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JEFFERSON TOWNSHIP

MRS. SARAH A. ALTAFFER was born in Ashland County, Ohio, in 1825, and was there married, in 1849, to Frederick Altaffer, who was born in Shenandoah County, Va., in 1820. To their union were born eleven children, viz., Susanna L., Sarah C., Mary M., Charity M. (who died in 1865), John F. (who died in 1868), Elizabeth A., Sophena F., Cecilia J., Orville F., Andrew P. and one who died in infancy unnamed. Mrs. Altaffer is now fifty-seven years of age, is a consistent member of the German Reformed Church, and is a highly esteemed member of the community in which she has her residence.

JASON CROW was born eight miles east of New Lisbon, Ohio, October 3, 1818. His father was a native of Pennsylvania, and his mother of New Jersey, and were both born in November, 1792. They came to Columbiana County about 1812, where the father died in August, 1864. Jason Crow, at the age of twenty-one, began life on his own account. About 1835, he went to Putnam County, Ohio, where his mother died, August, 1876. June 26, 1844, he married Miss Rebecca Ann Holden, daughter of Rev. P. B. Holden, of Loudoun County, Va. To this marriage were born six children, five of whom are still living, and have had the best education possible. During the war, Mr. Crow was drafted, but, being an excellent farmer, he was prevailed upon to hire a substitute. As long as the war lasted he contributed bounteously to the cause of the Union and the comfort of its soldiers. He has now 270 acres of excellent land, a fine brick residence, bank barn and other buildings, and has already assisted four of his children in business to the extent of $1,000 each. He and wife are members of the M. E. Church, and all his children are members of some denomination of Christian worship. In politics, they are Republican.

JOHN F. BONZE is a native of France and was born in the year 1853. In 1868, he emigrated to this country and chose Williams County

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as the place of his future residence, and here entered into the occupation of farming, at which he continued till he had passed his majority. In the year 1878, he married Miss Louisa BOillot, a native of Williams County, and some years later moved to this township and began farming on shares. He was industrious and thrifty, and is now the owner of some of the finest horses in the county, in which he takes great pride. He is surrounded with all the comforts of a pleasant home, which he has acquired by his own efforts and the exercise of sound judgment, and is generally looked upon as a young man with a prosperous future before him.

FREDERICK H. FULTON was born in Columbiana County, Ohio, February 22, 1839. His parents were natives of Wittenburg, Germany, were married in Philadelphia, and came to Columbiana County in 1830. Fredrick H. was married at West Jefferson, May 18, 1865, to Miss Melinda J. Mott, who was born in Portage County, Ohio, July 12, 1847. To this-marriage six children have been born. Mr. Fulton volunteered in the army during the late war, but was unable to pass a medical examination on account of varicose veins. Subsequently he was drafted, but rejected for the same cause. Mr. F. has been a successful business man, and for several years acted as salesman and collector for Phillips & Co., of Cincinnati. He was also engaged about six years in the car shops at La Porte, Ind. The last nine years he has resided on his farm. Soon after his marriage, and while yet living in West Jefferson, his house caught fire at 2 o'clock in the morning of Septembere 12, 1865. His wife was very ill at the time, and in caring for her he was compelled to witness the destruction of all his household goods. Notwithstanding this great loss, Mr. F. was compelled to meet an obligation of $200 due on the 15th, and another of $500 due on his farm on the 18th, but he weathered through. In connection with his farm, Mr. F. also runs a saw mill and a threshing machine. He is a Democrat, and takes an active part in local politics. He is also a member of the I. 0. 0. F. Lodge at La Porte, Ind. In 1881, at the age of seventy-four, his father died, leaving a fortune of $40,000 to his heirs. His mother is still living on her homestead near Fostoria, Ohio.

JARED GRAVES was born in Massachusetts in 1824, and moved to Fayette, Fulton Co., Ohio, in 1846. At that time, the whole northwestern part of the State was a wilderness, filled- with wolves, as well as wild game and Indians, the last greatly outnumbering the white population. In 1852, our subject was united in marriage to Miss Ellen Brower, of Fulton County, and thereafter was engaged in business in different parts of the State until 1872, when he took up his permanent residence in the township, where he now owns a fine farm, well improved and well cultivated, and all redeemed from the wilderness through his

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industry and pertinacity of purpose. By, his marriage he became the father of five children, whose names and order of birth are as follows Edward (deceased), Jennie, Clara; E. L. and Annie M. In 1881, Mr. Graves had the misfortune to lose his wife, a Christian lady, much beloved by her friends, and her death sincerely mourned by her husband and by all who had enjoyed her companionship during her stay on earth. Mr. Graves has also won for himself and holds a high position in the community in which he lives.

