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BLOOM TOWNSHIP.

ISAAC S. BALDWIN, farmer, P. O. Bloomville, was born December 10, 1838, in Republic, this county. His parents, Nathan and Matilda Baldwin, natives of Cayuga, N. Y., settled in this county in 1835, and after living three years on their farm in Scipio Township moved to Republic, where Nathan Baldwin carried on a wagon shop until his death, September 3, 1849. Mrs. Baldwin kept her family together until they grew to manhood and womanhood; their names are George H., now a resident of Ionia County, Mich.; Isaac S.; Rush P., who served three years during the late Rebellion as a member of the Twenty-fifth Regiment Ohio Volunteer Infantry and Ninth Ohio Volunteer Cavalry, and Mrs. Addie S. Chittenden, a resident of Republic, this county. Our subject was married, February 7, 1861, to Miss Ellen Krilley, who bore him the following children: Eliza, William and two deceased. Mr. and Mrs. Baldwin moved to Ionia County, Mich., and there developed a farm. Mrs. Baldwin subsequently returned to Republic for medical treatment, and there died July 2, 1872. Our subject then also returned to this county, and here married, March 5, 1873, Mrs. Emily J. Brown, of Bloom Township, the widow of William Brown (by whom she had one daughter-Wilhelmina), and who was born in Bloom Township February 9, 1838, daughter of Butler and Mary (Boyd) Munsell. To this union were born Nettie and Nellie (twins), Freddie and Jesse. Mr. Baldwin has a farm comprising eighty acres of well-improved land, which he has cleared up and developed within the last ten years. He is a supporter of the Democratic party; has served his township as assessor three terms and is a citizen highly respected by all. Mrs. Baldwin is a consistent member of the Presbyterian Church.

LEWIS C. BIRK, proprietor of harness shop and livery stable, Bloomville, was born June 19, 1854, in Bucyrus, Ohio, where his parents, John G. and Hannah Birk, still reside. At fourteen years of age our subject began learning the trade of saddler and harness-maker. He married, June 19, 1876, Miss Carrie Kirgis, who was born on the farm in Lykens Township, Crawford Co., Ohio. Mr. and Mrs. Birk located in Bloomville, this county, in May, 1878, and he at once established a shop where he manufactures a general line of harness, saddles, etc., and keeps a full stock of whips, brushes, robes, blankets and horse furnishing goods. This is the only place of the kind in Bloomville, and one of the best and most complete shops in Seneca County. In March, 1884, Mr. Birk established a livery stable in Bloomville, building a new barn and furnishing it throughout, and, as he believes in the old adage that "what is worth doing at all is worth doing well," has made it one of the best liveries in the county. Mr. Birk is a member of the K. of P.

EDWARD P. BLISS, merchant, Bloomville, was born in Ledyard, Cayuga Co., N. Y., July 1, 1833. His father, Parley Bliss, was drowned in Cayuga Lake, June 29, 1834; his widowed mother, Mrs. Polly Bliss, came to Scipio Township, this county, in 1835. Here our subject grew to maturity, receiving his education in the school of the home district. At eighteen years of age he began life for himself as clerk in a dry goods store, an occupation he followed until he embarked in business on his own account in 1857. He carried on a store in Republic, Ohio, until 1859, when he located in Bloomville, and estab-

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lished a store, well known to all of the older inhabitants, in the old Hunsicker Block. In 1863 he purchased the hotel building opposite, in which he carried on the store in connection with the hotel for about ten years. In 1873, in partnership with John T. Reid, he built the Commercial Block in Bloomville. This block was the beginning of the improvements of the town, and is still one of the best business buildings in the place. Mr. Bliss at once located in the store which he still occupies in this block, and has here the oldest dry goods establishment as well as the oldest business house, carried on continuously by the same proprietor in Bloomville. He has a full line of dry goods, boots, shoes, Bats, caps, notions, etc., and has built up an extensive trade, which he continues to hold above all competitors. November 16, 1854, Mr. Bliss was united in marriage with Miss Elizabeth Krilley, who died September 12, 1873, leaving four children: Melvin O., Malcolm E., Willie H. and Ginnella. Mr. Bliss married, on second occasion, December 2, 1874, Miss Nancy E. Turner, who died April 1, 1875. He afterward married, June 7, 1877, Miss Eliza A. Andrews, a consistent member of the Presbyterian Church. Mr. Bliss is a lifelong Republican and takes an active interest in public affairs.

JAMES BOYD (deceased) was born January 31, 1805, in Centre County, Penn. His father, Thomas Boyd, moved to Ross County, Ohio, in 1813, and thence to Bloom Township, this county, in April, 1822, where he cleared up a farm and resided until his death in 1847. James Boyd married Miss Eliza Steele, who died leaving two daughters:, Elizabeth, wife of George Shumaker, of Watson Station, Ohio, and Mrs. Emily Everett, who died in San Francisco, Cal., in November, 1871. Our subject married, on second occasion, Miss Mercy Smith, who was born in Cayuga County, N. Y., reared at Hadley, Alass., and came to Scipio Township, this county, with her widowed mother and brothers about 1835. To this union were born three children: James T., Ethan C. and Ellen E. Mrs. Boyd died July 14, 1865. Mr. Boyd ended a useful life, November 11, 1871, at his homestead on Honey Creek, this county.

JAMES T. BOYD, farmer, P. O. Bloomville, was born July 24, 1842, in Bloom Township, this county. After attending the schools of the district he completed his education under Prof. Aaron Schuyler at Republic. While at that school he enlisted, September 25 1861, in the Fifty-fifth Ohio Volunteer Infantry, and took part in many of the historical engagements of Virginia and the southeast. He received a severe wound in the right shoulder at the battle of Resaca, Ga. ; re-enlisted with his regiment and served until the close of the war, being discharged, July 20, 1865, He bore a distinguished part in the service and rose to the rank of captain of his company. Returning home after the struggle he adopted agricultural pursuits. He was married, October .10, 1867, to bliss Virginia E. DeWitt, eldest daughter of the well known pioneer, William DeWitt, of Bloomville, Ohio. They have since resided on their pleasant farm of 175 acres. Their children are Smith DeWitt, Mary Alice, James Everett and Carrie Eoline. Mr. Boyd is a Republican in politics. He has served his township as assessor and assistant United States marshal, and took the census in 1870 in Bloom, Venice and Reed Townships, this county. Mr. and Mrs. Boyd are members of the Presbyterian Church.

CONRAD BRINER, farmer, P. O. Bloomville, was born November 8, 1830, in Baden, Germany. His parents, John and Sophia Briner, came to America and settled in Bloom Township, this county, May 1, 1852. Here they purchased a home where they resided until their death. John Briner died, August 28, 1878; his widow, December 18, 1882, each aged eighty-two years. Their eight children were Mrs. Catherine Sitsler, residing in Germany; Susan (deceased); Jacob, residing in Logan County, Ohio; Conrad, Henry and Eliza-

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abeth, living in Bloom Township; John, residing in Pittsburgh, Penn., and Adam, a resident of Hardin County, Ohio. Our subject received an excellent education in his native language in Baden, and coming to America with his parents he has resided here ever since. He was married, November 15, 1857, to Miss Anna Hunsicker, born in 1824, daughter of Michael and Hannah Hunsicker. Her parents moved from Montgomery County, Penn., to Columbiana County, Ohio, in 1837, and thence to Bloom Township, this county, in 1842, and subsequently to Canada. Mr. and Mrs. Briner's children, Ida (Airs. Reif), Marsin, Adam, Jacob, William, Josephine and Frank are intelligent and industrious, occupying high positions in society. Mr. Briner is a member of the Reformed Church; Mrs. Briner, of the Mennonite society. They have been vary successful through life; starting with but small means, they have accumulated a comfortable competency, and own a fine farm of 280 acres.

FRANK A. CHATFIELD, druggist, Bloomville, was born August 24, 1848, at Painted Post, Steuben Co., N. Y. His father, Charles J. Chatfield, a native of Massachusetts, died in 1863; his mother, Mrs. Sarah D. (Foster) Chatfield, still resides at Painted Post. Our subject, after a short academic course at Wyoming Seminary, Kingston, Penn., attended Oberlin College, Oberlin, Ohio., from 1866 to 1871, holding a position as instructor in Greek during the last year. He afterward attended Bonn University, Germany, one year in 1874 and 1875. He received the degree of A. M. from Oberlin College in 1876. Mr. Chatfield spent one year (1871 to 1872) in mercantile business at Addison, N. Y., and the following year as principal of the school at Mamaroneck, N. Y. He was united in marriage, December 31, 1873, with Miss Emma J. Watson, of Bloom Township, this county. Her father, I. G. Watson, was one of the pioneers of Bloom Township, where he died in 1873. His widow, Mrs. Elizabeth J. Watson, still survives. To Mr. and Mrs. Chat field have been born five children: Grier P., Carl Ernst, Merrick M., Merle Day and Roy W. In April, 1877, Mr. Chatfield established his present business house in Bloomville. He keeps a full stock of drugs, medicines, books, stationery, wall paper, window shades and druggists notions. By strict attention to business he has built up a large and prosperous trade.

