(RETURN TO THE TITLE PAGE) WOOD COUNTY, OHIO. - 1019 township, April 24, 1856, Mr. Hall led to the marriage altar Miss Mary M. Patterson, a native of Chautauqua county, N. Y., born September 19, 1834, in the town of Pomfort, near Lake Chautauqua. Her parents, Nathan D. and Polly (Judd) Patterson, were Eastern people by birth, and in 1842 removed to Lorain county, Ohio, locating in Grafton township. In April, 1855, however, they came to Perry township, Wood county, where their deaths occurred, the father at the age of sixty-six and the mother sixty-eight. They were the parents of seven children, four sons and three daughters; one child died in infancy, and of the others only two are now living. After his second marriage, Mr. Hall took his bride to his farm, which he continued to clear and cultivate until his death, October 15, 1870. The widow was then left with three children, the oldest son being about thirteen years of age, but he only survived his father about a year, so that the entire management of the farm and business matters fell to Mrs. Hall. She was equal to the emergency, however, and has displayed excellent executive ability in the care of her land, which comprises 140 acres, all but forty of which have been cleared and placed under a high state of cultivation. The three children born to Mr. and Mrs. Hall were: Cyrus, who died in November, 1871; Sarah J., now Mrs. M. D. Smith, of Perry township; and Wilbur, who assists his mother in the operation of the home farm. The father was a stalwart supporter of the Democratic party, and an honorable, upright citizen. GEORGE W. CUMMINGS, well known among the leading agriculturists of Washington township, being identified with many of its interests, is a forcible illustration of the self-made man. Thrown upon his own resources, he has successfully paddled his own canoe, and is now numbered among the prosperous farmers of Wood county. Here his entire life has been passed, being a son of Walter and Olive (Barlow) Cummings, and born at Tontogany, February I, 1852. His paternal grandfather, Josiah Cummings, was a native of New England, born June I, 1795, and on November 24, 1821, wedded Lucy Churchill, whose birth occurred in Massachusetts, April 6, 1797. They became the parents of four children-Walter, the father of our subject, born July 12, 1824; Mary Ann, born December 15, 1826; Abner, born April 23, 1829; and Clark, born October 8, 1834. Walter Cummings first opened his eyes to the light of day in Wilkesbarre, Penn., and, on coming to Ohio, first located in Summit county; but in 1832, at the age of eight years, he was brought by his parents to Wood county, where he received most of his education, and grew to manhood on the farm. On May 1, 1851, he was united in marriage with Miss Olive Barlow, who was born in Ohio, on the banks of the Maumee, January 8, 1826, and they became the parents of seven children, of whom George W. is the eldest. M. Augusta, born October 15, 1853, is the wife of O. N. Gregg, a carriage manufacturer of Barnesville, Ga., by whom she has a daughter, Eva, now the wife of Claude Peyton, a barber of Atlanta, Ga. Hattie S., born March 1, 1856, died December 28, 1876, at the age of twenty years, nine months and twenty-seven days. Edwin, born March 16, 1858, is a farmer of Furnas county, Neb. Josiah, born April 23, 1861, is a produce dealer of Claflin, Kans. Melvin B., born June 15, 1864, is married, and has two children, Walter and Daniel, and is an operator on the Missouri Pacific railroad at Claflin, Kans. Lucy, born September 6, 1868, made her home in Toledo, at her stepmother's, was married to William Creswell, January 23, 1896, and resides at Columbus, Ind. The mother of these children died August 21, 1877, at the age of fifty-one years, seven months and twenty-one days, and the father wedded, for his second wife, her sister, Mary Barlow, who was born March 6, 1831. He died June 26, 1888, aged sixty-four years. Mr. Cummings, whose name introduces this review, spent his boyhood days upon his father's farm, in Washington township, during which time he obtained a practical education in the public schools, and later taught during the winter months, while in the summer season he was employed at farm labor. On the 26th of March, 1874, he was joined in wedlock with Sarah M. Hannah, daughter of W. P. and Elizabeth Hannah, representative farming people of Grand Rapids township, Wood county. Five children graced this union, but three died in infancy, the others being: Charles O., who was born August 5, 1875, and is now attending college at Olivet, Mich. ; and Edith, who was born December 16, 1883, and is also in school. The mother, who was born July 7, 1846, died in 1891, since which time Mr. Cummings married Jane Ketchum, who was born November 1, 1846, and is a daughter of James A. and Sarah (Wilson) Brown. Her birth occurred in Stark county, this State. Mr. Cummings is an earnest supporter of Republican principles, and has contributed of his 1020 - WOOD COUNTY, OHIO. means to the establishment of educational and religious institutions. WILLIAM BISHOP, a stalwart and sturdy representative of the noble yeomanry who make up the agricultural population of Wood county, is a resident of Bloom township. His birth occurred in Eagle township, Hancock Co., Ohio, November 25, 1845, and he is the son of Henry and Eve (Smith) Bishop. The father was born in Madison township, Franklin Co., Ohio, in 1819; the mother was also a native of the same locality, born May 21, 1821; there they were married. Henry Bishop was a highly educated man, and had followed teaching to some extent; but his principal occupation was that of farming. He removed to Hancock county in pioneer days, and was drowned there June 18, 1855. During the June freshet a pile of drift-wood had accumulated along the creek through his farm, and wishing to remove this he started to swim across the swollen stream; but cramps seized him, and he sank to rise no more alive. His body was recovered later, and interred in Bishop. cemetery, Eagle township, Hancock county. Politically he was a stanch Democrat, and represented his county in the State Legislature, while in 1810 he was editor of the Hancock County Courier, a copy of which paper, dated October 15, 1840, is now in William Bishop's possession. He left to his family a good farm of 240 acres, where his six sons grew to manhood. They are: George, a farmer of Reed township, Seneca county; William, the subject of this review; John, of Eagle township, Hancock county; Isaac, a farmer of the same township; Smith, an agriculturist of Clinton township, Seneca county; and Henry, also of Eagle township. Some time after the death of the father of this family, his widow wedded Conrad Line, again becoming a widow; she died October 24, 1896, aged 75 years, 5 months, 3 days. In much the usual manner of most farmer boys the early days of William Bishop were passed, he aiding in the work of the fields and attending the district schools. At the age of twenty-one he began operations for himself, as partner of his brother George, in the cultivation of a farm belonging to their mother. Later he sold his interest in the home farm, and bought 16o acres in Portage township, Hancock county, but never lived upon that tract, which he subsequently sold at a considerable profit. He next owned seventy-six acres in Jackson township, same county, and on selling that he bought eighty acres in the same locality. During this time, however, he was living on his uncle's (Jacob Bishop) farm, which he rented some nine years. In November, 1884, he purchased the southwest quarter of Section 21, Bloom township, Wood county, and on the 19th of the following January he brought his family to this place. He has now one of the best farms in the locality, 14o acres of which have been cleared, and from ninety-four acres of that amount he cut away the timber, making it a cultivable tract. On March 4, 1869, in Scipio township, Seneca county, Mr. Bishop was united in marriage with Miss Juliette Orner, who was born in Fremont, Ohio, January 27, 185o, and is the second in the family of three children of Jacob and Susanna (Cashner) Orner, the others being Emeline (now Mrs. George Kern), of Nevada, Ohio, and Joseph, of Lucas county. Being left an orphan at the early age of three years, Mrs. Bishop was reared by strangers. To our subject and his wife have been born the following children: Bertha M., wife of George Walden, of Bloom township; Nancy J., wife of Frank Monasmith, of the same township; Mark P., at home; Emma E., wife of John Frankenfield, of Seneca county; and Estella, Mary, Herbert, Edson, Jacob, Henry D., Frank, Ray and Ethel, all under the parental roof. Although Mr. Bishop has met with reverses, he has never become discouraged, and is now the possessor of a good property. On May 11, 1895, he lost his barn by fire; but with characteristic energy he at once rebuilt, the new structure being on a more extensive and modern plan. In August, 1895, the Northwestern Gas Co. began drilling for oil on Mr. Bishop's farm, completing four wells in March, 1896. He now has seven wells on his farm, yielding eleven tanks of 180 barrels of oil each, every week, and he has now the largest oil income from the same number of wells of any man in Wood county. Politically our subject was a Democrat up to the time Peter Cooper ran for the Presidency, and he was the only man in Jackson township, Hancock county, who voted for that candidate. He has served as delegate to the county conventions of that county; was elected assessor of Bloom township in 1895, and re-elected in the spring of 1896 without opposition. - His uprightness, integrity and public-spiritedness have won him the confidence and esteem of his neighbors, and he is classed among the most respected representative citizens of Wood county. JAMES PEEBLES, who is prominent among the best citizens and most successful agriculturists of Perry township, was born in Chillicothe, Ohio, Wm. & Julaette Bishop WOOD COUNTY, OHIO. - 1021 October 21, 1841, and is the eldest son of Andrew and Ellen (McDowell) Peebles, of whom a history is given in another place. Until he was sixteen years old our subject attended the schools in his native city, and, as he was a bright boy, and close student, he learned rapidly, and laid the foundation of an excellent education. His parents removing about this time to a place where the advantages for study were very poor, his schooling practically came to an end, and he went to work, assisting his father in painting, working on a farm, in a hotel, and, indeed, at anything to which he could turn his hand. While yet in his 'teens he was employed by a large landowner, eventually becoming overseer of his extensive farm at a salary of $35 per month. Mr. Peebles' parents in the meantime removed from southern Ohio to Wood county, whither he followed them on the 12th of August, 1864. For several years thereafter he worked on his father's farm, continuing with the latter for sometime after he became of age. His first purchase of land was twenty acres in Montgomery township, and he borrowed $100 with which to make the first payment of $150. The land was only partially improved, and had on it a small log house and other log outbuildings. He later added twenty more acres to this farm, and so cultivated and improved it that a few years later he sold it for $2,000. Mr. Peebles next purchased eighty acres near Bradner, for which he paid $2,400, the advent of the Hocking Valley railway afterward adding to its value, so that he realized $3,600 from its sale. He then left Montgomery township, and removed to his present location in Section 31, Perry township, where he owns 146 acres, of which 106 acres were cleared when he took possession of it. The whole place shows evidence of superior care and cultivation, and it is a valuable piece of property. It is due to his good management, fine improvements, with ditching and tiling, a good barn built in 1883, and a handsome residence erected in 1887. In addition to this he owns a farm of 176 acres of excellent land, highly improved, in Paulding county, Ohio. In February, 1867, in Van Buren, Hancock Co., Ohio, our subject was married to Sarah Shue, a daughter of Frederick Shue, a farmer of Montgomery township. Three children were born to them, namely: Edward J., who has charge of his father's farm in Jackson township, Paulding county; Minnie, married John Malley, and they live on one of our subject's farms in Paulding county; Jesse is at home with his father. The mother of these children died in June, 1874, and in December, 1876, Mr. Peebles was united in marriage with his present wife, who was Miss Mary E. Andre, daughter of Philip Andre, who removed from Columbiana county, Ohio, to Wood county. The children of this marriage are-Jennie, Ella, Arthur, and Bessie. Mr. Peebles is a self-made man, full of push and enterprise, and is one of the substantial farmers of his township, who is regarded as an excellent citizen, and a man of high principle and honor. His genial, pleasant manners, make him many warm friends. He has always been a stanch Democrat, and an active worker in the interests of his party, but has never been an office seeker,. He has served several years as a director of School District No. 9. HENRY D. STOUFFER, one of the substantial and well-known business men of North Baltimore, was born in Fayette county, Penn., July 26, 1843. His parents, Joseph and Nancy (Dobler) Stouffer, were both natives of Pennsylvania, the father born in 1812, the mother in 181 5. This worthy couple were married in their native State, and in 1855 removed to Ohio, settling on a farm west of Fostoria, where the father died September 9, 1891, the mother following him to the better land, January 18, 1895 The farm is still in the possession of the family, and a part of it lies in the oil region, twenty-five wells being sunk within one mile of the property. Joseph Stouffer was originally an Old-time Whig, later attaching himself to the Republican party. He and his wife were consistent members of the United Brethren Church. They were the parents of seven children, viz.: Henry D., subject of this sketch; Samuel, residing in Hancock county, Ohio; Josiah, a merchant in Bloomdale, Wood county; Jacob, living on the old homestead; Sarah, the wife of James Slosser, of Fostoria; Susan, the wife of John A. Stoner, residing at Mt. Pleasant, Penn.; 'and Catherine, living at the old home. Our subject spent, his boyhood days in Hancock county, where he attended the district schools. He assisted his father upon the farm until eighteen years old, when he began learning the trade of a carpenter. The Civil war breaking out at the time, he was convinced that it was his duty to take part, and dropping his tools he enlisted, though only a boy, in Company I, 123d O. V. I. After four weeks with the regiment at Monroeville, Ohio, he was rejected on the regimental examination; but, in the spring of 1865, he re-enlisted in Company G, 189th O. V. I., from which he was honorably discharged October 1, 1865. 