UNION COUNTY, OHIO - 1883 HISTORY - ALLEN TOWNSHIP - BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES

ALLEN TOWNSHIP - 471

BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES.

ROBERT B. ABRAHAM, deceased. The subject of this memoir was born near Wheeling, West Va., December 9, 1809. When three years of age his parents Daniel and Mary Abraham, removed to Jefferson County, Ohio, where he spent his youth and early manhood. At the age of twelve years, he began an apprenticeship at the carpenter trade in Steubenville, where he spent four years. He then removed to the country, and December 19, 1839, he was married to Miss Margaret J. Coe, a daughter of Moses Coe and Esther Howell. Mrs. Abraham was horn in Jefferson County September 10, 1817. Of their eight children, five are living, viz.: Sarah S.,

472 - HISTORY OF UNION COUNTY.

Esther M., wife of Isaac Walk; Eliza J., wife of G. E. Adams; Alice A., wife of Charles Chapel, and Mints, A., William B., Philip W. and Martha M. are deceased. In 1855, Mr. Abraham removed with his family to Union County, and located on the farm whereon he died. He first bought 125 acres of land, and made additions till their homestead contained 245 acres. He and his wife were members of the Presbyterian Church for many years. His death occurred July 17, 1879. He was a man of benevolent and enterprise, and died with a host of friends.

WILLIAM BALES (deceased) was born in Milton, Hillsboro County, N. H., January 24, 1809. His parents, William L. and Chloe (Halt) Bales, were originally from Vermont. They were both born in 1784, the former March 13, and the latter August 6. William Bales, father of William L. and grandfather of William Bales, the subject of this sketch, was a soldier under Gen. Washington in the Revolution, while his father was engaged on the side of Great Britain, having being pressed into the British ranks. In 1840, Mr. Bales, the father of our subject, came to Union County, and settled in Allen Township, where he died October 4, 1876, aged ninety two years. His wife preceded him March 10, 1856. William, our subject, was reared to manhood on a farm. February 1, 1838, he was married to Miss Sarah, daughter of James and Rachel Cavender, and a native of Hillsboro County, N. H. She was born March 19, 1818. The fall of 1838, he removed westward, and settled near Newton, Union County, and the following year settled in Allen Township. He cleared up his first farm, which contained 150 acres, from the stamps. He accumulated land to the amount of 400 acres, besides land in the West, but through a turn of ill-luck he lost considerable property. He resided on the West Liberty & Columbus Stage route, and in early days accommodated many a weary traveler. He served as Postmaster of Caberly P. O., about twenty years. He was elected Justice of the Peace, but declined to fill the office. He devoted his undivided attention to farming and raising stock. He was one of the first to introduce Morgan horses in the county. He died a member of the Baptist Church. Politically, he always advocated the doctrines and principles of Democracy. He was the parent of ten children, nine of whom survive him, viz.: William W., married Jenny Dunn; Walter W., married Victoria Inskeep; Clifford C., married Jane Allen; Mary M., wife of Oliver Carter; Rosa, wife of Oliver Inskeep; Frank; Burnham C., married Emma A. Lee; Sarah A., wife of Charles W. Brodrick, and George; Rachel R. is deceased. Mrs. Bales' parents live with her and her children, aged ninety six and ninety-three years respectively. They have lived a married life of seventy-two years, and reared a family of nine children. They are perhaps the oldest couple in Union County. Mr. Cavender's father came from Ireland in 1775, and served from the beginning to the close of the Revolutionary war.

ISAAC BRODRICK, Sr., farmer, P. O. North Lewisburg, was born in Burlington County, N.. J., October 1, 1802. His parents, Isaac Brodrick and Beulah Engle, were of Irish and New Jersey nativity respectively ; the former was born July 29, 1772, and the latter December 29, 1772. They were married August 10, 1799, and in 1811 removed to Warren County, Ohio. Isaac, who was a native of Ireland, was a son of Thomas Brodrick (the name was originally Broderick, afterward Bradrick and subsequently to its present version), for many years a Captain on a vessel plying between Dublin and Philadelphia; he finally died on the water. Isaac, who removed to Warren County, resided there some years, then removed to Darke County, thence to Oxford, Butler County, and in 1824, to Allen Township, Union County, where he died in April 1837 ; his widow followed him January 3, 1858. The subject of this sketch was married December 12, 1822, to Hannah J. Wood, daughter of Aquilla and Jane Wood. Mrs. Brodrick was born October 15, 1804, and died April 3, 1877. This union was blest with four children ; of these but one survives. The deceased are Mary A., born November 8, 1823, married Richard Wells, and died April 12, 1880; James, born November 15, 1827, and died ; Hannah J., born April 9, 1831, married Charles Van Way, and died March 30, 1880. Isaac, Jr., the eldest son and only living child, was born June 23,

1825. April 10, 1851, he was joined in marriage to Miss Sarah P. Hoff, daughter of Anthony W. and Elizabeth Hoff, and a native of Barbour County, W. Va. She was born March 14, 1834. Eleven children were the fruits of this marriage, viz.: Charles W., John M., Samuel J., Isaac W., Emma L., wife of Oliver McCullough ; Eva L., wife of J. R. Benton; Benjamin F., Anna R. and Olive E. ; William S. and an infant are deceased. Mr. Brodrick resides on the homestead of his grandfather. His father, who is now in the eighty-first year of his age, resides with him. He is religiously inclined to Quakerism while Mr. and Mrs. Brodrick are members of the M. E. Church. Mr. Brodrick, Jr., has served his township in various official capacities. He filled the offices of Trustee, Treasurer, Clerk and Justice of the Peace, holding the latter office nine years. Politically, he is a Republican. He owns a farm of 175 acres, and is by occupation an agriculturist. The Brodrick family is not entirely without a military record; William Brodrick, a brother of Isaac Brodrick the first, was born in the "land of his fathers," and came to the United States prior to 1776, and served from beginning to the termination of the Revolution ; he also served through the late war with Great Britain and Florida war.

GEORGE CARPENTER, farmer, P. O. Milford Center, was born in Randolph County, W. Va., May 23, 1822. His parents, Solomon and Catharine (Hill) Carpenter, were natives of Virginia and Pennsylvania. The former was born in 1784, and the latter November 9, of the same year. They were married in Virginia, and had eight children when they came to Union County

ALLEN TOWNSHIP. - 473

in 1830. They located in Allen Township, where they both died-Mr. Carpenter August 11, 1837, and Mrs. C. February 5, 1855. George is the youngest of the family. He was reared to maturity on the farm. At his father's death, he took charge of the farm, and conducted it till his mother's death, in 1855. January 17, 1850, he was married to Miss Sarah A. Wilber, a native of Allen Township, and daughter of James and Sarah Wilber. Mrs. C. was born July 31, 1830. Their four children are as follows: Lewis F., Winfield S., Olive, wife of Edward Stillings, and Carlton. Mary, born February 1862, and died February 1863. Mr. Carpenter occupies the farm located by his father in 1837, when it was all in woods. He began clearing it when only fifteen years old, and has improved most of it himself. He has cultivated the soil of this farm ever since his father's death, except one year be spent in West, Middleburg, Logan County. He and wife are members of the Woodstock Universalist Church. In politics, he is of Republican principle.

