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SPRINGFIELD TOWNSHIP.

CHRISTIAN ARNSBERGER is a native of Wayne County, Ohio ; was born February 9, 1836, and was one of ten children of Daniel and Elizabeth (Shade) Arnsberger, natives of Lancaster County, Penn. Daniel brought his family to Wayne County about 1820, and there farmed in the forest, on shares, till 1844 or 1845, when he came to this township, bought eighty acres of partially improved land and farmed till•his death, September 6, 1879, at the age of eighty-four, his wife following fen days later, in her eighty-first year. Both were members of the Baptist Church, and he had served for several years as Township Trustee. Christian Arnsberger is a man of extensive reading, and of broad and comprehensive views on all topics. He worked on the home farm till twenty-one, then served two years as apprentice to a carpenter, and followed the business for ten years afterward. In the summer of 1864, he was' in the employ of the United States Government in Georgia, and in 1865 he moved upon his farm of fifty acres, in this township, then nearly all forest, but now highly improved. September 29, 1858, he married Elizabeth Conrad, a native of Marion County, Ohio, and a daughter of William and Susanna (Stillwell) Conrad, respectively of Marion and Miami Counties. To Mr. and Mrs. Arnsberger have been left six children--Mary E., Michel S., Martha A., Nelson J., Susan E. and Frances M. Mr. Arnsberger has for several years been one of the School Directors. in his district, is President of the Township Board of Education, 4,nd is serving his second term as Township Trustee. In politics, he is a Greenbacker.

HIRAM T. BETTS was born May 10, 1832, in Trenton, N. J., and is one the nine children of John L. and Sarah A: (Pryor) Betts. John L. Betts moved from Nova Scotia to New York, where he was married. Some yeals later he moved to New Jersey. In 1847, he moved to Springfield Township and purchased 120 acres of unimproved land, residing since upon his farm. He formerly commanded a trading vessel on coast voyages, was employed in the Methodist Book Concern, and was the first Abolitionist in the county ; he has also given much time-to inventions. Hiram T. Betts education was originally limited, but he has greatly enlarged the same by careful and persistent reading. In 1855, he bought the farm of 147 acres of highly improved land on which he lives. Mr. Betts was married, in 1854, to Mary A., widow of S. M. Thurston. They have two children Franklin and Clarence. Mr.

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Betts is Chaplain of Springfield Grange, No. 499, and Overseer in Pomona Grange of Williams County, and he and wife are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church. He was for some years, also, one of the Township Trustees. The Betts family are descendants, in a direct line, from the Pilgrim fathers.

CHESTER BLINN was born in Cleveland, Ohio, June 15, 1815. His parents, Richard H. and Elects, (Hamilton) Blinn, were natives of Massachusetts. Richard H. Blinn came to Cleveland when that city was in its infancy, and, in company with Maj. Dame, owned and operated a large distillery. They also owned and built the first vessel that ever led from Cleveland harbor—the Neptune, which was used in the transportation of beef to Fort Mackinaw for the use of soldiers stationed there, of which Messrs. Dame & linn had the supply contract. They also supplied Gen. Harrison's army with provisions, hauling the same with ox teams from Cleveland to Fort Meigs, on the Maumee River. After disposing of the distillery, Messrs. Dame & Blinn took the contract of building a mud pike from Fremont to Perrysburg, which was completed in 1826. Mr. Blinn served with the Ohio State Militia during the war of 1812, and was a member of the A., F. & A. M. He died at Perrysburg March 15, 1829. At the age of eighteen, Chester Blinn was employed' by the Hollister Brothers, at Orleans, engaged in fur trade, where he remained nearly seven years, when he went to Fort Wayne in the same business until 1849, when he removed to West Unity, formed a partnership in mercantile business with William Letcher, under firm name of Blinn & Letcher. In 1853, this firm took a grading contract under Carlton C. Douglas, on the L. & M. S. R. R. ; and, in 1854, started a branch store at Stryker, the first in the place. Both were operated until 1857, when the partnership was dissolved, Mr. Blinn retaining the stock at Stryker, which he sold in 1859. In 1861, he was employed in Quartermaster's Department at Gallatin, Tenn., under Capt. Hunter, remaining two years. After his return, the firm of Messrs. Blinn & Doug-. las began operations in Stryker as grain and stock dealers, and are doing a very extensive business in this line. Mr. Blinn and Miss Maria Boyden were married at Medina, Mich., August 25, 1847.. Miss Boyden is a native of New York, and her parents of Massachusetts. Mr. and Mrs. Blinn are members of the Universalist Church, and parents of four children, three living, viz., Martha E., Ella (Blinn) Batey, of West Unity, and Ada (Blinn) Duffey, of Toledo, Ohio. Mr. A. is a member of the A., F. & A. M. Carlton C. Douglas, of the firm of Blinn & Douglas, is a native of New York, born April.26, 1828. At the age of sixteen, he accepted a clerkship in Fredonia, N. Y., where he remained nine years. He came to Fulton County, Ohio, in 1853, having taken a grading con-

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Is tract on the L. S. & M. S. R. R., which was completed in 1855. He engaged in mercantile trade at Stryker in 1856, remaining three years, when he disposed of his business and formed the partnership above mentioned. Mr. D. is one of the most prominent citizens of Stryker, and at one time was Postmaster.

DANIEL W. BLOOM, born in Perry County, Penn., November 11, 1826, is one of nine children born to Daniel and Margaret (Rough) Bloom, natives of said State. The elder Bloom, a weaver by trade, came with his family to) Richland County, Ohio, in 1828 or 1829, bought, forty- one acres of land and there resided until 1879, when he took up his, residence with his daughter, Diana Seydel, in Crawford County, where he ended his days January 17, 1882. Daniel W. assisted his father on the home-farm until he reached the age of twenty-one, worked out on a farm for a year, and was then employed as a carpenter by the C., C. & C. Railroad Company for five years. He then farmed on shares for four years, after which he bought a forty-acre farm in Huron County, Ohio, sold it two years later ; purchased another, ran it one year, sold it ; farmed on shares another year, and then bought, in the spring of 1865, the farm of 100 acres in this township, on which he now lives. March 15, 1855, he married Elizabeth Truxell, a native .of Huron County, Ohio, and daughter of William C and Mary (Brewbaker) Truxell, natives retspectively of Pennsylvania and Virginia. Mr. and Mrs. Bloom are members of Springfield Grange, No. 499, and she is a member of the M. E. Church. They haye two children living—Dana 0. and George G.

AARON L. BOYER was born in this township, November 17, 1855, and is the youngest of thirteen children born to John and Margaret (Shoutz) Boyer, of Huntingdon County, Penn. John Boyer was a blacksmith and farmer, and in 1835 moved to Ashland County, Ohio, where he bought a small farm, on which he resided till the spring of 1851, when he came to this township, and bought the farm of ninety-six acres where he now resides. He and wife, who was a daughter of Christian and Margaret (Hoover) Shouts, are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church. Aaron L. married September 11, 1875, Sarah E. Robinson, a native of this township, and daughter of Thomas and Almira (Fuller) Robinson, both natives of Ohio. Two children are the fruit of their union, and are named Clyde E. and Earl R. Mr. Boyer and wife are both members of the Methodist Episcopal Church, and. he is looked upon as one of the rising anti enterprising young farmers of the township.

COL. EDWIN D. BRADLEY, a veteran of the war with Mexico, as well as of the late civil war, a patriot and Christian gentleman, of whom Williams County may well be proud, was born August 28, 1804, at Litchfield, Conn. He is a son of Major and Chloe (Hulbert) Bradley, 

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both natives of Connecticut. In 1638, Samuel Bradley emigrated from Reading, England, to the colony of New Haven. From him Col. Bradley is descended. Both his grandparents Daniel Bradley and Calvin Hurlbert were active participants in the war for independence, the first as a Quartermaster ; the second served as a private under Gen. Putnam, and afterward became a prominent Baptist clergyman of Berlinz Conn. After a preliminary education, and working on his father's farm as well as at the carpenter's trade, Edwin D. Bradley entered an academy at Litchfield, where he remaine4 two years, then entered the law office of Beers & Sandford; at Litchfield, reading law for two and one-half years, and attending lectures at the law school of Judge Gould. Owing to failing health he was soon compelled to abandon his studies. In 1835, he came to Sandusky City, Ohio, where he engaged in agriculture until the Mexican war began, when he commenced recruiting a company for service; six days later he marched said company to its rendezvous at Camp Washington, where it was organized as Company F, with Col. Bradley as Captain, and assigned to the First Ohio Volunteer Infantry ; this company he commanded until the regiment was-mustered out of service at New Orleans, June, 1847. On his return from Mexico he came to Williams County, Ohio, where he engaged in mercantile business at Lockport, Evansport and Stryker, for about ten years, coming to Stryker in 1856, where he has since remained. On the occurrence of the rebellion, Col. Bradley was among the first to respond, and at once recruited a company for three months, which 'teas assigned to the. Fourteenth Ohio Regiment, of which Col. Bradley, was Adjutant;.' but before the expiration of this service, he was commissioned Colonel, with authority to recruit a three years' regiment in Northern Ohio. In three weeks 968 men were enrolled, constituting the Thirty-Eighth Ohio Volunteer Infantry (known as the Williams County Regiment). Advancing age and failing health compelled his resignation in February, 1862. He has been three times married, his last wife being Miss Kate Russell, of Vermont. In politics, he was a Democrat until the last war, when he became a stanch Republican. He has served as Justice of the Peace, and, though not aspiring to civil hoitors, has been a candidate for the Legislature, and for Auditor and Sheriff of his county. ' When eighteen years of age he joined the Congregational Church, of which Dr. Lyman Beecher was pastor, but, on finding no Congregational Society in the West, he affiliated with the Methodist Episcopal Church, of which he has been a leading communicant. The Bradleys are a decidedly military family, having been active workers in every war, from colonial times down to the last call to arms. During the latter, Col. Bradley and all his sons were engaged the youngest, but fourteen years old, as a musician.

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LIEUT. JAMES H. BRADLEY, Seventh Regiment United States Army, the brave young officer killed at the battle of Big Hole, Montana, was a son of Col. Bradley and the only representative of Williams County in the regular army. He was born in Sandusky County, Ohio, May 25, 1844. When three years old, his parents removed to Evansport, on the line between Williams and Defiance Counties, where his mother died in 1855. In 1856, he came to Stryker, where he received his early education. When the rebellion broke out, although but sixteen years of age, his inheriebd spirit of patriotism carried him into his father's regiment ; he was refused enrollment, but afterward, at the recommendation of Col. Steedman, Gov. Dennison ordered that he be enrolled and paid. After the three months' term, he entered Oberlin College to complete his education, but his martial longing again prevailed, and he enlisted in the Forty-fifth Ohio Volunteer Infantry, serving until the close of the war, reaching the grade of a Sergeant. In 1865 he returned home, but a year later, he was appointed First Lieutenant in Company B, Seventh Regiment Infantry United States Army ; he was for a time stationed at Atlanta, where he was married, in 1871, to a daughter of Dr. Beech. In 1876, he commanded Gibbons' Mounted Infantry, being the first to reach the Custer battle-ground and rescue Gen. Reno's command*; he also accompanied Col. Gibbons against the Nez Perces, surprising the savages, but in the engagement which followed, he was slain. The news was borne to his bereaved wife and family, and to his father, who was almost crushed, having the f,ondest hopes of his heroic son. ' Although not possessing a West Point education, he was an accomplished officer, a fluent and elegant writer, and well versed in the ancient and modern languages. At the time of his death, he was preparing works on the Sioux war, and Chester Massacre, and a history of the Northwest. After the battle, Hon. P. W. Norris visited the scene, purposing to return his remains to his native town, but they could not be identified. Upon a board over his supposed grave was inscribed his name, rank and date of death.