1022 - WOOD COUNTY, OHIO. On his return to private life Mr. Stouffer took up the occupation of a carpenter, working in and around Fostoria for three years. Subsequently he located three miles north of Arcadia, Hancock Co., Ohio, where he worked at his trade as contractor and builder. In 1874 he came to North Baltimore, where he has since carried on a hardware store, adding various other lines at different times, until now he deals not only in hardware, but also in agricultural implements, roofing, spouting, buggies, wagons and bicycles, etc., and he has the most extensive line of stoves in the place. When he first came here there was but one business house in the town, and he, has been an important factor in the growth and development of the city. He started in a small way in a building 20 x 36 feet. In 1874 he put up a business block, to which he has since made extensive additions to accommodate his increased trade; and now, in a store containing over 8,000 square feet, with three sons acting as clerks and machinists, is doing a prosperous business. He is known to be a man of high principle and strict integrity, and has the confidence of the community as well as the esteem and respect of his personal acquaintances. On January 12, 1867, Mr. Stouffer was married in Fostoria to Miss Mary J. Linhart, who was born near Pittsburg, Penn., August 20, 1839. Four children have come to this union, as follows: Nettie is the wife of R. E. Teets, of Milton Center; they live at Montpelier, Ind., and have two children, Glenna and Lena. Harry O. is unmarried, and lives at North Baltimore. W. L. married Miss Lillie Welsh, of Beaver Dam, Ohio, and resides at North Baltimore. Willie is at home. In politics Mr. Stouffer affiliates with the National party. He served as member of central committee, and has been a member of the city council for five or six years, and has been on the board of health for about fifteen years. In religious connection he is a member of the United Brethren Church. DANIEL KNISELY is one of the active, prominent and enterprising citizens of Montgomery township, and is engaged in general farming in Section 14. He was born in Stark county, Ohio, March 27, 1846, and when an infant was taken to Ridge township, Wyandot Co., Ohio, by his parents, David and Mary (Faylor) Knisely, who were of Pennsylvania-Dutch descent: By trade the father was a blacksmith, and carried on that occupation in connection with farming. When eleven years of age, our subject accompanied his parents to Section 33, Montgomery township, where the father purchased eighty acres of land, still in its primitive condition, and upon the place built a log house and a blacksmith shop, where he continued to follow his trade. The family had come in wagons from Wyandot county in the spring of the year, when the roads were almost impassable, as much of the land in this county was at that time under water. The father made his home in Section 33 until 1864, when he sold that farm, and purchased eighty acres in Section 14, forty acres of which our subject now owns. For a time he also carried on blacksmithing, but later he devoted his entire attention to agricultural pursuits. He now makes his home at Fremont, Ohio, at the age of seventy-six years, and there his wife died in October, 1894. They were earnest Christian people, respected by all who knew them, and he has been a lifelong member of the Republican party. The family circle included the following children: Mahlon C., who died at the age of six years; Mary J., now Mrs. William Meeker, of Henry county, Ohio; Rachel A., wife of Levi H. Kohr, of Fremont, Ohio; Daniel, the subject proper of this review; Malissa, who died at the age of three years; Sylvester, who died in infancy; Jay, of North Baltimore, Ohio; Samantha, wife of Charles Frankfather, of Portage township, Wood county; and A. F., of Montgomery township. As Daniel Knisely was the eldest son of parents in limited circumstances, his services were needed upon the home farm, and his educational privileges were therefore quite limited; but when he was able to attend school he learned rapidly, and would have advanced very quickly in his studies if he had had the opportunity. He remained upon the home farm until his enlistment in the Union army during the Civil war, with the exception of two years when he was put out to work for his board and clothes. While he was quietly carrying on agricultural pursuits the storm of war broke over our beloved country, and, in response to the call of the general government, Mr. Knisely enlisted, in February, 1864, though not yet eighteen years of age, in Company E, 25th O. V. I. He was with his regiment continuously until November 30, 1864, when, at the battle of Honey Hill, S. C., he was wounded and sent to the hospital at Hilton Head, at which place he was granted a furlough to come home, January 25, 1865. On the 1st of April following he rejoined the command, doing duty in the Carolinas until honorably discharged, on June 18, 1866, when he returned to his home in Montgomery township. Besides helping in the operation of the home farm, he was employed by WOOD COUNTY, OHIO. - 1023 others for some time. He also served a two years' apprenticeship to the carpenter's trade, under Sylvester Turner, of Freeport, Ohio, and later engaged in business with that gentleman for the same length of time. On November 28, 1872, at Freeport, was celebrated the marriage of Mr. Knisely and Miss Josephine Billman, daughter of Daniel and Mary A. (Bucher) Billman, and to them have been born four children, namely: Roscoe B., Charles H., Arthur F. and Hazel A. At the time of his marriage Mr. Knisely owned forty acres of land in Section 14, Montgomery township, which was nearly all paid for by his own earnings. To this place he removed in the spring of 1873, and has since made his home there; but he has added to his original purchase until he is now the possessor of 12o acres of rich and arable land, while his wife owns forty acres additional. In connection with the cultivation and improvement of his property, he followed threshing for several seasons, and thus added materially to his income. As a Republican in politics, Mr. Knisely takes great interest in public questions, and has filled several minor offices in his district, including that of trustee, which he held for four terms. He is a member and past post commander of Randall Post, G. A. R., at Prairie Depot, and is a highly respected and esteemed citizen of Montgomery township, where his gentlemanly deportment and genial manners have gained him many friends. HUGH STEWART, one of the most extensive real-estate owners of Wood county, and an able and energetic public official, was born August 20, 1839, in what is now known as Webster township, then unorganized. He is a descendant of the ancient Scottish clan of that name. His grandfather, Hugh Stewart, and his father, Hugh Stewart (2), were both born near Whitburn, Scotland, and the latter for some years followed the trade of carpenter and joiner there. In 1834 he came to the United States, and located within the present boundaries of Webster township, on eighty acres of land, which he cleared and improved. He was a Whig in politics, and one of the first and strongest supporters of the United Presbyterian Church in his vicinity. In 1836 he was married to Miss Jennett Davidson, who was also born near Whitburn, Scotland. Ten children were born to them, whose names with dates of birth are as follows: Margaret, March 19, 1838, died at the age of ten; Hugh, August 20, 1839; Jennett, October 2, 1840, married Thomas Roper, a farmer of Freedom township; Robert, March 19, 1842, died February 25, 1864, from the effects of hardships and exposure in the army; James, April 3, 1843, died January 7, 1862; William, July 27, 1844, died February 6, 1848; Ann, April 7, 1846, manages our subject's home; Jane, March 6, 1848, married William Davis; Walter D., April 28, 185o, died March 19, 1872; and Mary, January 12, 1852, married Thomas Fitzgerald, and died January 24, 1886. The father of this family died May 15, 1852, the mother survived until April 27, 1883, when she passed away, at the residence of her son, Hugh. The early education of our subject was obtained in the log school houses of the neighborhood; but his shrewd Scotch intellect has enabled him to acquire much wider information than the books, which he studied there, afforded him. He worked at the old homestead until 1864, when he enlisted in Company I, 144th O. V. I. (Capt. John McKee commanding). After receiving instructions at Camp Chase, his regiment joined the army of the Potomac. Mr. Stewart took part in the engagements at Monocacy and Berryville, and was taken prisoner at the latter place, but made his escape two days later. Four months after he entered the service, he was slightly wounded in the right leg, and honorably discharged. Returning home, he again engaged in agriculture, and after clearing the homestead of a debt of $750, he added to his possessions from time to time, until he became the owner of one of the largest farms in the county, comprising in all 48o acres of choice land. He has never married. A few years ago he built a handsome residence costing $3, 500, and two barns of the most approved plan, which cost $4,000. His chief interest is stock raising, and he takes a trip to the West every year to make purchases; but he has invested in various business enterprises, holding shares in the Dunbridge Elevator Co., and the Dunbridge Oil Co. His first vote was cast for Abraham Lincoln, and he has been a stanch supporter of Republican principles ever since. His well-known ability, honesty and public-spirit have made him a popular candidate of his party, and he has been school director for ten years, member of the board of education three years, township trustee and supervisor for nine years, and constable for six years. In 1880, he was elected county commissioner and gave largely of his time and energy to the work of his office. During his term, the County Infirmary was built, and new bridges and ditches provided in different parts of the county. He is a member of the Presbyterian Church, and belongs to the F. & A. 1024 - WOOD COUNTY, OHIO. M., No. 112, of Bowling Green, the 1. O. O. F., Freedom Lodge, of Pemberville, and the G. A. R., Robert Stewart Post No. 690, of Dunbridge. JOHN APEL, an extensive land owner of Middleton township, was born in Hessen, Germany, November 30, 1824, and was one of the seven children of George and Catherine Apel, also natives of that country. When our subject was a youth of sixteen years his. father died, after which the lad worked on the old homestead to support his mother, until his emigration to America, March 22, 1847. He made the ocean voyage in a sailing vessel, landing at New York, May 24, without any money; in that city he pawned his watch to enable him to reach Buffalo, thence working his passage on a steamboat to Huron, Erie Co., Ohio, where he hired out on a farm, in which employment he passed eight years. On March 2, 1855, he came to Wood county, and with the capital he had acquired through his own industry, frugality and perseverance, amounting in all to $1,000.00, he purchased eighty acres of land, the nucleus of his present extensive possessions. Thereon he erected a good residence and other buildings, and as his financial resources increased kept adding to his realty until he is now one of . the most extensive land owners in Middleton township, being the possessor of 28o acres of improved land. His income is also materially increased by the sale of the product of twentyfour oil wells, which are now in operation on his farm, bringing him a nice income per month. He also owns stock in the First National Bank at Bowling Green. Mr. Apel has been twice married. In 1847, in Erie county, he wedded Margaret Busser, who was born in Germany, February 13, 1821, and by this union he has had five children: Catherine, wife of Anson Weaver; Barbara, wife of George Hartman; Henry, a farmer of Middleton township; Maggie, wife of Dr. F. Klusson, of Toledo, Ohio; and Sophia, who died in infancy. The mother of these passed away September 12, 1889, in Middleton township, and March 12, 1891, Mr. Apel married Nannie Johnston, who was born in Perrysburg township, October 14, 1864, a daughter of Freeman Johnston, a veteran of the Civil war. To each of his children, when they commenced life for themselves, Mr. Apel gave $2,000.00. In politics, our subject is a Democrat, and for three years served as school director. His religious connection is with the German Reformed Church, and he is a benevolent, charitable gentleman of genial, hospitable disposition, well liked by all who know him. Though he did not serve in the Civil war, he showed his patriotism to his adopted country by substantially aiding all movements advanced in support of the Union. He began life a poor boy, had to endure many hardships and trials, and the success which he has now gained, is therefore doubly creditable to him. In 1855, he lost all of his crops through floods, and he and his family were obliged to live on corn bread and acorn coffee for two years. In 1881, he visited the Old Country for the purpose of seeing his mother and some old friends. He took the steamer at New York City, December 1, and landed in Bremen December 17. During this voyage he had the misfortune to break his leg, from which time until February 20, 1882, he was under a doctor's care. He left Germany March 12, and arrived home March 29, 1882. JOSHUA V. SMITH, the oldest gentleman in Troy township, now makes his home in Section 5. He was born in Bellefontaine, Logan Co., Ohio, on October 5, 1819, and with his parents, Joshua and Huldah (Alger) Smith, came to Perrysburg, Wood county, as early as 1826. The settlements at that time were widely scattered, the county was almost an unbroken forest, a great deal of the land was covered with water, and the work of civilization had scarcely begun. During the seventy years of his residence here, he has watched the wonderful changes that have taken place, and contributed his share in the development and upbuilding. His father was born and reared in Rhode Island, and at the age of twenty years went to New York, where he met and married Huldah Alger, whose birth occurred near Albany, that State. In 1816, they emigrated westward, locating in Ohio, and the following year made a home at Bellefontaine; but the year 1826 found him a resident of Perrysburg, where he engaged in the manufacture of brick, and also worked at the mason's trade. He removed to Troy township in 1832,, locating near Stony Ridge, on a arm for which he had traded property that he owned in Perrysburg. He continued its cultivation until his death, which occurred many years ago. His wife survived him many years, dying on January 31, 1879. In their family were seven children, as follows: Lucy, wife of Julius Blinn, of Toledo, Ohio; Maria, who died in infancy; John Lee, who died of cholera, July 27, 1854; Joshua V., of this sketch; Jacob, who enlisted at Stony Ridge, in 1861, for three years, in the 72nd O. V. I., and was accidentally killed John Apel WOOD COUNTY, OHIO. - 1025 January 7, 1865, by a limb falling from a tree; Mrs. Elizabeth Van Camp, who died in Lemoyne, Wood county, in 1866; and Clarissa, wife of Samuel Shook, of Stony Ridge, Ohio. The subject of this sketch was about seven years of age when brought to Wood county, and secured his education in the schools of Perrysburg. After leaving the school room he spent his summers in farming, while during the winter months for twenty years he bought furs for the firm of Hollister & Blinn. He also engaged to some extent in brick making. On the outbreak of the Civil war he resolved to strike a blow in defense of the Union, and was the first man to enlist in Troy township, becoming a member of Company C, 21st O. V. I. August 29, 1861. He was mustered in at Findlay, Ohio, and was made a wagoner in the army of the Tennessee; but on account of illness was honorably discharged October 6, 1862. However, on July 22, 1863, he re-enlisted, this time becoming a member of Company L, 3d Ohio Cav., and was again assigned to the army of the Tennessee. He participated in many engagements in Tennessee, Alabama and Georgia, and after the close of hostilities was discharged at Edgeville, Tenn., in August, 1865, with an army record of which he may justly be proud. On returning to Troy township, he again resumed brick making and farming. In that township on February 22, 1842, Mr. Smith was united in marriage with Miss Mary Van Camp, a native of Buffalo, Erie Co., N. Y., and a daughter of Benjamin P. and Lorena (Walker) Van Camp, who were also born in the Empire State. Her father was a shoemaker by trade, and in 1836 removed to Lucas county, Ohio; but the following year located on a farm in Troy township, near Lemoyne. His death, however, occurred near Bowling Green, Ohio, in 1875, and his wife was called from this earth May 8, 1885. Their family consisted of nine children: DeWitt, who died at Lemoyne, in 1886; Mrs. Hannah R Utley, who died November 19, 1884; Mary, wife of our subject; Cornelius, of Bowling Green; Harriet, who was the wife of George Reddick, and died in Peru, Ind., in 1857; Henry, of Decatur, Mich.; Mrs. Sarah Jolly, of Bowling Green; Benjamin Franklin, of the same city; and Esther, who died April 19, 1879. To