CALEB CLARK (deceased). The subject of this memoir was born in the Old Dominion July 4, 1814. When twelve years of age, his parents, Angus and Elizabeth (Green) Clark, removed West, settling in Champaign County, Ohio, where they lived for a number of years, and where Mr. Clark died, in 1859, at the age of seventy-six. Mrs. Clark died in Union County March 20, 1881, having attained to the age of ninety-one. Caleb, the subject of this sketch, spent the remainder of his early life on the farm in Champaign County. In 1841, he was married to Rachel Beltz, who was born in Bedford County, Penn., June 2, 1811. He purchased 100 Acres of land in Allen Township, and moved on it. He kept adding to his first purchase till he owned 580 acres of some of the best land in Allen Township. Mr. Clark served his township as Treasurer for six years, and also in various other local offices. Politically, he was strongly Democratic; and was the recognized leader of his party in his township for many years. He was active during the war, and did much to sustain what he considered to be the right. He was a man of enterprise, and aided in the construction of many improvements. His death occurred May 7, 1869; his widow followed him March 7, 1875. Mr. Clark was for many years engaged in breeding and rearing fine stock, in which he ranked with the prominent men of his township. Through his industry he acquired large property, arid at his death left his children a legacy of about $12,000 each. Such was the force of character of Mr. Clark. His son Lester was born February 17, 1847, and October 13, 1870, he was married to Jerusha, a daughter of James and Mary Poling, and a native of Allen Township. Mrs. C. was born November 9, 1845. Lester owns 136 acres of the old homestead, and pursues the avocation of his father. Henry C., his third son, was born on the home farm, May 19, 1834, and owns 245 acres of land; he follows the pursuit of rearing fine cattle and French horses. Susan was born February 25, 1845; February 22, 1877, she was married to William Caryl, who was born near Marysville January 30, 1848. They have two children-Effie, born August 24, 1879, and William H., born July 6, 1882. May is deceased; she was born June 15, 1878, and died September 8, 1878.

SHEPHERD CLARK. farmer, P. O. North Lewisburg, a prominent citizen residing in Allen Township, was born in Rush Township, Champaign County, Ohio, June 7, 1832. He is a son of Angus and Elizabeth (Green) Clark, who emigrated from Lancaster, Penn., to Champaign County, Ohio, in 1826, and purchased a farm in Rush Township, containing about 200 acres. He began the work of clearing up his forest farm and made some of the first improvements in that locality. The greater part of the county yet dwelt in its wild state, and Mr. Clark was one of the first pioneers to open it up for immigration. While land was cheap, he continued to make additions till his farm constituted about 500 acres of the finest land in Rush Township, and which he improved to a high state of cultivation. About 150 acres was largely composed of sugar camp, and for twenty-five years he was engaged in manufacturing maple sugar, doing an extensive business, making from 8,000 to 10,000 pounds annually. Mr. Clark died in 1859, leaving an estate valued at $60,000. Mrs. Clark lived to be ninety - one years of age, her death occurring March 20, 1881. Her father, Nehemiah Green, was a Revolutionary patriot. He served throughout the war, and while a prisoner, was poisoned, from which he subsequently died at North Lewisburg, at the age of eighty years. Mr. Clark, the subject of this notice, is the youngest of nine children. He spent his early life on the farm where he was born, and received his education in the common schools of his native place. In 1856, the year following his first marriage, he removed to Allamakee County, Iowa, and lived four years, then returned to his native place, where he resided till 1867, when he purchased his present valuable farm. In 1877, he erected a two-story brick residence, at an expense of $10,000. It is situated on a beautiful elevation, some distance back from the pike, and forms the finest location in the township. In early life Mr. Clark formed a strong taste for farming, and has always followed its pursuits in the most thorough, practical and scientific manner. He has followed, in connection with his agriculture, breeding, re rearing and dealing in fine stock. Mr. Clark is considered one of the finest agriculturists Union County affords. He is a man whose energies are alive to all public improvements and enterprises such as are intended to benefit and enrich the county or people. He owns, besides his home farm, which contains 320 acres, 290 acres in Rush Township, Champaign County. He has been prominently identified with the Agricultural Society of Union County and for some years a regular exhibitor at its annual fairs. He is a member of the

474 - HISTORY OF UNION COUNTY.

Board of Directors and Treasurer of the Ohio Farmers' and Horsemen's Mutual Protection Company, and Vice President of the Bank of North Lewisburg. Mr. Clark served his township in the capacity of Trustee three terms, and as Land Appraiser in 1870; he was elected to other offices, but declined to fill them. He is associated with the Masonic fraternity, in which order he has taken the Red Cross degree ; he is also connected with Commandery No. 19. During the war, Mr. Clark was active in the interest of the Union, and was liberal in clearing the township of the draft and furnishing means for the soldiers. His political affiliations have always been with the Republican party. Mr. Clark has been twice married; the first time to Miss Hannah Barney, who died and left four children, viz., Flora E., wife of Joseph Spain, Alice, Lucy E. and Charles. His second marriage occurred April 16, 1870, to Miss Eliza Asher, daughter of John and Deborah Asher. Mrs. Clark was born in Logan County, Ohio, August 25, 1838. Five children were given to bless this union-Pearl, John E., George, Ada and Blanche,

CAPT. JONAS C. CLINE, merchant, Pottersburg, was born in Washington County, Penn., November 1, 1824. His father, Michael Cline, was born in Germany March 8, 1789, and his mother, Phebe Condit, was born in Wales November 12,1800. Mr. Cline was a son of William and Margaret Cline (originally Kline), who were also natives of Germany. Mr. Cline died in his native country, and some years afterward Mrs. Cline, with her three children-George, William and Michael-emigrated to America. George settled near Cincinnati; William, near Wheeling, W. Va., and Michael and his widowed mother settled in Washington County, Penn., where he grew to manhood. He served one year as Drum Major in the war of 1812, and then returned to his former home in Pennsylvania, where he married Miss Lovina Clutter, who died there. In 1817, he was again married-to Miss Phebe Condit, daughter of Jonas and Eunice Condit, who crossed the waters from Wales about the year 1812. In 1827, Mr. Cline removed to Belmont County, Ohio, thence to Knox County, where he died in 1866. Mrs. C. died in Union County in 1877. Capt. Cline is the youngest son of nine children. He was reared on a farm till seventeen years old, when he came to Union County and learned the carpenter trade, which he followed till the breaking-out of the war. August 7, 1862, he responded to the call of his country, by enlisting in Company K, Ninety-sixth Regiment Ohio Volunteer Infantry. He was elected First Lieutenant, and served in that rank till April 1, 1863, when he was promoted to Captain, and assigned to Company C. He remained in charge of this company till March 11, 1864, when he received an-honorable discharge at Frankelton, La., on account of disability. Among the principal battles in which he was engaged were: Chickasaw Bluffs, Arkansas Post, siege of Vicksburg, Jackson, Grand Coteau, and a number of minor engagements. At the last named battle he was slightly but not seriously wounded. At the expiration of his term of service he returned to Allen Center, and resumed his trade, following it up to 1868, when he engaged in merchandising at Pottersburg, where he has enjoyed a good trade. January 11, 1848, he was united in marriage with Miss Elizabeth A. Ware, a daughter of Lester Were, and a native of Champaign County. Her birth occurred January 24, 1831. They were blessed with five children, of whom four are living: Lester W., Allie F., wife of Franklin Robinson, Ira B., and Phillelia A., wife of George Burr. Mr. Cline and family are members of the Universalist Church. Mr. C. is connected with the F., & A. M. and I. O. O. F. orders, and Post of the Grand Army. He served as Township Treasurer two terms, and politically is a Republican. His farm, located near Allen Center, contains seventy-one acres.

