WAYNE COUNTY, OHIO - 1125 stamped him as well abreast of the times and his present farm is a very attractive and well managed one. He has a good home and all the livestock necessary for his needs. Mr. Pinkley was married September 8, 188o, to Christianna Deneke, a native of Orrville, Pennsylvania, and the daughter of Augustus and Christiana (Lautenschlager) Deneke, both natives of Germany, the former having come to the United States in 1844 and the latter in 1830. They met in Lancaster, Pennsylvania, where they were married. Six children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Pinkley, namely : Bernice, wife of Corbin Lehman; Clanden died in infancy ; Homer, who married Maggie Clouse ; Dale married Miss Sylvia Young, daughter of George Young; Glen and Welker, at home. Mr. Pinkley is independent in his political affiliations, preferring to vote for the man rather than the party. In connection with his general farming he bought and shipped hay for about eleven years and is well known in that capacity throughout the county. He has been very successful. both in farming and dealing in hay. Both he and his wife are members of the Methodist Episcopal church, and they have won the high regard of all who know them by reason of their generous, friendly manners, and their indorsement of all movements for the general good. CHARLES W. BIDDLE. In one of the most exacting of all callings the subject of this sketch has attained distinction, being recognized as one of the most successful teachers in the County of Wayne. He is a well educated, symmetrically developed man, his work as an educator having brought him prominently to the notice of the public, the result of which is a demand for his services where a high standard of professional excellence is required. He is a gentleman of scholarly tastes and studious habits, keeps abreast the times in advanced educational methods and his general knowledge is broad and comprehensive. Charles W. Biddle was born in Greene township, Wayne county, Ohio, on the 13th of August, 1871, and he is a son of Philip and Phoebe (Elwood) Biddle, both of whom were natives of Tuscarawas county, Ohio. Philip Biddle was reared and educated in his native county. He was there married and shortly after the close of the Civil war he moved to Greene township, Wayne county, buying a farm near Orrville. The farm was largely uncleared land when he bought it, but by dint of persistent and unremitting toil he made 1126 - WAYNE COUNTY, OHIO. of it one of the best farms in that section. He has always followed the pursuit of agriculture, in which he has been reasonably successful. He has never taken an active part in politics, but has served his fellow citizens several terms in the capacity of township assessor. To him and his wife were born six children, all boys, as follows : Daniel is a farmer in Stark county ; Martin is a railroad conductor and lives at Mansfield, Ohio ; James is at home with his parents ; Joseph is deceased ; Jacob F. is a street railway motorman and lives at Massillon, Ohio ; Charles W. is the immediate subject of this sketch. Charles W. Biddle was reared under the parental roof and secured his elementary education in the common schools of Greene township. He attended school at Wadsworth two years, followed by two years at Mt. Union, following which he entered Wooster University with the intention of taking a full course there. However, during his first college year he was offered and accepted the position of superintendent of schools at Marshallville, Ohio. Subsequently he attended Wooster University during several summer terms. He held the position of superintendent of schools at Marshallville six years and then accepted a similar position at West Salem in the fall of 1905, and is still serving in this capacity. Mr. Biddle has.achieved a distinctive success as a supervisor of education and since taking charge of the West Salem schools he has practically raised the standard to a four-years high school course. Under his supervision the faculty has been increased and much new equipment has been placed in the school. This school has the largest playground and campus of any school in the county. In many ways Mr. Biddle has impressed his individuality on the work done under his direction and he is generally recognized as one of the most successful instructors in the county. He possesses a genial and kindly disposition which wins friends and he takes a personal interest in every pupil under his charge, many of whom can testify to the wise counsel and friendly aid they have received from him. To him, the pupil's interests are paramount to every other consideration and no self-sacrifice is too great if by it a young person can be helped and started right in life. On the 6th of September, 1899, Professor Biddle was married to Ohla Mae Ault, a native of Wayne county and the daughter of Valentine W. Ault, who. has recently moved to Barberton, Ohio. Prof. and Mrs. Biddle have become the parents of one child, Evelyn Mae, born February 13, 1901. The subject and his wife are active members of the Methodist Episcopal church, to which they give an earnest and generous support. Socially Professor Biddle is a member of the Free and Accepted Masons and the Independent Order of WAYNE COUNTY, OHIO - 1127 Odd Fellows. The subject is a Democrat in political belief and served three years as county school examiner and is now serving another term of three years. He is a man of sterling integrity and high qualities of character and is deserving of the universal regard in which he is held wherever known. JOHN H. MILLER. The two most strongly marked characteristics of both the East and the West are combined in the residents of the section of country of which this volume treats. The enthusiastic enterprise which overleaps all obstacles and makes possible almost any undertaking in the comparatively new and vigorous western states is here tempered by the stable and more careful policy that we have borrowed from our eastern neighbors, and the combination is one of peculiar force and power. It has been the means of placing this section of the country on a par with the older East, at the same time producing a reliability and certainty in business affairs which is frequently lacking in the West. This happy combination of characteristics is possessed by the subject of this brief sketch, John H. Miller, who was successfully engaged in the hardware business at West Salem, Wayne county, Ohio. Mr. Miller is a native of Medina county, Ohio, where he was born September II, 1874. He is the son of Alonzo and Rachel (Inman) Miller, the former of whom was born at Massillon, Ohio, in 1841, and the latter in Medina county. Alonzo Miller is a prominent man in his native county, owning four hundred acres of land, which he successfully cultivates. A Democrat in politics, he has been very active in party affairs and has several times been the nominee of his party for public office. He was the candidate for Congress in 1896 and for State Senate in 1898, but each time the large Republican majority in his district precluded any chance of his election. For a number of years he served as postmaster at Spencer, where he owns and operates a large flouring mill. Besides the subject, he has three other children, namely : Mrs. William Rullkoetter, of Springfield, Missouri; Mr. Rullkoetter is a professor in the Missouri State College ; Frank I. Miller, a farmer; Charles E. lives in New Jersey. Alonzo Miller is a man of marked ability and stands high in his community. During the dark days of the Civil war Alonzo Miller evinced his patriotism by enlisting in Company B, Forty-second Regiment Ohio Volunteer Infantry, in which he became a corporal, 1128 - WAYNE COUNTY, OHIO. and he took part in a number of severe engagements during his three years of service, including the siege of Vicksburg, Fort Donelson, the Red River campaign, and was with General Butler at the battle of New Orleans. John H. Miller received a good education in the public schools at Spencer, including the high school course. This education was supplemented by a course at the Spencerian