Mr. and Mrs. Smith have been born seven children, six of whom are still living. (1) Corwin H. died of cholera in 1854, at the age of twelve years. (2) Abram V., who now resides in East Toledo, Ohio, enlisted in 1862, in the 21st O. V. I., was taken prisoner at Chickamauga and confined in Andersonville, Libby, Belle Isle and Florence, being incarcerated for seventeen months and five days. During that time he endured all privations of Southern prison life. After returning home he lost an arm, the effect of scurvy. (3) Charles C. is married, and resides at Hartford, Mich. (4) Joshua B. is married, and resides in Lucas county, Ohio. (5) Huldah L. is the wife of Joseph Philes, of East Toledo. (6) Millard Fillmore is married, and makes his home in Marion, Osceola Co., Mich. (7) Walter H. is also married, and lives in Mungen, Wood county. In his political faith, Mr. Smith is a Republican, a stanch follower of the doctrines as formulated by that party, and before its organization was a Whig, casting his first vote for William Henry Harrison, in 1840. He has served his fellow citizens as trustee and constable, and is a member of Woodford Post, G. A. R., at Perrysburg. In all matters of public spirit and enterprise, he takes a prominent part, and gives his aid to everything that will advance the welfare of the county where he has so long found a pleasant home, and is surrounded by many warm friends. He and his wife are earnest Christian people, belonging to the United Brethren Church at Lemoyne, Ohio. C. C. HUM, one of the prosperous farmers of Perrysburg township, was born in Columbiana county, Ohio, April 3, 1834, a son of David and Mary Ann (Heacock) Hum. The father of our subject was born in Westmoreland county, Penn., and the mother in New York. They were married October 20, 1829, in Salem, Ohio, where they 'settled and spent the remainder of their lives. The father was a Democrat before the war, afterward becoming a Republican, and both he and his wife were members of the Methodist Church. They reared a family of six children, namely: Angeline, who married Dickson Hatcher, and is now deceased; James W., who died in Beaver county, Penn.; Richard W., living in Mahoning county, Ohio; C. C., our subject; and Elizabeth,' who is deceased. The mother of this family died when our subject was six years old. C. C. Hum came to Wood county, was educated at the district schools up to the age of fourteen years, before coming to this county. He was a sailor on the lakes, which occupation he was following when the Civil war broke out. On July 21, 1862, he enlisted in Company A, 100th O. V. I., in which he served as sergeant until February 22, 1864. He was at the siege of Knoxville, and in other important engagements. Later 1026 - WOOD COUNTY, OHIO. he was made second lieutenant in the 1st U. S. Colored Artillery, and promoted to first lieutenant of the same company (company B), same regiment. Most of his time, while an officer, he served on staff duty under Brig. Gen. Tilson, Maj.-Gen. Stoneman and Gen. Q. A. Gillem. In the fall of 1865 and spring of 1866, he was provost marshal at Chattanooga, and April 1, 1866, he was mustered out of the army, after having faithfully served his country during the entire war. On his return to Ohio, Mr. Hum settled on his farm in Perrysburg township, and for ten or twelve years thereafter sold goods for his own account. He was married September 16, 1857, to Miss Caroline E. Davenport, who was born in Tompkins county, N. Y., May 18, 1831, a daughter of Alanson and Eliza (Middaugh) Davenport, the father a native of New Jersey, born in 1807, the mother born in New York the same year. They had a family of nine children, as follows: George M., a farmer of Barry county, Mich. ; Caroline E. (Mrs. C. C. Hum); Hannah, now Mrs. C. Priest, in Michigan; Sarah M., Margaret, William H. and James, all four deceased; Harriet L. (Mrs. John Wade), of Wood county; and Newman R., a farmer of Wood county. The family came to Ohio in 1847, locating first in Huron county, in 1853 moving to Wood county, where the mother died in 1876, the father in 1893. He moved to New York when a boy, and became a cooper by trade, later following farming. In politics he was originally a Whig, afterward a Republican, and in religious faith he was a Presbyterian. To Mr. and Mrs. Hum were born three children, as follows: (1) Walter C., married Miss Elma Strickland, and they have three children-Chester, Loran and Martha. (2) Alva A. married Emily Bruce, and they have three children-Earl, Bessie and Nell; and (3) James died when nine years of age. Mr. Hum is a Republican, and was infirmary director one term, declining a second nomination. He is a member of Wolford Post, G. A. R., and is the only ex-commissioned officer in the township. He is also a member of the F. & A. M., is master of the lodge at Perrysburg, and has filled all the chairs. He is a man of more than ordinary intelligence, and a great reader, keeping abreast of the times on all the topics of current interest. Mrs. Hum is a member of the M. E. Church. DUDLEY H. AVERY, junior member of the firm of Ross & Avery, prominent hardware dealers at Bowling Green, is one of the most enterprising young business men of that wide-awake community. The house of which he is now a partner is one of the oldest business concerns in the vicinity, having been founded in 1857 by the late Enoch Wiley. Mr. Avery was born in Huron county, Ohio, April 11, 1857, the son of J. O. and Harriet (Manley) Avery. His father was born in Connecticut in 1828, and .came to Wood county in 1852, where he has since followed farming as an occupation. He is a progressive and patriotic citizen, and went to the front as a soldier during the Civil war. He now resides near Weston, Wood county. Our subject received an excellent education in his youth in the public schools of Oberlin, and the Normal School at Fostoria. His first business venture was at farming in Plain township, Wood county; but after six or seven years he abandoned that for a grocery store at Bowling Green. Subsequently he engaged in the hotel business on Mackinac Island, on the Straits of Mackinac; but February 15, 1895, he bought an interest in his present enterprise, where his ability and energy have a congenial field. Mr. Avery was married in 1879 to Miss Ettie Wiley, who was born in Perrysburg September 23, 1857. Her father, Capt. Enoch Wiley, who was the original owner of the store, with which Mr. Avery is now connected, was born in Lewiston, Penn., October 9, 1833. In 1857, he, with his family, moved to Bowling Green, Ohio, where he lived until he entered the army. On the first day of the battle of Stone River he fell mortally wounded. The G. A. R. Post, of Bowling Green, was named ''Wiley Post" in honor of him. One son, Ray Dudley, has been born to Mr. and Mrs. Avery. Our subject is a Republican, and influential among the younger element of the party. JOHN H. ANDREAS. This popular young business man was born at Fremont, Ohio, in 1865, and when eight years of age moved with his parents to Bowling Green. His earlier years were spent in school, and, when old enough, he was in the employ of Charles Miller, who kept a bakery and restaurant, and later was with Parmenter Bros. & Smith, clothing merchants. In 1884 Mr. Andreas took a trip through Iowa, Minnesota and Wisconsin, spending the latter part of the year and the first few months of the following year in college at Valparaiso Ind. During July of 1885, he went to Montana, where he was employed as foreman by the Anaconda Copper Co. He was sent by the Ana- WOOD COUNTY, OHIO. - 1027 conda Copper Co. to Georgetown, Mont., to make a 30-day-test-mill run on gold ore, from the Pyrenese gold mine, resulting in general satisfaction to the company, and, when in mining countries, his occupation was that of gold amalgamator, and he has proven by his work, as well as written recommendations from prominent mining companies, that he is one of the best in the State of Idaho. He has treated gold, silver and copper, during his sojourn in the West. He was engaged in that and other mining pursuits for two years. In 1887 he went to Idaho, and discovered the Vixie and Franklin mines in Pine Grove, which latter place was founded by himself and brother. The two young men operated these two mines until 1890, when our subject accepted a positon as traveling man for the Western Resource Paper House, of Lincoln, Neb., and meanwhile organized a mining company in Chicago. He leased and bonded his interest in the mines; but in the money crash of 1893, said company could not draw their money from banks, so the mines and mills stand as before, although he and his brother Frank still retain a controlling interest in the property. During the opal excitement, Mr. Andreas was sent to the fields on Snake river, Idaho, by a Chicago and Boise City syndicate, making several valuable purchases for the company. It was at his suggestion that the exhibit of '' American Opals " was made at the World's Fair at Chicago in 1893. Mr. Andreas returned to Bowling Green in 1893, and the following year entered into the restaurant business on South Main street, where his place, "The Idaho," became so popular that he had to move to more roomy quarters, and is now located in the Union Hotel block, where he is carrying on a flourishing business. In politics he has always been an ardent' Republican, and during his life in the West became acquainted with many of the leading politicians and financiers of that section. Socially he belongs to the Knights of the Maccabees, the P. O. S. of A., the Sons of Veterans and the Woodmen of the World. Mr. Andreas is popular both in business and private circles, and is a highly respected citizen. The father of our subject, John R. Andreas, was born in Luzerne county, Penn., where he learned the trade of a tailor. When about twenty-one years of age he removed to Ohio, locating first in Wayne county, and afterward at West Salem, in both of which places he followed the occupation of a merchant tailor. He next removed to Sandusky county, near Fremont, where he was engaged in farming when the Civil war broke out. With other of his patriotic countrymen, he enlisted in the 72nd O. V. I., under the command of Gen. R. P. Buckland; but before the regiment left he met with an acccident by which one of his legs was broken. This delayed his active service; but after regaining the use of his limb he again joined the regiment, serving in the construction corps. At the close of the war he removed his family to Bowling Green, where he died in 1891. His wife, whose maiden name was Mary Collar, was born in Berks county, Penn., in 1844. She is still living in the enjoyment of good health, and makes her home in Bowling Green. To this estimable couple were born eight children, namely: Henry, who died when two years old; Almeda, wife of William Alexander, living at Pemberville, Ohio; Frank, who is engaged with our subject in the mining business in the West, and who now has charge of their property there (mines and mineral springs (medical) at Pine Grove, Idaho); Lorinda, the wife of David Klotz, residing in Helena, Sandusky county; John H., subject of this sketch; Emma and Amelia (twins), the latter of whom is the wife of Robert Householder, of Wood county; and Charles, who has charge of a ranch in Idaho. JOSEPH H. MITCHELL, who has been a prominent agriculturist of Wood county, and at this writing is a director of the county infirmary, is spending the later years of his life, retired from active business, in his pleasant home at Bowling Green. He was born in Liberty township, Wood county, April 22, 1838, and is the son of Joseph and Ann (Trass) Mitchell. The father of our subject was a native of Somersetshire, England, where he was born in 1802, and where he was married, his wife being a native of the same place, her birth occurring in 1807. They came to America in 1830, locating first in Ashtabula county, Ohio, and three years later took up their residence in Wood county. They settled on government land in Liberty township, and made their home there for ten years, then removing to Plain township adjoining, where they built a house and resided the remainder of their lives. Joseph Mitchell owned 250 acres of land, and was one of the earliest settlers of that vicinity. When he first made his home here, there was but one log house where the city of Toledo now stands, and the land on which it is built was then worth only three dollars per acre. He lived long enough to witness the wonderful growth and prosperity of this section of the State, his death taking place October 27, 1878, his wife surviving him until September 17, 1028 - WOOD COUNTY, OHIO. 1885. The parental family comprised six children, namely: Martha J. is now Mrs. J. H. Howes, of Plain township; Mary Ann married Joseph Logan, of Deerfield, Mich., and died March 4, 1863; Joseph H.; Samuel L. lives in Bowling Green; Elizabeth A. married James R. Judson, of Bowling Green; Oliver C., born August 1, 1848, lives in Bowling Green. The subject of this sketch was reared in Plain township, and obtained his education in the common schools at Bowling Green. On the breaking out of the Civil war, his patriotic impulses led him to offer his services in defence of his country; and he enlisted August 14, 1862, in Company D, 111th O. V. I. His regiment was assigned to the army of the Cumberland, and participated in the following memorable engagements: Campbell Station, siege of Knoxville, Fort Sanders, Strawberry Plains, Blain's Cross Roads, Resaca, Rocky Face, Kenesaw Mountain, Decatur, Peach Tree Creek, Atlanta, Jonesboro, Stone Mill, Franklin and Nashville. Mr. Mitchell served his company as corporal, and was unharmed during the campaign; but was taken ill shortly before the close of the war, and was obliged to return home, being discharged July 4, 1865, at Murfreesboro, Tennessee. Our subject was married December 26, 1865, to Miss Martha Taburn, who was born in England April 18, 1841. Their only child, Minnie, who was born June 10, 1868, is the wife of W. F. Ries, and they have one son, Freddie M. After his marriage Mr. Mitchell settled on a farm of eighty acres in Liberty township, Wood county, where he has since made his home. He has always been progressive in his ideas, and was the first man in his township to use tiling on his land. The first year he put in 600 rods, greatly to the amusement of his neighbors, who thought it a very foolish undertaking. But at the close of the season he had the laugh on his side, as he had an excellent crop of corn, which he sold at seventy-five cents a bushel, while they had nothing. The following year other farmers followed his example, with satisfactory results. He now has 1,500 rods laid upon his farm, which is one of the most productive in that locality. Mr. Mitchell is an ardent Republican, and as an old soldier is greatly interested in everything connected with the events of those stirring times. He never fails to attend the reunions of the veterans of the war, at which many interesting stories are told, and the battles fought over again. He held the office of township trustee for many years, and in November, 1893, was elected a director of the County Infirmary, and re-elected in November, 1896. Both himself and wife are members of the United Brethren Church, and are among the most esteemed and respected citizens of their community. The grandfather of our subject, Joseph Mitchell, came to America some two years later than his son, and located in Liberty township, where he entered land from the government, and where he died when about eighty years old, his wife having passed away soon after reaching her new home. The children were as follows: John, who died in England; Joseph, the father of our subject; Mary, who married Thomas Pullman, of New York City; Elizabeth, who married Henry Wilkinson, and died in Ashtabula county, Ohio; Jane, who became the wife of Thomas Holden, of Chicago, Ill., and died in that city; Martha, who married Alexander P. Logan, of Deerfield, Mich.; Sarah, who became the wife of Charles Morrison, of Cleveland, Ohio; Samuel, who died in DeWitt county, Mo.; and Thomas, who died in Elkhorn, Wisconsin. The mother of our subject was a