PHILIP COE, farmer, P. O. Milford Center. The subject of this sketch was born in Washington County, Penn., April 28, 1823. He is the eldest son of Daniel and Mary (Gladden) Coe, the former a native of Washington County, Penn., and the latter of Jefferson County, Ohio. He was born in March 1801, and his wife, to whom he was married in 1822, was born January 18, 1803. Mrs. Coe's parents were among the earliest pioneers of Jefferson County. In March 1834, Mr. Coe and family removed to Union County, locating temporarily in Union Township; then removed and settled in Allen Township, where Mr. Coe bought a farm of 200 sores of Reuben P. Mann ; the same spring he made an addition of 160 acres to the original purchase. This whole tract of land, except a few acres, was in its primitive condition. There were few improvements, and, there being no mill within a convenient distance, in 1837 Mr. Coe erected a mill on Big Darby, in Allen Township, which he operated twelve years. In 1850, during the gold excitement, he, with his second son, Joseph, started for California. While crossing the plains he was seized with the flux, and after a severe illness returned home and died January 18, 1851. He served in various official capacities of the township and was Elder in the Presbyterian Church at his death. He was the parent of twelve children, five of whom are living. Philip, the subject of this sketch, was reared to manhood on the farm and received his education in the pioneer schools of his day. At an early age, he took charge of his father's farm and conducted it successfully till his (father's) death. October 10, 1850, he was married to Miss Elizabeth C. Woodworth, a daughter of Charles and Laura Woodworth. She was born in Massachusetts May 17, 1833, and died June 21, 1854. Mr. Coe celebrated his second marriage February 8, 1855, with Louisa S. Smith, daughter of James R. and Anna (Masters) Smith. Mrs. Coe was born September 15, 1832. Nine children were the fruits of this union; eight are living, viz.: Anna I., Mary E., Lottie M., William D., Charles H., James P., Martha L. and Wal-

ALLEN TOWNSHIP. - 475

ter T. Mr. and Mrs. Coe are consistent members of the Presbyterian Church. Mr. Coe is identified with the I. O. O. F. and Masonic order, in which he has taken the Scottish Rite, thirty-second degree. Politically, Mr. Coe is of pure Republican sentiment. He has always displayed a deep interest in all religious and educational enterprises. By occupation he is an agriculturist and stock-raiser. Since 1858 he has been engaged in manufacturing cheese. He keeps thirty cows and makes from 10,000 to 12,000 pounds of cheese annually. His farm contains 328 acres of finely-improved land, and is adorned with a large and commodious frame residence, with all the latest improvements. It is furnished with a furnace, gas in all the rooms, and cold and hot water baths.

WILLIAM H. CRARY, farmer, P. O. North Lewisburg, Clerk of Allen Township, was born near his place of residence August 12, 1840. He is a son of Ebenezer W. and Harriet M. (Morse) Crary, natives of Connecticut and New York. In 1836, they removed from what is now Lake County, Ohio, to Allen Township, where Mr. Crary bought a farm of 135 acres. He died near Sandusky, Ohio, in October 1846. Mrs. Crary departed this life March 6, 1877. While Mr. Crary lived in Allen, he held several important township offices; among them was Justice of the Peace for six years, Clerk two years and Land Appraiser one year. He and wife were formerly members of the Presbyterian Church, but when they came to this county they united with the Lutheran Church. They had five children, three of whom they reared to maturity. William H., our subject, is the eldest ; he was brought up on the old homestead and educated in the common schools. June 14, 1866, he was united in marriage with Miss Olive A. Inskeep, daughter of William and Mary Inskeep, and a native of Allen, Township. She was born January 11, 1841. Five children were born to this marriage; of these three are living - Jennie M., born October 24, 1869; Charlie F., born June 16, 1876; and Mary E., born July 29, 1878. Mr. Crary is now filling the office of Township Clerk for the eleventh year. He owns a half-interest in a farm of 135 acres and is engaged in farming. He was the chief worker in securing petitions for some of the first pikes in the township, and has been engaged more or less in their construction since their first introduction in the township. He and wife are ardent members of the Methodist Episcopal Church, with which they have been prominently identified for twenty-three years. Politically, Mr. Crary is a stanch Republican.

B. H. B. GRISWOLD, farmer, P. O. Milford Center, an old and respected pioneer of Union County, was born in Goshen Township, Champaign County, April 19, 1816. He was a son of James and Polly (Beal) Griswold, and a grandson of Obadiah Beal, a Revolutionary patriot, who served from beginning to end in the Revolution. He migrated to Champaign County, Ohio, some time during the war of 1812, and died in that county. Mr. Griswold's parents were married in Rutland, Vt., and removed to Champaign County about 1814. They survived the scourge of typhoid fever of 1822-23. Mr. Griswold subsequently removed to Union County, where he died. Our subject is the eldest son and third child of seven children. He passed his boyhood and early manhood on his father's farm, and received such an education as the common schools of the day afforded. When nineteen years of age, he assumed the payment of twenty-three acres of land, thus furnishing a home for his parents. In 1850, he purchased his present farm and settled on it the same spring. Mr. Griswold has cleared and improved his land to a good farm and has always followed its pursuits. October 30, 1837, he was joined in marriage with Amanda Melvina Peck, a daughter of Thomas Peck. Mrs. Griswold was born in Hamilton County, Ohio, May 3, 1814. They were blest with two children-Cynthia J., wife of E. C. Marsh, and Serepta J. Mrs. Griswold departed this life February 1874. Mr. Griswold is a member of the First, Universalist Church of Woodstock, and in politics is a Republican. He has been prominently identified with the Grange since its organization in the county, having served ,is Master, Lecturer and Chaplain. He was Justice of the Peace of Allen Township two terms and Trustee twelve years, besides other local offices. Mr. Griswold has been a useful and active citizen. He owns a good farm, containing 150 acres.

