CHAPTER XXIII NORTHWEST TOWNSHIP THIS is not the largest, nor is it the wealthiest and best improved township in the count-. But the soil is largely of what was called, in an early day, "low-lands," which tinder the excellent system of under-draining has become unsurpassed in fertility. The higher or hill lands, though good grazing fields and reasonably productive in the growth of grain and fruits, are less fertile than the redeemed swamp or marsh lands. Nettle Lake is situated in the northern part, one mile east of the central line, and it has for its inlet and outlet. Nettle Creek, which drains the northern part of the township. Fish Creek waters its western border, while the branches that form Eagle Creek unite in the southeastern corner. The land was originally covered with a large growth of excellent timber, which, instead of adding to its value in the early days, involved a large amount of labor and expense in its removal and the preparation of the soil for cultivation. Much of this was rolled into log heaps and burned on the ground, a prodigal destruction of much wealth, had it existed in later years. The principal varieties of timber were the black walnut, hickory, sugar maple, burr oak, butternut, wild cherry and elm, on the lower lands, with oak, oftimes of a scrubby variety, on the higher or uplands. Northwest is the second youngest township in the county, and was organized, December 7, 1840. Since its organization there has been no change in its size, a slight misunderstanding in regard to the line between it and Bridgewater—causing the Board of County Commissioners to clearly establish it—being the only thing in the records concerning a change in its boundaries. As is well understood, it is the northwestern township in the county and state—hence its name—with Michigan on the north and Indiana on the west. Florence township and a part of a section in Superior bounds it on the south and Bridgewater is its eastern neighbor. The precise date of the first settlement is not clearly known, but Aaron Burr Goodwin, about whose life a great deal of romance and mystery lingers, is generally accorded the honor of being the first white resident. He was a man of fine education, an excellent surveyor, and for years before the settlement of the township had been an Indian trader in Michigan, Indiana and Ohio. He was possessed of a violent temper, which when kindled raged like a conflagration within him. He was brave but cautious, and he was wholly unscrupulous in his dealings, not only with the Indians, but also with the white - 250 - NORTHWEST TOWNSHIP - 251 settlers who were associated with him. He appeared in the township as early as 1837, and might have been in a year or two before, as the exact time of his arrival cannot be determined. He had taken two orphan children (a boy and a girl) from Cleveland, Ohio, to rear. The girl, Anna, afterward became the wife of Hiram Russell, who owned the land in the extreme northwest corner of the township, upon which the cabin of Goodwin was located. The cabin was situated about forty rods northwest of the residence on the Aldis Johnson fare, and was near the state lines of both Indiana and Michigan. Goodwin was an experienced gunsmith and derived no little revenue from the Indians in tinkering their guns. He kept powder and lead, tobacco, calico, whiskey and various trinkets and ornaments for the Indian trade. He kept just such things as the Indians wanted, and when his unscrupulous character and violent disposition are taken into consideration, the result of his constant intercourse with the red men may be easily surmised. His practice was to take constant advantage of their wants by getting them drunk and then fleecing them to the uttermost farthing of their annuities and their valuable furs. He had many severe altercations with them, but managed to shield himself and his property from their attacks. It is said that he once shot an India», whom he found stealing his potatoes, though this circumstance is purely traditionary. On another occasion a very untractable and savage Indian was cheated out of an unusually large and fine bear skin, whereupon he threatened to kill Goodwin at the first opportunity. The Indian, whose name was Big Jack, was one of the most desperate and revengeful of his band and was greatly feared by Goodwin. who knew that he would lose no chance of putting his threat into direful execution. This threat and other demonstrations from Indians who had been cheated and abused, rendered the situation of Goodwin precarious, and he became very cautious in all his movements. He scarcely dared to venture from his cabin at night and was constantly on his guard during the day. This led to the report that he was cowardly, but precisely the reverse was true—he was simply prudent, and had reason to be so. Events went on without any serious occurrence until the removal of the Indians westward terminated the siege of Good-win's cabin. Goodwin had formerly lived, it is said, near Jackson, Michigan, where he had been an Indian trader. He was for a time mail-carrier in that section of the country and carried the valuables of Uncle Sam in his hat, if tradition is correct. After a residence in Northwest township of some six or eight years, he removed to Iowa or Illinois, and his subsequent movements are unknown. In September, 1837, James Knight, with his sons, Thomas, Philip, Samuel, James and Joshua, established himself in a rude log cabin, about eighty rods north of Nettle Lake. He was a professional hunter, but soon after his arrival became afflicted with white swelling in the hip, which rendered him almost helpless and from which he never gully recovered. Later in life. Mr. Knight was also stricken with blindness, and the writer plainly recalls frequent visits, in childhood, to the little cabin of the decrepit old hunter. The reception was al- 252 - HISTORY OF WILLIAMS COUNTY ways cordial—the old gentleman being fond of children—and as a part of the ceremony he always required us to stand at his knee, while with his hands he would examine our face and take our physical dimensions. Then with kindness beaming from his sightless eyes, he would talk encouragingly to us and tell us how much we had grown since he had "seen" us last. He was a soldier in the War of 1812, and his army experiences and his hunting exploits afforded entertainment that was equally pleasant to "Uncle Jimmy" and his juvenile guest. After the father became afflicted much of the care of the family fell upon Thomas Knight, the elder son, who became one of the most expert hunters and trappers ever in the township. At that period an experienced hunter and trapper could make five times as much money as the one that turned his attention to farming. Deer skins sold quite readily at one dollar each; bear skins at from three to eight dollars, and the furs of the mink, otter or raccoon at from fifty cents to five dollars. These facts caused the Knight boys to spend almost their entire time in the wonderfully exciting sport of hunting, trapping and fishing. They carried flint-lock rifles and always went armed with huge knives. Nettle Lake was a great resort for deer, which cane there in the night to drink, and the boys spent many a nocturnal hour in their canoe in quest of their antlered prey. From the boat it was an easy matter to shoot a deer, and in this manner five or six were frequently killed in a single evening by Thomas and Philip Knight; and perhaps others of the first settlers did equally as well. One evening, while thus engaged, Thomas shot and wounded a very large buck, which ran up the bank a few yards and stopped. The canoe was darted to the shore and Thomas sprang out and up the bank after the wounded animal. He came to it almost immediately and instantly seized it by the antlers; but the animal made a lunge and pinioned the hunter fast against a tree. He shouted for help, but ere his brother could arrive the wounded buck fell upon the ground in the agonies of death. The wound had been mortal. This and many other incidents, Thomas Knight was wont to tell to those of a later generation. He lived until 1896 and hence is well remembered by the people of Northwest township. His best days' work at trapping netted him eleven dollars and fifty cents, the particulars of which were given as follows: He used an ingenious wooden trap, which held the animals securely, and upon the day mentioned went out to inspect his traps, which previously he had set for raccoon. He had set many in the woods near his father's cabin and firmly expected to bring in five or six skins that morning. While he was walking along toward his destination, he suddenly heard a noise near by, and looking in that direction, saw what at first glance appeared to be an Indian pony. Nothing but the hack of the pony was visible above an intervening clump of hushes, and without thinking much about the matter, the hunter continued his walk. A moment later he looked again and was astonished and somewhat frightened to see walking directly toward him a larger bear than he had ever before encountered. The animal was some distance NORTHWEST TOWNSHIP - 253 away and had not yet observed the hunter, so Mr. Knight instantly concealed himself, and examining the priming of his rifle, he anxiously awaited the approach of the bear. A moment later it came leisurely along, and when it had approached within easy rifle range shot, the hunter took careful aim and pulled the trigger. His aim was perfect and the bear, one of the largest of its kind, fell dead. It weighed almost five hundred pounds, and when alive, stood at least three feet in height. The skin sold for eight dollars, and when the value of the skin of the raccoons caught during the day was added, the total footed up to eleven dollars and fifty cents. The fore paw of this bear was taken to Columbus, Ohio, and for many years could be seen in a museum in that city. Mr. Knight contracted to clear ten acres of timber land for a man just across the line in Indiana, for which he was to receive as payment a large fine sow—the prospective mother of a numerous family. While cutting on this tract of timber one day, he suddenly heard the sow, off some distance in the woods, begin to squeal as if in great distress; and surmising the cause, he seized his rifle and started in the direction whence the sounds proceeded. He soon reached the spot, and, behold, a large, savage-looking bear had seized his sow and was literally tearing her to pieces. Without a moment's hesitation, the enraged owner raised his rifle to his eye and fired; the huge animal released its hold and after a few feeble kicks lay motionless and dead. The unfortunate sou' was so mangled, however, that she died soon afterward. Thomas F. Whaley, one of the pioneers of Northwest township, was born in Genesee county, New York, January 31, 1818. He moved to Michigan early in 1839, stopping some time in different portions of that State, and then came to Northwest township in June of the same year. His business here was to look over land owned by his father, but the place suiting him, he erected a cabin, 20x26,—a large one for that day—and went to clearing and farming. There being no mills within reach, they made mortars in which to grind their grain, and this method sufficed in Northwest township during several years. When Mr. \haler settled there, but four men had a residence near and Indians were very numerous. Previous to about the year 1843, members of the Pottawatomie tribe habitually encamped temporarily in the vicinity of Nettle Lake, around which, in the swamps, almost every species of wild game could be found. On the old Knight homestead, just north of the lake, was a spot where the Indians had assembled at certain seasons for many years. Wigwams of bark and poles had been constructed, which survived the intervals of non-occupancy, and were soon made tenantable for the Indians by coverings of skins and fresh supplies of bass-wood bark. Fine fish inhabited the lake and afforded an excellent variation in the limited food for the Indian, while along the shores, finding a home in the swamps, minks and otters and an occasional beaver dwelt. The township was one unbroken forest of heavy timber, except in the southwestern part, where on the sandy soil were a few oak openings. Considerable swampy land was to be seen, but this has largely 254 - HISTORY OF WILLIAMS COUNTY disappeared, due to under-draining and the further fact that the ax of the husbandman has leveled scores of acres of magnificent natural forests and the rays of the sun, unchecked by the natural covering, have drank up the superficial waters. Not a road was to be seen, but here and there throughout the tangled wild-wood, old and well traveled Indian trails wound around on the higher lands, centering at the permanent and temporary villages. Hundreds of deer wandered through the township, browsing on the rich verdure of grass and bush. Packs of ravenous wolves infested the woods, chasing down deer or other inoffensive animals, and filling the affrighted air of night with their wild and discordant music. Panthers were sometimes heard uttering their peculiar and terrifying cries, and bears were frequently seen walking as kings of the woods. Nothing human was to be found save the few bands of Indians, who were almost as wild as their daily companions, the beasts. Dangerous and venomous reptiles inhabited every acre of land and all was silence and solitude. This was the Northwest township of less than seventy years ago, when the first settlers who have been named, heralded a change in conditions. The following names represent early established families in Northwest, in addition to those already mentioned: William H. Billings, Ozias Billings, Thomas Whale•, Hiram Russell, Johnson Butler, Richard Parish, Asa Parish, Adolphus Rogers, George Matthews, A. C. Johnson, :Adis Johnson, John Maybee, William McLain, William Phelps, Janes Whaley, Washington Whaley, Daniel Smith and Anson Smith. The early political history of Northwest township, or at least the earliest, was not preserved with the records of the township, but it has been stated that the first township officers were as follows: Adolphus Rogers and William H. Billings, Justices of the Peace; J. C. Whaley, treasurer: Thomas F. Whale-. constable; William H. Billings, clerk; Thomas Whaley, William H. Billings and Adolphus Rogers, trustees. It is also stated that at the Presidential election of 1844., only eleven votes were polled in the township, nine of them being Democratic. It is highly probable that while Northwest was attached to Bridgewater seine of the officers of the combined township were chosen from what is now Northwest. The facts in this particular cannot be learned, although in the past it has been quite currently stated that at one time William H. Billings held ever\- office in the township, except that of constable. The early schools are spoken of in the chapter on "Educational Development." but it is perfectly germane to say here that the educational interests in Northwest township have kept pace with the onward march of civilization in other directions. The log structures of pioneer days soon gave place to the more pretentious buildings of the middle period, and these, in turn, to the modern and finely equipped buildings of the present day. Among the first teachers of the to nship were Miss Abigail Hillis and Miss Mariah Marquart. Miss Rebecca Thomas and Miss Mariah Kinney were also early teachers. The Methodists were the pioneers in religious effort in Northwest, NORTHWEST TOWNSHIP - 255 Families in the vicinity of Columbia and in the northern part of Florence township were the nucleus to a church organization, which is still in existence, and which is given more extended mention in the chapter on Florence township. The Close Communion Baptists organized a small class at Thomas Whaley's at quite an early day, but later met at the school house near there. A Free Will Baptist class was early organized at William Billings', but neither of these classes survived many years. The Winebrinerian class in the northeast part of the township was organized at an early day. Adam Beaver, Wesley Houtz, and Aaron Culbertson were among the first members and were leaders in the movement that resulted in the building of the church, about 1874. Other denominations assisted in its construction and in return used the building for their services for several years. Trouble finally arose over the matter, however, and in 1881, the United Brethren built a house of their own about one mile east and south of the old church. Among the leaders in the latter movement were Ira McLain, Ambrose Hoverstock, John and William Heiserman, Alfred McCloe, George Kint, Phares Kintigh and William F. Kintigh. In, 1889, the trouble in the United Brethren Church arose over the question of secret societies and a division occurred in the ranks here. It culminated a few years ago in the erection of another building, one mile and a half north of the Winebrinerian church, in Michigan, thus well supplying, so far as houses of worship can do so, the spiritual needs of that community. There have been a few Dunkards and Methodists in that neighborhood and the German Reformers once had a small class there. A Methodist class once met in the school house at Northwest Centre, but its members have either affiliated with other denominations or sought other places of worship. In 1890, a Christian Union Church building was erected one-half mile north of the Centre, under the supervision of Rev. George W. Long, and the class he established has continued numerically strong. The United Brethren organized a class many years ago in the southern part of the township, and finally built a frame church at what is known as Malcolm's Corners. Two miles east of there, the Presbyterians have a fine church building, which was also built about twenty-five years ago. The first burial places in the township were usually private grounds, established on the farms as necessity required ; but finally public cemeteries were laid out and these "cities of the dead," of which there are several in Northwest township, receive the care and attention that is due them. No grist mill, not even a "corn-cracker," so far as