842; Henry N., born Nov. 2, 1847.
WILLET, ABRAHAM, retired farmer and an "old pioneer; " was born in Columbia Co., Penn., March l, 1801; he lived with his parents until he was married to Esther Aikman, of Columbia Co., Penn.; had two children, one of whom died in infancy; Margaret married in Pennsylvania. He rented a farm and remained on it one year. His wife died in September, 1826; after the death of his wife, he went back to his mother's farm; remained there three years; he then married Catherine Hazlett, of Columbia Co., Penn.; he again rented a farm in Columbia Co., lived one year on it, then removed on n farm near Bloomsburg, Penn., and stayed there three years; hearing favorable reports of the then new country of Ohio, and wishing to obtain for himself a farm and to gain a competence for his declining years, he sold his farming implements, and, bidding adieu to friends and neighbors of his native county, be started with his little family in a two-horse wagon, coming via Pittsburgh, settling in Richland Co., Ohio; he bought an improvement right of a 50-acre tract in Plymouth, now Cass; he paid all the money be had except $28; the improvements were of the kind usually in a new country, consisting of a log house and stable ; he went to work with the characteristic energy of the most of his class of pioneers, to carve for himself a home and competence; he soon felt able to buy another tract of 58 acres adjoining him, and continued from time to time to buy until now his farm is one of the best in the township, if not in the county; the improvements are good and the land under good cultivation; his family are all living near him. His second wife died in the year 1843, leaving a family of small children. He, after same time, married Miss Leah Bevier, of Richland Co.; had one child-Ransom Willet, who grew to manhood, being 25 years and 10 months old when he died. This was a hard blow, as it fell unexpectedly, when the "boy" was in the vigor of his youth and had the promise of long life. Mr. W. is enjoying good health and spending the closing days of his life in happiness and plenty.
WILLET, HANNAH, MRS., widow of William Willet. She was born in Columbia Co., Penn., May 5, 1797, her maiden name was Webb; she is of English extraction ; her father was one of the party of surveyors who ran the first State line between Pennsylvania and New York State. Her youth was spent upon a farm. She was married to William Willet Jan. 29, 1818, and lived with her husband until the fall of 1834 when she emigrated to Ohio, bringing their family of five children with them, who are all living; Mr. Willet had, however, been to Ohio and purchased the tract of land, on which they settled after coming out, and on which she still resides; William Willet was born May 24, 1793, and died in 1858; he learned the trade of tanning in Bloomsburg, Penn., and while he resided there followed it; after he moved to Ohio, be turned his attention to farming and tanning; in 1836, he built
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the tannery now occupied by his son, Abram Willet, probably the first tannery of any pretensions that was in the present limits of Cass Township; the old home stood where the present comfortable dwelling now stands ; Mrs.. Willet is e pleasant and affable lady ; she has suffered much from rheumatism, but, notwithstanding thin, she is bright in her mental faculties ; she enjoys a large circle of friends, and is spending her days in a, pleasant home with her son and two daughters.