400 - HISTORY OF WILLIAMS COUNTY stead, where he is successfully engaged in general farming and breeding short horned and Polled Durham cattle. As a Republican he has held the office of township trustee, and at present he is a member of the school board. He is a member of Camden Lodge, No. 312, Independent Order of Odd Fellows, the organization of the Patrons of Husbandry, being a member of Acme Grange of South Camden, and is also a member of the National Grange. In 1881 he was wedded to Miss Anna Tyrrill, of Hillsdale county, Mich., and the daughter of David Tyrrill, an early settler of the county where he ended his days. To F. M. Haughey and wife there have been born the following children: Minnie E., the wife of William Carrothers, of Camden township, Hillsdale county, Mich., by whom she has had one child, Francis by name; Nellie M., the wife of Otto Gilmore of the same township; Clara B., Evaline and Lura, all of whom are living. ALBERT C. HAUSE is the present incumbent of the responsible executive office of cashier of the First National Bank of Montpelier, and is a member of a family whose name has been identified with the annals of Williams county for half a century. Mr. Hause was born in Superior township, this county, on the 6th of March, 1871, and is a son of Samuel and Margaret (Beard) Hause. His grandfather. William Hause, was native of the State of Maryland, where the family was early founded, and he was for many years engaged in the meat-market business in Hagerstown, where he died. His children were six in number, five sons and one daughter. Samuel Hause was born near Hagerstown, Md., and there was reared and educated, being identified with agricultural pursuits in that locality until his removal to Ohio in an early day. He first settled in Seneca county, later removed to Clark county, having been engaged in farming in both localities, and about 1855 he came with his family to Williams county and purchased a tract of land in Superior township, where he has since maintained his home, having now one of the well-improved and valuable farms of the county and being one of the representative citizens of his township. His wife, who was likewise born in Maryland, is a daughter of Samuel and Sophia Beard. The children of this union are six in number, namely: Charles, who is a farmer of Superior township, as are also William and Daniel; Celia, who is the wife of George McIntosh, of Grand Rapids, Mich.; Albert C., whose name introduces this sketch; and Otis, who remains at the parental home. Mr. and Mrs. Hause are prominent members of the English Lutheran church, and he was for many years a trustee in the same, while his political adherence is with the Democratic party. He never sought public office, but consented to serve as township trustee at one time. Albert C. Hause passed his boyhood days on the home farm and secured his rudimentary education in the local schools, after which he con-tinned his studies in turn in the academy at Montpelier and the Normal schools at Ada, O., and Angola, Ind., while he later spe- BIOGRAPHICAL - 401 cially qualified himself for the office he now holds by taking a. course in Nelson's Business College, in Springfield, O. After leaving school he engaged in the agricultural implement business in Montpelier, where he also dealt in wool and clover seed, continuing to be thus engaged for a period of five years, manifesting that discriminating business. sagacity which has so significantly marked his career. In igoo he assisted in the organization of the First National Bank of Montpelier, of which he became assistant cashier, serving in this capacity until July, i9o4, when he was advanced to his present office of cashier, having shown much ability in handling the detail and executive affairs of this popular and substantial financial institution. He enjoys distinctive popularity in both business and social circles and is one of the representative young business men of his native county. In politics he is a loyal supporter of the cause of the Democratic party and in a fraternal way he is identified with the Masonic order. April 27, 1898, Mr. Hause was united in marriage to Miss Belle Pressler, daughter of Archibald and Angela (Hawkins) Pressler, of Montpelier, and they have one child. FRANK J. HAUSER, a prominent farmer and successful stockbreeder of Florence township, Williams county, O., was born in Baden, Germany, on July 2, 1823. His parents were Conrad and Catherine (Ritsenthaler) Hauser, both natives of Germany. Conrad Hauser was a farmer by occupation and with his wife a member of the Roman Catholic church. These parents lived and died in their native land, and to them there were born twelve children, of whom four sons are now living. Frank J. Hauser grew to manhood on his father's farm and received his education in the excellent schools of his native country. In 1849 he emigrated to the United States and first located in Huron county, O., where he spent a year and a half. Then he went to California and spent five years mining for gold. On his return to Ohio he located in Sandusky county, where he spent seven years. In 1863 he removed to Williams county and located on a farm of one hundred and twenty acres which he purchased in Florence township and on which he has since resided. After clearing this land he purchased eighty acres more, making a total of two hundred acres. He is engaged in general farming and in breeding short-horned and Polled Durham cattle and Shropshire sheep. In this double occupation he has met with marked success. He is a Democrat in politics and with his wife a member of the Roman Catholic church. On April 7, 1858, he was wedded to Miss Amelia Brosemer, born in Seneca county, O., on October 7, 1841, the daughter of Landolin and Elizabeth (Maer) Brosemer, both born in Germany, who emigrated with his parents. Valentine and Mary Brosemer, to the United States in 1833, settling in Seneca county, O., where Valentine Brosemer and wife both died the following year. Here Landolin Brosemer carried on general farming until his death in 1885, his wife having died in 26 402 - HISTORY OF WILLIAMS COUNTY 1881. He was a Democrat and a Catholic. To them there were born eleven children, only three of whom are now living. Frank J. Hauser and wife are the parents of twelve children, nine of whom are living. The names of the children are as follows: Anthony Frank, Charles Henry, Joseph (deceased), Mary Catherine (deceased), Daniel, Elizabeth, Nicholas, Rosa, Lena, Simon, Joseph (deceased), and Josephine. Of these Nicholas and Simonwork the home farm. Nicholas was educated in the common schools and married Ellen Kelble, of Williams county, by whom he has three children, viz., Amelia, Clateus and Oswald. Simon was educated in the common schools and Edon high school and lives with his brother Nicholas. CALVIN D. HAVERSTOCK, one of the progressive farmers of Jefferson township, is a native of the old Buckeye state, having been born in Wayne county, O., on Christmas day of the year 1868, and being a son of Joseph and Sarah J. (Lash) Haverstock, both of whom were likewise born in Wayne county. The father was born December 13, 1836, and his death occurred on the 11th of June, 1880, while his devoted wife passed away October 19, 1873. They became the parents of four children, of whom two died in infancy. Calvin D. is the elder of the two living, and his brother, Willis T., is a resident of Pueblo, Colo., where he holds a clerical position in the postoffice. Joseph Haverstock was a son of Tobias B. and Margaret (Koller) Haverstock, the former of whom was born March 29, 1792, and died September 8, 1855, while the latter was born November 29, 1797, and died in the year 1873. They became the parents of eleven children, all of whom are now deceased. Calvin D. and Willis T. Haverstock were reared on the homestead farm and after leaving the public schools the former was for a year a student in the Fayette Normal University, in Fulton county, O. In 1880 the two brothers came to Williams county, and for a time made their home with their uncle, George Haverstock, one of the well known farmers of Superior township. For two years Calvin D. was engaged in the grocery business at Montpelier, this county, being associated with his brother in this enterprise. He also clerked in a drug store about eighteen months, and for an equal period was secretary of a building and loan association. In 1895 he came to Jefferson township and purchased what was known as the Wine-land farm, comprising eighty acres, in Section 31, and here he has since been successfully engaged in general farming and stock-raising, having one of the model farms of the county. In the autumn of 1904 he was elected trustee of Jefferson township, for a term of three years, and he is loyal to all duties and responsibilities of citizenship and an ardent supporter of the cause of the Republican party. On the 8th of June, 1892, was solemnized the marriage of Mr. Haverstock to Miss Jessie Miller, who was born in Richland county, O., being a daughter of Benjamin F. and Mary (Murray) Miller. The former was born in Richland county, O., June 10, BIOGRAPHICAL - 403 1842, and his death occurred Marcie 20, 1904. He was a valiant soldier of the Union during the Civil war, having been a member of Company H. Fifteenth Ohio Volunteer Infantry, and having received his discharge on account of physical disability. His marriage to Miss Mary Murray occurred September 5, 1864, and she died December 25, 1871, while of their four children three died in infancy. April 6, 1875, he married Miss Iza Ransom, who survives him, as do their two children, Roy C. and Ina Ruth, the family home being in Jefferson township. Mr. and Mrs. Haverstock have no children. WILLIAM WISNER HAVILAND has maintained his residence in Williams county since 1866 and is one of the successful farmers of Madison township, while he is also engaged in the manufacturing of lumber, having a well equipped saw mill on his farm. Mr. Haviland is a .native of the old Empire State of the Union, having been born in Patterson, Putnam county, N. Y., on the 2d of May, 1833, and being a son of Isaac and Laura (Baldwin) Haviland, both of whom were born in that state, where they passed their entire lives, the father having been for many years engaged in the clothing business. His wife was a zealous member of the Baptist church, and in politics Mr. Haviland was a stalwart Democrat. They became the parents of five children, of whom only two are living, William W. and his brother, Comfort F., who resides in Pioneer, Williams county. Birdsel Haviland, father of Isaac, was born in Canada, whence he immigrated to America, locating at Patterson, Putnam county, N. Y., where he married Ann Towner. They passed the closing years of their lives in Ithaca, that State. One of his brothers was a colonel in the British army during the war of the Revolution. Laura (Baldwin) Haviland was a daughter of Daniel and Betsey (Field) Baldwin, the latter of whom was a relative of Cyrus W. Field, through whose efforts was laid the first Atlantic telegraphic cable. William W. Haviland was reared to maturity in the State of New York, having received his educationahe discipline in the common schools at Towner and in Amenia Sen inary, at Amenia, Dutchess county, N. Y. In 1854 he came to Ohio and located in Burlington, Fulton county, and from that place he removed to Hillsdale county, Mich., where he turned his attention to farming and where he continued to reside until 1866, havin been a prominent and popular resident of the county, and having served as township tax collector and treasurer. Prior to his coming; to Williams county he spent one year with Yankee Robinson's big show, traveling all over the Northern and part of the Southern States. In 1866 Mr. Haviland came to 'Madison township, Williams county, where he secured a tract of one hundred and ten acres, the most of which he has individually reclaimed from the native forest, and here he has ever since resided, now having one of the valuable and finely improved farms of the county. In the early days he and his brother, Comfort F., put tip a sawmill on his fame, and this he 404 - HISTORY OF WILLIAMS COLNTY has since operated, manufacturing large amounts of lumber for local consumption, while he keeps his mill up to the modern standard in its equipment. He is one of the prosperous farmers and stock-growers of the county and has resided on his homestead consecutively since coming to the county. Mr. Haviland is an unfaltering advocate of the principles of the Democratic party. Ile has a host of friends in the county and is living in peace and prosperity. enjoying the rewards of his former years of toil and endeavor. Mary (Rogers) Haviland, first wife of the subject of this review, left two children at the time of her death : Clarence, who is engaged in the manufacture and sale of lumber at Pioneer, this county, married Ellen Delcamp, who died in 1882, leaving one child, May; Charles, who is associated in the work of the home farm, married Miss Sarah Saltzgarber, and they became the parents of four children, Mary (deceased), Alta, Ada, and one that died young. Eliza (Dcbcamp) Haviland, second wife of William W. Haviland, was born in Medina county, O., May 4, 1860, and she died March 17, 1903. The only child of this union was Florence, born November 2, 1883, and died August 31, 1902, aged eighteen years, nine months and twenty-nine days. ROBERT P. HAYS, one of the well fortified and representative members of the bar of Williams county, is engaged in the practice of his profession in the city of Bryan, where he is honoring his native county by his able and successful efforts in his exacting vocation. He was born in Jefferson township; this county, on the 8th of March, 1858, and is a son of James and Catherine (McCrea) IHays, both of whom were born in Beaver. Pa., the former on the 2d of July, 1823, and the latter on the 25th of May, 1826. They were numbered among the pioneers of Jefferson township, Williams county, O., where they took up their residence in 1854 and from whence they removed, in 1861. to Northwest township, this county, where the family residence is still maintained, though the father died on March 18, 1898, after having been for many years one of the leading farmers of that section. The genealogy of Robert P. Hays traces back to stanch Scotch origin, ancestors having emigrated from Scotland to Ireland in the reign of James I, of England, while both the paternal and maternal ancestors or founders of the American lines came to the New World from the Emerald Isle about 1820. William Hunter, a great-great uncle of the subject of this sketch served in the British army during the war of the American Revolution, taking part in the battle of Bunker Hill, and Thomas Hays, a great uncle, was in the British army during the Napoleonic wars and participated in the battle of the Pyramids. Robert P. Hays BIOGRAPHICAL - 405 passed his youth on the home farm, and in the district schools secured his preliminary education, which was later supplemented bv effective study in the graded schools of West Unity, Pioneer andI Montpelier, this county. From 1879 to 1887 he gave his attention principally to teaching in the public schools, and during the decade, from 1886 to 1896 he was a member of the hoard of school examiners of Williams county, and from 1890 to 1904 he was a member of the board of school examiners of the city of Bryan. O. In 1887 Mr. Hays began the study of law in the office and under the preceptor-ship of Thomas Emery, of Bryan, making rapid progress in his assimilation of the technicalities of the great science of jurisprudence and being admitted to the bar of his native State, before the supreme court, at Columbus, O., in December, 1889. In April of the following year he opened an office in Bryan, soon gaining recognition as a thorough and hardworking lawyer and laying the foundation for the large and representative clientage which he now retains. In June, 1892, he formed a professional partnership with Orwell J. SilIiman, tinder the firm name of Hays & Silliman, and this alliance obtained until the death of Mr. Silliman, in 1898, since which time, Mr. Hays has continue(] an individual practice. Mr. Hays is a stanch advocate of the principles of the Democratic party and has been an effective worker in its cause. He is affiliated with Bryan Lodge, No. 215, Free and Accepted Masons, and with Bryan Lodge, No. 221, Knights of Pythias. Mr. Hays remains a bachelor. WILLIAM A. HELD, M. D., is an able exponent of the beneficent and thoroughly consistent Homoeopathic school of medicine and is one of the leading physicians and surgeons of West Unity, where he controls a representative practice. He was born in Millcreek township, Williams county, O., on the 2d of July, 1868, and is a son of John H. and Eliza (Barr) Held, the former of whom was born in Lebanon county, Pa., in 1832, while the latter was born in Richland county, O., in 1835. Henry Held, grandfather of the doctor, was born in Germany, in 1790, and his wife, whose maiden name was Catherine Miller, was born in Baden, Germany, in 1791. They were married in the Fatherland, whence they came to America about 1820, locating in Pennsylvania, where they remained until 1835, when they came to Ohio and numbered themselves among the pioneers of Richland county, where Mr. Held became the owner of a good farm, having been a tailor by trade and having followed the same to a considerable extent in the pioneer community. He was summoned to the life eternal in 1867, his wife having passed away in 1864, both being Mennonites in their religious faith and practice. The maternal grandparents of Dr. Held were Adam and Elizabeth (Whisteler) Barr, both of whom were born in Pennsylvania, of German parentage, and they became pioneers of Richland county, O...where Mr. Barr passed the remainder of his life, his wife being a resident of Bridgewater township, Williams county, at the time of her demise. John H. Held 406 - HISTORY OF WILLIAMS COUNTY was reared on the home farm, in Richland county, and after receiving a common school education he learned the blacksmith's trade. In 1850 he came to Millcreek township, Williams county, where he followed his trade for thirteen years. He then removed to Hillsdale county, Mich., where he purchased a farm, upon which he resided for the ensuing fourteen years, at the expiration of which he returned to Williams county, where he has since resided. He owns a small farm in Millcreek township, but now makes his home with his son William A., subject of this review. His loved and devoted wife was summoned to the eternal life on the 15th of July, 1903, and of their six children four are living, two daughters having died in infancy. Laura is the