known, was ever erected and operated in Northwest township. Almost all the earl- families obtained their flour at Martin & Depew's mill in southern Florence. and those who did not were compelled to go twice as far before finding another. Probably the first saw-mill constructed and operated in the township was built between 1840 and 1845, by Richard and Jacob Parish, and it was located on Nettle Creek, above the lake, on the farm now owned by R. O. Beach. It was a small 256 - HISTORY OF WILLIAMS COUNTY rude affair with an up-and-down saw, set in motion by water that moved so sluggishly that, as was jokingly stated, the sawyer could set the mill in operation on a large log and take a nap before his services would again be required. The mill was conducted during the wet months for a few years and was then abandoned, being long since forgotten, excepting by the oldest settlers. Although this mill sawed but little, yet it supplied the demand for four or five miles around, which is not saying very much. The second saw-mill, a much better one, was erected on Nettle Creek, below the lake, in about 1845, by Daniel -Smith and Alpheus Petty. Mr. Smith had removed there from Bridgewater township, where he had had the distinction of being the first settler. He had been a soldier in the war of 1812, and during the remainder of his life was a pensioner of "Uncle Sam." The mill was located at the outlet of a large natural pond, and an easy and excellent water power was secured by means of a dam. The mill under different forms, managements and structures, was in existence until a comparatively recent date, when the appearance of rapid portable mills secured the patronage away from the older and slower. During the earl- history of the township this saw-mill was one of the most, if not the most, important industrial features within its limits. Settlers after the earliest ones preferred to locate near mills, stores, etc., that many of the privations of life in the backwoods might be avoided, and therefore this mill was one inducement for immigrants in search of homes to locate near it. During its more active career it sawed enormous quantities of lumber. Two of the earlier owners were Adam Clum and Robert Russell. George Kint purchased it in 1850, and continued to operate it until 1885, when he removed to Kansas, the mill became silent and finally ceased to exist. Steam was never used as a motive power in this mill. A steam saw-mill was built during the early 6o's by Alfred Gamber, and was located at Columbia. It passed to a Mr. Ford and several others, and after being operated about ten years was removed. Another mill was built in the western part of the township, about 1870. and was in operation a number of years. The Spielman steam mill did a flourishing business for a considerable time in the same part of the township. A steam saw-mill was erected in the northeastern part, near the Winebrinerian church, by Ezra Welch, about 1872. He continued to operate it until his death, when it passed into the hands of Henry Esterline, and at the demise of the latter it ceased to do business and was finally converted into a barn. There is but one small town in Northwest township—Columbia -the post-office name being Nettle Lake. In the early days of its existence this town did quite a flourishing business and it is still a popular trading point, being sustained by an excellent farming country, But the aggressions of nearby railroad towns have shorn Columbia of much of its former prominence in the business world. In writing of churches, schools and other public enterprises, this village has been frequently mentioned. The various industries incident to towns of this size, together with the social, religious, educational and political NORTHWEST TOWNSHIP- 257 functions, are all represented, while the mercantile and other business interests are quite extensive. Rural post-offices for the accommodation of the people were early established, some of which were kept in the farm houses. They have been discontinued on the adoption of the admirable system of "rural free delivery". which .brings almost every farmer in daily contact with the outside world, and his mail is left at his door. Add to this the convenience of the modern telephone, and the isolation of country life is reduced to the minimum. CHAPTER XXIV MADISON TOWNSHIP ON March 7, 1843, the commissioners of Williams county made the following official record: "The Board having under consideration the organization of a new township, order the same recorded, and the name called Madison, of which the following are the boundaries: Bounded on the north by the Michigan State line; and on the west by the east line of Bridgewater township; and on the south by the south line of Township 10 South, Range 2 East, and south line of fractional Section 7, in Township 10 South, Range i West; and on the east by the east line of Section 6 and fractional Section 7, in Township 20 South, Range 1 West, and the east of fractional Section 7 and Sections 18, 19, 30 and 31, in Township 9 South, Range 1 West. The Board order an election to be holden in the township of Madison on the first Monday in April, next, to elect the necessary officers." The township was named, of course, in honor of James Madison, the fourth President of the United States. St. Joseph River flows through the township and forms a part of the western boundary, the commissioners at a later date and as a matter of convenience, having detached the extreme southeast corner of Bridgewater, lying east of the river, and making it a part of Madison. Silver Creek and Clear Fork traverse the northwestern part of the township, and several rivulets and spring branches of the river enhance the water supply and swell the streams which are dignified with names. The surface of Madison township is generally undulating, with broad and rich valleys along the streams. The hills are not large nor precipitous, however, but are susceptible of easy cultivation, and the soil they bear is fertile and well adapted to general agricultural purposes. In the valleys, the soil is a rich black loam, quick and responsive to the efforts of the intelligent farmer. A great deal of the township has a gravelly subsoil, mixed with clay, and sand appears in some localities. The township was originally covered with excellent timber and was one of the finest hunting grounds in the county. Game of all kinds known in the country was here to be found in almost exhaustless supply. The heavy growth of timber afforded ample cover and protection, and many are the "bear stories" and daring feats of frontier life remembered of the early pioneers of Madison. They were brought in daily contact with bears, wolves, wild-cats and panthers, and these were formidable enemies to the young domestic animals about the - 268 - MADISON TOWNSHIP - 259 settlers' cabins, as well as dangerous companions in the lonely wilderness. Deer and wild turkeys were also to be found in great numbers, and these, with an occasional "bear steak," furnished the principal meat supply, to which the epicurean of today would have no occasion to object. Venomous reptiles, and especially the dreaded rattlesnake, were among the enemies of modern civilization, and these added their share to the discomforts and perils of pioneer life. The settlement of the township began under the same discouraging circumstances which prevailed everywhere in districts remote from the natural thoroughfares. The meager supplies of actual necessities had to be brought long distances, through trackless forests, infested with dangerous opponents of civilization. The pack-horse was the faithful friend who was the means of connecting the pioneers with the outside world, carrying to them the few articles of commerce which this simple mode of living demanded. Ammunition, meal and salt were the three articles most required, but the first was always an absolute necessity. The periodical trips to the "base of supplies" were always fraught with peril, both to the lonely travelers who made them and to the helpless and defenseless ones who were left behind. Several days were oftimes required to go and return with a cargo of supplies. The first settler of the township was Cyrus Barrett, who located with his family of ten members in the southeastern part, in 1838, and established his home near the present site of Kunkle. The Barretts carne from Seneca county, New York, and built a rude log cabin in the Madison township wilds, chinking the same with mortar of mud and covering it with a roof of bark. The cabin was not larger than 18x20 feet; was built in such a hurry and with such a lack of assistance that the logs were but little better than poles; and it was graced with a very large chimney, made of sticks and clay, that was peculiarly ornamental as well as useful. The architectural design is thus mentioned in detail, as the building was the finest in the township; and it is reasonable to conclude, judging from ordinary human emotion and character, that Mr. Barrett was the proudest, as well as the wealthiest resident. A well-populated temporary encampment of native North Americans was standing on the Little St. Joseph, near the forks, at this time; and these nomadic people were, perhaps, Mr. Barrett's nearest neighbors—nearest in that they visited his humble abode more than occasionally and remained with him longer than necessary, as the wants of these humble denizens of the woods led their natures to covet almost everything of value in the white man's possession. They were mild, but importunate, and took evasion or negation to their demands with all the admirable imperturbability that is usually ascribed as a mental endowment of that product of modern civilization—the tramp. But, withal, they were interesting if not pleasant neighbors, as the family of Mr. Barrett had ample proof. Talmond Reasoner built his cabin during the summer of 1839, and, in 1840, Albert and David Angell arrived with their families, locating on the eastern tier of sections of the present Madison township. Josiah Woodworth had settled on this tier of sections in the autumn 260 - HISTORY OF WILLIAMS COUNTY of 1838. In 1841 and 1842. the following settlers came in : David Connelly, who located in the extreme southeastern corner on the thirty-rod strip; Samuel Tremains, Jones Whitney, J. A. Rogers, George Reasoner, Isaac R. Carpenter and P. W. Norris. Thomas Spencer, another early settler, was a native of Pennsylvania, who removed to Harrison county, Ohio, in early manhood, and thence to Williams county, some time prior to 1839. He lived here the remainder of his life, and died February 4, 1863. The pioneer schools were early established in Madison township, in 1842, the first school-house—a rude log structure—being erected one mile east of Kunkle's Corners. This was before the township was organized, and it was located where it was thought it would do the most good. The probability is that a Miss Angell taught the first term, though this is net certain. It is known that she taught in the township during the early 40's, though it may be that she was not the first teacher. In March, 184.x, the township was divided so as to contain five school districts, and Alanson Smith was ac early teacher in them. District No. 4 (near Pioneer) had school in the cabin of Mr. Johnson, as early as 1844, and several terms were taught there, though but few children were in the neighborhood. The first school house—a frame building—was erected there, in 1847, on the site of the old burying ground. The first teacher was Miss Rachel Baker of Amboy, Michigan, who taught a summer term of three months for one dollar a week and "boarded around." Schools did not start up in the northeast part of the township until about the year 185o, when two frame school-houses were erected. Old District No. 3, in the southeast part, had a school in 1852. in a cabin owned by D. J. Worley, the teacher being Miss Julia Clark of Jefferson township. She conducted a very successful school with about twenty-two pupils enrolled, but some trouble arose over the use of the house and the latter part of the term was taught in the cabin of Henry Sheets. After two or three years a log school-house was built near the "Basswood" church, and the first teacher therein was John \Vest. A frame schoolhouse was erected at the center of the township, about 1852, Milton Zuver being the first teacher. There are seven schools in the township at the present time, exclusive of the Pioneer graded schools, and they are in charge of a corps of specially qualified teachers, whose tenure of office is dependent upon their success in their chosen calling. The primitive saw-mills of pioneer days were erected as necessity demanded, and, being inexpensive in construction, they were abandoned when neighborhood needs were supplied. In 1852 or 1853, a Mr. Kirkendall and Jacob Dohm built a saw-mill on the river a short distance east of Pioneer, securing a fall of about five feet by extending the race across a bend of the stream. Kirkendall retained his interest only a short time and then sold to Dohm, who owned and conducted the mill many years, at times doing a splendid business. It remained a water mill while in operation and the old race is still visible. The dam was destroyed by order of court, as it had become a nuisance, but the old building stood for years, silent and deserted. In 1854, MADISON TOWNSHIP - 261 Philetus W. Norris built a grist-mill and a saw-mill at Pioneer, operating both with one engine, and placing in the former two sets of buhrs. After the saw-mill had been in operation some ten years it was destroyed by fire, but the grist-mill continued in operation and was the predecessor of the Phoenix Flouring Mills of Pioneer. In 1862, George R. Joy built a saw-mill and did good and profitable work with it until he disposed of it, and it finally became the property of Emery Sibley & Co. Snowdon & Schenk erected a tannery at Pioneer, about 1867, sinking some ten or twelye vats, but the property changed hands many times and finally discontinued. The village of Pioneer was laid out in October, 1853, some eleven years after the first settlement on its site, and although it has never enjoyed or been cursed with a "boom," its growth has been steady; and the population should be judged by its quality rather than quantity. There are several well-stocked mercantile houses, a hotel, two liveries, and mechanical shops. Pioneer is a desirable trading point and is sustained by an excellent farming community in southern Michigan and Madison township. The entrance of the Toledo & Western Electric Railway into the town, in 1903, has given an impetus to the growth of the village and a Iong desired connection with the outside world. Kunkle is a small village on the Detroit and Montpelier branch of the Wabash Railroad, the only town on a steam railway in Madison township. The old place known as Kunkle's Corners was never properly laid out and recorded, but its later pretentions have been. as great as those of many villages which were first placed on the map by that method. As it grew in importance it was given the name of Kunkle in honor of an earl' merchant in the place. It is a pleasant little town of about three hundred and fifty inhabitants, in the center of a rich agricultural district. There are several mercantile houses. a grist-mill, mechanical shops, produce houses and a fine school. Philip Weidner was the first postmaster and Augustus Moore was the first merchant. The village does a thriving business. The first religious organization in Madison township which had more than a nominal existence was of the Methodist denomination, and was organized in the old "Basswood" school house, in the southwestern part, not far from 1858. Rev. Daniel Brown was the officiating clergyman. There were but few members at first, though the class was greatly strengthened by United Brethren and Winebrinerians. who joined in worship and helped to bear the expense of keeping the class together. The school-house was used until the church was built, about 1869. By that time the old Methodist class had almost wholly disappeared, and the society had become Winebrinerian, the church being constructed under the auspices of members of the latter denomination, though much assistance was received from other classes and from outsiders. A Sunday school was first organized there during the early '60's. and it has been kept up a portion of the time since. The church succeeded from the start and soon became one of the leading religious organizations in that section of the country. Among the 262 - HISTORY OF WILLIAMS COUNTY pastors who were in charge during the earlier years of its existence were Revs. Brown, Stewart, Porter, Neal, Opdycke, Cline, Sands, McKee, Mowan, Lilly and Stough. In about the year 1862, the United Brethren class at Union Chapel was organized. It soon became self sustaining, and in 1870-71 erected a house of worship. A Sunday school was organized in the spring of 1871 and was held every summer during the following years. As early as 1846, the Evangelists and the United Brethren held meetings in the old brick school house in the southeastern part of the township, and finally at Kunkle's Corners. It is said that early preaching was held at the old cabin of the Barretts as early as 1843, the ministers being circuit riders who appeared about once a month. The Presbyterian Church at Kunkle was built about 1872. In 1852, the Methodist Episcopal class at Pioneer was organized, in the old school house, with some six or eight members. The class grew stronger under the impulse of stirring revivals, and, in 1859-60, was strong enough to build a frame church, which was used constantly until succeeded by a fine brick structure. This is the strongest ,class in the township, and its excellent influence is felt over a large section of country. The United Brethren class at Pioneer was first organized a short time after the Methodists started their organization, and the first class consisted, it is said, of twelve members. The church was built in 1860. In April, 1870, the Baptist class at Pioneer was organized, and a church was erected by them in 1881-82. ABRAHAM ADAMS, a well-to-do farmer and stock raiser of Northwest