daughter of John and Mary Trass, whose family of children were: Senath, Margaret, Ann, Henry, Joseph, and Catherine. JOHN H. NEEDLES, a highly respected farmer of Jackson township, was born in Hancock county, Ohio, August 19, 1857, his parents being .William and Mary (Harris) Needles. He attended schools near his home, and spent the hours of vacation in aiding his father in the farm work. He remained under the parental roof until his marriage, which occurred in Rawson, Hancock county, February 21, 1878, the lady of his choice being Miss Olive, daughter of Abram and Anna (Hanna) Flick. They were natives of Ohio, married in Fairfield county, and soon after took up their residence near Rawson, Hancock county. They had four children: Alice, Olive, Rufus and Lydia. Mr. Flick was twice married, and by his first union had six children. He was a highly respected citizen and farmer, and both he and his wife died in Hancock county. After their marriage our subject removed with his bride to Rawson, where for a year he engaged in operating a sawmill. He then sold that property, and bought a farm of twenty acres, on which he lived for two years, when he came to Wood county, and purchased his present property, a tract of eighty acres, that was then in its primitive condition. He placed a considerable portion of it under cultivation; but after two years he sold it to his father, and returned to Hancock county, where he spent the succeeding two years WOOD COUNTY, OHIO. - 1029 on a farm of fifty acres, that he had purchased there. He then again bought his old home, in Jackson township, Wood county, and soon after erected his present residence; he has since added forty acres more, making now a fine farm of 120 acres. His farm is neat and thrifty in appearance, and is now a desirable property, The home of Mr. and Mrs. Needles has been blessed with three children: Arthur Cloyd, Ada Violet and Mary Maud. The parents are well known in this locality, and are highly esteemed by their many friends. In his political views, Mr. Needles is a stalwart Republican; he served as school director for a number of years, and while living in Rawson was appointed constable, but would not accept the office, caring nothing for political preferment. He is an active worker in the United Brethren Church of Hoytville. HENRY J. RUDOLPH is one of the progressive and enterprising merchants of Wood county, and, as he is both widely and favorably known, we feel assured that the record of his life will prove of interest to many of our readers. He was born November 22, 1861, in Republic, Seneca Co., Ohio, and is a son of Charles Rudolph, a native of Germany, who in that country learned and followed the trade of shoemaking. In 1852, at the age of eighteen, he crossed the Atlantic to America, and for a few years thereafter worked as a laborer in Seneca county; he then opened a custom shoe shop in Republic, and continued in that business until 1865, when he came to Wood county, locating on a forty-acre tract of wild land in Lake township. His first home was a log cabin, but it has since been replaced by a commodious frame residence, and the other improvements of a model farm have been added. Charles Rudolph was married in Republic to Sarah Heirwagoner, a native of Crawford county, Ohio, and to them have been born the following children: Henry J.; Edson C., a farmer of Lake township; Louisa, wife of John Bringman, of Wood county; Amelia, wife of John Gilbert, of Moline, Ohio; Maria, wife of William Hackman, of Lake township; Margaret, wife of Thomas Crago, of Lake township; Lawrence, who died at the age of six years; and Ellen. Our subject acquired a good common-school education in Lake township, and laid aside his text books at the age of sixteen in order that he might give his entire attention to the work of the home farm, at which he continued until nineteen years of age. He then learned the carpenter's trade, which he followed for four years, after which he embarked in general merchandising in Moline, carrying on a successful business there for two years and nine months. He then became station agent and assistant postmaster, and sold his store to F. J. Schreiber & Co. Later he removed to Mermill, where he purchased a store and stock of G. C. Dauterman, and greatly enlarged the stock. There he did a good business until May, 1891, when he sold out, as he had begun business a year previous at his present location. In 1892 he made a large addition to his store, and in 1894 built another extension thereto. His trade has constantly increased, and he receives from the public a very liberal patronage. Owing to his well-directed efforts, his enterprise and honorable dealing, he has secured a handsome competence, and to-day ranks among the substantial citizens of Wood county. On January 22, 1891, Mr. Rudolph was united in marriage with Miss Nettie E. Mercer, who was born in Liberty township, May 6, 1870, a daughter of Charles and Jane (Mominee) Mercer. In politics he is a Republican, and for three years he served as postmaster; but he has never been an office seeker, preferring to give his entire attention to his business interests, in which he has met with signal success. Religiously he is connected with the Disciples Church. LOREN D. LANGMADE. The romantic history of Scotland, the pure, unselfish patriotism of her Wallace and her Bruce, and the inherent love of liberty in the hearts of her sons, have been themes of which the world never wearies. The blood that was so freely shed around Stirling Castle, or on the moor of Culloden, still flows through Scottish veins, and never a deadly shaft is aimed in Freedom's name, but finds some assistance wafted on the breeze from the waving heather. The family of the subject of this sketch is of Scottish origin, and that the descendants have proved themselves true sons of worthy sires will be easily seen. Samuel and John Langmade came from Scotland and settled in New Hampshire in the year 1750. They were in the Revolutionary war, and were what were called '' Cowboys. " After the war, John Langmade settled in Canada. He had but one son. Samuel (great-great-grandfather of our subject), had five sons-Stephen, Samuel, Solomon, Winthrop and Gideon-and three daughters-Suke, Fanny and Sally. Stephen and Samuel both became soldiers in the Revolutionary war, serving in the infantry throughout the whole war. After the close of the war, Stephen (great-grandfather of our subject), married and moved 1030 - WOOD COUNTY, OHIO. to Rutland, and later to Danville, Vermont, where he died about the year 1800, leaving a family of five boys, whose names were William, Samuel, Solomon, Jonathan and Stephen. Solomon served with the dragoons during the war of 1812, and for some heroic deed was promoted to the rank of captain; but on account of youth and bashfulness he refused the position, although he was mustered out as captain. William, who was the grandfather of our subject, was born at Danville, Vt., February 22, 1790. He also did his part in the war of 1812, being a hospital steward, afterward promoted to surgeon. He lived at Barton, St. Johnsbury, and Danville, Vt., and he was a great horse farrier and trainer, once owning the .famous Justus Morgan horse. About 1827, he moved to New York State, and settled in the town of Arcade, thence moving to Sardinia, where he kept a hotel; but this he gave up and returned to his profession as his services were needed and appreciated.. In 1838 he moved to the town of Yorkshire. About the year 1818, he had married Effie Sweat, by whom he had five sons. After her death, which occurred about 1832, he married Laura Davis, and by this union he had three sons and five daughters. The children were: Stephen S., William F., Nathan N., George P., Lorenzo D., Andrew J., Mason C. , Daniel P., Asenath M., Amelia A., Melissa A., Janett A., and Mary A. Stephen S., the eldest son, was born in Vermont; William F. (the father of our subject), was born in Canada, while his parents were there on a visit, and to collect some money; Nathan N. was born in Vermont; and the remaining children were born in New York. Andrew J. served three years and five months in the late war, and was in twenty-one battles. He was six months a prisoner of war in Libby, Belle Isle and Salisbury Rebel prisons. He has been elected fifteen times in succession as commander of the G. A. R. Post, and holds an appointment on the commander-in-chief's staff with rank as colonel. He received a Medal of Honor from the State of New York for bravery at the battle of Gettysburg, Pennsylvania. Loren D. Langmade, the subject proper of this sketch, was born February 22, 1853, in Yorkshire Center, N. Y., and is the son of William F. and Ervilla H. (Record) Langmade. William F. Langmade, a carpenter and joiner by occupation, gave his son a fair education at the schools in the vicinity of his home. From the age of twelve to sixteen years young Loren was also a student at Tenbroeck Academy, at Franklinville, N. Y., and from the age of sixteen he began to make his own way in the world, first as a clerk in a store at Springvale, N. Y. In 1870, having been seized with the " Western fever, " he set out for Mound City, Kans., where he found employment at various occupations, and also taught school one winter, near Garnett, Anderson county. In the fall of 1871, he returned to his native State, and entered the employ of J. G. Ayers, of Syracuse, N. Y., as traveling salesman for sewing machines, etc., a business he followed two years, after which he conducted a meat business at his native place for the same length of time, in which venture he sunk his entire capital. Nothing daunted, he kept energetically at whatever for a time offered adequate remuneration. In 1876, he made his advent at Bradford, Penn., where he built a barn and established a livery and feed stable, which proved a successful venture. Here, in 1879, he also first became identified with the oil-producing industry, drilling his first wells near Warren, Penn., and, by 1885, had put down and owned some eight or ten producing wells. He lived at Tarport (sometimes called East Bradford), a place then of some 4,000 inhabitants; and so high was his standing in the estimation of his fellow citizens, that, at the city election for mayor in 1884, he was, without his knowledge or consent, nominated by his party (Republican) for that office, was duly elected, and served. In 1885, after ten years' residence at Bradford, he disposed of his interests there, and removed to Ohio, locating at Findlay, since when he has devoted his whole time and energy to the oil business. As a producer throughout the oil-fields of Hancock and Wood counties, and where hundreds engaged in the same enterprise have made failures of it, and abandoned the business, he has, by good judgment, keen foresight and persistent application-many times against most discouraging circumstances-built up a large and successful business, comparing well with that of any of the foremost men engaged in the same kind of enterprise in his section. The qualities of mind and character, that have contributed to make his success, may be briefly enumerated as untiring perseverance, indomitable pluck under adversity, business integrity and fair dealing, and a mind acute, prompt and decisive enough to at once grasp golden opportunities. In the oil fields of Wood and Hancock counties, Ohio, his name is a synonym for success. He exclusively owns upward of 16o producing oil wells, and a three-quarter interest in one hundred or more other producing wells all in the fields above named. In these vast interests he employs an average of sixty-five hands. If a man can properly be called self-made, who, WOOD COUNTY, OHIO. - 1031 without any financial inheritance or assistance from others in early business life, has, by his own labor and energy, in middle age accumulated a large fortune, and won a grand success, then Mr. Langmade can with propriety be so described, as he is the architect of his own fortune, having had no assistance save what Dame Nature provided him. From his youth his career has been one of constant and energetic activity, in which, it is true, all his enterprises have not been successful, many of them having been beset with difficulties and adversities which were bravely met. On June 5, 1890, Mr. Langmade was happily united in marriage with an amiable and accomplished lady-Miss Carrie Hillman-by which union there are two bright and attractive children: Roy Loren, born May 23, 1891, and Ferne, born August 14, 1893. Mrs. Langmade is a native of Sharpsville, Penn., having been born there August 13, 1867, and is a daughter of William Cole and Eugenia (McCullough) Hillman, the first of German and the latter of Scottish ancestry. The father, William Cole Hillman, was a Union officer in the war of the Rebellion, serving as first lieutenant of a company in the 141st Penn. V. I., subsequently as regimental quartermaster, and, after three years of arduous service, he was honorably discharged and mustered out at the close of the war. He is now an honored resident of Toledo, Ohio. Mr. Langmade resides with his family at the southeast corner of Tarr street and Broadway, North Baltimore, in a large and handsome residence, fitted with all modern conveniences, which, graciously presided over by Mrs. Langmade, is the scene of many pleasant gatherings and hospitable greetings to their many friends. PETER BOOZER, a leading agriculturist of Bloom township, was born in Springfield township, Columbiana Co., Ohio, November 26, 1835, only eighty rods from the Pennsylvania line. His father, Henry Boozer, was born in Switzerland, in 1801, and came to the New World, when quite young, with his step-father, mother and sister, as his own father had died in his native land, when Henry was only seven years old. In Lancaster county, Penn., he was bound out to a farmer, distiller and teamster, by the name of Becker, with whom he remained for four years, and he always said that they were the four most pleasant years of his life, as he could fish and engage in other boyish sports to his heart's content. By trade he became a weaver, making silk, and also coarser fabrics, which business he followed in Pennsylvania. In Columbiana county, Ohio, he wedded Miss Catherine Painter, who was born March 25, 1804, daughter of Adam Painter, a millwright and miller by trade. Mr. Boozer first owned twenty-four acres of land in that county, which he traded for eighty acres in Section 10, Bloom township, Wood county, five acres of that amount being cleared. Late in the summer of 1845 he and his son Henry came by team to this county, where they bought seed of neighbors, and put in their first crop, returning to Columbiana county the last of October. He then brought the family to their Western home; but, as no house had been erected, they lived for a time with Peter Painter, a brother of Mrs. Boozer, until late in the fall of 1845, when the house was completed. That dwelling was burned in 1851, with all its contents; but, with the help of neighbors, the father soon erected another, where he died in December, 1881 His widow made her home with her children until her death, April 26, 1896, when she was aged ninety- two years, one month, one day. Ten children were born to this worthy couple, all in Columbiana county, Ohio, as follows: Adam, who died while young; Henry, who died in McComb, Ohio; Mary, who makes her home in Jerry City, Ohio; Catherine, who died in girlhood; Peter, subject of this review; Elizabeth and Margaret, twins, the former the wife of Levi Shaffer, of Six Points, Portage township, Wood county, and the latter a resident of Jerry City; John, who served as a member of Company D, 111th O. V. I., during the Civil war, and now makes his home in Jefferson county, Ill.; Eli, who was a member of the same company, and was killed near Franklin, Tenn.; and William, who died in infancy. Peter Boozer was only ten years old when brought by his parents to Wood county, and here he attended an English school for a short time in Bloom township, his instruction before that time being in German. He disliked study, and would do almost any kind of work rather than attend school. As the ground was mostly covered with water, the