Business College at Cleveland. On leaving the school room he was employed in a clerical capacity in Cleveland for three years. In 1900 he came to West Salem and engaged in the grocery business, in which he continued with fair success for four years, at the end of which time he sold that business and started a hardware store. In this latter business he achieved a distinctive success, having been compelled to double his stock during the five years in which he was in business. He is a wide-awake, energetic and progressive business man and received his full share of the public patronage. Courteous in manner, accommodating in his treatment of patrons, and a man of many fine personal qualities, he has made a host of warm personal friends and is considered one of the leading men of the community. In politics Mr. Miller gives his support to the Democratic party in elections where national policies are involved, but in local elections he takes the stand that the personal fitness for candidates for the offices they seek should be of prime importance. His religious affiliation is with the Methodist Episcopal church, of which he is an earnest and generous supporter. On April 28, 1903, Mr. Miller wedded Jennie Ferguson, a native of this county and a daughter of Reuben Ferguson, one of the county's representative farmers. To this union have been born two children, Dorothy and Paul. The family move in the best social circles and their home is a center of refined hospitality. EDWIN ALBERT BARDEN. The Barden family have long been among the best known in Plain township, Wayne county, identified for the most part with the agricultural interests of the locality in which they have figured conspicuously, Edwin A. Barden being one of the most progressive of the present generation in this vicinity. He was born in Plain township, August 21, 1867, the son of William and Catherine (Brumbaugh) Barden, an influential and highly respected couple who followed farming here for a long lapse of years. Edwin A. Barden was educated in the Wilderness school and one winter WAYNE COUNTY, OHIO - 1129 was spent at the Wadsburg Normal. He applied himself very assiduously to his text books and received a good education. He began working on the home farm when very young, and after he had finished school he returned to the farm and assisted his father with the work there. He was married in 1891 to Izena May Staugh, the daughter of Thomas Corwin and Sarah (Allaman) Staugh. Mr. Barden is the owner of a very productive and well tilled farm of ninety acres of land in Plain township where he carries on a general line. of farming with gratifying results. He is a member of the Patrons of Industry, in which he takes a great deal of interest. Religiously, he belongs to the Christian church and in politics he is a Republican, but does not find time to take a hand in political affairs. He is now an active member of the local school board. To Mr. and Mrs. Edwin A. Barden the following children have been born : William, now a student in the high school at Mansfield, Ohio, where he is making a splendid record, having passed the common branches at the age of thirteen years ; Sarah, Roderick and Beatrice are all living at home. Thomas Corwin Stough, father of Mrs. Barden, was born in Blachleyville, Plain township, Wayne county, in 1840, the son of George and Anna Stough, both probably born in this part of Ohio. George Stough devoted his earlier years to farming in the western part of Wayne county and later in life was proprietor of an inn at Blachleyville, one of the first taverns in this part of the state. When the Mexican war began he was quick to offer his services and, being a man of unusual ability and courage, he became colonel of a regiment and brought honor to the house of Stough. His son, Thomas Corwin Stough, was a private during the Civil war in Company I, Sixteenth Regiment Ohio Volunteer Infantry. The maternal grandparents of Mrs. Barden were Samuel and Barbara (Barnhart) Allaman, of Dauphin county, Pennsylvania. Samuel Allaman and two brothers, John and Henry, came to Ohio and settled in Ashland county, while Samuel located in Wayne county, where he devoted his life to farming. Thomas Corwin Stough also devoted his life to farming except the time he was in the army, having enlisted at the age of twenty-one years and served three years, after which he became a traveling salesman. Since 1907 he has lived retired in Mansfield, having made a success of his life's work. The following children were born to Thomas Corwin Stough and wife : Mary Celesta, Izena May, Anna, Gertrude, William, Nina, Blanche, DeCourcey and Madge, all living at this writing. 1130 - WAYNE COUNTY, OHIO. MARTIN H. BARNARD. The most elaborate history is necessarily an abridgment, the historian being compelled to select his facts and materials from a multitude of details. In every life of honor and usefulness there is no dearth of incident, and yet in summing up the career of any man the writer needs touch only the most salient points, but eliminating much that is superfluous. Among the enterprising and progressive citizens of Wayne county, Ohio, is he whose name forms the caption to this article. Martin H. Barnard is a native of the township in which he now lives, having been born here on the 26th of June, 1885. He is the son of William V. Barnard, who also is a native of this county, born in Canaan township, and whose death occurred in 189o. He was a farmer by vocation and in 1879 he moved over into Congress township, buying a farm there two years later. He was a Republican in politics and in religion he was a member of the United Brethren church, to which he gave an earnest and generous support. He was a man of fine personal qualities and was highly regarded throughout the community. He married Anna Brickerhoff, a native of Congress township, and to them were born the following children : Bertha Elizabeth, deceased ; George I., deceased ; Anna May, who married Lloyd Martin, a successful farmer in Congress township ; Carrie Pearl ; Martin H., the immediate subject of this sketch ; Dwight B., of Canaan township. The subject's paternal grandparents were John L. and Anna (George) Barnard, who were both born and reared in Wayne county. He was a shoemaker by trade and followed that vocation until his death, which occurred in 1870. He was a stanch Republican and was prominent in political affairs of his day. His wife died in 1874. They were both active members of the United Brethren church. The subject's paternal great-grandparents were Jacob and ______ (Smith) Barnard, who were natives of Pennsylvania and in an early day came to Wayne county, this state, where they lived during the remainder of their lives. Martin H. Barnard received his early education in the Hilltop district school in Congress township. Owing to the death of his father, when he was but five years old, he was reared afterward by relatives of his mother. He was reared to the life of a farmer and has always been identified with this pursuit. In 1907 he began farming on his own account on rented land, and by dint of percistent energy and wise economy he was enabled, in January, 1909, to purchase his father's old home farm of one hundred and five acres, on which he is now living and operating. Mr. Barnard is an energetic, WAYNE COUNTY, OHIO - 1131 wide-awake young man and is progressive in his ideas and methods, keeping in close touch with the most advanced ideas in agriculture. He carries on general farming, and has also some good livestock in the place, the general appearance of the place indicating the owner to be a man of sound judgment and discrimination in the conduct of his affairs. On February 22, 1907, Mr. Barnard was united in marriage to Pansy E. Sheppard, and they are the parents of two children, Ann Elizabeth, born December 4, 1908, and Catharine Marie, born February 9, 191o. Mrs. Barnard was born July 16, 1884, in Congress township, and is the daughter of John Wesley and Eliza (Crater) Sheppard, who are mentioned elsewhere in this work. Politically, Mr. Barnard is a Republican and takes a commendable interest in public affairs. He