township, Williams county, O., is a native of Richland county, O., where he was born June 2, 1845. He is the son of Isaac and Mary (Miller) Adams, the former born in Cumberland county, Pa., March 22, 1812, and the latter June 6, 1814. Isaac Adams grew to manhood on the parental farm without receiving the benefit of even a common school education. About the year 1841 he came to Ohio, locating on a farm in Richland county. Although he began life's work quite poor and without any education at all, he owned two hundred acres of valuable and highly productive land and was the possessor of fifteen hundred dollars in money at the time of his death. In politics, he was an active Democrat, and with his wife was a member of the Lutheran church. He died on the home farm in 1882, and his widow died six years Iater. To these parents there were born fifteen children, ten of whom grew to manhood. Abraham Adams was reared on the parental farm and received a fair common schooll education. In1880 he removed to Williams county and settled on a farm of thirty acres in Northwest township. To this farm he has since added fifty-seven acres, so that he now has, altogether, eighty-seven acres. Being an enterprising and successful farmer, he has brought this land to a high state of cultivation and has erected on it a substantial residence and out-buildings. In the breeding of trotting and road horses he has been quite successful. He is a Democrat, and with his wife is a member of the Christian Union church at Berlin, O. On April 16,, 1875, he was wedded to Miss Virginia Bly, born November 2, 1850, the daughter of Henry and Roana (Miller) Bly, both natives of Virginia, the former the son of Adam Bly, a soldier in the war of 1812, and the latter the daughter of Gus Miller, a Virginian. The parents of Mrs. Adams came to Richland county, O., in 1852, where they resided until 1878, when they removed to Williams county and located on a farm near West Unity. Here the father died on May 4, 1883, and his widow on July 6, 1888. Of the fifteen children born to them twelve were daughters and three were sons. All grew to manhood and womanhood. To Abraham Adams and wife the following children were born: Melvin J., Marion G., Isaac H., Elva E., and one that died in infancy. - 263 - 264 - HISTORY OF WILLIAMS COUNTY JOHN ALLMAN, one of the representative farmers and honored citizens of Superior township, is a veteran of the Civil war and is a scion of old Colonial stock, both his paternal and maternal ancestors having settled in America prior to the Revolution. It is well authenticated, though de- tails are not accessible to the subject of this sketch, that the Allman family came originally from the province of Alsace, France, now a portion of Germany, being of the Huguenot faith, and for that reason compelled to flee their native land on account of religious persecution. The original progenitors in the new world came here prior to the war of the Revolution, settling first in New Jersey, whence members of the family later removed to Maryland, and finally they were found established in Washington County, Pa. Ebenezer Allman, grandfather of John Allman of this sketch, was born in Maryland, November 11, 1764, and he resided in Pennsylvania until about 1810, when he came to Ohio and located in Stark county, "here he and his wife passed the remainder of their lives, his vocation having been that of farming. He and his wife were members of the Evangelical Association. founded by Rev. Jacob Albright and often erroneously designated as the German Methodist Church. February 4, 1782, Ebenezer Allman married Miss Agnes Carrell, and they became the parents of thirteen children, whose names, with respective dates of birth, are here noted : George, February 4, 1787; William, July 25, 1789; Jane January 5, 1791 ; Mary, December 28, 1793 ; John, November 21, 1795 Daniel, September 16, 1797 ; Carl, May 10, 1800; Heyman. January 1, 1803; James and Barney (twins), May 26, 1806 ; Sarah. May 26, 1808 ; Elizabeth, April 6, 1810, and Margaret, November 24, 1811. James Allman, father of him whose name introduces this article, was born in Washington County. Pa., on the date noted in the foregoing list. He accompanied his parents on their removal to Stark county, O., where he was reared to manhood, receiving such educational advantages as the pioneer schools afforded. He was engaged in farming in that county until the autumn of 1840, when he disposers of his properties there and came to Williams County, purchasing a tract of land in Superior township, on a portion which his son John now resides. In 1842 he brought his family to the new home, and he continued to devote himself to reclaiming and cultivating his farm until his death, which occurred September. 13, 1846. June 11, 1829, he married Miss Margaret Ansnaugh, who was born in Berks county, Pa.. September 25, 1810, being a daughter of Jacob and Barbara Anspaugh a and daughter George Anspaugh, who was a patriot soldier in the war of the Revolution. hollowing is a list of the names of the children of James and Margaret (Anspaugh) Allman, the respective dates of birth being entered in connection: Catherine. May 3, 1831; Barnabas BIOGRAPHICAL - 265 P., March 20, 1833; Heyman Carl. August 12, 1835; Magdalena, May 7, 1839; John, December 27, 1840; Agnes, October 3, 1843, and Jacob, February 21, 1846. It may further be noted that Heyman C. Allman was a member of Company H, Thirty-eighth Ohio Volunteer Infantry, during the Civil war, in which he served three years. He was wounded in the battle of Jonesboro, Ga., September I, 1864, and died on the 6th of the same month, as a result of his injuries. He was buried at Marietta, Ga. James Allman was a stanch Democrat, taking an active part in local affairs, and he served as township trustee and treasurer. He and his wife were members of the Methodist Episcopal church, in which he served as steward and Sunday-school superintendent. His wife was summoned into eternal rest on August 21, 1890. John Allman was reared on the home farm, on which he now resides, and duly availed himself of the advantages of the local schools of Superior township, which he attended at intervals until he was eighteen years of age. He was born in Stark county, and was about two years of age at the time of the family removal to Williams county, where he has ever since maintained his home. After leaving school lie learned the carpenter's trade, to which he devoted his attention until the outbreak of the civil war. August 29, 1861, he enlisted in Company H, Thirty-eighth Ohio Volunteer Infantry, taking part in the engagements at Wildcat, Ky., Mill Springs, siege of Corinth, battle of Shiloh, and in the Nashville campaign, taking part in the battle of Stone River. On the 8th of November, 1862, he was detailed from his regiment into the pioneer corps, and after the battle of Stone River he was detailed to a pontoon battalion. In June, 1862, he was promoted to the position of forage master, and in the following September was made wagonmaster. Later lie returned to the Thirty-eighth Ohio, having veteranized and re-enlisted. He served in the campaign from Ringgold to Atlanta, and on the 12th of August, 1863, was transferred to the First 'United States Engineers. From that time until the close of the war lie was identified with the building of forts, barracks, warehouses, blockhouses, etc. He received his honorable discharge in the latter part of September. 1865, and then returned to his home, having made a record for valiant and faithful service in the cause of his country. After his return to Williams county he' was engaged in carpenter work for one year, after which he turned his attention to farming, which has ever since engrossed his attention. His farm comprises one hundred and sixteen acres, all under cultivation and improved with good buildings and other modern accessories, and this place is doubly valued by him from the fact that it is the old homestead place which was secured by his honored father more than sixty rears ago. In politics Mr. Allman is a stalwart Republican, taking a loyal interest in local affairs and in the success of the party cause, but never seeking official preferment, though he has rendered efficient service as school director. He and his wife are members of the Methodist Episcopal church, and in a fraternal way he is a valued member of Hiram Louden Post, No. 155, Grand Army of the Republic, at Montpelier. November 19, 1865, 266 - HISTORY OF WILLIAMS COUNTY Mr. Allman was united in marriage to Miss Lucinda Simpson, daughter of John and Charlotte (Slutz) Simpson, of Stark county, O., and concerning their children the following is a brief record: Franklin, born September 28, 1866, married Jane Farley, and they have three children—Edith, Ora and Alice; Edgar, born January 12, 1869, died October i6, 1876; Charles S., born January 26, 1871, is associated with his father in the operation of the home farm; Elva, born August 6, 1873, is the wife of Elmer Lytle, of Quincy, Mich., and her twin sister, Eva, remains at the parental home; and Clara J., born November 12, 1876, is the wife of Charles Bowen, of Bridgewater township, their children being Ethel R. and Robert. ALVA AMES, trustee of Pulaski township, Williams county, O., is a native of Ohio, having been born in Wayne county, September 19, 1847. His parents were James and Mary Ann (Maxwell) Ames, natives of Pennsylvania, where they grew to manhood and womanhood. Coming with their parents to Ohio, they were married in Wayne county, and in 1853, removed to Williams county, locating on a farm of eighty acres in Pulaski township. This land, secured by trading a like number of acres in St. Joseph township, was all woodland at that time. Here James Ames erected a log cabin, cleared the land and followed farming until after the Civil war. He was prominent in the councils of the Republican party, holding the office of township trustee for some years, and quite successful in his business affairs. In religious matters he was identified with the Universalist church. To him and his first wife were born five children, whose names follow: Harvey D., who served in the Civil war as a private of Company D of the Thirty-eighth Ohio volunteer infantry, and is now a resident of Harvey, Kas.; Alva, the subject of this sketch; James, a resident of Hicksville, O.; Harmon of Butler, Id.; and Mary Ann, the wife of John Skelton of Wells county, O. His second wife, Mrs. Mary Ellen Ames, was a widow before her marriage to him, and to this marriage were born four children. They are: Otis of Fulton county; Enos P., also of Fulton county; Catharine, the wife of Huey Thiel of Williams county, and Anna Bell of Williams county. During the latter part of his life he made his home with his children. Alva Ames grew to manhood on the home farm and received but a limited education, as he had to work hard from his boyhood. In March, 186, he enlisted in Company C of the One Hundred and Ninety-Fifth Ohio volunteer infantry and was assigned to the Twenty-Fourth Army Corps under General Hancock, being promoted to corporal. He was mustered out of service in the December following, having spent his short enlistment principally in skirmish duty. After receiving his discharge he returned home and resumed his work on the home farm, where he remained until twenty-two years old. Farming and clearing land and saw milling have taken tip all of his time. In politics he has always figured prominently as a Republican, having served four years each as councilman, constable and township trustee, also as a school director. He is a member of Bryan Post, No. 149, Grand Army BIOGRAPHICAL - 267 of the Republic, and of the Reformed church. In 1874 he was united in marriage to Miss Jennie Buhler of Wayne county, who died in 1881, leaving one son, Bert W., now sheriff of Williams county. His second wife was Mrs. Ellen Supple, the widow of John Supple, and the daughter of William Miller of Defiance, O. To this union there have been born four children. Their names are, Charles R. of Bryan, Dora, Irving L. and Alva Eston. BERT W. AMES, a veteran of the Spanish-American war and sheriff of Williams county,O., was born in Jefferson township of that county on August 30, 1878. His parents were Alva and Jennie (Buhler) Ames, a sketch of the former of whom appears above. At the age of three years he was so unfortunate as to lose his mother, which fact necessitated his making his home with his uncle, James Ames. When his father, three years later, married a second time he returned to the parental roof, where he grew to manhood, receiving only a limited common school education. On April 26, 1898, he enlisted in Company E of the Sixth Ohio regiment, and served until May 26, 1899, spending four months of that time in Cuba. Following the war with Spain, he served as First Lieutenant of his company until his election to public office. In 1901 he became deputy sheriff, and in November, two years later, was elected sheriff, a position that he is now filling with great credit to himself as well as to the public. Mr. Ames is actively identified with Free Masonry, being a Chapter Mason and also a member of Defiance Commandery in that organization. He was married on December 31, 1903, his choice of a partner on life's journey being Miss Sylvia O. Smeltz, a native of Williams county (where she was born March 9, 1881), the daughter of Philip and Mary (Ginther) Smeltz. At the November election of 1905, Mr. Ames was re-elected to the office of sheriff by over 1,000 majority. SAMUEL ANDRE is one of those progressive and intelligent citizens who have given material aid to the development and advancement of the agricultural interests of Williams county, and he is the owner of a well improved farm in section 5, Madison township, while he stands as a representative of one of the sterling pioneer families of the county. Mr. Andre was born in Jefferson township, this county, on the 29th of September, 1842, and is a son of Jacob and Mary (Wagner) Andre, both of whom were born and reared in Pennsylvania. They came to Williams county about 1834 and settled in Jefferson township, on a tract of two hundred and forty acres of land which had been secured from the government by George Wagner, father of Mrs. Andre and one of the early settlers of Ohio, his death having occurred near Tiffin. Seneca county. In that county also occurred the death of Jacob Andre, Sr., grandfather of the subject of this review. Jacob Andre, Jr., reclaimed a large portion of his land from the virgin forest and became one of the prosperous farmers and honored citizens of the county, having finally removed to Madison 268 - HISTORY OF WILLIAMS COUNTY township, where he owned a farm of one hundred and twenty acres at the time of his death, in 1895, at the age of seventy-six years. His devoted wife passed away in 1886, both having been consistent members of the United Brethren church, while in politics he was first a Whig and later a Republican. Nine children were born to this honored pioneer couple and all are living. Samuel Andre had no lack of vigorous physical discipline during his youth, as he early began to assist in the reclamation and cultivation of the home farm, while his educational advantages were those afforded in the common schools of the locality and period. In 1874 he purchased eighty acres of wild land in Madison township and under his energetic and effective management the place was cleared and brought under cultivation, while he subsequently added to its area so that his homestead now comprises one hundred and sixty acres of most arable land, while the buildings and other permanent improvements are of substantial order. In addition to diversified agriculture he makes a specialty of raising polled Durham cattle and Shropshire sheep, and in both departments of his farm enterprise lie has met with gratifying success. In politics he is a stanch Republican, and while lie has never sought office he has shown a lively interest in all that has touched the welfare of the community, and has lent his aid and influence in support of measures and enterprises for the general good. In 1867 Mr. Andre was united in marriage to Miss Mary H. Mott, who was born in Elkhart, Ind., being a daughter of Hiram and Sarah (Best) Mott, who were numbered among the early settlers of Madison township, Williams count`, where both died. Mr. and Mrs. Andre have three children. Clara Bell is the wife of Stephen Lambright, of Akron, Ohio, and they have two children, Jesse and Paul Virgil. Hattie Ellen is the wife of Albert Double, of Lewiston, Mich., and they have two children, Flossie and Joseph McKinley. Thomas L., who remains at the parental home, met with an injury when one year of age and the result was his total blindness. He attended the International Business College at Fort Wayne, Ind., during the winter of 1904-5, and is a young man of superior intellectuality. HIRAM D. ANSPAUGH, a prosperous farmer and stock dealer of Florence township, Williams county, O., was born in that township on April 27, 1871. He is the grandson of James and Betsy (Hiple) Anspaugh, both natives of Stark county, O., where the former was born on September 22, 1808. James Anspaugh entered one hundred and one acres of land in Superior township in 1837. and three years later settled on and cleared it. After the death of his wife, on February 2, 1884, he made his home with his son Henry on a farm one and one-half miles west of Montpelier, where lie resided until 1892. when he removed with his son to a farm two and one-half miles northwest of Montpelier, and there he died, October 2, 1898, aged ninety years and ten days. The parents of Hiram D. Anspaugh, are Samuel and Martha (Kollar) Anspaugh, the latter a daughter of David Kollar, mention of whom is made elsewhere in this work. BIOGRAPHICAL - 269 Samuel Anspaugh was born in Stark county,O., on November 20, 1836, and came with his parents to Williams county in 1840. Here he grew to manhood on the paternal farm and received a fair common school education. He owned a farm of two hundred and forty acres of land, on which he followed general farming and stock raising. For the past fifteen years he has resided in Wilson, Elsworth county, Kas. The following children were born to these parents: Amanda, deceased; Debora, Hiram D. and Harvey H. Hiram D. was reared on a farm and educated in the common schools. He is a farmer and stock raiser by occupation and owns a farm of one hundred and twenty acres in Florence township. As a Republican he is now serving on the Central committee of Williams county. In 1892 he chose as his life partner Miss Lizzie Bell Shafer, the daughter of Franklin Shafer, mentioned elsewhere in this work. Six children have been born to these parents, as follows: Harvey, deceased; Donald, Marion, Sidney, Martha and Kenneth. DANIEL B. ATHY.