CAPT. AMON C. BRADLEY, a veteran of the Black Hawk war, and of the late civil war, was born February 6, 1812, in Litchfield, Conn. He is one of twelve children born to Major and Chloe (Hulbert) Bradley, both natives of Connecticut. Capt. Bradley, after receiving an ordinary youthful education, enlisted, at the age of nineteen, at Utica, N. Y., in Company I, Second Regiment United States Army. The company was stationed at Fort Niagara, but in May, 1832, was ordered to Fort Dearborn (Chicago). Soon .Gen. Scott arrived with 300 troops. The cholera now appearing, the fort was given up to the sick, the well portion of the-command camping one-half mile away, on Lake Michigan. The Black Hawk war having broken out, this command, under Col. Eustis,

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started in pursuit of the Indians. Gen. Scott joined them at Davenport, having captured the famous Black Hawk. When Amon Bradley's term of service expired, he had been made a Sergeant ; this was in 1836. After leaving the army, Capt. Bradley was employed with his brother, Col. E. D. Bradley, at Sandusky City. In 1840, he purchased a farm in Sandusky County, Ohio, which he managed until 1850, when he removed to Brady Township, in this county, where he purchased land and engaged in agriculture until the War, of the rebellion. He first helped to recruit a company for three months' service, which was mustered in as Company E, Fourteenth Ohio Volunteer Infantry, Capt. Bradley commanding ; he returned in 1861, and in the succeeding spring, he, with Capt. P. W. Norris, recruited a company for Hoffman's Battalion, consisting of four companies; but increased to a regiment, and mustered in as the One Hundred and Twenty-eighth Ohio Volunteer Infantry, Capt. Bradley continuing as Captain. At the close of the war, he was discharged with the regiment and returned to Stryker. Capt. Bradley bad three sons in the late war—Amon M., John and Edwin N., the first of whom died in a hospital at Pittsburg Landing, June 14, 1862. Capt. Bradley was married, in 1840, to Caroline Nichols, of Otsego County, N. Y., a daughter of Samuel and Phebe Nichols. Capt. and Mrs. B. have had seven children, five of whom are living. Capt. Bradley was for years a Trustee of Brady Township ; he has also been a Councilman of the village of Stryker ; he is a member of the Baptist Church, and Mrs. B. of the Methodist Church, Edwin N. Bradley, youngest son of Capt. Bradley, received a fair education. In 1862, he enlisted in Company E, One Hundred and Twenty-eighth Ohio Volunteers, and served until June, 1864, when he was discharged from ill health. In 1869, he went to Cass County, Neb., and in the fall of 1871, was elected County Surveyor. In 1872, he returned to Williams County, where he has since resided. He is a member of Macon Lodge, A., F. & A. M., at Plattsmouth, Neb., and of Northwest Chapter, R. A. M., at Bryan, Ohio. He is an enterprising young man, and a Republican.

DAVID F. BROWN was born June 3, 1827, at Stonington, Conn., being the eldest of ten children born to Elijah and Mary A. (Sanders) Brown, both of Connecticut. Elijah Brown was a miller, and died at Derby, Conn., in October, 1870. David F. Brown, when sixteen years old, commenced to learn the carpenter trade in Rhode Island, serving three and a half years. In 1848, he mooed to New Hartford, and thence to Ansonia, Conn., .engaging in sash and door making until 1853, then removing to Delaware City, where he built the Colburn manufacturing establishment. After this, he lived in Minnesota, Iowa, Connecticut, Norwalk, Ohio, and came to Stryker in 1860, having brought the first

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planing machine into Williams County. Mr. Brown was first married in 1848, to Sarah Church, of Connecticut ; by this union there was one child, Frances W., now Mrs. Charles Downs. In April, 1867, he married Mrs. Jane Barber; to this union there was one child, Mertie E. Mr. Brown is politically a Republican, and an old and prominent citizen of Stryker.

JAMES I. BUMPUS was born September 13, 1838, in Jefferson County, N. Y., and is the eldest of the eight children of Simeon G. and Matilda (Groves) Bumpus, of Neff York and Vermont, respectively. The elder Mr. Bumpus, a wagon-maker, moved with his family, in 1836, to -Ottawa County, Ohio, then a dense wilderness. From Toledo to Portage River, they journeyed on foot, following an Indian trail, and the father carrying our subject, then three years of age, on his back. Here they resided till 1863, when they came to this township, where they now reside on the farm of James I. The last-named, from the time he was fourteen years of age till 1861, worked out by the day or month at farming. Apri1 20, 1861, le enlisted as private in Company I, Twenty-first Ohio Volunteer' Infantry, which wfts recruited for three months' service, and afterward re-organized for three years' service. He was then promoted to be Orderly Sergeant, and in February, 1862, was commissioned Second Lieutenant. At the battle of Stone River he was wounded in the left leg, and during his convalesence, while at home on a furlough, was promoted to a First Lieutenancy and transferred to Company H, of the same regiment, in which he served until the close of the war. While at home on a veteran furlough in 1864, he was married to Eliza A. Douglas, a native of this township and daughter of Uriah and Mary (Carter) Douglas, both from New York. Three children have been born to them Eva M., J. V. and Elsie I. After his return from the army in 1865, Mr. Bumpus settled on his farm of 142 acres, which he had purchased in 1863, and here he now resides. He has 'filled the office of Township Trustee two terms, and is a charter member of Elm Grove Grange, No. 644, of which he has also been Master. In politics, he is a Democrat.

REV. WILLIAM 0. BUTLER, pastor of the U. B. Church at Stryker, and second cousin of Hon. B. F. Butler, of Massachusetts, was born November 22, 1843, at Chesterfield, Fulton Co., Ohio, being one of the four children of Alonzo H. and Mary (French) Butler. During the Catholic rule in Ireland, centuries ago, the Butler ancestors had large estates in that country. On becoming joined to the Presbyterian Church their estates were confiscated by papal bull. In 1837, Alonzo Butler, with his father, came to America and settled in Fulton County, Ohio, entering there 800 acres of land. Mr. Butler became a U. B. preacher, and died in 1851. William 0. Butler received his education at the academies of Maumee and Waterville. At sixteen years of age be

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commenced the black-smithing trade, at which he worked until 1861, when he enlisted in the Fourteenth Ohio Volunteer Infantry, hut, in consequence of injury, was discharged in 1862. In 1866, he graduated in medicine at Starling Medical College at Columbus. In consequence of his injury, he was compelled to abandon his practice after three years. He then became agent for a life insurance company and also for Appleton & Co., publishers. While 'attending the religious services of D. L. Moody, in Chicago, he experienced religion and joined the U. B. Church as a minister, becoming finally pastor at Stryker. Mr. Butler was martried, March 20, 1866, to Miss Julia Finch, of Seneca County, Ohio ; to them four children have been born Hubert 0., Julia L., De Forrest M. and Mary E.

SAMUEL P. CAMERON was born September 1, 1815, in Kingwood, Preston Co., Va., and is the only living one of ten children of Mordecai and Nancy (Isaacs) Cameron. The elder Cameron was a tanner in Pennsylvania. In 1817, he removed with his family to Wayne County, Ohio, where he worked at his trade until 1834, when he came to Tiffin Township, then a part df Williams County. Here he entered eighty acres, built a cabin aid began clearing, residing thereon until his death, February, 1860, aged eighty-seven years. He was a half uncle of Hon. Simon Cameron. Samuel P. Cameron worked with his father until his majority. He was married, October 17, 1838, to Eliza Mullen, of Wayne County, Ohio. Six children were born to them, three of whom are living ; Mrs. Cameron died October 18, 1865. Mr. Cameron was afterward married, October 27, 1866, to Mrs. Susan Ashbrook ; by this union there followed one son. Mrs. Cameron died August 31, 1881. In 1842, Mr. Cameron purchased eighty acres in Washington Township, Defiance County, which he sold in 1852, and again purchased 160 acres ; this he also sold in 1864, and came to Springfield Township and purchased 300 acres on Tiffin River, now his• home. Mr. Cameron was Justice of the Peace and has been Township Trustee for several years. He has some of the finest cattle to be found. He is a Universalist, a stanch Republican, and prominent citizen.

PATRICK CARENS is a native of Whitestown, County Louth, Ireland, where he was born March 11, 1832. Mrs. Carens is a native of Gaulston, Ayrshire Co., Scotland, and was born in 1829. Mr. Carens emigrated to the United States in May, 1852, and settled on a farm near New York City. Here he remained until 1853, when he went to Toledo, Ohio, working for some time in a saw-mill. He was married at this place October 10, 1853, and was soon afterward employed in the city mail service, remaining nearly three years. In November, 1856, Mr. Carens came to Stryker,, as an employe in the freight department of the L. S. & M. S.

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R. R. Co., where he stayed three years. In 1859, he was employed in a distillery near Stryker, remaining unti11862, when he resumed his former position in the employ of the railroad company, where he has since remained. Mr. Carens has been weigh-master at the elevator in Stryker for the past twenty years, and has given universal satisfaction. Mr. and Mrs. Carens are members of the Catholic Church. 'Following are the names of the railway agents under whom Mr. Carens has worked : At Toledo, H. C. Herrick, in 1854 ; M. Whinery, in 1855 ; A. T. Hunter, same year ; A. P. Brown, in 1856. At Stryker, A. P. Brown, part of 1856 and 1857 ; E. C. Barney, part of 1857 ; J. H. Gould; part of 1857; J. S. Kingsland, 1860 ; J. P. Fashbaugh, in 1862 ; T. H. Harris, same year ; T. H. Moore, 1865.

JOHN M. CARENS was born in Stryker, Williams Co., Ohio, January 7, 1860, and is the son of Patrick and Janet (Gebbie) Carens. He received a common school education, and at the age of/fourteen was employed as chief clerk in a Toledo grocery house, remaining until 1876. In the fall of 1877, Mr. Carens came to Stryker, where he was employed as clerk at the depot of the L. S. & M. S. R. R., and has since remained in that capacity. Mr. Carens has always shown much interest in politics, did, in the spring of 1881, was elected Clerk of Springfield Township by the Democratic party. In 1882, he was elected Township Clerk as well as Clerk of Stryker. Mr. Carens is one of the most active and enterprising young men in this vicinity.

JOHN C. CHAPPUIS, was born in France December 19, 1826, and was one of the twelve children of Nicholas and Catherine (Teiseau) Chappuis. The father was a farmer, and emigrated with his wife and youngest son to this country in 1857, and made his first home here with John C., who had preceded him several years, and then resided in Henry County, this State. He remained here eighteen months, and ,then re-embarked for France, but died on the voyage in the English Channel. John C. Chappuis worked, between the ages of twelve and eighteen, in a cotton factory in his native village, and then four years in a silk factory. He came to America in 1849, and settled at Louisville, Stark Co., Ohio, where for a year he drove an ox team for an uncle who was there building a grist-mill, receiving $80 for his year's labor. He then worked in the mill a year ; then went to Fort Wayne and worked in the City Flouring Mills two years ; thence he came tQ Defiance, Ohio, where he worked five years, part of the time in the Defiance Flouring Mills, and part as overseer in a foundry rented by himself and Peter Keterin. In the spring of 1859, he rented a grist-mill at Texas, Henry County, which he operated about four years. In the spring of 1864, he came with his family to this township and settled on a farm he had purchased the year before, and also

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erected an oil-mill, which he ran one year ; then sold out and put up a grist-mill on the Tiffin River ; this was first called the Chappuis Mill, then the Eagle Mill, but is now known as the Stryker Mill; three years later, he sold out and bought the Pekin Mill, at Waterville, Ohio, and this" he sold two years after. He then made a tour of California and the West for eight months, returned to Ohio and bought the Eaton Mill at Bluffton; ran it a year, sold out and bought a brewery at the same place; ran it a year, and then sold ; came to this township again and bought the old Colgan farm of 110 acres, and now resides thereon. February 18, 1854, he married Virginia Richard, of Stark County, daughter of Joseph and Rose (Chav4) Richard, natives of F ce. They have had eight children, six of whom are still living. Mr. . was a Republican in politics, but is now a Greenbacker ; he has been School Director of his district, and also Township Trustee, and he and wife are members of the Catholic Church.