wife of Frank Bavin, of Toledo; the Doctor is the next younger; Charles L. resides in Toledo; and Mary is the wife of Rufus Esterline, a farmer of Millcreek township. Dr. Held secured his preliminary educational discipline in the public schools of Ohio and Michigan and then entered the Fayette Normal University, at Fayette, O., and in 1893 he was graduated in the scientific department of the Tri-State Normal School, at Angola, Ind. In pursuing his higher education he depended largely upon his own resources, defraying much of the expense of his college work by teaching in the public schools at intervals, while he had recourse to the same means in meeting the expenses of his professional education. He took up the study of medicine in a private way and finally entered the Chicago Homoeopathic Medical College, in which fine institution he was graduated as a member of the class of 1897, duly receiving his degree of Doctor of Medicine. He forthwith established himself in practice in West Unity, and his success has been gratifying and unequivocal, attesting his technical skill and also his personal popularity in the community. Dr. and Mrs. Held have an attractive modern residence in their home town and are also owners of a good farm, comprising one hundred and thirty acres in Jefferson township, besides other property in West Unity. He is a member of the Williams County Medical Society and the Ohio Homoeopathic Medical Society, and his political adherency is with the Democratic party. On June 27, 1895, Dr. Held was united in marriage to Miss Bertha Fenimore, daughter of John H. Fenimore, of West Unity, of whom individual mention is made on another page. Mrs. Held was born in Jefferson township, Williams county, O., on June 16, 1874, and received her education in the Wset Unity schools, graduating from the high school in 1892. Dr. Held and wife have two children—Verile I., born February 1, 1897, and Geneva M., born September 12, 1899. JOHN HELLER, a prominent farmer of Bridgewater township, Williams county, O., was born in Dauphin county, Pa., on December 7, 1829. He is the son of Jacob D. and Margaret (Daniels) Heller, both natives of Pennsylvania. Jacob D. Heller, the son of John Heller, who lived and died in the Keystone State, was reared on a farm and educated in the common schools of his native county. In 1838 he removed to Crawford county, O., where he cleared and improved a BIOGRAPHICAL - 407 farm and there died at the advanced age of eighty-four years. His widow survived him four years. They first belonged to the Presbyterian church, but later in life joined the Lutheran church. Of the twelve children born to them the subject of this sketch was the fourth. John Heller grew to manhood on a farm and was educated by attending the pioneer schools a few months each winter in Crawford county, O. At the age of twenty-two he learned the plasterer's trade, which he followed for twenty years. In 1864 he purchased eighty acres of land in Bridgewater township, Williams county, and six years later settled on it. He has since added eighty acres to his original purchase. As this land was unimproved and heavily timbered it required a vast amount of labor to clear and prepare it for cultivation. By dint of hard work and untiring energy he has brought it to a high state of cultivation, making it one of the most desirable farms in Williams county. In politics he is identified with the Republican party. In 1869 he married Miss Eliza Pry, a daughter of Frederick and Ricca (Bowman) Pry, who were both natives of Germany and early settlers in Crawford county, O. To this union there have been born the following children: Clara, born January 8, 1871; Frederick, born January 28, 1873; William, born July 17, 1875; Albert, born April 11, 1879, and Ollie, born October 9, 1882, each of whom grew to maturity and received a good education. Mr. and Mrs. Heller are spending their declining years on the old homestead and rank high in the estimation of their life-long friends and neighbors. LEVI HENDRICKS, who is now living retired in Kunkle, was for many years actively identified with agricultural pursuits in this county and also had other business interests, while his efforts were so directed as to enable him to attain a competency. He has passed practically his entire life in Williams county and is a representative of one of its sterling pioneer families. He was born in Seneca county, O., February 18, 1836, and is a son of Jacob and Catherine (Ferrier) Hendricks, both of whom were born in Harrison county, this state, where the respective families were founded in the early pioneer epoch. Jacob Hendricks came to Williams county as a pioneer of 1838, locating in Jefferson township, where he reclaimed and otherwise improved a farm, and here his death occurred in 1869. He was a Democrat in politics, and he and his wife were consistent members of the Presbyterian church. They became the parents of four sons and five daughters, of whom three of the sons and two of the daughters are living. The mother died in 1859. She was a daughter of Rev. Andrew Ferrier, who was an early settler in Williams county, where he followed milling as a business, being also a clergyman of the Presbyterian church, laboring zealously for the uplifting of his fellow men. He passed the closing years of his life in the state of Indiana. Levi Hendricks was but two years of age at the time of his parents' removal to Williams county, and his earliest recollections touch upon the surroundings and operation of the pioneer farm, in which work he began to assist while still a boy. In the meanwhile he attended the schools 408 - HISTORY OF WILLIAMS COUNTY of the locality as opportunity presented, which was principally during the winter months when his services were not in requisition on the home farm. He continued to follow farming after attaining maturity and has owned several good farms in the county, where he also operated a threshing machine for a number of years. In 1866 he engaged in the operation of a sawmill, making a success of the enterprise, and he is now living essentially retired in Kunkle, where he has made his home since 1885, being held in high regard in the community. In 1862 he became a member of a company of home guards, and in 1864went to the front as a member of Company D, One Hundred and Forty-second Ohio Volunteer Infantry, serving four months and then receiving an honorable discharge. In 1865 he re-enlisted, for a term of one year, in Company H, One Hundred and Ninety-seventh Ohio Volunteer Infantry, with which he continued in service until victory crowned the Union arms and the war ended. In politics Mr. Hendricks is aligned as a supporter of the principles of the Democratic party, and both he and his wife are members of the Presbyterian church. In 1857 Mr. Hendricks was united in marriage to Miss Fannie Greek, daughter of Frederick Greek, an honored pioneer of Williams county, and of the eight children of this union seven are living. The eight children, in order of birth, were: Amelia, Burton A., Jennie, Almeda (deceased), Alvertis, Emma, Wesley and Charles. Mrs. Hendricks died in 1884, having been a consistent member of the Presbyterian church, and in 1894 Mr. Hendricks consummated a second marriage, being then united to Mrs. Mary E. Nisley, of this county. She was married to Jacob G. Nisley in 1862 and he died on August 6, 1892. To them were born three children: Charles F., Alonzo J. and William E., of whom Charles F. is dead. Mrs. Hendricks' maiden name was Mary E. Cooper, and her parents were Solomon and Louisa (Truitt) Cooper, residents of Seneca county, O. Burton A. Hendricks, a son of Levi and Fannie (Greek) Hendricks, likewise resides in Kunkle, and is one of the prominent farmers and business men of this section, his homestead, which adjoins the town, comprising seventy-four acres, while he also owns forty acres in .Millcreek township He has been prominently identified with saw-milling and threshing enterprises, and he passed six years in the city of Chicago, where he was engaged in setting and operating hoisting machinery, in which connection he assisted in the erection of the Auditorium and the Masonic Temple, two of the principal buildings of the great Western metropolis. He is a Democrat in politics and is a member of Kunkle Lodge No. 821, Independent Order of Odd Fellows. In 1896 he was married to Miss Sadie Wiley, who was born in Licking county, O., being a daughter of Lafayette and Alice (Hardesty) Wiley. Mr. and Mrs. Burton A. Hendricks have three children: Homer Bryan, Arthur Dewey, and Boyd Wiley. JAMES DELOS HILL, a welltiknown and able member of the bar of Williams county, is now cashier of the Montpelier National Bank. Mr. Hill was born in Osceola, Tioga county, Pa., on the 23d of Sep- BIOGRAPHICAL - 409 tember, 1860, and is a son of Edwin R. and Henrietta L. (Tharp) Hill, the former of whom was born in Lockport, N. Y., September 21, 1820, while the latter was born in Osceola, Pa., January 4, 1827. James D. Hill passed his youthful days in Noble county, Ind., being reared to the sturdy discipline of the farm, and after duly availing himself of the advantages of the public schools he entered the Michigan Agricultural College, near Lansing, Mich., where he remained as a student for four years. In June, 1888, Mr. Hill was admitted to the bar of Ohio. Shortly afterward he opened an office and began the practice of his profession in Montpelier, where he has since maintained his home and where he built up an excellent professional business. In politics he is numbered among the stalwart Republicans of Williams county, where he has been an active worker for the advancement of the party cause. He was a delegate to the Republican national convention in 1904. He served one term as mayor of Montpelier, 1891-3, and was the first secretary of the Montpelier municipal water and lighting plant and system, having superintended the construction of the plant. In 1898 he was elected prosecuting attorney of Williams county, serving one term and making an excellent record as public prosecutor. In 1899 he was elected cashier of what is now the Montpelier National Bank, which executive office he yet holds. July 6, 1892, Mr. Hill was united in marriage to Miss Emma Diebley, daughter of Joseph and Catharine Dieblev, and she died on the 5th of July, 1894, leaving no children. May 31, 1898, Mr. Hill married Miss Grace L. Stainthorpe, daughter of George and Margaret Stainthorpe. of Montpelier, and they have two children: Margaret L., born September i6, 1899, and Henrietta L., born October 30, 1901. SAMUEL HIMES, one of the representative farmers and stock-growers of Pulaski township, is one of those sterling citizens whom memories link the pioneer epoch in this section with the latter days of opulent prosperity and material advancement, his parents having settled in Williams county more than sixty years ago, and he has personally stood for the highest standard of citizenship and is one of the valiant soldiers contributed by this county to the Union forces; during the era of the Rebellion. Mr. Himes was born on the the homestead farm, in Pulaski township, this county, on the 9th of July. 1847, and is a son of John and Catherine (Ritter) Himes, both of whom were born and reared in Tuscarawas county, O.. where their marriage was solemnized and where they continued to reside until 1841, when they came to Williams county. Here the father secured forty acres of heavily timbered land, in Section 26. Pulaski township, and on the same he erected a log house of the type common to the locality and period, and this was the family home until 1866, when he erected a substantial frame house, which is still standing. He developed a good farm and was one of the honored pioneers and worthy citizens of the county. He was born on December 16, 1818, and attained a venerable age, his death occurring February I, 1903, while his devoted wife was summoned into eternal rest on the 20th of 410 - HISTORY OF WILLIAMS COUNTY March, 1901. Both were members of the United Brethren church, and in politics he was a supporter of the Republican party from the time of its organization until that of his death, while his rectitude of character and inflexible honesty of purpose retained to him the high regard of all who knew him. The theory of race suicide, so strenuously deprecated by President Roosevelt, could find no countenance in the family of this worthy couple, concerning whose twelve children the following data is offered: Melissa is the widow of Jacob Leichty and resides in Albany, Ore.; Emeline is the wife of James Silliman, of Pulaski township; Martha Jane is the wife of Jacob Schatser, of Bryan, this county; Samuel, subject of this sketch, was the next in order of birth; Mary is the wife of Jason N. Brandeberry, of Albany, Ore.; Sarah is the wife of Jerome Matthews, of Warsaw, Id.; Elizabeth is the wife of Curtis Shook, of Pulaski township; William is a successful farmer of Pulaski township, as is also Warren; Matilda resides in Toledo, O.; Margaret is the wife of Perry Garlock, of Bryan, and Maria is the wife of Harry Pease, of Indianapolis, Ind. Samuel Himes was reared on the homestead farm and early became inured to the sturdy work of reclaiming land and aiding in the cultivation of the same, while his educational advantages were those afforded in a somewhat irregular attendance in the local schools, which were of primitive order. In January, 1864, when sixteen years of age, he tendered his services in defense of the Union, enlisting as a private in Company D, Thirty-eighth Ohio Volunteer Infantry, Jacob C. Donaldson being captain of the company. The regiment became a part of the Western army, and Mr. Himes participated in the battles of Snake Creek Gap, Ga., Kenesaw Mountain and the battle of Atlanta, besides many skirmishes, and was with Sherman on his memorable march from Atlanta to the sea. He was severely wounded in an engagement near Jonesboro. He took part in the Grand Review at the National capital, and received his honorable discharge in July, 1865. After the close of his military career Mr. Himes returned to Williams county and soon afterward bought his present homestead of eighty acres, in Section 23, Pulaski township, the land being covered with the native timber, which he proceeded to remove, placing the farm under cultivation and making it one of the valuable farms of the county. He first erected a small log house, and in this kept "bachelor's hall" for several years, but in 19o4 he erected his present commodious and substantial modern residence; and other permanent improvements are of excellent order. All of the land is eligible for cultivation except fifteen acres, which are still covered with the fine timber of the pioneer days. Mr. Himes has won success through persistent and arduous effort and is one of the substantial farmers and honored citizens of his native county. He gives his support to the Republican party and takes a loyal interest in local affairs, though never seeking official position of any sort. On the 26th of December, 1894, Mr. Himes was united in marriage to BIOGRAPHICAL - 411 Miss Cassie Noonan, who was born in Crestline, O., on February 10, 1857, being a daughter of Cornelius and Mary (Zigler) Noonan, the former a native of Ireland and the latter of Pennsylvania. Mr. and Mrs. Himes have five children, as follows: Nellie Dale, Sylvia Ellen, Merlin Ellwood, Densil D. and Willard. Mrs. Himes is it member of the Methodist Episcopal church. GEORGE HINEMAN, a thrifty farmer of Center township, Williams county, O., is a native of Stark county of that State, where he was born September 12, 1841. He is the son of Frederick and Magdalena (Householder) Hineman, both natives of Strasburg, Germany. After their marriage they emigrated to the United States, and coming directly to Ohio, settled first in Stark county, and about the year 1848 removed to Williams county, where his wife died in 1877 and he two years later. To their marriage nine children were born, of whom seven are still living. He was a weaver by trade, a farmer and distiller by occupation, a Democrat in politics and with his wife a member of the. Lutheran church. The paternal grandparents of George Hineman were Frederick and Magdalena Hineman, both natives of Germany, who emigrated to America and settled in Stark county, where both spent the remainder of their lives. His maternal grandfather, after the death of his wife in Stark county, came to Williams county, where he died at a mature age. George Hineman was reared on his father's farm and received a common school education in the schools of Stark and Williams counties. He chose farming as his life work and now owns a farm of two hundred acres. At one time he was the owner of eighty acres near Melbern on the old Hanam place. While engaged in general farmnng, he has his place well supplied with good stock of all kinds. In public affairs he has always taken a deep interest and has held the offnces of school director and road supervisor. He is a Democrat in politics and with his wife a member of the Lutheran church. On December 21, 1867, he was united in marriage to Miss Barbara Niederaur, born in Baiern Kaiserlautern, Germany, July r5, 1847, the daughter of the brother of John Niederaur, mention of whom is made elsewhere in this work. To their marriage one son has been born, named Philemon D. Philemon D. Hineman was born in Williams county February 18, 1875, and received his education in the Bryan, O., public schools. Having chosen farming as his occupation, he located on a farm of one hundred acres, a part of the old homestead, where he follows general farming. In politics he is identified with the Democratic party and with his wife is a member of the German Lutheran church. In June, 1897, he was wedded to Miss Emma Marks, who was born in Cincinnati, O., March 21, 1815, and by her has two children. They are: Rutherford, born December 30, 1899, and George Loraine, born in September, 1902. These parents have also an adopted daughter, Flossie Hart. 412 - HISTORY OF WILLIAMS COUNTY JOHN HICKOX, justice of the peace of Pulaski township and a well-known citizen of Bryan, Williams county, O., is a native of the Canton of Bern, Switzerland. where he was born August 29, 1843. His parents were John and Elizabeth (Rhodes) Hickox, both natives of Switzerland. In May, 1853. John Hickox, with his wife and five children, emigrated to the United States, landing at New York city. From there they went to Buffalo, N. Y., and three months later crossed Lake Erie to Portage county, O., where they located on a farm and resided for many years. In 1890 John Hickox removed to Trumbull county, O., where he died ten years later, aged eighty-three years. His widow survived him one year, dying at the age of eighty-five years. They were the parents of eight children, all of whom are still living. They are: John, the subject of this sketch; Alice, the wife of Frank Higgins of Minnesota ; Emil of Trumbull county ; Lena, the wife of Edward White of Geauga county, O.; Rose. now Mrs. White of Geauga county; Albert, a resident of the State of Missouri; Frank of Geauga county, and 'William of South Dakota. John Hickox lived on his father's farm until he was twelve years old, when he made his home until twenty-three years of age with Judge Foster of Portage county. His education was such as the common schools of that day afforded. In December, 1870. he came to Bryan and married Miss Isabell Ames, whose parents were then deceased, but old residents of Williams county. Returning to Portage county with his wife, he followed general farming for the next three years. In 1873 he removed to Williams county and located on a farm one mile southeast of Bryan. Here he followed farming until 1goi. when he became a citizen of Bryan. In pohtics he has always been an earnest Democrat, serving as trustee of Pulaski township for two terms. In 19o2 he was elected nstice of the peace, which position he still holds. He has been a Mason for more than forty years. having been made such by the Garretsville, O., lodge. Mrs. Hickox was born in Pulaski township in 1848 and died in 1901. She was the daughter of William Ames, a pioneer farmer of the county. No children were born to this marriage. JOHN HINKLE. a well-to-do and highly respected farmer of Edgerton, Williams county, O., was born in Hicksville, Defiance county, of that State, January 3. 