—In the series of sketches appearing in this work it is pleasing to note that many of the representative citizens of the county have here made their home from the time of birth, while a very appreciable percentage of the leading farmers are native born. Of this number is Mr. Athy, who is a progressive agriculturist and popular citizen of Pulaski township, where he has a fine landed estate. He was born in Pulaski township, on the 22d of June, 1846, and is a son of Elijah and Mary (Mercer) Athy. Elijah Athy was born near Dayton, Ohio, in 1802, and was a'son of Basil Athy, who was born in Maryland, in 1773, and who was among the first to locate in the vicinity of the present city of Dayton, Ohio; but so menacing were-the Indians and so constant the warfare with them that he removed to West Virginia, settling near the Maryland line, not far distant from Hagerstown, in the latter state. Elijah was an infant when his father returned to Maryland and there he was reared to maturity, securing as good educational advantages as was offered in that day, later learning the carpenter trade, as well as that of millwright. In 1830 he removed to Richland county, Ohio, where he secured eighty acres of, government land, the tract being the last to be thus taken from the government in that county. He reclaimed this farm from the forest wilds, and finally deeded it to his father, who there passed the closing years of his life. In 1840 Elijah Athy married Miss Mary Mercer, who was born in Crawford county, O., being a daughter of Adam Mercer, the maiden name of whose wife was Whitstone. A short time -after his marriage Elijah Athy came to Williams county and secured land in Pulaski township, where he developed a good farm and became one of the substantial citizens of the county. He died December 3, 1883, and his cherished wife, who was born in 1822, died September 8, 1900. having been a devoted member of the religious body known as the Church of God. He was a stalwart Democrat in his political proclivities. They became the parents of nine children, concerning whom the following brief record is given: Catherine became the wife 270 - HISTORY OF WILLIAMS COUNTY of Archibald Gusler and died in Center township; Emily Anil is the wife of Amos McCafferty, of Pulaski township; Daniel B. is the immediate subject of this review; Margaret is the wife of Samuel Bumpus, of Pulaski township; George W. and Archibald B. are farmers of Pulaski township; Delilah is the wife of Charles Jones, of Center township; Alfred died at the age of twelve years; and Viola is the wife of Frederick Rath, of Springfield township. Reared to the strenuous discipline of the, home farm, Daniel B. Athy early became familiar with the various details of work involved in the care and improvement of an agricultural estate, while his educational advantages were such as were to be had in the local schools, which he attended during the winter months. He remained on the farm until the death of his father and has lived in his native township from the time of his birth, save for a period of about two years, during which he was engaged in railway construction work, being in Toledo a portion of this time, but still claimed his home in Pulaski township. He now owns and occupies the old homestead, which comprises one hundred acres, all under cultivation except five acres. He devotes his attention to diversified agriculture and to the raising of a superior grade of live stock, including Norman horses and Poland-China swine, May 15, 1870, Mr. Athy was united in marriage to Miss Sarah Ann Hudkins, daughter of James and Mary Ann (McKelvey) Hudkins, who came to Williams county from Westmoreland county, Pa., in 1848. the father being a cooper by vocation. Mrs. Athy was born in Center township on January 29, 1849, and has spent her entire life within six miles of her present home. Mr. and -Mrs. Athy became the parents of three children, of whom the eldest, Silas Stanley, died at the age of three years. Mervin E., born February 27, 1872, is associated with his father in the work and management of the home farm. He married Miss Caroline Braun, of Springfield township, and they have one son, Lawrence F., born June z, 1898. Rosetta M., born December 28, 1874, likewise remains at the parental home, both children having been afforded good educational advantages. Mr. Athy is a stanch supporter of the principles of the Democratic party, and in a fraternal way is identified with the Grange. JOHN BAILEY, a prosperous farmer and highly respected citizen of Bridgewater township, Williams county, Ohio, was born in Richland county,O., December 13, 1831. He is the son of Joseph and Rebecca (Ford) Bailey, who removed from Ohio to Louisburg, Kas., and there ended their days. In politics Joseph Bailey was first a Whig and then a Republican. To Joseph Bailey and wife were born seven children, five daughters and two sons. John Bailey was reared on a farm and educated in the common schools of Ashland county, O., and Gratiot county, Mich. During the Civil war he came to Bridgewater township, Williams county, O., and located on a tract of eighty acres of land which he cleared and improved. In addition to this land he owns eighty acres in Florence township. In political matters he is actively identified with the Republican party and has held various BIOGRAPHICAL - 271   township and county offices, among them being that of county treasurer for two terms. In 1854 he was united in the bonds of matrimony with Miss Hannah Parker, the daughter of Joseph S. Parker, a soldier of the war of 1812, who spent his last days in Ashland county, O. His first wife having died in 1864, John Bailey married Miss Nancy Phinney of Hillsdale county Mich., who died on November 8, 1904. To Mr. Bailey's first marriage there were born the following children: Nathaniel P., Joseph S., Eva and Louie, all of whom have grown to maturity and are married. Mr. Bailey is living quietly on the homestead, surrounded by all the comforts of a rural home.   ELMIR O. BALDWIN, the efficient secretary of the Montpelier Foundry and Furnace company, was born in Hillsdale county, Mich., on January 17, 1876. He is the son of A. H. Baldwin, at present holding the responsible position of treasurer of the same company with, which the son is connected. E. O. Baldwin, after graduating from the Montpelier, O., high school, took a business course in the Detroit, Mich., commercial school, then fitting himself for life's active duties. His first independent work was done in the employ of the Michigan Penninsula Car company of Detroit. After serving this company faithfully and satisfactorily for some time, he received the appointment of tie inspector of the Wabash railway system, which position he held for eight years. While looking after the interests of this company his duties carried him through the states of Indiana, Ohio, Michigan, Kentucky, Tennessee, Iowa, etc. The company with which Mr. Baldwin became identified on February 8, 1904, and of which he is now secretary, is by far the most important manufacturing enterprise in Montpelier. The fact that the plant occupies fully fourteen thousand feet of floor space and employs the year round at least twenty skilled mechanics, is ample proof of its magnitude and importance. Lewis Wingert, the founder of the business, sold out to a corporation officered by G. L. Laser, as president, J. W. Lamberson, as vice-president, H. W. Wingert, as manager, J. P. Arnold and A. C. Hause, as secretaries, and O. M. Burns as treasurer. Upon the re-organization of the company, the office of general manager and that of one of the secretaries was abolished. The present officers are as follows: A. C. Hause, president; J. W. Lamberson, vice-president; E. O. Baldwin, secretary, and A. H. Baldwin, treasurer. The work of the concern is to manufacture hot air furnaces and to do all kinds of gray iron and brass casting. Among the products manufactured the leaders are the "Improyed Rex," the "Winter King," and the "Home Comfort" furnaces. In the work of the Masonic lodge at Montpelier Mr. Baldwin takes a deep interest. In June, 1901, he was married to Miss Jessie C. Walters, a native of Fremont, O., and the daughter of A. J. Walters, for many years a well-known business man of Montpelier, and now a prominent resident of Adrian, Mich. To Mr. Baldwin and wife there have been born two children, Alice and Elmir O., Jr. Mr. Baldwin is a Republican in politics and takes an active interest   272 - HISTORY OF WILLIAMS COUNTY   in his party's councils. He is at present a member of the Republican county central committee.   GEORGE ELANDER LARGER, a representative farmer of Williams county and a scion of one of its pioneer families, has a most attractive rural hone, located contiguous to the village of Pioneer on the south, in Madison township. He was born in Jefferson township, this county, on the 4th of April, 1841. and is a son of William and Almira (Whitney) Larger, the former of whom was born in Trumbull county, O.. March 4. 1813, and the latter of whom was born in St. Lawrence county, N. Y., April 29, 1810. George Larger, father of William, was born in Pennsylvania, November 13, 17i3, and his wife, Julia Ann, nee Youngs, was born in that state, May 20, 1774. In 1816 they removed from the old Keystone state to Trumbull county, Ohio, whence they removed at a later period to Portage county, while in 1846 they came to Williams county, where they passed the remainder of their lives. William Larger was reared and educated at Ravenna, Portage county, Ohio, having been three years of age at the time of his parents' removal to that locality, where he was married in 1834. In 1838 he came to Williams county, and located on a tract of eighty place and there making his home until February, 1861, when he came to Madison township, where lie purchased eighty acres, most of which he reclaimed from the forest. On this homestead his death occurred, on the 13th of May, 1873. He was a Democrat in politics up to the time of the Civil war, after which lie was a stanch Republican. In Ravenna, Portage county, on the 4th of November, 1834, William Barger married Miss Almira Whitney, a daughter of Thomas and Irene (Place) Whitney, the former a natiye of Massachusetts and the latter of Vermont. They removed from Yew York state to Portage county, Ohio, in 1831, being pioneers of that county. William Barger and wife became the parents of six children, Thomas J., a resident of Toledo, Ohio; Josephus W., deceased; Irene, wife of Harvey Judd; Martha S., wife of Thomas Mercer; Ann Maria, deceased; and George E., subject of this sketch. The loved and devoted mother, who was a noble Christian woman, died on the 10th of February, 1903, at the yenerable age of ninety-two years. George E. Barger secured a common school education in the pioneer schools of Jefferson township, and was reared to the discipline of the farm. In 1862 he went to the present state of Oregon, where he engaged in farming and stock-growing, there continuing to reside until August, 1899, when he returned to his native county, soon afterward buying a farm across the line in Hillsdale county, Mich. This property lie sold in 1901 and thereupon purchased his present fine farm of forty acres, just south of the corporate limits of the town of Pioneer, Madison township, where he is giving a general supervision to his agricultural and stock-growing interests, finding it most agreeable to be amid the scenes and among the friends of his youth. In politics he renders allegiance to the Republican party, and both he and his wife are members of the Methodist Episcopal church. September 25, 1889, was   BIOGRAPHICAL - 273   solemnized the marriage of Mr. Barger to Miss Elizabeth Miller, who was born in Wayne county, O., being a daughter of Peter and Catherine (Shelhammer) Miller, both natives of Pennsylvania and both of whom died in Wayne county, Ohio. Mr. Barger is a member of the Masonic order, Pioneer Lodge No. 441.   SAMUEL S. BARGER,. a representative farmer and citizen of Madison township, was born on his present homestead farm, on the 27th of May, 1853, and is a son of John and Martha (Davis) Barger, the former of whom was born September 4, 1802 and the latter March 9, 1811. Both had been previously married. The maiden name of the first wife of John Barger was Barbara Ann Lambright, and she bore him eight children, of whom three are living. Martha Davis first married Jesse Best, and of their four children one is living. George Barger, father of John and founder of the family in Ohio, was born in Pennsylvania, November 13, 1773, and in that state also was born his wife, Julia Ann (Youngs) Barger, on the l0th of May, 1774. In 1816 they removed from Pennsylvania to Trumbull county, Ohio, and a few years later took up their residence near Ravenna, Portage county, whence they came, in 1846, to Williams county, where both passed the remainder of their lives. John Barger had come to this county in 1838, and he first located in Jefferson township, where he cleared a farm, which he later sold. He then bought eighty acres of wild land in Madison township, and selling this property, he bought eighty acres of wild land on the Bryan pike; later selling it he then purchased the farm on which Samuel S. Barger now resides. Here he died on the 7th of May, 1874, and his wife died January 1, 1888. They had three children, of whom two are living, Samuel S. and Abigail, the latter being the wife of John Tingley and resides in Montcalm county, Mich. John Barger was originally a Whig in politics, but joined the ranks of the Republican party at the time of its organization. His second wife was a devoted member of the Free Methodist church. Samuel S. Barger grew to manhood on his present farm, where he has always made his home, while his early educational training was secured in the Deer Lick schoolhouse. He has added thirty-nine acres to the estate since the death of his father, so that his farm now comprises seventy-nine ecres, while it is one of the model places of the county, having good improvements and being maintained under a high state of cultivation. Mr. Barger also makes a specialty of the breeding of Morgan horses, fine specimens of which are to be found on his farm at all times. He is an uncompromising Republican and has served as supervisor, besides holding other minor offices of local trust. May 20, 1875, Mr. Barger was married to Miss Minerva Jane Parsons, who was born in Pickaway county, Ohio, May 31, 1853, being a daughter of Newton and Ellen Parsons, who removed to Henry county, Ohio, in 1860, the latter there dying in 1864. In 1870 Mr. Parsons came to Williams county, where his death occurred in 1900. Mr. and Mrs. Barger became the parents of two children: Elmer A., born February 21, 1877, died June 5, 1893; and   18   274 - HISTORY OF WILLIAMS COUNTY   Arthur L., born May 4, 1886, is associated with his father in the work and management of the home farm. Mrs. Barger, who was a devoted wife and mother and loyal friend, was summoned to the life eternal on the 6th of October, 1902, having been a consistent member of the United Brethren church.   LUCIUS W. BASH, a successful farmer of near Edgerton, Williams county, O., was born in that county January 13, 1853. He is the son of Jacob and Sabrina (Doty) Bash, both natives of Ohio. His grandparents were Jacob and Catherine (Whetstone) Bash, the former a native of Germany and the latter of Ohio. Jacob Bash and two brothers emigrated to America and settled in Baltimore, Mid., removing from there first to Pennsylvania and afterwards to Wood county,O., where he died. His wife was the daughter of Peter Whetstone, a large land owner of Crawford county. Jacob Bash, the father of Lucius W. Bash, was a native of Crawford or Richland county (as the county boundaries were changed about that time it is difficult to say which) and removed from there to Williams county in 18¢4, locating first in Florence township, then in Springfield township and finally in Center township, where he died in 1875, aged about sixty-six years. In addition to clearing the farm which he owned in Center township he cleared one in Springfield township and a tract of land in Florence township. In politics he was first a Whig, then a Free Soiler and lastly a Republican, joining that party at its birth. His wife was the daughter of Lyman Doty and wife, who prior to her marriage was Mrs. Maria Briggs, both natives of New York. They removed to Crawford county in an early day, soon after their marriage, coming finally to Williams county. He died in Clarksville, .Milford township, Defiance county, in 1859, and his wife in Farmer township of that county May 15, 1895, aged ninety-four and one-half years. Jacob Bash and wife were the parents of thirteen children, of whom seven are still living. Those living are: Maria, the wife of Benjamin Snyder of Edgerton; John W. of Farmer township, Defiance county; Lucius W.: Clarissa, the wife of Samuel Wines, a farmer of Center township; Jennie, now Mrs. Frank Severence of Farmer township; Ira E., born in Williams county, July 8, 1862, educated in the common schools, a Republican in politics, the owner of a farm in Whitley county, Ind., where he married Miss Martha Pence, and is now living on the old homestead in Center township; Sylvia, the wife of Charles Uran of Logansport. Ind. Lucius W. Bash was reared on a farm and educated in the common schools. He owns the old homestead of one hundred and thirteen acres and follows general farming. In politics he is identified with the Republican party.   