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SCIPIO TOWNSHIP.
JOHN ALBRIGHT, farmer, P. o. Republic, was born in Lancaster County, Penn., October 20, 1835, and the following spring his parents removed to Seneca County, Ohio, locating in Adams Township, where our subject grow to maturity and received the benefits of a common school education. Charles Albright, father of our subject, a carpenter by trade, was born in Pennsylvania, in 1810, and Molly (Smith) Albright, our subject's mother, was born in
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1808, died in .18 77; they were parents of four children: John, Jacob, David (deceased) and Isaac. John Albright removed to his present farm in 1862, and in 1875 erected his fine residence. He is a self-made man; considered one of the substantial as well as practical farmers of Scipio Township. He has always dealt more or less extensively in stock; is also a prominent apiarist. Ho has served the people of his township as trustee, and is an active member of the Democratic party. He is a F. & A. M. Our subject married, December 1, 1863, Miss Mary Huddle, born in Lykens Township, Crawford Co., Ohio, July 22, 1836, daughter of Benjamin and Annie (Seitz) Huddle, the former of Shenandoah County, Va., and the latter, of Fairfield County, Ohio; were parents of ton sons and eight daughters: Rebecca, Noah (deceased), Lydia, Daniel, Benjamin, Samuel (deceased), Lewis, Abraham (deceased), Rachael (deceased), Mary, Ann, Catharine, John, Peter, Elizabeth, an infant (deceased), Jacob and Lovina (latter deceased). Fourteen of these children grew to maturity and married. The union of our subject and wife has been blessed with four children: Freeman, Orsina (deceased), Upton and Oman.
NORMAN BENHAM, farmer, P. O. Republic, was born in Prospect, Conn., September 7, 1818, son of Daniel and Clarissa (Chittenden) Benham, who came to the farm now occupied by our subject, in 1834, where they died. Daniel Benham, a son of Shadrach and Elizabeth Benham, died in his eighty-fourth year. Clarissa Benham, a daughter of Asel C. and Annie (Lewis) Chittenden, died in her eighty-fifth year; they were parents of five children: Franklin B. (deceased, leaving a family); James (deceased, leaving a family in Clyde, Ohio); Edwin (deceased, leaving one daughter); Norman and Marsha A. (latter deceased). At twenty years of age, our subject began the carpenter trade, at which he worked fifteen years, then turned his attention to general farming and now has 110 acres. He was married, in 1842, to Ann Smith, born near Berne, Switzerland, September 5, 1823, daughter of Jacob and Catharine (Myers) Smith, who came to America in 1827, locating following year in Sandusky, where former carried on shoe-making subsequently settling in Venice Township, this county, where he carried on farming, and where he died. To our subject and wife have been born four children: George (deceased); Catharine, wife of Jacob Crosley in Republic, this county; Frances, wife of V. A. Rohn, also in Republic, and Daniel J.
M. BREYMAN, dentist, Republic, was born in Berks County, Penn., December 15, 1821; son of John C. Breyman, at one time a merchant and recorder of Union County, Penn., who died in 1861, aged sixty-seven years; his widow, Catharine (Oman) Breyman, of Pennsylvania, died in 1879, aged eighty-four years; they had ten children: Sarah Ann, Zacharius, Sabrina, Malon, Henry, Catharine, John, Allen, Annetta and an infant (latter deceased). At the age of eighteen years our subject commenced working at the wagon-making trade, an occupation he followed about ten years, working part of the time in a machine shop and at ship-building. He commenced the study of dentistry in 1856, and is a graduate of the Wisconsin Dental College. He has been engaged in business in Republic, Ohio, since November, 1864, and is the only dentist in that town. In August, 1862, Mr. Breyman enlisted in Company D, One Hundred and Fiftieth Pennsylvania Volunteer Infantry. Under Capt. Crotzer, he was transferred to Company A, Thirty-fifth Regiment and detailed to assist the surgeon, and April 27, 1863, he received his discharge on account of chronic bronchitis. Mr. Breyman is an active member of the G. A. R. post, at Republic, Ohio. In politics he is a Republican. He is a member of the Presbyterian Church. Mr. Breyman entered upon life a poor boy, and is a, self-made man. He married, June 17, 1845, Elizabeth C. Tate, of Pennsylvania.
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born October 20, 1820, and eight children have been born of this union: Jane E., wife of F. Warner; Annie C. (deceased); Elizabeth A., wife of J. K. Wireman; William C:, married to Duskie Smith; John A., married to Ettie Carrell; Alice A. and Alford A. (twins), (former wife of E. Sourwine), and Malin E. (deceased):
PAUL BRONG, farmer and stock-raiser, P. O. Republic, was born in Seneca County, N. Y., November 1, 1824; son of Jacob and Elizabeth (Farwer) Brong, Penn., who were the parents of twelve children: Catherina (deceased), Mary (deceased), Jacob, Sarah (deceased), Paul, Aaron, Barbara, Annie, Rosa, Susan (deceased), Lydia and Elizabeth (latter deceased). Our subject remained with his parents on the home farm and received the advantages of a common school education, entering his career in life as a farmer, an occupation he has since followed. He came to this county in 1835, and located in Scipio Township, where he has since resided. In connection with his farming interests, Mr. Brong has been extensively engaged in growing stock. His first farm consisted of forty-five acres for which he ran in debt, and he now owns 213 acres of choice farm land. When twenty years of age, he became a member of the German Reformed Church. Politically he is a Republican. Mr. Brong was married, June 27, 1850, to Miss Mary Ann Stabler, who was born in Lehigh County, Penn., May 22, 1826, daughter of Henry and Susan (Hover) Stabler, natives of Pennsylvania. To our subject and wife have been born six children: Abbie R. (deceased), Henry J. (deceased), Sarah Elizabeth (deceased), . Susan (deceased), Daniel Edgar, and Samuel Charles, residing at-home on the old homestead of 213 acres, as a farmer and stock-raiser.
DANIEL EDGAR BRONG, who is assistant district attorney at Lockport, N. Y., was born June 9, 1857, in Scipio Township, Seneca Co., Ohio. He left common school March 4, 1873; was a student in Republic Normal School from October 1, 1873, two years; was a student and teacher at same school from October 1, 1875, two years more; delivered centennial oration at Republic, Ohio, July 4, 1876: began reading law at home May 1, 1877, and taught school in Adams Township, this county, winter of 1877-78. He read law summer of 1878, at Lockport, Niagara County, N. Y., and entered the law department of the university of Michigan at Ann Arbor, October 1, 1878, continuing two years; was office law student at Lockport, April 1, 1880, to January 1, 1881, and was then admitted to the bar in New York; graduated at Ann Arbor, March 23, 1880, and was admitted to the bar in Michigan. He practiced law at Lockport, from January 1, 1880, to date; was appointed assistant district attorney of Niagara County, January 1, 1884, for the term of three years. Daniel Edgar Brong was married September 27, 1882, to Mary Eunice Parker, of Lockport, and to this union was born, September 23, 1884, one son----Parker Paul.
DANIEL BROWN (deceased) was born in Westchester County, N. Y., December 28, 1799, and died March 26, 1872. He was reared on a farm and entered upon his career in life as a farmer, coming to Scipio Township, this county, in about 1836, locating on the farm now owned by William Baker. He became a prominent politician and was elected by the Democratic party to a seat in the Legislature. Certain measures being agitated which did not meet his views, he eventually became a Republican. He held the office of coroner in the county, and numerous township offices, such as justice of the peace, etc. He was a Knight Templar. Mr. Brown was a self-educated man and although of firm convictions, was easily influenced for right. He was married, June 3,1833. to Mrs. Sally (Chace) Smith, who survives him. She was born in Tompkins County, N. Y., October 19, 1813, and was first married, in 1832, to Joseph N.