1849. He is the son of Streper and Olivia (Barker) Hinkle, the former a native of Pennsylvania and the latter of New York State. His grandparents were Joseph and Elizabeth (Streper) Hinkle, both natives of Pennsylvania. Joseph Hinkle, after the death of his wife in her native state, came to Williams county, O., in 1862, and died there the following year. The maternal grandparents of John Hinkle were William and Electa (West) Barker, who settled in DeKalb county. Ind., in 1836, where both died, Electa in 1838 and William in 1839. His great-grandfather. Hinkle had twelve sons and one daughter. Streper Hinkle was born in Northampton county, Pa.. February 8, 1814. He grew to manhood at home, rc ceiving a fair public school education, and in 1836 removed to Hicksville, O. In 1857; he removed to Williams connty, settling on a farm BIOGRAPHICAL - 415 in St. Joseph township, where he lived nine years, then sold and bought another farm in the same township, where he died November 19, i9o, aged eighty-nine years, nine months and eleven days. While a blacksmith by trade he made farming his chief occupation. He was the owner of a fine hundred-acre farm, a Democrat in politics, and for some years a trustee of St. Joseph township. He and wife were the parents of eight children, of whom only two are living, John and his brother Edward of DeKalb county, Ind. His wife died in April, 1874, aged nearly fifty years. John Hinkle grew to manhood on his father's farm, receiving a fair common school education, and chose farming as his life's work. The old homestead of one hundred acres now belongs to him. For twenty-two years he resided in DeKalb county, Ind., where he served as justice of the peace for four years. In politics he is a Democrat and with his wife and two daughters a member of the Methodist Episcopal church. On July 4, 1876, he was wedded to Miss Emma E. Hunt, a native of Barry county, Mich., born near Kalamazoo, July 21, 1854, the daughter of Theodore and Hannah (Boughton) Hunt, the former born in Seneca county, Max20, 1826, and the latter near Albany, N. Y., April 19, 1829. Theodore Hunt is a son of Obediah Hunt, who settled at Fostoria, O., iin an early day and then moved to Iowa, where he died. The maternal grandfather of Mrs. Hinkle was Ebenezer D. Boughton, a native of New York, who came to Fostoria in an early day and settled on a farm near that city. He married Miss Mary Ann Hoyt, a native of Connecticut, who came with her parents to New York and then to Fostoria. Here Ebenezer D. Boughton and wife both died. To John Hinkle and wife four children have been born. Olivia, the eldest: child, was born in Williams county June 13, 1877, and was educated in the public schools of DeKalb county, Ind., and Butler high schoob. She married Charles F. Jackman, of Hamilton, Ind., and is the mother of one child, Electa Ellen. Theodore Streper, the second child, was born in DeKalb county, February 7, 1879, and educated in the public schools of that county. He is a farmer by occupation and was wedded to Miss Edna Maier of Williams county, in March, 1903. They have one child, Earl Emanuel. Lora Harriett, the third, was born in De-Kalb county, August 20, 1882. After graduating from the Indiana and Ohio public schools she took a course at the Angola Normal, and is now a successful teacher in Williams county. Orin Barker, the fourth child, was born in DeKalb county, April 19, 1885, and was educated in the public schools. He is now a student of the Tri-State Normal at Angola, Ind., where he is taking a business course. Mr. and Mrs. Hinkle are very proud of the attainments of their children in an educational line, for they have spared no effort to give them the best education the country afforded. Mrs. Hinkle herself was a teacher for five years before her marriage, having graduated from the Bryan, O., Normal. 416 - HISTORY OF WILLIAMS COUNTY DAVID HISSONG, a well-to-do farmer and highly respected citizen of Florence township, Williams county, O., was born in Bedford county, Pa., on January 6, 1831. His parents, John F. and Sarah (Prinkley) Hissong, were both natives of Bedford county. On April 1, 1831, they removed to Knox county, O., where they resided until 1854, when they came to Williams county. A year later they removed to Elkhart county, Ind., and, after spending a year there, to Richland county, O., where Mrs. Hissong died in May, 1857. Ten years after his wife's death, John Hissong died in Knox county, O. In politics he was a Democrat and with his wife a member of the Dunkard church. Of the eleven children born to them seven are yet living. David Hissong, until eighteen years old, grew up on his father's farm, receiving such an education as the common schools of that day afforded. Having learned the blacksmith trade, he followed that occupation, working first in Liberty, Knox county, and then in Independence, now Butler, Richland county, O., where he remained until 1871. Next he went to Michigan, spending a year in that State, then to Pleasant Lake, Ind., and from there to Alverado, Steuben county, Ind. After a year's sojourn at this point he came to Edon, where he followed his avocation for some years. Then he built the hotel at Edon and conducted that business for seven years. During this time he was engaged also in the livery and saw-mill business. In 1883 he purchased the farm of eighty acres on which he has since resided. After clearing the land he erected a dwelling on it which was destroyed by fire in 1899. Later he built his present residence and in 1902 a fine barn. He devotes his time to general farming and stock raising. In politics he is identified with the Democratic party, having served as Mayor of Edon for a short time and as a member of the district school board. In religious matters he is identified with the Methodist Episcopal church. On December 29, 1853, he was united in marriage to Miss Marrilla Patience Andrews of Richland county, O., and their union was blessed by eight children. Their names follow: Sarah Marrilla, Thomas B., deceased; Cynthia Ann, Ida, deceased; Nancy Elzina, Millie Alberta, Francis, Iona and James Chester. His wife having died on February 3. 1896. David Hissong was united in the bonds of wedlock to Mrs. Sara Jane Brown, nee Breeding, a native of Champaign county, O. MARTIN T. HODSON, a successful business man and capitalist of Pioneer, O., is a native of Bridgewater township, Williams county, having been born on December io, 1855. He is the son of Thomas Hodson, mention of whom is made in the review that follows this sketch. Martin T. Hodson was reared on a farm until fourteen years of age and received his education in the common schools of the county and the Pioneer high school. When fourteen years old he began clerking in a drug store, and at the age of eighteen embarked in business in Pioneer for himself. Today he is one of the oldest and most prosperous business men of Pioneer. On November 8, 1894, with J. A. Grant and George Young as partners, he organized the Pioneer BIOGRAPHICAL - 417 Banking Company, an enterprise that has met with unusual success. For ten years prior to the organization of the Pioneer Banking Company, he carried on the banking business under the name of the Pioneer bank. Mr. Hodson owns a farm in Bridgewater township, one in Madison township, and valuable property in Pioneer. He built an elevator in Pioneer, and in 19o4 organized the Pioneer Elevator Company, of which enterprise he is a stockholder, a director and secretary. As a money-lender he holds quite a prominent place. In politics he acts independently of the political parties, preferring to use his own judgment in the selection of candidates for office. In 1879 lne was united in marriage to Miss Emma Eggleston, the daughter of Daniel and Sarah (Weaver) Eggleston, of Williams county. Daniel Eggleston settled in Williams county in an early day and he and wife spent their lives there. He was a farmer, a Republican, and with his wife a member of the United Brethren church. The following children were born to Mr. Hodson and wife: Fred M., educated in the Pioneer high school and at the Ada, O., Pharmacy school, from which institution he graduated at the age of twenty years, and is now in business with his father; Minnie B., who died, aged two years and eleven months, and Richard, who died at the age of eight months. THOMAS HODSON, who was one of the sterling pioneers of Williams county, is most consistently accorded a memorial tribute in this publication. He removed from Richland county to Williams county more than half a century ago, and here lived a life which was useful and exemplary in every relation. He was born at Navenby, Lincolnshire, England, on the 28th of April, 1814, being a son of George and Sophia (Sibcey) Hodson, both of whom were likewise natives of Lincolnshire, while the former was a son of Martin Hodson, who was born in Bedfordshire and who was steward of the Duke of Bedfordshire. At the age of fourteen years George Hodson took up his residence in Navenby, where he served an apprenticeship at the trade of wheelwright. In 1815 he served as sergeant in the English army, in the war with France. He died in 1823, and four years later his widow, who was born in 1791, became the wife of William Dobbs, with whom she came to America in the same year, being accompanied by six of the seven children of her first marriage. They came to Ohio and settled on a pioneer farm in Richland county, where both Mr. and Mrs. Dobbs passed the remainder of their lives. Thomas Hodson attended school in his native land until he was about twelve years of age, when he came with his mother and stepfather to the United States, being reared to manhood in Richland county, O., where he assisted in reclaiming wild land and in the other details of farm work in the pioneer epoch. On the 13th of August, 1840, he was united in marriage to Elizabeth Stephenson, a daughter of Levi Stephenson, who came to Ohio from Pennsylvania about the year 1814. Seven years after his marriage Mr. Hodson came to Williams county and purchased nearly seven hundred acres of land, and in 1854 he came with his family and took up a permanent residence 27 418 - HISTORY OF WILLIAMS COUNTY in this county, passing one year in Bridgewater Center and then taking ill) his residence on his landed estate, a large portion of which he -claimed from the virgin forest. In 187o he removed from the farm to the village of Pioneer, where he passed the remainder of his life. [e was for many years one of the most prominent and influential citizens of the community in which he lived, and he was honored with election to various township offices, ever commanding the unqualified respect of all who knew him. During the many years through which he practiced law in the justice courts he achieved remarkable access, having gained a comprehensive knowledge of the law through areful reading and through his experience, though he was never ormally admitted to the bar. He was affiliated with the Masonic fraternity, the Independent Order of Odd Fellows and the Grange, awing been the first president of the first Grange organized in Pioneer. Being essentially a student and thinker, he spent many of his leisure hours in his library, which was exceptionally comprehensive and select. This worthy pioneer passed to his reward in 1894, and his wife died in 1904. Concerning their children the following is a grief record: George is a resident of Superior township; Mary A. is he wife of Andrew J. Bostater, of Montpelier; Jobe is the subject of further mention in this connection; Sophia, who is the widow of fenry Umbenhauer, resides in the city of Toledo; Minerva is the wife of George Letcher, of California; Martin T. resides in the village of Pioneer, and John H. is deceased. Jobe Hodson, the second en of Thomas and Elizabeth (Stephenson) Hodson, was born near Mansfield, Richland county, Ohio, on the 17th of July, 1845, and came with his parents to Williams county in 1854. Here his youth was passed after the manner of the average young man of the locality and period. He gave himself to arduous toil on the home farm during the summer seasons and to earnest study in the local schools during the winter terms, supplementing his common school discipline with a course of study in the normal department of Mykrantz Hall, in Bryan, this county. He taught in the district schools for twelve years during the winter terms, but continued to reside on the home farm, in Bridgewater township, and after the homestead came into his possession, in 1873, he made noteworthy improvements on the place, which he developed into one of the best in the township. He also built and operated a creamery on the farm, giving it his personal supervision for a number of years and until failing health admonished him to abate his strenuous labors and close application. He accordingly turned the farm and creamery over to his son John, who has since had the management of the place, and has given it the name of Spring Brook Stock farm, devoting it especially to the breeding of pure-bred cattle, swine and sheep. Mr. Hodson and wife then removed to the attractive village of Montpelier, in February, 1898. Here, aside from attending to his private business and fulfilling his executive duties as vice-president of the Montpelier National bank, he is living a retired life. In politics -Mr. Hodson is an independent Democrat, and where no important issues are involved he votes for BIOGRAPHICAL - 419 men rather than being restricted to close partisan lines. He is of a retiring disposition, and has always put others forward rather than himself. Though frequently urged to become a candidate for public office, only in one instance has he permitted his name to be used in such connection. In religion he is essentially a humanitarian, having a reverence for spiritual verities, but being a rationalist and holding the golden rule as representing the best guide for all, regardless of sect or denomination, and he strives to be helpful to his fellowmen in all the relations of life. On the 11th of December, 1873, Mr. Hodson was united in marriage to Miss Sarah E. Hill, of Bridgewater township. She was born in the State of Pennsylvania, on the 28th of February, 1855, being a daughter of Edwin R. and Henrietta (Tharp) Hill, both of whom were born in the state of New York. Following are brief data concerning the childrn of Mr. and Mrs. Hodson: Thomas E., who married Miss Ada Grannis, daughter of Frank Grannis, is a resident of Montpelier; John, who married Miss Mabel Jerdin, resides on the home farm, as already noted; Martha is the wife of Andrew J. Bucklew, of Bryan; and Ray remains at the parental home and is attending the public schools of Montpelier. JOHN W. HOKE, undertaker and city clerk of Bryan, Williams county, O., was born at Tiffin, Seneca county, of that state, December 29, 1848. He is the son of Jacob and Polly (Murray) Hoke, both natives of Pennsylvania, the former born at Chambersburg, Franklin county, in 1823, and the latter in the same county in 1829. His grandfather was John Hoke, also a native of Franklin county, and of English descent. His maternal grandfather was Jacob Murray of Scotch-Irish extraction. Jacob Hoke removed from Pennsylvania to Ohio in 1846, settling in Seneca county. A year later he returned to Franklin county and was married. When he returned to Seneca county his parents and those of his wife came with him, and there they spent the rest of their days. Jacob Hoke was a farmer by occupation and, with his wife, a member of the German Reformed church. He died May 3, 1888, and his widow is still living. John W. Hoke was reared in Tiffin, where he attended the public schools. After graduating from the Tiffin schools he spent two and one-half years at Heidleburg college. Then for five winters he was engaged in teaching. On September 24, 1872, he was wedded to Miss Ettie Smith. After his marriage he removed to Attica, Seneca county, and engaged in the undertaking business with his father-intilaw, William Smith, who had been an embalmer at that place for many years. In December, 1885, Mr. Hoke purchased the interest of his partner and conducted the business by himself until 1894, when he sold out and removed to Bryan, taking up the same line. From the very start he has been unusually successful, his establishment being one of two in Bryan. In 19oo he was elected city clerk and two years later re-elected, but by legislative enactment his second term was cut short one year. In his third race for the office he was equally successful, so that he has served, altogether, five Years. Aside from his duties as city clerk he 420 - HISTORY OF WILLIAMS COUNTY has acted as bookkeeper of the electric light and water works plants of he city. In religious matters he is identified with the Methodist Episcopal church. He is an active Blue Lodge and Chapter member Of the Masonic Fraternity, a charter member of the Attica .lodge, Knights of Pythias, organizer of the Chicago Junction, O., lodge of the same society, and of the Maccabees, in which organization he has served as record keeper for the past ten years. He represented the Knights of Pythias three terms at