children would walk almost the entire distance to the school house on logs to keep from getting wet. He early became familiar with the work of the farm, and remained at home until his marriage, April 17, 1859, in Henry township, Wood county, with Miss Mary J. Milbourn. She was born February 22, 1837, in Augusta township, Carroll county, and was only ten months old when brought by her parents, David and Emma (Taylor) Milbourn, to Wood county, where she received her education and was married. By this union she has become the mother of seven children, namely: Emma C., 1032 - WOOD COUNTY, OHIO. wife of J. W. Lee, of Bloom township; Harriet A., wife of Allen Saylor, of Jerry City; Minerva A., wife of John F. Lee, of Bloom township; Mary D., wife of O. H. Snyder, of Cygnet, Ohio; Clara O., wife of Jacob Whistler, of Bloom township; Minnie M., wife of William Myers, of the same township; and Bertie C., at home. For a time after his marriage, Mr. Boozer rented 120 acres of land, and his first home was a rude affair of logs, 14 x 14 feet, with a roof weighted down. The first property he owned was twenty acres; but he never lived upon that tract, and, in 1866, bought forty acres in Section g, Bloom township, of J. D. Moore, going into debt $150. He erected the first buildings upon the place, and has made all the improvements thereon. In 1892 he built his present residence, which stands on the site of his former home. Industry, diligence and energy have characterized his entire life, so that he is now in comfortable circumstances, and well deserves the success which has come to him. PETER BLASIUS, who has won success by determined and energetic effort, was born January 6, 1840, in the village of Nittel, near Saarburg, in the Government of Trier, Rhine Province, Prussia. Mathias Blasius, father of our subject, and who was a farmer by occupation, served in the German army, and had the sight of one eye destroyed in battle. In 1833 he was married, in the village of Nittel, to Gertrude Rheinhardt, and thirty years later, in 1863, he brought his family to America, taking passage on a sailing vessel at Antwerp. After a voyage of thirty-one days they landed at New York, thence proceeding at once to Toledo, Ohio, where the father worked for about a year in a tobacco factory. In the fall of 1864, in connection with our subject, he purchased forty acres of land, to which the family removed in the spring of 1865. There the father died August 25, following, at the age of sixty-nine years; and his wife, who was born in 1811, died in February, 1892. They had five children, of whom, Mathias was born in Nittel, in 1834; Nicholas, born in 1836, is now a farmer of Texas; Mary, born in 1850, is the wife of Charles Seaman, of Milton Center; and Elizabetha, who became the wife of John Nagel, died in 1887, at the age of thirty-six years. Peter Blasius, the subject proper of this record, received a good education in his native land, and on leaving school, at the age of thirteen, began work as a farm hand at $5.00 per year. After two years thus spent he, in 1855, began to learn the shoemaker's trade, serving a threeyears' apprenticeship, and during the first two years had to furnish his own clothing and tools, and pay by way of premium sixteen dollars in cash, which sum was returned to him at the end of his apprenticeship. For five years after coming to America he continued to follow that business. When the family came to Wood county they were in very destitute circumstances, and Peter was obliged to go to Toledo to work in order to assist in the support of the rest. While there he was engaged in loading vessels, and for three consecutive days and nights he went without food or sleep in order to support his parents. He has experienced many hardships and trials, but perseverance and energy have overcome many difficulties. In August, 1865, he purchased a small stock of leather and some shoemaking tools. At the time he purchased his farm of 16o acres, in 1868, he was told that all taxes had been paid on the land; but on going to Perrysburg some time afterward he found there was $144,00 back taxes. Not long afterward this land was claimed by Boston parties, and Mr. Blasius had to secure a lawyer's service to protect his interests. With unfaltering courage, however, he continued his labors until now he is the possessor of a comfortable home. On May 5, 1873, Mr. Blasius returned to his native land. He landed at Bremen after eleven days spent upon the ocean, and remained on the continent until August, 1873, when, with his promised bride, he sailed from Antwerp for Philadelphia. They at once continued their journey to his father's home, where, on the 19th of September, Peter Blasius and Magdalene Gorgen were married. She was born in Luxemburg, Germany, December 1, 1844, a daughter of John and Magdalene (Kohl) Gorgen. They located on the old family homestead, and in 1887 our subject erected the large brick residence which is now their home. To them have been born eight children, their names and dates of birth being as follows: Mathias, September 16, 1874; John, October 19, 1875; Peter, October 20, 1876; Gertrude, November 20, 1877, died January 26, 1885; Charles (I), August 30, 1880, died August 26, 1881; Charles (2), December 2, 1881, died on the 30th of that month; Joe, September 7., 1884; and Henry, July 24, 1889. Mr. Blasius is a Democrat in politics, and takes a prominent part in educational work, having served as school director for many years. He belongs to the Freemason Lodge at Deshler, and to the I. O. O. F. at Milton, both the Subordi- WOOD COUNTY, OHIO - 1033 nate Lodge and the Encampment. His fine farm of 270 acres, now highly cultivated and improved, is evidence of his enterprise and well-spent life. LEVI SIMON (2nd), an enterprising and prosperous agriculturist of Bloom township and a veteran of the Civil war, was born April 16, 1836, in Auburn township, Crawford county, Ohio. His parents, Andrew and Leah (Crist) Simon, were married in 1830 in Mahoning county, and settled upon a farm in Crawford county, then a new region. They had thirteen children, of whom eleven grew to maturity, and ten are still living. In 1851 the family came to Bloom township, ship, where the father bought forty acres near Bloom Center, covered with heavy timber, and they experienced all the trials of frontier life; a small log house afforded them their only shelter for some time. Both parents lived beyond the three score years and ten," the mother dying when seventy-two, and the father when seventysix years of age, and they were both laid to their final rest in Weaver cemetery. Levi Simon was the fourth child and second son of this worthy pioneer couple. He attended the district schools of his day; but his time was mainly spent in farm work, either at home or for others, his wages being given to his parents until he was twenty-one. He then began to work for himself, and for some time he was employed in a sawmill near Grand Rapids, Ohio. In August, 1861, he enlisted, at Fostoria„ in Company H, 49th O. V. I., under Capt. Hays. After going into camp at Tiffin and Camp Dennison, this famous regiment of fighters was sent to the front. Mr. Simon's first engagement was at Shiloh, and then followed Corinth, Lawrenceburg, Stone River, Liberty Gap, Chickamauga, Mission Ridge, Rocky Face, Resaca, Cassville and Pickett's Mills. In this last engagement he was wounded in the right hip and left leg, and he also received a scalp wound. He was with his regiment continuously (except for one-half day, when, on the surgeon's advice, he rode on the train instead of marching) until February, 1864, when he came home on a veteran furlough. Shortly after returning to his regiment he was wounded, as just related, at the battle of Pickett's Mills, at 4 P. M. on May 27, 1864, and was taken prisoner. He lay in the hospital at Andersonville prison until November 20, 1864, when he was paroled, and sent to Savannah and then to Annapolis. In December he came home; but in March, 1865, he rejoined his company at Huntsville, Ala. After the surrender of Lee part of the regiment was sent into Texas, and Mr. Simon remained in the service until August 27, 1865, when he was discharged at Nashville, Tenn, He enlisted as a hardy, robust young man, and the change in hit appearance and health was marked on his return. During his furlough, in 1864, he had purchased fifty acres of land in Section 30, Bloom township, paying $5o down, that being all the money he had. He settled upon this little farm after the war, his sisters Elizabeth, Amelia and Araminta keeping house for him for several years in an oldfashioned log cabin, with the chimney on the outside, the house in which Mr. and Mrs. Simon began their married life. On April 18, 1872, our subject was married at Napoleon to Miss Mary A. Nyswander, a native of Pleasant township, Fairfield Co., Ohio, born January 26, 1839. Her parents, Christian and Elizabeth (Daring) Nyswander, were both natives of Switzerland, and had come to America with their respective families, her father when thirteen, her mother when four years of age. They were married in January, 1834, and in 1846 came to Wood county, locating in the wilderness in Milton township, where they cleared and improved a farm. Mrs. Simon is a woman of great mental ability and high ideas, and, in spite of the unfavorable circumstances of her early life, she succeeded in obtaining a good education. The district schools furnished her elementary instruction, and, when she had learned all that they could teach her, she attended the select school at Millgrove taught by Alfred Kelley, that grand old pioneer teacher to whom many of the leading educators of this region owed their best opportunities. He has helped many a struggling scholar, furnishing books, if needed, and waiting for his tuition fees until they could be earned by teaching. Mrs. Simon taught for twenty-six terms in Wood and Henry counties, her wages for the first term being $26. for the three months, and she has taught for $2. per week. After their marriage, Mr. Simon and his wife began housekeeping in the old log cabin, but eighteen months later they moved into a new house, which has since been enlarged and beautified. They have had four children: Herma E. (who is proud of being born in the old log cabin above mentioned), Reuben E. and Jennie E. , all at home, and Charles E., who died in infancy. Mr. Simon has prospered, adding to his possessions until he now owns 250 acres of land, of which 200 acres are under cultivation. He is industrious, frugal, honest and far-sighted, and his success is principally due to these admirable traits in his constitution. In politics he is a Re- 1034 - WOOD COUNTY, OHIO. publican, but in local matters he is not bound by partisan ties. Mrs. Simon has been a member of the Lutheran Church since fourteen years, of age. WILLIAM O. COY, an agriculturist of energy and ability, is a native of Ross township, where he still makes his home, his birth having occurred August 26, 1857, and is a son of Charles and Mercy (Gardner) Coy, who were married August 28, 1842. His father was born in Borton, Oxfordshire, England, April 1, 1817, and was a farmer by occupation, while the mother was born in Wolcott, N. Y., January 26, 1823; her father was English, and her mother an American of English descent. Charles Coy was a Democrat in politics. He died September 15, 1883, at the age of sixty-six years, five months and eighteen days, and his wife passed away December 17, 1893, at the age of sixty-nine years, eleven months and eleven days. She was a faithful member of the Baptist Church, and both were highly respected citizens. Our subject is the youngest of seven children, the other being Mrs. Mary Elizabeth Eggleston, born February 6, 1844; Alice, who was born February 18, 1846, and died at the age of seven years; Caroline, who was born September 13 , 1847, and is now the wife of Thornton Dixon, of is West Toledo; Louisa Theresa, who was born February 28, 1850, and is the wife of Isaac Rideout; Alice Adelaide, who was born April 11, 1852, and is the deceased wife of Fred Wachter; and Charles Henry, who was born September 16, 1854. The early education of William O. Coy was such as the district schools of Ross township afforded, but he later attended Olivet College for one winter. Returning home, he engaged in agricultural pursuits, renting the old homestead for a few years, and then began fruit growing and truck gardening. Upon his place he has 150 plum trees, 250 pear, 500 peach, 65 quince, 200 gooseberry bushes, 1,000 currant bushes, onefourth of an acre of grapes, two acres of raspberries, two acres of strawberries, and one-fourth of an acre of asparagus, and also carries on general gardening for his own use. In 1885, Mr. Coy was united in marriage with Miss Elizabeth Adkins, who was born September 27, 1860, a daughter of Joseph Adkins, and they have become the parents of five children: Arthur C., born October 4, 1886; Harvey Richard, born August 5, 1888; William Dudley, born December 22, 1889; Clarence, who was 1893; and Hazel Mercy, born April 4, 1894. Politically, Mr. Coy follows in the footsteps of his father, supporting the Democratic party. As a business man he is wide-awake and energetic, and as a citizen he has the confidence and esteem of all who know him. CYRUS S. LAMB, who owns 120 acres of the most valuable land in Center township, has distinguished himself as one of the most active and enterprising citizens, and gives his close attention to the improvement of his land, upon which he has erected good buildings, and the soil of which he has brought to a high state of cultivation. He is a native of New York, born in Orleans county, on October 14, 1826. His father, Samuel Lamb, was also a native of the Empire State, where the paternal grandfather was born, and the latter served in the Revolutionary war in 1775 and 1776. The boyhood and youth of the father were passed upon a farm in that State, where his education was also received. He wedded Elizabeth McDonald, a lady of Scotch descent, and they became the parents of seven children, only two of whom are now living-Cyrus S., of this sketch; and Elizabeth, wife of Joseph Holington, of Center township. Those deceased are James M., Dr. William G., Alfred, Samuel and Mary. On leaving New York, the father removed with his family to Lorain county, Ohio, where he bought 370 acres of land in Brighton township, which he operated for ten years, when he sold out, coming to Wood county in 1835. Locating in Plain township, he there purchased 32o acres of unimproved land, which he succeeded in developing with the help of his sons; and his first home, which was a small frame house, was one year later replaced by a substantial stone structure. He made many useful and valuable improvements upon his land, and continued to make his home in Wood county until 1866, when he removed to Ingham county, Michigan, where his wife died two years later. He then sold his interest there, and returned to Ohio, making his home with his children in Center township until his death in 1878. His name was honored and respected throughout the county, and he had the fullest confidence of all with whom he came in contact. He held the position of postmaster of Bowling Green for a number of years, which office he filled with credit to himself and satisfaction to the general public. Cyrus S. Lamb spent his boyhood and youth under the parental roof, and attended the district 29, schools near his home. He came with his par- Peter Blasius WOOD COUNTY, OHIO. - 1035 ents to Bowling Green, when that city was yet in its infancy, containing but one house, and located in Center township, assisting in the cultivation of the home farm until twenty-three years of age, when he learned the stone and brick mason's trade, and also that of a plasterer, at which he found employment. He aided in the construction of many buildings in Bowling Green, including the court house, which was the first building in the town done by free labor. In 1864, Mr. Lamb enlisted in the 185th O. V. I., becoming a member of Company K, under Capt. Black of that city, and remained with that command until his discharge. Upon. being transformed from a soldier to