FRED. A. BAUER, a prominent and successful farmer of Northwest township, Williams county. Ohio, is of German descent, both of his parents having been born in Germany. He is the son of Henry and Catherine (Heiser) Bauer. Henry Bauer was seventeen yars old when he emigrated to the United States. After landing at New York   BIOGRAPHICAL - 275   City he came directly to Ohio, locating finally in Crawford county, where he was married. In 1864 he removed to Williams county, locating on a farm of seyenty acres in Northwest township. To his original purchase he afterwards added one hundred acres, making a total of one hundred and seventy acres. As this land was largely covered with heavy timber, it required a yast amount of work to clear it. At the time of his death, on March 22, 1891, he had brought the land to a high state of cultivation, having equipped it with substantial buildings. His widow survives him and still resides on the homestead. Of the nine children that were born to these parents eight are yet living. Fred. A. Bauer was born in Crawford county,O., on October 19, 1863. He grew to manhood on the farm and received such an education as the common schools of his home county afforded. As a farmer he has met with unusual success, and today he is the owner of a well improved farm of one hundred and thirty-three acres. In politics he is identified with the Democratic party. In 1888 he was wedded to Miss Jennette Waterston of Williams county, daughter of Simon Waterston, whose sketch appears elsewhere in this work. Three children have been born to these parents. They are: Ralph, Seely, and Ruth.   THOMAS J. BAUM, who is engaged in the real estate and insurance business, and is also an incumbent of the office of justice of the peace in Montpelier, is a representative of one of the worthy and well known pioneer families of Williams county. He was born in Florence township, this county, on the 24th of October, 1853, and is a scion of sturdy German stock, the original ancestor in the new world having come hither in an early day, while from Pennsylvania came the founders of the Ohio branch of the family. John and Susanna (Gibbons) Baum, parents of Thomas J., were born in Summit county, Ohio. The former was born November 3, 1822, and the latter was born March 29, 1833. They were married August 29, 1852. John Baum came to Williams county in 1851, purchasing a tract of land in Florence township and reclaiming the same to cultivation, becoming one of the prosperous farmers and highly esteemed citizens of that section. He continued to reside on his farm until there came the call of higher duty, the integrity of the Union being menaced by armed rebellion. He enlisted in the One Hundred and Eleventh Ohio Volunteer Infantry, with which he continued in service until 1865, when lie came home on invalid furlough, his death occurring November 16, 1865. His widow now resides with her only daughter, Martha E.. widow of Janes Miller, in Stillwater, Okla. Of the six children Thomas J. was the first born, and four of the number are living, two who were twins having died in infancy. John Baum espoused the cause of the Republican party at the time of its organization, and his religious faith was that of the Methodist Episcopal church, of which his widow also is a devoted member. Thomas J. Baum was reared on the home farm, in Florence township, and received his early education in the common schools of the locality.   276 - HISTORY OF WILLIAMS COUNTY   After leaving school lie was identified with agricultural pursuits for several years, after which he passed four years as salesman in a general store in Blakeslee, this county. For the ensuing five years he was associated with the A. B. Ninkey Lumber Company, of Blakeslee, O., and then for ten years he was with W. S. Boon in the lumber business at Montpelier, O. He was then elected to the office of justice of the peace, of which he has since remained incumbent, his present term expiring in 1908. He is also engaged in the real estate and fire insurance business, in which lie is meeting with success. He is a stanch adherent of the Republican party, and is serving his second term as a member of the county central committee, representing the west precinct of Montpelier. He and his wife are valued and zealous members of the local Methodist Episcopal church, of which he is a steward and secretary of the board of trustees. He is affiliated with the Knights of Pythias, and has passed the various official chairs in the local lodge. February 3, 1876, Mr. Baum was united in marriage to Miss Henrietta Hammell, who was born in St. Joseph township, Williams county, O., September 2, 1854, and a daughter of Russell and Henrietta (Van Wormer) Hammell, the former a representative farmer of St. Joseph township. Mr. and Mrs. Baum have two children : Otis A., who is engaged in the barbering business in Montpelier, was married to Miss Grace Welch, October 28, 1903, and Mabel, who remains at the parental home. Russell Hammell was born in the state of New York, November 22, 1817. Mrs. Hammell was born on March 25, 1829. They were married August 25, 1853. Mr. Hammell died February 1, 1903, at Fremont, Ind.   FREDERICK E. BEACH, surviving partner of the firm of Beach & Son, dealers in furniture and undertaking, of Montpelier, Williams county, O., was born in West Unity on November 27, 1876. He is the son of David and Elizabeth (Smith) Beach, the former a native of Pennsylvania and, the latter of Ohio. David Beach was born in 1844 and when eighteen years old removed to Ohio, locating in West Unity, Williams county, where he learned and for some time followed the carpenter's trade. After working for another party for some years in a wagon shop, lie erected a shop of his own in the same town and began the manufacture of wagons and buggies, his efforts being crowned with narked success. In 1887 he and Adam Smith, his brother-in-law, embarked in the undertaking business in West Unity, and conducted that line of work very successfully for a period of twelve years, when Mr. Beach disposed of his interest in the firm. January 16, 1899, he and his son, F. E. Beach, purchased the furniture and undertaking business of N. G. Lash in Montpelier and at once took charge of same under the firm name of Beach & Son, launching the business that has ever since been so successfully conducted. He was a Republican in politics and served on the West Unity council and school board. Mr. Beach was a Mason and with his wife an active member of the Methodist Episcopal church, having at all times manifested a lively interest in all branches of church work,   BIOGRAPHICAL - 277   especially in the Sunday school, of which he was treasurer for many years. As a helpmate in life's journey he chose Miss Elizabeth Smith, of West Unity, the daughter of Adam and Catherine (Drum) Smith, prominent and highly respected citizens of Williams county. He died in 1900. Of the eleven children born to these parents six are yet living. Those living are: Frederick E.; Carl, who is married and the father of twin children ; Herman, Mary, Lizzie and Marcus, all residents of \Vest Unity except the eldest. Frederick E. Beach grew to manhood at his parental home in West Unity and graduated from its public schools in 1894. While going to school he spent his vacations and the time after school hours in the furniture and undertaking establishment of his .father. The first two years after his graduation from school he spent in the employ of Adam Smith, engaged in the same line of work in West Unity, where he remained in business until he located in Montpelier. Mr. Beach is a Mason, an Odd Fellow, a Knight of Pythias, and with his wife a member of the Methodist Episcopal church. His choice for a partner in life's journey was Miss Lizzie B. Hager, the daughter of Thomas and Lydia Hager, of West Unity. To these parents there have been born the following children: Evelin, Carmon, Audrey and David.   REMUS O. BEACH, a successful farmer and stock breeder of Northwest township, was born in Big Lick township, Hancock county,O., on August 7, 1856. He is the son of Rial and Lucinda (Smith) Beach, the former a native of New York State and the latter of Pennsylvania. Rial Beach came to Northwest township, Williams county, O., on March 23, 1869, and settled on a farm of one hundred and twenty acres. In 1883 he removed to Steuben county, Ind., where he located on a farm and ended his days. For many years he followed the occupation of teaching, and taught the first school in Harris Corners, Steuben county. In public affairs he always took a deep interest, and served as justice of the peace in Hancock county and as school director and clerk in Northwest township. In politics he was an ardent Democrat. He died on May 11, 1886, and is survived by his widow, who is seventy-one years old and a devout member of the Methodist Episcopal church. To their marriage there were born ten children, six of whom are still living. John Smith, the maternal grandfather of our subject and the father of Mrs. Beach, was a native of Germany, who ended his days in East Gilbert, Branch county, Mich., dying in 1876. Remus O. Beach was reared on a farm and educated in the common schools of Steuben and Williams counties. While engaged for a number of years as mill-man and thresher, his principal occupation has always been farming and stock raising. In the breeding of Norman horses he has met with remarkable success. In political affairs he is affiliated with the Republican party. He is an active member of Camden Lodge, No. 312, Independent Order of Odd Fellows. On December 28, 1819. He was wedded to Miss Rebecca J. Haughey, a daughter of Robert K. Haughey, mention of whom is made elsewhere in this work. To this union there has been   278 - HISTORY OF WILLIAMS COUNTY   born the following children: Orrilla Pearl, born January 23. 1881 ; Robert Eugene, born June 10, 1882; Curtis Dale, born November 10, 1883; William Rodney, born June 9, 1885; Ada Aleto, born March 28, 1888; Remus Leverne, born February 27, 1891; Glenn, deceased, born June 13, 1892; Clytice May, born October 29. 1893, and twins that died in infancy.   LORIN A. BEARD. M. D., a prominent physician of Pioneer, O., was born in Superior township, Williams county, on October 20, 1861. He is the son of John L. and Emily (Kollar) Beard, the former born in Seneca county, O., in 1831. John L. Beard was educated at Republic Heidelburg College of Seneca county, and has served as a teacher and surveyor, following the latter avocation in the construction of railroads in the West. He came to Williams county when a young man and has resided here ever since. For a short time he taught school in Shulsburg, Wis. During the Civil war he served as a private in the Twenty-fifth Ohio Volunteer Infantry, being honorably discharged at its close. At present he is living in Montpelier, retired from active business. He is a Republican, a member of the Grand Army of the Republic, and of the Methodist Episcopal church. By his first wife he had two children, Lorin A. and Edgar, who died in infancy. The maiden name of his second wife was Elizabeth Platt, the daughter of John Platt, a pioneer in Williams county. Of the five children born to this union three are yet living. Dr. Lorin A. Beard was reared on a farm and worked for three years as a farm hand. After teaching five years he attended Rush Medical College one year and graduated from the Michigan College of Medicine and Surgery at Detroit on March 14, 1890. On May 1st of the same year he began the practice of medicine at Pioneer. His success has been phenomenal, and is due to his own thrift and determination. Beginning with comparatively nothing, he educated himself and now owns a fine farm of eighty acres in Madison township and a comfortable home in Pioneer. As a stockholder in the Pioneer Telephone Company he takes a very active part in that enterprise. The Doctor is a member of the Williams County Medical Association, the Tri-State Medical Society, a charter member of Superior Lodge, No. 269, Knights of Pythias, and Joy Lodge, No. 441, Free and Accepted Masons. In politics he is actively identified with the Republican party, and has served as county coroner. On April 20, 1890, he was wedded to Miss Grace Hogue, a daughter of Levi and Alatha (Yoder) Hogue, of Williams county. The following children have been born to this union: Rex W., Alatha R., Lewis L. and Paul S.   EMERY A. BECHTOL, M. D., a highly successful physician of Bridgewater township, is a native of the same township, in Williams county, having been born on July r8, 1869. His grandparents, Adam and Mary (Starr) Bechtol, both natives of Pennsylvania, removed to Stark county, O., in an early day, and in 1837 located on a farm of two hundred and forty acres in Williams county. As this land   BIOGRAPHICAL - 279   was heavily wooded, it required a vast amount of labor to clear and prepare it for cultivation. For some years in early life he followed the trade of moulder, but later gave his undivided attention to farming, in which occupation he was very successful. He was a Republican in politics, having held the office of township assessor, and with his wife, was a member of the Methodist Episcopal church, the church services being held at his residence. Of the eight children born to him and wife five are still living. John K. Bechtol, the father of Emery A., was born in Stark county, O., on July 3, 1838. He was reared on the home farm and received such an education as the common schools of his day afforded. In 1865 he bought, the farm of one hundred and thirteen acres in Bridgewater township that he now owns, and three years later settled on it. In politics he is actively identified with the Republican party, and for eleven years has served as school director. He and wife are devout members of the Methodist Episcopal church. John K. Bechtol was first married in 1862 to Miss Rebecca Ann Wisman, of Williams county. Two children were born to this union, named Adam E. and John M. His wife died in 1865, and three years later he married Miss Sarah Wisman, a cousin of his first wife, by whom he had four children. They are: Emery A.; Eli C., a physician of White, Hillsdale county, Mich.; Clarence E., a druggist of North Manchester, Id.; and Freeman, a farmer residing on the homestead. The second wife of John K. Bechtol having died in March, 1901, he married a third time on December 25, 1903, the lady of his choice being Miss Frances Brower, Having been drafted into the United States army in 1864 he served as a private in Company H, of the Forty-seventh Ohio Volunteer Infantry, until the close of the war. He took part in the capture of Fort McAllister. Dr. Emery A. Bechtol grew to manhood on the paternal homestead and was educated in the common schools of his home county and the Pioneer high school. After completing his literary education he became a student of the Michigan College of Medicine and Surgery, at Detroit, graduating from that institution in 1892. He at once began the practice of his chosen profession and has met with unusual success. That he keeps fully abreast of the times is witnessed by the fact that he is an active member of the Williams county and the Tri-State medical associations. In politics he is closely identified with the Republican party, and is the present county coroner. On November 30, 1893, he was united in marriage to Miss Etta Brandon, the daughter of Hugh and Adelaide (Culbertson) Brandon, mentioned elsewhere in this work. Two children have been born to this union. They are: Hal C., born December r, 1894, and Harland Ray, born October 30, 1896, now attending school. Mrs. Bechtol is a member of the United Brethren church.   