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Smith, who died within the year. She was the mother of one daughter, Josie, born September 18,1834, who was married June 4, 1850, to W. J. Crissel, who died in 1869, leaving to her care two children: Dan B. and Fred B., both farmers in Scipio Township, this county. Mrs. Crissell subsequently married, October 12, 1870, James H. Knapp, who was born in Putnam County, N. Y., July 12, 1842. Mr. Knapp has always followed the occupation of a farmer, except two years, during which time he was engaged in mercantile business in Iowa. During the war he was in the 100 days' service in Company I, One Hundred and Forty-fifth Ohio National Guards. He came to Seneca County in 1869, and has held numerous township offices of trust; is the present secretary of the Farmers' Mutual Relief Association of Seneca County, which was organized in 1860, incorporated in 1878. Mr. Knapp is an extensive breeder of high grade stock. Politically he is a Republican.
MORGAN BUGBEE (deceased) was born in Scipio Township, this county, January 16, 1840, son of Philo and Celia (True) Bugbee, natives of New York, former born in Auburn, May 14, 1815, died December 27, 1870; latter born in Bath, March 8, 1818, is still living and is the mother of five children: Morgan Eliza, born March 4, 1841, wife of J. Dittman; Mariah, born April 11, 1842 died August 13, 1867 ; Elva, born January 1, 1851, wife of G. M. Pancost, of Washington, D. C.; Merritt, born October 16, 1855, and Morgan. Morgan Bugbee entered upon his career in life as a farmer, and eventually became one of the best farmers of Scipio Township, this county. He made a specialty of breeding Merino sheep and Poland-China hogs. He resided two years in Indiana and while there became an Odd Fellow. Mr. Bugbee was highly esteemed by the community in which he lived; he was a consistent member of the Universalist Church for some years previous to his death; he died, August 10, 1884. He was married, April 9, 1863, to Miss Mary Woodruff, who was born in Ann Arbor, Mich., June 12, 1842; she was a daughter of John and Sally (Clark) Woodruff, who were natives of New York, former born October 19, 1798, died June 25, 1852; latter born March 8, 1798, died April 17, 1880; they were early settlers in Michigan; the former was a school teacher, and a prominent politician of the Whig party; they were the parents of thirteen children: Emma, John B. (deceased), Matilda (deceased), Peter, Caroline, Charles H., Timothy (deceased), Thomas, James C., Samuel, Martha, Jane and Mary; Jane married Orlando Green, of Attica, Ohio, May 11, 1862; he died September 17, 1878; one child blessed this union, Donna W., born April 6, 1875.
JAMES E. CARPENTER, farmer, P. O. Republic, was born in Clinton Township, this county, July 19, 1853, son of Adam and Phoebe (Strew) Carpenter, former a native of Harrison County, Ohio, latter of Bloom Township, this county; they were the parents of two children: William and James E. Our subject received a common and normal school education and entered upon his career in life as a school teacher. He has, however, made farming the principal occupation of his life and has been a resident of Scipio Township since 1880. He makes no specialties, other than growing the usual crops and raising stock. Politically he is a stanch Republican. Mr. Carpenter was married, February 19, 1878, to Miss Sarah Myers, who was born in Venice Township, this county, June 4, 1849, and by this union there are two children: one died in infancy, and Roxie Rebecca, born December 26, 1883. Mrs. Carpenter is a daughter of Henry and Rebecca (Free) Myers, early settlers of this county, former deceased; they were the parents of seven children: Mary J. (deceased wife of A. B. Brant), George W. (deceased), Andrew J., Sarah, Thomas J., Martha E. and William T.
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HIRAM CHAFFEE, farmer, P. O. Bloomville, was born in Courtland County, N. Y., October 30, 1812; son of Nathan and Polly (Eaton) Chaffee, of Massachusetts, former a miller by trade; they are the parents of five children: Polly, Wealthy, Abigail, Axie and Hiram. Our subject, who has always been a farmer, came to this county in March, 1860, and located on the farm on which he still resides. He has been township trustee; was formerly a member of the I. O. O. F. and was a Granger. Politically he is a Republican. Mr. Chaffee married, April 20, 1833, Miss Maria Wilkerson, who was born in Cayuga County, N. Y., March 14, 1810. To this union have been born two children: Cornelius and George. Cornelius contracted disease in the army, from which he died, and George died at Danville, Ky. Cornelius married Sarah Salisbury, who died November 8, 1874, aged thirty years and eleven months; their son, Lewis, married Ella Smith, born in Cayuga County-, N. Y., November 10, 1860 (they have one son, Harry, born March 21, 1883). Mrs. Chaffee wife of our subject is a daughter of Cornelius and Elizabeth (Leighland) Wilkerson, of New Jersey and Pennsylvania, respectively, of whose children three are now living: Charles, Eliza Cunningham and Mrs. Chaffee. Our subject and wife celebrated their golden wedding in 1883.
JAMES B. CLARK, farmer, P. O. Republic was born in Pleasant Township, this county, in 1853; son of William Clark, of Pleasant Township, this county. Our subject received a common school education and taught school several terms. He entered upon his career in life as a farmer, and as such bids fair to become one of the representative agriculturists of the township. He was united in marriage, March 15, 1883, with Miss Ids Rhoads, who was born in 1859, in Scipio Township, this county, daughter of Squire Joseph Rhoads now of Eden Township, this county. Mr. Clark came to Scipio Township in 1883 and located on the farm settled by his grandparents in an early day.
JOHN L. COLE, attorney, Republic, was born in Clinton Township, Seneca County, Ohio, February 14, 1840, a son of Nathan Cole, of Bristol County, Mass., a carpenter and farmer who came to this county in 1836, and died in 1875, aged eighty-nine years. Nathan Cole's first wife, Polly French, left two daughters: Fanny (deceased) and Polly (wife of Benjamin Dean, of Massachusetts). Nathan Cole's second wife, Abigal S. Sawyer, a daughter of Rev. Sawyer, was mother of six children: Nathan, Hiram, Henry, Simon, Sally and Abigal (the two latter are deceased); and his third wife, Maria (Walker) Longcoy, had two daughters by Mr. Longcoy: Charlotte, deceased wife of D. Decker, and Polly, deceased. By Mr. Cole she has two children: Elsie, wife of Charles C. Fox, and John L., the subject of this sketch; she is still living. The Cole family are of English descent, and their ancestors were among the early settlers of Massachusetts. The subject of this sketch entered upon his course in life as a teacher in the common schools, and later became principal of the public school of Republic, Ohio, a position he held for five years, spending a portion of the time in the study of law, and afterward reading with Hon. George E. Seney. He was admitted to the bar in the fall of 1862, and entered upon the practice of his profession at Republic, and has since engaged in general law and real estate business. He owns a farm near Republic, which is operated under his management. Mr. Cole has served as township clerk eleven years, member of the school board eighteen years, and has held other minor township offices. In politics he is a Republican. Mr. Cole married, October 9, 1876, Maria Platte, of Scipio Township, this county, a graduate of Seneca County Academy, and for three years principal of Republic schools, a daughter of Joel and Amanda (Norton) Platte, early settlers of this county and res-
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idents of Republic: she was born December 8, 1841, and is mother of two children: Ettie L., born January 5, 1879, and Heath K., born September 16, 1880.