WILLIAM M. DAVIS, farmer, P. O. Bloomville, was born January 18, 1819, in Perry County, Ohio. His father, John Davis, born in 1785, in Frederick County, Md., married, in 1816, Miss Hannah Kershner who was born in Franklin County, Penn., in 1'790. After keeping the Harper's Ferry Hotel and ferry for two years they moved to Perry County, Ohio, where they lived until November, 1824, when they settled permanently on Section 8, Bloom Township, this county. They were thirteen days coming 126 miles. There were not fifty acres cleared in the township and there were more Indians than white people. Seneca John with a tribe of Indians camped close to the farm, and they would trade deer meat and skins for provisions. (John T. Reed, now a resident of Bloomville, taught the second school in the first schoolhouse in the township). Mr. Davis went to mill at Tiffin when there were but seven houses; hauled provisions to Toledo when there were not ten houses on the road. He saw the first train that ran through the county, Hogge being the engineer and Jesse Durbin, conductor, who afterward became a Methodist minister. John Davis and Russel Munsell built on that farm a sawmill, in 1826, which was rebuilt later and sold to John Shouts. This mill was for some time the only one on Honey Creek above Melmore, and was usually kept running day and night making lumber for the early settlers to use as flooring, etc. John Davis was a very industrious man and led an active life. He was a Methodist and helped establish the first church in the township.

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He died in 1849. He was a man of generous disposition, always liberal to the poor. His wife a Presbyterian and an earnest Christian woman died in 1840. The children of this couple are William M.; Jonathan and Dr. Thomas W., of Wapella, Ill.; Mrs. Elizabeth Taylor, of Bloomington, Ill.; Milton R., of Mendota, Mo.; and Mrs. Sarah Stinchcomb of Bloom Township, this county. Milton R. was a soldier, enlisting in Illinois and serving in defense of his country during the late Rebellion. William M. Davis, married July 31. 1845, Sarah Lemmert, of Crawford County, Ohio, who died in 1872. The children born to this union are as follows: Mrs. Sarepta Corey, of Bulgoe, Ohio; John C. ; Milton R., of Bairdsburgh, Iowa; Mrs. Virginia Howland (deceased); Bruce, and Charles F. Mr. Davis married, on second occasion, in 1877, Mrs. Louisa Super, born in Lancaster County, Penn., daughter of John Myers, a resident of Wayne County, Ohio. Mr. Davis is one of the oldest pioneers of Bloom Township. He is an upright man, highly respected by all.

JOHN H. DETTERMAN, farmer, P. O. Bloomville, was born May 18,1810, in Prussia, Germany. He immigrated to America in 1833, and went with his brother, Harmon, and some friends to Fort Wayne Ind., where he worked one year on the Wabash & Erie Canal. Then he came to this county where he was married, in January, 1834, to Miss Kathrina Steigemeier, also a native of Prussia, Germany. After living one year in Scipio Township and five years on Honey Creek, this township, Mr. and Mrs. Detterman located in Adams Township, where they wont to work clearing up a farm. Mrs. Detterman died August 2, 1866, leaving three sons: Harris, Amos and Samuel. Mr. Detterman was married on second occasion, March 5, 1867, to Mrs. Ann Somers, who was born in Center County, Penn., and. came to Sandusky County, Ohio, at eight years of age, with her father, Frederick Rhinehart. In 1868 Mr. and Mrs. Detterman settled permanently in Bloom Township, this county, where they purchased a fine farm of 200 acres on which there is an excellent stone quarry. Mr. Detterman has given each of his sons an independent start in life. He and his wife are members of the Evangelical Church.

SAMUEL DETTERMAN, farmer, P. O. Bloomville, was born January 16, 1849, in Adams Township, this county, and is a son of the well known pioneer John H. Detterman; our subject received his education in the schools of the home district and in 1869 came with his father to Bloom Township, this county. Here he was married, December 25, 1870, to Miss Jane Shawman, and by this union were born the following children: Emmet Edson, John Uri, Jesse Henry (deceased), Samuel Winfield and Jacob Richard. After marriage Mr. and Mrs. Detterman settled on what is now a fine farm of ninety-nine and a half acres of improved land situated on Honey Creek, where they have since resided. They are consistent members of the Evangelical Church. Our subject is an enterprising and successful farmer, highly respected by all who know him.

JACOB DETWILER, farmer and stock-raiser, P. O. Bloomville, was born April 9, 1828, in Columbiana County, Ohio. His parents, Jacob and Elizabeth Detwiler, natives of Lancaster County, Penn., settled in Bloom Township, this county, in 1844, locating a new farm which they at once began to clear and improve. Jacob Detwiler, Sr., died in 1850, his widow in 1860. They were parents of the following children: Samuel, Jacob and Mrs. Hannah Geiger. (Mrs. Jacob Detwiler, Sr., was also the mother of five children by her previous marriage with Christ Shetter.) Our subject was united in marriage, April 30, 1857, with Elizabeth Muckley, born in Bloom Township, this county, March 6, 1834. Her father, George Muckley, came from Germany to Stark County,

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Ohio, and was there married to Miss Magdalena Troxel, a native of Ponnsvlvania. They located in Bloom Township, this county, in 1833. Mr. Muckley died March 20, 1843. His widow subsequently married Isaac Rohrer, and now lives in Mahoning County, Ohio. Mr. and Mrs. Detwiler located where they now reside, in 1860, and have one of the best improved farms in the township. Their children are Emma O., Mary M., George E., Della J. and Samuel M. Mr. Detwiler is a member of the Mennonite society, and Mrs. Detwiler, of the Reformed Church.

JOHN R. DICKEN, farmer, P. O. Bloomvillp, was born November 27, 1834, in Liberty, Ohio. His parents, David and Diana (Lewman) Dicken, natives of Bedford County, Penn., settled in Liberty Township, this county, in 1831, and entered land from the Government. He was a local preacher, and one of the earliest shoe-makers of that township. Of their thirteen children three boys and five girls are living. The deceased are Isaac O. and Henry C., who gave their lives in defense of their country in the war of 1861 ; Joshua H., who died at home, from disabilities received in his country's service; Albert M., who died of consumption and Martha. David Dicken ended a useful life April 7. 1871; his widow died October 21, 1873. Our subject was married, July 15, 1855 to Mary A. Sour, a native of Summit County, Ohio, and who came to Seneca County, in 1852, with her parents, Jacob and Mary A. (Harter) Sour, and to this union were born Jasper P. (of Hicksville, Ohio), Mrs. Luella S. Ringle (of Jackson Township, this county), U. S. Grant, Genera E. and Clinton E. Mr. Dicken spent four months in 1864 as a soldier in the One Hundred and Sixty-fourth Regiment Ohio Volunteer Infantry. He held position of second corporal, and left a record of a brave and faithful soldier, always at his post. After their marriage our subject and wife resided in Jackson Township, this county, until March, 1883, when they settled in Bloom Township, where they have a farm of 100 acres. Mr. Dicken is a Republican in politics. He held the office of trustee of Jackson Township four terms; was also postmaster of Amsdon, this county, eight years. He is a member of high standing in the I. O. O. F.

HENRY EINSEL, grain dealer, Bloomville, was born October 6, 1834, in Bloom Township, this county. His parents, John and Elizabeth Einsel, natives of Pennsylvania and Maryland respectively, came to this county from Fairfield County, Ohio, in 1833, and at once entered upon the pioneer work of developing a farm. Their children were Mrs. Sarah McClelland, of Seneca Township, this county; Lydia, who died February 20, 1881.; Noah, a resident of Tiffin, Ohio; Henry; Mrs. Mahala Kagy, of Michigan, and Levi, who died October 29, 1870. Mr. Einsel died March 5, 1872, aged seventy-three years, his wife having preceded him April 1, 1865, aged fifty-seven years. Our subject was brought up on his father's farm, attending the schools of the home district. He was married, December 29, 1854, to Miss Emily Spitler, by whom he had the following children: Mrs. Ells Wilsey, Charles R.., William S., Locksley B., John L. and Claude. They resided on their farm until 1872; when they located in Bloomville. Here, in 1874, Mr. Einsel purchased the elevator and grain storage building near the depot, and does an extensive business, buying and shipping all kinds of grain and seeds. Mr. Einsel is a life-long Democrat. He takes a deep interest in public affairs, and has held the positions of township assessor and mayor of Bloomville, besides other local and township offices. He. is at present a member of the town council of Bloomville.