CLEMENT B. HOLYCROSS, farmer, P. O. North Lewisburg, second son of Abraham and Hester A. Holycross, was born on the old homestead, in Allen Township, March 13, 184-5. He was reared to manhood in his native place and educated in the common schools. May 2, 1864, he was enrolled as a soldier in Company H, One Hundred and Thirty-sixth Regiment Ohio National Guard. He served as drummer, and was discharged with the honors of a faithful soldier September 3, 1864. September 12, 1866, he was married to Miss Settie Epps. a native of Champaign County, and a daughter of Thomas and Clarissa Epps. She was born May 11, 1846. One son, Orris B., blesses this union ; he was born April 5, 1873. Mr. H. owns a farm of sixty eight acres and is engaged in agriculture and keeping Poland-China hogs. He and wife are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church. In politics, he is a Republican.

ROBERT C. HOLYCROSS, youngest son of Abraham and Hester A. Holycross, was born in Allen Township. December 5, 1854. He was reared a former boy and educated in the common schools. December 24, 1874, he was joined in marriage to Miss Mary, daughter of Nelson and Almira Cooksey. Mrs. H. was born in Allen Township May 21, 1856. Their three children are Arthur L., born November 18, 1875; Edgar A., born November 5, 1878, and Grace B. born December 14, 1880. Mr. Holycross owns sixty-three acres of the old homestead and is engaged in farming.

476 - HISTORY OF UNION COUNTY.

NATHAN HOWARD, farmer, P. O. Milford Center, was born in Union Township, Union County, September 21, 1831. His parents, William and Nancy (McDonald) Howard, were natives of Windham, Conn. His father was born June 18, 1802, and his mother June 10, 1807. They were married in Union County in 1830. His parents, William and Phebe Howard, were also natives of Windham, Conn.; the former was born January 18, 1749, and died July 18, 1822, and the latter born July 15, 1759, and died December 3, 1806. John and Sarah (Bennett) Howard parents of the last named William Howard, were born in Ipswich Mass., February 15, 1715, and October 21, 1722. They were married in Hampton, Conn., January 8. 1840; he died June 16, 1789, and she March 19, 1812. John Howard was the eldest son of John and Mary (Martin) Howard, also natives of Ipswich. John was born in 1683, and his wife February 22, 1713. They settled in the Howard Valley, near Hampton, Conn., in 1733. This John Howard was a son of William Howard, who was born in Ipswich in 1634 and died in the same place, July 25, 1709. His father, Thomas Howard, was born about 1600, and emigrated from England to America only fourteen years after the landing of the Pilgrim Fathers, and died near Ipswich, Mass., April 15, 1686. William and Nancy Howard, the parents of the subject of this sketch, emigrated West and settled in Union Township, Union County, in 1830. Mr. Howard died June 10, 1839, and his widow, February 15, 1876. They were the parents of three children-Nathan, the subject of this sketch; Harriet L. and William. Mrs. Howard was a daughter of Thomas McDonald, who moved from Ross County, Ohio, to Union in 1808, and settled a mile and a half north, above Milford Center, on the north side of Big Darby, and there cleared a large farm and reared a family of thirteen children, of whom Mrs. Howard was the fifth child. Mr. McDonald - died March 26, 1855, aged eighty-five. Mrs. Howard was left a widow with three children in 1839. The farm contained 500 acres, but was all wild land, and 200 acres were not yet paid for. She was a lady of unusual business qualifications and judgment, and conducted the farm successfully till her children were grown. Our subject was reared to manhood on the farm and received the rudiments of his education in the common schools. When of age he was given the business of the farm, which he managed till 1859, when the farm, which contained 600 acres, was divided between him and William, the daughter, Harriet L., having died a short time before. In 1860, he moved to a log cabin which had been erected by Thomas McDonald, and lived in it six years: then occupied a frame till 1876, when he built his present large and commodious brick residence at a cost of $6,000. The homestead farm is known as the "Indian Field Farm," and is one of the best improved on the creek. Mr. Howard has continued to buy and add land to the homestead till he now owns a tract of 1400 acres, ranking at the present time as one of the wealthiest and largest land owners in Union County. He was a member of the company that imported among the first French and Clydesdale horses to the United States. Mr. Howard has been extensively engaged in breeding and rearing French horses and thoroughbred short-horned cattle. For the last five years he has kept Shropshiredown sheep for mutton purposes. He is a regular exhibitor of fine stock at the annual fairs, of which he served as member of the Agricultural Board ten years and Vice President two years. He was Assessor of Allen seven years and in 1880 was elected to the Board of County Commissioners. Mr. Howard is a successful business man. He was married September 21, 1859, to Helen M. Hathaway, daughter of Ebenezer and Mary A. (Hopkins) Hathaway. Mrs. Howard was born in Union Township May 17, 1839. Four children were born to this Union; of them three are living, viz., Charles M., Corrie and Otto N.; Hattie C. is deceased.

WILLIAM INSKEEP (deceased), more commonly known as "Lawyer Bill," was born in Logan County, Ohio. He was a son of Job and Patience (Bishop) Inskeep, originally of Culpeper County, Va. They removed to Ross County, Ohio, in pioneer days, and some years later to Logan County, where they both died. Mr. Inskeep, our subject, married Miss Mary Stokes, daughter of Joseph Stokes, and a native of Logan County. Her parents were native of Culpeper County, Va., and also pioneers of Logan County. In 1831, Mr. Inskeep removed to Union County and settled in Allen Township, where he purchased 100 acres of land. He erected a house and cleared up the farm. He served both as Trustee and Treasurer of Allen Township, and was Postmaster of Cuberly P. O., for a number of years. His death occurred in September, 1845. He was the father of seven children, three of whom are living-Hiram S., Olive A., wife of W. H. Crary, and William Hiram S., was born May 1, 1833, and March 26, 1876, he married Miss Margaret Spain, a daughter of Washington and Sarah Spain, and a native of Union County. They have two children-Omer W. and Ila L. William E. was born May 16, 1843. March 29, 1868, he was married to Miss Rosetta Curl, of Xenia, where she was born July 1848. One child, French, blesses this union. September 1861, William volunteered in Company C, Seventeenth Regiment Ohio Volunteer Infantry. He served in the Army of the Cumberland, and fought in the following engagements: Stone River, Perryville, Wild Cat Mountain, Hoover's Gap, and in the approach to Cornith, which lasted fifteen days. He was honorably discharged October 9, 1864. He returned home and with his brother has followed farming. He was commander of Company D, Seventh Regiment of Ohio National Guards, at North Lewisburg, seven years. He is now serving his twelfth term as member of the Board of Township Trustees. Mr. Inskeep and brother reside together and are engaged in farming, and in the line of live stock they Make a specialty in breeding and rearing thoroughbred Poland-China hogs. They own a farm of

ALLEN TOWNSHIP. - 477

104 acres of well improved land. Politically, they are Republicans. Their sisters, deceased, were Louisa, Olive, Victoria and Matilda A.