JOHN CHRISTY was born March 7, 1829, in Washington County, Penn., and is the eldest of eleven children born to Robert and Margaret (Lesnet) Christy. Robert Christy was a teacher for many years and Principal of the High School in Harmony, Penn. In 1837, he moved, with his family, to Beaver County, Penn., purchased a farm and engaged in agriculture. After several changes, in 1845 he removed to Tiffin Township, Defiance Co., Ohio ; purchased eighty acres, and lived thereon until his death, in 1806. His widow resides on the farm. John Christy, after an ordinary school attendance, worked by the month for several years, and was married, February 17, 1853, to Frances Coy, of Defiance County, Ohio, with an issue of eight children, of which number six are living. In 1854, Mr. Christy purchased eighty-nine acres on Tiffin River, to which he has added until it numbers 320 acres. Mr. Christy is a member of Lodge No. 489, I. 0. 0. F., a Democrat in politics, and an enterprising citizen. Mr. Christy's parents were natives of Washington and Allegheny Counties, Penn., and Mrs. Christy's parents, John and Mary (Snider) Coy, were natives of Beaver County, Penn., and Perry County, Ohio.

LOUIS CLARK was born in Northampton, Mass., December 4, 1802, and is one, of the five children of Chester and Grace (Thayer) Clark. Chester Clark was a blacksmith, at which trade he labored in Northampton until his death, about 1812. Louis Clark received the usual education of the time, and worked on the farm of his uncle, Ahas Thayer, until twenty-one years old. Shortly afterward, he opened a meat market, in Greenfield, Mass., which he continued two years, and in 1834 came to Springfield Township, entered 160 acres of land, and commenced the work of clearing. The inhabitants, at this time, were sparse, and the difficulties manifold. The nearest market and mill were seventy

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miles distant, by water, corn being the only grain procurable. On one occasion, during the summer of 1834, Mr. Clark and other settlers went , to Brunersburgh to obtain provisions. None being procurable, they held a council (not of war, but of ways and means) to devise some mode of driving the wolves from their forest doors. Mr. Clark and another young man were dispatched to Cleveland for a supply of flour. They purchased fifteen barrels, at $10 and $12 per barrel. This they shipped, by steamboat, to Toledo, thence, by ox team, to a point on the river, thence, by barge, up the Maumee and Tiffin Rivers, tellthe settlement, a distance of 120 miles. In 1838, Mr. Clark built a cabin, and departed for Massachusetts, where he married his first wife, Miss Polly Clark, of Saybrook, Conn. They came to Ohio in company, where, about two weeks later, Mrs. Clark died. He was again married, in 1843, to Catherine Knipe, of Ross County, Ohio. This union produced five children Roxana (now Mrs. J. C. Sanford), Caleb M., Chester T., Anston F., Alice E. (now Mrs. J. W. Sloan). Mr. Clark contrived to increase his farm until it comprised nearly 400 acres, which he has divided among his children. He svas the second Trustee of Springfield Township, and a member of the School Board for many years, and now of Springfield Grange, No. 499. Although eighty years of age, he is yet in strong health. He is one of. the oldest pioneers, and a; Democrat in politics.

CALEB M. CLARK was born on April 1, 1846,in Springfield Township, Williams County, Ohio, and is one of five born to Louis and Catherine (Knipe) Clark. Caleb M. Clark worked on his father's land, obtaining what schooling he could in the meantime, until his twenty-fifth year. On July 3, 1870, he was married to Lavinia A. Sloan, of Columbia County, Penn. To this marriage there have been five children Pearlie R., John L., Rachel E., George W. and Fred F. In 1871, Mr. Clark bought 169 acres in Springfield Township, where he now lives. He has been Township Trustee and a member of the School Board many years. He is a charter member of Springfield Grange, and also a member of Lodge 511, A., F. & A. M. Both himself and wife are communicants of the Methodist Episcopal Church. He is a Democrat in politics, and a prominent man of his township. His farm is among the best in the county, with a real value of $10,000, clear of debt, due to the energy and integrity of the owner. Mr. Clark's father was born in Massachusetts, and his mother in Ross County, Ohio. Mrs. Clark is the daughter of John and Rachel Sloan, both natives of Pennsylvania.

DANIEL S. CLARK was born June 7, 1843, in Springfield Township, and is one of nine children born to Harvey and Mary (Stubbs) Clark. In 1834, Harvey Clark came to this township, and entered several hundred acres, some of which he began to clear. In 1836, he

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married Mary Stubbs, and at once built a cabin, residing there until 1866, when he sold his farm and moved to Missouri. In 187.7, he returned and made his home with his children. Daniel S. Clark worked for his father until 189, when he enlisted in Company E, Nighty-sixth Ohio Volunteer Infantry, having sustained a wound of the right shoulder at Camp Nelson. In 1872, he purchased the farm on which he now lives. He was married, January 12, 1868, to Mary A. Mills, of this township, from which union three children have sprung Charley H., Leora F. and Joseph P. Mr. Clark is a Granger, a Republican, and an enterprising citizen.

DAVENPORT C. CLOVER, M. D., was born in Clarion (then a part of Armstrong) County, Penn., April 3, 1820, the eldest child of Nathan and Hannah (Roll) Clover, of English and German descent, and natives of Pennsylvania. The parents came to Ohio in 1820, residing first in Portage County, and then changing to Mahoning, to Columbiana, and then back to Portage, where the father died in 1872, and the mother in 1874, members respectively of the Universalist and Methodist Episcopal Churches. D. C. Clover in his youth received a good common-school and academical education, and at the age of nineteen began an apprenticeship with a millwright and carpenter ; followed the trade a number of years ; for two years operated a shingle-machine at Edinburg, Ohio ; then attended a select school at Rootstown, under Prof. Tress ; Lenion Academy, under Prof. E. M. Parrett, at Portage, and a Quaker Academy at Marlboro, Stark County, under Profs. McLain and Mores, during this period teaching school and lecturing on physiology and phrenology. In 1847, he commenced the study of medicine under Joseph Durham, M. D., at Marlboro, and graduated from the Physo-patho Medical College, of Cincinnati, in 1851. He practiced at Marlboro until 1855, at Edinburg for two years, Limaville one year, Defiance about four years, and in July, 1862, came to Stryker, Where he has practiced with unvarying success, and is now the oldest physician in the town. Mrs. Louisa (Shepmire) Clover, whom the Doctor married in 1862, has borne her husband one daughter—Clara E. In politics, the Doctor is a Republican.

ABRAHAM T. COLLINS is a native of Tiffin Township, Defiance Co., Ohio, and was born July 17, 1837. His parents, Joseph and Matilda (Tolman) Collins, were natives of Pennsylvania, and came to Ohio in 1835, where Mr.. Collins entered 160 acres, built a cabin, and made a home where the family lived until the father's death, which occurred in 1859, March 13. He was a faithful and consistent Christian of. the Methodist Episcopal faith, and consistent from his labors. The educational advantages of Abraham T. Collins were necessarily limited at that early day. His time was mostly spent on his father's farm until 1861, when

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he enlisted in the three months' service, in Company E, Fourteenth Ohio Volunteer Infantry ; served his time, and returned again to farm work until 1863, when he was in the Government employ at Nashville, Tenn., for some time. He re-enlisted in 1864 in Company F, One Hundred and Eighty-second Ohio Volunteer, Infantry, remaining with his regiment until-mustered out at Nashville, Tenn., in July, 1865. The autumn following, he purchased a farm in Springfield Township, this county, and in the spring was married to Miss Mary M. Kintig, a native of Ohio, Montgomery County, and daughter of Samuel and Magdalena (Leighty) Kintig, both of Pennsylvania. Charles T. Collins is their only son. Mr. and Mrs. Collins remained on the farm until 1870, when they became citizens of Striker. Mr. Collins opened a livery establishment at that time, and has since pursued that business with success and profit.

ADAM COONROD was born November 20, 1848, in Springfield Township, being one of ten children born to William and Susanna (Stilwell) Coonrod. About 1834, William Coonrod came to this township, where he entered eighty acres, which he immediately began to clear. He was married in Pickaway County, but returned and erected a cabiii on his land, and also added to his farm until he numbered 120 acres. In 1851, he sold this and purchased another of 196 acres, adding again until it aggregated 336 acres, on which he died in May, 1868. Adam Coonrod was brought up on the farm. In 1871, he bought sixty acres in this township, on which he lives. He was married August 15, 1872, to Mary E. Shaeffer, .to which union three children have succeeded—Eva M., John W. and Charles L. Mr. and Mrs. Coonrod are members of Springfield Grange and of the Methodist Episcopal Church ; he is, in politics, a Republican. Mr. Coonrod's father and mother were natives respectively of Pickaway County, Ohio, and of Virginia ; Mrs. Coonrod was born in Defiance County, Ohio, the daughter of John W. and Elizabeth (Armberger) Shaeffer, natives of Indiana and Pennsylvania.

EDWARD DAILEY was born in Bedford County, Penn., August 6, 1810. His parents, Samuel and Elizabeth (Miller) Dailey, were natives of Pennsylvania, and of Irish and German descent. About the year 1822, Samuel Dailey emigrated with his family to Fairfield County, Ohio, where he followed the tanner's trade for eight years, removing then to Seneca County, Ohio, and remaining until 1843, when he again removed with his family, going to Texas, Henry Co., Ohio, where his death occurred in December, 1867. Edward Dailey availed himself of the school advantages of that day, and in October, 1832, was married to Miss Phebe Gross, a daughter of Henry and Jane (Hunter) Gross, the former a native of Germany, the latter of Ireland. Mr. and Mrs. Dailey are parents of nine children, six surviving, viz. : Margery (now Mrs. Richard Harris),

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Martha M., Samuel, Henry F., William and John. After his marriage, Mr. Dailey worked at clearing and farming in Seneca County, Ohio, until 1842, when he purchased eighty acres of unimproved land in Brady Township, this county, built a cabin, and began carving licne and fortune from the unbroken wilderness, which success crownest his efforts. Additions have been made from time to time, until his home farm now comprises 265 acres of well-improved land. Leaving his sons in charge, Mr. Dailey came to Stryker in 1870, where he has since resided, enjoying his well-earned freedom from care and labor. Mr. Dailey served three terms as Township Trustee, and several terms as Town Councilman, and in him the best interests of thi:vicinity have always a friend, and an ardent supporter.

ALBERT DOUGLAS is one of ten children of Uriah and Mary (Carter) Douglas, of New York, and was born October 14, 1835, in Tompkins County, that State. In 1838, Albert Douglas came with his wife and three children to this township, accomplishing the journey from Napoleon with an ox team, and cutting his road through the woods all the way. This team, a few household goods, and $70 in cash were his only property on his arrival. He first located at a newly laid-out town on the Tiffin River, known then as Williamsport, but long since defunct. Here he worked at clearing for two years ; subsequently cleared forty acres for a deed to another forty acres in the north part of the township; on the latter he built a cabin, cleared up and resided thereon till his death, April 12, 1867, at the age of fifty-seven. His widow, now very feeble, resides with her daughter, Mrs. Emilia Silverman. He was a great hunter in his time, and Wed bears, wolves and deer innumerable. For several years he was one of the Township Trustees. Albert Douglas worked on his father's farm until twenty-two years of age ; then worked out by the month for five years, and then for two years farmed on shares. He then began to clear his own farm, which he had bought some years before, and his seventy-one acres are now in a fine state of cultivation. February 12, 1864, he married Abigail J. Lucas,.a native of Cuyahoga County, Ohio, and daughter of Timothy A. and Lydia E. (Draper) Lucas, natives respectively of Ohio and Canada. They have two daughters living, Mina B. and Bertha M.. Mr. Douglas has been one of the School Directors in his district for ,seieral years, end in politics he is a Green-backer.