PHILIP FALTER (deceased) was born on mid-ocean in 1823, while his parents were making the voyage from Germany to the United States. They located in Stark County, Ohio (where Philip was reared), and spent their last

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days in Venice Township, this county. Our subject married Miss Elizabeth Houck, a resident of Stark County at the time. They came to Venice Township, this county, with their entire earthly possessions, $50, and began making a home for themselves, and were very successful, acquiring a farm of 120 acres. The children born to this union are Henry, Mrs. Christina Phillips, Frank A., Joseph, Mrs. Anna Thomma, John, and four deceased. Mr. Falter died April 21, 1872, his wife having preceded him March 12, of that year.

FRANK ALBERT FALTER, merchant, Bloomville, was born March 29, 1855, in Venice Township, this county, son of Philip and Elizabeth (Houck) Falter. He received his education in the schools of the district and at St. Stephen's Academy. At his parents' decease he began life for himself, establishing a business house at St. Stephen's in March, 1879, and erecting an entirely new building, which he stocked completely. In 1881 he was appointed postmaster of that place and held the commission until September, 1884, when he sold out his business, moved to Bloomville, and here purchased the grocery and provision store of Bevington & Farnsworth, which he now carries on. Mr. Falter married, September 30, 1879, Miss Rosa Phillips, and their children are Flora, Charles and William. He and his wife are members of St. Stephen's Catholic Church. Mr. Falter is an enterprising, successful business man.

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T. J. FOSTER, physician and surgeon, Bloomville, was born October 2, 1860, in Attica, this county. His father, John Foster, a native of Huron County, Ohio, married Miss Sarah Pollinger, a native of Cumberland County, Penn., and soon afterward settled in Attica, where he carried on a shoe shop until a few years before his death in 1871. The subject of this sketch received his literary education in the schools of his native township. At twenty-one years of age he entered upon the study of medicine under Dr. J. M. Fackler, of Plymouth, Ohio, and February 27, 1884, graduated from the Hahnemann Medical College, Chicago, Ill. April 7, of the same year, the Doctor opened his office in Bloomville, this county, since which time he has devoted himself energetically to the practice of his chosen profession. He is the only physician of the homoeopathic school in Bloom Township, and has already built up a large and lucrative practice, being recognized as a skillful and scientific physician. He is a charter member of Procles Lodge No. 192, K. of P.

SAMUEL GROSS retired, Bloomville one of the oldest men living in Bloom Township, was born January 6, 1810, in Union County, Penn., and in July, 1831, moved with his parents, Henry and Jane Gross, to Tiffin, Ohio. He was married April 29, 1830, to Miss Ann Owen, who was born in Perry County, Penn., March 7, 1807. They located in Bloom Township, this county, in 1831. Mr. Gross was a practical mechanic and according to the necessities of the settlers of those early times, made and repaired guns, pistols, clocks, watches and many other things. His shop, still standing, is well known to all the old pioneers and is one of the landmarks of Bloom Township. They still occupy the log house which they built upon coming here and which is the oldest residence in the township. Mr. and Mrs. Gross have three daughters: Martha Ann, Mrs. Amelia J. Coon and Mrs. Mary E. Gifford. Mr. Gross voted for Gen, Jackson in 1832, and has supported the Democratic party since. He has served as township trustee three terms, .clerk one term, and has filled other local and township offices of trust, He and his worthy wife and children are Presbyterians.

JOHN COLES HAMPTON (deceased) was born in Frederick County, Va., in 1803, and was brought up principally in Ross County, Ohio. He came to Bloom Township, this county, in 1822, and here he married Elizabeth Long in 1832. Mr. Hampton followed the profession of auctioneer in this locality nearly forty years. He helped to raise the first house, and owned a farm of 120 acres in Bloom Township at the time of his death, which occurred May 14, 1885. Politically Mr. Hampton was a Democrat.

JOHN HARTSCHUH, farmer, P. O. Bloomville, was born June 19, 1835, in Stark County, Ohio. His father, John Hartschuh, a native of Wurtemberg, Germany, married Miss Susanna Baer, of Pennsylvania, and about 1843 located in Chatfield Township, Crawford Co., Ohio, where they lived and died. Our subject was reared in that county on his father's farm, and attended the schools of the home district. He was married, April 23, 1864, to Miss Mary Keller, born in Germany, and brought up in Lykens Township, Crawford Co., Ohio. Our subject and wife have resided in Bloom Township, this county, ever since their marriage. Their children are W . Franklin, J. Albert, Emeline Louisa, Elizabeth, George L., Ids May, Mary Anna, David H. and Charley J. Mr. and Mrs. Hartschuh began life depending almost entirely on their own resources, and by industry and economy have acquired a fine farm, comprising 280 acres of wellimproved land. They are members of .the German Reformed Church. Mr. Hartschuh is a Democrat in politics.

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PETER HAWBLITS, farmer, P. O. Attica, was born March 18, 1829, in Wurtemberg, Germany, and came to America in 1830 with his parents, John George and Catherine Hawblits, who, after living nine years in Stark County, Ohio, settled in Bloom Township, this county, but are now residents of Venice Township. Our subject, February 26, 1857, married Miss Mary Ann Briggle, born in 1834, in Reed Township, this county; her parents, Valentine. and Mary Briggle, were natives of Baden, Germany, and among the earliest settlers of Reed Township. The father died in 1875; the mother is now living with our subject at the advanced age of eighty years. Mr. and Mrs. Hawblits lived in Reed Township, this county, nineteen years after their marriage, and then located in Bloom Township, where they bought Jonathan Webster's place, and now have a fine farm of 120 acres of well-improved land, as well as eighty-five acres in Reed Township. They have one son-David Henry (married to Miss Jennie Seiple), who is devoting a great deal of attention to raising fine stock on the home farm. He has lately purchased twenty head of registered Merino sheep, one of the finest flocks in the whole county, having received distinguished premiums at -the fairs held at Toledo, Tiffin, Clyde and Attica, Ohio. Our subject is a prosperous, enterprising farmer, highly respected by the whole community.

OSCAR M. HOLCOMB, editor and publisher of the Seneca County Record Bloomville, was born September 8, 1829, in Hamilton County, Ohio. His father, David H. Holcomb, afterward a merchant of Cincinnati, Ohio, came with his parents from Vermont to Hamilton County in 1808. Our subject and his parents resided at Pekin, Ill., and in same county from 1831 to 1843, when they removed to Chicago. There he learned the printer's trade in the office of the Gem of the Prairie. In 1846 he set the first type on the Chicago Tribune. In 1847 Mr. Holcomb enlisted in Company F, Second Regiment Illinois Volunteer Infantry, and went to Mexico under Gen. Scott. He was stationed at Camp Washington, in Vera Cruz, and at Jalapa, receiving an honorable discharge at Alton, Ill., in 1848. March 26, 1849, he with his father started across the plains to California, arriving at Sacramento September 13, same year, and there his father died November 18, 1849, his wife having preceded him in 1832 at Pekin, Ill. Our subject returned to Chicago in April, 1852, and re-engaged on the Tribune. He was a delegate to the National Printers' Union at Pittsburgh, Penn., in 1853. He was married September 22, 1853, to Miss Mary A. Leitch, of Warren County, Ohio, and to this union were born Mrs. Ora A. Rowen, of Washington, Iowa; Mrs.. Iona E. Loughead, of same place Orma M., of California; Mrs. L. L. Hodges, of Waterloo, Ind., and William H., of Fort Collins, Col. They spent several years in Iowa, where Mr. Holcomb published the Hardin County Sentinel at Eldora, Iowa. Subsequently they moved to Washington County, where Mr. Holcomb held the position of agent for the Rock Island Railroad Company, at Ainsworth, for nine years. He lost his wife by death November 18, 1867, and subsequently married, August 6, 1868, bliss Mary A. Whiting, by whom he has had five children, all now deceased They finally located in Bloomville, this county, April 15, 1878, where Mr. Holcomb purchased the printing office and established the Seneca County Record: which he has built up to a point of success never before attained by any paper in this locality, with a circulation of upward of 700. It is very popular witl the best citizens of the county. In the spring of 1884 Mr. Holcomb was elected mayor of Bloomville and justice of the peace, and he fulfils the duties of then offices to the satisfaction of all.