EZRA E. BECHTOL, who is a resident of Montpelier, where he is an incumbent of the office of justice of the peace, is a member of one of the honored pioneer families of Williams county, which has been his home from the time of his birth, while he was one of the   28o - HISTORY OF WLLLLAMS COUNTY   native sons of said county who went forth to swell the ranks of the "boys in blue," who fought so valiantly to preserve the Union when its integrity was jeopardized by armed rebellion. He formerly served as clerk of courts for Williams county and he is well known throughout this section, where his friends are in number as his acquaintances. Mr. Bechtol was born on the old homestead farm, in Superior township, this county, on the 7th of March, 1841, and is a son of Adam and Mary (Starr) Bechtol, the paternal ancestry tracing back to sturdy German origin and the maternal to Welsh stock. The original American ancestors of the Bechtol family located in Lebanon county, Pa., and agriculture seems to have been the chief vocation of the majority of its representatives in the earlier generations. Adam Bechtol was born in Lebanon county, Pa., in the year 1809, and there learned the moulder's trade, while he received a common school education. He worked at his trade in the old Keystone state for several years and then came as a pioneer to Ohio, locating first in Massillon, Stark county, where he followed his trade until 1836, when he came to Williams county and secured two hundred and forty acres of government land, in Superior township, the tract being an unbroken forest. The township was not organized until about two years after he took up his residence here, and his embryonic farm was located in township 7, north of range 2 east, according to the designation of the government survey. In 1837 he located on his land, bringing his family and taking up his abode in a log cabin of the primitive type, common to the period and locality. He lived to witness the marvelous transformation of this section from the condition of a forest wilderness to that of a rich and prosperous agricultural and industrial locality, while he rendered his quota of aid in forwarding this advancement, since he reclaimed his farm and made it one of the best in the township, while his aid and influence were ever extended in the effecting of public improvements, both material and civic. He continued to reside on his farm until his death, which occurred January 31, 1887, and his name merits a high place on the roll of the honored pioneers of the county. He was twice married, his first wife, Mary, having been a daughter of John Starr, who was a pioneer farmer of Stark county. Mrs. Bechtol died January 6, 1851, at the age of thirty-seven years, having become the mother of seven children, namely: George, who is deceased; John K., who is a resident of Bridgewater township; Rebecca, who is the wife of George Kent, of Norton, Kan.; Ezra E., who is the subject of this sketch; Mary, who is the wife of John W. Wisman, of Huntington, Ind.; Nathan, who is deceased; and Hannah, who makes her home in Bridgewater township. In January, 1852, Adam Bechtol wedded Miss Elizabeth A. Hight, daughter of Asa Hight, of Henry county, O., and of this union were born four children: Adam W., a resident of Topeka, Kan.; Isaac, of Bryan, Williams county, O.; Sarah J., wife of John Cole, of Bridgewater township; and Lincoln, a resident of Edon, this county. Mrs. Bechtol still survives her honored husband and makes her home with her son Lincoln. She is a devoted member of the Methodist Episcopal   BIOGRAPHICAL - 281   church, as was also her husband, who served as steward, class leader and superintendent of the Sunday. school, having been zealous in all good work and having lived a life worthy of emulation. In politics he was originally a Whig, but he united with the Republican party at the time of its organization and thereafter gave stanch support to its cause. During the Civil war he was assigned to and faithfully performed the duty of enrolling officer for the militia, having been appointed by the provost marshal. Ezra Evans Bechtoll grew to manhood on the old homestead and received his educational discipline in the common schools off the locality. He was but twenty years of age at the outbreak of the war of the Rebellion, and on the 30th day of August, 1862, he made loyal response to his country's call by enlisting in Company K, Sixty-eighth Ohio Volunteer infantry, joining his regiment at Bolivar, Tenn. His command was a part of the Army of the Tennessee, and the history of his regiment is essentially the record of his military career. He took part in the engagements at Thomson's Hill, Jackson, Champion Hill and battle and siege of Vicksburg, Miss., as well as the engagement at Clinton, that state; Kenesaw Mountain, Nickajack Creek, Hood's second sortie, on July 22, 1864, known as the battle of Atlanta, in which engagement he was severely wounded, which permanently disabled him for further service with his command; and on April 10, 1865, he received an honorable discharge for disability. As above stated, at the seconds sortie of General Hood's forces, in front of Atlanta, July 22, 1864, Mr. Bechtol was shot through the left shoulder by a musket ball, and on account of disability occasioned by his wound, he was confined in a hospital for three months after receiving it, and then was granted a furlough of thirty days, which he passed at home, after which he reported at the hospital in Columbus, O., where he received his discharge, as above stated. Soon after his return to his home Mr. Bechtol entered the Ohio Wesleyan University, at Delaware, where he completed a four years' course, in the meanwhile doing very successful work as a teacher in the public schools, a vocation which he continued to follow for several years. In 1875 he received the Republican nomination for the office of county clerk of Williams county and was elected by a gratifying majority, serving three years. In 1881 he was again elected to the office, and at the expiration of his term, in 1885, he retired to his farm near Montpelier, where he remained a few years, and then took up his residence in Montpelier, where he has since been engaged in the insurance business, while he has been an incumbent of the office of justice of the peace since 1902; he also served several terms as township assessor of Superior township. He and his wife are prominent and zealous members of the Methodist Episcopal church, in which lie is a trustee, and he is identified with the Masonic fraternity and with Hiram Louden Post, No. 155, Grand Army of the Republic, of which he is the present chaplain. November 11, 1869, Mr. Bechtol married Miss Louanna Melissa Griffith, daughter of Joseph and Katherine (Burbick) Griffith, of Williams county, and they have one daughter, Florence, who   282 - HISTORY OF WILLIAMS COUNTY   is now the wife of Frank H. Stewart, formerly a merchant of Butler, Ind., and now a resident of Montpelier, O., where he is engaged in managing the elevator for the Montpelier Elevator Company. Mr. and Mrs. Stewart have two sons, Walter and William.   GEORGE H. BECKER, one of the Ieading merchants and proprietor of the "Bee Hive" of Montpelier, Williams county, O., is a native of that state, having been born in Lexington, Richland county, March 28, 1860. He is the son of Frederick and Catherine (Hoffman) Becker, both natives of the Kingdom of Nassan, Germany, where the former was born in 1825 and the latter ten years later. Three weeks after their marriage, in 1853, they sailed for America, and after a voyage of three months' duration landed at New York City. Immediately after their arrival they proceeded to Lexington, where both had friends living. After a residence there of ten years they removed to DeKalb county, Ind., and located on a farm which they purchased. Here Frederick Becker erected a blacksmith shop and plied vigorously the trade that he had learned and worked at in his native country and in Richland county. In 1864, having been drafted into the army, he served for seven months in an Indiana regiment, when he was discharged by virtue of the close of the war. So poor was his health that he was unfit for active duty and was forced to spend a part of the time in a hospital at Nashville, Tenn. After the close of the war he returned to his home and resumed his farming and blacksmithing, working as much as his shattered state of health would permit. Although a Democrat in politics, he frequently voted independently, especially in local elections. In religious matters he, together with his wife, was a member of the Reform church. He died in 1895 and is survived by his widow, who resides at Waterloo, Ind. George H. Becker was reared on his home farm and received his education in the district schools and those of Corunna and Auburn, both in Indiana. In 1880 he quit the farm and entered the general store of F. G. Fried, of Corunna, serving in the capacity of clerk for six years. The next two and one-half years he was in the employ of H. D. Ward, of Kendallville, Ind. After quitting the establishment of Mr. Ward he clerked for eight years for the firm of J. Keller & Co., of the same city. In 1897 he removed to Montpelier, and on August 27, of that year, opened up the "Bee Hive" store in a shallow frame building standing on the site of his present place of business. Beginning in a small room only fifty feet deep, and with a limited capital, he has by perseverance and industry built up a very extensive and profitable business. While the present handsome structure was being erected, the business was carried on in the Martin building. Upon completion of the new building, in November, 1903, the stock of goods was so largely increased as to fill all the counter and shelving space in a room one hundred feet deep, with forty feet additional on the second floor. The "Bee Hive" is a department store, carrying dry goods, notions, glass, tin, and china ware, carpets, rugs, etc. In addition to this valuable business build-   BIOGRAPHICAL - 283   ing he owns a fine residence. In 1903 he was elected a member of the Montpelier school board, of which body he is now clerk. He holds membership in the Montpelier Lodge of Free and Accepted Masons, Independent Order of Odd Fellows, Knights of Pythias, and Eastern Star. In religious matters he is actively identified with the Methodist Episcopal church, being a member both of the board of trustees and the board of stewards in that organization. Mr. Becker was wedded to Miss Delilah Broach, the daughter of Thomas and Elizabeth (Orr) Broach, residing near Kendallville. Two children have been born to this union, named Glenn D. and Jessie G.   WILLIAM BEHNE, the able and popular young editor and manager of the Bryan Democrat, at Bryan, was born in the city of Defiance, O., on the 9th of July, 1884, and is a son of C. W. Otto Behne and Anna (Kosanowski) Behne, both of whom were born and reared in Germany, of the high German stock, and they came to the United States in 1879. They now reside in the city of Defiance, the father being engaged as a traveling furniture salesman. They haye four sons and two daughters, all of whom remain in Defiance except the subject of this review and his brother Henry, the latter being engaged in the jewelry business in Ardmore, Ind. Ter. William Behne was reared in his native city, where he secured his educational discipline in the public schools, leaving the high school in his junior year and entering the printing office of Papenhagen & Deindoerfer, of Defiance, where he gained a thorough knowledge of the business and rounded out .his education under the favorable influence of a most effective and practical school of experience. He continued to be identified with the printing and newspaper business in Defiance until the spring of 1904, when he located in Bryan, taking a position as advertising man on the Bryan Democrat, which is one of the leading weekly papers of this section, and in March, 1905, there came a fitting recognition of his ability and excellent service, in his promotion to the office of editor and manager of the paper and business. His preferment was the more noteworthy from the fact that he was not yet twenty-one years of age when he assumed the duties of his responsible office. The Democrat is published on, Thursday of each week by the Democrat Publishing Company, which is incorporated, the officers of the same being as follows: R. L. Starr, president; I. E. Gardner, secretary and treasurer; and Amos Oxenrider, vice-president. Mr. Behne is a stanch advocate of the principles and policies of the Democratic party. and takes an active interest in the party cause. He is a forceful and progressive young business man and is proving a most able executive in his present position.   HIRAM T. BETTS, one of the honored citizens of Stryker, where he is now living retired, has been prominently identified with industrial and business interests in Williams county, with whose history he has been familiar since the pioneer days, while through his own efforts he has attained a success worthy the name, and has so ordered   284 - HISTORY OF WILLIAM COUNTY   his life as to retain at every stage therein the unqualified esteem and confidence of his fellow men. Mr. Betts was born near the city of Trenton, N. J., on the 12th of flay, 1833, and is a son of John L. and Sarah Ann (Pryor) Betts, the former of whom was born at Digby, Nova Scotia, January 21, 1803, while the latter was born in Philadelphia, Pa., June 28, 1806, and their marriage was solemnized in New York city, April 25, 1826. As a boy John L. Betts was bound, out to learn the saddler's trade but after serving a short time he ran away and went to New York city, where he was employed for a time by an express company, later by a book-publishing concern, then in a sugar refinery, and finally he became a reporter on the New York Tribune, under Horace Greeley, a fact indicating that he had become comparatively well eduated through his own efforts; and those who recall this honored pioneer of Williams county will remember him as a man of ripe judgment and broad and exact information, for he read much and with discrimination throughout his later life. In 1846 he came to Ohio and secured one hundred and twenty acres of land in what is now German township, Fulton county. He then returned to the East, and in 1848 he brought his family to this pioneer homestead. In 1855 he sold his farm, after which he passed about a year in the East. He then returned to Fulton county, purchasing a farm near Archbold, where he lived several years, while for the last thirty-five years of his life he resided with his son, Hiram T. Betts. It will be remembered that until 1850 a considerable portion of Fulton county was still a part of Williams county, the former not having been created until the year noted. Mr. Betts was a man of no little mechanical genius, and he patented a farm gate and other useful devices. His wife died in Springfield township, April 28, 1883, in the home of her son, Hiram T., with whom the father also passed his declining years, his death occurring March 22, 1889, at which time he was in his ninety-sixth year. This worthy couple became the parents of ten children, of whom eight reached years of maturity, but only two are now living—Hiram T. and Robert H., the latter having been a resident of Washington, D. C., for eighteen years and being now a resident of Archbold, Fulton county. Hiram T. Betts had limited educational advantages in his youth, owing to the exigencies of time and place, but in his active and useful career he has made good this handicap, being possessed of a large fund of practical knowledge and ever having maintained an intelligent grasp on the questions and issues of the hour. After leaving the parental home he found employment in the neighborhood, principally at farm work, and while thus engaged he assumed the dignities and responsibilities of a married man, in 1854. Soon afterward lie and his bride located on a farm in section 12, Springfield township, where he was engaged in agricultural pursuits until 1891, when he took up his residence in Stryker, where he has since continued to make his home. For nearly a decade, while residing on his farm, Mr. Betts was a local representative of the Dayton Hedge Company and the Michigan Hedge Company. Upon locating in Stryker, Mr. Betts became one of the prin-     BIOGRAPHICAL - 285   cipal stockholders of The Stryker Manufacturing Company, of which he was president from 1892 until 1897. He has been the owner of several farms in Williams county and also of valuable property in Stryker. In politics he is a stanch advocate of the principles of the Republican party, and in Springfield township has served in various local offices. He has been a member of the Methodist Episcopal church for a half century, and during the greater portion of this time has served as class leader, while he has been a trustee in the church for many years. Mrs. 'Betts also is a devoted member of the same church. On the 22d of August, 1854, Mr. Betts was united in marriage to Mrs. Mary Ann (Appleman) Thurston, widow of Samuel Thurston, of Bloomington, Pa., and a daughter of John Appleman, who came to Williams county in 1848 and settled in Springfield township. Mrs. Betts was born in Columbia county, Pa., November 5, 1816. For a number of years past Mrs. Betts has been a confirmed inyalid, practically helpless in a physical way, and she has been cared for with the most assiduous devotion by her husband. They have two sons, Franklin T. and Clarence R. The former resides in Defiance. O., where he is engaged in the life insurance business. He married Miss Zylpha Coy and they have four children—Rufus, Bessie, Carey and John. Clarence Rufus Betts, the younger son, maintains his home in Stryker and is a representative of the firm of Bruns,' Bowersox & Co., manufacturers, of Shawneetown, Ill. He married hiss Lillian Snyder and they have three daughters—Mabel, Grace and Florence. Mabel and Grace are now attending Delaware University at Delaware, O.   PORTER BETTS, a successful farmer of Center township, Williams county, O., is a native of that township, having been born there December 31, 1849. He is the son of Amos and Mary (Darling) Betts, the former born in New York, November 24, 1818, and the latter in Vermont, April 17, 1824. They were married after coming to Ohio. His grandfather was Luther Betts, whose wife died at the home of Amos Betts. His maternal grandparents, Thomas and Margaret (Pinnick) Darling, came to Ohio in an early day, locating in Williams county, where both are buried. Amos and Mary (Darling) Betts came to Williams county about 1845. In politics he was a stanch Republican, having served as assessor of both Center and Pulaski townships. His wife died March 27, 1874, and he February 15, 1886. Nine children were born to them, of whom six are yet living. Porter Betts grew to manhood on his father's farm, receiving a fair common school education. After farming for some years be resided at Montpelier, o., for about twenty years. In 1895 he removed to the farm of eighty acres which he now owns and here he follows general farming. While he has never been an aspirant for public office, he is nevertheless an ardent Republican. On June 20, 1869, he was wedded to Miss Belle Brannan, born in Williams county, September 4, 1851, the daughter of John and Jane (Custer) Brannan, both natives of Columbiana county, O. John Brannan was a   286 - HISTORY OF WILLIAMS COUNTY   farmer, a Democrat, served as county commissioner one term, and with his wife was a member of the Presbyterian church. He and wife both died in 1896, he on October 13 and she on November 9. He was the son of Hugh and Rebecca Brannan, the former a native of Ireland, who came to America and settled in Ohio in an early day. They first lived in Columbiana county and about 1845 removed to Williams county, where both died. The maternal grandparents of Mrs. Betts were John Custer and wife, who were early settlers in Williams county. where both died. Porter Betts and wife have had five children. They are: Orvis, born August 18. 1870; Walter, born February 25, 1872; Clyde, born September 5, 1874; Agatha, born .\lay 18, 1876, and Okly, born March 4. 1878.   ADAM BOISHER, a successful farmer and highly respected citizen of Florence township, Williams county, O., was born on the farm which he now owns on November 25. 