ORANGE COOLEY, farmer, P. O. Republic, was born near Northampton, Mass., July 19, 1811, son of Alvin and Elizabeth (Frazier) Cooley, natives of Massachusetts, who were married October 16, 1796, and were the parents of the following named children: Betsey, Polly, Emily, Alvin and Orange. Alvin Cooley, Sr., died January 29, 1827, and his widow a few years later. Our subject, the only survivor of the family, was nearly nineteen years of age when he came with his parents to Seneca County, Ohio. He had but a few dollars at that time, but by habits of industry and economy has accumulated a large property. In 1830 he purchased eighty acres of land from Joseph Chazey, who had entered it in 1826, and has made all the improvements, having also placed it under a high state of cultivation. Mr. Cooley was married, November 20, 1834, to Mary Pettys, born in New York, April 30, 1819, and who died January 15, 1879, the mother of nine children: Hannah M. (deceased), Cyntha J., Sereno S., Edward, Elizabeth, Richard, Eliza, Viola and Charles. Air. Cooley, who has always led an honorable life, enjoys the respect of the entire community. He joined the Presbyterian Church December 10, 1837, tend has since served as trustee or elder in same most of the time. He assisted in building the first church in the township, and all those since erected but one. Politically he was originally a Whig, but in later years has been a Republican.
OBEDIAH CUMMINGS, farmer, P. O. Republic, was born in Scipio Township, this county, June 20, 1837, son of Mathias and Phoebe (Booth) Cummings, natives of New England, who came to this county in about 1830; they were parents of two children: Obediah and Mary (wife of J. A. Smith). Mathias and Phoebe Cummings had both been previously married. Our subject received the advantages of a common school education, and in early life learned the carpenter's trade, but has made farming the principal occupation of his life. He is an active member of the Masonic fraternity. In politics he is a stanch Republican. He was married, December 29, 1859, to Sarah Garhart, who was born in Crawford County, Ohio, August 23, 1841, and by this union are four children: Clinton, Cora, Mattie and Myrtie, latter deceased.
SYLVESTER CUNNINGHAM (deceased) was born in Cortland County, N. Y., January 10, 1815, and came to this county in 1857, where he followed the occupation of a farmer, although a mason by trade. He was married, September 3, 1836, to Eliza W Wilkerson, who survives him. She was born in Cayuga County, N. Y., March 29, 1813, and is the mother of three children: Charles M., in Osborne County, Kans., married to Jean Vernon, March 15, 1866, (have one son, Vernon E., born January 27, 1868); Helen J., wife of E. F. Beard, of Monroe County, Mich.; Elizabeth, born April 7, 1844, married December 23, 1869, to Sidney J. Anway (son of John Anway), who was born February 15, 1841 (they have one son, Frank L., born March 11, 1875). The subject of this sketch was a man highly respected in the community. His death occurred May 30, 1883, and his loss was much felt by all who knew him. He was very active in public affairs, serving his township at one time as trustee. He was a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church. Politically a Whig, afterward a Republican. He belonged to Hildreth Lodge No. 165, F. & A. M., Republic, Ohio.
S. S. DENTLER, farmer and merchant, P. O. Republic, was born near Gettysburg, Adams Co., Penn., March 23, 1834, son of George and Lena (Stover) Dentler. residents of Franklin County, Penn., and who are the par-
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ents of twelve children: Samuel S., Lucinda, John, Andrew J.. Joseph. Catharine, Louisa, Melinda, George, James, Ann and Rebecca. Coming to, this county in 1854, our subject left it in 1856, but returned in 1860 and engaged in farming, in connection with which occupation he has been a member of the drug firm of Stickney & Dentler since 1869. Mr. Dentler is an active member of the I. O. O. F., in which order he is treasurer. Politically he may be termed independent, voting for men and principles, rather than party. Our subject was married, June 5, 1861, to Mrs. Jane Porter (a widow with two children), daughter of T. P. Roberts.
J. K. DUFFY, farmer and minister, P. O. Republic. was born in Alexandria, D. C., July 20, 1816, son of John and Mary (Kinsell) Duffv, former superintendent of the United States Arsenal. at Pittsburgh, to which place he was sent in 1817 with a division of men for the protection of the frontier. and where he and his wife died of yellow fever in 1818. He was a native of Inland, his wife of Germany. Being left an orphan at a very early age our subject was provided for by charitable people, and in 1820 was brought to Wayne County, Ohio, by John Ewaldt, where he remained until 1832. In 1836 he purchased 300 acres of land near Cardington, Ohio. of which he was deprived, with all the improvements, after much litigation, by an alien's claim. In 1855 he settled near Attica, Ohio, and in 1867 came to his present location, where he purchased 182 acres of land. At eighteen years of age he began preaching in the Methodist Episcopal Church, and in 1814 became a member of the Protestant Methodist Church. He did regular itinerant work for more than thirty years and became a most successful and plain minister. He is active in educational and religious matters and in all the various enterprises for the promotion of the welfare of the people of the county. He served one. term as justice of the peace and was a just judge, and highly respected citizen. Mr. Duffy was twice married, on first occasion, September 24, 1839. in Lima, Ohio, to Mary Wamsley, a Virginian, and daughter of Thomas Wamsley. By this union were two children: Sarah E. (deceased wife of Philip Prouse: she left a family in Bloomville, this county), and Silas A. (died at seven years of age). Mrs. Duffy died March 3, 1842, and Mr. Daffy then married. November 15, 1842, Sarah A. Tilton, born in Monmouth County, N. J., November 12, 1822, daughter of John and Sarah (Leas) Tilton. who settled in Licking County, Ohio, in 1832, where they died. By this union there were five children; Leonidas, in Scipio Township, this county; John H.. in Logan County, Ohio; Jennie,wife of William Scott, in Madison County, Ohio: Willie (deceased) and Sylvester on the homestead.
W. S. EASTMAN, farmer, P. O. Republic, was born on the farm where he now resides, in Scipio Township, November 11, 1835, son of John W. Eastman, who was born in Middletown, Orange Co., N. Y.. November 26, 1797: he served as a substitute for his father in the British service during the war of 1812, while residing in Canada, but eventually escaped into New York and later became first lieutenant in the "Yates Rifle Battalion;" he came to Seneca County, Ohio, in 1831, and, in January, of the year following, purchased eighty acres of land entered by Nathan Dix (in Scipio Township), removing his family to the same November 12, 1833; in early days his political views were Democratic, but later Republican; he took an active part in all public affairs and accumulated a large property, owning over 400 acres of land at the time of his death, which occurred May 30, 1872; his wife, Cvnthia Spooner, was born in Greene County, N. Y., March 6, 1807, and died December 6, 1855; they were parents of three children: Daniel AC., deceased: Mary E., wife of Samuel B. Ink, of Tiffin; and William S. Our subject graduated
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from Hillsdale Collogo, Michigan, in the class of 1804, and assisted in the elocutionary department while at college. In connection with his farm ini interests he makes wool-growing a specialty, being a member of the " Wool Grower's Association" of Seneca County. Politically he is a Republican; religiously, a Free Baptist. November 30, 1864, Air. Eastman was married to Miss Mary A. Russell, of Sandusky County, Ohio, born April 7, 1843, daughter- of Judge William S. Russell, of Fremont, Ohio. To this union were born Libbie and J. Russell.
P. J. EBERSOLE, farmer, P. O. Bloomville, was born June 28, 1836, in Big Lick Township, Hancock County, Ohio, where he received a common school education; a son of John P. and Susanna (Green) Ebersole, of Pennsylvania, who came to Hancock County, Ohio, about 1835; both are living, each at the age of eighty years. John P. Ebersole was a farmer and carpenter in early days, also for many years a preacher in the German Baptist Church. He was father of seven children: Neri, Oscar, Sarah, Simpson, Peter J., Susan and Harriet, all now living. The subject of this sketch came to this county in 1858, and to his present residence in 1880. He is a member of the German Baptist. Church: in politics he is a Republican. Air. Ebersole married, March 4, 1858, Miss Susan Roop, who was born in Richland (now Ashland) County, Ohio. December 3, 1839, and to this union were born three children: John D., deceased; Laura, deceased; and Adella, now the wife of Clarence Sankey. Mrs. Ebersole is a daughter of David and Elizabeth (Hoffman) Itoop, natives of Carroll County, Md., and who came to this county about 1840. David Roop was a farmer and a minister of the German Baptist Church, having preached in this county about forty years; at the time of his death, which occurred May 4, 1880, he was about sixty-two years of age; he was quite a prominent man and took an active part in all public matters. Mrs. Elizabeth Roop died in August, 1880, at the age of sixty-five years; she was the mother of five children: Susan; Elizabeth, wife of William Color; Josiah, a physician of Blue Springs, Neb.; William H., deceased; and Ezra D.