JACOB HOSSLER, of Bloom Township, was born January 31, 1806, a Gettysburg, Adams Co., Penn., and moved with his parents in 1821, to Start

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County, Ohio. His father, Frederick, and his grandfather, John G., were burn in Pennsylvania, the former in 1782, the latter in 1758, and his great-grandfather was born in France, Europe, and immigrated to Philadelphia, Penn., in 1754. September 23, 1830, the subject of this sketch married Anna Funk, of Osnaburg, Stark Co., Ohio. May 30, 1834, Mr. Hossler and wife landed in Bloom Township, Seneca Co., Ohio, on their present farm homestead, consisting of 320 acres, part of which is in Venice Township, at a time when this township was comparatively a wilderness. By industry and economy the twain made this one of the most pleasant and desirable homes in that locality, in a short duration of time. Mr. and Airs. Hossler reared eleven children-four sons, and seven daughters-all of whom are men and women of enterprise and usefulness. In 1866 he removed to the village of Bloomville, went into the mercantile trade, and has very recently retired from the activity of business, but enjoys his vigorous old age with every indication of living many years. He was justice of the peace twenty-four years, mayor of Bloomville four years, postmaster under part of Grant's administration, and held other positions of honor in the township, all of which he has filled with marked honesty and ability. Also administered the settlement of many decedents' estates. One of the most notable events in Bloom Township in 1880, was the celebration of the fiftieth anniversary of the nuptial vows of Mr. and Airs. Hossler. Mr. Hossler is a gentleman who enjoys the respect of all who know him, and is an intelligent and upright citizen, and one who takes pride in the prosperity of his township and county. He is honest and straight forward in business, his word being equivalent to his bond any day. He is one of the few remaining stanch pioneer settlers of Bloom Township.

SAMUEL B. HOSSLER, farmer, P. O. Bloomville, was born April 12, 1842, in Bloom Township, this county, a son of the well known pioneer, Jacob Hessler. He completed his education under Prof. Aaron Schuyler in the Seneca County Academy at Republic, adopting the profession of teacher before he was nineteen years of age, and teaching seven terms almost in succession in Bloom Township. During the late war of the Rebellion he spent four months, in 1864, as a soldier in the One Hundred and Sixty-fourth Regiment Ohio National Guards. Our subject married, April 11, 1865, Miss Jennie Lomiller, a native of Scipio Township, this county. After living one year at Bloomville and eleven years at his father's homestead, our subject and family- finally settled where they now reside, owning a well improved farm of 100 acres. Their children are Nellie, J. Schuyler, Mary A. and Anna C. Mr. Hessler is an earnest Republican. In 1873 he was called upon to serve his township as assessor. In 1880 he was chosen land appraiser, the difficult duties of which position he filled to the general satisfaction of the people. He held the office of township trustee two terms (from 1881 to 1883) and in addition he has done an extensive business as executor and administrator, settling decedents' estates. He is one of the leading public spirited, enterprising citizens of Bloom Township.

ABRAHAM KAGY, farmer, P. O. Bloomville, was born in Shenandoah County, Va., December 23, 1803. He came to Fairfield County, Ohio, at seventeen years of age with his parents, Christian and Hannah Kagy, former of whom died in Fairfield County, and latter in Bloom Township, this county, when over ninety years of age. Abraham Kagy married Miss Elizabeth Ruch, of Fairfield County, Ohio, and, in 1823, settled in Bloom Township, this county, where they cleared up and developed a farm. They were industrious and successful, at one time owning over 1, 000 acres of land, 640 of which were in Bloom Township. To them were born the following children: Mrs. Hannah

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Spitler; Christian, who died July 29, 1829, aged three years; John; Mary, who died June 30,1829, aged one year; Mrs. Barbara Martin; Mrs. Lavina Sanl; Mrs. Eliza Hershberger, of Warsaw, Ind.; George, who died February 28, 1863, aged twenty-nine years; Lewis; Cameron; Martha, who died, aged six years; Benjamin, a resident of Putnam County, Ohio; Elijah; Stephen; and Leander in Oregon. Mrs. Kagy died August 9, 1863. Our subject now resides on the homestead at the advanced age of eighty-one years. He is a member of the Old School Baptist Church; is an upright pioneer citizen and is now living in the peace and quiet of an honored old age. John Kagy, our subject's son, has lived most of his life in Bloom Township. He takes an active interest in pubic affairs, having served the township in several responsible positions. He has held the office of justice of the peace, fulfilling the important duties of this office to the entire satisfaction of the people. He now resides on the farm south of Bloomville.

HENRY KIRGIS, farmer and stock dealer, P. O. Bloomville, was born January 16, 1840, in Seneca Township, this county. His father, Jacob Kirgis, a native of Wutemberg, Germany, came to this county in 1833 with his parents, who died in Seneca Township, this county. He, Jacob, married Mary Shafer of Reed Township, a native of Baden, Germany. Our subject was reared in Lykens Township, Crawford Co., Ohio, where his parents had located when he was seven years old. His educational opportunities were limited, but he improved them to good advantage and has been an extensive reader. He married, February 6, 1862, Miss Mary Ann Shellhorn, whose parents were natives of Wurtemberg, Germany, and lived some years in Stark County, Ohio, before locating in Lykens Township, Crawford County. Mr. and Mrs. Kirgis have resided in Bloom Township since their marriage. They have, by industry and good management, acquired 500 acres of land. They are members of the Lutheran Church. Their children are Mrs. Caroline A. Haines, William, Anna M. and Henry M. Mr. Kirgis is a Democrat, politically, and a close observer of public affairs. He has for the past eight years devoted his attention principally to raising and dealing in stock. He is giving his children good educational advantages. His daughter, Anna, is an accomplished and efficient teacher, having taught very successfully six terms in the schools of the home district.

SIMON KOLLER (deceased) was born February 8, 1802, in York County Penn.. where he grow to manhood. He was married in his native county to Mrs. Mary Magdalena Bricker, also a native of York County, Penn.. born January 6, 1810. In 1838 they turned their faces westward, attracted by the advantages for new settlers in the climate and soil of Ohio. They remained about two years in Wayne County, Ohio, and in 1846 settled permanently on Honey Creek, Bloom Township, this county. Here they bought 160 acres of land which they increased the next year to 320 acres. They reared an intelligent and influential family, five of their eight children are now living: Josiah, residing at Napoleon, Ohio; Mrs. Maria Zeigler, residing at Bucyrus, Ohio; Mrs. Sarah Seigley; Martin; and Mrs. Leah Benenderfer. Air. Koller was a man of wonderful industry and energy. Besides his extensive farm interests he established a saw-mill on his place and afterward built a gristmill, near by, which he operated until 1865. He added to his landed property until he owned in all about 550 acres in this county. As a citizen Mr. Koller was known far and wide for his generosity and liberality to the poor. It is said that even those who had done him great injury received favors from his hand. Mr. Koller died February 13, 1882, his wife having preceded him September 6, 1881. They were pious members of the Reformed Church, Mr.

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Koller being almost the main support in building the church here; they were among the township's best known and most highly respected pioneers and their memory will long be honored by the citizens.

JOHN KOLLER (deceased) was a native of York County, Penn., where he married Eve Reigle. In June, 1834, they settled on Honey Creek, Bloom Township, this county, where they cleared up a farm and reared their family of three children. Mr. Koller was an old-time democrat, and took an active part in public affairs, serving his township as trustee for several terms. He was devoted to the improvement of his home, and built the first brick house in Bloom Township, and the first fine residence of any kind on Honey Creek. He was a very useful and valuable citizen and his early death, February 18, 1845, when but thirty-six years of age, was deeply lamented by the whole community. His widow, who subsequently married William Watson died October 25, 1863.

NATHANIEL KOLLER, farmer, P. O. Bloomville, was born December 24, 1834, and is the eldest of the three children born to John and Eve (Reigle) Koller. He was united in marriage, February 29, 1856, with Miss Magdalena Hessler, daughter of the well known pioneer, Jacob Hossler. Mr. and Mrs. Koller settled on their present farm in February, 1859, where they have a comfortable home and sixty-three acres of well improved land. They have one daughter, Mary Ettie, wife of James G. Potteiger; and they have one daughter, Ella M. Mr. Koller is a Republican in politics. Mrs. Koller is a member of the United Brethren Church.

SAMUEL A. B. MCCLELLAND, farmer, P. O. Bloomville, was born June 7, 1818, in Centre County, Penn. His father, Hugh McClelland, died about 1823, and his mother, Mrs. Elizabeth (Boyd) McClelland, came to Eden Township, this county, with her young family, in 1830. They settled on anew farm which they at once began to clear up and develop. The names of their children are William H.; Mrs. Nancy J. Clark, in Hancock County; Sarah I., (deceased); S. A. B.; Mrs. Mary H. Moe; and Mrs. Margaret F. Watson. Our subject married, July 26, 1849, Miss Catherine Ralston, born March 31, 1828, in Brooke County, Va., daughter of Samuel and Elizabeth (Parks) Ralston, who settled in Bloom Township, this county, in 1834. Mr. Ralston died January 4, 1867, and his widow still lives in Bloom Township. Two of their sons gave their lives in defense of their country, Joseph M. C. being a member of the One Hundred and Forty-fourth Regiment, and Robert of the Fifty-fifth Regiment Ohio Volunteer Infantry. Mr. and Mrs. McClelland settled in Bloom Township, this county, in 1853. Their children are Salomon Chase, of Michigan; William H., in Kosciusko County, Ind.; Samuel; Ward B.; Hugh; and Ida E. Mr. McClelland has been an ardent Republican since the organization of the party. He and his wife are members of the Presbyterian Church.