the Grand Lodge of that order. Two sons have been born to John W. Hoke and wife. They are: Frank, who is now train dispatcher for the Baltimore and Ohio Railroad at Newcastle, Pennsylvania, and William, who is general manager of the Hicksville Telephone company at Hicksville, O. JOHN HOLLINGER, one of the progressive farmers of St. Joseph township, Williams county, O., was born in Sandusky county, O., February 12, 1852. He is the son of Charles Hollinger, who was the son of Bartlett and Caroline Hollinger; both natives of Bavaria, Germany, who emigrated to America in 1848. Their son Charles had married Philipina Hopp, in 1841, and all came to America together, locating in Sandusky county, O. Bartlett Hollinger and wife continued to reside in Sandusky county until their respective deaths, his death occurring about 1852 and hers in 1866. They had four sons and two daughters, viz: Henry, deceased; Charles, deceased; Fred, deceased; Jacob, who resides on the old original homestead in Sandusky county, O.; Elizabeth married John Snyder, a Mexican war veteran, both now dead; Harriet married Adam Miller, and both are dead. The latter were the parents of one daughter and, two sons, viz: Mary, who married Wm. Wick, and resides in Toledo, O.; John, deceased, and Adam, who resides on the old Miller homestead. Charles Hollinger and wife, Philipina, had three sons and seven daughters, all of whom are living. They are: Louisa, Charles, Harriet, Sarah, Ellen N., Caroline, John, Catharine, Jacob and Mary. Their father, Charles Hollinger, was born in Hamburg, Kingdom of Bavaria, Germany, on September 14, 1814, and died in Williams county, O., July 21, 1889. His wife, Philipina, was born in the same part of Germany, June 14, 1814, and died at the home of her son, John Hollinger, on January 23, 1905. They were both devoted members of the Evangelical Association, both uniting with the church at the same protracted meeting at Bettsville, Seneca county, O., in 1849. At the time of her death Mrs. Hollinger had thirty-four grand children and twenty great-grandchildren. Reared on a farm, receiving a fair education in the public schools of Sandusky and Williams counties, and having learned the carpenter trade, John Hollinger was well prepared to begin life's work. In 1867 he removed to Williams county, where he learned his trade and there plied it for a number of years successfully. With his savings he bought forty acres of land, in 1881, to which he added another tract of forty acres in 1896, the latter purchase lying just south of the former. He has brought this land to a high state of cultivation, having equipped it with all the necessary buildings. All this has BIOGRAPHICAL - 421 been done without receiving any assistance from his father. In politics he is a Republican, but in no sense an aspirant for public office. On religious matters he is quite liberal in his views. On September a, 1875, he was joined in wedlock to Miss Julia Suffel, born in Defiance county, O., March 29, 1857, the daughter of Peter and Sarah (Goeltzenleuchter) Suffel, the former a native of Germany and the latter of Ohio. Peter Suffel emigrated to America with his parents, Philip and Caroline (Radenbaugh) Suffel, in 1837, and coming to Ohio located in Defiance county and afterwards removed to Williams county, near Edgerton, where his father died in 1857 and his mother in 1885. He was a Democrat in politics and with his wife a member of the Lutheran church. They were married on February 8, 1855, and were the- parents of eleven children, six sons and five daughters. Those living are: Julia, wife of John Hollinger; Solomon H.; William; Sarah, wife of George Shaefer of Emporia, Kansas; Emanuel; Hannah, the wife of William Nihart of Center township, Williams county; Harriet, now Mrs. George Ward of Blakeslee, O.; Benjamin of Center township, and Peter T. Caroline, the eldest, and John, the tenth child, are dead. Peter Suffel died July 31, 1898, aged sixty-six and one half years, and his widow is still living, being sixty-seven years old. The paternal great-grandparents of Mrs. John Hollinger were Christian and Catherine (Deihl) Goeltzenleuchter, both of whom died in Germany. Her maternal grandparents were Henry and Catherine (Gilbert) Shaefer, who emigrated to the United States in 1837, the former dying in Stark county, O., in 1844, and the latter in DeKalb county, Ind., about 1856. To John Hollinger and wife one son has been born, Peter S., born February 7, 1879, educated in the public schools and a farmer, working on his father's place. John Hollinger is a member of Edgerton Lodge, No. 6o8, Independent Order of Odd Fellows, and his son, Peter, is also a member of the same lodge. All three are members of St. Joseph Rebecca Lodge, No. 151, of Edgerton, O. JAMES CHESTER HOLLOWAY, postmaster of Montpelier. Williams county, O., was born in- Bridgewater township of that county on March 31, 1851. He is the son of Chester S. and Caroline (Wood Holloway. both natives of Genesee county, N. Y., the former born in 1818 and the latter in 1828. His paternal and maternal grandfathers Chester S. Holloway, Sr., and Thomas W. Wood. both of English descent, were natives of the State of New York. Both families came to Lucas county, O., about the year 1808, and located west of the present site of Maumee. At that early day Toledo consisted of one double log house and Maumee was the chief trading point for that section of the country. The parents of James C. Holloway were married in Lucas county and in 1850 removed to Williams county, where the father bought land in Bridgewater township of the government for $1.25 per acre. The land was covered with dense forests, not a stick of timber having been cut within three miles of his purchase. Here the family resided, following general farming until 1880, when they removed to Montpelier. Chester S. Holloway was a Republican in 422 - HISTORY OF WILLIAMS COUNTY politics, and served as assessor for two terms, census taker for two terms and constable for a number of years. His wife was an ardent member of the Methodist Episcopal church, her father having been a prominent pioneer preacher of that denomination. She died in 1868 and was survived by her husband until 1890. The children born to these parents are as follows: William, a farmer of Bridgewater township; James Chester; Sidney, retail grocer of White Cloud, Mich.; Charles H., a farmer living six miles north of Grand Rapids, Mich.; Everett, a plasterer and brickmason of Montpelier. James Chester Holloway was reared on the farm in Bridgewater township and educated in the public schools. After leaving school he served an apprenticeship at the carpenter trade and then successfully followed that occupation for many years. In 1884 he came to Montpelier and engaged in building and contracting. Many of the best business buildings and private residences in the town were erected by him, among which may be mentioned the following: The Brannan hotel, the United Brethren church, the G. A. R. block, the C. C. Lattanner shoe store, the Miller & Lamberson hardware store, the Bordner property, the Collins drug store, the C. A. Shorter grocery store, and the residences of A. P. Rothenberger, Jobe Hodson, William Pew, J. M. Cummins, and his own. He was foreman of Boon & Company's sash and door factory for five years, treasurer of the Montpelier Union Agricultural Company for five years, and secretary of the same corporation for three years. In politics Mr. Holloway has always taken a deep interest, having served three years as township assessor, seven years as councilman of Montpelier and five years as a member of the school board. In 1898 he made the race for the nomination for county treasurer, and was defeated by the fraction of a vote, there being seven candidates. In November of the same year he was appointed postmaster by President McKinley and confirmed by the Senate in January, 1899. In 1903 he was reappointed by President Roosevelt. He is a charter member of the Montpelier Lodge, Knights of Pythias, a Mason and an Odd Fellow. On January 1, 1877, he was united in marriage with Miss Mary Adell Culhertson, a native of Wisconsin and the daughter of William Culbertson, who lost his life while serving as a soldier of the Union army in the late Civil war. To James C. Holloway and wife there have been born the following children : Arthur Ward, who is in charge of a news-stand in the post-office lobby; Eva Maude. the wife of Clarence Mann of Montpelier; and Carrie, who assists her father in the postoffnce. Mrs. Holloway and her two daughters are active members of the Presbyterian church. Arthur Ward Holloway married Miss Alice Batterson of Pioneer, O., and to this union has been born one son, Arthur Vane. CLAUDE EARL HOOVER, M. D., of Edgerton. O., was born at West Unity, Williams county, O., January 1, 1875. He is the son cf Andrew Joshua Hoover and Alice Ann (Ronk) Hoover. He attended the public schools at West Unity and graduated from the high school there in 1892. After his graduation he attended a course of   BIOGRAPHICAL - 423 lectures at the University of Michigan, preparatory to the study of medicine and surgery. In the summer of 1894 he matriculated in the Chicago Homoeopathic College and graduated in 1897 with the degree of M. D. After taking special hospital work he located at Edgerton, O., where he is now doing a large and lucrative general practice and making a specialty of the diseases of the eye, ear, nose and throat. The Doctor has made a careful study of the genealogical history of his family, in all its branches, and desires to preserve the same by its insertion in this volume. Claude Earl Hoover is the son of Andrew J. Hoover, born October i, 1846, and Alice Ann (Ronk) Hoover, born January 13, 18S3. Andrew J. lives at West Unity and has been engaged in the hardware business for thirty years. Claude E. Hoover; is the grandson of George W. Hoover, born July 29, 1823, died February 16, 1892, and Rebecca Martha (Bear) Hoover, born July 27, 182C, died December 1, 1878; great-grandson of Philip Hoover, who lived at Lebanon, Pa., and emigrated from Germany. Rebecca Martha Bear was the youngest daughter of David Bear, born December c; 1785, and Esther (Nailer) Bear, daughter of George Nailer, Esthe,, being born on January 31, 1788. David lived in Cumberland county, Pa., until the death of his wife, August 13, 1867, when he moved to Pulaski, O., to live with his son, Daniel, and he died there, May 22. 1873. David and Esther Bear were married, October 26, 1806. David was the son of Jacob Bear, born July 14, 1749, died July 14, 1793, wh married, June 10, 1775, Catherine Snyder, born 1752, died June 8 1817. Jacob Bear owned large tracts of land in the colony, after wards State of Pennsylvania. On the maternal side, Dr. Hoover's genealogy is as follows: Claude Earl Hoover, son of Alice (Ronk Hoover; grandson of James Ronk, Jr., born March 23, 1822, die(' March 6, 1904, married January 16, 1851, to Mary Money, born September 5, 1834, the latter still living. James Ronk, Jr., was th son of James Ronk, Sr., born September 30, 1781, died March 6. 1863, married April 16, 1807, to Hannah Radiker, born February ic, 1788, died April 22, 1878. James Ronk, Sr., was the son of Johannes Ronk, born 174o, and Wilhelmenia Sloat, born 1743, and the grandson of Johunnes George de Rank, born 16go, and Clara Wintenvyck, born 169-6. The last named Rank was a French Hugenot and was the founder of the family in America. He located at New Paltz, N. Y., and purchased 2,000 acres of land, which has descended into the family to the present generation, although not intact. Dr. Hoover is also the grandson of Mary Marcella (Money) Ronk, who was the daughter of John Money, born 1800, died 1861; married 1819 to Sarah Johnson, who died in 1847. The Rev. George Money, at one time (1876-7) representative from Williams county in the Ohio legislature, was a brother of Mary (Money) Ronk. John Money was the son of Elisha Money, born 1750, died 1846, married Mary Marcella Summers. Elisha Money was a soldier in the Revolutionary war. He and his wife were English people, and lived near Fairfax Court House, Virginia, owning a plantation and zoo slaves. George Johnson was the father of Sarah (Johnson) Money. He was of Irish 424 - HISTORY OF WILLIAMS COUNTY descent and was born in 1758 and died in 1838. He also lived in Fairfax county, Va., owning a large plantation and many negroes.George W. Hoover, grandfather of Claude E. Hoover, was of German descent. He moved to Ohio from Pennsylvania in 1853 and purchased a tract of land in Millcreek township, Williams county. He enlisted in the Union army, February 24, 1865, in Company D of the One Hundred and Ninety-fifth Ohio Volunteer Infantry, and served until December 18, 1865. His regiment was ordered to Harper's Ferry, where it did guard duty for a tine, and then went into camp at Winchester, Va., where it was at the time of Lee's sur-ender. The regiment was then ordered to Alexandria, Va., for pro7ost and guard duty. Dr. Claude E. Hoover married Jessie Fremont Kolland, August 25, 1898, and they have one son, Hilhs Rolland 3oover, born February 24, 1902. ELMER E. HOVERSTOCK, a prominent and successful merchant of Montpelier, Williams county, O., was born on the homestead farm on May 3r, 1865. He is the representative of a prominent family that came to Ohio from Pennsylvania in pioneer days. His grandparents were Tobias and Margaret (Kollar) Hoverstock. He is the son of George and Mary (Beam) Hoverstock, the father being a native of Wayne county, O., and the mother of the State of Pennsylvania. George Hoverstock was born or. March 19, 1818, and reared on the home farm, receiving only a limited education. In 1843 he made a journey on foot to Williams county, when it was still a heavily timbered wilderness, and two years later located on a tract of 4o acres in Superior township, which he at once began to clear, improve and cultivate. Subsequently he added to this tract, first eighty acres and then one hundred and. five acres, making a total of two hundred and twenty-five acres in the homestead. He was a successful farmer, served one term each as township trustee and road supervisor, and with his wife was a member of the Evangelical Lutheran church. On March 23, 1843, he was wedded to Miss Mary' Beam, by whom he had ten children. Their names follow: William, a resident of Toledo, O.; Margaret A., the wife of Robert Ogle of Superior township; Amanda, now Mrs. J. C. Crowl of Michigan; Harvey A.. of Florence township; Hiram, of Jackson county, Kan.; Albert, of Oklahoma territory; Franklin L., of Cowley county, Kan.;: Ida, the wife of J. M. Gibson, of Kansas City, Mo., and Elmer E., and one who died in infancy. George Hoverstock died at the homestead ;n 1901, his wife having preceded him nine months. Elmer E. Hover-stock grew to manhood on the home farm and attended the district schools and the Montpelier graded school. After leaving school he worked for his father on the farm for eight years and then rented the place for a like period of time. In 1897 he purchased the Creek farm of one hundred acres in Superior township, one mile west of Montpelier, where he has ever since made his home. In 1903 he embarked in the agricultural implement and buggy business in Montpelier, his salesroom being one of the largest in the town. Here he BIOGRAPHICAL - 425 has since built up an extensive and profitable business, the results of his untiring energy and scrupulous honesty. When only twenty-eight years old he was elected road supervisor of Superior township, ample proof of his high standing among his fellow citizens. In politics he is identified with the Republican party, taking a deep interest in public affairs. The lady whom he chose as his helpmeet on life's journey was Miss Elizabeth Rettig, who was born in Crawford county, O., in 1864, the daughter of Laurence and Elizabeth (Dargitz) Rettig, the former a native of Germany and the latter of Pennsylvania. Two children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Hoverstock, as follows: Flossie Neva and George Laurence. HARVEY A. HOVERSTOCK, a general farmer and stock-raiser of Florence township, Williams county, O., is a native of Superior township, having been born on the homestead on April 2, 185o. He is the son of George and Mary (Beam) Hoverstock, the former a native of Wayne county, O., and the latter of the State of Pennsylvania. George Hoverstock was reared on a farm and received such an education as the public schools of that day afforded. Coming to Williams county in an early day he located on a farm of forty acres in Superior township. After clearing and improving this tract he purchased one hundred and eighty-five acres additional, making a total of two hundred and twenty-five acres in the homestead. The accumulation of such a large body of land demonstrates that he was a man of push and enterprise. In politics he was a Republican, and with his wife a member of the English Lutheran church. Of the ten children born to George Hoverstock and wife nine are still living, one having died in infancy. The father died in1901, his wife having; died the year before. Harvey A. Hoverstock grew to manhood on the home farm and received his education by attending the district schools and Bryan high school. For twenty-one years he resided on a farm of eighty acres in Northwest township. In 1901 he sold this farm and with the proceeds purchased the farm of eighty acres on which he now lives. In the business of general farming and stock-raising he has been quite successful. Having always taken a deep interest in public affairs, he served as trustee and school hoard member in Northwest township for a number of years. He is a Republican, and with his wife is a member of the United Brethren church. On March 9, 1875, he was united in marriage with Miss Jennie Griffith. a native of Seneca county, O., whose parents, Joseph and Catherine Griffith, removed to Williams county and located on a farm in Superior township, one mile south of Montpelier, where both died. Joseph Griffith, in addition to farming, followed merchandising in Metz, Steuben county, Ind. To Harvey A. Hoverstock and wife three children have been born, all of whom are living. They are Berl Dever, who married Miss Blanche Hause of Williams county, by where he has had one daughter, Demerris; Mary Catherine, the wife of Mr. Hause and the mother of one son, Herald ; and Grace, who is now teaching in the Pioneer schools. 