E. F. GRAY, farmer and stock-dealer, P. O. Republic, was born in Scipio Township, this county, September 25 1845, son of Samuel B. and Jane (Striker) Gray, of Steuben County N. Y., and who settled in Scipio Township, this county, in 1834. where they died, former January 21, 1880, in the sixtyninth year of his age (he was a son of Levi and Triphonia (Baker) Gray), latter in 1850, aged about thirty-five years (she was a daughter of Jeremiah Baker, a sailor). Samuel B. and Jane Gray were parents of seven children: Elizabeth and Mary, were deceased in infancy; Marcus L., who died in Loxington, Ky., was a member of Company K, Forty-fifth Regiment O. L. G. C.; Charles, a member of the same regiment, was wounded in a skirmish and died in the Richmond Hospital prison; E. F.; Jennie, wife of James Merchant, residing near Tiffin, Ohio; Mary, wife of Daniel Smith, in Adams Township, this county. Our subject was married, December 25, 1879, to Hattie L. Smith, a native of Scipio Township, this county, and daughter of David Smith, and to this union were born following children: Gertrude, born December 12, 1880, and Frank, born May 22, 1882. Mr. Gray is W. M. of Hildreth Lodge F'. & A. M., at Republic. He has 215 1/2 acres of finely improved land, being a hart of nearly 1, 000 acres which were entered by his grandfather, then inherited by his father, who was one of the greatest surveyors of his time. Mr. Gray was a member of Company K, One Hundred and Sixty-fourth Regiment Ohio National Guards, and is a charter member of the G. A. R. at Republic.
JOEL HALL, farmer, P. O. Rockaway, was born on the farm where he still resides. November 10, 1827, son of Henry Hall, a native of Pennsylvania,
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who came to this county in the spring of 1827, and entered the land where lit, passed the remainder of his life, dying September 8, 1881, aged eighty-two years, ten months and nineteen days; he was a blacksmith, gunsmith and sickle-maker by trade. a very energetic man (there still remains on the homestead a portion of a wheel worked by ox-power, which he used in turning a grindstone and for boring gun barrels). Henry Hall made guns out of bars of iron; he made guns for the Indians and they camped on the farm and hunted; and he once walked to Pittsburgh, Penn., for a single tool used in making sickles; he was a consistent member of the English Lutheran Church; in politics was a Democrat; his wife, Hannah (Swander), also a native of Pennsylvania, died June 12, 1868, aged sixty-three years and five months; she was a member of a church. Mr. and Mrs. Henry Hall were the parents of three children: Christine, Joel and Absalom. Having been reared a farmer, the subject of this memoir has always followed that occupation. He was married. March 10, 1864, to Miss Catharine Beck, who was born in Fairfield County, Ohio, December 1, 1831, and by this union are six children, five of whom are now living: Hannah, Daniel, William, Maryan and Andrew.
JOSEPH HILSINGER, farmer, P. O. Republic, was born upon the farm where he now resides, January 20, 1841, son of Joseph and Mary (Racy) Hil singer, the former of whom, a native of Baden, Germany, and who came to America alone in 1825, was born in 1802, died September 5, 1878 ; latter was born in 1800, died in 1875, the mother of three children: Harrison, in Barry County, Mich.; Sarah, wife of David Critz, in Wayne County, Ind., and Joseph; she was a native of Lehigh County, Penn., but came with her husband, a jeweler by trade, to Scipio Township, this county, in 1835; here they toiled hard for the clearing up and improvement of the township. Our subject was married, March 2, 1865, to Catharine Smith, born in Scipio Township, this county, November 22, 1839, daughter of David and Susan (Neikirk) Smith, of Scipio Township. The children born to this union are David, Nora, Calvin, Louie A. (deceased) and Clara. Mr. Hilsinger has 182 acres of choice land, to which he devotes his attention. He was elected to fill the office of township trustee in the spring of 1885. Our subject and wife are members of the Re. formed Church.
FRANK A. HORTON, farmer, P. O. Republic, was born in Tompkins County, N. Y., October 22, 1844, son of James and Elizabeth (Smith) Horton, natives of New York, now residing in Hedgestown, this county, and who have been in the county since 1854; they are the parents of eight children: Sarah, Fanny, Clara, Elizabeth, Matilda, Levi, William and Frank A. Our subject entered upon his career in life as a farmer, purchasing the farm where he now lives, in 1869. He was married, October 22, 1870, to Miss Marion Chittendon, who was born in Scipio Township, this county, in June, 1849. She died June 12, 1883, leaving four children: Eddie, Annie, Dewey and Nettie. Mr. Horton was formerly a member of the Grange and G. T. He is a consistent member of the Methodist Episcopal Church. In politics he is a Republican.
CHARLES JONES (deceased), a son of Erastus and Grace (Perry) Jones, natives of New York, was born in Cayuga County, N. Y., in April, 1827, anti was less than one year old when his parents came to Scipio Township, this county. Here he grew to maturity, received a common school education, and followed the occupation of farmer, being also a prominent stock-dealer. He was united in marriage, April 6, 1869, with Sarah Samsel, born in Lehigh County, Penn., February 23, 1845, daughter of Jacob and Mary (Litzenberger) Samsel, the former of whom, a native of Pennsylvania, came to this county in 1856, was a shoe-maker by trade, but in later life followed farming;
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the latter was born in Lehigh County, Penn., February 10, 1822; they were the parents of fourteen children: Willoughby, William and Mary (are deceased). Sarah and Kate (living), Jacob (deceased), Peter F., Henry S. and Alford (are living), Eliza, Lydia, Emma, Elwood U. and an infant are deceased. Mr. Samsel died November 6, 1877. To Mr. and Mrs. Jones were born five children: Frederick C., Erastus P., Chauncy A., Warren P. and Grace M. Politically Mr. Jones was a Democrat. He died August 19, 1878, at the age of fifty years, three months and twenty-eight days. Since the death of our subject the management of the farm has been successfully conducted by his widow, who possesses rare business qualities.
STEPHEN LAPHAM, justice of the peace, Republic, was born in Cayuga County, N. Y., October 20, 1821. His early life was passed upon a farm, and his educational advantages were limited. In 1835 his parents came to this county, locating in Scipio Township. Stephen remained upon the homestead farm until he arrived at maturity, and entered upon his career in life as a farmer, an occupation he followed till 1860, when he disposed of his farm and has since engaged in different enterprises. He served as mayor of Republic for six years, and has held other minor offices. He was commissioned justice of the peace in 1870 and has filled that office with great satisfaction. Politically he is a Republican. Mr. Lapham served 100 days in Company K, Sixty-fourth Ohio Volunteer Infantry, during the Rebellion. He has been an active member of the I. O. O. F. since 1855. He married, March 23, 1843, Lucinda M. Hall, of Tyrone County, N. Y., born August 7, 1823; she is mother of seven children: Ernest L., in New Mexico; Ella, now Mrs. J. B. Dickey, of Kansas; Emma, now Mrs. Charles Day, of Kansas: Eva, now Mrs. H. B. Miller, of Kansas; Ida and Elmer Elsworth (deceased), and Irving F., Minnesota. Humphrey Lapham, the father of our subject, a native of Massachussetts, died in 1868; he was active in the development of Scipio Township, this county; he was three times married: his first wife, Eliza Allen, bore him four children: Stephen, Robert A., John P. and Elizabeth, all now living; his second wife, Esther Allen, bore him six children: Humphrey, George, Jonathan, Amisa, Anti and Thomas H., all deceased (three died in the army); his third wife, Emily White, is still living, the mother of four children Egbert (deceased in the army), Elwood, Glenn and Frank. Six of Humphrey Laphain's children were in the army during the civil war-one was billed, and three died while in the service.