JOHN MCCLELLAND, a native of Fayette County, Penn., was married in Wayne County, Ohio, in 1832, to Miss Elizabeth Hannah, a native of Cumberland County, .Penn. They settled in Venice Township, this county, in 1836. Of their twelve children Thomas A., the only one residing in Bloom Township, married, August 23, 1866, Miss Catherine Wilson. Her father, John W. Wilson, was born in Fayette County, Penn., in 1821, and came to Ohio with his father, Rev. James Wilson, a native of England and a minister of the Methodist Episcopal Church. John W. Wilson married Miss Hannah J. McWilliams, of Richland County, Ohio, and resided on their farm until 1875, when they located in Bloomville, where Mr. Wilson died, in November, 1880; his widow now resides at her home.

NATHAN MARTIN (deceased), son of William and Hannah (Chapman) Martin, was born in Mifflin County, Penn., November 6, 1785; enlisted in Dear-

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born's command in 1812, and served during that war; was discharged and paid off at Fort Niagara, then went to York (Toronto) to visit his mother's sisters who resided there, and became a resident of that district. He was married there to Miss Elizabeth Devins, and engaged in agriculture in Canada until May, 1839, when he moved to Bloom Township, Seneca Co., Ohio, where his two brothers had settled at an earlier date. His wife and children-five boys and three girls--accompanied him hither. On arriving in Bloom, June 1, he negotiated for the purchase of a farm, and went to reside on it (Section 19) July 1, 1839. He was trustee of Bloom Township for many years previous to his death, which occurred February 11, 1862, his demise being attributed to worry, caused by the war. His widow died in January, 1870.

JOHN CHAPMAN MARTIN (deceased), was born February 26, 1798, in Mifflin County, Penn. He came to Fairfield County, Ohio, in 1812, where he was united in marriage with Miss Mary Ann MeCandlish, a native of Waterford, Ohio. They moved to Bloom Township, this county, in 1828, and entered an eighty-acre tract, north of Honey Creek, which they subsequently increased to 160 acres. They lived at their home on Honey Crook until their death. Mr. Martin died January 8, 1881, his wife December 30, 1870. Of their eleven children four are now living: William, a resident of Des Moines, Iowa; Anthony M., and M. D. in Bloomville, Ohio; George M., living on the homestead on Honey Creek; and Albert, in King City, Mo. Our subject and his worthy wife were among the honored pioneers of Bloom Township, where they lived long and useful lives.

PAUL MILLER, manufacturer, Bloomville, was born May 5, 1840, in Venice Township, this county. His father, John M. Miller, a native of Wurtemberg, Germany, married Miss Rickey Reider, immigrated to America in 1832, and, after living in Medina County, Ohio, about four years, settled permanantly in Seneca County, Ohio. After his wife's demise, which occurred when she was aged forty-two years and twenty-five days, John M. Miller married Miss Catherine Kalb, who died February 9, 1878, aged sixty-nine years; he remained a widower the remainder of his life; he died March 29, 1884, aged eighty-two years, nine months and twenty-one days; he was an enterprising farmer and acquired an estate of 400 acres of land. ,His children-nine sons and one daughter-are all now living but Aaron, who was drowned in Sandusky River, at Tiffin, Ohio, March 12, 1868. Two of the sons, D. G. and C. C., gave their services in defense of the Government in the war of the Rebellion, serving four years each. Our subject was employed three months as carpenter by the Government during the Rebellion. He was married, March 10, 1864, to Mary E. Marshall, then located at Richville, Crawford County, Ohio, two years, after which he purchased a saw-mill at Tiffin, Ohio, which he carried on for eight years. He next resided in the southeast corner of Clinton Township, this county, for some time, but finally located in Bloomville in 1875. Here he carries on an extensive saw-mill, planing-mill and lumber business, supplying the home market; has a large railroad trade and is shipping extensively to Toledo and other points. This is the only establishment of the kind in Bloomville. He is noted as one of the most enterprising and successful business men of the day. Mr. and Mrs. Miller's children are John David, Elizabeth Anna, Mary Emma, Benjamin Franklin, Nelson Harry and Iva Pearl. Mrs. Miller is a member of the German Reformed Church.

HERBERT G. OGDEN, merchant, Bloomville, was born August 13, 1843, in Scipio Township, this county. His father, Gilbert M. Ogden, of Tompkins County, N. Y., came to this county in 1836, where he was married to Miss Sarah Jopp, of Pleasant Township, who died in 1854. Gilbert M. Ogden

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carried on a mercantile trade in Republic, Ohio, from 1846 to 1863 (when his son took his place in the establishment); spent from 1867 to 1875 among the mines in Nevada, and died at Toledo, Ohio, in September, 1884. Our subject carried on the dry goods store formerly owned by his father in Republic, until 1871, when he located in Green Spring, Ohio. In 1881 he came to Bloomville, this county, where he formed the present partnership with G. F. Swigert. They carry a full line of dry goods boots, shoes, notions, etc., and have built up a large and lucrative trade. Mr. Ogden was married. November 19, 1868, to Miss Harriet I. Swigert, by whom he has one son, Fred. Mr. Ogden is a Royal Arch Mason. He is a representative business rnan and an influential citizen in this community. He enlisted during the late war of the Rebellion, in May, 1861, in Company G, Twenty fifth Regiment Ohio Volunteer Infantry, was transferred in August, 1862, to the One Hundred and First Ohio Volunteer Infantry; served in the Army of the Potomac and took part in many severe engagements fought in West Virginia and Virginia. He was wounded in the left arm at the battle of Cross Keys, W. Va., and resigned on account of disability, with the rank of first lieutenant, in 1863.

LEWIS R. OWEN, farmer, P. O. Bloomville, was born in Milo, Yates Co., N. Y., April 30, 1815. His parents, Nathaniel and Elizabeth Owen, came to Scipio Township, this county, in 1833, and there cleared up a new farm, enduring the hardships and privations of pioneer life. Of their seven children five are now living: Alanson, in Bloom Township; Charles, in Eden Township, this county; Lewis R. in Bloom Township; Mrs. Mary Blackman, in Wisconsin, and Jonathan in Dakota. Nathaniel Owen died in 1846, his widow in 1882, aged ninety years. Our subject, after helping on his father's farm, married Miss Sallie Free, and commenced to clear a farm for himself in Bloom Township, this county, in 1835. Here they acquired a fine property of 240 acres of well improved land. Mrs. Owen died in 1849, leaving three children: John, in Bloom Township; Mrs. Alary Kagy, in Iowa; and William. Our subject was married on second occasion to Miss Almeda Rice, and their children are Ellery, a resident of Iowa; Lasaida (deceased); Sarah Andrews, in Wyandot County, Ohio; Brilla Worm, in Bloom Township. Mr. and Mrs. Owen are members of the Baptist Church. He is an earnest Democrat in politics and takes a deep interest in public affairs. He has been called upon to serve his township as trustee for six years.

JOHN T. REID, retired farmer, P. O. Bloomville, was born January 1, 1807, in Frederick County, Md. His father, Archibald Reid, a native of England, was married to Catherine Talbott, of Maryland, and died in about 1809, the widow then locating with her family in Fairfield County, Ohio, in 1814, where she resided until her death in 1835. One of their sons, Benjamin, was a soldier in the war of 1812. Our subject came to Fairfield County with his uncle in 1813 and to Bloom Township, this county, in 1831, and here he began clearing up a farm in the western part of the township. He was married, April 25 1833, to Miss Eliza B. Watson, who was born March 14, 1810, in Center County, Penn., and came to Eden Township, this county, at twenty years of age with her widowed mother, Mrs. Elizabeth McClelland. Since their marriage Mr. and Mrs. Reid have resided in Bloom Township. Their children are Benjamin F., of Westport, Cal.; Mary Elizabeth, who died at three years of age; William L., in Bloom Township, this county; and Mrs. Margaret E. Marquis, also in Bloom Township. Mr. and Mrs. Reid have been leading a retired life in Bloomville since 1873. They are members of the Presbyterian Church and are devoted to the temperance cause, upright pioneer people, respected by the entire community.