JOHN B. GRIM was born in Stark County, Ohio, in 1826, and moved to Pulaski Township, this county, in 1850, thence to Jefferson in May, 1852, where he is now extensively engaged in the poultry business, and is doing a lucrative trade. In 1850, our subject married Miss Janet Cairns in Stark County, Ohio, and to this union have been born five children, viz.: Ellen, Janet, William, Andrew and Charles, all of whom reside with their parents. In November, 1864, Mr. Grim enlisted in the Fifty-fifth Ohio Volunteer Infantry, and participated in the campaigns against Atlanta, Ga., and Columbia, S. C., and was with Sherman in his famous march to the sea. He was honorably mustered out of the service in 1865, when he returned to his home in Williams County. The same year he was elected Treasurer of the county, which position he filled for two successive terms. He also served as County Commissioner from 1870 to 1872, and ably and satisfactorily performed the duties appertaining to each office. He is an ardent Republican, and socially has the respect of all who know him.

DANIEL LONG was born in Bedford County, Penn., June 13, 1812, and was brought by his parents, John and Susan (Leedy) Long, of Knox County, Ohio, in 1815. In that county his mother died July 14, 1849, and his father, June 25, 1855. In 1849, Daniel Long came to Williams County and located in Jefferson Township, where he now owns a highly cultivated farm of 165 acres, and a fine dwelling and barn, together with other substantial improvements. October 9, 1844, he married Miss Mary Tuter in Knox County, and by her became the father of twelve children, viz., Solomon, Melissa, Leah (who died August 29, 1849), Jesse, Catherine, Sally, Simeon, David, Jacob T., Mary, Noah and Elma (who died September 17, 1865). Mr. Long has been quite an active member of the Democratic party, and has served several years in the offices of School Director and Supervisor of Roads. He is a member of the German Baptist Church, and is one of the county's most worthy and influential citizens.

JOSHUA T. McKARNS, a native of Columbiana County, Ohio, was born in 1841, and -came with his parents to this township in 1852. With them he resided, assisting on their farm, till 186P, when he pur-

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chased a thrashing machine, which he operated until 1868, earning with it a comfortable subsistence. His father died in 1879, at the age of seventy, and our subject then took charge of the home farm, which he is still managing in the interest of the heirs. His mother, who is a very worthy old lady, is still living and is residing with our subject. In 1869, Mr. McKarns married Miss Margaret A. Richardson, and by this union became the father of four children, viz., John E., Frank, Alice (deceased) and Anna B. Mr. McKarns is a worthy citizen and enjoys the esteem and confidence of his fellow-townsmen, who have elected him to the office of School Commissioner, in which capacity he has served over nine years to the satisfaction of all parties.

JOHN C. McKARNS was born in Columbiana County, Ohio, in 1844, and in 1850 his parents brought him with them to this county, settling in Mill Creek Township. A few years later our subject came to this township, where he learned the carpenter's trade, at which he worked. till the spring of 1865, when he enlisted in the One Hundred and Ninety- fifth Ohio Volunteer Infantry, and went with his regiment to Harper's Ferry, Va., and thence to Alexandria, in the same State. At the latter point the regiment was mustered out of service, when our subject returned to this township and was subsequently elected to the office of Deputy Sheriff, which position he filled for four years. In 1876, he married Miss Jennie Graves, a native of this county, and to their union have been born two children: Olive H. and Sarah E. Mr. McKarns is now an industrious and enterprising farmer and is the owner of a fine piece of laud, which he keeps thoroughly cultivated ; he is surrounded with all the comforts of a pleasant home and has every prospect of a prosperous future.

JAMES P. McKARNS was born in Columbiana County, Ohio, in 1845; and his parents, Jonathan and Eliza B. (Copeland) McKarns, brought him with them on their removal to this township in 1850. Here he grew up to manhood, and in 1872 married Miss Nancy Brannon, and by this union became the father of three children, named as follows : Margaret B., John M. and James B. Mr. McKarns, since his majority, has been an active politician in the Democratic ranks, and in 1875 was elected by that party to the office of School Inspector, and was again elected to the same office in 1877, his tenure running till 1880. He is looked upon by his neighbors with respect, and enjoys the confidence of all his fellow-citizens.

JAMES NEIL comes from York County, Penn., where he was born in 1819. He was brought by his parents to this State when he was but eight years of age, and he remained with them on their farm in Wayne County until his twenty-first year. He married Miss Mary Noggle, and then

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moved to Richland County, Ohio, where he resided a number of years, pursuing his vocation of farmer. In 1858, he removed to this town ship, where he purchased 100 acres of land, which he has diligently cultivated and converted into a model farm, improving it with an excellent house and barn and other buildings necessary for economical and profitable use. Mr. Neil lost his wife in 1876. She had borne him seven children, of whom there are four still living. He is a member of the Church of God, and is esteemed as a worthy citizen and as an experienced and sagacious agriculturist.