WILLIAM W. LAPHAM, farmer, P. O. Republic, was born February 11, 1828, on the farm which is still his home. His father, Joseph Lapham, a native of Massachusetts, was for many years a sailor, and it is stated that, on one occasion, he was a member of a crew of thirteen that cast lots to see who should be sacrificed to provide food for the balance; he came to Seneca County, Ohio, in 1826, there being at that time but one house between his farm and Tiffn, and his land grants were signed by J. Q. Adams and Andrew Jackson; he was married to Lovina Howland, and by her had ten children: Eliza (deceased), Ruth (deceased), Noah, Phoebe (deceased), Henry, Slocomb, Mary Ann, Humphrey (deceased), William W. and Joseph (latter deceased). The father died in 1871, aged eighty-five years, and the mother in 1878, aged eighty-four. The subject of this sketch, who is considered one of the representative farmers of the township, was reared to agriculture. April 9, 1851, he was Married to Miss .Jane Patrick, born in Dutchess County, N. Y., January 13, 1831, daughter of Alonzo and Lydia (Phillips) Patrick, also natives of Now York. Alonzo Patrick, a shoe-maker and harness manufacturer by trade, came to this county in July, 1843, and subsequently followed farming; his
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death occurred in December, 1863, when he was sixty-four years of age, his widow died in 1876, aged sixty-one years. They were the parents of five children: Jane A., Samuel L., Gretta (deceased wife of H. Kent), Job S., Lura A. (wife of A. Sillcox). To Mr. and Mrs. William W. Lapham have been born three children: Iola and Samuel (both deceased), and Phoeba, born February 3, 1854, married March 11, 1875, to Erwin A. Ogden, formerly clerk in Toledo, now a farmer.
JAMES LAUGHREY (deceased) was born in Muskingum County, Ohio, February 8, 1813; son of William and Jane (Postage) Laughrey, of Pennsylvania, the former born August 9, 1782, died December 16, 1847; the latter died September 18, 1857, aged seventy-eight years; they had six children: John, Charles, Andrew, James, Nancy and Ellen. Our subject came to this county with his parents, who had purchased land in Scipio Township in 1820, but did not remove to the same till 1824. Here he grew to maturity and engaged with more or less activity in the growth and development of the township. Mr. Laughrey was married, April 17, 1859, to Mrs. Laura (Dantz) McChesney, who was born in Vermont, May 24, 1814, daughter of John and Esther (Hubbard) Dantz. Her first marriage was in about 1833 with Arden Weller, who died in about 1845, leaving to her care two children: Columbus and Julia, the latter of whom, married to Isaac Fuller, at her death left throe children: Mina, Lollie and Julia, who have since been adopted by our subject. Mrs. Laughrey's second husband, Thomas McChesney, lived but a few years. Mr. Laughrey, the subject of this sketch, died July 2, 1885. He was for twenty years a F. & A. M. In politics he was a Democrat.
HENRY MANSFIELD, merchant, Republic, was born in Bellevue, Ohio, September 6, 1850, son of Christian and Frances (Bauman) Mansfield, former of whom, a native of Bavaria, Germany, born January 19, 1808, and a tanner by trade, came to America and located first at Bellevue, Ohio, moving to this county about 1852, where he followed his trade till 1872, when ho retired from active life. Mrs. Frances Mansfield, a native of Switzerland, came to America when a child; she is the mother of six children: Henry, Louise, Christian, Francis, Manda (deceased) and an infant (deceased). At the age of fifteen our subject became a clerk in a store, and in April, 1872, entered into business at Republic, Ohio, and six years later he met with a loss by fire. His goods, however, being insured for two-thirds their value, he reopened soon after, his stock consisting chiefly of dry goods, clothing, boots, shoes, etc. The firm now stands as H. Mansfield & Bro. Mr. Mansfield is also engaged quite extensively in the grain business with E. S. Chittenden. He is the present treasurer of Republic; also of his township. Mr. Mansfield married, Jannary 12, 1876, Miss Isabell Kimmel, who was born at Sandusky, Ohio, June 19, 1857, a daughter of Henry and Eva (Rocena) Kimmel, of Bellevue, Ohio. In politics our subject is a Democrat.
HENRY MILEY (deceased) was born in Eden Township, Seneca Co., Ohio, August 30, 1831, son of John and Magdalene (Beever) Miley, natives of Virginia, and early settlers of this county. The subject of this sketch re ceived a good education, and taught school several terms, but eventually turned his attention to farming. 'He came to Scipio Township, this county, March 29, 1858, and became a prominent farmer. For several years prior to his death Mr. Miley was a consistent member of the Free-Will Baptist Church. He married, October 22, 1857, Laura A. Jennings, who was born in Hopewell Township, this county, May 7, 1836. She bore him four children: Alice Idell, wife of J. Burgdefer; Jennie Bell, wife of H. McCartney; Joett, (deceased), and Nettie Pearl. Mr. Miley died June 12, 1883. Mrs. Miley's
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father, Jacob S. Jennings, was a native of New Jersey, coming to Ohio while a child, and grew to maturity in Warren County, Ohio. He came to this county at an early date and entered land; also entered a farm of 160 acres in Henry County, Ohio, for each of his sons. He died February 21, 1857, aged sixty-four years. His wife, Osee Blackford, was born in Warren County, Ohio, in 1799, and died August 3, 1876. Their union was blessed with thirteen children: John M., George N., Milton, Ethen A. (deceased), Jackson, Justin, Barkley, Martha and Mary (twins), Sarah, Laura A., Cynthia and Susan.
RICHARD T. PORTER, farmer and mason, P. O. Republic, was born January 22, 1811, in Schuylkill County, Penn., son of James and Elizabeth (Rooks) Porter, natives of Ireland and Pennsylvania, respectively, and who were the parents of fourteen children: Ann, Sally, Samuel, Lewis, Richard, Rachel, Owen, Elizabeth, John, Martha, James, Margaret, Rebecca and Benjamin R. When three years of age our subject was taken by his parents to Cayuga County, N. Y., where he grew to maturity and resided until 1842, in which year he came to this county, and, having previously learned the trade of mason, followed that occupation until 1883 in connection with farming, to which latter he is now giving his entire attention. Mr. Porter was married, September 1, 1842, to kiss Eliza A. Andrews, who was born in Ireland in 1800. She dying January 7, 1868, our subject then married, December 26, 1872, Miss Miranda Smith, born in Reed Township, this county, January 8, 1841, and by her he has had two children: Rachel E. and Emma J. (latter deceased). Mrs. Porter is a daughter of Daniel W. and Louisa (Paige) Smith, former of whom, a farmer by occupation, came to this county in 1827, remaining here until his death, which occurred in 1853; latter, a native of Vermont, was brought to Sherman Township, Huron Co., Ohio, in 1813, and died in 1848. They were the parents of six children: Ira, Caroline, Miranda, Alary, Daniel and David. By Mr. Smith's first wife, Sally Thayer, he had one son-William. The subject. of this sketch has satisfactorily filled the office of township trustee. He has for many years been an active F. & A. M.