CHARLES H. ELLIOTT was born January 1, 1858, in Lenawee County, Mich., and is the eldest of six children born to William and Mary A. (Swift) Elliott, who came from the North of Ireland. When a young man, Wm. Elliott emigrated to America and settled in New Hampshire, where he married and engaged in farming. About 1852, he re-

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moved to Lenawee County, Mich., where he also undertook farming, afterward working as foreman for the L., S. & M. S. Ry. Charles H. Elliott was likewise engaged on said railway-as baggage master. He began telegraphing in 1876, acting as night operator and ticket agent at Bry4h, in this county. Here he remained until 1880, when he came to Stryker as day operator. He was married in October, 1879, to Jennie E. Bond, daughter of Josiah and Mary Bond. One son has blessed their union Arthur. In the present year, Mr. Charles Elliott was elected a member of the Town Council. In politics, he is a Democrat ; he is also

a rising young man, and permanent fixture of Stryker.

ADAM FISSEL was born in Germany May 26, 1856, one of nine children of George and Catharine (Muhl) Fissel, both natives of Germany. Adam Fissel received a good education in his native country, and emigrated to the United States in 1872; settled at Cincinnati and learned the trade of gilder and molder ; came in 1873 to Stryker, where he clerked in the furniture store of his brother, John Fissel, becoming a partner in 1880, under the firm name of Fissel Bros. Mr. Fissel was married May 21, 1876, to Miss Josephine Justice, a daughter of David Justice, and herself and parents are natives of Ohio. Mr. and Mrs. Fissel are parents of two children. Mr. F. is a member of the I. 0. 0. F. and of A., F. & A. M., and is the Mayor of Stryker. John Fissel, son for partner of the firm of Fissel Bros., was born in Germany in 1845, where he was educated and learned the trade of cabbinet-maker. He traveled extensively in the German States and Switzerland until 1866, when he emigrated to the United States, coming first to Cincinnati; then to Spencerville, remaining two years in each Place ; then to Stryker, where an he stayed one year, when he went to Defiance, but returned to Stryker and established himself in the furniture business, where he has since remained. His wife was Miss Catherine Fissel, a native of Germany and is the mother of'two children. Mr. F. is a member of the I. 0. 0. F., and has served two terms as Treasurer of Springfield Township. The Fissel Bros. are enterprising, prominent business men ; have an extensive trade, and are among Stryker's best citizens.

OSCAR L. GAMBER was born June 6, 1846, in Canoga, Seneca Co., N. Y., and is one of four children born to George and Mary C. (Singer) Gamber. In 1856, George Gamber and family moved to Gorham Township, Fulton Co., Ohio, where he purchased 187 acres, and there has since resided, having been Township Trustee several terms. Oscar L. Gamber attended school and worked on a faim until eighteen years old,e when be enlisted in the One Hundred and Ninety-fifth Regiment Ohio Volunteer Infantry, serving until disbanded in 1865. He then followed farming until 1872. In 1873, he established a livery stable at

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Metz, Steuben Co., Ind., remaining until. 1874, and thence moving to Columbia, Williams Co., Ohio. He was engaged in the mercantile business here one year, returned to Indiana, and in 1877 came to Springfield Township and farm24 for two years. In 1879, he came to Stryker; worked for Von Beren & Shaffer two years, and in 1881 began the livery business. Mr. Gamber was married in 1869 to Elizabeth C. Bender, of Williams County. :They have one child-L-David W. Mr. Gamber is a member of Stryker Lodge, No. 611, I. 0. 0. I., and Mrs. Gamber of the M. E. Church.

WESLEY B. GREEK is a native of the Buckeye State, and was born in Hancock County January 28, 1848 ; his parents, Frederick and Martha (Brubaker) Greek are Pennsylvanians. Frederick Greek came to Richland County soon after his marriage, where he worked at his trade (that of carpenter) for several years when he removed to Hancock County, where he engaged in the saw-mill and lumber business until 1856, when he came to Madison Township in this county, where he purchased a farm, which has since been the home of the family. Mr. Greek and wife are connected with the German Baptist Church. Wesley B. received the benefits of a liberal education, attending school for several years at Bryan, afterward at Ann Arbor, Mich., and graduating at Ohio Central Normal College at Worthington. Mr. Greek has made teaching his profession, beginning at the early age of twenty. He has been Principal of the graded schools at West Unity and Pioneer, in this county, and in the fall of,1881 accepted the position of Principal of the High School at Stryker, which, under his management, is in a most healthy and flourishing condition ; he has also served on the Board of County Examiners, for which his education and natural ability have peculiarly fitted him. October 22, 1874, he married Sarah A. Stiving, who is a native of Richland' County, Ohio, a daughter of Philip and Leah (Dohm) Stiving, and of German descent. Mr. and Mrs. Greek are parents of five children, four living, and are members of the United Brethren Church.

JOHN HARRIS was born June 15, 1798, in Masson, Bedfordshire, England. He is one of nine born to Richard and Sarah (Thomas) Harris. John Harris , received no education in youth, bnt has acquired an excellent knowledge of men and things. At five years of age he was hired to herd sheep. When seventeen years old, he worked for one shilling a day, afterward working at farming and baking. Mr. Harris was first married in England, in 1819, to Elizabeth Helson. To this union fourteen children succeeded, six of whom only remain. In 1850, he emigrated to America and settled in Springfield Township, purchasing 160 acres of unimproved land, which he cleared and improved, and where he

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now resides. To this tract he added until he now owns 581 acres of fine land. Mrs. Harris died in May, 1861. Mr. Harris remarried in October (4 that year. To the last union only one child was born Cora B. Mr. Harris is a Methodist and Mrs. Harris is a Presbyterian.

SOLOMOM JOHNSON is a native Ohioan, and of English descent on the paternal side. His father, George Johnson, was a native of Lineolnshire, England, and emigrated to this country about fifty years ago. He settled on Tiffin River, Fulton County, Ohio, entered land, built a cabin and began clearing. In about 1840, himself and brother William secured a mill privilege on Tiffin River (or Bean Creek) from the State, where they erected a saw-mill, and later, a grist-mill, known to this day as the " Johnson Mills." The first wife of Mr. Johnson was Miss Hannah Donutt, who died in 1846, leaving five children, three of whom are yet living. He was married to Miss Catherine Croutz November 16,. 1847, and eight years after that event, died at his home in Fulton County November 28, 1855. Mr. and Mrs. Johnson were members of the Methodist Episcopal Church. Mrs. (Johnson) Coy is now a resident of this county. Solomon Johnson was born in Fulton County, Ohio, March 2, 1850, one of three children of the second Mrs George Johnson. He received a good education, and engaged both in farming and teaching ; he taught in Williams, Fulton and Defiance Counties in the latter as Principal of the High School at Evansport. Mr. Johnson is a graduate of the Law Department of Michigan State University, and a member of the Ohio bar, and contemplates establishing himself at Bryan for the practice of his profession, in the near future. Mr. Johnson served as Assessor for two terms in Springfield Township, this county, in 1876 and 1877; served on the Board of Trustees of the Methodist Episcopal Church at Stryker for three years, and for the same length of time on the Board of School Examiners for Williams County. His defeat as candidate for Recorder in 1878, and State Representative in 1881, was not due to any lack of talent or ability, but to the fact that he was marshaled in the Democratic ranks, while Ohio's, majorities were counted on the other side.

LEWIS KING, JR., was born June 12, 1816, in Saratoga County, N. Y., and is the only child of Lewis and Betsey (Sprague) King. In 1819, the elder King came to Delaware County, Ohio, but soon after returned to Saratoga County, N. Y., where he was largely engaged in farming until his death. Louis King, Jr., when only twelve years old, came with his grandfather, Solomon Sprague, to Springfield Township. At fourteen years of age, he began clearing and chopping, and, when but a young man, was one of the best axmen in the country. In 1836, he purchased 100 acres in this township. In 1840, he removed to Cincin-

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nati, and traveled through many States, lecturing and giving exhibitio s in ventriloquism. In 1877, Mr. King published a work entitled, " Th Celestial Messenger ; or, A Ke1 to the Book of Revelation," wherein some novel ideas are set forth. Mr. King was married in 1836, to Jane Prettyman, with an issue of one'son only Prettyman. Mr. King belongs to the order of I. 0. 0. F., and is one of the oldest pioneers of the township. Mrs. King is a na4ive of Pickaway County, Ohio, and the daughter of Thomas and Lydia (Wyatt) Prettyman, both natives of Maryland.

WESLEY B. KITZMILLER was born in Gettysburg, Adams Co., Penn., June 2, 1840, the eldest of fourteen children of his parents, who were both natives of Pennsylvania, where they were married in 1838. His father, Adam Kitzmiller, was a cabinet-maker, and followed his trade at Gettysburg, and also at Mansfield, Ohio, where he removed in 1844, remaining till 1846, when he went to Rome, Ohio, where the family resided until 1853, when he purchased a farm of forty acres of unimproved land, which was afterward a portion of the present site of Stryker. This he sold, buying another, when he met his death, February 2, 1874, from injuries caused while chopping. Mr. Kitzmiller was a prominent member of the Methodist Episcopal Church, and active in Sunday school work. Wesley B. was well educated, and was taking a collegiate course at Otterbein University, Westerville, Ohio, when his country's call interfered with his studies, and he enlisted in Company C, Thirty-eighth Ohio Volunteer Infantry, seeing active service with his regiment until, becoming incapacitated for duty, he received a discharge in 1862. He was married the year following, to Miss Mary J. Schaefer, a native of Williams County, and a daughter of John and Mary (Winters) Schaefer, both from Pennsylvania. Mr. and Mrs. Kitzmiller have seven children. Mr. Kitzmiller has engaged, at different times, in painting, grocery and dry goods business, and has hAld the office of Clerk, Councilman and Mayor of Stryker ; is now in the insurance business, acting Justice of the Peace and Notary Public ; a zealous church member of the Methodist Episcopal faith, Sunday School Superintendent, and is always found in the front ranks of every good work.

BENJAMIN F. KNIFFEN was born April 13, 1827, in Huron County, Ohio, being one of six children of Benjamin and Bloomy (Hobby) Kniffen, the former a native of Westchester County, N. Y., the latter of Connecticut. In 1817, Benjamin Kniffen came to Huron County, then an untrodden wilderness, and located a military land grant of 800 acres for his father, James Kniffen, one-half of which was subsequently. deeded to him by his father ; he was the third white man to locate in Greenfield Township, Huron County, and continued to travel between Ohio and New York until 1823, when he was married, and the following

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spring, with his father's family, moved on their land, each building a log cabin, and clearing the land extensively. Soon thereafter Mr. Kniffen opened a store in a log building, and for years carried on a large trade with the Indians ; this was the first store in the south part of Huron County. In 1828, he built a new frame store building near the old log one, which was the first frame ;tore building in that portion of the county. In the same year, he drove the first cattle taken from Huron County over the mountains, and from that time until his death he was largely engaged in the stock business. In 1836, Mr. Kniffen built a tavern on his farm ; this was situated on the main road from Wooster to Norwalk, and was known as the " Western Emigrants' Home." Although a life-long Democrat, Mr. Kniffen was for more than fifteen years continued as Justice . of the Peace in a township which was largely Whig in its politics. Possessing but an ordinary education, he was by nature a man of broad mind and superior judgment, and his opinions and counsel were constantly sought by his neighbors, particularly in matters relating to finance. He was one of the largest farmers and stock-dealers in the county. He died at his home in Huron County July 12, 1877. The Kniffens are a long lived family. Out of the six children before mentioned, the youngest reached seventy-six years, the eldest being still alive, and eighty-nine years old. During forty-five years, not a death occurred among them. Benjamin F. Kniffen (the subject of our sketch) received a fair school education, and worked on the farm of his father until 1850, when he left for California too seek his fortune, and in which he was not wholly unsuccessful ; he took the overland route, accomplishing the whole journey on horseback. While in California, he was engaged in mining and packing, returning to the States in the fall of 1851, by way of Nicaragua and New York, and being one of the second boat's crew to come by that way. On November 18, 1859, he was married to Margaret E. Papino, of Richland County, Ohio, and daughter of David L. and Jane (Appleman) Papino, the former born in Orange County, N. Y., the latter in Pennsylvania, near Harrisburg. Mr. Papino and Hon. William H. Seward were classmates in boyhood. Mr. and Mrs. Kniffen have had five children. After his marriage, Mr. Kniffen bought a farm in Huron County, where for several years he engaged in stock-raising and farming. In the spring of 1865, he sold this farm and moved to Springfield Township, where he purchased 500 acres from David Carpenter, an old settler of the township. Mr. Kniffen now owns one of the largest, and perhaps the best-improved farms in the township, 805 acres ; he also owns 193 acres elsewhere in the county, 80 acres in Fulton County, 160 amp in Nebraska, 320 acres in Iowa, and 1,200 acres in Texas, thus aggregating 2,758 acres of land. He is the largest land-owner in the county,

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and has been extensively engaged here in the stock business he has also given attention to blooded horses, now possessing some of the highest bred running stock in Northwester Ohio. Although not a church member, Mr. Kniffen is exceedingly liberal in his religious views, mid in his contributions for church purposes. He is a member of the order of A., F. & A. M.