ALGERNON S. JOHNSON, merchant, North Lewisburg. The ancestral history of this family can be traced back to the reign of George III, when a man bearing the name of Johnson emigrated a colony from England and settled at Auburn, N. J., where King George granted them a township of land. The subject of this notice was born in Athens County, Ohio, June 16, 1807. His father, Samuel B. Johnson, was a native of Washington County, N. Y., and his mother, Rebecca Wilkin, of Amherst, N. H. His grandfather, Azel Johnson, was a soldier in the Revolutionary war, under Gen. La Fayette. His father-in-law, Samuel Brown, was all old Revolutioner, and was wounded at Bunker Hill. In 1798, Mr. Johnson and family removed to Marietta, Ohio, and in 1803 to Athens County, where he died, aged eighty-three years. In 1830, our subject's parents removed to Union County, and settled in Paris Township, where they both died; the former June 17, 1843, and the latter August 3, 1854. The subject of this sketch was reared on a farm and educated in the common schools. He came to Allen Township at an early day and cleared up a farm. November 25, 1857, he was united in marriage with Mrs. Charlotte, widow of Avar Mallory (deceased), and daughter of Gideon and Nancy Draper. They have four children-Marcella R., Lucy W., Adaline F. and Sarah A. Mr. Johnson owns a farm of 100 acres. Since he was a boy of thirteen years, he has dealt largely in live stock.



WILLIAM H. JORDAN, farmer, West Middleburg, Logan County, was born near Marysville, Ohio, November 23, 1835. He is the third son of William H. and Nancy Jordan. His early life was spent on a farm, and his education obtained in the common schools. When ten years of age his parents removed to Champaign County. In 1853, he went to Coles County, Ill., and in 1855 returned to his native county. August 12, 1861, he entered the ranks of the Union army, as a member of Company C, Seventeenth Regiment Ohio Volunteer Infantry, and served in the Fourteenth Army Corps. He was chosen Corporal, and subsequently was promoted to First Sergeant. He veteranized in January 1864, and re-enlisted in his old company, serving till the war closed. He was engaged in the following battles: Wild Cat,, Mill Springs, evacuation of Cornith by the rebels, Stone River, Hoover's Gap, Tullahoma, Chickamauga and Resaca. Then joined Sherman, and participated in all the engagements on the Atlanta campaign awl 411 the battles in close proximity to Atlanta. He then marched to Savannah, and was active in all the conflicts of that famous march, and afterward went to Washington D. C. and attended the grand review. He was discharged with the honors of a veteran at Columbus, Ohio, in July 1865. He bears the scar of a slight wound received at the memorable engagement of Chickamauga. November 1865, he married Miss Melissa Cowgill, daughter of Elisha and Mary Cowgill, by whom he has had three children-John C., born June 22, 1867; Jennie B., born December 19, 1870, and George E., born January 7, 1873. Mr. and Mrs. Jordan are members of the M. E. Church. Mr. Jordan is politically a stanch Republican. He served as Township Trustee one term. He owns a farm of 112 acres and follows firming and rearing thoroughbred short-horned cattle.

SAMUEL P. KIMBALL, farmer, P. O. Woodstock, a prominent Spanish Merino sheep breeder of Union County, was born in Champaign County September 6, 1851, he is a son of Truman A. and Mary J. Kimball, of Champaign County. He passed his early life on his father's farm and acquired his education in the common schools. October 8, 1876, he was united in marriage to Miss Sallie McMahill, a daughter of James and Elizabeth McMahill. Mrs. Kimball was born in Champaign County May 10, 1860. One daughter was born to this marriage-Mary Trent, born September 4, 1877. In 1873, Mr. Kimball took charge of 260 acres of' his father's her's farm, partly located in Union County. He has been engaged in farming and rearing live stock, making a prominent specialty in breeding and keeping thoroughbred Spanish Merino sheep. He has over 200 head of registered Merinos, besides fine Durham cattle and French horses and is a regular exhibitor at the Union County fairs. Mr. Kimball is a young man of enterprise and has achieved a marked success with fine stock. Politically, he is of Republican views. Mrs. Kimball is a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church.

JACOB LEONARD, farmer, P. O. Marysville a native of Allen Township, was born March 6, 1838. His parents were Abraham and Elizabeth (Paver) Leonard. Mr. Leonard was born in 1772, and when a young man came to Pickaway County, Ohio, and followed driving cattle over the mountains to Eastern markets till 1801, when he came to Union County and settled on the North Fork of Buck Run, where he was among the first settlers. He purchased a farm of 200 acres for which he gave a horse worth $80, and $120 in gold. He served in the war of 1812, and died May 7, 1853. His widow survived him until January 14, 1860, when she died at the age of fifty-three years. Jacob, our subject, is the second son and fifth child of seven children, four of whom are living, viz.: James, Susannah, Rachel anti Jacob. Jacob was brought up on the old homestead, and with his brother aided in clearing a large portion of it. He owns a farm of 214 acres of land; besides his agricultural pursuits, he is engaged in keeping Norman and Clydesdale horses, which are among his exhibits at the annual fairs. November 18, 1869, he was married to Miss Jane McGill, a daughter of Eli and Millie McGill, and a native of Preston County, Va. She was born March 1, 1852. They have four children-Susie B., Millie D., Effie and Cora. Maudie and Carrie are deceased.

478 - HISTORY OF UNION COUNTY.

OLIVER E. LINCOLN, farmer and fine stock dealer, P. O. Milford Center, was born in Champaign County, Ohio, July 4, 1848. He is the third son of Charles Lincoln, for many years a prominent fine stock breeder and dealer of Champaign County. He was raised on his father': farm and educated in the common schools. February 20, 1871, he was united in marriage to Sarah Coolidge, daughter of G. W. and Paulina. Mrs. Lincoln was born in Union County January 6, 1849. Five children were born to this union, viz.: Dwight, Ora, E., Mary B., Oliver E. and an infant son. In the fall of 1875, Mr. Lincoln located on the farm he now occupies, which contains 192 acres of well-improved land. Mr. Lincoln has been engaged in keeping thoroughbred short-horn cattle. His father was one of the prominent fine cattle breeders of the State. Mr. Lincoln is a member of the importing company of O. E. Lincoln & Co., engaged in importing French horses and French Merino sheep. He was the prime mover in the organization of this company and is one of its chief supporters. He is a man of enterprise and has been an exhibitor of his fine stock at the Union County fairs. Politically, he is identified with the Republican party.