1853. His parents, John and Catherine (Gearhart) Boisher, were both natives of Germany, the former born in Hessen and the latter in Darmstadt. John Boisher emigrated to America in 1838 and his wife's people in 1842, both families locating in Stark county, O. In 1849 John Boisher and wife removed to Williams county and settled on a farm of two hundred and ten acres in Florence township, one hundred and fifty-seven and one-half of which now belongs to their son, Adam. Later he added one hundred and five acres, making a total of three hundred and fifteen acres. He cleared all of the original purchase and equipped it with substantial buildings, such as go to make up a first-class farm. For three terms he served his community as township trustee. He was a farmer and blacksmith by occupation, a Democrat in politics, and with his wife a member of the Reformed church. He died on February 19, 1892, and his widow on September 18, 1898. To these parents the following children were born: Adam. who died in infancy: Henry, a farmer of Florence township, and Adam, the subject of this sketch. Adam Boisher was reared on the homestead in Florence township and received his education by attending the district schools and Edgerton high school. On his farm of one hundred and eighty-two and one-half acres he follows quite successfully general farming and stock raising. He is a Democrat, and with his wife a member of the Reformed church. On August 11, 1878, he was wedded to Miss Jennie Sell, born in Bucyrus. Crawford county, O., on March I. 1859, the daughter of Henry and Mary (Peterman) Sell, the former a native of Ohio and the latter of Pennsylvania. In 1875 Mr. Sell removed to Florence township. Williams county, and settled on a farm of one hundred and sixty-three acres. He died in Bryan, O.. on August 31, 1904, his wife having died February 4, 1892. In politics he was an active Democrat. His wife was identified with the Presbyterian church. To these parents were born eight children, four sons and four daughters: To Adam Boisher and wife there have been born two children. They are: Nellie, who attended the Tri-State Normal at Angola. Ind., for two years, a student of   BIOGRAPHICAL - 287   music under Mrs. Ingalls, formerly a teacher in the Chicago Conservatory of Music. Nellie is now the wife of C. E. Faulhaber, of the United States Weather Bureau, stationed at Davenport, Ia., and Minnie, attending the Angola Normal and now engaged in teaching music. Mrs. Boisher attended the Edgerton high school and was a successful teacher before her marriage.   ABRAHAM BORKHOLDER, a substantial farmer and respected citizen of Jefferson township, claims the old Keystone State as the place of his nativity, since he was born in Lancaster county, Pa., on the 19th of May, 1831. He is a son of Peter and Barbara (Lehman) Borkholder, both of whom were likewise born in that county, the former in 1802 and the latter in 1804. The Borkholder family genealogy is traced back to sturdy progenitors who came to America from Switzerland. Peter and Barbara Burkholder were married in 1826, and they continued to reside on the old home farm in Lancaster county, Pa., until 1843, in May of which year they set forth for Ohio, making the trip with teams and wagons, by which the household goods and some few farming implements were transported, while a few sheep were also brought, the trip consuming about three weeks. The family settled one and one-quarter miles west of the village of West Jefferson, in Superior township, Williams county, where he secured eighty acres of land, upon which a log house and a double log barn had been built, while about fifteen acres had been cleared. On this farm he continued to reside until his death, on the 19th of February, 1850, while his wife survived until 1873, both having been members of the Mennonite church, while in politics he was an old-line Whig. Of their nine children two died in infancy and one at the age of fifteen years. Annie, who became the wife of George E. Hoskinson, died in Jefferson township, February 9, 1885; Joseph is individually mentioned on another page of this work; Abraham is the immediate subject of this sketch; Martha, who was the wife of Ralph Scranton, of Bridgewater township, died February 29, 1904; Christian and Martin are deceased; Maria, wife of Oliver Coy, died in Jasper, Mich., February 20, 1904; Jacob resides in Kunkle, this county; and Peter died at the age of eighteen months. Abraham Borkholder received a common school education, and was about twelve years of age at the time of his parents' removal from Pennsylvania to Ohio. He continued to aid in the work of the home farm, assisting in the care of the family, until 1855, when the homestead farm was sold and he received his share therefrom. In the same year he purchased eighty acres of wild land in section 35, Jefferson township, erecting on the place a log cabin, twenty by twenty-four feet in dimensions, and also a log stable. His widowed mother, two of his sisters and two of his brothers lived with him until the time of his marriage, in 1864, and in the meantime he was vigorously prosecuting the arduous work of clearing his land of its heavy timber, though he passed one year in Jackson county, Mich., engaged in clearing land and getting out lumber. Ever since his marriage he has   289 - HISTORY OF WILLIAMS COUNTY   resided on his homestead, the fine development of which shows the energy and good judgment he has brought to bear in his efforts, and his farm is under a high state of cultivation, while he also has been yery successful in the raising of high-grade live stock. In politics he is a stalwart Republican, while his religious faith is that of the Mennonite church, his wife being a Dunkard. November 29, 1864, Mr. Borkholder was united in marriage to Miss Nancy Greek, who was born in Lancaster county, Pa., as were also her parents, Frederick and Martha (Brubaker) Greek, who came to Richland county, O., in 1842, removing thence to Hancock county, where they remained until 1854, when they took up their residence in Madison township, Williams county, where they passed the remainder of their lives, the father having here followed farming and cabinet making. To Mr. and Mrs. Borkholder have been born four children, concerning whom the following brief record is consistently entered: Ella, born September 19, 1865, is the wife of David Eberly, of Jefferson township; Frederick, born October 9, 1867, married Miss Sadie Walker, and lie is a successful farmer of Jefferson township; Joseph, who was born February 4, 1873, married Miss Iva Talley, and is engaged in farming in Madison township; Fannie, who was born April 24, 1876, died on the 21st of December, 1882.   JOSEPH BORKHOLDER, of Jefferson township, is another of the sterling representatives of the agricultural industry in Williams county, and is a member of one of its well known pioneer families. He was born in Lancaster county, Pa., March 10, 1830, and is a son of Peter and Barbara (Lehman) Borkholder, both natives of that same county, where they were born in the years 1802 and 1804, respectively. Peter was a son of Joseph Borkholder, and the family originally came from Switzerland to America. Peter Borkholder was married in 1826, and thereafter he and his wife continued to reside on the old home farm in Pennsylvania until 1843, on the 1st of May of which year they set forth for Williams county, Ohio, while with them came the family of Isaac Hoffer, who had been residents of Wayne county, Ohio, Mr. Hoffer having been the father of the wife of the subject of this review. The trip was made with horses and wagons, and in addition to the household effects a number of sheep were transported to the new home in the wilds of Ohio, the trip being about three weeks in duration. Peter Borkholder settled in Superior township, Williams county, where he purchased eighty acres of land, of which about fifteen acres had been cleared, while the improvements consisted of a log house and a double log barn. The first year he put in five acres of wheat, and thereafter the work of clearing the land was carried forward by him and his sons. He died on this homestead, February 19, 1850, and his wife passed away in 1873. Both were consistent members of the Mennonite church, and in politics he was an old line Whig. Of their children is given the following brief record: Annie, who became the wife of George E. Hoskinson, of Jefferson township, died February 9, 1885 ; Joseph is the immediate sub-   BIOGRAPHICAL - 289   ject of this sketch; Abraham is individually mentioned on other pages of this volume; Martha, who died February 29, 1904, was the wife of Ralph Scranton, of Bridgewater township; Christian died in 1850; Martin died in 1869, having been a farmer of Jefferson township; Maria, who died February 20, 1904, was the wife of Oliver Coy, of Madison township; Jacob resides in Kunkle, this county; and Peter died at the age of eighteen months. Owing to the conditions and exigencies of time and place Joseph Borkholder received rather limited educational advantages in his youth, but he made the best use of the privileges of the little log school house, to which he made his way by a blazed trail through the woods, a distance of two and a half miles. Puncheon floors and slab benches characterized the school house, while in the winter the heat was supplied by the yawning fireplace, for which the teachers and the boys cut the fuel. At the age of twenty-five years Joseph Borkholder went to Hardin county, Iowa, in the autumn of 1855, making most of the trip on foot and entering a quarter section of government land. He remained in Iowa until June, 1858, when he returned to Williams county, Ohio. On the 22d of the same month he was united in marriage to Miss Catherine Hoffer, who was born in Wayne county, Ohio, being a daughter of Isaac and Susanna Hoffer, who came from Lebanon county, Pa., to that county in 1836, and in 1843 to Williams county. They settled on the farm where their son-in-law, Joseph Borkholder, now lives, in section 2, Jefferson township, where Mr. Hoffer died in 1880 and his wife in 1884. After his marriage Mr. Borkholder settled on the Hoffer place, where he has ever since made his home. In the early days this section was a practical wilderness, very few roads having been constructed, while the main thoroughfares were simply trails through the forest. The nearest postoffice to the home of Mr. Borkholder was Pulaski, seven miles distant, and there also were located the nearest mill and store. Wild game was to be had in plentiful supply, and was largely utilized in furnishing the larders of the sturdy pioneers. Mr. Borkholder assisted in the construction of the roads and gave effective aid in the forwarding of all public improvements and civic interests, having taken a loyal concern in township affairs, but never having aspired to office. He is a stanch Republican in his political proclivities. He has given special study to the science of veterinary surgery, and has been engaged in the practice of this profession since 1874, finding much demand for his services throughout his section, and is skilled in the treatment of all diseases of the domestic animals. Mr. and Mrs. Bork-holder are prominent members of the Mennonite church of their township, the church and cemetery being located on their farm. The church, was erected in 1860, and in its work Mr. and Mrs. Borkholder have been active and faithful, while no residents of the township are held in higher esteem. They have no children.   19   290 - HISTORY OF WILLIAMS COUNTY   CHARLES A. BOWERSOX, of Bryan, is one of the distinguished members of the bar of Williams county, and is one of the influential citizens of this section of the state, with whose annals the family name has long been identified. Aside from his high professional prestige he is distinctively a man of affairs, and his impress upon the civic, political and industrial life of the community has been clear and incisive. As nearly as can be assured from the data available, the presumption is justified that the original American ancestor of the Bower-sox family emigrated to the new world from Germany in the early Colonial era of our national history, while the primitive spelling of the name was Bauersauxe. Christian Bowersox resided near Baltimore, Maryland, and was for many years engaged in the boot and shoe business, having learned the shoemaking trade in his youth. He died in Maryland, and his widow, Mary Bowersox, came with her children to Williams county, Ohio, where she died about the year 1858. Both were members of the Lutheran church and they were folk of sterling attributes of character. They became the parents of three children, all now deceased, the youngest having been John Warner Bowersox, father of him whose name initiates this sketch. John W. Bowersox was born in Frederick county, Maryland, January 10, 1808, and was reared to maturity in that state, where he learned the shoemaker's trade. About 1828 he located in Adams county, Pennsylvania, where, at the age of twenty-two years, he was united in marriage to Miss Mary Jane Breckenridge, daughter of Thomas Breckenridge, the family being of Scotch descent and the original name of Stuart having been changed to Breckenridge by the ancestors who removed from Scotland to Ireland during the early wars between Scotland and England. Members of the family came to America in the Colonial days, and from them are descended the numerous representatives of the name in Maryland, Virginia, Kentucky and other sections of the Union, many having attained to national reputation. About 1831 John W. Bowersox came with his wife to Ohio, making the overland trip from Pennsylvania and taking up his abode in the little hamlet of North Industry, in Stark county, where he worked at his trade until 1838. About that time, he entered claim to a tract of land in St. Joseph township, Williams county, and in October of the year mentioned he came hither with his family, consisting of his wife and two children, the journey being made in a wagon drawn by oxen. He erected his rude domicile of logs in the midst of the dense forest, and here he and his family encountered the varied experiences of the pioneer epoch, whose annals read like a romance in these latter days, though the roseate touch of fancy was less in evidence during the period itself, with its arduous toil, isolation and manifold vicissitudes. For fifty-one years John Warner Bowersox resided in this county, and at the time of his death he owned three hundred and forty acres of land, two hundred of which were cleared, representing many years of persistent toil and endeavor. The following incidental estimate is reproduced, being specially germane in the present connection: "John W. Bowersox held high standing as a citizen and took keen interest in the issues of his   BIOGRAPHICAL - 293   time, being an uncompromising foe to slavery. For many years he was known as an old-line Whig, and after the organization of the Republican party he transferred his allegiance to the same. In religious faith he was a Lutheran, and his home and barn were frequently used in the early days for the holding of meetings by preachers of all denominations. His wife was reared in the Presbyterian church, with which the Breckenridge family had been identified for generations, but as no organization of this church was established in Williams county in the early days, she joined the United Brethren in Christ, in which faith she died, in 1867, at the age of sixty years. Her husband survived her by more than twenty years, during which he remained faithful to her memory, never marrying again, and his death occurred April 14, 1889, at which time his age was eighty-one years and four months. Their remains now rest side by side in the cemetery at Edgerton, where also were laid to rest their deceased children and the mother of Mr. Bowersox." Of the eight children of John W. and Mary J. (Breckenridge) Bowersox three are living, Charles A., subject of this sketch, having been the sixth in order of birth, while he is associated with his maiden sister, Nancy Ellen, in the ownership of the fine old homestead place of one hundred and eighty-five acres, where his sister still maintains her home, having cared for her parents in their declining years with the most devoted filial solicitude and being held in affectionate regard by all who know her. Charles Alexander Bowersox was born in the old log cabin home of which mention has been made, the date of his nativity having been October z6, 1846. During his boyhood days it was his to lend his quota of aid in the work of the pioneer homestead, while he duly availed himself of such advantages as were afforded in the common schools of the locality and period, continuing to attend the same during the winter months until he had, attained the age of sixteen years. That he made good use of his opportunities, limited though they were, is evident when we revert to the fact that when seventeen years of age he proved himself eligible for the work of teaching in schools of the same grade, and from that time forward he continued to teach during the winter terms and to work on the farm in the summer until he had saved enough money to enable him to realize his cherished and insistent ambition—to enter college and complete a course therein. His ambition was thus one of definite action, and during his vacations he undertook whatever labor came to hand, in order to defray his collegiate expenses. Among other avocations at this period in his career, he taught vocal music, both in and out of college, having marked talent in this art. In March, 1870, he was matriculated in Otterbein University, where he completed the classical course, being graduated June 10, 1874, with the degree of Bachelor of Arts, while three years later the Master's degree was conferred upon him by his alma mater, and his grades were the highest in his student course of all made by students who had been graduated in that institution up to that time. The determination, self-reliance and singleness of purpose which animated him as a student and which prompted him so to direct his energies as to pay   294 - HISTORY OF WILLIAMS COUNTY   the expenses of his entire college course, gave indication of the man that was to be when the still more practical duties of life were assumed. Shortly after his graduation he became superintendent of the public schools of Edgerton, retaining this position two years. In February, 1875, he was appointed a member of the county board of school examiners, for a term of two years, and in the autumn of the same year he was elected probate judge of Williams county, of which office he was incumbent three years. Within this period he read law, showing