EDWIN A. LANGLEY was born April 17, 1843, in Coshocton County, Ohio, and is one of six born to Moses B. and Martha B. (Chilo). Langley. Moses B. Langley moved with his family and bought a farm in Coshocton County, residing there until his death on February 14, 1855. Mrs. Langley is living with her son Edwin ; she is a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church. Edwin A. Langley labored on the farm until fifteen years of age. When eighteen years old, he commenced, the blacksmith trade. In 1864, he enlisted in the Eightieth Ohio Regiment, and served until mustered out in 1865 ; a portion of this time he was regimental blacksmith. In October, 1865, he came to Springfield Township, and purchased the eighty acres on which he now resides. He was married, October, 1865, t6 Clarissa Leavitt. Mr. and Mrs. Langley have had four children, three of whom are living, Zine E., Milo E. and Edna M. Mr. Langley is a leading farmer of Springfield Township. Mr. Langley's father was a native of Merrimack County, and his mother of Cheshire County, N. H. Mrs. langley's parents, Gideon and Mary (Sickles). Leavitt, were natives respectively of Coos County, N. IL, and Sussex County, N. J.

THOMAS LA VEY was born in Castletown, County Westmeath, Ireland, December 21, 1857, and is the eldest of the six children of Patrick and Ellen (Fox) Lavey. Patrick Lavey first came to America in 1847, and returned to Ireland in 1848 ; in 1849, he came over second time, and in 1851 or 1852, revisited his native land, and was there married in 1856. In the spring of 1860, he came over to remain, bringing with him his wife and two children. He was employed as a gardener in New York City until the spring of 1862, when, without his family, he visited Stryker, and for a few months; was employed on a farm near by. His family joined him the next August, and for the next ten years he was employed on the L. S. & M. S. R. R., since when, he has been principally engaged in gardening. Thomas Lavey received a fair schooling until thirteen years old, when he went to, work in a flax-mill at Stryker for a year, at 50. cents per day ; he then wurked in the same factory until 1873, at $1.54 per day, and was then employed on the L. S. & M. S. Railway for about seven years. In 1880, he engaged in peddling, commencing with a small pack, which he carried on his back, and so continued with success until the spring. of 1882, when he engaged in business as a sewing machine

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agent, which he is still following. He is an enterprising young business man, and in politics is a Democrat.

SETH LINSLY was born, June 24, 1821, in Trumbull County, Ohio. and is one of thirteen children born to Elam and Lydia M. (Wright) Linsly. When a young man, Elam Linsly came to the Ohio Reserve, then an unbroken wilderness ; he was a soldier of 1812, and resided in Trumbull County until his death, about. 1858, being more than ninety years old. Seth Linsly worked .on his father's farm until his fifteenth year, going later to Ashtabula County to learn cabinet-making, and serving three years. In 1848, he lived in Adrian, Mich., and West Unity, Ohio, and came to Stryker in 1859. In 1861, he served as a three months' soldier, and again, in 1863, in the Eighty-sixth Ohio Volunteer Infantry, remaining until mustered out in 1864. Returning to Stryker, he engaged in mechanical pursuits ; he was one of the first to organize the Whig party in Williams County ; is a charter member of Superior Lodge, 179, A., F. & A. M., the first lodge of Masons west of the Maumee, and a charter member of Northwest Chapter, 45, R. A. M. He was married, in 1845, to Sarah A. Luce, a relative of Hon. Daniel Webster. Mr. and Mrs. Linsly had one child, Frances M., now Mrs. A. S. Wilson. The Linsly family is a very old one in this country, the founders here having been three brothers, who came to America some 200 years ago, and settled in East and West Branford, Conn.

PETER LUTY, JR., was born February 3, 1822, in Canton Berne, Switzerland, and the only child of Peter and Elizabeth Luty. Our subject received an ordinary education, and worked on his father's farm until seventeen years old, when he learned the trade of a cooper. He worked in Switzerland until 1846, when he emigrated to America, settling in Wayne County, Ohio, and remaining' until 1852 ; then going to seek a fortune in California. He returned in 1854, and moved to Allen County, Ind., where he purchased land and remained until 1863, when.he sold his land and removed to Springfield Township, and bought 336 acres of well-improved land. Mr. ,Luty was married, May 28, 1849, to Margaret Bouvie, of France. They have eight children, seven living. Both are members of the German Reformed Church, and he is one of the prominent farmers of the township.

JOSEPH MALTBY was born in Longeaton, Derbyshire, England., March 4, 1817. He was one of three children born to Thomas and Elizabeth (Halam) Maltby. Joseph having acquired a common school education, learned the lace-making trade, and later that of a wheelwright ; still later, he engaged in lace-making. In 1846, he married Catherine Lees, of Derbyshire, Eng. As a result, seven children were born: Thomas, Sarah E., Catherine, Ann, Joseph, Samuel L. and Hannah.

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Mr. Maltby came with his family and settled in Springfield Townitip, purchasing 120 acres and increasing the same to 277 acres, and resided thereon until his death, September, 1879. His widow and three children now dwell upon the estate. One of the sons, Joseph, Jr., was married, December 25, 1881, to Bertha R. Boyer, a native of Springfield Township, and daughter of David and Harriet (Schaeffer) Boyer, natives cf Pennsylvania and Ohio. To their union one daughter has been born. Both Joseph, Jr., and wife are members of the M. E. Church, and also Of Springfield Grange, No. 499.

JOHN E. MEEK, the fourth in a family of seven children of Hugh and Jane C. (Adams) Meek, was born in Henry County, Ohio, November 4, 1836. His parents were both natives of Hamilton County, Ohio, and of Irish and Welsh descent. They were married in their native county, and there Hugh Meek learned the carpenter's trade. In the fall of 1832, he moved, with his wife and one child, to Henry County, where he followed his trade until 1859, when he came to Stryker, this township, and made his home with his son, John E., until his death, September 14, 1867. He was Justice of the Peace in Henry County for several years, and also served about a year in a pioneer corps, during the last war, under Col. George D. Center. Mrs. Jane C. Meek died in Henry County February 28, 1845,,a member of the M. E. Church. John E. Meek was about nine years old when his mother died, and, until about thirteen, he lived with an uncle in Henry County. For two years, he was a driver on the Wabash & Miami Canal, and at fifteen entered an apprenticeship to a carpenter for three and a quarter years ; he then learned painting at Toledo, serving three years ; he then returned to Henry County, where he carried on both trades for about two years. In 1859, he came to Stryker, where he engaged in contracting and building for about twelve years, and then for two years carried on a grocery and provision trade. He has been for twenty years identified'Nvith insurance more or less, but for the past ten years has made it a specialty. Mr. Meek has been three times married first, to Sophia Richards, a native of Sta4k County, Ohio, who died in Stryker December 20, 1872, leaving three children Frank E., John E. and Nora; June 28, 1874; he Imarried Mary Barber, a native of Stryker, and daughter of'E. D. and Sarah (Swank) Barber (this lady died May 1, 1875); June 21, 1876, he married Miss Olie Barber, a sister of his deceased wife, and to this union one child has been born Verl W. Mr. Meek has been Constable seven years, and for eight years Deputy Sheriff of Williams County. He has also served as Township and Town Clerk several terms, and one term as Mayor of Stryker. He is a charter member of Stryker Lodge, No. 611, I. 0. 0. F., and in politics is a Republican.

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JAMES MIGNEREY was born July 30, 1830, in France. He is one of eight children born to John C. and Catherine (Fevre) Mignerey. Our subject received the rudiments of an education in his native country. When seventeen years old he learned the black-smithing business, after which, in 1849, he came to the United States, locating at Buffalo, N. Y., where he worked ten years. In 1859, he moved with his family to Springfield Township, where he purchased 100 acresthe same on which he lives. Mr.' Mignerey was married, at Buffalo, in 1853, to Louise Colen. Mr. and Mrs. Mignerey are the parents of twelve children, ten of whom are living. Both are members of the Baptist Church. Mr. Mignerey belongs to Stryker Lodge, I. 0. 0. F. In politics, he is a Republican, and he is a most enterprising citizen.

GEORGE L.. MIGNEREY was born in Buffalo, N. Y., February 14, 1860 ; he is one of twelve children born to James and Louise (Colen) Mignerey, both natives of France. The subject of this sketch received a good common school education at Stryker, working on his father's farm until his seventeenth year, when he went to learn the business of a butcher with Fred Barber, remaining two years, when he opened a meat-market on his own account at Stryker, and where he now continues the business. He was married, March 8, 1879; to Miss Mary Klopenstine, a native of Fulton County, Ohio, where she was born in September, 1860 ; she is a daughter of Peter and Barbara (Cramer) Klopenstine, also natives of France. Mr. and Mrs. Mignerey have had one child: Bertie M. Mr. M. is one of the enterprising and rising young men of Stryker.

JAMES A. MILES. The ancestry of this gentleman is traced back to New York, Vermont .Ireland and to Spain, 1,300 years B. C., and of the name there are about 2,000 in the United States. His parents, Jason and Betsey (Downing) Miles, were reared in Randolph, Vt., and moved to Wilmington, N. Y., in 1812. They had seven children, five boys and two girls. The only living member of the parent family is a brother, Joseph, who still resides at Wilmington. James came to Ohio in 1849 ; resided in Indiana, Illinois and Michigan, and finally settled in Stryker in 1858. He has engaged in teaching, trading and hotel-keeping since he left the stony farm of his brothers on Quaker Hill, near the township of " Old John Brown," whose "soul is marching on." For the last quarter of his life, he has been engaged in hotel-keeping, assisted by his dutiful wife, Phebe M. Miles, and daughters, Lucy A. and Mysta B., and sons, John F. and Berdelwin Miles. Grandma Wood, ninety years old, has lived with his family the past fifteen years. He was previously married to Miss Weltha Butler, who died in 1862. Milly W. Miles, his second daughter, was taken by her grandparents to Lorain County on the death of her mother, and has since lived in Wellington and Belden,

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Ohio ; Etta died at Carlisle, Ohio, in childhood; and James B. died in infancy at Wawaka, Ind. James. A. Miles is a plain, matter-of-fact type of character, as were his ancestors. They were positive, conscientious; of the motive temperament, and for two generations their longevity averages about sixty years." James A. is the youngest of a family whose father also was the youngest son. While subject to a tendency to congestion of the circulatory or respiratory organs; he has, by watchful care, checked the numerous attacks of sickness, and performs his arduous duties as host to the traveling public, morning, noon and night, with many improvements, resulting from resolute will and fourteen years' labor, when he issued b,is first hotel card, inviting boarders to the Miles House. He has been schooled in the low and high grades of poverty and affluence. His occupation has introduced him to the most enterprising business men . of the country, selected for their tact, and trained for their profession as experts in reading character, amateurs at making sales, and detectives against bargains with irresponsible dealers. This varied experience with poverty, sickness, and orphanage in childhood, educated him to use his time, his money and his promises to meet obligation alike valuable and serviceable, needed every day in his business life. He is not only a self- made man, but his working the life problem has been against great odds, weak mental and physical constitution being his stock upon which to build a name and character for time and history. He suggests to his sons and every young man or young woman whose leisure may read his life sketch, that the' certain road to success is traveled by the comparative few in number, in all the countless multitude taking on the forms of human life, that set their foundation on the bedrock of unyielding self-respect in every associate matter, and a due regard for the claims of society calling for co-operation in all relations of pleasure and business, not unmindful that it is by the grace of God that we live in time and in eternity, and that the world is made better for our privilege of being a probationer for awhile in it.