SAMUEL MARSH, farmer, P. O. Marysville, an old pioneer of Union County, was born in Randolph County, W. Va., May 30,1809. He is a son of Benjamin Marsh, a native of Old Virginia, and Sarah Minear, a native of Germany, and a daughter of Adam Minear, who came from Germany to America during the Indian hostilities, and settled in Harrison County, Va., where Mr. Minear met a tragic death at the bands of the relentless savages. Mr. Marsh spent his youth and early manhood in his native place, where his parents died. In 1835, he removed his family to Allen Township, Union County, and settled on eighty-two and one-half acres of his present farm. He now owns a large farm, with good improvements. He bag always pursued the avocation of farming and stock-raising, arid has met with success. He has devoted especial attention to keeping fine cattle and sheep. He was married the first time, April 14, 1831, to Miss Mary Ryan, a daughter of John and Sarah Ryan, and a native of Randolph County, Va. She was born August 6, 1807, and died December 3, 1868. This union was blessed with eight children, of whom six are living-Loyal Y., Sarah J., wife of Owen Wilber, Randolph C., Emeline C., Stanton, and Jemima E., wife of Mr. Marsh. Felix R., a deceased son, was a member of a Kansas regiment in the late war, and was taken prisoner and died. Mr. Marsh was again married June 16, 1869, to Miss Abby Pierce, daughter of Timothy and Pattie Pierce. Mrs. Marsh was born in Madison County, N. Y., August 28, 1825. Mr. and Mrs. Marsh are associated with the Methodist Episcopal Church of Marysville. Mr. Marsh's political views are Republican. He served as Township Trustee two terms, and as a member of the Board of Infirmary Directors.

STANTON MARSH, farmer, P. O. Milford Center, youngest son of Samuel and Mary (Ryan) Marsh was born on the home farm July 7, 1845. He spent his early life on the farm, and received his training in the common schools. September 3, 1864, he entered the infantry service in Company F, One Hundred and Seventy-ninth Regiment, and, with his command, served in the Cumberland Army. He was at Nashville when Hood threatened that city, and served on guard duty till June 7, 1865, when he was discharged. January 25, 1867, he was married to Miss Alice J. Wood, daughter of William C. and Maria Wood. Mrs. Marsh was born in Allen Township February 3, 1847. They have two children-Willie E. and Lulls E. Mr. Marsh took possession of his present farm in 1867 ; it contains ninety acres of well improved and cultivated land. Mr. and Mrs. Marsh are associated with the Methodist Episcopal Church of Milford Center.

JOHN PAVER, farmer, P. O. Marysville, a native of Fairfield County, Ohio, was born November 13, 1819. He is a son of John Paver and Mary Wagner, the former a native of Maryland and the latter of Virginia. They were married and came to Fairfield County in 1802, the year Ohio became a State. In 1829, they removed to Union County, and located on the farm now occupied by our subject. Mr. Paver was called out into military service soon after Hull's surrender, and served six months. The subject of this sketch was reared on the homestead. March 19, 1846, he married Maria Poling, daughter of John and Sarah Poling, who came to Union County in 1837. Of fifteen children by this marriage, eleven are living, viz.: Sarah A., wife of Charles Wilson, George, James, Ira, Cynthia, wife of Arthur Wagner, Martha J., wife of Ira Donohoe, Louisa, Maria, wife of Henderson Turner, Alfred, Alice, wife of F. Hall, and John. Mrs. Paver departed this life October, 1879. Mr. Paver filled the office of Justice of the Peace one term, and served as Township Trustee eight years. Politically, he is Democratic. He owns a farm of 500 acres, and is engaged in farming and rearing stock.

SAMUEL REAM, farmer, P. O. Pottersburg, was born in Perry County, Penn., July 16, 1814. He is a son of John and Catharine (Shookerd) Ream, and a grandson of a Mr. Ream who was a soldier in the American Revolution. He removed to Ross County, Ohio, some years after the Revolution had ended. He died there at an advanced age. Samuel is the fourth son, and was raised to maturity on a farm. In 1850, he came with his family to Allen Center ; removed to Darby Township in 1852, and six years later returned to Allen and located on his present farm, which was all in woods. He cleared a place and erected a log house, and has since improved his farm to its present condition. In 1839, he was married to Elizabeth, daughter of

Page 479 - Blank

Page 480 - Picture of Andrew Taylor

ALLEN TOWNSHIP. - 481



George and Sarah Featherland, of Virginia, where she was born. Of seven children by this marriage, six are living-George, Mathias, Elizabeth, Frank, Delia and Samuel. Sarah A. is deceased. Mr. Ream has always pursued farming, and has been successful. He made all his property through industry and economy, and his dealings have been honest and upright. He is a Democrat of the old Jacksonian school.

GEORGE REAM, farmer, P. O. Pottersburg, eldest son of Samuel and Elizabeth Ream, was born in Ross County, Ohio, March 10, 1842. In 1856, he came to this county with his parents and lived till of age. May 2, 1864, he enlisted in the One Hundred and Thirty-fourth Regiment of the Ohio National Guards, and served till September 2, 1864, when he received an honorable discharge. September 1, 1881, he was married to Mrs. Ortensie R. Robinson, widow of William Robinson (deceased) and daughter of Joshua and Elizabeth Eaton. Mr.s. Ream was born in Allen Township January 1, 1847. She was first married March 13, 1873, and had two children - Adolphus B., born April 16, 1874, and Mary A., born March 22, 1877. Mr. Robinson was born in Canada January 1, 1844. He was a member of Company H, One Hundred and Thirty-sixth Regiment Ohio National Guards, during the latter part of the war, and died February 28, 1879. Mrs. Ream is a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church. Politically, Mr. Ream is a Democrat. He owns a farm of 182 acres and is engaged in farming and stock-raising.

THOMAS STILLINGS, farmer, P. O. Milford Center. The subject of this biography was born in Harford County, Md., November 30,1816. His parents, James and Mary (Barnes) Stillings, were also natives of Harford County. Mr. Stillings was born May 8,1785. and Mrs. S. November 1, 1791. In 1828, they removed to Clark County, Ohio, and settled ten miles east of Springfield, where they resided till 1833, and came and located in Allen Township, where Mr. Stillings bought a tract of 200 acres of land ; he afterward added 100 acres to the original purchase. He was drafted and served in the war of 1812. His death occurred in the fall of 1865, and his wife followed some two years after. Thomas is the second son in a family of ten children. February 21, 1842, he was married to Miss Somelia, daughter of James C. and Providence Dines. Mrs. Stillings was born in Clark County, Ohio, June 14, 1823. Of four sons three are living, viz.: William, married Emma Wood; Edward, married Olive Carpenter; and French G., married Ella Vance ; Lewis, the eldest son, is deceased. He was born December 15, 1844, and September 3, 1864, in tender manhood, he responded to the country's call and enlisted in Company F, One Hundred and Seventy-ninth Regiment Ohio Volunteer Infantry. While in the service, he contracted the measles and died January 15. 1865, while home on a furlough. He was a patriotic soldier boy and now sleeps with the fallen heroes of the Union. In 1844, Mr. Stillings purchased eighty-seven acres of his present farm, and with thirty-seven acres as a present from his father, he began life. He now owns 302 acres of finely improved land constituting the home farm, besides acres in Union Township. Mr. Stillings started in life like many others of his day, in limited circumstances. By his untiring energy and industry he has made for himself a large and valuable competence, and ranks as one of the solid and substantial men of the county. Farming and stock-raising has been his exclusive occupation, and in which he has been crowned with eminent success. Mr. Stillings, although not an office aspirant, has filled various official capacities in his township. He is now serving his third term as Township Trustee. The portrait of Mr. S. that appears in this was made from an ambrotype taken when he was forty-two years of age.