LEWIS RANSBURG, farmer, P., O. Republic, was born in Frederick County, Md., June 5, 1826; son of Christian and Catharine M. (Sprengle) Ransburg, who came to this county in the fall of 1831, settling in Clinton Township; they afterward moved to Indiana in about 1856, where Christian Ransburg died in 1864 in his seventyninth year (he was a son of Jacob Ransburg, a native of Maryland, of German descent), and Catharine M. Ransburg died in 1870, in her seventy-ninth year (she was a daughter of Jacob and Margaret (Keifer) Sprengle, natives of Maryland, of German descent). Christian and Catharine M. Ransburg were parents of ten children: George (died leaving family in Steuben County, Ind.), Susanna H. (deceased wife of Cornelius Shank; she left a family in Pleasant Township), Rebecca B. (wife of Daniel Warner, in Henry County, Ohio), David (died leaving family in Branch County! Mich.), Catharine (deceased wife of Franklin Spangle; she left a family in Steuben County, Ind.), Leander and Ann E. (wife of George Warner), both in Steuben County, Ind., Caroline M. (deceased wife of Simon Beck, in Steuben County, Ohio), Lewis (our subject), Rachel M. (wife of Jacob Shuman, in De Kalb County, Ind.). Our subject was married October 21, 1850, to Catharine 1l. Hoxter, born in Yates County, N. Y., August 1, 1831, died October 12, 1884, daughter of Sabert and Marietta (Baker) Hoxter, who dame to this county in 1844, where they died, the former March 10, 1865, in his fifty-seventh year, son of William and Catharine (Basom) Hoxter; latter in 1858, in leer forty-ninth year, daughter of William Baker. Sabert and Marietta Hotter were parents of two children, the younger being William D., a very prom-
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inent citizen and ex-legislator of Forest Grove, Washington Co.. Oreg. To our subject and wife have been born the following children: Olive E.. born January 13, 1855, and Burton D., born January 23, 1869. Our subject has a finely improved farm of 248 acres.
JOHN WESLEY RINE, farmer, P. O. Republic, was born in Franklin County, Ohio, July 23, 1826, and was brought to Seneca County in 1836. The father of our subject, Jacob Rine, was born in Franklin County, Penn., April 17, 1796; died in April, 1847. Soon after coming to Seneca County, he (Jacob Rine) lost his buildings and household goods by fire; a few years later he owned 240 acres in Hopewell Township, this county, a part of which he sold, and then engaged in mercantile business in Fostoria, and, after making several changes in his place of residence, he returned to this county and gave his attention to his trade (carpentering); he was an active man in public affairs, serving several years as justice of the peace and constable. Jacob Rine was thrice married, only his first wife, Elizabeth (Drake) bearing him children as follows: Margaret (deceased), John Wesley, Elizabeth (deceased), Mary, Fletcher, Nathan and Alvin, all of whom attained maturity and married. Our subject received a limited education, and at the age of eighteen years entered on his career in life as a day laborer, but eventually learned the cooper's trade. In 1861 he purchased a farm in Reed Township, this county, which he sold eleven years later and bought the farm where he now lives, and has since erected a substantial residence, and made other improvements. He was married, March 4, 1852, to Rachael Sherman, born in Cayuga County, N. Y., April 15, 1834, daughter of Zephaniah and Margaret (Longstreet) Sherman, also natives of New York and who settled in this county in 1834, but are now residing in Clinton County, Mich.; their children are Isaac, Sam, Cyntha, Edwin and Rachael. Mr. and Mrs. Rine have had two children: Mary Jane (deceased) and Alvin J., married to Mary Feighner (have two children, Pearlie M. and Bertha C.)
J. T. ROBINSON, farmer, P. O. Rockaway, was born at Tiffin, Ohio, December 11, 1844; son of Joseph and Catharine (Gilmore) Robinson, natives of Ireland. Joseph Robinson came to America when a child, and became an early settler of this county; was a wagon-maker by trade; his death occurred in 1860, that of his widow in 1861; they had two children: John and J. T. Our subject received a common school education, and entered upon his career in life as a laborer. He came to Scipio Township, this county, in 1863; purchased a farm in 1872, and has since engaged in general agriculture and dealing in stock. During the war he was in the 100 days' service in Company K, One Hundred and Sixty-fourth Ohio Volunteer Infantry. Mr. Robinson was married, October 4, 1871, to Mary H. Watson, of Bloom Township, this county, born September 4, 1844, and by this union are four children: Harry born July 29, 1872; Charles G., born September 21, 1875; Rush, born August 19,1877; and Alice M., born April 25, 1881. Mrs. Robinson is a daughter of Isaac and Allie (Doan) Watson, natives of Pennsylvania, who came to Bloom Township in 1830, former of whom died April 8, 1873; latter died June 6, 1850; they were the parents of four children: Hugh D., Mary H., Orphia and William (latter two deceased). Mr. Watson's second wife (Elizabeth McCandish) is still living; she bore him three children: Emma, wife of F. A. Chatfield: Allie A. (deceased),. Charles S. (deceased). Our subject is an energetic, enterprising man. Politically he is a stanch Republican.
MRS. SALLY H. ROGERS, P. O. Republic, was born in Cayuga County, N. Y., September 11, 1816, daughter of Robert and Sally (Keller) Shaw, who came to the farm on which our subject now lives, in 1837, and here died,
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the former August 4, 1864, in his seventy-ninth year (he was the son of Richard, a Revolutionary soldier, and Mary (McDoll) Shaw, latter a daughter of Robert McDoll). Sally (Keller) Shaw, a native of Pennsylvania, of German descent, died April 28, 1868, in her eighty-second year; she was a daughter of Joseph and Mary (Andre) Keller (the former of whom was captured by the Indians at eight years of age, and with whom he lived until his seventeenth year). O. P. Rogers, husband of our subject was born in Cayuga County, N. Y., August 25, 1816, and died January 26, 1881; he was a son of Andrew and Phoebe Rogers. Mr. Rogers became a resident of this county in 1839, where he was an active, enterprising and highly esteemed citizen. To Mr. and Mrs. O. P. Rogers were born James P., residing in Republic, this county; Hulbert S.; Olden W., in Republic, and Nathan B., in Albion, Ind.
Z. E. RUTAN, teacher, Republic, was born in Champaign County, Ohio, March 4, 1851, son of Abner and Emily (Gray) Rutan, the former born March 6, 1817, died March 6, 1865. Abner Rutan's first wife, Irena Little, born March 20, 1814, bore him two children: Milton H. and Enos K.; his second wife, also born March 20, 1814, died July 31, 1883, and was the mother of two children: Zerora E. and Arnaldus, the latter born October 14, 1852. Our subject remained upon a farm until he arrived at the age of maturity; then for a year attended the Bellofontaine schools, and entered upon his career in life as a teacher. He became principal of the Huntsville schools in 1875, and two years later he removed to Shrove, where he was principal of schools for two years; he then became principal of the Greenwich schools for one year; thence moved to Republic, where he has held a like position for three years. Mr. Rutan is an active member of Republic Lodge, I. O. O. F., No. 40, N. U. No. 22. of Greenwich. and K. of H. No. 125, at Shreve. He is a consistent member of the; Methodist Episcopal Church; in politics he is a Democrat. Mr. Rutan married, August 12, 1877, Laura Cheever, of Bellefontaine, Ohio, daughter of Rev. W. M. Cheever, and born August 17, 1852; she is a graduate of the Bellefontaine schools. It is believed there is but one family of Rutans in America, and they trace their ancestry back to 1640, and are of French descent.