belongs to the United Brethren church and his wife to the Presbyterian, to both of which they give an earnest and generous support. A man of many fine personal qualities, Mr. Barnard enjoys the unbounded confidence of the entire community and is considered one of its leading citizens. MICHAEL RICKEL. Few men of Congress township, Wayne county, Ohio, were as widely and favorably known as the late Michael Rickel. He was one of the strong and influential citizens whose lives became an essential part of the history of the community and for years his name was synonymous for all that constituted an honorable and upright manhood. Tireless energy, keen perception and honesty of purpose, combined with every-day common sense, were among his chief characteristics, and while advancing individual success he also largely promoted the moral and material welfare of his community. Michael Rickel was born September 19, 1828, in Congress township, Wayne county, Ohio, and was a son of Peter and Nancy (Rickel) Rickel. These parents were natives of Virginia and Pennsylvania respectively and were married in the latter state, and there two children were born to them. In 1825 they moved to Wayne county, Ohio, and there the father took up a farm near West Salem, making that his home during the remainder of his life. He died October 7, 1865, and his widow survived him more than a score of years, her death occurring May 8, 1888. They were the parents of nine children, seven sons and two daughters, only one of whom is living. Peter Rickel was a faithful member of the Evangelical church, and was pos- 1132 - WAYNE COUNTY, OHIO. sessed of many excellent qualities of character. He cared nothing for politics, aside from exercising the rights of franchise, but was a man highly respected throughout the community. Michael Rickel was reared on his father's farm and in the common schools of Congress township he secured his mental training. At the time of his marriage he bought a farm of eighty acres, located south of West Salem, and gave his attention to its cultivation. He was enterprising and successful and was prospered so that he was able to add to his landed possessions, buying forty acres more. The farm was maintained at a high state of cultivation and Mr. Rickel acquired a reputation as one of the best farmers in the community. He carried on general farming and also gave some attention to the raising of livestock, in which also he was successful. In politics he was an ardent Republican and took a live interest in local public affairs, having served many terms as supervisor of his 'township, in which official position he rendered efficient service. He and his wife belonged to the Evangelical church, to which Mrs. Rickel still gives a devoted support. Mr. Rickel's death occurred on the 1st of December, 1898, and his death was counted a distinct loss to the entire community. On November 6, 1851, Mr. Rickel was married to Susan Hosler, who was born in Plain township, Wayne county, October 25, 1832, a daughter of Jacob and Susan (Lesher) Hosler. Her parents were early settlers of Wayne county, having come here from Lancaster county, Pennsylvania, in 1827. The father was a physician and a pioneer preacher, a cooper by trade and a farmer by occupation. He first located in Jefferson county, Ohio, on coming west, but soon afterwards removed to Wayne county He died August 1, 1840, and his widow on September Jo, 1879. Mrs. Rickel's maternal grandparents were Jacob and Katharine (Sheets) Lesher, who were natives of Germany and Pennsylvania respectively. To Mr. and Mrs. Rickel was born a daughter, Olena, now deceased, who was the wife of John Esselburn, by whom she had a son; Chester, born in 1884. Mrs. Esselburn died August 7, 1899. Devoted to home and family, and at the same time giving a proper attention to the affairs of the community in which all public-spirited men should be interested, Mr. Rickel was counted among the strong, stalwart men of Congress township. Dependent upon his own resources from boyhood, he so applied his energies and ability as to attain a success worthy the name, while his high standing in the community indicated the objective appreciation of his sterling character. WAYNE COUNTY, OHIO - 1133 LUTHER H. FULTON. It is always interesting to 'watch from the beginning the growth and development of a locality, to note the lines along which marked progress has been made and to take cognizance of those who have been factors in the work of advancement and in the establishing of a prosperous community. The subject of this review has been a witness of the development of Wayne county, since he was born here more than sixty years ago and has here passed the greater portion of his life, which has been one of signal usefulness and honor, involving the rendering of the loyal service of a true patriot, since he went forth in defense of the nation during the 'war of the Rebellion, participating in many of the most important battles of that memorable conflict. He is now numbered among the progressive and prosperous farmers of. Congress township, and it is fitting that there be here entered a review of his life history, as being one of the representative men of his community. Luther H. Fulton was born October 9, 1847, on the farm in Congress township, Wayne county, on which he now lives, and he is the son of William and Rhoda (Morris) Fulton, both of whom have passed away. The father was a native of New York state and the mother of Ohio. The subject comes of distinguished ancestry, his great-grandfather, Robert Fulton (born 1765, died 1815), having won immortal fame as the inventor of the steamboat. William Fulton, having determined to try his fortunes in the West, started for Ohio with only a horse, saddle and bridle, which his father gave him. It was a long, tiresome and ofttimes dangerous trip, but was made in safety. Locating in Wayne county, the courageous pioneer entered land, onto which he moved and here he developed one of the fertile farms of this section of the county. He had studied medicine and put his knowledge to good use among the early pioneers, many of whom were indebted to him for his kindly and timely ministrations, for much of which he received no compensation. William and Rhoda Fulton were the parents of eight children, only one of whom, the subject of this sketch, is now living, he having been the fifth in order of birth. Luther H. Fulton was reared under the parental rooftree and in his youth he received a good education in the common schools of the neighborhood. At the outbreak of the Civil war he gave unmistakable evidence of his patriotic spirit by enlisting in defense of his country, being assigned to Company K, Sixteenth Regiment Ohio Volunteer Infantry. After seven months' service he was transferred to Company B of the One Hundred and Fourteenth Ohio Regiment, and still later to the Forty-eighth Regiment, with 1134 - WAYNE COUNTY, OHIO.. which command he served until he was honorably discharged at Galveston, Texas, on May 9, 1866. At that time he was employed in guard duty while Galveston Island was being surveyed and the bay sounded. Mr. Fulton's military service was replete with much arduous and dangerous duty, all of which he discharged faithfully and with credit to himself. Upon his discharge from military service Mr. Fulton returned to the old home farm, Which he operated for awhile for his father. On the death of the latter the property changed hands several times, but eventually the subject was enabled to acquire possession of it and has since been engaged in its cultivation. The farm is most eligibly located and contains a full set of commodious and well-arranged buildings, while the general appearance of the place stands in unmistakable evidence of the thrift and progressive spirit of the owner. He here carries on general farming, raising all the crops common to this section and he realizes a gratifying return from his labor. On June 29, 1876, Mr. Fulton wedded Melinda M. Berry, of Jackson township, a daughter of William and Margaret Berry, early settlers of this section of Ohio. To this union have been born three