426 - HISTORY OF WILLIAMS COUNTY GEORGE HUBER, a retired merchant of Edon, Williams county, O., is a native of Germany, where he was born on April 1, 1826. His parents, Henry and Elizabeth (Myre) Huber, were members of prominent and highly respected families in their native country. Six children were born to them, of whom George and a daughter are the only ones now living. George Huber grew to manhood at the homestead and received a liberal education in the excellent public schools of Germany. On September 28, 1852, he landed at the port of New York and resided five years in the metropolis, working at anything that presented itself. From New York City he removed to Richland county, O., where he remained for a like period of tine. In 1863 he came to Florence township, Williams county, O., being the second man to engage in business in what is now the town of Edon. Here built up and conducted successfully for nearly fifty years the business that he disposed of in September, 1902. His long and successful career as a merchant has enabled him to retire with quite a snug competency from the cares of active business life. While always very active in business affairs, he has never been too busy to neglect public matters. For seven Years he served as assessor of Florence township and for three years was a member of the school board. In politics he is identified with the Democratic party, and, together with his wife, is a member of the Christian church. On December 12, 1852, he was joined in wedlock to Miss Elizabeth Stenger, born in Germany on January 20, 1833, the daughter of Adann and Julia (Dambrach) Stenger, both of whom lived and died in their native country. To George Huber and wife there have been born eleven children, of whom eight are yet living. The names of the children ollow: George H. (deceased), Charles (deceased), Emma, Katie (de-,cased), Mary, Charles, William J., Louisa, Henry H., Augustus A. end Julia F. In 1902 he and wife celebrated the fiftieth anniversary of their wedded life, on which occasion they were congratulated and substantially remembered by their relatives and numerous friends. WILLIAM A. HUFFMAN, one of the substantial farmers and representative citizens of Florence township, was born in Wayne county, O., on the 16th of November, 1852, and is a son of John and Anna (Hoffer) Huffman, the former of whom was born in Donegal township, Washington county, Pa., March 5, 1818, while the latter was born in Annville, Lebanon county, that state, February 13, 1822. John Huffman was a son of Jacob and Anna (Detwiler) Huffman, both of whom were born in the canton of Basel, Switzerland, whence they came to America in 1816, landing on the 28th of August. They settled in Pennsylvania, where the mother died about the year 1821, while Jacob Huffman passed the closing days of his life in Wayne county, O., where he died about a year after the demise of his cherished wife. John Huffman was a child of about three years at the time of his father's removal to Wayne county, O., and was left doubly orphaned shortly afterward, as noted in the above record of the death of his parents. In that county lne was reared to maturity, securing a BIOGRAPHICAL - 427 common school education, while at the age of sixteen years he entered upon an apprenticeship at the carpenter's trade, also learning the trade of cabinetmaking and becoming a master workman. On the 24th of March, 1842, he married Miss Anna Hoffer, a daughter of Isaac and Barbara (Hege) Hoffer, who were born and reared in Pennsylvania, where they were married and where the mother died in 1831. Soon afterward Mr. Hoffer removed to Wayne county, O., and in 1844 he came to Williams county and settled in Jefferson township as a pioneer farmer. Here he passed the remainder of his life, his death occurring in 188o, while his remains lie at rest in a consecrated spot on the old homestead farm which he secured so many years ago. In 1854 John Huffman purchased eighty acres of land in Madison township, Williams county, and in 1862 he located on the place, where he was thereafter engaged in general farming until his death, in 1867. His widow still resides on the old homestead, which is endeared to her through the memories and associations of many years. She is a devoted member of the Christian church, as was aheso her husband, and in politics he was originally a Democrat, but was affiliated with the Republican party at the time of his death. This worthy couple became the parents of nine children, namely: Elizabeth, deceased; Isaac, deceased; Barbara Anna; Lydia Jane, deceased; Wibliam Alexander, subject of this sketch ; Margaret Elmira; Alduhea Keturah : Jacob Frederick, deceased; and John Abraham. William A. Huffman passed his boyhood days in Easton, Wayne county, O., where he secured his early educational training, while later he attended school in Madison township, Williams county, where he was reared to manhood. He learned the carpenter trade, becoming a skilled artisan, and he followed this as a vocation for many years, while for seven seasons he was engaged in the threshing business, operating in Kansas, the Dakotas, Michigan, Indiana and Ohio. In 1878 he purchased fifty-six acres of land in Madison township, later disposing of this property and passing the following season as a bridge carpenter for the Wabash railroad company. In 1886 he purchased and took up his residence on his present farm, which comprises ninety-three and one-third acres of excellent land, in FIorence township, and he here gives his attention to diversified farming and the raising of an excellent grade of live stock, while the buildings and other permanent improvements are substantial, including a conlmodious and attractive residence. In his political adherency Mr. Huffman is a stanch Democrat, and lne has served as justice of the peace consecutively since 1891, his present and fifth commission expiring in 1906. He was a member of West Unity Lodge, No. 638, Independent Order of Odd Fellows, from which lne withdrew to become a charter member of Kunkle Lodge, No. 821, with which lie is now affiliated, as is he also with Blakeslee Lodge, No. 502, Knights of Pythias. April 8, 1886, Mr. Huffman was united in marriage to Miss Elizabeth Holstein, who was born in Germany, being a daughter of John Holstein, who came to Williams county about the year 1854, at 428 - HISTORY OF WILLIAMS COUNTY which time Mrs. Huffman was an infant. Mr. and Mrs. Huffman have no children. THOMAS INGRAM, a successful farmer residing near Edon. Williams county, O., was born in Wayne county, of that State. on November 17, 1833. Thomas and Elizabeth (Lees) Ingram, his parents, were born, reared and married in Ireland. In 1829 they emigrated to the United States, locating first in Wayne county, O. Here they resided until October 15, 1841, when they removed to Williams county, and in February of the following year settled on the farm of one hundred and twenty acres now owned by their son, Thomas. The clearing of this farm was begun by Thomas Ingram and completed by his son. In politics he always took a deep interest, being an enthusiastic Democrat, and he served one term as justice of the peace. He died at the homestead, in 1852, and was survived by his widow, an ardent member of the Presbyterian church, seven years. To their marriage there were born twelve children, five daughters and seven sons, of whom two died in infancy and ten grew to manhood and womanhood. Of this large family Thomas and two sisters are now the only survivors. Thomas Ingram, the subject of this sketch, was reared on the homestead and educated in the public schools. Since he came into possession of the home farm he has added twenty acres to it, so that he now owns one hundred and forty acres of some of the fine and most productive land in Williams county. With the exception of the eight months spent in the army, he has never been away from the farm for more than two weeks at a time. The farm is well equipped with substantial buildings and the land has been brought to a high state of cultivation. On February 22, 1865, he enlisted as a private in the One Hundred and Eighty-ninth Ohio volunteer infantry and served eight months, when he was discharged by virtue of the close of the war. In politics he is identified with the Republican party, and with his wife attends the Methodist Episcopal church, Mrs. Ingram being a member of that church. On November 26, 1857, he was wedded to Miss Magdaline Allman, born in Stark county, O., on May 7, 1839, the daughter of James and Margaret (Anspaugh) All:ian, both natives of Pennsylvania, who settled in Stark county in an arly day. The parents of James Allman were Ebenezer and Agnes (Carroll) Allman, who died in that county. The maternal grand-parents of Mrs. Ingram were Jacob and Barbara (Stair) Anspaugh, both natives of Pennsylvania, who came to Stark county in an early day and from there removed to Williams county in 1841. Here both spent the rest of their days. James Allman was a Democrat in poliics and a farmer by occupation. He died in 1846, aged forty years, and his widow lived until 1889, dying at the ripe old age of eighty years. To Thomas Ingram and wife there have been born nine children, all of whom are living. They are: Elwood, Margaret, John M., Carrie, James A., Susan, William C., Bessie L. and Ellen. BIOGRAPHICAL - 429 WILLIAM H. JACKSON. a successful farmer and skillful blacksmith of Pulaski township, Williams county, O., is a native of Massillon, Stark county, of that State, where he was born October 25, 1828. He is the son of Edward and Margaret (Smith) Jackson, both natives of Pennsylvania. His paternal grandfather, James Jackson, was a native of Virginia and a blacksmith by occupation. Christopher Smith, his maternal grandfather, was of German birth, who emigrated to America in an early day and served in the Revolutionary war under General Washington, and also in the Black Hawk war. Edward Jackson removed first to Stark county, O., where he resided severab years, and then to Ashland county. Later he removed to Blackford county, Ind., where he passed the remainder of his days. Although a farmer by occupation, he did a great deal of legal business. In poheitics he was first a Whig, then a Free Soiler and finally a Democrat. He and his wife, a member of the Friends' society, both died on the home farm in Blackford county, Ind. They were the parents of eight children, of whom five are yet living. The names of the children arc: William H.; Alfred, deceased: Jeremiah, a resident of Birdseye, Id.: George, of Blackford county, Id.; Mary Jane, deceased; Sarah Ann and Margaret, both of Blackford county, Ind.; and Samuel, deceased. William H. Jackson left home to battle with the world at the extremely earl- age of twelve years. Having served an apprenticeship of four years at the blacksmith trade, he, in 1844., plied that trade in Ashland and Richland counties for seven years. His health failing him, he abandoned blacksmithing and for three years conducted a hotel. Ong April i, 186o, he removed to Stryker, Williams county, O., and engaged for three years in the grocery business. Selling his grocery stock he invested the proceeds in the farm of sixty acres, where he now resides. To this tract he has added by purchase sixty-four acres, mak ing a total of 124 acres. This land, originally all wooded and quite rough, he has brought to a high state of cultivation, and substantially equipped it with all the buildings that go to make up a first-class farm: While engaged in general farming he has found time to do a great deal of work in the blacksmithing line for the neighboring farmers. He is a Republican in politics and a member of the Reformed church. On August 15, 1850, he was united in marriage to Miss Sarah Backenstow, a native of Richland county, O., who died on September 4, 1901. To them there were born the following children: Mary Jane. still at home; and Bertie Etta, the wife of George W. Bushong of Bloomington, Ill. HENRY L. JAQUES, a prominent and highly successful farmer near Edgerton, Williams county, O., was born in Defiance county, of that state, May 9, 1842. He is the son of Abraham C. and Anna Jaques, the former a native of France and the latter of Switzerland. Abraham Jaques emigrated to America in 1835 and settled in Defiance county, O., on land lying wholly in the woods, which he at once proceeded to clear. Later he removed to Williams county and cleared a farm of one hundred and sixty acres near Melbern. In politics he affiliated with 430 - HISTORY OF WILLIAMS COUNTY the Democratic party until the birth of the Republican party, when he became an ardent advocate of its principles. He and wife were German Lutherans in Europe, but after coming to America took membership with the German Reformed church. H. L. Jaques 'grew to manhood on his father's farm, helping to clear it, and receiving a fair public school education, ample to enable him to achieve success in life. He chose farming as his avocation and soon owned a fine farm of one hundred and fifty acres, which he gave to his son, L. E. Jaques. Then he bought the farm of eighty acres on which lie now lives a retired and contented life. On August 26, 1861, in response to his countr's call for defenders, he enlisted in Company A of the Thirty-eighth Ohio volunteer infantry and saw active service, having been wounded on December 25, 1863, in the battle in front of Chattanooga, and was discharged in May, 1864. While a stanch Republican in politics he has never asked for a public office. Being a Civil war veteran, he is naturally identified with Bryan Post, No. 149, Grand Army of the Republic. He was also a member of the Grange and, with his wife, a member of the Methodist Episcopal church at Melbern. On July 4, 1867, he was wedded to Miss Lucinda Shafer, a daughter of Amasa and Betsey (Hill) Shafer, pioneers of Williams county, both of whom died at Williams Center. There have been born to H. L. Jaques and wife three children: Lyle E., Lulti Estella and Alzie Wilmetta, who died February 25, 1886, aged three months and twenty-five days. Lyle E. Jaques was educated in the county schools and owns a fine farm of one hundred and fifty acres. He is engaged in breeding Shorthorned cattle and Shropshire sheep. He married Miss Susie Augusta Worthington of Williams county. They have three children: Paul Elden, Velma and Olin. Lulu Estella, educated in the public schools and in the select school of Bryan, is the wife of Oswell C. Stauffer, a teacher of Williams county. They have one child, Dale by name. ALVA SNYDER JOHNSON, a prosperous farmer of Northwest Township, was born in Superior township, Williams county, O., on April 27, 1862. He is the son of James R. and Rebecca (Larr) Johnson, the former a native of Beaver county, Pa., and the latter of Butler township, Columbiana county, O., where she was born August 16, 183o. His maternal grandparents were George and Hannah (McNutt) Larr, the latter a daughter of Benjamin and Hannah McNutt, both natives of Redstone, Pa., who came to Columbiana county, O., in an early day. After his death at Mt. Union, his widow, in 1854, removed to Jefferson township, Williams county, where she ended her days. His maternal great-grandparents were George and Esther Larr. James R. Johnson, the father of Alva S. Johnson, was reared on a farm and educated in the common schools of his native county. He was skilled in the art of writing. On August 26, 1861, he enlisted as a private in Company A of the Thirty-eighth Ohio volunteer infantry and died in the hospital at Lebanon, Ky., in March, 1862. In politics he was first a Whig and then a Republican. Of the eight children born to James R. Johnson and wife five sons and one daughter are still living. Alva BIOGRAPHICAL - 431 S. Johnson grew to manhood in Whitley county, Ind., and Northwest township, Williams county, O., and received his education in the common schools of those counties. His mother and family came to Williams county in 1869, where she has since resided. He has always followed farming for a livelihood and now owns fifty acres of valuable land, upon which he built a substantial brick residence in 1903. All this he has made by his own labor, having started with absolutely nothing. In politics he is an ardent Republican and has served as township road supervisor. He is a member of Northwest Lodge, No. 722, Independent Order of Odd Fellows. In 1887 he was wedded to Miss Lola M. Smith, born in Wood county, O., in September, 1865, the daughter of Joseph and Rebecca (Truckwell) Smith, citizens of Hillsdale county, Mich. To this union there has been born one son, Louis Victor, born on October 11, 1888, educated in the common schools and a farmer by occupation. James A. Johnson, a twin brother of Alva S. Johnson, was born in Superior township, Williams county, April 27, 1862, and received his education in the common schools. He is a farmer by occupation and owns a farm of eighty-six acres of land. In politics he is a Republican and has served for some years as constable. He is a member of Northwest Lodge, No. 722, Independent Order of Odd Fellows. On November 14, 1885, he was wedded to Miss Lettie Stallman, of Steuben county, Ind., who only lived eleven weeks after her marriage. Two years later he married Miss Alice L . Rockey, a native of Florence township, Williams county, and tin daughter of Jacob and Hannah (Mark) Rockey, the former a nativo of Germany and the latter of Florence township. To James A. Johnson and second wife there have been born three children. They an Hulda May, Elva Laota and Effie Celia. SIMON JOHNSON is one of those men of progressive ideas and liberal business policy who prove beyond all manner of doubt that the vocation of farming and stock-growing can be maintained at the same high standard of business management and resultant profit that can any other of the manifold calling to which men may direct attention. He is one of the most enterprising and successful representatives of the agricultural industry that can be found in Williams county, and is the owner of a .fine landed estate in Springfield township. Mr. Johnson was born in the adjoining county of Fulton, on the 30th of April, 1852, and is a representative of one of the honored pioneer families of this section of the Buckeye state. His father, George Johnson, was born in Lincolnshire, England, in the year 1807, being one in a family of seven children—five sons and two daughters. In company with his brother William, George Johnson came to America and settled in what is now German township, Fulton county, O., about the year 1835. They erected grist and saw-mills three and one-half miles north of the present village of Archbold, and the same were familiarly known for many years as "Johnson's Mills." The two; brothers mentioned continued the milling business in partnership until the death of George, in 1855. George Johnson was twice married. 