ORLANDO OBERLIN was born in Holmes County, Ohio, in 1846, and was brought to this township by his parents in 1854. His youthful days were spent on a farm, and in 1863, at the early age of seventeen, he enlisted, at his country's call, in the Thirty-eighth Ohio Volunteer Infantry. He joined his regiment at Chattanooga, Tenn., in the fall of the same year, and with it took part in the battles of Resaca, Dalton and the Atlanta campaign. He was wounded in the fight at Jonesboro, Ga. and was with Gen. Sherman on his march to Savannah, through South and North Carolina and Virginia to Washington, D. C., and participated in the grand review. His regiment was then ordered to Louisville, Ky., and thence to Cleveland, Ohio, where it was mustered out of the service in 1865. Mr. Oberlin then returned to his home in this township and resumed his vocation of farmer. In 1872, he married Miss Althea Reed, a native of. Williams County, and to their union have been born two children: Roy E. and Theodore F. He is the owner of a well-improved farm of eighty acres, and everything about him bears the sign of intelligent management.

MILTON OBERLIN, born in Holmes County, Ohio, in 1849, was brought at the age of five years to this township, by his parents, Jacob and Anna Oberlin. They were farmers by occupation, and Milton passed his youth and early manhood in going to the district school, and in assisting his father in his farm work. At the age of twenty-three, he was joined in matrimony with Miss Charity M. Altaffer, purchased a farm of fifty acres, and settled down to the joys and cares of married life. His farm proved to be productive, and, by good management and industry, he has acquired all that is necessary to make his home comfortable and pleastant. His children, two in number, are named respectively Rosanna and Jacob E., and are being reared in a manner to make them a credit to their parents and to the township. Mr. Oberlin, in politics, is a Republican ; is a wide-awake and enterprising citizen, and a young man of undoubted integrity.

JOHN OPDYCKE, the son of Albert and Elizabeth Opdycke, was born in Trumbull County, Ohio, in 1819, and came to this township with

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his parents in 1836. At that time the county, was a dense wilderness ; Defiance was the county seat and the only post office in the county. On the farm located by his father in this forest, our subject labored at clearing up and improving until the year 1847, when he married Alias Harriet C. Baird, of this county, and began farming on his own account. To this marriage were born four children, viz., Emerson B., Anna B., Charles D. and Wilber G., the last named dying in 1872. Mr. Ogdycke's mother died in 1853, and in 1873 his father followed, when he took charge of and conducted the homestead farm. He is now the owner of one hundred and sixty acres of land in a fine state of cultivation, improved with an excellent dwelling and a good barn and other outbuildings. Mr. Opdycke is an ardent Republican, and is looked upon as one of Jefferson's most enterprising and trustworthy citizens.

DAVID RANSOM is a native of New Hampshire, and was born in 1811. In 1828, his parents immigrated into this State, bringing our subject with them, and settled in Medina County. There the father died in the year 1877, having been preceded by the mother in the year 1875. In 1839, Mr. Ransom married Miss Susan Thayer, of Medina County, but had the misfortune to lose his young wife the following year. In 1854, he came to this township, and purchased ninety-five acres of wild land, which, by perseverance and industry, he has converted into one of the best and most profitable farms in the county. In 1862, Mr. Ransom remarried, choosing for his second partner a sister of his first wife, Miss Catherine Thayer. To this union there have been born five children—Frank, Jay, Iza, Erva and Ely. Mr. Ransom has served his county as School Inspector, and has always enjoyed the respect of his neighbors and the citizens of the township generally.

JOHN SHANKSTER was born in Lincolnshire, England, in 1806, and there married Nancy Streets in 1827. In 1832, this couple emigrated to America; first located at Chillicothe, and, in 1835, moved to this township. At that time, Defiance, Fulton and Williams, constituted one county, the county seat being at Defiance ; here he entered eighty acres of land in the midst of the woods, where wild beasts abounded, and the Indians far exceeded the whites, in number. Through perseverance and industry, however, he succeeded in subduing the forest and securing a well-cultivated farm of 160 acres, on which he is now in comfort passing his declining years. Here his wife died in March, 1874, the mother of nine children, seven of whom are still living, viz.: Isaac, Thomas, Israel S., George, Martin S., Mary Ann and Elizabeth. Isaac married Miss Susan Boum in 1848, and is the father of four children, three living, who live with their parents on a fine farm in the township. Thomas married Miss Phoebe Hester, in 1866, is the father of three children, and owns 130 acres

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of land and a fine residence in the township. Israel S. married Miss Mary Haupt in 1878, is the father of two children, and owner of a good farm and residence. George married Miss Clarissa Wyatt, who died two years later, and he then married Miss Elizabeth Johnson ; is the father of two children, and owns 160 acres in Superior Township. Martin S. married Sally Long, and is the owner of a good farm in Northwest Township. Mary Ann married Hiram Bushong, who owns ninety acres of good land in this township. Elizabeth married William Stewart February 21, 1878, and this pair live with the father on the old homestead, and are the parents of two children.