children, William Clyde, Pearl, deceased, and Fern R. In matters political Mr. Fulton gives his support to the Republican party, while socially he is an honored member of Post No. 184, Grand Army of the Republic, at West Salem. He and his wife are members of the United Brethren church, to which they give a generous and earnest support. Throughout his entire career he has been industrious, energetic and successful, and he has won for himself an honorable name in agricultural circles, while at all times he has received the unbounded confidence of his fellow men. JAMES WALTER FERGUSON, M. D. Dr. James Walter Ferguson is one of the well-known residents of Wayne county. He has gained distinction in the line of his chosen calling, in which he has ever been an earnest and discriminating student, and he holds a position of due relative precedence among the medical practitioners of this section of the Buckeye state. Dr. Ferguson is descended from sturdy Irish ancestry, his paternal grandfather, Walter Ferguson, having emigrated from the Emerald Isle to America in about 1790, locating in Pennsylvania, probably in Westmoreland county. He married Rebecca Paul and of their children Thomas was the father of the subject of this sketch. He was born in Pennsylvania and in WAYNE COUNTY, OHIO - 1135 that state he married Rebecca J. Patterson. They came to Wayne county, Ohio, in about 1829, locating just north of Congress, in the township of the same name, where the subject now lives. The father was a successful farmer and was also a highly esteemed school teacher. During his later years he confined his attention solely to agriculture and became the owner of two hundred and eighty acres of fine land. He died in November, 1893, and was survived two years by his widow, her death occurring in 1895. The subject's maternal grandfather was James Patterson, who was numbered among the early pioneers of Ohio. Thomas and Rebecca Ferguson were strong Presbyterians in religious faith, and were the parents of eight children, of whom six, five boys and one girl, are living.. James, W. Ferguson received a common school education, which was supplemented by attendance at the Canaan and Lodi academies. Having decided to make the practice of medicine his life-work, the subject studied under Dr. C. J. Warner of Congress, then attended a course of lectures in Cincinnati, after which he_ entered the medical department of Wooster University, the department being at that time located in Cleveland, Ohio, and there he graduated with -the class of 1876. He then took a course of lecture in the Cincinnati College of Medicine and Surgery and then took up the active practice of his profession. He was first associated with Dr. C. J. Warner for a year and a half, and then went to Lodi and other places in search of a location to suit him, but he returned to Doctor Warner, with whom he formed a partnership that existed for seven years. At the end of that time the Doctor went to Canaan Center and was there engaged in the practice for seven years, and in 1896 he came to West Salem, where he has since remained. He is now the oldest practicing physician in this locality and is in command of a large and remunerative patronage. The Doctor has been remarkably successful in the handling of some difficult cases and he has a reputation as a successful physician that extends beyond the confines of his own community. A man of strong mentality and fine personal qualities, he has won a host of warm personal friends and he is popular with all classes, who esteem him for his sterling worth. Doctor Ferguson is a Republican in politics, though his professional duties preclude his taking a very active part in public affairs. He has, however, given of his time for the public good, having served efficiently as health officer and member of the school board. His religious membership is with the Presbyterian church, of which he is a generous supporter. His fraternal relations are with the Knights of the Maccabees and the Knights and Ladies of Security. He keeps in close touch with his professional brethren through 1136 - WAYNE COUNTY, -OHIO. his membership in the Ohio State Medical Association and .the Wayne Counts Medical Association, of both of which he is a valued member. Doctor Ferguson has been married three times. He was married in 1877 to Eva C. Clark, who was a native of Wayne county, Ohio, but at the time of her marriage a resident of Mount Gilead, this state. To this union two sons were born, namely : Charles Reed, of Whitney Point, New York, and Thomas W., of Whitney Point. Mrs. Ferguson died in. 1882 and in 1884 Doctor Ferguson wedded Anna K. Aughey, of the state of Illinois. Her father, Rev. J. H. Aughey, was living in Mississippi at the outbreak of the Civil war and because of his expression of Union sentiments he was arrested. imprisoned, escaped, recaptured, sentenced to be hanged, but providentially again escaped. Later he published an account of his experiences. under the title of "Tupelo." To the second union of the subject one child was born, Mary A.. who is a student in Wooster University and a teacher in the schools of West Salem. Mrs. Anna Ferguson died in 1890 and in 1892 the Doctor married Sylvia Turner. She is a helpmeet to the Doctor in the full sense of the word and is a lady of many fine personal qualities which . have won for her a host of loyal friends. The Doctor is a man of genial disposition and kindly manner and his entry to the sick room carries with it hope and encouragement for the patient. He is enjoying a large practice and is one of the most highly esteemed citizens of the community. CAPT. LEMUEL P. JEFFRIES. Capt. Lemuel P. Jeffries, oldest son of John P. and Jane Jeffries, was born June 8, 1838, on the McMonigal homestead farm, near Wooster, Ohio. His father was born in Huntingdon county, Pennsylvania, in 1815, and came to Wayne county, Ohio, in 1836. His grandfather was Mark Jeffries, who was born in Huntingdon county, Pennsylvania, in 1787. Mark was a son of Richard Jeffries, born in Chester county, Pennsylvania, in 1730 ; Richard was a son of Robert Jeffries, a Quaker, born in England in 1656 and emigrated to Chester, Pennsylvania, in 1681. His grandmother, wife of Mail( Jeffries, was Rebecca Parsons, of Quaker English ancestry, born in Huntingdon county, Pennsylvania, in 1783. His mother Jane was a daughter of Andrew McMonigal and was born in Wayne county, Ohio, in 1818; her father was born in 1791 near Carlisle, Pennsylvania; her grandfather, William McMonigal, was born in county Derry, Ireland, and emigrated to Ameri- WAYNE COUNTY, OHIO - 1137 ca in 1785 ; her mother, Sarah Glendenning, was born in county Tyrone in 1793, and came with her parents to America in 1801. His mother's parents, the McMonigals, settled as pioneers in Wayne county, Ohio, in 1814. In youth Lemuel Jeffries learned the newspaper printing trade with Jacob A. Marchand. He also, when a boy, worked for Mr. Marchand, off and on, since 1852—was press roller boy in the office, carrier of the Democrat for two years, distributed bills as office boy, etc., and in 1856 was an editor of the Wayne County Democrat, published in Wooster. During the war of Secession, 1861-5, he was a soldier in the Union army. On October 9, 1862, by Rev. James Reed, at the Howard House on West Liberty street in Wooster, Ohio, he was united in marriage to Harriet E. Howard, oldest daughter of Charles and Eliza (McCracken) Howard, which union resulted in two daughters, Emily and Helen Jeffries. He was for three years clerk of the Wayne county probate court and was mayor of Wooster for five terms of two years each; first for two terms from 1883 to 1887 and afterwards for three successive terms from 1893 to 1899, serving a total of ten years as mayor of Wooster, no other citizen having before served over two terms in that office. Lemuel Jeffries enlisted as a private at Wooster, Ohio, on April 15, 1861, under President Lincoln's first call for troops to support the union, in Company E, Fourth Regiment Ohio Volunteer Infantry, which was the first company organized in Wayne county for the war, his name being the