JOSEPH MILLS, JR., was born March 31, 1822, in Morgan County, Ohio, being one of six children born to Joseph and Ruth (Plummer) Mills. Joseph Mills was a soldier of 1812 ; came to Morgan County and Married. He owned and managed a farm until 1824, when he lost a large portion of iris property by acting as surety for his neighbors. He then moved to Shelby County, where Mrs. Mills died in 1827. In 1832, he married Mary Harmon. In 1833, he removed to Pickaway County, and thence to Sandusky County, again moving, in 1838, to Springfield Township, and settling on land previously entered by him. He died in Pickaway County in 1854, having returned there to settle his father-in' law's estate. Joseph Mills, Jr., worked at home until his majority, after-

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ward as a woodman, and earned sufficient to purchase eighty acres, which he improved. He was married, June 8, 1845, to Mary A. Wilbur. Mr. and Mrs. Mills have had nine children, seven of whom survive. In 1854, Mr. Mills sold his old and bought a new farm of one hundred and forty- six acres, on which he now lives. Mr. Mills is a great horseman, and has done much to improve this stock. Since 1869, he has brought several Norman horses to the township, the last two costing $1,700. Mr. and Mrs. Mills are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church, and he of Grange 499; he is in politics a Republican.

THOMAS H. MOORE, station and express agent at Stryker, is a native of the Hoosier State, and was born at Lima, La Grange County, November 26, 1842. His parents were natives of the Green Isle," and emigrated to the United States in early life. John Moore was a man of ability, and filled many offices with marked success, being one of the first Nieriffs of La Grange County, and for many years Justice of the Peace of Lima Township, as well as Postmaster at Lima, holding the latter office at the time of his death, July 26, 1853. He was also for many years an active member of the Masonic Brotherhood. Thomas H. Moore was the recipient of a good common school education, and his life since has given him a practical knowledge of business. He first assisted his father in the Lima Post Office, until fifteen years of age, when he went to Sturgis, Mich., in the same capacity for three years ; he then removed to Constantine, Mich., clerking for Gov. Berry in a store and post office until 1863, when he accepted a position in the -Provost Marshal's office in Chicago. After this, he took a clerkship at Hudson, Mich., in the freight office of the L. S. &. M. S. Railroad, where he remained until he received the appointment he now holds by the L. S. & M. S. Railroad, and United States Express Company, February 5, 1865, and in which capacity he has since been employed with satisfaction to all concerned. Mr. Moore and Miss Martha Jordan were united in marriage October 7, 1869. She is a native of Ohio, and her father, A. H. Jordan, of Vermont. Mr. and Mrs. Moore are parents of two children, viz., Frederic and Harvey,

WALTER I. PEPPLE was born on December 13, 1839, in Stark County, Ohio, and is one of seven children born to William L. and Amelia (Irwin) Pepple. The elder Mr. Pepple was by trade a carver and fuller, and followed the same in Stark County for thirty years. In 1857, he came to Brady Township and purchased land, on which he lived until his death in June, 1875. Walter I. Pepple, until thirty-three years old, worked with his father, with whom, in 1868, he commenced the making of sand brick, and later, of. drain tiles ; still later they-began to manufacture pressed brick. They had a hard struggle in the beginning, running by horse-power, but now by steam, and it is the largest place of the

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kind in the county, and yet the demand for their wares is greater than their ability to supply it. Mr. Pepple was married, February 4, 1868, to Sarah J. Kelty, of Columbiaga County ; six children have been the issue William F., Ella, Lida, Nellie, Carrie and Birdie. Mr. Pepple is a member of the Town Council of Stryker, an Odd Fellow, and a Democrat.

LOUIS W. PRETTYMAN was born June 19, 1828, in Pickaway County, Ohio, and is one of five living children of Thomas J. and Lydia W. (Wyatt) Prettyman, from Delaware. The elder Prettyman was a soldier in the war 2f 1812, and by trade was a carpenter. He was married in Delaware,- moved to Philadelphia, and then came to Pickaway County, this State, where he bought two farms, aggregating about 320 acres, and engaged in farming and stock-raising. In 1833, he brought his family to this township, where he had entered 200 acres of land two years before, and entered 600 additional acres. Here he built a cabin on Bean Creek, and began clearing up a farm, his nearest market being Defiance, which could be reached only by poling down the river. On this farm he died July 28, 1835. He was the first Treasurer of the township, and held that office at the time of his death. He was a local minister in the Methodist Episcopal Church, and preached probably the first sermon ever heard in Williams County, it being the discourse at the funeral of a Miss Knipe, whose death was the first on record in this township. Louis W. Prettyman received a fair common-school education, and after his father's death lived on the home farm with his brother-in-law, Jones P. Slusses, until he was thirteen years old ; he then went to live with another brother-in-law, Davis King, with whom he made his home until he was twenty-four. In 1849, he attended Otterbein University, Westerville, Ohio, several months, but was obliged to relinquish study on account of ill health. After his recovery, he attended high school at Bryan and Evansport, about two years, and afterward taught several terms in this and Defiance Counties. April 15, 1852, he married Hannah R. Kintigh, of Westmoreland County, Penn., and daughter of John and Hannah (Evans) Kintigh, natives respectively of Pennsylvania and New Brunswick, and to their union were born thirteen children. In the fall of 1852, he moved upon his present farm of 158 acres, where he has ever since resided. Mr. Prettyman has served two terms as Township Trustee, and he and wife are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church.

SOLOMON ROGERS was born in Bedford County, Penn., October 10, 1817, and was the youngest of the fourteen children of Eli and Mary Rogers, also natives of Pennsylvania. When a mere child, Solomon was left an orphan, and was reared until fifteen by a brother in Wayne County, Ohio ; two years more of his young life he spent with an uncle, and then began the conflict with the world unaided. His education was rather

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limited, but he had a natural aptitude for mechanics, and after a short time passed in farm labor he began work as a cooper, and followed the business for a number of years. May 27, 1841, he married Miss Cordelia Rogers in Morrow County, Ohio, she being a native of Richland County, and born January 17, 1827. They became the parents of six children, viz. : George W., Margaret E., Catharine, Jonathan, Samuel H. and Emily. Of these, Catharine is the only one now living. The eldest son, George W., lost his life in the late war. Mrs. Rogers died January 15, 1856, and February 24, 1856, Mr. Rogers married Mrs. Manilla Sullivan, who was born in Canandaigua, N. Y., December 7, 1828. In 1843, Mr. Rogers moved to Fulton County, Ohio ; in 1864, he moved to Butler, Ind., and in 1876 he came to Stryker, this township, where he has ever since resided, almbt exclusively engaged in bee culture, and he is now probably the most successful and best posted apiarist in Northwestern Ohio. His hives are of his own invention, and he handles only Italian and Cyprian bees; of which he has about 200 colonies. Mr. Rogers is quite liberal in his religious views, and equally so in politics, although he always threw his influence against the protslavery party. He was Postmaster and express agent while living at Butler, and also carried on there a jewelry establishment. While residing in Fulton County, he. worked at carpentering, and everywhere has been regarded with respe6t and esteem by his fellow-citizens.

THOMAS H. SABIN, M. D., was born in Lucas County, Ohio, June 15, 1843, and is the fourth in a family of six children born to Thomas S. and Maria (Browning) Sabin, natives respectively of New York and Connecticut. The father was a clothier ; was married in Lucas County, and in 1844 moved to Wood County, Ohio, and went to farming ; in 1867, he sold his farm and removed to Fulton County, when he still resides. In April, 1861, Thomas H. Sabin enlisted in Company B, Twenty-first Ohio Volunteer Infantry, for the three months' service, and in November of. the same year re-enlisted for three years in Company H, Sixty-eighth Ohio Volunteer Infantry, and served with his regiment in all its marches and engagements until discharged, in October, 1862, on account of failing health. In September, 1864, he enlisted in Company K, Thirteenth Ohio Volunteer Cavalry. Soon after his enrollment, he was appointed Commissary Sergeant of his company, and served as such until the close of the war, in June, 1865. In the September following, he came to Stryker, this county, and commenced the study of medicine with Dr. D. P. Aldrich, now of Defiance, Ohio. During the winter of 1872-73, he attended the Cleveland Medical College. Practiced in Noble and Whitley Counties, Ind., for about six years ; moved to Archibald, Fulton County, Ohio, and engaged in the drug business in connec-

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tion with his professional practice ; graduated from the. Wooster University in the spring of 1882, and returned to Stryker in July of the same year, where he is now in partnership with Dr. N. B. Stubbs. Dr. Sabin was married, June.21, 1866, to Miss Isabel Norris, a native of Butler, DeKalb Co., Ind, and a daughter of Jerry and Mary A. (Casebeer) Norris.. The fruit of this union is one boy and one girl. The Doctor has held the office of Township Clerk in Fulton County, and is -a member of the I. 0. 0. F.

MICHAEL W. SCHAEFFER was born September 26, 1832, in Montgomery County, Ohio. He is One of a family of ten born to John C. and Mary (Winters) Schaeffer. In 1840, John C. Schaeffer moved to Springfield Township, purchased eighty-six acres of unbroken land; erected a cabin and cleared a farm, now well improved and owned by the subject of this sketch. Mr. Schaeffer died in October, 1851. Mrs. Schaeffer is still living, in her eighty-third year, and a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church. Mr. S. was a Township Trustee, and a member of the Gertman Reformed Church. Michael W. Schaeffer has always lived on 'the farm. After his father's death, he purchased the interests of the other heirs and increased the tract to 206 acres. He was married, May 11, 1856, to Nancy Grimes, of Henry County, Ohio. Mr. and Mrs. Schaeffer have nine children, all living, and are both members of the Methodist Episcopal Church ; he is also a member of Grange No. 499, and an old citizen and enterprising farmer.

WILLIAM SHERIDAN, JR., was born in Greensburg, Westmoreland Co., Penn., October 30, 1825. His parents, William and Hannah (McKinn) Sheridan, were also natives of Pennsylvania, and reared a family of eleven children. In 1826, William Sheridan, Sr., moved to Pittsburgh, Penn., where he followed black-smithing until 1833, when he removed to Stark County, Ohio. In 1840, he purchased a quarter-section of unimproved land in this county, moved his family into a log cabin built for the purpose, and this farm, improved and beautified by money, time and labor, has since been their home. Mr. Sheridan has also lent a helping hand to his neighbors. He assisted in the organization of the first Presbyterian Church at Bryan, and has filled the offices of Township Trustee and County Commissioner. The youth of William Sheridan, Jr., was spent on the farm, in the shop and in the schoolhouse in the latter both as student and teacher. His life has been active and his business interests varied. In December, 1850, he engaged in mercantile business at Lockport, with the late Col. Miller, under the firm name of Miller & Sheridan. After four years, he disposed of his interest, and came to Stryker, where, from 1854 to 1865, he was employed alternately in mercantile trade, handling lumber, bridge building and farming, purchasing

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a farm near Stryker in 1860. In 1865, a company was organized in Boston, known as the Stryker Oil Well Company of Boston, Mass., with a capital stock of $40,000, of which Mr. Sheridan was a large stockholder. Oil was found on his lands in paying quantities, at a depth of 860 feet, but the open formation of rock necessitated the abandonment of the enterprise. A more complete history of this company will be found in that of Springfield Township. In 1867, Mr. S. was admitted to the bar, and has since engaged in the practice of law. He was Stryker's first Postmaster, Justice of the Peace and Mayor, and in 1864 was chief Clerk in the Quartermaster's Department at Wheeling, W. Va. In his own county he received the nomination for Auditor and Clerk of the Court of Common Pleas, and by the Ohio State Democratic Convention that of Comptroller of the State Treasury. He was twice elected State Senator . from the Thirty-second Senatorial District, serving two terms, and in 1876 was a Delegate to the National Democratic Convention, held at St. Louis. Mr. Sheridan is one of Stryker's most active and enterprising citizens. He was married, in 1851, to Miss Martha A. Stubbs, a daughter of William M. Stubbs, and a native of New York. She passed away in 1875, leaving three children.