432 - HISTORY OF WILLIAMS COUNTY His first wife bore the maiden name of Hannah Donutt, and their marriage is said to have been the first solemnized in what is now Brady township, Williams county. They became the parents of five children, one of whom died in infancy, the other four attaining maturity , namely: Sophia, Sabina, Mary Ann and William Henry, the last rationed having served as a soldier in the Civil war, from August, 2, until the close of the great struggle which resulted in victory the Union arms. Of the four children it may be stated that Suphia is deceased; Sabina resides in Europe; Mary Ann is a resident of Michigan; and William Henry makes his home in Garrett, Ind. After the death of his first wife, George Johnson married, on the 16th of November, 1847, Miss Catharine Krontz, who was born in Pennsylvania, and they became the parents of three children: Sarah, who was born September 19, 1848, and who is now the widow of William Ufer, being a resident of Springfield township, Williams county; Solomon, who was born March 2, 1850, and who is a prosperous farmer of Springfield township; and Simon, who is the immediate subject of this review. George Johnson died on the 28th of November, 1855, and in August, 1861, his widow became the wife of John Coy, of Springfield township, and on the loth of the same month she brought her family to Mr. Coy's home, in said township. Of this second marriage two children were born—Elmer J., who was born November 7, 1863, and who died in Chicago, Ill., January 30, 1899, and Uriah C., who was born January 8, 1868, and who is a successful farmer of Williams county, residing on the old homestead, south of Stryker. Catharine (Krontz) Coy was born May 13, 1829, being one in a family of ten children, and she died at the home of her only daughter, Mrs. Sarah Lifer, on the Loth of December, 1902. She was a devoted member of the Methodist Episcopal church, as was also her first husband, George Johnson. Simon Johnson was reared in Fulton and Williams counties, having been about nine years of age the time of his mother's second marriage and attendant removal to Williams county. He secured his educational discipline in the common schools and remained on the hone farm until he had attained his legal majority, since which time he has been engaged in farming and stock-growing on his own account. He was married in the year 1876 and then located on his present homestead, which is most attractively situated in Section 16, Springfield township. He first secured one hundred acres, to which he later added an adjoining sixty acres, so that the homestead now comprises a quarter section, while, a short distance from the home place, he owns another well improved farm of eighty-four acres, the same being in charge of his elder son, who resides upon and operates the place. Mr. Johnson has personally cleared more than sixty acres of wild land, and he has installed on his farms effective systems of tile drainage. He erected his present substantial farm residence in 1883, and five years later remodeled his barn, while the other buildings on his homestead are of excellent order. Mr. Johnson gives his attention principally to diversified agriculture, conducted on scientific principles and with the aid of modern BIOGRAPHICAL - 433 facilities, and he also raises Shorthorn cattle, Chester White swine and a good grade of draft horses. He has never held office, but takes a loyal interest in local affairs, being a stanch Democrat in his political proclivities. Both he and his wife are members of the Methodist Episcopal church and are also identified with the local organization of the Grange. His landed possessions in Springfield township have an aggregate area of three hundred and sixty-four acres, and a portion of the land is leased to good tenants. On the 19th of March, 1876, DIr. Johnson was united in marriage to Miss Lucinda Wieland, who was born in Defiance county, O., February 14, 1857, being a daughter of John G. and Rosina C. (Kurtz) Wieland. John G. Wieland was born in Wurtemburg, Germany, November 5, 1823, being one of the eleven children of Gottlieb and Frederica Wieland. Of the children only two attained years of maturity—John G. and Barbara, the latter becoming the wife of Theobold Fisher, of Tonawanda, N. Y., where she died in March, 1873. The family immigrated to America in 1831 settling on a farm near Tonawanda, Erie county, N. Y., where the father died in 1856, his wife having passed away in 1851. John G. Wieland came to Ohio in 1851, locating in Tiffnn township, Defiance county, where he still resides, being the owner of an extensive farm. April 9, 1849, he married Miss Rosina C. Kurtz, who was born in January, 1828, in Germany, having had four sisters and three brothers. Three of her sisters came to America in 184o, and in 1848 she also came to the United States. John G. and Rosina C. Wieland became the parents of six children, namely: John A., Emma L., Sophia, Barbara M., Lucinda and Wesley J. Emma L. died May 11, 1879, and Sophia passed away December 8, 1890. Mrs. Rosina C. Wieland died December 9, 1861, and on May 20, 1862, Mr. Wieland married Sarah Moon, who was born in Defiance county, O., in July, 1838, being a daughter of Jacob and Elizabeth Moon. Six children were born of the second marriage, namely: Evaline, Christopher B., George B., Harriet, Cora A. and Fannie. In conclusion is entered a brief record concerning the four children of Mr. and Mrs. Johnson: Elmer Solomon Johnson was born February 28, 1879, and was graduated in the high school at Stryker as a member of the class of 1894. Thereafter he was successfully engaged in teaching school for five years, after which he completed the scientific course in the Tri-State Normal College at Angola, Ind. On the 26th of March, 1903, he was united in marriage to Miss Anna Bell Young, daughter of Samuel and Susan Young, and he then took up his residence on one of his father's farms, in Springfield township, as previously intimated in thfs context. Alta Maud Johnson was born September 11, 188o, and she likewise was graduated in the Stryker high school, in the class of 1895. After teaching five terms in the district schools she entered the Tri-State Normal College, Angola, Ind., where she completed her classical course, being graduated as a member of the class of 1902. On the 28th of August, of that year, she was united in marriage to Charles H. Brady, of Gaston, Ind., who was graduated in the same college in the same year that she was, and they have been teaching in the public 28 434 - HISTORY OF WILLIAMS COUNTY graded schools of Muncie, Ind., ever since their marriage, Mr. Brady having been superintendent for six years, while Mrs. Brady has held the position of principal for four years. Charles Simon Johnson was born January 2, 1883, and died January 19, 1885. Edward Frankland Johnson was born October 8, 1889, and he is a member of the class of 1906 in the Stryker high school at the time of this writing, while he assists his father in the work of the home farm. WILLIAM JOICE, a successful farmer of Northwest township, Williams county, O., is a native of Crawford county, where he was born on May 5, 1843. His paternal grandfather, William Joice, died in Pennsylvania. John Johnstone, his maternal grandfather, was born in Ireland, emigrated to the United States and located in Wood county, O., in an early day, where he ended his days. William Joice is the son of Henry and Elizabeth (Johnstone) Joice, the former born in Pennsylvania in 1790 and the latter in Ireland. Henry Joice after his marriage removed from his native State, first to Richland county, O., and later to Crawford county. In 186o he came to Williams county, locating on a tract of sixty-five acres of timber land, which he at once proceeded to clear and prepare for cultivation. In politics he was at first identified with the Democratic party, but later he became an advocate of the principles of the Republican party. He died in 1863 and was survived by his widow until 1874. Of the seven children born to these parents four are now living. William Joice grew to manhood on the parental farm and received his education by attending the common schools of his home county. At present he owns a farm of fifty-four acres on which he resides, engaged in general farming. In politics he is a Republican, and at present is serving as school director. In 1868 he was wedded to Miss Emma Jane Gloar, born in Crawford county, O., on August 2, 1850. She is the daughter of Samuel and Eliza (Urich) Gloar, natives of Pennsylvania. Samuel Gloar removed from his native state, first to Crawford county, O., and in 1864 to Williams county, locating on a farm of one hundred and thirty acres. Here he died on April 20, 1888, and was survived by his widow, who died June 4, '1895. The paternal grandfather of Mrs. Joice was John .Gloar, a native of Switzerland. who emigrated to America, locating first in Pennsylvania and then in Ohio, where he was one of the early settlers of Williams county. Here he died in 1875. To William Joice and wife there have been born the following children: Minnie, the wife of John Boyer of Bridgewater township; May, now Mrs. Charles Kime of Northwest township; Walter, a resident of Strvker, O.; Harvey, a farmer; and Roy, Orrin, George Washington and Orville, all still at home. Mr. Joice is a member of Hiram Louden Post, No. 155, Grand Army of the Republic at Montpelier, O. On September 26, 1864, he became a private in Company H, Forty-seventh Ohio volunteer infantry, and he at once saw active service near Atlanta, Ga. Soon afterward he took the measles and was sent to the hospital at Chattanooga. After he recovered suffnciently to join his command he found it at Goldsboro, N. C., and was at Raleigh, N. C., at the time of John- BIOGRAPHICAL - 435 ston's surrender to Sherman. From Raleigh he marched with Ins company to Washington and took part in the Grand Review. On June 13, 1865, he received his honorable discharge at Columbus, O., and returned to his home in Williams county. JAMES HARRISON JONES, a prominent and highly respected farmer of Florence township, Williams county, O., is a native of Virginia, where he was born in 1845. His parents were Robert and Susannah (Fetters) Jones, the former a native of Virginia and the latter of Pennsylvania. They removed from Virginia to Defiance county, O., in 1850, and for two years rented the Collin Tharp farm. Thcn they came to Farmer township and bought a farm of eighty acres one and one-fourth miles from Williams Center. He was a farmer and shoemaker by occupation, having plied the latter avocation while a resident of Virginia. In politics he was a Democrat, and with his wifco a member of the United Brethren church, having left the Lutheran church because there was no church handy. Seven children were born to Robert Jones and his wife, of whom three are yet living. The paternal grandparents of James H. Jones were George and Catherine Jones, both natives of Virginia, where they lived and died. Of the four children born to them only one, a resident of Missouri, is now living. Samuel and Catherine (Catimer) Fetters, his maternal grandparents, were both natives of Pennsylvania, who removed in an early day to Berkley county, Va., both dying on a farm near Martinsburg. James Harrison Jones grew to manhood on a farm and received his common school education in the schools of Defiance county. In 1871 he removed to Florence township, Williams county, and settled on the farm that he had purchased two years before. After clearing his farm of eighty acres he added forty to it, so that he now owns altogether one hundred and twenty acres. This land has been brought to a high state of cultivation and is well equipped with substantial building . Stock dealing and general farming constitute the occupation of Mr. Jones. He is a Democrat in politics, and with his wife were members of the Lutheran church. In 1871 he was joined in the bonds of matrimony to Miss Catherine Weidler, born in Pennsylvania, on June 22, 1845, the daughter of Jerry and Henrietta (Rudy) Weidler, both natives of Pennsylvania, who came to Defiance county in an early dap and spent the rest of their days there. Of the eight children born to them seven are yet living. To James H. Jones and wife there were born three children, as follows: Elswworth, born May 21, 1874, educated in the common schools and living on his father's farm; Charles Bearl, who was born on May 7, 1881, educated in the common schools and died on December 23, 1897; and J. Glenn, born April 6, 1883, educated in the country schools, the Edon high school and the Angola. Ind., Tri-State Normal. from which institution he graduated with the class of 1905. being now a teacher by occupation, having taught four terms. Mrs. Jones Flier on February 27, 1856. 436 - HISTORY OF WILLIAMS COUNTY GEORGE RAWSON JOY, one of the prominent farmers of Pioneer, Williams county, O., was born in Windham county, Conn., on June 8, i8ig. He is the son of Elias and Mary (Wakefield) Joy, both natives of Connecticut. They removed to Massachusetts from their native State and later returned to Connecticut, where both ended their days. Elias Joy worked in the first cotton factory in Rhode Island, built by a Mr. Slater. He was overseer of a cording machine in Massachusetts. His last days were spent on a farm. In politics he was a Whig. His wife was identified with the Methodist Episcopal church. Of the eight children born to Elias joy and wife only one is living. George Rawson joy was reared in Connecticut until twelve years of age, when he removed with his parents to Massachusetts. At the age of sixteen years he began to care for himself. From Massachusetts he went to Jefferson county, N. Y., where for five years he worked for a man in the lumber business. Then he went to Chicago, traveling from Buffalo by the last boat to go up the lake in 1842, the name of the boat being the "Superior." After a stay of one winter in Chicago he went, in March, to Lenawee county, Mich., driving a horse hitched to what he calls a "pung," on which he rode. There he worked two seasons, by the month, near Morenci, Mich. He erected the first house built in Morenci, which was used for a hotel. He owned sixty acres of land near Morenci, but sold it and removed to Williams county, O., on April 5, 1848, and located on the same land he owns to-day. At that time there were but four houses between Pioneer and Bryan. For thirty years he successfully conducted the Joy Hotel, the building having been erected by him. The west side of Pioneer was built on the one hundred and sixty acres of land that he had previously bought. He has owned sixteen hundred acres of land within four miles of Pioneer. In stock dealing and the breeding of road horses and Durham cattle he has been actively engaged. The first drove of cattle driven across the Maumee river, in 1846, was purchased by him. In merchandising he has been equally. successful. To-day he is one of the wellin-do men of the county, having made all that he possesses his own exertions. In politics he is actively identified with the Democratic party. He has held the offices of school director and county commissioner, having been elected to the latter position by the largest majority ever given a candidate in the county. In religious matters his family are affiliated with the Methodist Episcopal church. Mr. Joy holds membership in Joy Lodge, No. 441, Free and Accepted Masons, and Joy Lodge, No. 461, Independent Order of Odd Fellows. He was first wedded to Miss Parmelia Cottrell, who died three years after marriage. His second wife was Mrs. Lucy Rogers, by whom he had the following children: Fidella, Ada and Ida (twins), Alice, Albert and Emma (twins), now deceased. By her first husband Mrs. Joy had the following children: Lucy, Mary Ann and Josephine. She died January 24, 1892. Miss Jane K. Norris, the third wife of Mr. Joy, was a sister of his second wife. She died April 14, 1896. Mrs. Addie Arnold, a widow, of Bryan, O., was his choice for a fourth wife. BIOGRAPHICAL - 437 FRED C. KAISER, a prominent and successful merchant of Edon, Williams county, O., was born on May 24, 1874. He is the son of John Kaiser, mention of whom is made elsewhere in this work. Fred C. Kaiser was reared on his father's farm and educated in the Edon high school. After working for one year in the capacity of clerk in the establishment of Mr. Jones he took a course in telegraphy at a commercial school in St. Louis, Mo. His first railroad work was performed in the Wabash railway company's office at Adrian, Mich., where he was stationed for three years. For the next two years he was manager of a general store at Blakeslee, O., th property of Judge Charles A. Bowersox. Forming a partnership with J. B. Wallick, he purchased the business at Blakeslee and conducted it profitably for two years, when the firm of Kaiser & Wallick was dissolved. In 1900 Mr. Kaiser bought the business of Cannon & Miller at Edon, O., which he has since conducted with unusual success. As far as national issues in politics are concerned he is a Democrat, but in local elections he acts independently, preferring to use his own judgment in the selection of men for the home offices, a trait of character that is certainly commendable in him. Absorbed as his time has been in business affairs, he has, notwithstanding, not neglected the interests of a good citizen in public matters. His service as treasurer of Blakeslee and councilman of Edon was creditable to himself and valuable to the public. Together with his wife he is a member of the German Lutheran church. On August 12, 1897, he was joined in wedlock to Miss Bertha Denny of Bryan. To this union there have been born four children. They are: Florence E., Frederick C., Thelma and Carlton. While Mr. Kaiser is still a comparatively young man; he has made for himself an excellent reputation as a successful business man and an exemplary citizen. By dint of close application to business and the exercise of sound judgment he has earned the unusual success that he now enjoys. Certainly no one stands higher in the community than. Mr. Kaiser. JOHN GEORGE KAISER, SR., a prominent and highly respected citizen of Edon, Williams county, O., was born in Columbiana county on January 20, 1833. He is the son of John George Kaiser, mention of whom is made elsewhere in this work. John George Kaiser, Sr., grew to manhood on his father's farm and received his education by attendance at the common schools of his native county. After he attained his majority he learned the carpenter trade and followed that avocation for eight years. In 1859 he removed with his parents to a farm in Williams county, where he followed general farming until 1890, when he removed to Edon to take charge of the grain elevator there. This elevator was erected and owned for three years by Mr. Kaiser. While managing the grain business he found time to devote to farming. Both as a farmer and a grain merchant he has been quite successful, as