fifteenth on the roll of volunteers. He was discharged from such "three-months" service, June 4, 1861, at Camp Dennison, near Cincinnati, by reason of his reenlistment under Lincoln's first call for "three-years" troops, as a private in said Company E (Captain James McMillen), Fourth Regiment Ohio Volunteer Infantry. In Virginia, in August, 1861, he was promoted from private in Company E to fifth sergeant of Company D and in October, 1861, after the death of Colonel Andrews, he was, by Col. James Cantwell, promoted to sergeant-major of the Fourth Regiment. On recommendation for promotion by Col. John S. Mason, United States Army, who succeeded Colonel Cantwell, he was on December 22, 1861, commissioned second lieutenant by William Dennison, governor of Ohio, and was assigned to duty in Company G (Capt. Peter Grubb) and afterwards in Company D (Capt. Gordon A. Stewart). He was acting adjutant of the regiment for some time. In September, 1862, he was promoted to first lieutenant by David Todd, governor of Ohio, and assigned to duty in his first Company, E, Fourth Regi- (72) 1138 - WAYNE COUNTY, OHIO. ment Ohio Volunteer Infantry. He was honorably discharged at Fort Gaines near Georgetown, D. C., June 7, 1863, on surgeon's certificate of physical disability, caused by the hardships endured in the campaigns through which he had passed. On recommendation of officers under whom he served and after going before a military board at Washington and passing a favorable examination as to soldierly qualifications, he was commissioned first lieutenant of Company C, Twentieth Regiment Veteran Reserve Corps, February II, 1864, by Abraham Lincoln, President of the United States ; and on September 8, 1864, President Lincoln promoted him to captain of that company at Point Lookout, Maryland. The Veteran Reserve Corps being a branch of the United States army, not belonging to any state troops, these commissions of lieutenant and captain, issued by the President, had to be and were confirmed by the United States Senate. For a time he was an officer, captain and inspector on the staff of Gen. William H. Browne, of New York City, on duty in Maryland, Delaware and District of Columbia with headquarters at Baltimore. He participated in the following engagements in Maryland and Virginia : Middle Fork Bridge, Rich Mountain, Mechanicsburg, Romney First, Romney Second, Blue Gap, French's Store, Bloomery Gap, Winchester, Cedar Creek, Woodstock, Edinburg, Mt. Jackson, Rood's Hill, Stony Creek, New Market, Salem, White Plains, Front Royal, Petersburg, Port Republic, Elvington Heights, Malvern Hill, Harrison's Landing, Second Bull Run, Centerville, Snicker's Gap, Fredericksburg, Falmouth, Bank's Ford, Monocacy. He served under the following generals : J. D. Cox, Kelley, Schleigh, McClellan, Rosecrans, Benham, Lander, Shields, Nathan, Kimbal, Keyes, Ferry, Casey, E. B. Tyler, John S. Mason, S. S. Carroll, N. P. Banks, John C. Fremont, O. Brown, W. H. Browne, W. B. Franklin, W. S. Hancock, Alex. Hayes, Couch, W. F. Smith, E. V. Sumner, French, James B. Fry, A. E. Burnside, Joe Hooker, Grant, John Gibbon, E. K. Warren, O. C. Ord, McDowell, O. O. Howard, Lew Wallace, etc. With other soldiers then in that department of the country, Captain Jeffries at once went to Washington at the time President Lincoln was assassinated by Wilkes Booth, and early in the morning of April 15, 1865, he was in the excited and sad crowd of citizens and soldiers in front of the house (to which the night before Lincoln had been carried unconscious from Ford's theater), when the President died. He was one of the many soldiers at the funeral of Lincoln in Washington, and was among the guard of honor that stood near the remains while thousands of citizens passed by taking a "last view." WAYNE COUNTY, OHIO - 1139 A month after this, on May 23, 1865, he was among the tens of thousands who participated in the "Last Grand Review" of the Union Army at Washington. After this he was sent on duty into Virginia on the "Reconstruction" service under Gen. O. O. Howard —Gen. O. Brown having charge of the state of Virginia, with headquarters at Richmond. Captain Jeffries was stationed at Jerusalem, Southampton county, Virginia, on the Nottaway river near the great "Dismal Swamp" running into North Carolina. In brief, Lemuel Jeffries served in the Union army from 1861 to 1866, as follows : Private Company E, Fourth Regiment Ohio Volunteer Infantry ; fifth sergeant Company D, Fourth Regiment; first sergeant Company D, Fourth Regiment; sergeant major Fourth Regiment; second lieutenant Company G, Fourth Regiment ; second lieutenant Company D, Fourth Regiment ; acting adjutant Fourth Regiment; first lieutenant Company E, Fourth Regiment; first lieutenant Company C, Twentieth Regiment Veteran Reserve Corps; captain Company C, Twentieth Regiment Veteran Reserve Corps ; captain on general's staff ; captain on "Reconstruction" duty in Virginia ; his muster out of the service. In April, 1866, he returned from Virginia to Washington, where, on May 4, 1866, a year after the war closed, he was, as captain of Company C, Twentieth Regiment Reserve Corps, honorably discharged from service and returned to his home in Wooster, Ohio. - Captain Lemuel Jeffries died at his home in Wooster in the spring of 1909. ALBERT I. HARTZLER. Upon the roll of representative citizens and prominent and influential agriculturists of Greene township, Wayne county, appears the name of Albert I. Hartzler, who is also a stock man of more than local reputation, and he has been successful in whatever he has been interested. His birth occurred in Holmes county, this state, November 9, 1869, the son of Isaac and Sarah (Mast) Hartzler, the former born on a farm in Greene township, this county, October 16, 1824, and his death occurred here May 24, 1900. He was reared to manhood in his home community and then went to Holmes county, where he married Sarah Mast, daughter of Abraham Mast, of the last named county, and in 1877 he returned to Wayne county and here spent the remainder of his busy and successful life. He was one of the prosperous farmers of this 1140 - WAYNE COUNTY, OHIO. locality. When he returned here from Holmes county he located where his father, John Hartzler, had settled when he came here from Pennsylvania in an early day. Thus the name Hartzler has long been a familiar and highly respected one in this part of Wayne county. To Mr. and Mrs. Isaac Hartzler six children were born, namely : Catherine, who became the wife of John Kreger ; Jacob died in infancy ; Joseph, who married Mary Gingerich, lives in Texas ; Albert I., of this review ; Sarah, wife of J. S. Yoder, of Greene township ; Elias E. married Rachael Grove. Albert I. Hartzler was born in Holmes county and in 1877 he accompanied his parents to Wayne county where he has continued to reside to the present time. He was educated in the common schools, and when he reached maturity he married Amanda B. Burkholder, daughter of J. K. Burkholder, well known in Greene township where Mrs. Hartzler was reared and where she received her education in the district schools. After their marriage, Mr. and Mrs. Hartzler settled on the old homestead which they now own, located in section 15, Greene township, consisting of one hundred and sixty-three acres, which is among the richest farms of the county. Having been a good manager, Mr. Hartzler has not worn his land out, but on the contrary has increased its productiveness. He has a large commodious bank barn, and beautifully located brick house. He is an extensive stock raiser, being a breeder of short-horn Durham cattle, many of them being registered. To Mr. and Mrs. Hartzler the following children have been born : Elma M., born May 18, 1897; Nora E., born April 1 1, 1900; Ellis R., born January 29, 1902 ; Elida, born June 27, 1904. Mr. Hartzler is a member of the Amish Mennonite church, and is one of the deacons of the same. OSCAR DAVID KAUFMAN. The history of this excellent family goes back to a remote period in the old Keystone state and from that day to this the many members bearing this name have endeavored to bear aloft the worthy name