ALEX SHORT is a native of Stark County, Ohio, was born April 8, 1840, and is the youngest of five children born to Jacob and Frances Short, natives of France, where they were married in 1831 or 1832, and immediately emigrated to the United States, settling in Stark County, then an almost unbroken wilderness. Here he bought 100 acres of unimproved. land, which he cleared and resided upon till 1854, when he sold out and came to this township, and bought a farm of 200 acres, on which he resided till his death. Alex Short received but a limited education in his youth, and worked for his father until twenty-one years old, when he commenced farming on his own account on the 100 acres where he now lives, and has lived, ever since its purchase, with the exception of eighteen months, when he rented it Out, on account of his wife's ill health, and went to reside in Archibald, Fulton County. He married, April 26, 1860, Ellen J. Sloan, a native of Pennsylvania, and daughter of John and Rachel (Bower) Sloan, of the same State. Mr. and Mrs. Short have no children of their own, but have an adopted daughter (Cora A. Sloan). Mr. -Short is a member of the Masonic fraternity, and is an industrious and enterprising young farmer.

ALBERT SILVERNAIL was born on March 28, 1824, in Yates County, N. Y., and one of thirteen children born to Conrad and Mary (Miller) Silvernail. In 1829, Mr. Conrad Silvernail moved to Geauga County, Ohio, where he purchased and improved 160 acres of land, but afterward lost this and all his personal property by indorsing for his

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neighbors. This caused him to remove to Michigan in 1835, and settle upon some land of his brother.. In 1837, he purchased forty acres in Hillsdale County, Mich., residing thereon until his death, in 11162. Albert Silvernail was bred to the plow, and labored thereat until twenty-three years of age, when he married Susan Wilson. He than located on forty acres in Hillsdale County ; here Mrs. Silvernail died, May 27, 1849. Some time after, he worked on the L. S. & M. S. R. R., and, in 1854, came to Stryker, where he married, July 4, 1855, Emily Douglass. One daughter was born to them; Eliza J., now Mrs. James A. Grimes. In 1856, he bought forty acres of his present farm, which now includes 153 acres ; he has also 800 acres in Northern Texas. Mr. Silvernail is one of the Township Trustees ; he was once a Whig, but now a Republican, a member of the Universalist Church and a prominent citizen. The present Mrs.. Silvernail is a ;nave of Steuben County, N. Y. ; her father, Uriah Douglass, a pioneer of Springfield Township, was born in Orange County, and her mother, Mary (Carter) Douglass, in Tompkins County, N. Y.

JOHN SLOAN was born April 20, 1818, in Columbia County, Penn., and is one of eight children born to David and Mary A. (Vance) Sloan. John Sloan worked for his father on the farm until he was twenty-one years old, after which time he farmed on shares until 1845. In 1848, he moved with his family to Springfield Township, and bought eighty acres of wild land, which he improved, and on which he now resides. His hardships were many, but in time and by labor the " wilderness did blossom as the rose," having increased his domain to 392 acres. Mr. Sloan was married, in 1838, to Rachel Bower, and from this union nine children came to being, five of whom are dead. For the first ten years Mr. Sloan was a grand juryman almost constantly. He is a Baptist and Mrs. S. a Methodist. Mr. Sloan is also a member of A. F. & A. M., a Democrat in politics and a public-spirited citizen.

JOHN W. SLOAN was born in Springfield Township January 12, 1850, and is one of the nine children born to John and Rachel (Bower) Sloan (a sketch of whom will be found elsewhere in this volume). Our subject received but a limited education, working for his father until he was twenty-five years old. On July 4, 1875, he was married to Alice E. Clark, of this township, daughter of Louis and Catharine (Knipe) Clark. Three sons have blessed this union John L., William L. and Otis C. In 1880, he bought a farm of 118 acres in Springfield Township, with fine improvements, on which he resides. Mr. and Mrs. Sloan are members of Springfield Grange, 499, and also of the M. E. Church, and Mr. Sloan is one of the rising young farmers of Springfield Township.

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FESTUS A. SNEAR, M. D., was graduated from the Cincinnati College of Medicine and Surgery in the class of-1871-72, previous to which he attended lectures at the Medical College at Ann Arbor, Mich., after studying for two years. with Drs. Long and Riggs, of Bryan, Ohio. Since starting in the practice of his profession, Dr. Snear has been a resident of Stryker, and is also proprietor of a drug house, carrying a large and well-assorted stock of goods usually found in his line. He has an extensive practice, and is one of Stryker's most public-spirited citizens, one of the Trustees of Springfield Township, and an honored member of the A., F. & A. M. and the I. 0. 0. F. Dr. Snear was married September 10, 1871, to Miss Josephine Rotsel, of Richland County, Ohio, a daughter of Dr. 0. J. Rotsel, a native of Pennsylvana, and one child, Otho, is the fruit of this union. Dr. Snear was born in Richland County, Ohio, December. 30, 1849, one of four children of his parents, Jacob and Mary (Radix) Snear, natives respectively of Pennsylvania and Virginia. Jacob Snear came with his parents to Richland County when but a child ; the country was new and almost uninhabited, and their nearest white neighbor was seven miles distant, and consequently they became familiarized with frontier life. Mr. S. was married and lived in Richland County until 1865, when he moved to Fulton County, where he purchased a farm, remaining until April, 1882, when he sold his property and became a resident of Stryker.

WALLACE H. STOUGH was born in Portage. County, Ohio, November 26, 1840, the eldest of three children born to Lyman and Mary {Mercer) Stough, both natives of Portage County, Ohio. In 1843, Lyman Stough removed with his family to Jefferson Township, in this county, where he purchased a farm, remaining until the death of Mrs. Stough, which occurred in 1846. He afterward disposed of this property and bought a farm in Superior Township, living here until 1860, when he sold the farm and removed to Stryker, where he resided until death called him away, December 26, 1869. Wallace H. attended school until fourteen years of age, when he went to West Unity, in this county, and served a three years' apprenticeship with Michael Pifer at the harness and saddler's trade ; then removing to Bryan, working two summers at his trade and attending school during the winter seasons. In November, 1864, Mr. Stough and Miss Louisa Kitzmiller were wedded. She is the daughter of Adam and Mary (Butts) Kitzmiller, both natives of Pennsylvania. Mrs. Stough is a native of Richland County, Ohio, and the mother of four children—Leland I., Franklin, Frederick and Forence B. Mr. Stough came to Stryker in 1858 and established himself in the harness and saddlery business, where he has since remained, meeting with success and filling a sphere of popularity and usefulness. He is a mem-

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ber of the Town Council of Stryker, and shares the confidence of her citizens.

JOHN STUBBS, one of the early pioneers of Williams County, Ohio, was born in Orange County, N. Y., August 12, 1784. His father, William Stubbs, who was of Welsh descent, was a soldier in the Revolutionary war, and assisted in the capture of the desperate and notorious history, Claudius Smith, near Goshen, Orange Co., N. Y., where he was afterward hanged. In early life,- John Stubbs removed to Tompkins County, N. Y., where he was married to Phebe Miller, a native of Broorite County, N. Y., where she was born January 16, 1794. Mr. Stubbs was a Captain of a company of State Militia during the war of 1812. In 1832, Mr. Stubbs sold his farm in Tompkins County, N. Y., and entered nearly 1,000 acres of land in what afterward became Springfield Township, in Williams County, Ohio, and came with his family, together with his sons-in-law, Judge J. B. Taylor, and H. Doolittle and their families; all settling in Springfield Township the following spring. Mr. Stubbs located on Tiffin River about three miles south from the present site of Stryker, built a cabin and commenced clearing. Here he remained but a year, when he removed to another tract of land in the same township, two and a half miles west from Stryker, and built another cabin. This farm of 130 acres he soon afterward sold to Dr. Kibbey, who contemplated building a saw-mill, and surveyed a portion of the land for town lots, calling the new place Williamsport, but becoming badly involved and unable to execute his intentions, the land reverted to Mr. Stubbs, who, in the meantime, had returned to his former place, where he had begun a home, and where himself and family resided until 1861, when Mr. and Mrs. Stubbs went to live with their son, John H. Stubbs, with whom they remained until death called them home. Mr. Stubbs died January 26, 1864, and was followed by Mrs. Stubbs in 1871. Mr. Stubbs was for eighteen years Justice of the Peace in Tompkins County, N. Y., and after coming to Ohio filled continuously for many years some of the township offices, and was at one time one of the Commissioners of Williams County. Mr. Stubbs was a member of no church, but was for more than half a century a prominent and leading member of the Masonic fraternity, having advanced as far in the order as is possible in this country. He was for many years W. M. of Hiram Lodge in Tompkins County, N. Y., and after coming West helped to organize new lodges over Northwestern Ohio, believing Masonry to be the best organization ever instituted by man. He constantly practiced, through a long and useful life, the tenets of the order. Ever seeking to amelioriate the condition of humanity, he dispensed charities with a loving heart and a bounteous hand. " Requiescat in pace."

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WILLIAM M. STUBBS, one of the pioneers of Williams County, was born June 22, 1810, in Tompkins County, N. Y. He is the eldest of seven children born to John and Phebe (Miller) Stubbs, both natives of New York. William M. received the benefits of a common school education, and assisted on the home farm until he became of age, when he married, bought a farm in his native county, where he remained until 1836, when he disposed of his property and emigrated with his family to this State. He purchased 220 acres of unimproved land in Brady Township, Williams County, built a cabin and begun the work of making a new home, in what was then considered the wilderness of the West. Pioneers need no rehearsal of their. labors and privations to keep them in memory, and all descriptions give to later settlers but a faint picture of the reality. Mr. Stubbs keeps the old homestead, but to lighten his labors, rented his farm and moved to Stryker in 1873, where he has since resided, associated in the drug business with his son, Dr. N. B. Stubbs. Mr. Stubbs has always been an active politician and was for several years one, of the Associate Judges of Williams County, under the old constitution, and Justice of the Peace both in Brady and Springfield Townships. He was candidate for Legislative honors on the Democratic ticket in 1880, and has been for many years a prominent and active member of the A., F. & oA. M. Mrs. Stubbs was Miss Margaret A. Collins, a daughter of David and Sabra (Blanchard) Collins, all natives of New York. Mr. and Mrs. Stubbs are parents of six children, four surviving, viz., Chauncy C., now a stock-dealer in Montana, Mrs. John G. Ramsey, Dr. N. B. Stubbs and Mrs. Dr. D. P. Aldrich. The deceased were Mrs. William Sheridan, Jr., who died in 1875, and Mrs. Samuel Smith, who died at Eau Claire, Wis., in March, 1882.