a civilian, he resumed farming in Center township, to which occupation he has since devoted his time. On his farm are seen good fences, a fine orchard, substantial barns, and a handsome brick house erected at a cost of $2, 500, and the whole presents a pleasing picture to the passerby. In New York State, on August 8, 1849, Mr. Lamb was united in marriage with Cynthia A. Whitman, who was born June 22, 1827, and is a daughter of Oliver Whitman. They have two children: (I) Paola Amanda, born July 28, 185o, is the wife of Charles C. Merry, a merchant of Wichita, Kans., by whom she has two children, Helen and Kent. (2) Frank E., born June 30, 1855, received his primary education in the district schools of Center township, which he supplemented with a course at the high school at Mason, Mich., where he was graduated. He follows farming on the old homestead, and married Mary E. Minear, a daughter of Isaac Minear, of Plain township, Wood county. They have two children: Mertie, born March 24, 1882; and Earl, born September 10, 1888. Although a prominent man in his township, Mr. Lamb has had but very little to do with politics, but votes with the Democratic party. Socially he is connected with the Masonic order of Bowling Green, Lodge No. 112, F. & A. M., and religiously is a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church of that city. He is one of the highly respected and useful citizens of the county, and we take pleasure in presenting this brief sketch of his life work to the readers of this volume. MILTON FULLER, the prominent dairyman and agriculturist of Center township, was born August 11, 1836, in Henrietta township, Lorain Co., Ohio. Moses Fuller, his father, was a native of Connecticut, born March 4, 1799. For some years in early manhood he was employed on the Erie canal, and he was married in New York State, in 1830, to Mrs. Laura Woodruff Roe, the widow of Joseph Roe. In 1834 he came to Ohio and purchased 103 acres of land in Lorain county, which he farmed until 1868, when he sold it to his son and retired from business. He died nine years later, his wife surviving him five years. They had seven children: Jeannette, the widow of Osgood Wellman, of Lorain county; Maria, the widow of Bliss B. Remington, of Licking county; Angelina, the wife of Chauncey Wellman, of Michigan; Milton, our subject; Byron, a traveling salesman, who resides in Nebraska; Julia, the wife of William Sherman, a keeper in the insane asylum at Toledo; and Amelia, who died in infancy. Milton Fuller attended the schools of his native place in childhood, and later studied in the high school at Milan, Erie county. He taught for several terms, and at the same time managed the homestead, carrying on a flourishing dairy business. April 9, 1864, he came to Wood county, where he settled on a partly-improved tract of eighty acres, near Bowling Green, which he has since brought to a high state of cultivation, making many improvements, building new barns, planting an orchard, and remodeling his dwellinghouse. He made a great success of the dairy business, and is the most extensive worker in that line in the township, if not in the county. He has been twice married-first, on May 2, 1862, in his native township, to Miss Mary Elizabeth Haynes, who was born February 3, 1839, in Henrietta. They had four children, whose names, with dates of birth, are as follows: Liddie, 1863, died at the age of four pears; Fred, November 20, 1866; Frank, February 27, 1868, is a blacksmith at New Bavaria; and Myra, 1875, is at home. Mr. Fuller's first wife died in 1892, and he has since married Mrs. Carrie (Higgins) Poe, a daughter of Dr. Higgins, of Center township, and the widow of Arthur Poe. Mr. Fuller is a Republican, politically, but he does not care to enter the lists as a candidate for office. He is a generous supporter of any worthy cause, and is a leading member of the Methodist Episcopal Church. JOHN RICHARD (deceased). The subject of this sketch, a veteran of the Civil war, and for many years a prominent resident of Bloom township, was born in Mt. Pleasant township, Westmoreland Co., Penn., July 14, 1825, the eldest son of Jacob and Rebecca (Richard) Richard. When a boy John Richard came to Ashland county, Ohio, with his parents, availed himself of the educational advantages common to farm- 1036 - WOOD COUNTY, OHIO. ers' boys of his day, and grew to manhood there, engaging in carpentering and coopering. On September 25, 1849, in Jefferson township, Williams county, he married Miss Catherine Richard, who was born August 24, 1831, at his own native place. Her father, John Richard, a successful agriculturist, was married in Pennsylvania to Miss Rachel Bair, and in 1842 moved with his family to Ohio, locating for a time in Richland county, and later in Williams county, where he bought a partially-improved farm. His last years were spent in Wood county, where he died in 1874, at the age of seventy-three, his wife surviving him until 1890, when she died, aged eightyone years, and was buried beside him in Bloom Chapel cemetery. After his marriage, John Richard and his young wife began housekeeping on a rented farm in Williams county. Their log house was scantily furnished, but they were happy in their mutual affection. After a short time they moved to West Unity, where Mr. Richard, who was a natural mechanic, and could adapt himself to any kind of work, was for some time engaged in wagon making. In 1852 they came to Wood county, lived for some time on a rented farm, and then went to Eagleville, Mr. Richard securing employment in the sawmill conducted by Alvin French, and also carrying on the trade of wagon making. In 1860 he, bought forty acres of woodland in Perry township, in its primitive condition, which he cleared and improved, building a log house at first for their residence. On August 8, 1862, Mr. Richard enlisted at West Millgrove in Company B, 111th O. V. I., and served throughout the war, receiving his discharge June 27, 1865, at Salisbury, N. C. Previous to his military service he was a healthy and robust man, but he never entirely recovered from the effects of his exposures and hardships. After his return he followed the carpenter's trade in connection with his farm work, continuing both until a few days before his death, which occurred October 8, 1878. In his home circle he was ever kind and indulgent, and the unexpected loss was a sad blow to the wife and children. He was a good neighbor and an honest citizen,' and a leading member of the Disciples Church, holding the office of elder therein at the time of his death. A stanch Republican, he felt a deep interest in public affairs, and was a friend of every measure which he believed to be for the welfare of the people. Six children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Richard, of whom three survive. Rebecca E., born in Ashland county, October 22, 185o, died March 24, 1856. Horace Benton, born in Bloom township, December 2, 1853, died June 15, 1866. Warren M., born in Eagleville, July 13, 1857, married Mrs. Alice Black, of Eagleville, Ohio, and is a farmer in Perry township. Teney 0., born September 3, 186o, died June 22, 1871. Flora R., born in Perry township, August 12, 1868, married Josiah A. Cramer, of Bloomdale, and has two children, Bernice and Zona. Mary A., born June 12, 1871, in Perry township, married John C. Easley, and has two children, Cecile M. and Ethel M. After the death of her husband, Mrs. Richard remained at the old home until 1889, when she moved to Bloomdale and built a house, later selling it and building another where she now resides, spending her time in retirement, highly respected by all who know her, and holding an honored place-in the Disciples Church, of which she has been a member for more than thirty-four years. MRS. SARAH A. DIGBY. Upon the ever lengthening roll of honor of the progressive women of to-day there is place, not only for those advocates of the higher education of their sex, who have sought to influence public opinion by pleading or argument from the platform, but also for those who, without leaving the quiet and seclusion of domestic life, have demonstrated to all observers the value of mental gifts and culture within the home. In the married life of the late J. E. Digby, of Bowling Green, and his talented wife, there was revealed an intellectual harmony which would silence the most critical objector to advanced study for women. Fellow students to the last, they traveled, read and wrote in helpful companionship, and they even attended school together for two terms after their marriage. Mr. Digby was born in Bardolph Fen, County of Norfolk, England, June 6, 1833, and came to America in November, 1851. In May of that year Miss Sarah A. Carr, who was born May 6, 1837, in Tilney Fen, same county, had landed in this country, and the two were married in Monroeville, Huron Co., Ohio, August 26, 1855. For one year they lived upon a farm in Huron county, and then moved to Muscatine, Iowa, where they remained during the war. Here Mr. Digby, who was an ardent Republican, took out his naturalization papers, and cast his first vote for Abraham Lincoln. Both Mr. and Mrs. Digby took a keen interest in all the issues of that stirring time, and were uncompromising Abolitionists, as, in fact, Mrs. Digby had been from her earliest remembrance. In 1866 they returned to Ohio, and lived for John & Sarah Digby WOOD COUNTY, OHIO. - 1037 one year in Lucas county, afterward moving to Wood county. They first located near Tontogany, but three years later bought a farm of eighty acres, on Liberty Prairie, from Charles W. Evers, upon which they remained from 1871 to 1887, when they gave up farming and made their home in Bowling Green, where Mr. Digby died October 27, 1891. They joined the United Brethren Church in 1857, after Mr. Digby's conversion, Mrs. Digby having previously been a member of the Methodist Church, with which she united in 1833. In 1889 they re-visited England, and remained several months. An interesting account of their trip was published in a series of letters in the Sentinel of 1889. Mrs. Digby is the daughter of Samuel Carr, who was born in Denver, County of Norfolk, England, March 2, 1802, and his wife, Hannah Grice, who was born in Tilney Fen, same county, in December, 1801. They were married in 1824. He was a day laborer, and a local preacher in the Primitive Methodist Church in England, and of the M. E. Church after his removal to America. The family arrived in Monroeville, June 6, 185i, having come by canal from Albany to Buffalo, thence by steamer to Sandusky City, and making the remaining distance by rail, through the woods, where they were overtaken by a terrific thunder storm. Mrs. Digby was one of children as follows: Mary (Mrs. Hilton) is deceased; Hannah (now Mrs. Wright Goodale) lives in England; Jane (Mrs. John Leverton) resides in Wood county; James is deceased; Sarah A. is our subject; Mary A. (deceased) was formerly Mrs. A. Hunt, of Henry county; Rebecca (Mrs. Charles Senn) lives in Monroeville; James died in infancy. Mr. and Mrs. Digby had no children of their own, but they reared a boy, Willis J. Digby, whom they treated as a son, although they never formally adopted him. He lives upon the old farm in Liberty township, where there are now five good oil wells in operation. He married Miss Elsie Mercer, and has one child, Leora. ANDREW J. OVITT, who devotes his time and energies to agricultural pursuits in Middleton township, was born in the locality where he still makes his home, June 21, 1850, and is of English lineage. His grandparents were Samuel and Harriet (Collier) Ovitt, natives of England'. They had three children, one of whom, John W., father of our subject, was born on the voyage from their native land to New York. The family located in the Empire State, and when he was but five years of age he was kidnapped by a man by the name of Blue, and brought to Wood county. The man located in Washington township, near Tontogany, and the boy was forced to work hard, being permitted to attend school only forty-eight days. After he had reached his majority he left the home of his captor, and worked as a farm hand in the neighborhood. Afterward, for a number of years, he was keeper of a ferry, and then worked on canal boats. In 1872, in connection with his son, Andrew, he purchased ninety-seven acres of land near Hull Prairie, where he located, built himself a home, and carried on agricultural pursuits until his death, which occurred in 1889. He married Louisa Downs, and to them were born three children, but two died in early life. The mother is still living, and is now the wife of Henry Hopewood. The subject of this review was born in Middleton township, June 21, ,1850, and conned his lessons in the district schools of the neighborhood. He worked with his father from early boyhood, until he had attained the age of twentythree, by being employed on the ferry and on the canals. When the farm was purchased he aided in its cultivation, performing the arduous task of transforming the wild land into richly cultivated fields, of ditching and tiling the place, and other work of improvement. He has for twenty-three years resided upon this farm, and now has one of the best improved properties in the township. In 1876 was consummated the marriage of Mr. Ovitt and Sophia Frederick, a native of Cleveland, Ohio, and a daughter of A. Frederick, of that city. Three children grace their unionDaisy, John and Mabel, and their pleasant home is noted for its hospitality, which makes it a favorite resort with their many friends. Both Mr. and Mrs. Ovitt are popular people and highly esteemed. Socially, for twenty-three years, he has been connected with the Odd Fellows Lodge of Haskins, and is a member of the Encampment, while both he and his wife are connected with the Rebekah Lodge of that order. For twelve years he has been one of the efficient and faithful school directors, also a member of the township board, and for five years was supervisor of roads. In politics he is a stalwart Republican, and his name is synonymous with honorable dealing, while his well-spent life is worthy of emulation. A. K. DILLINGER. Among the young and enterprising business men of North Baltimore there is probably none more energetic or thorough-going than the gentleman whose name begins this sketch. A native of Ohio, he was born in Han- WOOD COUNTY, OHIO. - 1038 cock county, June 26, 1872, and is descended from an old Pennsylvania family. His parental grandparents were Jacob and Eliza (McColom) Dillinger, the former born in Westmoreland county, Penn., in 1818, and the latter in 1819. In 1848 they emigrated to Ohio, locating in Portage township, Hancock county, where the grandfather died in 1869. They were faithful members of the Disciples Church. In politics, Jacob Dillinger supported the Republican party. In their family were the following children-Mary E., who became the wife of James Withrow, of Hancock county; Cyrus, also of that county, who served three . years in the 99th O. V. I.; Archibald, a dry-goods merchant of Findlay, Ohio; Daniel, the father of our subject; Jannect, of Wood county; Samuel, who died in 1872; Jacob, of Hancock county; Malvin, of Findlay; Eliza, wife of Jacob Ralston, of Hancock county. In McComb, that county, the mother of these children still makes her home. She is the daughter of Archibald McColom, who died in Pennsylvania, in 1878. at the age of eighty-five years. Daniel Dillinger, the father of our subject, was born in Westmoreland county, Penn., on April 7, 1848, and in early life accompanied his parents to Hancock county, Ohio, where he grew to manhood. He was married November 18, 1869, the lady of his choice being Miss Lucinda Bachtel, who was born in Seneca county, Ohio, May 28, 1846. By trade the father is a carpenter; but, on his removal to North Baltimore, in 1874, he entered the meat and grocery business, which he conducted for about nine years. He then began the realestate and insurance business, which he carried on for four years, when he gave up the former line. He is one of the foremost men of North Baltimore, where he is numbered among the public-spirited citizens, and no man is more interested in the advancement and