J. ELWOOD SCOTT, constable, city marshal and butcher, Republic, Ohio, was born in Scipio Township, this county, May 2, 1848, a son of John Scott, a native of Virginia, who came to this county at an early day and was prominent among the early settlers of Scipio Township, this county; he died December 2, 1881, aged sixtyfive years; his widow, Mrs. Abbie Jane (Bugbee) Scott, of New York, was born in 1822 and is still living, the mother of five children: Helen M., Adelbert, Marion, J. Elwood and Bell; the latter two are the only ones now living. At the age of fourteen years the subject of this sketch entered the employ of Erastus Jones, and for two years was on the road with him buying and selling stock. The following five years he was engaged in farming, then went to Clyde to learn the butcher trade, which has been his principal occupation since. Mr. Scott is the present city marshal of Republic, Ohio, and has been constable about twelve years; has also been a member of the town council. He is an active member of the I. O. O. F., of which order he is at present N. G. In politics he is a Republican. Mr. Scott married, December 22, 1874, Louise Mansfield, who was born in June, 1854, in Scipio Township, this county a daughter of Christian and Frances (Bauman) Mansbold.
DANIEL SHAWBERRY, farmer, P. O. Republic, was born in Scipio 'township, this county, September 28, 1842, son of H. H. and Catharine M. (Bocholds) Shawberry, who came from Munster, Prussia, in 1832, settling in this county in 1833; latter born December 22, 1799, still living, daughter of
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Herman H., and Ann C. (Holtzgreffe) Bocholds. latter of whom was a daughter of Stephen and Margaret (Holtzgreffe) Holtzgreffe. Mrs. C. M. Shawberry is the eldest, and the only one living of nine children; her father, born in 1769, died in 1857; her mother, born in 1774, died in 1835; H. H. Shawberry, born iii February, 1799, died November 2 1868, son of Stephen and Ann AM. (Schrer) Shawberry. He was the father of nine children, three of whom died young Herman died leaving family in Wood County, Ohio; Catharine, wife of Joseph Kistler, in Adams Township; Eliza; Louisa, wife of Edwin Everett, in Adams Township; Henry, died, leaving a daughter, Adelia A., in Vandalia, Ill. ; and Daniel. Our subject was married, December 13, 1866, to Anna l'. Guver, born August 10 1847, in Pleasant Township, this county, daughter of Jacob and Margaret (Dallman) Guver, latter of whom was born in Alsace. France, July 7, 1815, died June 10, 1876, daughter of George and Christine: (Briney) Dallman, who came to America in 1826, and to this county in 1833. Jacob and Margaret Guyer were parents of five children: Caroline, wife of Henry H. Miller, in Scipio Township, Ohio; Susan, wife of Francis S. Moore. in Crawford County, Ohio; Daniel, in Scipio Township, this county; Jacob, in Adams Township, this county, and Anna C. To our subject and wife were born following children: William F., born August 24, 1868; Delia A., born July 10, 1870; Nora M., born June 28 1873; Charles H., born October 7, 1876, and Rolly B., born March 25, 1881. Mr. Shawberry is one of the enterprising and energetic farmers of Scipio Township, having 257 acres of wellimproved land, the greater part of which he has acquired by his own efforts.
GEORGE STEARNS, retired farmer, P. O. Republic was born in Steuben County, N. Y., July 12, 1826, son of George and Sophia (Baker) Stearns, former of whom, born in Vermont, April 21, 1794, settled in New York in 1816, where he married January 9, 1822; he came to this county in the fall of 1829, and here became possessor of 560 acres of land; died here August 28, 1831. Sophia (Baker) Stearns was a native of Steuben County, N. Y., born May 26, 1797 daughter of Samuel and (nee Daniels) Baker, natives of Connecticut. George and Sophia (Baker) Stearns were parents of four children: John B., born May 9, 1824 (now in Dakota); George; Daniel, born April 12, 1828, and Alfred, born September 6, 1830, both merchants and bankers in Decatur County, Iowa. The mother subsequently married William Fleet, by whom she had one daughter-Sophia, now Mrs. Charles Nolan, in Le Loup, Kans. At twenty years of age our subject came to his present home, then heavily timbered, which by diligence he has made one of the finest farms in the county, and to which he has added until he now has 365 acres of choice land, upon which he is living a retired life. Mr. Stearns was married, August 12, 1849, to Arvilla King born in this county, February 9, 1831, daughter of Obediah and Phoebe (Booth) King, natives of Connecticut, but early settlers in this county; their children were Mercy (deceased--by her first husband, Lucius Pierce (deceased), she had one child, and by her second husband, Lewis Munday, she bad a family now in Steuben County, Ind,); Ursula (deceased); Arvilla and Julia A., Mrs. Frank Horton, in Scipio Township. this county. Mrs. Stearns' mother's second marriage was with Matthias Cummings, by whom she had two children: Obediah and Alary E., wife of John Smith, both of Scipio Township. To our subject and wife were born two sons: Frank E., born May 13, 1851, and C. S., born June 15, 1853, both engaged in banking and merchandising at .Garden Grove, Iowa.
ARCHIBALD STEWART (deceased) was born in Lycoming County, Penn., June 2, 1797. He located in Fairfield County, Ohio, in 1823, and September 3, of the year following, came to this county, entering a farm in
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Scipio Township, where he resided till the time of his death, which occurred November 30, 1884. He was a man of strong social habits, a stanch Whig and Republican, and for many years was class-leader in the Methodist Episcopal Church, of which he was a member for nearly fifty-five years. He was twice married; first, in 1820 to Miss Martha Johnson, who was born August 6, 1796, died December 30, 1854, and by her had ten children: Mary S., Nancy, Sophia A., Martha (deceased), James W., William (deceased). Margaret (deceased), Rachael A. (deceased), Charles J. and Robert M. His second marriage occurred in 1855, with Wealthy Farr, who died twenty years biter without issue.
JAMES W. STEWART, son of Archibald Stewart, was born August 21, 1829, in Scipio Township, Seneca Co., Ohio. He taught school in his younger days, but farming and stock-growing has been his principal occupation. He served 100 days in Company K. One Hundred and Sixty-fourth Ohio National Guards, during the war of the Rebellion. He is a Republican in politics; a member of the I. O. O. F. He was married, May 30, 1854, to Miss Nancy Troxel, of Bloom Township, this county, born March 8, 1834, and by this union is one child: Cora, born December 18, 1858, married Octo ber 13, 1878, to C. A. Dimm, by whom she has one child, James Stewart, born in October, 1883. Mrs. James W. Stewart is a daughter of Henry and Eliza (Walbum) Troxel, natives of Ohio and Pennsylvania, respectively, (both deceased). They came to this county in 1834, and were the parents of thirteen children: Nancy, David, Mary, Isaac (deceased), Peter (deceased), Eliza, Susan, Elizabeth, William (deceased), Rebecca, Charles, Andrew (deceased) and George (deceased).
HON. EDSON T. STICKNEY, farmer, P. O. Republic, was born in Moira, Franklin Co., N. Y., August 31, 1811. He entered upon his career in life as a school teacher; came to Seneca County, Ohio, in 1836, and clerked in a store for four years. In 1839 he was elected justice of the peace and served as such for twelve years, was also appointed postmaster in 1839, and filled that office sixteen years. In 1849 he was elected to the constitutional convention which framed the present constitution of the State served four years as State house commissioner. He removed to his present farm in 1851, and in 1867 he was elected to the House of Representatives, serving four years. He has also served two years in the Senate. He filled the office of county treasurer for two years, and was director of the Ohio penitentiary four years, under appointment of Gov. Charles Foster. Mr. Stickney is a charter member of Republic Lodge, I. O. O. F., and is also an active member of the order of F. & A. M. He married, October 17, 1838, Miss Emma Roberts, who was born in Scipio Township, Cayuga Co., N. Y., December 4, 1819. She is a daughter of Timothy P. and Rhoda (Chadwick) Roberts, the former born in Berkshire County, Mass., June 11, 1784, died January 28, 1868; the latter born February 12, 1792, died March 31, 1872; they were married, January 18, 1809, and became the parents of seven children: Ansel C., Nelson, Nelson (second), Charles, Eli, Emma and Jane (only the two latter survive). Mr. Roberts was a wheelwright by trade. He came to this county in 1823, and entered land and removed here with his family in 1825. Airs. Stickney is the mother of four children: Hubert Edson (deceased); Emma Celira; Antoine E. (deceased), and an infant (deceased), Emma Celira married W. A. Mills and bore him a son, Burt S.; by her second husband, Alexander Stewart, she has one son, Thayer. The subjectof our sketch is a son of Charles Stickney, a farmer, a native of Vermont. Charles Stickney's wife, Betsy (Pierce) Stickney, was a native of Salem, Mass. She was the mother of twelve children:
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Charles B., Edson T.. Sarepta, Maryette (deceased), Henry (deceased), Ira S., Hannah (deceased). Lvdia and Laura Ann (twins), Orrin M. (deceased), Isreal ; (deceased), and Royal S. (deceased). The Stickney family are of English descent and trace their ancestry to William Stickney, of England.