is indicated by his fine residence and its surroundings in Edon. In politics he is actively identified with the Democratic party, having served both as township trustee and street commissioner, and 438 - HISTORY OF WILLIAMS COUNTY in religious belief he and family are affiliated with the Ltrtheran church. In 1861 he was united in marriage with Miss Caroline Elizabeth Kalb, who was born in Crawford county. O., in 1842, and died in Florence township. Williams county, in 1885. The following children were born to this union: John D., Katie, George, Lizzie, Clara, Jacob F. and Hannah. Jacob F. Kaiser, the only son now at home, was born in Florence township on April 21, 1881, and was educated in the common schools and the Edon high school. He worked on a farm until 1904, when he was appointed a mail-carrier on the rural free delivery route No. 3. In politics he is a Democrat. SAMUEL D. KAISER, a successful farmer and stock-raiser of Florence township, Williams county, O.. was born on the old homestead on November 23, 1875. He is the grandson of John George Kaiser, mention of whom is made elsewhere in this work. William F. and Catherine (Klink) Kaiser were the parents of Samuel D. Kaiser. John George Kaiser emigrated to America when William F. was only two years old and located in Columbiana county, O. After a short stay there Wiliam F. removed with his parents first to Richland county and afterwards to Williams county, locating on a farm of one hundred and eighty acres in Florence township, eighty acres of which he sold before his death. At one time he was the owner of no less then three hundred acres. At the time of the marriage of each of his children he provided them with a good start in life. This necessitated the selling of a considerable portion of his land, so that at his death the homestead contained but one hundred acres. As the land on which William F. Kaiser settled was heavily timbered, he proceeded at once to clear it and then to improve and cultivate it. All buildings erected on the farm are of a substantial character, and prove that the owner was a successful farmer. He died at the homestead on April 2, 1904, and is survived by his widow, now sixty-six years old. To William F. Kaiser and wife there were ten children born, of whom seven are still living. Those living are: Lena, George F., Mary, Rebecca, Anna, Sarah and Samuel D. Samuel D. Kaiser was reared on the home farm and received his education by attending the country schools. As manager of the homestead he is engaged in general farming and stock, raising, making a specialty of raising Shropshire sheep. Under his skillful management this has become quite a profitable and extensive industry. In politics he is actively identified with the Democratic party, being an earnest advocate of its principles. In 1895 he was married, the lady of his choice being Miss Ida Kiess, a native of Crawford county, O., where she was born in 1876. She is the daughter of Jonathan and Elizabeth (Cook) Kiess of Crawford county. Mrs. Kiess having died in 1876, Ida Kiess was reared by her uncle, William F. Kiess, a resident of Edon, but formerly of Steuben county, Ind. To Samuel D. Kaiser and wife two children have been born. They are : Mildred, born October 6, 1890, and Pauline, born November 11, 1902. BIOGRAPHICAL - 439 WILLIAM F. KAISER, senior partner of the Edon Hardware Company of Edon, Williams county, O., was born in Florence township, of that county, on December 9, 1866. He is the son of John and Christina (Hieber) Kaiser, the former born in Richland county, O., January 11, 1837, and the latter in Germany on August 16, 1843. His paternal grandparents were John George and Eva Barbara Kaiser, both natives of Germany, the former born March 25, 1802, and the latter May 28, 1801. They were married in their native country and with their two children, William and Mary, emigrated to the United States in 1833, and located first in Columbiana county, O. Five years later they removed to Richland county, O., where they resided until 1859, when they finally removed to Williams county. John George Kaiser was a tailor by trade, a farmer by occupation and a Democrat in politics. He died March 24, 1875, his wife having died on December 22, of the previous year. Five children were born to these parents after they came to America. Their names follow: John George, John, Barbara, Catherine and Elizabeth. George and Frederika (Schnarrenberger) Hieber, the maternal grandparents of William F. Kaiser, were both natives of Germany, having been born in that country in 1812. After their marriage in the old country they emigrated to America in 1852, settling on a farm in Crawford county, O., where the died in 1883, and his widow a year later. He was a farmer, a Democrat, and with his wife a member of the German Methodist church. John Kaiser came to Williams county with his parents in 1859 and located on a farm of two hundred and forty acres one-half mile south of Edon. After his marriage in this count..-he purchased for himself a farm of eighty acres in the same township. Selling this land, he invested the proceeds in a farm of one hundre,, and sixty acres three miles northwest of Edon, where he carried on the business of general farming until 1877. Then he disposed of this farm and returned to the old homestead, where he resided for twenty years, directing the management of the home farm. In 1897 he removed to Edon and made that his home for the remainder of his days. After his removal to Edon he purchased a grist-mill, which his sons operated for about eight years. This property was then exchanged for a stock of dry-goods in Edon, owned by Mr. D. D. Keiss, and the dry-goods store for a farm in Richland township, Steuben county, Ind., known as the Bails farm. The Bails farm was later exchanged for another in the same township, which in turn was soon afterwards sold by Mr. Kaiser. In politics he was affiliated with the Democratic party, serving for some years as township treasurer. Mr. Kaiser and wife were devout members of the German Methodist church. He died on' July i6, 19o2, highly esteemed by all who knew him. To these parents there were born the following children: William F.; Lizzie Weber of Edgerton, O.; John G., junior member of the Edon Hardware Company; Eva, who died in infancy; Fred C., a merchant of Edon; and Christina Sheline of Edon. William F. Kaiser was reared on the parental farm and educated in the Edon high school. At the age of sixteen he began working- for his father in the grist-mill 440 - HISTORY OF WILLIAMS COUNTY and continued at that work until twenty-three years old. For the next three years he clerked for his father in the dry-goods business, and then for eight months in the hardware store of William E. Gross. In 1893. he and his brother, John G. Kaiser, exchanged real estate for a general store in Blakeslee, O., which they conducted very successfully until 1897, when they sold their business at Blakeslee and removed to Edon to enter upon the business now known as the Eden Hardware Company. Under their management this business has prospered beyond all reasonable expectation. To the original business there have been added a fully equipped lumber yard and all kinds of building material, including cement, sash, doors, etc. The large three-roomed block, the main room of which is utilized in their business, is owned by this company. In addition to this valuable property the company owns the postoffice building and the Vanderbogart brick block. Mr. Kaiser is a Democrat in politics, and has served as township treasurer and member of the school board. In religious belief he and his wife are affiliated with the Methodist Episcopal church. On April 28, 1888, he was wedded to Miss Alice Eyster, the daughter of S. S. Eyster, a sketch of whose life appears elsewhere in this work. John G. Kaiser, the junior partner of the Edon Hardware Company, was born in Florence township, Williams county, January 29, 1871. He grew to manhood on his father's farm and received his education in the Edon high school. He then entered McDermit's Business college of Ft. Wayne, Ind., from which he graduated. His first employment after quitting school was with his father in the general store at Edon, where he clerked for six months. Then he and his elder brother, William F. Kaiser, engaged in general merchandising at Blakeslee, O., until 1896, when he came to Edon and clerked for Charles A. Bowersox for nearly a year. The following year he and his brother formed the Edon Hardware Company, previously mentioned in this sketch. He is a Democrat, and with his wife a member of the Methodist Episcopal church. On December 27, 1900, he was wedded to Miss Ethel Lash, born in Williams county on May 26, 1878, the daughter of Elmer Lash, a prominent farmer of Florence township. On November 9, 1904, there was born to Mr. and Mrs. Kaiser a daughter, Pauline by name. AARON LUTHER KAST, a retired farmer and popular citizen of Pioneer, has passed practically his entire life in Williams county, and is a representative of one of its stanch pioneer families of German descent. He was born in Lancaster county, Pa., on the 6th of November, 1843, and is a son of John R. and Christena Kast, both of whom were born in Germany, and both of whom were children at the time of the immigration of the respective families to America, settlement being made in Pennsylvania, where John R. and his wife were reared to maturity and married. In 1846 they came to Ohio and located in Ashland county, where they remained until 18418, when they took up their residence in Springfield township, Williams county, while later they removed to Madison township, the father becoming a BIOGRAPHICAL - 441 prosperous farrier and continuing to be actively concerned in agricultural pursuits until the time of his death, which occurred in 1876, his wife having passed away in 1872. Both were consistent members of the United Brethren church, and he was a supporter of the Republican party from the time of its organization until his demise. Aaron L. Kast was reared on the farm and contributed his due share to its work, as did all of the children in the family. They were twelve in number and only three are now living. He received such educational advantages as were to be had in the common schools of the locality, which he attended during the winter months, assisting in the farm work during the summer seasons, and remaining on the homestead until he had attained the age of twenty-one years. He learned the carpenter trade after leaving the farm, and during the war of the Rebellion he was employed in the government service two and one-half years as a carpenter. He then resumed his identification with the great basic art of agriculture, which enlisted his active co-operation until his retirement, a few years ago. He cleared a tract of one hundred and five acres of land, and his present fine homestead comprises ninety-five acres, of which fifteen acres are within the corporate limits of the town of Pioneer. In politics Mr. Kast votes in harmony with his convictions, rendering an unwavering allegiance to the Prohibition party, and he is at the present time a member of the board of education of Pioneer. He and his wife are devoted members of the Methodist Episcopal church. In 1866 Mr. Kast was united in marriage to Miss Mary Ann Thompson, who was born in Beaver county, Pa., whence her parents came to Ohio in an early day. Mr. and Mrs. Kast became the parents of two daughters, of whom the elder, Ina, died in childhood. Grace is the wife of F. M. Bostater, of Madison township, and they have one child, Mildred, born in 1905. LAFE V. KEENER, a well-known citizen and successful ice-dealer of Bryan, Williams county, O., was born in Morrow county, O., March 24, 1863. He is the son of John and Mary A. (Kleinfelter) Keener, the former a native of Crawford county and the latter of Morrow county, both in Ohio. His paternal grandfather, William Keener, was a native of Pennsylvania and an. early settler of Crawford county. His maternal grandfather, Michael Kleinfelter, was also a native of Pennsylvania. In the fall of 1863 the parents of Lafe V. Keener removed to Defiance county and settled on a farm in Hicksville township, where his mother died in October, 1894, and where his father is still residing on the homestead. To John and Mary Keener there were born two sons: Chalmers, the elder, was born in Morrow county in 1857, and was reared on the home farm. He is now a resident of Hicksville, where he is engaged in the ice business. He was united in marriage to Miss Alice Goff. No children have been born to this union. Lafe V. Keener, the younger son, was only seven months old when his parents came to Defiance county, where he was reared on the farm in Hicksville township, receiving his education in 442 - HISTORY OF WILLIAMS COUNTY the public schools. He remained on the farm until he was twenty-one years old, and then clerked in a general store in Hicksville for five years. He was next engaged in the insurance business for three and a half years. Then he farmed for about two years. In March, 1896, he came to Bryan and purchased the ice business of John H. Shouf, which business he has ever since successfully conducted. His large ice-house holds thirty-five hundred tons of ice, most of which is sold in Bryan. He also manufactures ice cream, supplying Bryan and the surrounding country with that delicious commodity. To supply the demand requires from one hundred to two hundred gallons a day. Mr. Keener is a member of the Knights of Pythias and the National Union, a Democrat in politics, and his wife is a member of the Presbyterian church. On April 25, 1888, he was united in marriage to Miss Maude Cowhick, born in Bryan, O., on October 7, 1868, the daughter of Daniel and Nancy A. (Shouf) Cowhick, the former a native of Pennsylvania and the latter of Ohio. Daniel Cowhick was born April 21, 1833, and his wife on June 26, 1846, in Ashland county. The paternal grandfather of Mrs. Keener was William Cowhick, a native of Pennsylvania, who was married to a Miss Rex. Her maternal grandfather was John B. Shouf. The father of Mrs. Keener died in August, 18184, and his widow still lives, residing at Hicksville. The following three children were born to the parents of Mrs. Lafe V. Keener: Minnie M., the wife of George K. Otis, who are the parents of two children, Lloyd and Vera; Mrs. L. V. Keener, and a son who died in infancy. To Lafe V. Keener and wife there have been born the following children: Gwendolin, born April 10, 1890, and died the following September; Kenyon Keith, born July 14, 1893; Ethel Lucile, born October 20, 1896; and Carmen, Constance and Connie, triplets, all of whom died in infancy. E. A. KEISER, M. D., one of the leading physicians and citizens of Bryan, Williams county, O., was born in Richland county, of that state, on April 4, 18318. He is the son of Jacob and Elizabeth (Worst) Keiser. The Keiser family is of German stock, but has been in America many generations, the progenitors having come over and settled in Pennsylvania early in the Nineteenth century. It was in the Keystone state that Jacob Keiser was born. He grew to manhood in Somerset county and at the age of twenty-three years removed to Ohio, locating in Wayne county, where lie engaged in farming. In 1833 he removed to Richland county, where he followed farming the balance of his active life. In 1875 he removed to Bryan and died there in 1876. He was married in Wayne county to Miss Elizabeth Worst, who survived him two years, dying in 1878. Dr. E. A. Keiser grew to manhood in Richland county, receiving such an education as the common schools afforded. In 1860 he came to Williams county and began the study of medicine in the offnce of Dr. A. Netz in Millcreek township, continuing there for two years. He then returned to Richland county and completed his medical studies the following year under Dr. Francis Stohl. During the winter of 1863-64 Dr. Keiser attended the Homeo- BIOGRAPHICAL - 443 pathic Medicahe College at Cleveland, from which institution he graduated with the class of 1866. He first began the practice of his profession in Richland county, near the place where he wa born, but in 1867 he located permanently in Bryan. On October to, 1867, Dr. Keiser was married to Miss Lydia J. Brown, a native of Williams county and the daughter of Jacob Brown. The following children have been born to them : Romeo O.. who graduated from the Bryan high school and then entered the Ohio State University, from which he also graduated. He is also a graduate of the Ohio Medical College and the Homeopathic College at Cleveland. He also graduated from the O. W. U. before he went to Cleveland. He is a registered pharmacist and practices at Columbus. He is married to Miss Belle Dyer. (Glessner) Kennedy, both natives of Pennsylvania. The father Forest L.. the second child, is a graduate of the Bryan high school and the Ohio State University. and is now attending the Ohio Medical College. J. Gould, the youngest child, is a graduate of the Bryan high school and is now a student at the ( )hio `;tat(' Iniv, ersitv , heinj a member of the junior class. JACOB KELLY, deceased in his lifetime an honored citizen of Pulaski township, Williams county, O., was born in Stark county of that state, January 3, 1822. He was the son of John and Christina (Brothers) Kelly, natives respectively of Delaware and Pennsylvania. He grew to manhood, receiving a fair common school education. When eight years old he went with his parents to Wayne county, O. Here, in 1840, he began milling, and for fourteen years followed that business at various points. In 1850, during the gold excitement in California, he made the overland trip to that state, but returned to Ohio a year later and purchased seventy-two acres of land in Pulaski township, where he took up the occupation of farming, which- business occupied his attention the remainder of his active life. When grins-visaged war had rent the nation in twain, and the patriotic sons of the land were called upon to fight the battles of their country, Mr. Kelly promptly responded to the call. In 1861 he enlisted as a private in Company H of the Thirty-eighth Ohio Volunteer Infantry. His experiences during the years that immediately followed are largely the history of the regiment. as he actively participated in the services that made the old Thirty-eighth famous as a fighting regiment. On September 22, 1861, he went with it to Camp Denison, Columbus, where the regiment was armed, equipped and partially drilled. In October it was sent into the field in Kentucky, encamping first at Nicholasville, where it remained two weeks, and then was ordered on a forced march of sixty miles to the relief of Wild Cat, Ky., reaching that point on October 19. It pursued the enemy on several occasions, after which it took up winter quarters at Somerset, not to remain idle, however. The winter of 1861-62 was a very sickly one for the regiment and at one time less than three hundred out of nine hundred and ninety men were fit for active duty. In March follow- 444 - HISTORY OF WILLIAMS COUNTY ing, the regiment was ordered to Nashville, Tenn., and a little later began the campaign through Middle Tennessee. In April and May it participated in the siege of Corinth, then pursued Beauregard to Boonville and, returning to Corinth, encamped there. In June the regiment marched to Tuscumbia, Ala., and in August to Winchester, Tenn. Mr. Kelly was with his regiment on the terrible march from Chattanooga to the Ohio river, and in September fought at Chaplin's Hills. Then the regiment went into camp at Rolling Forks, Ky., on October 27. From this point another march to Nashville was made, and during the months of November and December, 1862, the regiment guarded the railroad between Gallatin and Nashville. In December it took part in the campaign that terminated in the bloody battle of Stone River. After the battle it remained near the city of Murfreesboro until March, 1863, when it moved to Triune and built Fort Phelps. During the summer of 1863 the regiment took part in the Tullahoma campaign. Mr. Kelly, having served two years, was given a furlough to visit his home and there, on September io, he re-enlisted for the remainder of the war. He joined his regiment at Ringgold, Ga., where recruits were received and the depleted ranks raised to seven hundred and forty-one men. In May, 1864, the regiment skirmished briskly at Buzzard Roost Gap and its fortifications nearly in the rear of Resaca, where a number of men were killed and wounded. It took an active part in the siege of Kenesaw, and in July moved to the Chattahoochie river, establishing the picket line of the Fourteenth army corps near Atlanta. From that point it moved in August to Utoy Creek. On August 7, while engaged in these operations around Atlanta, Mr. Kelly was shot through the jaw, and after spending several months in the hospital was discharged for disability at Cincinnati on December 22, 1864. Entering the service as a private he rose through the various grades, and at the time of his discharge held a commission as second lieutenant. On returning to his home in Pulaski township he resumed the occupation of farming. In 1873 he received the nomination of the Republican party for the office of auditor of Williams county and was elected by a liberal majority. In 1815 he was re-elected, serving altogether four years. On January 2. 