A. C. SNYDER was born in Lawrence County, Penn., in 1844, and moved to Columbiana County, Ohio, in 1858. In 1861, he enlisted-in the Thirty-second Ohio Volunteer Infantry, and went with his regiment to West Virginia; was in the battles of Beverly, McDowell and Cross Keys, and was present at the surrender of Gen. Miles at Harper's Ferry. His regiment was then transferred to the Western Department, Seventeenth Army Corps, and our subject took part in the siege of Vicksburg and in the Meridian campaign. After his discharge, in 1864, he re-enlisted as a veteran, and was in the Atlanta campaign under Gen. Sherman ; he was also at Washington at the grand review in 1865; and thence went with his regiment to Louisville, Ky., where he was mustered out in 1865,-when he returned to his home in Columbiana County. The same year he moved to this township, and, in 1869, married Miss Lucinda Beerbower. To this union have been born three children, viz.: Ella, Willard (deceased) and Jennie. Mr. Snyder is the owner of 240 acres of land in a good state of cultivation, and has a pleasant home. He is an ardent Democrat, and is regarded as a valuable citizen.

SAMUEL B. SPROTT was born in Beaver County, Penn., December 15, 1840, and in 1859 went to Richland County, Ohio, where he made his home with his sister, Mrs. Knox:; worked out by the month till 1864, then came to this county and lived with a brother till 1868, when he married Miss Leannah Weaver, who was born in Pickaway County, Ohio, December 5, 1847. Her parents came to this township in 1848, and settled on Section 3, on which section, also, Mr. Sprott has his farm of seventy acres. Mr. Weaver died here in 1852, aged about forty-three years; her mother is still living on the old homestead. Mr. and Mrs. Sprott are the parents of five children, viz. : Nelson W., born July 16, 1869 ; Clara Belle, January 15, 1871; Mary E., July 29, 1873 ; John Willard, April 26, 1875 ; and James A., June 2, 1882. Mr. Sprott has always been engaged in farming and stock-raising. He is a Democrat in politics, and has served as Justice of the Peace one term, and as Consta-

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ble three terms. In religion, he holds to the Golden Rule, and has always been recognized as honorable and upright.

ELI STONER is a native of Stark County, Ohio, and was born in 1824. His parents, Charles and Elizabeth (Oberlin) Stoller, moved from Stark to Wood County when Eli was five years of age, and there resided for twenty-three years, when they returned to Stark, where the father died in 1875. The mother is still living, at the age of seventy-two years. In 1844, Eli married Miss Catherine Heister, a native of Stark County, and they became the parents of eight children, all of whom survive with the exception of one. Mr. Stoner resides on a farm of eighty acres which he purchased on first coming to Jefferson Township, and which he has developed to the full extent of its producing properties. He is a citizen of worth and progress, and enjoys the esteem of all his neighbors.

JOSEPH C. TRESSLER was born in Perry County, Penn., in 1833, and moved to Ogle County, Ill., in 1855. There he resided till 1858, when he came to this township, and followed his trade as carpenter until 1861. In the same year, when the call to arms was made, he enlisted in Company A, Thirty-eighth Ohio Volunteer Infantry. His regiment was attached to the First Division of the Fourteenth Army Corps, in the Department of Tennessee; with his regiment, our subject took part in the battles of Mill Springs, Ky., Stone River, Chickamauga, Resaca, and also through all the Atlanta campaign. He was honorably mustered out of the service at Atlanta, in 1864, when he returned to his home in Jefferson Township. The same year, he married Miss Elizabeth Lattanner, and to their union were born four children, who were named in order of birth, as follows : Charles (deceased), Albert, Minnie B. and Nellie C. Mr. Tressler is the owner of a well cultivated farm of eighty acres, has a pleasant home, and is surrounded by all the comforts appertaining thereto.

CYRUS T. WYATT is a native of this county, and was born in 1848. He iso the son of William and Martha E. Wyatt, who were among the very early settlers of Williams. His earlier years were passed upon the home farm, on which he assisted his father till about nineteen years of age. In 1867, he began to learn the carpenter's trade, at which he continued to work till 1870. In 1871, he married Miss Minerva Burgoyne, also a native of Williams County, and the fruit of this union is two children—Lulu 0. and. Oscar W. Although Mr. Wyatt has never exhibited any desire for public office, or sought political distinction, the Democratic party, of which he is a stanch member, called upon him to fill the office of Town Assessor, the duties of which he most ably discharged during his incumbency. His forty-acre farm is highly cultivated, and he is surrounded with every improvement and convenience appertaining to a comfortable home.