of the earliest progenitors in this country, thereby becoming well established and favorably known in whatever community they have been pleased to reside. Oscar D. Kaufman, one of the best known of this name in Wayne county, whose present home is at Wooster, was born at Blachleyville, this county, on October 12, WAYNE COUNTY, OHIO - 1141 1878, the son of Thomas J. and Susan (Urban) Kaufman, the former born in Juniata county, Pennsylvania, in 1834 and the latter in Lancaster county, that state, in 1847. Thomas J. Kaufman came from his Pennsylvania home to Ohio in 1840. The earliest record of the Kaufman family that can be definitely traced is that they were substantial citizens of Lancaster county, Pennsylvania, in 1790. The paternal grandfather is described as a man of sterling characteristics and of good business sagacity, and he left each of his children a very substantial inheritance when he died. He was born in Lancaster county. Pennsylvania, in 1798, and he began his career in Juninta county, that state, in the farming and stock business. Learning of the better advantages to be had in Ohio, then practically undeveloped, he emigrated overland to Wayne county in 1840, making the journey in old-fashioned covered wagons, and here, amid primitive conditions, he soon had a good start and his business grew to large proportions, in raising and fattening cattle and in the stock commission business. He became one of the influential men of his community and his advice was often sought in various business matters. His death occurred in 1864. Oscar D. Kaufman had the advantages of a liberal education, passing through the common schools and taking a special literary course in the University of Wooster, also graduating from the Wooster Business College. After finishing his school work, he turned his attention to farming, and with the exception of the year 1899, at which time he was employed by the Ashland & Wooster Railroad Company, his time was spent on the farm. In October, 1904, he was appointed rural letter carrier from Funk, his home office, which he served very creditably until April I, 1907, when it was discontinued and he was ordered to report at Wooster, Ohio, where he was in charge of a route from that office. He is a member of his county association of Rural Letter Carriers, and has served as delegate to several of the state conventions of this organization. He successfully passed the examination for the railway postal service and has a high mark on the list of eligibles for that department. Politically, Mr. Kaufman is a Republican and has always been active in political matters, and at one time he served very faithfully as central committeeman. He was elected justice of the peace in 1904, and he was twice candidate for county recorder, but owing to the large Democratic majority failed of election, but made a very good race. The Kaufmans are members of the Lake Fork Methodist Episcopal church. Mr. Kaufman belongs to the St. James Club and the Taft Club. Fraternally he is a member of the Knights of Maccabees, Ebenezer Lodge, No. 33, Free and Accepted Masons, Wooster 1142 - WAYNE COUNTY, OHIO. Chapter, No. 27, Royal Arch Masons, Wooster Council, Royal and Select Masters, and Wooster Commandery, No. 48, Knights Templar. He stands high in Masonic circles of the state and he believes in carrying into his everyday life the sublime precepts taught by these worthy orders. SWEN A. SWANSON. To a great extent the prosperity of the agricultural sections of our great country is due to the honest industry, the sturdy perseverance and the wise economy which so prominently characterizes the foreign element that has entered largely into our population. By comparison with their "old country" surroundings, these people have readily recognized the fact that in America lie the greatest opportunities for the man of ambition and energy. And because of this many have broken the ties of home and native land and have entered earnestly upon the task of gaining in the new world a home and competence. Among this class may be mentioned Swen A. Swanson, who, by reason of years of indefatigable labor and honest effort, not only acquired a well-merited material prosperity, but has also richly earned the highest esteem of all with whom he has associated. Swen A. Swanson is a Scandinavian by birth, having been born in faraway Sweden on the 20th of October, 1854, and is the son of Swen and Anna (Birdson) Swanson, both also natives of that country. The father was a soldier by profession, being a member of the standing army of Sweden. They were the parents of five children, two sons and three daughters, all of whom are living. Of these, the subject and a sister are the only ones who came to the United States. The father's death occurred in 1883 and his widow survived him a number of years, her death occurring in 1909. They never left their native land. The subject was reared by his parents and received his education in the common schools of his native land. He was reared to the life of a farmer and in 1874 he emigrated to the United States, locating first in New Jersey, where for three months he was employed as an ore miner. He then took up railroad work, in which he was engaged in a number of states for several years. However, he could not overcome his longing for the free outdoor life of the farm and the stimulating odor of the fresh soil, and in 1881 he came to Wayne county and for a number of years he was engaged in the cultivation of rented land. He was energetic, enterprising and economical and in 1902 WAYNE COUNTY, OHIO - 1143 he was enabled to purchase a farm of one hundred acres in Congress township, in the cultivation of which he has since been employed. He has made a number of permanent and substantial improvements on this property and has maintained it at the highest standard of excellence. He here carries on a diversified system of farming, raising all the crops common to this section of the country, and in connection with his farming operations he gives some attention to the raising of livestock, in which also he has been successful. During 1910 Mr. Swanson bought an attractive home in the quiet village of Pleasant Home, where he will reside, laying aside the major part of the work which has characterized his active years. In politics Mr. Swanson gives his support to the Republican party and takes a live and commendable interest in local public affairs, though he is not in any sense a seeker after public office or preferment. In religion he and his wife are members of the United Brethren church, and in their daily lives they exemplify the religion which they profess. Fraternally, he is a member of the Grange. On the 15th of February, 1883, Mr. Swanson was united in marriage with Maria Swinehart, a native of Pennsylvania and a daughter of Josiah and Martha Swinehart. This union has been a most happy and congenial one and has been blessed in the birth of four children, namely : Edna, Alice (the wife of Vern Kime), Irwin and Elmer. Mr. Swanson's business methods have ever been commendable and have gained for him the high regard of all with whom he has been associated. By persistent energy, sound judgment and keen foresight he has succeeded in his chosen line of endeavor and is now the owner of one of the valuable farms of Congress township. BENJAMIN GERIG. One of Greene township's worthy and highly respected citizens is the above named, Rev. Benjamin Gerig, a man who is nobly performing his work as a minister of the Gospel, always willing and zealous to do his part in furthering the movements instituted here that will benefit his fellowmen in any way. He was born in France in 1842, the youngest son of Jacob and Elizabeth (Zimmerman) Gerig. The former spent his life in agricultural pursuits and they were members of the Amish Mennonite church. Neither he nor his wife ever came to America. They were the parents of thirteen children. After the parents had died, which occurred while the subject of this 1144 - WAYNE COUNTY, OHIO. sketch was yet young, and being among strangers, his school work being completed, which consisted of French and