1855, Jacob Kelly was wedded to Miss Elvira J. Shorthill, a native of Pennsylvania. To this union nine children were born, as follows: James Jefferson, who died in October, 1896; Charles F., a resident of Goshen, Ind.; Mrs. Andrew Grim, of Pulaski township; Lew Wallace, of Goshen; Sherman and Lincoln, of Bryan ; Earl and Tena, deceased, and Iarry M., of Pulaski township. His widow is still living. Sherman Kelly, the fifth child of Jacob Kelly, was born at the old home in. Pulaski township on May io, 1864. He grew to manhood on the arm, receiving a common school education. In 1887 he went to Michigan, where he spent one year, when he returned to Bryan. I hen he removed to the State of Washington, where he spent two :-ears on Puget Sound, and from there to Lower California, where BIOGRAPHICAL - 445 he spent three years. On his return to the east he spent some time at Bryan, after which he removed to Goshen, Ind., and spent five years there in a machine shop. He then returned to Bryan and with his brother engaged in the insurance business, the style of the firm being Kelly Brothers. He is married to Miss Florence Markel, a native of Williams county, the daughter of Jonathan Markel. Lincoln Kelly, one of the members of the firm of Kelly Brothers, was born in Pulaski township, on the old homestead, on September 9, 1866. He too grew to manhood on the home farm, receiving a common school education. He farmed in different parts of the county until 1896, when he took charge of the county jail as deputy sheriff, serving under Albro'Wirick, which position he held for one year. In the years 1897 and 18918 he acted as an insurance solicitor in Bryan, and in 1899 he and his brother Sherman bought out the firm of A. Knepper & Son, insurance agents. On December 24, 1895, he was united in marriage to '.Liss Dora Clay, a native of West Unity, Williams county, the daughter of Jeremiah and Elizabeth Clay, of Bryan, the former being a county commissioner. Two children have been born to 11Ir. and 'Mrs. Kelly, as follows: Charles Holland and Leota Elizabeth. He and wife are members of the Methodist Episcopal church. The firm of Kelly & Brother does a greater amount of insurance business than any other firm in Williams county. The following are the various companies represented by this firm: The Equitable Life Assurance Society, the Central Accident of Pittsburg, the Fidelity and Casualty Company of New York, the Lloyds Plate Glass of New York, the Bankers Surety Company of Cleveland, the Ohio Farmers, the Northwestern Underwriters' Agency, the Anchor of Cincinnati, the American Central of St. Louis and the Agricultural of Watertown, New York. ALBERT W. KENNEDY is numbered among the representative farmers of Pulaski township and stands high in the estimation of the community, in which he has maintained his home for more than thirty years. He was born in Ashland county, O., on the l0th of June, 1848, and is a son of George W. and Catharine C. Herald, a weekly paper, at Claremont, Surry county, Va. Not later married Ann R. Buchan, who survived him by a number of years. George W. Kennedy became the owner of a farm of eighty acres in Ashland county, and he sold this property for twenty-five hundred dollars, after which, in 1855, he came to Williams county and purchased two hundred acres in Section 1, Pulaski township, where he developed a fine farm, upon which he passed the remainder of his life, while much of the estate is still held by his heirs. He was a stanch Republican in politics from the time of the organization of the party until his demise in February, 1879, send his religious faith was that of the Reformed church. The following data designate somewhat concerning the children of his first marriage: John A., who had been a successful teacher, en- 446 - HISTORY OF WILLIAMS COUNTY listed in defense of the Union at the time of the Civil war, becoming a member of Company H, Thirty-eighth Ohio Volunteer Infantry, with which he served three years, and being severely wounded he died in a hospital at Jeffersonville, Ind.; Francis, who was a member of the same company and regiment and served three years, was for twenty-five years engaged in the drug business in Bryan, O., but now is retired from business; Catherine resides in Pulaski township, this county, being the widow of Charles Boynton, who died in i o4 ; George WW'., who likewise served during the major portion of the civil war in the same company with his elder brothers, is a prominent farmer of Clay county, Kan.; Albert W. is the subject of this sketch; Hurlbert is a resident of Clay county, Kan., being a farmer by vocation. Five children were born of the second marriage, namely: Arthur, who is a teacher by profession, residing in New York city; William, who resides in Pulaski, Williams county, O., being a barber by trade; Nettie, who married Levi Deck and is now deceased; Cora, who is the wife of William Borton, of New York city; and Gratton, who is a successful physician and surgeon at Elkton, South Dakota. Albert W. Kennedy secured his educational training in the common schools and continued to assist in the work and management of the home farm until his marriage, in 1870. He then farmed on rented land for two years, and in 1873 he purchased forty acres of his present fine farmstead, in Section 12, Pulaski township, while he later added to its'area by an additional purchase of adjoining land and has now eighty-four acres, nearly all of which is under effective cultivation, while he had erected good buildings on the place, whose improvements were very meagre at the time when he purchased the property. He has carried forward his agricultural and stock-growing enterprise with marked energy and discrimination, and has thus met with enviable success and gained prestige as one of the model farmers of the county. He has rendered effective service as a member of the school board, though never an aspirant for offnce, and is known as a stanch adherent of the Republican party, while both he and his wife retain membership in the United Brethren church. February 23, 1870, Mr. Kennedy was united in marriage to Miss Matilda Stump, who was born in Hancock county, O., being a daughter of Ephraim and Esther (Houser) Stump, natives of Stark county, O., whence they removed to Hancock county, when, in 1865, they came to Williams county and located in Pulaski township, where they passed the remainder of their lives. They became the parents of ten children, namely: Daniel, who died at the age of twenty-two years; Freeman, who died at Murfreesboro, Tenn., while serving as a Union soldier; Isaiah, who resides in Olivet, Mich.; Levi, who is deceased; Matilda, who is the wife of Mr. Kennedy, of this review; Amanda, who is deceased; Franklin, who is a resident of Butler, Id.; Lydia, who is the wife of Thomas Hager, of West Unity, O.; Milton, who is a bricklayer and resides in Knox county, O.; and Ithalna, who died in infancy. BIOGRAPHICAL - 447 In conclusion is entered a brief sketch concerning the children of Mr. and Mrs. Kennedy: Ola is the wife of Robert Reynolds. Of Conneaut, O.; Emory, who married Miss Rosa Stuckey, now owns and resides on the old Kennedy homestead; Ross, who also remains at the parental home and assists in the management of the farm. was a member of Company C, Sixth Ohio Volunteer Infantry, during the Spanish-American war; Gertrude is the wife of Joseph Chappius, of Springfield township; Frank is a resident of Defiance O., and Alvertie remains at home and is engaged in teaching ini the local schools. All of the children had good educational advantages and all have been popular in the social life of the commti„its in which they were reared. OLIN KENYON, editor and publisher of the West Unity Reporter, was born near Pioneer, Williams county, O., on the 29th of August, 1858, and he was afforded the advantages of the public schools in West Unity, where he laid the foundation for that liberal education which he has gained through the discipline of a newspaper office and through active association with men and affairs. He is a son of Charles G. and Susan M. (Griffin) Kenyon, the former of whom was born near Sackett's Harbor, Jefferson count-, N. Y., on the 2d of June, i182o, while the latter was born near Fayette, Fulton county, O., May 16, 1839. The paternal great-grandfather of Olin Kenyon was Barnabas Kenyon, who was born ill Rhode Island, December 27, 1762, and who there married Susannah Clark, a native of the same state. They removed to Montgomery county, N. Y., when their eldest son, Barnabas, Jr., was six years of age, his birth having occurred on the 27th of May, 17186. Barnabas, Jr., married Betsy Parkhurst, of Whitesboro, N. Y., May 6, 1810, and they removed to Jefferson county, N. Y., where their son Charles G. was born, as noted above. In the summer of 1836 Barnabas Kenyon removed with his family from Jefferson county, N. Y., to northern Indiana, and in that state he and his wife passed the remainder of their lives. Susan M. (Griffin) Kenyon is a daughter of Obediah and Martha (Kenyon) Griffin, the former of whom way born in Meredith township, Delaware county, N. Y., May 8, 1805, having been a son of William and Anna (Griffnn) Griffin. His wife was a daughter of James and Susannah (Palmer) Kenyon. Obediah Griffin was one of the pioneers of Gorham township, Fubton county, O., and assisted in cutting the first crop of wheat raised in said township. Charles G. Kenyon was a tailor by trade, but for several years did a profitable business in Northern Ohio and Indiana and Southern Michigan, running a paper wagon, selling wrapping paper and writing paper to country and village merchants, and buying paper-rags. During the last years of his life Charles G. Kenyon owned and conducted a hotel on the site of the present Dodge House, in West Unity, and here he died on the isth of December, 1877. April 28. 1898, his widow became the wife of Ansel B. Ford, of Fayette, O., where they now reside, Mr. and 448 - HISTORY OF WILLIAMS COUNTY Mrs. Kenyon were the parents of three children, all of whom are living. After leaving the public schools Olin Kenyon taught one term in a country district of Fulton county, and shortly afterward :ntered the office of the West Unity Eagle, where he learned the printer's trade. In 18183 he went to Hyde county, Dakota, where he took up land, and for two and one-half years he had charge of he Herald, at Highmore, the county seat of Hyde county, which is now in South Dakota. He left the territory of Dakota in 1886 and for about two years thereafter resided in or near his old home, while in 1888-9, for somewhat more than a year, he published the Herald, a weekly paper, at Claremont, Surry county, Va. Not liking the South, he returned to the North, and after a shoat residence in Chicago was compelled, on account of illness, in January, f189o, to return to his old home in West Unity, where his mother hen resided. In April of the same year he leased the West Unity Chief, and three months later began the publication of the West Unity Reporter, of which he has since been editor and publisher. The paper is non-partisan in politics and is devoted to the advancing of the material and civic interests of the community and to nearing its well arranged news mission each week. It has a good circulation and is ably edited and neatly issued, while the job office if the concern is also well equipped and gains an excellent patronage. In his political allegiance Mr. Kenyon is a Republican, and n a fraternal way he is identified with Superior Lodge, No. 179, F. & A. M. On the 19th of July, 1900, was solemnized the marriage of Mr. Kenyon to Miss Helen A. Norton, daughter of Henry W. :nd Lovisa (Holmes) Norton, of Ann Arbor, Mich. He and hiswife are prominent and zealous members of the Methodist Episco-)al church, in whose work he is especially active. He is not only teward of the local church but is also serving as district steward, while he has just completed four years of consecutive and of icient service as president of the Williams county Sunday School Association. For six years he was superintendent of the Sunday school of the church in West Unity. REV. JOHN KIEBEL, pastor of St. Mary's Catholic church of :dgerton, Williams county, O., the first church of this denominaLion to be organized in the county, has been in charge of this parish since 1901. This is Rev. Kiebel's first pastoral charge. He was )orn in Fostoria, O., February 24, 1877. He was educated at St. Marys, Cincinnati, Mount Calvary, Wis., and Cleveland, O. The priest's residence at Edgerton, built by Father Kiebel, is the finest building in the town and one of the finest in the county. It is equipped throughout with all modern conveniences. By means of a gasoline engine the water is forced through pipes all over the house. The parish numbers eighty-five families, residing in Edgerton and St. Joseph township, and is growing very rapidly. The present church edifice has recently been remodeled, having been built some years ago. The church authorities contemplate building BIOGRAPHICAL - 449 a new church house in the near future, to meet the wants of the rapidly growing congregation. This church is connected with the mission at Blakeslee, seven miles distant. Father Kiebel, by dint of hard, earnest work, and an inexhaustible store of push and enterprise, has done a great work for his parish. Whatever he has undertaken he has brought to full completion. He certainly deserves great credit for what he has accomplished. The higher church authorities recognize his ability and heartily support him in his endeavors to promote the church work in all of its bearings. It is needless to state that he is popular, not only with his parishioners but also with all other classes of people. Under his able guidance there is a great future before St. Mary's parish. JOHN MILTON KILLITS, of Bryan, is known as a man of profound erudition and practical ability as a lawyer, and as one who has achieved success in his profession because he has worked for it. His prestige at the bar of Williams county stands as evidence of his ability and likewise serves as voucher for his intrinsic worth of character. He has used his intellect to the best purpose, has directed his energies in legitimate channels, and his career has been based upon the assumption that nothing save industry, perseverance, sturdy integrity and fidelity to duty will lead to success. The profession of law offers no opportunities except to such determined spirits. It is an arduous, exacting, discouraging vocation to one who is unwilling to subordinate all other interests to its demands, but to the true and earnest devotee it offers a sphere of action whose attractions are unequalled and whose rewards unstinted. From a previously published review the following pertinent information concerning the genealogy and immediate family of Mr. Killits is derived: The Killits family is of German origin, the original orthography of the name having been Killitz, and for many generations the representatives of the name made their home near Hamburg, in North Germany. In 1805, John Killitz, grandfather of John M., came to America, being then a young nnan, and located at Womelsdorf, Berks county, Pa., wh'ere he married and established his permanent home, becoming state armorer for Pennsylvania. This position he held for many years prior to his death, which occurred in 1847, from violence, his murderer robbing him and throwing his lifeless body into the Susquehanna river, from which it was not recovered for some time. His widow died in 1849 and the remains of both were interred in the cemetery at Womelsdorf. They had seven children, of whom the youngest was Andrew Welser Killits, father of the subject of this sketch. Andrew Welser Killits was born in 1836, in Berks county, Pa., where lne attended school and later found employment in a cigar factory. In 187, when about nineteen years of age, he came to Ohio and located in Lithopolis, Fairfield county, where he was employed in a dry goods store until 1861, having married in the meanwhile. In the year mentioned he removed to Findlay, Hancock county, and in the 29