L. F. STRAUSBAUGH, jeweler, Republic, was born in Adams Count.-. Penn., April 25, 1855, son of Solomon and Mary (Werley) Strausbaugh, of Maryland (former a blacksmith by trade), now residents of Adams County, Penn., parents of nine children: Susan, David, John, Annie, James, Lissie and Katie (twins), Henry and Lee F. Our subject learned his trade at Baltimore, Md., came to this county in 1880, and four years later engaged in busi ness at Republic, where by close attention he has been very successful. Mr. Strausbaugh married, May 15, 1883, Miss Frances Bessler, of Tifn. Ohio, born May 20, 1863, and this union has been blessed with one son, Paul, born November 14, 1884. Our subject is a well-known bird fancier, and has choice collection of seventeen varieties, numbering about forty-five birds, mostly imported.
GEORGE TUBBS. surveyor and civil engineer, Republic, was born at Elmira, N. Y., May 19 1833. The father of our subject, Kelsey Tubbs, born in Elmira, N. Y., November 11, 1804, died October 23, 1864 (he held some of the civil offices at an early day, was a son of John Tubbs who died January 12, 1842, aged sixty-eight years, and whose father was killed in the Indian massacre at Wyoming, Penn.). The mother of our subject, Sarab (Dean) Tubbs, was born in Westchester County, N. Y., December 11, 1811, and is still living; she is a daughter of Gilbert and Martha (Gedney) Dean, of New York, former born April 30, 1768, died March 11, 1840; latter born April 15, 1768, died September 16, 1849 a daughter of Absalom Gedney, whose death occurred in 1814, and who held a commission under the king until the declaration of Independence, when he took sides with the colonists. Mary Kelsey, the paternal grandmother of George Tubbs, died in 1855, aged seventy year. Our subject joined in 1862, Company I, One Hundred and Forty-first New York Volunteer Infantry. as second lieutenant; was promoted to first lieutenant; was wounded at the battle of Resaca. and on his return to the regiment was appointed engineer of the brigade, and after Sherman's march to the sea, received a captain's commission; was appointed chief engineer of the Fourteenth Army Corps, serving till the general muster out in that capacity. Mr. Tubbs is a charter member of G. A. R. Post No. 135, of Republic. He calm, to Seneca County in 1873, and to Republic in 1879. Since the war he has given his attention to farming and surveying. He has served as mayor two years; is one of the leaders of the Democratic party, and was a delegate to the convention that nominated Hon. George E. Seney. Mr. Tubbs married, May 26, 1868, in Candor, N. Y., Miss Jane E. Shaw, born in Scipio Township, this county, November 27 1843, and by this union are .three sons: Joseph Kelsey, Robert and Charles E.
J. B. WILCOX, farmer, P. O. Republic, was born in Tompkins County, N. Y., June 14, 1822. By the death of his parents he was thrown on his own resources before reaching the age of nine years, receiving, however, the influence of Christian people. Our subject came to this county in 1833 and purchased his first real estate in 1847. He was a resident of Republic for sixteen years, returning to his farm in 1882. He is a Republican in politics and has been a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church, nearly forty years. He was married, May 27, 1847, to Mary Anway, born August 17, 1826, first white child born in Scipio Township, and by this union are three children: Eliza A., John R. and E. Ross. Mrs. Wilcox is a daughter of John Anway, who was born in Scipio Township, Cayuga Co., N. Y., December 2, 1799, died Novem-
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ber 26, 1883, the eldest son of William Anway, Sr., who came to Scipio Township, this county. January 19, 1823, with his family. John Anway was married, March 29, 1825, by Squire McCollister, to Mary Foster, who was born in the town of Lodyard, Cayuga Co., N. Y., this being the first marriage in the township. She was born February 19, 1805, and died in California, February 13, 1885, her remains being interred in the family cemetery, February 26, following. She was the mother of seven children: Mary (wife of our object), Loren B., Alfred, Martin (deceased), John E., Sidney J. and Wesley. April 14, 1824, a deed was signed by James Monroe to John Anway for eighty ;:ores of land, on which the latter resided till his death. Among the first tax receipts is one for 28 cents on personal property. John Anway was a captain of a militia company in early days: he was a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church nearly sixty years: a man highly respected and universally Mourned.
G. W WOODWARD, proprietor of Stave and Barrel Works, Republic, was born in Bellevue, Ohio, July 31, 1848, son of Abishai and Mary (Amsden) Woodward. Our subject is an active business man, and his enterprise is the most extensive in Republic, Ohio. He entered upon his career in life in the lumber business, and later engaged in a machine shop and agricultural works. In 1880 he purchased the stave works of McKim Bros., of Bellevue, Ohio, and in 1884 nee removed the machinery and business to Republic, Ohio, where the full running force is sixty men. The works have a capacity for turning out about 1, 500 barrels per week. Although the factory is in its infancy, the stock and fixtures are valued at $13,000. Mr. Woodward is a leading Democrat, a F, & A. M. and a member of the National Union. He married, in 1873, Miss Julia Baily, of Ionia, Mich. Their union has been blessed with three children: Gurdon, Abishai and Mary.
DANIEL WYANT, carriage-maker and farmer, P. O. Republic, was born in Frederick County, Md., October 3, 1830. In 1832 his parents moved to Seneca County, Ohio, locating in Scipio Township, and in 1833 built the House in which our subject now lives, and it is now one of the oldest landmarks left in the neighborhood. Mr. Wyant married, May 1, 1853, Catharine A. Gooding, who was born in this county August 27, 1833 and is the mother of six children: Melissa (wife of Freeman Tompkins, of West Lodi), Edson (who died at the age of two years), Sarah (who died when five years of age), Thomas E. (residing at home and teaching school), Dora (who died when sixteen years of age) and Byron(who is also at home). In 1855 Mr. Wyant commenced the manufacture of guns. He employed two men to assist him for several years before the war. This business was carried on in connection with his farming interests, but he finally gave up the manufacture of guns and turned his attention to carriage-making, building his first carriage in 1857, and from a small beginning his factory has steadily increased to its present proportions, when in full running order working four sets of hands. His reputation is widespread, and his goods find market in nearly all parts of the United States. He is quite an extensive farmer, dealing largely in cattle and horses. He is a Member of the West Lodi Lodge No. 493. I. O. O. F., and has been a member of the Lutheran Church about thirty-two years. The subject of this sketch is a son of Yost Wyant, who died in 1844, and Elizabeth (Helt nee Neikirk) Wyant, of Maryland, who died about 1868. They were the parents of five children: David, Daniel (our subject), Michael R. (of Nebraska), Samuel (of Flat Rock, Ohio,) and Elizabeth (now Mrs. P. Stotler, of Flat Rock, Ohio). Mrs. Elizabeth Wyant, our subject's mother, by her first husband, David Helt, had two children: Mary (deceased, wife of J. Morris) and Catharine (wife of George Dill, living in Lucas County).