progress of the community than he. Five children were born to himself and wife, but our subject is the only one now living. A daughter, Anna Blanche, died January 18, 1894, at the age of seventeen years. Mrs. Dillinger passed to her final rest February 7, 1896. A. K. Dillinger, of this review, was educated in the schools of North Baltimore, and was a member of the first graduating class completing the high-school course; he is also a graduate of Findlay Business College. He began business in his present line, crockery and house-furnishing goods, in 1893, in a brick block erected by his father, and has added to his original stock until he is now at the head of a large and rapidly increasing business. He is one of the prominent and representative young business men of North Baltimore, of most excellent habits, and is well worthy the high esteem in which he is held. WILLIAM S. ARMSTRONG was born in Franklin county, Ohio, January 1, 1859, and 'is a son of Henry A. Armstrong, a native of Franklin, Conn., who, in that place, acquired an excellent education. When a young man of twenty-two, he went with a brother to Franklin county, where he purchased a one-hundred-acre farm in Perry township. For several years he successfully followed school teaching. In this State he married Sarah Ann Tone, a native of Lebanon, Vt., and a daughter of Christopher Tone, a captain of the war of 1812. They had five children-James H., a farmer near Columbus, Ohio; Josephine, wife of Henry Neds, of Delaware, Ohio; Emma, wife of Walker Hall, of Franklin county; William S.; and Alice, who died at the age of sixteen. Our subject was reared in the usual manner of farmer lads, and the district schools afforded him his educational privileges. At the age of thirteen he assumed the management of the home farm (his father having been paralyzed), and successfully operated it until his father's death. He was married in Perry township, Franklin county, November 25, 1881, to Sarah Hannah Donaldson, who was born in Marysville, Ohio. He took his bride to the old homestead, and there lived until the estate was divided, in 1888. Selling his share of the farm, he then came to Wood county, and purchased forty acres of land in Jackson township. In 1881 he had also purchased forty acres, and now owns and operates this tract of eighty acres. In April, 1895, he purchased a half interest in the sawmill and tile works of Hoytville, and has since given his attention to that business. Mr. and Mrs. Armstrong had four children, but the eldest died in infancy, and Maud died at the age of nine years. May and Ollie are at home. In politics, Mr. Armstrong is a stalwart Republican, and has served for one term as assessor of his township. He belongs to the United Brethren Church, and his many excellencies of character have gained for him the warm regard of many friends. WILLIAM COMSTOCK, a wellknown citizen of Perrysburg, was born in Plain township, December 15, 1853, a son of Robert C. Comstock, and his wife, Sarah (McDowell) Comstock. Abel Comstock, grandfather of our subject, was a native of New York State, a millwright by trade, and died at the advanced age of ninety years. He married Isabel Cummings, and they reared a family of eight children, named respect- WOOD COUNTY, OHIO. - 1039 ively: Robert C., Abel, David, William, Phoebe, Helen, Isabel, and Clara. Of these Abel and David were millwrights, William was a soldier in the Civil war, and Robert C., the father of the subject of this sketch, was born in New York State in 1818, and in 1835 came to Ohio, settling on a farm in Plain township, Wood county, where he yet resides. In 1842, in Pennsylvania, he married Sarah McDowell, by whom he had eight children, five of whom are yet living, viz.: Abel, an attorney at Bowling Green; Robert, a farmer in Michigan; Jennie (Mrs. E. Chapman), residing in Connecticut; William; and Edward, living on the old farm in Plain township. The mother of this family was born in Mercer county, Penn., in 1819, and passed from earth in 1888. William Comstock, whose name introduces this memoir, was reared on a farm, and educated in the public schools, together with a few terms at a select school. When twenty-one years of age, he married, Miss May A. Chapman, of Mystic River, Conn., and for some nine years afterward was engaged in teaching during the winter season, and farming through the summer months. He then began selling furniture for a Toledo firm, later handling rubber clamps, for another house, for a year. In 1886, he engaged with the Owosso Casket Co., of Owosso, Mich., as a traveling salesman, and in this found his vocation, he having decided ability for this kind of work, and meeting with eminent success. His territory comprises Michigan, Virginia and West Virginia, Ohio, Indiana, Kentucky, Tennessee, and the cities of St. Louis, Mo., and Atlanta, Georgia. Mr. Comstock has amassed a comfortable competence, and a few years ago brought his family to Perrysburg, where he erected a beautiful residence on the banks of the Maumee river, at a cost of $5000.00. The situation is one of the most picturesque in the county, while the house is artistic in its architecture, and furnished in the best taste. Here, with his charming family, he spends his time when not on the road, and dispenses open-handed hospitality to his large circle of friends. He belongs to the Toledo Traveling Men's Association, and to the Casket Salesman's Protective Association. Socially he is a member of the F. & A. M., Phoenix Lodge No. 123, and of the I. O. O. F., Fort Meigs Lodge, both of Perrysburg. Politically he is a Democrat. He is a man of much natural ability, and commands the respect and esteem of all who know him. Mrs. Comstock was born at Mystic River, Conn., 'September 12, 1854, a daughter of Roswell B. and Mary A. (Wilcox) Chapman, both also natives of Connecticut, the father born in 1814, the mother in 1826. They had four children: Amos R. (a Democratic member of the Connecticut Legislature); Everett B.; Mary A., and Martin W. The father of these, who was a ship-builder by trade, died in 1876; the mother lives in Mystic River, Conn. To Mr. and Mrs. Comstock have been born six children: Roswell W., Clement R., Lelia M., Harry R., Howard M., and Jennie A. HENRY C. BACON, one of the most prominent agriculturists of Montgomery township, was born in Brownhelm township, Lorain Co., Ohio, August 20, 1836, the son of Samuel and Ruth (Davis) Bacon. The father of our subject was a native of Berkshire county, Mass., and was the son of George Bacon, who was one of the twenty-seven young men which composed the famous " Boston Tea Party." George Bacon came to Ohio in 1817, and settled in Lorain county. He had three sons, George, Jr., and Benjamin and Samuel, twins. These all reared large families, and died in Lorain county at advanced ages. Samuel Bacon was brought up in Stockbridge, Mass.. which in that day was quite a literary center, and where he obtained a good common-school education. He was married in his native State, and early in life was engaged in farming. He afterward became identified with a woolen manufactory, but business reverses compelled him to seek some other employment. In 1832 he came to Lorain county, Ohio, and settled in Brownhelm township where he again took up farming and successfully followed that occupation during the remainder of his life. He died in October, 1865, when seventy-six years of age. His wife survived him until 1875, when she passed away, aged seventy-two years. Of their children, those who lived to maturity were as follows: Jane married Edmund West, and died in Oberlin in 1895 Samuel, Jr., died in Brownhelm township, in 1868; Eliza resides in Oberlin; Benjamin, now living in Anderson county, Kans., was, during the Civil war, lieutenant of Company K, 144th O. V. I.; Henry C. is the next in order of birth; Lucy is the wife of Cyrus Whittlesey, of Brownhelm township; Charles was a farmer, and died in Brownhelm township; Ruth resides in Oberlin. Samuel Bacon was not a wealthy man, but he was comfortably situated in life, and his children were carefully reared. He was a Democrat until the formation of the Republican party, with which he was thereafter connected. He was well versed in political matters, and served in various township 1040 - WOOD COUNTY, OHIO. offices. Both he and his wife were members of the Congregational Church. Henry C. Bacon had only the advantages of the district schools of his day, but he possessed much natural intelligence, and is to-day well informed on all topics of general interest. He was reared upon a farm, where he was working when the Civil war broke out, and in July, 1862, he enlisted in Company F, 103rd O. V. I., and was mustered in as sergeant. This regiment saw active service from the time of its going to the front, which was soon after its formation. Mr. Bacon served throughout the war, being promoted to the rank of second, and later to first, lieutenant. During all this time he was never sick or wounded, and was never absent from his regiment. He was honorably discharged June 22, 1865, and at once returned to his home in Lorain county. On April 17. 1866, Mr. Bacon was married in Sheffield township, Lorain county, to Miss Eliza F. Day, who was born in that township March to, 1839, daughter of Norman and Julia (Root) Day, who were both natives of Berkshire county, Mass., her father being a farmer. Mrs. Bacon attended school in Elyria, Ohio, and was a junior in the literary course at Oberlin College. She is a woman of more than ordinary intellect, highly cultured and refined, and one of pronounced literary tastes. Her sisters are also literary women, and are contributors to well-known newspapers. At the time of his marriage Mr. Bacon had only a small sum of money which he had saved from his earnings; but he had some time before bought 109 acres of school land in Section 16, Montgomery township. This land was in a primitive state, and he had made some small improvements upon it. In the spring of 1866 he removed to the property, renting a house near by, in which he lived until 1876, when he built his present residence. Here he has resided ever since, with the exception of temporary absences while his children were being educated. Julia D., his eldest daughter, was a graduate of Ada College, and became the wife of Hervey Williams; she died in Geauga county, Ohio, leaving one child, Norman K., who lives with our subject. Louis H. was a student at Oberlin College, and is now a merchant at Prairie Depot. Laura A. graduated at Oberlin College in the class of 1893, and is at home with her parents. Politically Mr. Bacon is a Republican, and he has held various township offices with credit to himself, and to the satisfaction of the public. With his wife, he is a member of the Congregational Church, and is a liberal contributor to all worthy causes. He has never aspired to become a wealthy man, and has spent much of his money in educating his children and assisting other people. He has a pleasant home, and his family are popular leaders in social circles. MRS. ANN CARR. To the pioneer women of Wood county, equally with the men, a debt of gratitude is due for what they have done in the county's behalf. Their labors, perhaps, have been in a more quiet and less noticeable way, but none the less effective. Mrs. Carr belongs to one of the old families of this locality, and her many friends we feel assured will gladly welcome this record of her life. She was born in Pemberville, January 3, 1852, and is a daughter of Horatio Nelson Alexander and Mary Huff. Her father and mother were natives of England, and there the father married Ann Keats, with whom he came to America, locating in Wood county, in 1833, where he engaged in farming. He also took quite an active part in politics, and was a prominent figure in the Republican party, speaking in its interests throughout the State. His first wife died in Pemberville, and in Wood county he married the mother of our subject, then located on a tract of land whereon now stands the town of Pemberville. Mrs. Alexander died while visiting at the home of her stepdaughter in Perrysburg, and the father, for his third wife, married Mrs. Jolly. His fourth wife, with whom he was living at the time of his death, was Mrs. Sarah Cable, widow of Ephraim Cable. The father died on the homestead in Pemberville, January 2, 1866, at the age of sixty-one years. The children of his first marriage were Eliza, deceased wife of Oliver Thompson, of Perrysburg; Agnes, deceased wife of George Newton, of Perrysburg; Ambrose, who was engaged in the livery business in Toledo, Ohio, where he died in 1892; Mary Jane, wife of Oliver Thompson, of Perrysburg; and Theodore, of Bowling Green, who served the county as recorder for two termsfrom 1883 to 1889. The children of Mrs. Carr's parents are George, who died in childhood; Henry, an oil producer, of Woodside, Ohio; William, a carpenter of Pemberville; Oliver, a farmer of Washington township; and Mrs. Carr. The children of the fourth marriage are Nelson H., and Stella, the latter being a school teacher of Toledo. Mrs. Carr was only four years old at the time of her mother's death, after which she was reared by her grandparents, Mr. and Mrs. William Huff, three miles west of Bowling Green. When her John & Ann Carr WOOD COUNTY, OHIO. - 1041 grandmother died she became her grandfather's housekeeper, and cared for his home for three years, when he was again married, and she went to live in the family of Moses Lane, of Plain township, with whom she continued until her own marriage, which was celebrated at their home, January 30, 1875, she becoming the wife of John M. Carr, a native of Ashland, Ohio, and a farmer by occupation. In 1863, when eighteen years old, having been born May 21, 1845, he enlisted, in Plain township, this county, as a private of Company H, 67th O. V. I, with which he continued until the close of the war, and on one occasion he was wounded in the side. For two years after their marriage, Mr. and Mrs. Carr resided on his father's farm, when the former purchased forty acres of land in Liberty township, on which his widow is still living. His death occurred January 2, 1883, and he was greatly mourned throughout the community. He was quite prominent in public affairs, and an active worker in the ranks of the Republican party. All who knew him respected him, and he had a wide acquaintance. William H. Carr, the eldest child of the family, was born March 21, 1876, and is now a pupil in the Valparaiso (Ind.) Normal School, and expects to study medicine later. The other members of the family are Moses Lane, born July 3, 1877; Ida Gertrude, born September 24, 1878; Mary L., born March 19, 1880; Luke B., born September 27, 1881; and John Mitchell, born June 9, 1883. Mrs. Carr is an active member of the Methodist Episcopal Church, and has been a teacher in the Sunday school for many years. She is a pleasant, affable and most gracious lady, kindly and charitable, and her home is noted for its hospitality. She is also a lady of excellent business and executive ability, which she has demonstrated in the management of her property since her husband's death. NATHAN WHISLER, the well-known tile manufacturer of Jerry City, was born June 22, 1846, in Franklin township, Richland Co., Ohio. Jacob Whisler, his father, was a native of Berks county, Penn., born March 3, 1801, and by occupation was in early life a wagon-maker and later a farmer. He was married in his native State to Miss Anna Funk, who was born August 27, 1802, and they had fifteen children, ten of whom lived to adult age. A self-made man, he realized the advantages of a good start in life for his family, and, when he had accumulated a few thousand dollars, he came to Ohio, and bought large tracts of government land in Hancock, Wood, and Crawford counties, giving to five of his sons 320 acres each, and to four daughters 16o acres each. He himself settled upon a farm of 400 acres in Richland county, which he improved in a handsome style, then quite unusual. His wife dying October 23, 1880, he sold his stock and implements and all butt ninety acres of land, and lived in retirement until his own death, which occurred August 13, 1883. He was a believer in