EDWARD STILLINGS, farmer and fine stock raiser and dealer, P. O. Milford Center, was born on the old homestead in Allen Township, February 3, 1850. He is the third son of Thomas and Somelia Stillings, early pioneers of Union County. He was reared and brought up on his father's farm and received his education in the district schools and union schools of Marysville. September 14, 1876, he was united in marriage with Miss Olive Carpenter, the only daughter of George and Sarah A. Carpenter. Mrs. Stillings is a native of Allen Township: was born September 14, 1866. They have had three children-Daisy May, born June 13, 1880 ; and Fretted C., born March 26, 1882 ; A Arthur T., the eldest, is deceased. He was born March 15,1878, and died August 11, 1879. June 1, 1877, Mr. Stillings located on his farm where he has since resided. He is engaged in farming, but devotes most of his attention to breeding fine stock. He is a member of the importing company of O E. Lincoln & Co., who are engaged in importing thoroughbred Norman and Percheron draft horses from France. He also has some fine Kentucky driving horses. He has in has possession a French mare which weighed, when three years old, 2,000 pounds. Mr. Stillings is an enterprising young man. He owns a highly cultivated farm adjoining the homestead.

SAMUEL WADDEL, farmer, P. O. North Lewisburg, a native of Fairfield County, Ohio, was born December 8, 1826. He is a son of Samuel and Elizabeth (Dixon) Waddel, natives of Pennsylvania, and whose parents were among the first pioneer settlers of Fairfield County, Ohio. Samuel, the subject of this sketch, was reared to manhood in his native place. His father died when he was but little more than six years of age. April 1856, he with his mother came to Union County and settled on the farm he now occupies, where his mother died April 22, 1858. Mr. Waddel, when he first settled here, bought a farm of seventy-four acres, which he has cleared and improved. April 21, 1853, he married to Miss Elizabeth Zemmer, daughter of Abraham and Susan Zemmer, a native of Pickaway County, Ohio. Their two children are:

482 - HISTORY OF UNION COUNTY.

Catharine I. born November 12, 1854, married H. E. Spain; and Letitia E., born February 28, 1858. Mr. Waddel and family are members of the U. B. Church. In politics, Mr. Waddel is a Republican. He was a member of the Board of Township Trustees four years, and since 1870 has filled the office of Township Treasurer. He owns a farm of eighty-eight acres, and is engaged in agricultural pursuits.

JAMES WILBER, an aged pioneer of Union County, was born in Rhode Island November 22, 1799. When a boy his parents, Owen and Sarah (Pierce) Wilber removed to Madison County, N. Y. His father was a soldier for awhile in the war of 1812, and died in 1820; his widow survived him over forty years, she dying in January 1861, at the ripe age of ninety-three years. Mr. Wilber, the subject of this sketch, spent his early life and manhood on a farm. In 1817, he came to Ohio with Mr. John Coolidge and family, who settled near Milford Center, Union County. He returned to New York in 1820, and remained one year, but having a preference for the West, which he considered afforded superior advantages for the young man, he returned to Union County, where he worked by the day and month, till 1829, when he married. In 1837, he purchased 100 acres of his present farm, which then dwelt in its forest state. He cleared a site for a house, which he erected of logs. He, with the assistance of his sons, cleared up the land of a farm of about 200 acres. Mr. Wilber aided in making numerous improvements in the way of early roads, schools and churches. October 29, 1829, he was united in marriage to Miss Sarah Cameron, daughter of John and Anna Cameron, who removed from Pennsylvania to Hamilton County, Ohio, in 1811, thence to Warren County, and in 1824 to Champaign County, and ix years later (1830), to Jackson Township, this county. Mr. Cameron died July 27, 1849, aged eighty-three years. When a young man he spent several years in transporting provisions by flat-boat, from Pittsburgh to Cincinnati. His widow survived him a number of Years, and died August 17, 1873. Mr. and Mrs. Wilber have been blessed with nine children; of these six are living-Sarah A., wife of George Carpenter, Owen, Edwin, William, Addis, wife of D. J. Woods, and Zachary; Almeda, Olive and Joseph, are deceased. Mr. Wilbur has made farming and stock-raising his sole occupation, and followed it successfully up to December 15, 1878, when he was stricken with paralysis, which has entirely disabled him from all business. Mr. Wilber has been called upon to fill various offices of trust in his township, and among them Treasurer and Trustee, which positions he held for several years. He has always been an active citizen and has displayed a lively interest in all improvements and enterprises of his township and county. And now when age and relentless disease has unfitted him for the performance of other duties it can be said of him that his life was one of industry, usefulness and success.

OWEN WILBER, farmer, P. O. North Lewisburg, eldest son of James and Sarah Wilber, was born in Allen Township June 25, 1832. His early life he spent on the homestead, and received his education, though very limited, in the district schools. He with his brothers, aided in hewing down the forest and clearing up the old farm. March 29, 1855, he was united in marriage to Miss Sarah J., daughter of Samuel and Sarah J. Marsh. Mrs. Wilber is a native of Virginia, was born March 9, 1841. They have had two children-Alice L., wife of E. B. Morehouse, of Dayton, and A. D., the youngest; he married Sarah Snuffin. Soon after his marriage Mr. Wilbur located on the farm he now occupies. His occupation consists of agricultural and stock-raising, making a leading pursuit of keeping Poland-China hogs, and French and Clydesdale horses. In 1861, he enlisted in the Ninty-sixth Regiment of Ohio Volunteers, but on account of disability was never mustered into the service. May 2, 1864, he and his brother Edwin, volunteered their services in Company H, One Hundred and Thirty sixth Regiment Ohio National Guards, and served on garrison duty at Fort Ellsworth till discharged at Camp Chase, Ohio, August 31, 1864. He then returned to his farm, and has been engaged in its pursuits successfully ever since. He has liberally assisted in the construction of the pike improvements of his township and community. He filled the office of Township Clerk four terms. He and wife are members of the M. E. Church. His political associations have always been with the Republican party.