German, receiving a fairly good education, which has since been supplemented by wide reading and home study; and since the French government at that time required of every male citizen to serve in active military service for seven years and this not being in harmony with his religious belief, and there seemed to be greater opportunities in the New World, he emigrated to America in 186o, at the age of seventeen years, following a former brother, who came for the same reason in 1856. Mr. Gerig married Lydia Schrock in 1862. She was born on the farm where they now reside, and was a daughter of Peter and Catharine (Burkholder) Schrock, who emigrated to America from Switzerland in 1817. After their marriage they began farming as an occupation, and were successful in their work. in a general way improving their farms in fertility, buildings, etc. To Mr. and Mrs. Gerig ten children were born, as follows : Caroline, Jacob, Seth, Emma, John, Catharine, Daniel, Christian, Lydia and Fanny. These all grew up to manhood and womanhood and most of them are married and are living in the community. Caroline, the oldest, died in 1898. Benjamin Gerig was ordained to the ministry in the Amish Mennonite church in 1894 and in 1895 to the important office of bishop and is serving the church in this capacity at the present time. His charge is Oak Grove and Pleasant Hill, doing occasionally evangelistic work outside of his own charge. He visited most of the above named congregations throughout the United States and Canada. He is well and favorably known by all classes, whom he desires to serve to the best of his ability in every way possible. JAMES T. STITT. Among the honored veterans of the war of the Rebellion is numbered Mr. Stitt, who accorded to his country the loyal and patriotic service of a true son of the republic, and whose life has been such as to commend him to the respect and good will of his fellow men. He is one of the enterprising and successful farmers of Franklin township, Wayne county, Ohio, and is a citizen of splendid personal qualities. His public-spiritedness and interest in the general welfare of the community has commended him to the favorable estimation of his fellow men and today he enjoys an enviable reputation in the township. James T. Stitt is a native son of the Buckeye state, having been born in WAYNE COUNTY, OHIO - 1145 Belmont county on February 22, 1839, the son of Robert and Eliza (Templeton) Stitt. In the spring of 1849, the family came to Wayne county and bought land in section 27, Franklin township, the tract comprising one hundred and sixty acres. To the task of clearing and improving this land the members of the family at once applied themselves and they succeeded in creating one of the choice and productive farms of the locality. The log house was built which did service until a substantial frame house was erected, and this first log house is still standing in excellent condition. Robert Stitt died in 186o, at the age of fifty-one years, while his widow survived him more than a quarter of a century, her death occurring in 1887, at which time she was seventy-three years old. She was a native of Franklin county, Pennsylvania, and was of sturdy Scotch-Irish descent, while her husband was born near Mount Pleasant, Jefferson county, Ohio. He was a Democrat in his political faith during his earlier years, but subsequently he allied himself with the Republican party, whose tickets he afterwards supported. He took a live and commendable interest in local public affairs and rendered appreciated service as trustee of his township. Originally they were members of the Reformed Presbyterian church, but in 1858 they severed their relations with that body and joined the Associate United Presbyterians. Robert and Eliza Stitt were the parents of the following children : John, who, during the Civil war, was a member of Company C, Sixteenth Regiment Ohio Volunteer Infantry, holding the rank of corporal and sergeant, was in the siege of Vicksburg, and died soon after that event; James T., the immediate subject of this sketch; William, who now resides at Grand Island, Nebraska, was a soldier in Company C, Sixteenth Ohio Regiment; Alexander, deceased, was a member of the same command and his death occurred three months after his enlistment, at Camp Denison ; Robert T. was a member of Company A, One Hundred and Twentieth Regiment Ohio Volunteer Infantry, died in hospital at Cairo, Illinois, while on a furlough, and is buried at Wooster ; Joseph H., deceased ; Mary J., deceased, was the wife of Rev. J. H. Turnbull, who also is deceased ; Lucy J., the wife of B. F. Wallace, of Bloomington, Wayne township; Eliza is the wife of W. C. Cummings, of North Wooster; Margaret, of this township. The subject was ten years of age when he accompanied the family on their removal to Wayne county. He was given the advantage of attendance on the common schools and the public schools of Wooster. He received a good education and taught school with marked success for ten consecutive years during the winter months. He then engaged exclusively in farming, to which line of effort he has since confined his attention. In May, 1864, Mr. Stitt evinced his patriotism by enlisting for the defense of his country, join- 1146 - WAYNE COUNTY, OHIO. ing Company C, One Hundred and Sixty-ninth Regiment Ohio Volunteer Infantry. He was appointed sergeant, and his command was assigned to the Army of the Potomac, the subject being stationed during the greater part of the time at Washington. He was honorably discharged from the service at Cleveland, Ohio, in September of the same year and at once returned home. Since then he has been continuously engaged in the tilling of the soil, and has achieved a marked success in this line. He is the owner of a splendid farm of one hundred and twenty-nine acres, all the improvements of which have been made by himself. The land is very fertile and under the careful and discriminating care of Mr. Stitt it has been made to return splendid results. Mr. Stitt is progressive in his methods and ideas and nothing is left undone to keep the place up to the highest standard of excellence. Mr. Stitt was married to Mary Taggart, a native of Franklin township and the daughter of William and Lydia M. Taggart. To this union have been born two children, Robert' W. and William T., both of whom are at home. Politically, Mr. Stitt is an ardent advocate of Republican principles and has taken an active part in local campaigns, though he has never been persuaded to seek public office for himself. His religious affiliation is with the United Presbyterian church at Wooster, of which he is an earnest and liberal supporter. Mr. Stitt has witnessed many changes in conditions in Wayne county since his boyhood days and can relate many interesting reminiscences of those days. He is, despite his years, as alert mentally as ever and takes a keen interest in the trend of passing events. His sterling qualities of character, his indomitable industry and his genial manners have won for him a host of warm personal friends throughout the community in which he lives and he is eminently entitled to representation in a work of this character. HARVEY LINDSEY. Though no land is richer in opportunities or offers greater advantages to its citizens than America, success is not to be obtained through desire, but must be persistently sought. In America "labor is king," and the man who resolutely sets to work to accomplish a given purpose is certain of success if he has but the qualities of perseverance, untiring energy and practical common sense. Harvey Lindsey is one whose career excites the admiration and gains the respect of all, for through his diligence and persistent purpose he has won a high place in agricultural circles in Wayne county, where he has made his home for more than two score of years. WAYNE COUNTY, OHIO - 1147 Mr. Lindsey is a native son of the old Keystone state, having been born in Crawford county, Pennsylvania, on the 27th day of May, 1849. His parents were Alexander and. Eleanor (Taylor) Lindsey, the former a native of Pennsylvania and the latter of Ohio. The