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WILLIAM L. REID, farmer, P. 0. Bloomville, was born January 14, 1838, in Bloom Township, this county, and' is a son of John T. and Eliza B. (Watson) Reid. Our subject received his education in the schools of the home district, but, as was common among the sons of the settlers of those early times, his educational advantages were necessarily limited, owing to the demand for his help on the farm. He was united in marriage, April 25, 1861, with Miss Martha C. Hershberger, whose parents, Jonas and Martha Hershberger, moved from Shenandoah County, Va., and settled in Eden Township, this county, in 1833. To Mr. and Mrs. Reid have been born three children: Mrs. Ellen Bliss, Eliza and Wilbert (deceased). During the late war of the Rebellion, our subject served about five months, in 1864, as a member of the One Hundred and Sixty-fourth Regiment Ohio Volunteer Infantry. He has resided. on the old family homestead ever since his marriage. Mr. Reid is a life-long Republican, takes an active interest in public affairs, and is at present a trustee of Bloom Township.

JOHN RICE, farmer, P. O. Attica, was born March 22, 1823, in Yates County, N. Y., son of William and Luceba (Blodgett) Rice, who settled in Reed Township, this county, in 1829, and there resided until the death of William Rice, which occurred August 20, 1835. His widow survived him until 1863. Our subject was married, March 28, 1844, to Susan Henrietta Hall, born in Steuben County, N. Y., January 21, 1826, daughter of Rev. Henry F. and Susan (Sellon) Hall, who settled in the corner of Bloom Township in 1835. Mr. Hall was a minister of the Methodist Episcopal Church, being ordained in 1832 by Bishop Hedding. He was a man of much eloquence and power, and preached a great deal in the surrounding communities. He ended his useful life March 5, 1858, aged sixty-nine years. His widow survived him until March 23, 1871. She had been a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church for sixty years. After their marriage, Mr. and Mrs. Rice lived in Reed Township, three years; in Wyandot County, seven years, and finally settled, in 1854, where they now reside, on the old family homestead of Rev. Mr. Hall. They have a fine place of 200 acres, which is one of the best improved farms in the township. Their children are Sidney Herbert, of St. Joseph, Mo.; Francis Leroy, of Cleveland, Ohio; Mrs. Nettie Pinger, of Barry, Ill.; Bert E. and Charles A. reside on the old farm. Mr. and Mrs. Rice are consistent members of the Methodist Episcopal Church, with which the former has been connected since twelve, and the latter since eighteen years of age. He is an earnest Republican, taking a deep interest in public affairs, and is recognized as one of the leading citizens of Seneca County. Mrs. Rice is a literary writer, contributing many valuable articles to the papers. She has been called upon to deliver addresses before the Temple Grange, Masonic and Odd Fellow lodges, Seneca County Farmers' Institute and other representative bodies. She is an effective and popular writer, striking with force at the vices and follies of our day. She was an active member of the well known woman's crusade against the whisky traffic. Mr. and Mrs. Rice have three cottages at Lakeside camp ground, one of them being the best in the place, and Mr. Rice is one of the leading officers of that institution.

EDWIN J. SEIGLEY, deceased, was born in 1842, in Summit County, Ohio, where his father, Joseph Seigley, still resides. In his boyhood he attended Heidelberg College at Tiffin, Ohio, and resided for some time with his brother, B. F. Seigley, in Bloom Township. He was married, in September, 1862, to Miss Sarah Koller, who was born in Bloom Township, this county, in 1843, a daughter of Simon Koller. The children born to this union are Mrs. Izora V. Fry, Earl E. and Jessie M. Mr. and Mrs. Seigley resided in this

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township for three years, and then located at Melmore, Eden Township, this county, where he died in August, 1867. His widow now resides at her home north of Bloomville. She is a member of the Reformed Church, a lady of exalted Christian character, respected and esteemed by all who know her, and who has carefully reared her family to become intelligent, influential citizens of this township.

JOHN SEITZ (deceased) was born in Rockingham County, Va., October 28, 1790, and came to Fairfield County, Ohio, with his parents in 1801. There he was united in marriage, in 1811, with Miss Magdalena Spitler, a native of what is now Page County, Va. They located permanently in Bloom Township, this county, in 1823, Mr. Seitz having come out the previous year, bought land and built a house, and named Bloom Township. Of the eight children born to this union four are now living: Abram (residing in Sacramento, Cal.), Lewis (a resident of Wyandot County, Ohio), Daniel and Isaac. Four died in this county: Mrs. Mary Perkey, Mrs. Anna Kagy, Josiah and Mrs. Elizabeth Bretz. John Seitz was serving as county commissioner when the first court house was built in Tiffin, in 1834, and filled the office of justice of the peace about fifteen years. He died September 27, 1874, his wife having preceded him in 1862. They were upright pioneers and helped develop the resources of Seneca County, and their names will long be revered by the citizens of Bloom Township. They were Primitive Baptists.

DANIEL SEITZ, farmer, P. O. Bloomville, a son of John and Magdalena (Spitler) Seitz, was born May 5, 1825, the first white male child to see the light of day in Bloom Township, and now the oldest resident of the same. He acquired his education in the old log schoolhouse within a few steps of his father's home, and took part in the usual work that fell to the lot of the pioneers' sons of that early day. He married, February 4, 1862, Miss Barbara E. Bretz, born in Bloom Township, this county, September 12, 1834, a daughter of David and Frances Bretz, natives of Virginia, who also came here from Fairfield County, Ohio, in early times. To this union were born Cassius M. and Cora Belle (twins), Wade Hampton and Jesse W. After marriage Mr. and Mrs. Seitz lived on the family homestead until 1874, when they moved to their present farm adjoining, and here they have a fine farm of eighty-seven and a half acres of well improved land. Mr. Seitz is an earnest Republican, having cast his first vote for Van Buren for President. He has served the township trustee several terms. He is a worthy representative of one of the oldest families in Bloom Township, and is a citizen of much influence.

ELDER LEWIS SEITZ, retired, Bloomville, was born October 21, 1802, in Fairfield County, Ohio. His parents, Lewis and Anna (Beery) Seitz, natives of Lancaster County, Penn., were married in York County, and after living eleven years in Rockingham County, Va., made a permanent settlement in Fairfield County, Ohio, in 1801. Ten of their fourteen children were born in Virginia; all were married in Fairfield County, Ohio, and the youngest was over fifty years of age before their rank was broken by death, our subject and his sister, Mrs. Rebecca Friesner, of Shelby County, Ill., being now the only survivors. The others are resting " their life's journey o'er, " at various places throughout Ohio and the West. Our subject married, August 24, 1823, Miss Barbara Kagy, who died September 27, 1848, and of the fourteen children born to this union, six are deceased. Mr. Lewis was baptized by an "Old School" or Primitive Baptist the year following his marriage (March, 1824); he moved to Bloomville Township, this county, October 17, 1825, and here began life in the wilderness; the Indians, who were quite numerous here at that time, always found in him a warm friend. Elder Seitz, now in his eighty-third

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year, began preaching at twenty-five years of age, and has labored in the Lord's vineyard almost continuously ever since, and yet preaches one hour or more at a stretch. He has traveled many miles through the dangers of a new country, and asked for no compensation for his time. He was married, on second occasion, January 16, 1849, to Mrs Martha Hershberger, who died September 22, 1883. Elder Seitz has cleared up and developed a large farm; has led a very active life, and his name will long be honored by the residents of Bloom Township.

AARON SEITZ, farmer, P. O. Bloomville, was born March 12, 1844, in Bloom Township, this county, and is a son of the pioneer Elder Lewis Seitz. He was married October 24, 1864, to Miss Eliza Shock, born July 18, 1842, in Bloom Township, this county, daughter of Jacob Shock, a native of Stark County, Ohio, and who early settled in Bloom Township, dying in 1878. Mr. and Mrs. Seitz settled where they now reside in 1872, and here have a fine farm of 186 1/2 acres of well-improved land. Their children are Irvin L., Alvin J., Mattie May, Myrtie Blanche. Our subject and his worthy wife are members of the Primitive Baptist Church. Mr. Seitz is an enterprising farmer and a citizen of strict integrity.

JOHN SHONTZ, proprietor of steam flouring-mill, Bloomville, was born in 1823, in Stark County, Ohio. His father, Henry Shontz, of Bedford County, Penn., was married to Sarah Williard, of Armstrong County, Penn., and moved to Stark County, Ohio, in 1823, thence to Jackson Township, this county, in 1834, where they resided the remainder of their lives. Mr. Shontz died in 1871, aged eighty-two, his wife having preceded him in 1865, at the age of sixty-six years. Of their nine children our subject is the fourth. He married, December 16, 1847, Miss Rebecca Rinebolt, of Loudon Township, this county, and to this union were born seven children, now living: Mrs. Melissa Smith, Elias, Alpheus J., Mrs. Angeline Hartline, Neri, Arie and Lucinda. Mr. Shontz united with the German Baptist Church September 30, 1849; was elected to the office of deacon May 22, 1859; chosen to the ministry October 1, 1860, and advanced to the second degree of the ministry September 22, 1874. During this time he, preached in several of the surrounding counties, having his home, however, located in the portage district until November 10, 1861, when he was stationed at the Seneca Church near Bloomville, and at that time moved on his farm west of Bloomville. In June, 1878, he and his son purchased the Koller Mill, north of Bloomville, which they operated until the fall of 1879, when they built a large mill in Bloomville, the only grist and flouringmill in the township, and which they are now conducting, enjoying a very extensive custom.