EDWIN WILBER, farmer, P. O. Marysville, second son of James and Sarah Wilber, was born in Allen Township December 13, 1834. He passed his childhood and early manhood on the farm, and acquired his education in the common schools. October 18, 1860, he was joined in marriage to Miss O. M. Eaton, a daughter of Joshua and Mary Eaton, natives of Connecticut and Massachusetts respectively. Mrs. Wilber was born in Ashtabula County, Ohio, February 2, 1831. Their children are Elmer, Annie, Alonzo and Estelle M. One child died in infancy. May 2, 1864, Mr. Wilber enlisted as a member of Company H, One Hundred and Thirty-sixth Regimental Battalion of the Ohio National Guards. He was employed principally on garrison duty near Washington, D. C., till September 15, 1864, when he was honorably discharged from the service. He returned home, and resumed the pursuits of farming and stock raising, his present avocation. In 1856, he and his brother Owen purchased 246 acres of land, and, in 1858, his father transferred to him 123 acres. His farm now contains 244 acres of land, well improved and under a high state of cultivation. In stock-raising, he has made a specialty of Poland-China hogs, in which he has made a marked success. Mr. Wilber has displayed an interest in all improvements, and especially has pikes received his aid and co-operation in their

ALLEN TOWNSHIP. - 483

construction. He is now serving his second term as member of the Board of Township Trustees. Politically, he is a member of the Republican party.

ISAAC WILLET, farmer. P. O. North Lewisburg, a prominent farmer and stock-raiser of Allen Township, was born near Woodstock, Champaign County, Ohio, May 19. 1837. His father, David Willet, was a native of Harrison County, W. Va., and his mother, Elizabeth (Rogers) Willett, of Ross County, Ohio. Mr. Willet removed to Champaign County, Ohio, about 1820. His mother and three brothers, Isaac, Abraham and Daniel Crislip, emigrated from England prior to the war of the Revolution, and purchased large lands on Brushy Fork, Harrison County, W.Va. Mr. Willet, the father of the subject of this sketch, was married in Champaign County to Elizaboth Rogers, whose parents had moved to Champaign County in 1805. Of a family of ten children, nine are living-Samuel L., John O., Mary J., wife of James W. Routine, Isaac, Catharine, wife of W. H. Lease, William H., Sarah E., wife of John Moore Maria, wife of W. and George W. Hopy A. is deceased. Isaac, the subject of this sketch, passed his early lire on a farm, and was educated in the common schools of his native place. When a young man he engaged in dealing in stock, and spent the years of 1857-58 in that business in Illinois. He then returned to Ohio, and in 1862 removed to the farm where he now resides. For the last twenty-six years he has bought and shipped stock, doing a successful business. Of late years he has made a leading pursuit in breeding and keeping thoroughbred Poland-China hogs. Since July 1881, he has been interested in the live stock commission business at Union Stock Yards, Cincinnati. He is a member of the Agricultural Board of the "World's Fair," and a stockholder in the Bank of North Lewisburg; and also a member of the Ohio Farmers' and Horsemen's Mutual Protection Company. Mr. Willet is an active, enterprising citizen, and always manifests an interest in all public improvements. He was married January 22, 1862, to Lucy J. Spain, daughter of Thomas and Elizabeth A. Spain. Mrs. W., a native of Champaign County, was born September 12, 1845. This union was blessed with six children; of these, five are living, viz.: Emma B., Josephine, Lizzie, Marcie and Anderson L. Thomas S. is deceased.

ADAM WOLFORD, Justice of the Peace, P. O. Pottersburg, was born in Knox County, Ohio, November 13, 1824. His parents, Andrew and Charlotte (Ream) Wolford, were natives of Bedford County, Penn. They were married in Bedford County, and removed to Knox County, Ohio, prior to the war of 1812. Mr. W. died in April 1825, leaving eight children. Adam was reared on the homestead till he was thirteen years of age when he started out for himself, working as a farm hand by the month till he was seventeen, when he took up the carpenter trade in Marysville, where his mother had moved in 1828. She died in Henry County, Iowa, in September 1874. In 1844, our subject returned to Marysville, where he followed his trade till 1873. He aided in building Union Block, Presbyterian and Methodist Churches, besides other buildings. In 1873, he removed to his firm, and the same year was elected Justice of the Pence, which office he has since tilled. December 9, 1860, he was married to Miss Nancy J. Jordan, daughter of Henry and Nancy Jordan. Mr. and Mrs. W. are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church.

WILLIAM C. WOOD, farmer, P. O. Milford Center, was born in Union Township December 3, 1825. His parents, Luther and Rosanna (Cochran) Wood, were natives of Connecticut and Pennsylvania. Mr. Wood was born March 31, 1799, and Mrs. Wood April 23, 1802. Na. than and Lucinda Wood, parents of Luther, resided in New York State and died at Chautauqua. In 1821, Mr. Wood came to Union County and settled near Milford Center; in 1831, he removed to Allen Township, where he resided till the early part of 1872, when he moved to Piqua, Mi. ami County, where he died the following August. Mrs. Wood, the widow, lives mostly with William C. Mr. Wood was a man of some prominence, having filled the office of Township Clerk ten years, and as Justice of the Peace the same length of time. He was a Republican, formerly a Whig. William C., the subject of this biography, was the second child of a family of three sons and three daughters. His early life was passed on his father's farm, and he has made that avocation his life-work. January 22, 1846, he was married to Maria McWilliams, a daughter of Alexander and Margaret (Nixon) McWilliams. Mrs. Wood, a native of Belmont County, Ohio, was born March 19, 1824. This union was blessed with five children ; four of them are living, viz.: Alice J., wife of Stanton Marsh, James D., Luther A., and Anna, wife of Delmer Coe. An infant daughter is deceased. Mr. Wood started in life with a capital not exceeding $100 but by his indomitable energy, so characteristic of the pioneer, combined with good business management, he acquired for himself a handsome competence. He located at his present residence in 1864. His farm at one time contained 500 acres of well improved land, but a division with his children leaves him now with 2.56 acres. Mr. Wood's occupation consisted in farming and rearing and dealing in fine stock, in which pursuits he made a success. He and family are members of the Milford Methodist Episcopal Church. Politically, he is Republican.

JAMES D. WOOD, farmer, P. O. Milford Center, eldest son of William C. and Maria Wood, was born on the old homestead in Allen Township January 5, 1849. He remained at home till of age. January 6. 1870, he was married to Miss Addis Wilber, a daughter of James and Sarah Wilber, of this county. Mrs. Wood was born in Allen Township November 8, 1846. They have two children-Ida, born March 14, 1871, and Lillie, born May 13, 1873.An infant

484 - HISTORY OF UNION COUNTY.

daughter, now deceased, was born May 13, 1878. Mr. and Mrs. Wood are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church. Politically, he inherits the views of his father. He owns 135 acres of land.

LUTHER A. WOOD, farmer, P. O. Milford Center, son of William C. Wood, whose portrait appears in this work, was born on the home farm in Allen Township December 19, 1851. He was brought up to farming and has always followed its pursuits. April 12, 1877, he was married to Miss Emma P. Irwin, daughter of Lackey and Nancy (Maxwell) Irwin. Mrs. Wood was born in Allen Township June 26, 1856. By this union one child was born, who died in infancy, Mr. Wood owns forty-eight and one-half acres of land and follows farming and stock-raising and, during the fall seasons, operates a steam thresher. He and wife are associated with the Methodist Church. Politically, he adheres to the Republican principles of his father.

(RETURN TO THE TITLE PAGE)