his characteristic power of consecutive application and ready assimilation, and he was admitted to the bar of his native state in September, 31879. He forthwith entered into a professional partnership with Hon. Edward Foster, of Bryan, where they were associated in practice until the death of Mr. Foster, in 1883. Concerning his professional and business career the following epitome has been given: "In the summer of 1883 he was appointed, by Governor Charles Foster, to the position of judge of the common-pleas court for the second subdivision of the third judicial district of Ohio, to succeed Judge Owen, who had been transferred to the supreme bench. Judge Bowersox served one year, completing the unexpired term, but he then declined to become a candidate for election, preferring to return to his practice, which he has since continued with marked success. In 1878 Judge Bowersox purchased a one-third interest in the Bryan Press, which he conducted one year, doing all the editorial work, although at that time he was serving as probate judge. In 188o he became a director in the Farmers' National Bank, of Bryan, one of the most solid and popular financial institutions of Northwestern Ohio, and after serving two years as vice-president he was elected to the presidency, of which chief executive office he has since remained in tenure. He is president of the Edon Banking Company, at Edon, Ohio; and also of the Edgerton State Bank, at Edgerton, Ohio, and the First National Bank of Montpelier. Naturegave the judge a good physique aswell as an active and well poised brain, and he is of athletic and powerful build, standing six feet and four inches in height and weighing, proportionately, about two hundred and thirty pounds. Without this combination of 'wens sana in corpore sano he could scarcely have endured a tithe of the labor which his business and professional engagements have entailed. In addition to these, however, he has taken a prominent part in political and other affairs, and he has ever been a close student of the questions and issues of the day, as well as of the best professional and general literature. He has a large and select library, and has given special attention to music and literature, having deep appreciation of the refining and gracious elements which touch human life. His beautiful home, `Elm Gables,' is a center of culture and of refined hospitality. In August, 1890, Judge Bowersox was chosen president of Otterbein University. his alma mater, but after two years of effective service he resigned, on account of the pressure of other duties. His ability as a public speaker is widely recognized, and his services in this capacity are in frequent requisition, in a political and general way, including insistent demands for addresses before graduating classes,   BIOGRAPHICAL - 295   Chautauqua assemblies, etc. While in no sense a politician he has rendered efficient service in behalf of the Republican cause, and has been prominent in its councils in Ohio, having been several times a delegate to the state conventions, and in 1881 he was elected to represent his district in the state legislature, where he made an excellent record." Judge Bowersox is a director of the Bryan Free Library Association, is a director and vice-president of the Bryan Business Men's Association, and is president of the Mendelssohn Musical Society, of Bryan, one of the leading musical organizations of Northwestern Ohio. He is president of the Bruns-Bowersox Lumber Company, whose principal office is in Bryan. He is a director of the Cleveland & Illinois Mining Co., which owns and operates one of the largest fluorspar mines in the world, the same being located in Hardin county, I11. He is also a director of the Mexican Sewer Pipe Co., having its plant in the city of Mexico. Judge and Mrs. Bowersox are prominent members of the United Brethren church, and he is a member of a national committee which has as its aim the bringing about of a union of the United Brethren, Protestant Methodist and Congregational churches. On the l0th of June, 1875, was solemnized the marriage of Judge Bowersox to Miss Laura A. Jarvis, daughter of Samual and Lydia Jarvis, of Westerville, Ohio. Mrs. Bowersox was graduated in Otterbein university, in June, 1875, and is a woman of gracious presence and distinctive culture, being prominent in the social life of the community and being an artist of much talent. Judge and Mrs. Bowersox have two children—Charles Ralph, born March 28, 1886, and Helen, born August 18, 1896. The son is secretary of the Bruns-Bowersox Lumber Company, is private secretary to his father and is a young man of marked business ability, while his father is placing in his hand practically all of his industrial business interests.   JOHN WESLEY BOWERSOX, a highly respected citizen of Florence township, Williams county, O., was born at North Industry, Stark county, four miles south of Canton. His father, mention of whom is made in the preceding sketch, had the honor of building the first house in the western part of St. Joseph township. On October 14, 1838, John W. came with his parents to St. Joseph township, Williams county, where he grew to manhood and where he received his common school education. In 1861 he removed to Florence township and located on a farm of eighty acres that his father had entered some years before. Here he has since resided and carried on in a small way the business of general farming and stock raising. On September 26, 1864, he enlisted in Company F of the Sixty-seventh Ohio Volunteer Infantry, and served one year. He is a Republican in politics and a member of the Grand Army of the Republic, having joined that organization in 1882. On June 9, 1860, he chose as his helpmeet along life's journey Miss Amelia Yeager, born in Portage county, O., September 27, 1837, the daughter of John and Elizabeth (Duke) Yeager, both natives of Beaver county, Pa., who came to Ohio in 1840, locating in Florida, Henry county, where Mrs. Yeager   296 - HISTORY OF WILLIAMS COUNTY   died in 1843. After his wife's death John Yeager removed to Wolcottville, La Grange county, Ind., and died there in October, 1862. Of the fifteen children born to these parents fourteen grew to manhood and womanhood. Absalom Yeager, a brother of Mrs. Bowersox, served as a private in Company B of the Second United States regiment in the war with Mexico and an orderly sergeant in Company B of the One Hundredth Ohio volunteer infantry in the Civil war. He was a prisoner for seven months at Belle Isle and Libby prisons. After his exchange he returned to his command and was severely wounded in the knee. He was born in Beaver county, Pa., and died in Henry county, O., in 1898. To J. W. Bowersox and wife there have been born two children. John Elsworth, the elder, was born on the home farm on March 19, 1861, and received his education in the country schools. He now owns a farm of eighty acres and carries on an extensive poultry business in addition to general farming. .In politics he is identified with the Republican party. On April 5, 1892, he was wedded to Miss Sarah Kurtz, born in Florence township and a member of the Lutheran church, by whom he has one son, Harvey Wesley Elsworth. Mary Emma Amelia, the younger child, was born on May 25, 1872. After completing her common school education she was married to Henry Kline, a native of Buffalo, N. Y., where he was born on October 10, 1861. His first wife was Mary Kurtz, a sister of the wife of Elsworth Bowersox. By her he had three children, named Henry, John and Alva. Roland Smith is the name of a child that Mr. and Mrs. Kline have taken to raise. John Yeager, the father of Mrs. Bowersox, was a soldier in the war, of 1812. Mrs. Bowersox had two other brothers in the Civil war. Francis Yeager, who served in a Michigan regiment, was wounded and died in the hospital. Thomas Yeager, the other brother, was captain of Company E, Eighty-sixth Ohio volunteer infantry, and received an honorable discharge.   ABRAHAM LINCOLN BRACE, who is the popular and efficient clerk of the courts of Williams county, was born near Stryker, this county, on the 29th of April, 1861, and is a son of James L. and Permelia (Shamburg) Brace, the former of whom was born in Williams county, in 1834, being a representative of one of the honored pioneer families of this section, while the latter was born in what is now Defiance county, in 1835, Defiance county at that time being a part of Williams county. The father was a farmer during the greater portion of his active career and was a man who commanded unqualified respect and esteem. Abraham L. Brace secured his education in the public schools of the village of Stryker and through well directed discipline, and in early manhood he engaged in teaching, to which vocation he gave his attention for about thirteen years, being successful in his efforts and gaining marked popularity, his pedagogic labors having been in the schools of Williams and Defiance counties and having covered twenty-two terms. On the 9th of July, 1877, when sixteen years of age, Mr. Brace, while engaged in youthful sport, met with a severe accident, necessitating the amputation of his left   BIOGRAPHICAL - 297   leg below the knee, and this infirmity led him to seek such vocations as were within his power to fill. In 1899 Mr. Brace received the Republican nomination for the office of clerk of the courts of his native county, and was elected by a majority of seventy-one votes. He gave such able service that he was recognized as the logical candidate for the office to succeed himself at the expiration of his first term, and he was re-elected, in 1902, for a second term of three years, his second election having been compassed by the gratifying majority of nine hundred and sixty-five votes. He had previously served as township clerk of Springfield township, and from 1889 to 1893 he was assistant postmaster at Stryker, where he maintained his home until his election to his present office, and then removed to Bryan. He is an active worker in the local ranks of the Republican party, is identified with the Knights of Pythias, and both he and his wife hold membership in the Universalist church. December 30, 1901, Mr. Brace was united in marriage to Miss Ella Bowdle, daughter of John Bowdle, of Evansport, Defiance county, and they have two children—Elsie May and Carlton Earl.   AARON BRANNAN was a man whose life was one of signal honor and usefulness, and he left an indelible impress upon the civic and industrial composition of Williams county, being a representative of one of its pioneer families and here rising to a position of distinctive prominence and influence. The Brannan family is of staunch Irish origin, and the original American progenitor was Hugh Brannan, who was born in county Donegal, Ireland, on the 1st of April, 1798. He was reared and educated in his native land, where he remained until he had attained the age of twenty-two years, when he immigrated to America and took up his abode in Columbiana county, Ohio, where he engaged in agricultural pursuits, which there engrossed his attention until 1846, when he came to Williams county, where he entered a tract of land in Superior township, the locality becoming known later as Brannan's Corners. There he continued to be engaged in general farming until his death, which occurred May 25, 1866. He was a man of strong mentality and sterling character and was held in unqualified esteem in the community. He was a Whig in politics and both he and his wife were consistent members of the Church of Christ. He married Miss Rebecca Burson, who was born in Columbiana county, Ohio, in 1803, being a daughter of Joseph Burson, of Salineville, that county. They became the parents of five children, namely: Betsy Jane, who married Robert Scott; John, who married Jane Custard, and Frank, who married Susanna Ewan, are both deceased; Katherine, who married Nathan Ewan; and Aaron, who is the immediate subject of this memoir. Aaron Brannan was born in Columbiana county, Ohio, on the 10th of February, 1835, and was thus eleven years of age at the time of the family removal to Williams county, in 1846. Here he was reared under the conditions of the pioneer days, securing a common school education, which he effectively rounded out through the mental discipline acquired by self effort and through active asso-   298 - HISTORY OF WILLIAMS COUNTY   ciation with men and affairs during the course of a long and useful life. After leaving school he remained on the home farm with his father for a number of years and he then became associated with his brother Frank in the lumber business, operating a sawmill, located near the home farm, until within fifteen years of his death. While he was not always actively engaged in milling and farming he continued to retain his interests in these enterprises. In 1866 he engaged in the manufacture of hubs and spokes in Bryan, continuing the business until 1869, when he sold the same. He then returned to the farm on which he remained until 1880. In the latter year Mr. Brannan erected a palatial brick residence in Bryan, and this was his home during the remainder of his life, though during the decade from 1885 to 1895 he was associated with his son-in-law, Adelbert P. Chilson, in the hardware business at Butler, Ind., where he passed much of his time. In 1895 he retired from active business and he passed the remainder of his life in his home in Bryan, where he died on the 1st of February, 1898. He was an earnest and zealous member of the Church of Christ, as was also his wife, and he with others was instrumental in securing the erection of the Church of Christ in Bryan, in which he served as elder from that time until his death. In politics he gave an unwavering allegiance to the Republican party, ever taking an intelligent interest in the questions and issues of the hour, but never seeking official position of any order. May 24, 1856, Mr. Brannan was united in marriage to Miss Salina Jane Knepper, daughter of Jacob and Mary (Morgan) Knepper. Jacob Knepper was born in Fayette county, Pa., October 2, 1803, and was a son of William and Elizabeth Knepper, who emigrated from Germany to America in an early day and located in Pennsylvania, where they remained until 1816, when they came to Columbiana county, Ohio, being numbered among the early pioneers of that section. In 1833 Jacob Knepper married Mary Morgan, who was born October 13, 1807. She was a daughter of Jeremiah Morgan, who was a soldier in the war of 1812, being killed at Fort Meigs, his son John being also a participant in the same war. Jacob and Mary Knepper came to Williams county in 1852 and located in Superior township, where the latter died on the 28th of June 1855, while the former survived until August 11, 1879. Concerning the children of Aaron and Salina J. (Knepper) Brannan the following brief record is given, the loved mother having been born November 29, 1838, and having been summoned to the eternal life on the 22d of January, 1886, a sincere and devoted member of the Church of Christ: Fossie, born November 8, 1858, is the wife of Adelbert P. Chilson, and they occupy the beautiful old Brannan homestead in Bryan, Mr. Chilson having recently purchased the property. He is employed as traveling salesman for the Cleveland Co-operative Stove Company. Mr. Chilson was born in Georgetown, Defiance county, February 15, 1855, being a representative of one of the well known pioneer families of this section of the Buckeye state. Mr. and Mrs. Chilson have one son, Earl, born November 6, 1896. Ora Roe Brannan, born January 7, 1862, died   BIOGRAPHICAL -299   February 3d of the following year. Emmett, born May 17, 1864, died on the 20th of the following July. Prilla, born October 31, 1865, resides with her sister. Mrs. Chilson, in the city of Bryan, and is the owner of the old homestead farm which was pre-empted by her grandfather, Hugh Brannan. Katherine, born June 8, 1872, is the wife of Arthur McCormack, of Cleveland, in which city she took up her residence in 1895. For fiye years she was engaged as a contralto singer in St. Paul's Episcopal church and at present with the Euclid Avenue Church of Christ. Lulu, born April 27, 1874, resides in Cleveland and is a solicitor for the New England Mutual Life Insurance Company, having gained a high reputation in her chosen vocation.   JAMES BRANNAN, former county commissioner of Williams county, and one of its representative farmers, is the owner of nearly three hundred acres of fine land in Superior township. He has found no reason to regret his association with the great basic industry of agriculture, through which he has gained success and found enjoyment and happiness. He was born in Columbiana county, this state, on the 11th of May, 1847, and the earliest genealogical data available indicate that his grandfather, Frank Brannan, was born and reared in Ireland, while the first definite information concerning his career in America is that of his being numbered among the pioneers of Columbiana county, O., where he was successfully engaged in farming. He married Margaret Martin, and they became the parents of three children: John W., father of the subject of this sketch; Martin, deceased, and Francis, who is a resident of Central City, Neb. Frank Brannan passed the closing years of his life in Columbiana county, Ohio. After his death Mrs. Brannan, in 1847, came to Williams county with her three sons. where she died. Both she and her husband were communicants of the Presbyterian church. John W. Brannan was born and reared in Columbiana county, and his vocation throughout life was that of farming. In 1847 he came to Williams county and located in Superior township, where he became the owner of a farm, upon which he continued to reside until his death, which occurred October 12, 1859. He was an elder in the Presbyterian church, of which his wife also was a member, and in politics was a stanch Democrat, haying held the offices of justice of the peace, trustee and assessor in Superior township, where he was held in high regard by all who knew him. His wife, Margaret, who died in 1896, was a daughter of John McQuilkin, of Columbiana county, and of their seven children it may be recorded that Frank L.