MARTIN J. SPITLER, farmer, P. O. Bloomvillo, was born May 10, 1824, in Fairfield County Ohio. His parents, Jacob and Catharine (Seitz) Spitler, natives of Shenandoah County, Va., came to Fairfield County, Ohio, about 1802, where they grew up and were married. They located in Bloom 'township, this county, in 1850; were consistent members of the Primitive Baptist Church. They'were parents of seventeen children, fifteen of whom attained maturity: Lewis; Mrs. Rachel Clevenger, a resident of Allen County, Ohio; Mrs. Anna Mesnard (deceased); Mrs. Catharine Siple (deceased); Elder Noah (deceased); Jacob, killed by lightning; Daniel; Benjamin; Mrs. Elizabeth Donald, of Iowa; Martin J.; Mrs. Sophia Crawford, of Hancock County, Ohio; Eli; Mrs. Lydia Pearsall (deceased); Mahala (deceased), Mrs Emily Einsel; and an infant (deceased). Jacob Spitler's useful life ended July 7, 1865, his wife having preceded him January 21, 1863. At their death they left 127 descendants. They were an upright pioneer couple; respected by all.

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Martin J., our subject, located in Bloom Township, this county, in the fall of 1845. Here he married, July 24, 1858, Miss Mary E. Slee, of Crawford County, Ohio, born in Jefferson County, Ohio, in 1826, coming to Crawford County in 1837 with her parents, Francis and Mary Sloe, who resided there until death. Mr. and Mrs. Spitler have resided in Bloom Township, since marriage, and on their present farm since April 10, 1873. Here they have a fine property of 246 acres of well improved land. The names of their children are as follows: Winfield Taylor; Mrs. Frances Ellen Segrist, of Henry County, Ohio; Fremont Dayton; Wilmot Hamlin; Brough Anderson; Nettie Belle (deceased); Sherman Grant; Minnie Alice; and Foster. Mr. and Mrs. Spitler are members of the Primitive Baptist Church. They have acquired their property entirely by their own industry and good management. Mr. Spitler is one of the few living original Republicans, which party he continues to support.

FREDERICK SPONSELLER, farmer, P. O. Bloomville, was born November 11, 1815, in Stark County, Ohio. His father, John Sponseller, of Columbiana County, Ohio, was one of the earliest settlers of Stark County, Ohio, going there when there were but two or three houses at Canton, and there he married Miss Catherine Harpster, a native of Pennsylvania, and of their eight children seven are living; of these Frederick, John and Mrs. Catherine Sellers reside in this county. John Sponsellor died in 1873 after a useful life of nearly eighty-five years; his widow still lives at the homestead and is ninetytwo years old. Our subject was married, February 12, 1840, to Elizabeth Prouse, born September 13, 1818, in Stark County, where her parents, William and Hannah (Dock) Prouse, of Pennsylvania, early settled, and there lived and died, the former in 1872, aged eighty-three; the latter in 1879, aged seventy-eight. After their marriage Mr. and Mrs. Sponseller turned their faces Westward and located on their present farm in Bloom Township, this county. Here they began clearing their farm, enduring all the -struggles and hardships of pioneer life. They have been industrious and successful, having acquired a fine farm of 240 acres well-improved land, and have given their children a good start in life. Their chlldren are William, deceased; John, died at thirty-one years of age; Philip; Abraham; Elisha, deceased; David; Levi; and Hannah C., deceased. Mr. and Mrs. Sponseller are members of the Lutheran Church.

ABRAHAM SPONSELLER, farmer, P. O. Bloomville, was born April 20, 1845, in Bloom Township, this county, a son of the well known pioneer, Fred. Sponseller. After completing a common school course in the home district, he attended the academy at Republic, Ohio. He was successfully engaged as a teacher one term in Bloom Township, this county, and one term in Chatfield Township, Crawford Co.. Ohio. He married, March 10, 1867, Miss Catherine Bessey, born July 3, 1842, in Seneca County, Ohio. daughter of Jacob and Rosa Bessey, natives of Germany, who, after living some time in Bloom Township, this county, moved to Huron County, finally settled in Bloom Township in 1855, and here Mr. Bessey died, July 31, 1867. His widow now resides in Crawford County, Ohio. Mr. and Mrs. Bessey's children are Mrs. Rosa Sweitzer, of Barry County, Mich.; George, of Crawford County, Ohio; Mrs. Christine Swanders, of Iowa; Jacob, of Ionia County, Mich.; Jeremiah C., in Harper County, Kas. ; Mrs. Mary A. Brillhart of Chatfield Township, Crawford Co., Ohio; and Mrs. Sponseller. After their marriage Mr. and Mrs. Sponseller resided in Crawford County five years, and then located in Bloom Township, this county, and have lived in their present home since 1882, where they have a well-improved farm of 100 acres. Their

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children are Minnie Ellen; Rosa Elizabeth; Mary Florence; Henry Earl, who died October 31, 1881, aged six years, and one infant (deceased). Mr. and Mrs. Sponseller are Free-Will Baptists. He is a Democrat in politics, and takes an active interest in public affairs. He has been called upon to serve his township three terms in succession as trustee.

ADAM STINEBAUGH, retired, P. O. Rockaway, was born February 20, 1799, in Lancaster County, Penn. He lost his father when he was but a year and a half old, and his widowed mother moved with him over into Washington County, Md., where he was brought up. There he was married, February 5, 1829, to Miss Susanna Bowser, sister of the well known citizen and pioneer, Capt. Jacob Bowser. A few weeks after marriage, Mr. and Mrs. Stinebaugh started, in company with her father, John Bowser, for this county, arriving in April, 1829. Here our subject purchased a tract of land, comprising sixty acres, where Republic now stands, and which he sold in 1835 to parties for the purpose of establishing that town. In 1836 he purchased a farm in Bloom Township of Henry Valentine, which was then a comparatively new farm, but well improved for those early days, having about thirty-five acres cleared. Here they made a permanent settlement, and Mrs. Stinebaugh died August 28, 1856. Their only child, Isaac B., was born November 14, 1829, on the site of Republic, Ohio. In 1841 our subject turned over the care of the farm to this son, who has added 160 acres to the original eighty acres, and has erected fine buildings, etc., until it is now one of the best improved places in the township. July 3, 1856, Isaac B. Stinebaugh married Miss Nancy Long, and to this union were born six children: Mrs. Susan Cooley, Mrs. Sceva N. Walker, Isaac L., Maggie J., Charles E. and Lillie D. Mr. and Mrs. Isaac B. Stinebaugh are consistent members of the Free-Will Baptist Church, in which he takes an active interest, being also a worker in the Sabbath-school. He was successfully engaged in teaching in early life, beginning at sixteen years of age, and his eldest three children have followed in his footsteps, having established a fine reputation as successful and popular instructors.

JOHN SWIGERT, hardware dealer, Bloomville, was born in Franklin County, Penn., March 6, 1817. His parents, George and Elizabeth (Small) Swigert, afterward became citizens of this county, settling on their farm in Scipio Township in 1845, where they resided until George Swigert's death in 1856. His widow died in Bloom Township in 1873. Our subject was married, in 1839, to Miss Maria I. Smith, of Franklin County, Penn., and to this union were born seven children, of whom four are now living: William, Mrs. Hattie Ogden, Mrs. Florence Moore and Frederick G. The deceased are Mrs. Blanche Tabor, Ann Rebecca and Mrs. Jennie Koller. Mrs. Swigert departed this life August 18, 1884, she was a lady of estimable, Christian character, and her loss was mourned by a large circle of friends. Mr. Swigert followed his trade as carpenter and joiner until 1843, when he came to Ohio, and after living a few months in Ashland, located on a farm in Scipio Township, this county; kept hotel at Republic, Ohio, from 1846 to 1850. In 1852 he took a trip to California, remaining there three years. He then resided on his farm until 1872; when he made a permanent location in Bloomville, where he has carried on his present business ever since. Mr. Swigert keeps a general line of hardware, stoves, tinware, agricultural implements, watches, clocks, jewelry and silverware. He has built up an extensive establishment with a large trade in the surrounding community. Since coming here Mr. Swigert has added very materially to the improvement of the town. In 1873 he built the Swigert Block on the southeast corner of Marion and New Haven Streets, and in 1881

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a block on the southwest corner of same streets. These buildings are large. commodious and fire-proof, and are the finest business blocks in Bloomville.