subject's paternal grandparents were of Irish descent on the male line and old New England Yankee stock on the female side, the combination of these two nationalities usually being one of peculiar force and power. Alexander Lindsey was a farmer by occupation and a shoemaker by trade and was most highly esteemed in the community where he lived. He enjoyed good health during his life and lived to the advanced age of eighty-five years, he having died within forty rods of where he first saw the light of day. He was twice married. By his first marriage he became the father of two children, both of whom are deceased, and by his second union he had eight children, all of whom are living. He lived a quiet and unostentatious life, but enjoyed a large circle of warm personal friends, who esteemed him for his personal worth. Harvey Lindsey, the immediate subject of this sketch, attended the cornmon schools of Pennsylvania and also secured some school training after coming to Ohio. In 1866 he became a citizen of the Buckeye state and has followed the pursuit of agriculture almost continuously since coming here. For a score of years after coming to this state he farmed on rented land, occupying a number of different farms from time to time, and in 1886 he moved to the state of Kansas, in the hopes of finding a place to suit him. After two years residence there, however, he came to the conclusion that Ohio possessed. advantages equal to anywhere else and he returned here and soon afterwards bought a farm of sixty-two acres, to the operation of which he immediately applied himself. He was enterprising in his methods and indefatigable in his industry, as well as wise in his economy, so that in due time he was enabled to add to his original possession until today he is the owner of a fine and fertile farm of one hundred and two acres, comprising one of the choice farms of this section of Wayne county. Mr. Lindsey has made a number of permanent and substantial improvements on the place, including several well built and conveniently arranged buildings. The farm is well fenced and due attention is given to the proper rotation of crops and other elements which contribute to 'the successful prosecution of agriculture, so that he has been enabled to realize a gratifying return for the labor he has bestowed. In addition to the prosecution of general farming, he has also given considerable attention to the breeding and raising of livestock, the Ohio Improved Chester breed of hogs being his specialty. In this line he has achieved a distinctive success, some very fine animals having been raised by him. In politics Mr. Lindsey has ever rendered a stanch allegiance to the Re- 1148 - WAYNE COUNTY, OHIO. publican party and has given proper attention to public affairs, as far as the exercise of his right of franchise, but he has been too busy with his own business affairs to seek office or public preferment. In religion, Mr. and Mrs. Lindsey are consistent members of the Methodist Episcopal church, in which they take an active part, at the same time giving their unreserved support to every movement having for its object the betterment of the community in any way. During the Civil war, Mr. Lindsey, offered his services to the government, but because of his youth he was not permitted to enlist. Mr. Lindsey has been married three times. On the loth of March, 1870, he married Susan Chasey, a native of Wayne county, and a daughter of Jacob Sechrist, and to this union were born three children, Mary, Effie and Charles. Mrs. Susan Lindsey died on December 6, 1894, and on the Loth of September; 1896, Mr. Lindsey wedded Cynthia Clouse, who was born in Wayne county August 15, 1856. Her parents dying when she was but a child, she was reared to womanhood by an aunt, Mary Clouse. By his second union Mr. Lindsey became the father of two children, Ruth and Fay. The mother of these children died on August 11, 1903, and on the 29th of March, 1906, Mr. Lindsey married Mary C. Stahl, of Cleveland, Ohio, to whom no children have been born. Mrs. Lindsey was born February 24, 1861, in Medina county, this state, and is the daughter of William and Mary Matilda (Hagans) Stahl. Her father was a native of Schuylkill county, Pennsylvania, and her mother of Congress. township, Wayne county, Ohio, the former being a carpenter by trade, but a farmer by occupation after his. marriage. Mrs. Mary M. Stahl died December 31, 1872. She was the mother of seven children, four of whom are now living. By a subsequent marriage Mr. Stahl became the father of five children, three sons and two daughters, one daughter being deceased. The father's death occurred on December 7, 1890. During all the years of his residence in Wayne county Mr: Lindsey has given his support to measures for the general welfare and has been accounted one of the most progressive and practical farmers in his section of the county. Careful management, good business ability and honesty in trade transactions have brought to him the high degree of success which he now enjoys. BENJAMIN H. SMITH. One of the most straightforward, energetic and successful agriculturists of Wayne county is Benjamin H. Smith. He is public-spirited and thoroughly interested in whatever tends to promote the moral, intellectual and material WAYNE COUNTY, OHIO - 1149 welfare of his locality, and for many years he has been numbered among its most valued and honored citizens. Benjamin H. Smith was born in Lehigh county, Pennsylvania, on the 29th of September,' 1857, and is a son of Henry L. and Sarah A. Beisel. On the paternal side the subject is descended from English ancestry and on the maternal side the line is traced to German antecedents. Both families were early and prominent pioneers of Lehigh county, the subject's paternal grandparents having emigrated to that locality from England, while his maternal grandparents were former residents of New York state. Henry and Sarah Smith were married in Pennsylvania and about two years after the birth of the subject of this, sketch they came to Ohio, locating in Wayne county. The father was a millwright and machinist by profession and he has worked at these lines practically all his life. Both of these parents are still living, though the father is now retired from active labor. In politics he is a Democrat, though he has never been an office-holder, nor has he had any desire for public preferment of any nature. During the Civil war Henry L. Smith enlisted in Company B, One Hundred and Sixty-ninth Regiment Ohio Volunteer Infantry, with which command he served about five months. This regiment was sent to Washington to assist in the defense of the nation's capital, but was not sent to the front. Mr. Smith has long occupied an enviable position in the estimation of his fellow citizens, his sterling qualities of character winning for him the sincere respect of all who know him. Benjamin H. Smith received his elementary education in the district schools, supplementing this by attendance at the Northwestern Normal University, at Ada, where he took a full business course. He learned the trade of a carpenter and machinist and was steadily employed along these lines until 1897, when he purchased the splendid farm which he now occupies and which he has since engaged in operating. The farm comprises one hundred and twenty acres and is eligibly located in Congress and Chester townships. On this place Mr. Smith has made many valuable and permanent improvements, including the erection of commodious and well-arranged buildings and the laying of about five miles of tiling, besides many minor improvements, all of which have tended to appreciate the value of the place, which is today considered one of the best farms in the locality. Here Mr. Smith conducts general farming, raising all the crops common to the section of country in which he lives, and in connection therewith he gives considerable attention to the breeding and raising of live-stock, in which he has been very successful. He is progressive and enterprising in his methods and has achieved a distinctive success in his undertaking. He is now taking life a little easier