JOHN H. STUBBS came to Williams County in 1833, and has been identified with its growth since that early period. His parents settled here on a farm where he remained at work and which he acquired by gift of deed from his father in 1845. He was married the same year to Miss Mary M. Miller, a daughter of Louis and Rachel (Hogan) Miller, both natives of New York, where Mary M. was born in Tompkins County in 1822. Mr. and Mrs. Stubbs have but one remaining child; Wallace W. Stubbs, now in business in Stryker. John H. Stubbs, in company with his two brothers-in-law, built the first saw-mill in Springfield Township, 'on Tiffin River, which he had charge of for several years. Mr. S. was peculiarly fitted for pioneer life ; being a sure marksman, the wild turkeys and deer with which the country abounded, suffered at his hands ; he was of an eminently social nature, and, with his violin, was an indispensable figure at all the primitive gatherings of that day ; he served to cheer and enliven the hearts of these widely-separated neighbors and inspire courage

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for renewed efforts. Mr. Stabs is a charter member of Stryker Lodge, No. 611, I. 0. 0. F., and a Republican. He was born November 26, 1820, in Springfield, Tompkins Co., N. Y. His parents, John and Phebe (Mille4,Stubbs, were also natives of New York. For more than forty years Mr. Stubbs has been an extensive, close and careful reader and investigator, especially of metaphysical subjects. He does his own - thinking and will not allow creed-makers to forge fetters for his mind. He believes that all material things were formed in obedience to certain immutable laws ; that both law and matter are eternal and indestructible ; that the word create " is a misnomer and should be stricken from every language. He believes that there is a certain something, called "energy," also eternal and indestructible, which overcomes resistance and doe's work ; that this energy is always the same, no matter under what circumstances it may be manifested. He firmly believes that what men call " mind," "intelligence," or "soul," is only a manifestation of energy. He believes in the entity of the individual mind ; that all mental improvement is but accumulated thought or energy, and that it must go on forever. To him, the only evidence of a future existence is in the manifestations of spirits. While he repudiates creeds, one and all, as the inventions of men, he is yet no materialist. He will not bow the knee in superstitious reverence of the Past, simply because it is the Past, but worships toward the Dawn. He believes in a religion of love rather than in a religion of duty ; that the whole of religion, pure and undefiled, is to deal justly, love mercy, and to endeavor to make fellow-creatures happy.

NOTE. Since the abosve sketch was written and put in type, Mr. Stubbs departed this life at his home near Stryker, September 10, 1882.

NATHANIEL B. STUBBS, M. D., one of the most extensive practitioners of Stryker and vicinity, is a native of Williams County. He was born in Brady Township May 18, 1838 ; his parents, William and Margaret (Collins) Stubbs, are natives of New York. Nathaniel B. received fair educational advantages in youth, and assisted his father on the farm until he was eighteen years of age ; his first business venture was that of dry goods clerk in Stryker, afterward that of teacher, and in 1861 he opened a grocery house at Stryker, where he remained until he received the appointment of clerk in the Quartermaster's Department in Wheeling, W. Va., in 1864. In 1865, he formed a partnership with Dr. D. P. Aldrich in the drug business, under firm name of N. B. Stubbs & Co. Mr. William Stubbs afterward .purchased Dr. Aldrich's interest, but the firm name is still retained ; here Mr. Stubbs began the study of medicine, afterward graduating from the Cleveland Medical College with the class of 1871-72. Dr. Stubbs was united in marriage in 1862 to

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Miss Eliza S. Stone, a New Yorker, and daughter of Granville and Maria (Butler) Stone, natives respectively of New York and Ohio. Mrs. Stubbs is of the Universalist faith, and the mother of two children, vii, Walter L. and Cora L. Dr. Stubbs has officiated as Trustee, Clerk and Treasurer of Springfield Township, and as. Treasurer, Councilman and School Director of Stryker. He is a member of the A., F. & A. M., and of the I. 0. 0. F., one of the leading citizens of the place, and a Democrat.

WALLACE W. STUBBS was born in Springfield Township, Williams Co., Ohio, January 26, 1850, and is the only remaining child of John H. and Mary M. (Miller) Stubbs, both natives of Tompkins County, N. Y. Mr. Stubbs got his education and worked on his father's farm until of age, after which he was variously employed at grafting, clerking, and in the post office department until 1873, when he went to Chase County, Kan., and engaged in stock business for one year ; he then returned to Ohio, and was employed at farming and hotel business for four years, when he came to Stryker, which has since been his home, where he is engaged in the grocery and provision trade. He is one of Stryker's most active and enterprising business men, a member of the City Council and of Lodge No. 611, I. 0. 0. F. Mr. Stubbs was united in marriage November 22, 1874, to Miss Lucinda Fay, a native of Wood County, Ohio.

FRANKLIN H. SULLINGER was born February 13, 1845, in Defiance County, Ohio, and is the eldest son of five living children of Andrew and Martha (Collins) Sullinger. When young, Andrew Sullintger came to Tiffin Township, Defiance County, and bought eighty acres of unimproved land, which he cleared. In 1855, he sold out and removed to Springfield Township, purchased land, then selling out and removing to Evansport, where he now resides. Mrs. Sullinger died in 1881. Franklin H. Sullinger labored on the farm until Aug. 15, 1862, when he enlisted in the One Hundred and Eleventh Ohio Regiment, serving until 1865. On November 7, 1867, he was married to Anna Umstead, a native of Springfield Township. They are parents to four children—Florence L., Theoda B., Harrison L. and Frederick E. In 1869, he moved to Wolcottville, Ind., engaging in saw-milling and planing. In 1771, he came to Farmer Centre, Defiance Co., Ohio. He is now with Von Behren & Shafer in Stryker, as foreman of their saw-mill and oar factory. Mr. Sullinger is an Odd Fellow, and, with his wife, a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church.

JAQUES VERNIER was born November 16, 1818, in France. He is one of the six children of John J. and Susan (Peeler) Vernier, also natives of France. Jaques Vernier, at the age of sixteen, began to acquire the trade of a weaver with his brother, with whom he remained one

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year. In 1837, he came to America, and applied himself to learn candy making in New York, remaining but three months. He then came to Stark County, Ohio, but soon returned to New 'York, and worked in Delmonico's restaurant for three months. He .then went to New Orleans, thence to New Albany, and thence again to New Orleans. In 1845, he came to Springfield Township, buying seventy-four acres of unimproved land ; this he sold, and purchased again in German Township, Fulton County ; he sold this farm in 1874 and removed to Stryker. Mr. Vernier was first married, in 1846, to Margaret Peeler, to which union issued one daughter Eugenie, now Mrs. Barber. Mrs. Vernier died in Springfield Township in September, 1852 ; she was a member of the Lutheran Church. Mr. Vernier then married, in 1854, Mary C. Charpiot. TO this second union issued one son; Charles J., who is in the hardware trade at Stryker. Mr. and Mrs. Vernier are members of the Presbyterian Church; and early settlers of Springfield Township.

CHARLES VERNIER was born in France August 19, 1844, being one of thirteen children born to George and Catharine (Certier) Vernier, also natives of France. In 1847, George Vernier emigrated to America and settled in German Township, Fulton Co., Ohio, where he purchased eighty acres of unimproved land, and began carving out a home from the wilderness. In 1854, he sold this and bought 160 acres in the same township, also unimproved. In 1874, he moved to his present residence, Archibald, Fulton Co., Ohio. He and Mrs. V. are members of the Lutheran Church. Charles Vernier, at the age of eighteen years, commenced to learn the trade of a wagon-maker. In 1868, he removed to Stryker, where he opened a wagon and blacksmith shop, continuing until 1872, when he engaged in the grocery and provision business, and selling agricultural implements. In 1881, he was burned out, and in 1882 he bought an interest in a hardware store, the firm being C. Vernier & Co. Mr. Vernier was married, October 26, 1867, to Julia Bourquin, daughter of Peter and Suiette (Mettetall) Bourquin. Mr. and Mrs. Vernier have had five children: Julius C., Charles P., Harmon G., Alford W. and Alcide G. Mr. V. is a member of A., F. & A. M., and one of the enterprising citizens of Stryker.

JOHN A. VON BEHREN was born in Lancaster, Fairfield Co., Ohio, May 7, 1838, and is the eldest of nine children of Frederick and Margaret (Seifort) Von Behren, the former a native of Hartoum, Prussia, born May 3, 1814, the latter of Shakendorf,. Alsace, born. September 9, 1818. Frederick Von Behren emigrated to America in 1833 ; settled in Lancaster, Fairfield Co., Ohio, where, after serving a three years' apprenticeship at the tanner's trade, he was married, and in 1841 removed to Evansport, Defiance Co., Ohio, where Mrs. Von Behren died in 1848.

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In August, 1849, he married Caroline Rein, a native of Wurtemberg, Germany, and to this union were born eight children, of whom five sons and one daughter are still living. Four of these boys are engaged in the lumber business in and about Logansport, Ind. On his arrival at Evansport, Frederick Von Behren established a tannery, following this business until 1865, when he removed his family to Burlington, Iowa, doing business himself at Fort Howard, Wis.; his death occurred at his latter home, January 15, 1881. John A. Von Behren learned his father's trade, working with him until 1861, and the year following, in company with George Shosner, purchased the tannery at Stryker, which they operated for several years ; some firm changes have been made, and the firm is now Von Behren .& Shafer ; in 1866, they added a saw-mill, and the year following an oar manufactory, now the second largest establishment of the kind in Ohio. Their shipments of oars to all parts of the United States and Europe have been large for several years. Mr. Von Behren and Miss Elizabeth Gares were married November 6, 1881. She is a native of Ohio, of Bavarian descent, and mother of five children, four living. Mr. and Mrs. Von Behren are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church. Mr. Von Behren has filled the offices of Township Trustee and Treasurer for several years ; is an ex Mayor of Stryker, and has served on the School Board for eleven years, and is one of the most prominent and enterprising citizens of7Stryker and vicinity.

CHARLES C. WAGNER was born in Bavaria June 17, 1838, the son of John and Catharine (Renner) Wagner, natives of the same country. At the early age of twelve, John Wagner became a soldier in the Bavarian Army, and served until twenty-four. During this period, Bavaria was in alliance with France, and, under the Great Napoleon, John took part in the campaign against Russia. In 1836, he was transferred to the revenue service, and did duty at sixteen different custom houses on the Bavarian frontiers, dying in the service July 20, 1864, in his sixty-fifth year, at Munich, in the Catholic faith. His wife was a member of the Lutheran Church. Charles C. Wagner learned the barber's trade in his native land, and worked in various cities in Bavaria, Austria, Prussia, and Saxony until 1860, when he entered the Bavarian Army and served two years. He then followed his trade at Munich until August, 1865, when he came to this country, worked a year and then opened shop in New York, and in 1870 sold out and went to Scottsboro, Ala.; thence, in a few months, to Atlanta, Ga., and thence, a year later, to Memphis, Tenn., from which point the yellow fever drove him to Water Valley, Miss., where he opened a shop and remained four years. In 1876, he came to Stryker, where he is now conducting his business with great success. October 19, 1865, Mr. Wagner married Dina Kruse, a native of

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Hanover, and to their union seven children have been boric, of whoa four are yet living—Charles J., Benjamin J., Anna D. and Gertrude Mr. Wagner is a member-of Stryker Lodge, No. 611, I. O. O. F., and is an enterprising citizen.

JOSEPH WIBIRT, JR., born May 23, 1840, in Waterloo County, N. Y., is the youngest of eight children born to Joseph and Polly A. (Reynolds) Wibirt. In 1842, the elder Mr. Wibirt moved with his family to Springfield Township, and settled on eighty acres entered the previous year, built a cabin, and began the work of clearing, residing thereon until big death, April 19, 1876 ; Mrs. Wibirt died April 27, 1880 ; both were Quakers. Joseph Wibirt, Jr., has always lived on the old homestead, which he now owns. He was married, August 14, 1862, to Lucinda C. Colgan, of Springfield Township, and daughter of Daniel Colgan. Mr. and Mrs. Wibirt have two children; Alice A. and Mary J. He is a member of Springfield Grange, No. 499, and also of A., F. & A. M. Both himself and wife are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church, and he is in politics a Republican, also an enterprising farmer. Joseph Wibirt, Sr., was born in Saratoga County, N. Y., and his wife in New Hampshire ; both were of English-German extraction. The parents of Mrs. Joseph Wibirt, Jr., Daniel and Christina A. (Haller) Colgan, were both natives of Connecticut.