THE VALENTINE FAMILY. GEORGE VALENTINE was a soldier of the Revolutionary war, enlisting from his native State, Pennsylvania, and serving three years and six months under Gen. Washington. He afterward married Miss Mary Grove, of Maryland, whose acquaintance he had made while calling at a farm house for provisions while on the march. They came to Fairfield County, Ohio, in 1807, where they cleared up a large farm, but lived the latter years of their lives in Bloom Township, this county. Mr. Valentine's grave in Woodland Cemetery is perhaps the only Revolutionary soldier's grave in Seneca County.

JOHN VALENTINE, the eldest son of this couple, was married to Miss Sarah Talbott, of Fairfield County, a native of Maryland. He enlisted in the war of 1812, but on account of sickness in his family was compelled to hire a substitute to serve out the latter part of his time. Mr. and Mrs. John Valentine settled in 1827 on a quarter section of land in Bloom Township, this county, which he had obtained from the Government in 1822. Of their ten children three are living in Bloom Township: John, Mary E. and George; four are in Indiana: Samuel R., Edward Washington, Charles W. and Mrs. Selina Betts; one lives in Michigan, Henry, and two are deceased. James Harvey Valentine (deceased) and Charles W. Valentine were both in the One Hundred and Sixty-fourth Ohio National Guards, and served till the close of the war of the Rebellion.

THOMAS GEORGE VALENTINE, farmer, P. O. Bloomville, was born February 22, 1826, son of John and Sarah (Talbott) Valentine. He enlisted September 13, 1861, in the Fifty-fifth Regiment Ohio Volunteer Infantry, serving in the Army of the Potomac, and taking part in the fierce engagements in and around Virginia. After the battle of Gettysburg he was transferred to the Army of the Cumberland, and served in eastern Tennessee, northern Georgia and vicinity. He received his discharge in the winter of 1864, having served in all three years and three months. He took part in every battle in which his regiment engaged; was always at the front and never sent to hospital. His grandfather, father and himself served altogether nearly eight years in defense of the Government, and not one applied for a pension. Our subject married Miss Katie Ann Baum, of Kosciusko County, Ind., March 16, 1865, and to this union were born eight children, four of whom are now living: Emmet Irvie, Jesse Alvin, Charley Baum and Myrta May. Mr. Valentine now owns and occupies the quarter section of land originally entered by his father, and which has never been out of the family name since.

ENOCH B. WATSON, farmer, P. O. Carrothers, was born September 24, 1843, in Bloom Township, this county. He grew up on his father's farm in Bloom Township and attended the schools of the home district. During the late war of the Rebellion he enlisted, September, 1861, in the Fifty-fifth Regiment Ohio Volunteer Infantry; served in the Army of the Potomac, participating in the historic battles of Virginia until his regiment was transferred to the Army of the Cumberland, in 1863. He was severely wounded in the head by a piece of shell at the second battle of Bull Run, and in the right hand at Resaca, Ga. (The last wound resulted in his losing his fore finger.) He re-enlisted in his regiment, in 1864, and served until the close of the war. He left an honorable record as a brave and faithful soldier. He was married, March 13, 1866, to hiss Marilda A. Dellinger, a native of Lykens Township, Crawford Co., Ohio, and to this union was born a daughter, Estella E. Mr. Watson is a Republican in politics, taking a deep interest in

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public affairs. He resided some years in Bloomville and held the position of constable two years during that time. He has been a member of the school board of Bloom Township for several years. Mr. and Mrs. Watson are members of the Protestant Methodist Church.

THOMAS WEST (deceased) was born April 15, 1800, near Binghampton, N. Y., and moved to Bloom Township, this county, in 1823. Here he was married, in 1824, to Miss Margaret C. Donnell, who was born January 10, 1804, in Centre County, Penn., and came, to Bloom Township with her parents, John and Mary (Boyd) Donnell in 1822. Mr. and Mrs. West resided on their farm, five miles west of Bloomville, for several years and there Mrs. West died September 10, 1836, leaving six children: Henry and Franklin, residents of Barry County, Mich.; Mrs. Martha Turner; Alexander, fatally injured by a premature blast in the France Stone Quarry, Bloom Township, this county, November 10, 1884, and died on the 13th of the same month; John A.; and Dr. Thomas J., of Tiffin, Ohio. Mr. West was married, on the second occasion, June 5, 1837, to Mrs. Eve Schultz, who died about 1841. He afterward married, November 21, 1844, Miss Nancy B. Boyd, who was born in Centre County, Penn., May 15, 1806, daughter of Thomas and Elizabeth (Hughes) Boyd, who located on Honey Creek in 1822, being the first permanent settlers in Bloom Township and resided on their farm until their death; Mrs. Boyd dying August 30, 1834, Mr. Boyd, November 27, 1847. Their children were Capt. James Boyd (deceased); Mrs. Nancy B. West; Jesse, a resident of Clark County, Ohio; Mrs. Mary Munsel (deceased); Samuel, a soldier of the Mexican war and who died in California; T. Jefferson (deceased); and Mrs. Ann Eliza Pettit, of Benzonia, Mich. Mr. and Mrs. Thomas West located in Bloomville in 1861, and here Mr. West died, April 2, 1879; his widow, who still resides at the family homestead, is the only representative of her father's family in this county and the second oldest pioneer in the township.

JOHN A. WEST, auctioneer and stock dealer, Bloomville, son of Thomas and Margaret C. (Donnell) West, was born April 22, 1834, in Venice Township, this county, and has resided in Bloom Township since he was six years of age. He finished his education under Prof. Schuyler at. Republic, Ohio. He early engaged as an auctioneer, which employment he has followed continuously till the present time. He also does a good insurance business, representing a few standard companies, including Cooper and Firemens, of Dayton, Ohio. John A. West was married, December 4, 1862, to Miss Maria Smeltz, of Venice Township, this county, and by her has two sons: Martin Bernard and Frank Turner. Mr. West is an upright, worthy citizen, highly respected by the entire community.

J. D. WILSEY, manufacturer, Bloomville, was born November 9, 1828, in Broome County, N. Y., son of Tunis and Nancy A. Wilsey, the former died at Le Roy, Minn., in 1870. The latter is now living with her son, J. D. Our subject's boyhood was spent principally in Wayne County, Penn., and there he began the manufacture of boat oars, which he has made his life occupation. At twenty-two years of age he moved to Erie County, Penn., where he established and carried on a manufactory of oars at Pageville for eleven years. There he was married, July 23, 1853, to Miss Calfunia Otis, by whom he has six children: Jay F. and F. D., engaged as partners in the oar business; Ora T.; John H.; Blanche; and Glades. Mr. Wilsey located at Riceville, Penn., in 1862, thence moved to Ohio, in 1864, and here carried on his manufactory in Defiance County, until 1874, when he located in Bloomville, this county, which he has made his home, moving his factory, however, to suit the lumber

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supply, and it is now located in Wood County, Ohio, with headquarters at office 60 West Street, New York City, where our subject spends a considerable portion of his time. The firm is known there as the New York Boat Oar Company, and does a business aggregating from $75,000 to $125,000 per year, shipping their goods to almost every civilized nation on the globe. The firm in Ohio is known. as J. D. Wilsey & Son. Besides his manufacturing, Mr. Wilsey manages extensive farming interests in this county and in Kansas. He also operates a stone quarry on his farm in Bloom Township. He is one of the leading business men of Bloomville, and has done much toward building it up and securing its prosperity.

FREDERICK ZIMMERMAN, grocer, Bloomville, was born February 27, 1822, in Baden, Germany. After receiving his education in his native land, he immigrated to America, and located in Canal Dover, Tuscarawas Co., Ohio, in 1843, where he followed his trade, that of a painter. There he was married August 1, 1844, to Miss Mary A. Oswald. They settled in Bloomville, this county, in June 1847. Here Mr. Zimmerman followed his trade for ten years, and established a grocery and provision store, which he has carried on ever since, and which is one of the oldest business houses in Bloomville. His several partners have been as follows: Dr. J. R. Buckingham, Henry Dittenhafer, Squire James Turner, James Ayres, and lastly, George W. Moors, who, in February, 1883, entered the firm, which is now known as Zimmerman & Moore. They carry a full line of groceries, provisions, queensware, etc., and by strict attention to business have built up a large trade with the surrounding community. Mr. Zimmerman is a leading and influential citizen. For twentyseven years he and his worthy wife have been members of the Methodist Episcopal Church, in which he is a steward.