the doctrines of the Dunkard denomination, and for many years ex pounded the Gospel to the congregation. He was a man of great mental force and strong character, and was held in high esteem wherever he was known. The subject of this sketch, the youngest of the family, received a district-school education, and remained at home until his marriage, never working elsewhere for wages but one day, except when exchanging labor with neighbors. On February 9, 1867, he was married to Miss Margaret E. Hamman, a near neighbor, who was born May 2, 1846. Her father, Samuel Hamman, was a native of Dauphin county, Penn., and married Hannah Kimmel, the daughter of William Kimmel, an early settler of Wayne county. The young couple went to housekeeping on a farm of 360 acres in Pleasant township, Hancock county, which Mr. Whisler set to work to redeem from its primitive state. He had to cut trees to make a way to the spot where he intended to build his log cabin, having selected the highest point on the property. This was a wise choice, for in June of the same year there came a rain which flooded the entire farm up to the door sills of his house, floating away all the chips from under it. After living on this farm for three years he traded it for a hotel property in McComb, " Travelers' Rest," which he conducted during the summer of 1870. Selling this, he rented a farm about three miles east of Columbus Grove, remaining there nearly two years. At his parents' request he returned home, and labored for his father for two years, when he bought twenty acres near Shenandoah, Richland county, on which he lived for six years. During this time he engaged in tile making, in partnership with Wilson Starr. In 1880 he sold his interest and moved to Bloom township, buying ten acres of land, where, in the following spring, he_ began the manufacture of brick, filling orders for several public buildings. In July, 1881, he began making tile on his farm, and after a few years he took a partner, Mr. Henry Hise, for a short time. On his withdrawal Mr. Whisler sold, to his son Jacob and J. L. Shane, each a one-third interest; but he has 1042 - WOOD COUNTY, OHIO. since bought out the latter, leaving the business in the present firm name of Whisler & Son. Mr. Whisler is regarded as one of the reliable business men of Bloom township, a man whose word is as good as his note. His farm of fifty-six acres is kept in a fine state of improvement, and his buildings, which are all of his own construction, are tasteful and substantial. He and his wife are leading members of the Church of God, in which Mr. Whisler has been a ruling elder for ten years, and was deacon for three and a half years at Shenandoah. He also takes an active part in the Sunday-school, having been superintendent for several years. Five children were born to them, all of y whom are living: Jacob, born in Pleasant township, Hancock county, is now his father's partner; Cora A., born in the same place, is now Mrs. J. L. Shane, of North Baltimore; Allen, born in Allen county, is at home; Elva I., born in Richland county, married Riley Milbourn, of Cygnet; and Willard, born at Shenandoah, is at home. Politically Mr. Whisler is a Democrat; but he is not slavishly bound by party ties, voting for the best candidate wherever he may be found. He is among the leaders in local affairs, taking especial interest in educational matters, and has been school director six years, during three years of the time clerk of District No. 5. W. H. DOWNING. As one of the enterprising and wide-awake business men of Trombley, Ohio, and one who, through his own efforts, has established himself among the prominent and successful men of the county, we take pleasure in giving the sketch of this gentleman. He comes from across the sea, his birth having occurred in Devonshire, England, August 25, 1851, and in the fall of 1869 he was brought by his parents, J. B. and Jane (Bickel) Downing, to the New World, sailing from Liverpool on the steamer Siberian, " which landed them eleven days later in Boston, Mass. Their destination was Millbury, Wood Co., Ohio, where the mother had a sister living-Mrs. John Bailey. The father was a well-to-do man in England, and on his arrival in this country had considerable money, which he invested in two farms, and he seemed to prosper up to the time of the death of his wife in 1873. That was the beginning of a series of misfortunes, and, through unprincipled and designing parties, he lost almost everything. He now makes his home in Gibsonburg, Sandusky Co., Ohio, with his daughter. Our subject is the second child in the family of seven, four sons and three daughters, and, strange as it may seem, this prosperous and successful merchant never attended school more than a year during his entire life, and that at such great intervals that it was scarcely any benefit to him. He has, however, become a well-informed man by reading and observation in subsequent years. He was early inured to hard, labor and when only a boy would often do a man's work. For a time after coming to the United States, he remained with his father, and, on starting out in life for himself, could only seek employment at manual labor on account of the lack of a good education. He ran a stationary engine for a while, and, after serving long enough for his efficiency and ability to become apparent, his employersSkidmore & Thatcher, lumbermen and stave manufacturers-made him foreman of their factory at Latchie, Wood county. His eleven years' service with that company speaks for his faithfulness, and in the fall of 1886 he came to Trombley, the following May opening a general store in a room 12 X 20 feet, on the site of his present block. It was an entirely new business to him; but here one of his strongest characteristics was manifested, that of adaption. By careful attention he soon gained a thorough knowledge of it, and his future success was assured. From this beginning, with a small room and limited stock, he has built up a trade such as is enjoyed by few country stores in Wood county, and his goods are such as to merit a large patronage. In Monroe, Mich., October 4, 1876, Mr. Downing led to the marriage altar Miss Casstin Sprout, a native of Scott township, Sandusky Co., Ohio, and daughter of Samuel Sprout, who was born in Pennsylvania. They have no children of their own, but have given homes to several at different times. Mr. Downing takes an active interest in local political affairs, and is a faithful supporter of the Republican party, while socially he is a member of White Swan Lodge No. 384, K. of P., of Cygnet, Ohio. While in Cleveland, Ohio, in 1874, he was the victim of a strange and unfortunate affair. Being mistaken for another from similarity in apparel, he was attacked with a club, and the wound inflicted effected the sight of the right eye, so that in 1889 he was obliged to lose that organ, as from sympathy the other eye became affected. CAPTAIN ARCHIE M. FASIG, one of Bloomdale's leading and popular business men, was born in Ashland, Ohio, March 19, 1850, and is a son of Samuel and Lucinda (Greenland) Fasig. The father was a bricklayer, and in that line became an extensive contractor; but later he WOOD COUNTY, OHIO. - 1043 became a preacher of the Baptist Church, and continued the work of the ministry for nearly thirty years. He is now living retired at Forest, Ohio. At Ashland, Ohio, he is engaged quite extensively in the marble business. In his family were the following children: Armenious, who died in Ashland; William B., a wellknown horseman of Cleveland, Ohio, having a national reputation as a breeder, judge and promoter, who was for years secretary of the Cleveland Driving Park Association, and instrumental in making that association foremost among those in the United States; D. D., who died in Ashland; Ella, who became the wife of Isaac Reed, and died in Forest, Ohio; Lewis, who also passed away in Ashland; Charles, a horseman of Cridersville, Ohio; Emma, who became the wife of Oscar Smith, and died in Waynesfield, Auglaize Co., Ohio; Newton, who died in Ashland; and our subject. On account of his strong Abolition views, the father joined the Republican party, and often raised his voice against slavery. Though no politician in the-sense of office-seeking, few men were better versed on the political history of the United States than Mr. Fasig, he being perfectly familiar with all the old and important issues, their causes and advocates. At one time he was a great debater, and he has met many celebrities on political and religious questions. He is a man of broad, general information, and is still a great student. The schools of Ashland, Ohio, furnished Archie M. Fasig his educational privileges, and on leaving home, at the age of nineteen years, he learned the bricklayer's trade. For twentyfive years he followed contracting in this work, being for some time in partnership with his father, and erected many public and school buildings in Hardin, Wyandot, Allen, Auglaize and Putnam counties, Ohio. In the fall of 187o he was married near Wharton, Ohio, to Miss Marietta Clark, who was born in Cincinnati, Ohio, and is a daughter of George and Martha (Randolph) Clark, the latter a relative of the celebrated John Randolph. To them have been born two children-Walter S. and Cora B., both of whom are at home. Shortly after his marriage Capt. Fasig removed to Forest, Ohio, then to Ada, where, in 1876, he began the drug business, which he conducted in addition to his contracting. He later went to West Cairo, Allen county, and also established branch drug stores at Cridersville and Beaver Dam. In December, 1887, he came to Bloomdale, and, giving up his contracting, he has since turned his attention exclusively to the drug trade, in which he has been very successful. Politically Capt. Fasig is a Republican, was judge of the first election held in Bloomdale as a corporation, has been a member of the city council and school board, and for three years was clerk of the latter. Socially, he is connected with Bloomdale Lodge No. 406, I. O. O. F.; and is a charter member of Bloomdale Lodge No. 278, K. of P. On coming to the city he joined the Bloomdale Rifles, Co. H, 2d Infantry, O. N. G., and on the 2d of May, 1893, was commissioned captain, his election being almost unanimous. His fondness for good horses is hereditary, as his father is an ardent admirer of those animals, and now owns two fine horses-Mentone, by Mansfield, a son of Green Mountain Maid; and Magog King, by Abadallah Wilkes. There is no better judge of horses in the county than our subject. As a citizen he is wide-awake and progressive, and the circle of his friends is limited only by the circle of his acquaintances, which is very large. HOMER RUSSELL, an intelligent, energetic farmer, and a substantial and reliable citizen of Bloom township, was born September 24, 1849, in Section 27, of the same township, and is the son of John and Lois Russell. His boyhood and youth were passed in the usual manner of farmer lads, and his early education was obtained in the Baird or Bloom Chapel School, taught by Miss Maggie Robbins. At the age of twenty-one he entered the Perrysburg High School, where he completed his literary studies. For a year he was then employed by James Foreman, in Perry township, after which he returned to the old homestead, which he operated for about the same length of time. The following two years were spent upon a farm in Perry township, and he then had charge of a farm of eighty acres north of Bairdstown, which belonged to his father. At the end of two years he removed to the George Vickers farm, in Hancock county, Ohio, which he cultivated for the same length of time, when he purchased eighty acres in Section 20, Bloom township. This he traded, with D. N. Easley, for his present farm of eighty acres. He has labored for many years to bring about the many changes necessary to transform his place in the wilderness to a comfortable home, with highly productive fields. He has also added to his property, now owning a forty-acre tract in Section 2, Cass township, Hancock county. In 1875 Mr. Russell led to the marriage altar Miss Marietta E., daughter of James A. and Agnes (Purkey) Vickers, and four children have 1044 - WOOD COUNTY, OHIO. come to bless their union-Fannie L., born September 27, 1876; Howard B., born February 23, 1878; Jennie M., born September 12, 1880; and Cora A., born August 3, 1883. They are all still at home, and have been provided with good educational privileges. Strange to say, our subject lived two years at each of his removals, and one child was born at each place. The family now occupy a beautiful and commodious home, surrounded by the necessary comforts of life. Mr. Russell is making every effort to place himself among that class that can conscientiously retire from active labor after a well-spent and useful life. He cast his first ballot in support of the men and measures of the Republican party, but since 1888 has been a stalwart Prohibitionist, as that party embodies his views on the temperance question. For twenty-seven years he has been a faithful member of the Methodist Episcopal Church, and is a truly noble Christian gentleman, one who has the best interests of the community at heart. JAMES P. MARSHALL is one of the enterprising merchants of Bowling Green, and is a member of the firm of J. P. Marshall & Co., grocers. He was born in Sandusky county, Ohio, December 12, 1856, and is the son of James H. and Elizabeth (Sampson) Marshall. Mr. Marshall, Sr., was born in Perry county, Penn., in 1827, and died in Sandusky county, Ohio, in 1857. His wife was born in New York State in 1831, and now lives in Bowling Green. They became the parents of the following four children: M. M. is living at Bonner's Ferry, Idaho, and is a minister, receiving his education at the Northwestern College, Naperville, Ill.; Esther A. is unmarried, and lives at Bowling Green; Mary died when four months old; J. P. is our subject. The paternal grandfather, James Marshall, was born in New York, and came to Sandusky county, from Huron county, Ohio. Mr. Marshall was reared in Sandusky county, Ohio, and took a commercial course in a business college at Naperville, Ill. He then went to work for John S. Eck, in Toledo, Ohio, remaining in that gentleman's employ for two years; leaving there, he came to Bowling Green in 1881, and was employed in the grocery of G. A. Smith, afterward working for Royce & Coon, in the grain-shipping business. He was next employed as express agent for the Wells-Fargo Express Company, where he stayed until December, 1893, when he became a partner in the present metropolitan grocery store in Bowling Green. He and Mr. South are among the younger element of hustling business men in the county, and from all indications they are on the road to success. They deal in staple and fancy groceries, which they sell at moderate prices. Our subject was married in 1878 to Miss Anna N. Youngs, who was born in Toledo, Ohio, March 9, 1861, and six children have been the result of this union, as follows: Charles H., Alta R., Olin R., Helen E., Merlin M., and one as yet unnamed. Mr. Marshall is a Republican, and, socially, he is a member of the United Brethren Church, the National Union, and the I. O. O. F. The maternal grandfather of our subject, Peter Sampson, was born in Massachusetts, and departed this life in Williams county, Ohio, at the good old age of seventy-three years. J. W. CARTER, a wellknown farmer of Montgomery township, was born in Section 20, that township, June 15, 1838. His parents, Jonas and Mary (Carpenter) Carter, were born in Pennsylvania and Vermont, respectively, the former about the year 1812. They were married in Delaware county, Ohio, where Mr. Carter had gone as a young man, and worked at his trade of rope-maker. In the spring of 1833, he came to Montgomery township, and located in Section 20. The wagon which brought them here was the second wagon in the township that had passed north of where John A. Kelly had settled in Section 31, and Mr. Carter's was the fourth family to settle in that township. They had, at this time, one child, Laura, who married Erastus Farrington, and died in August, 1894, at Ithaca, Mich. Their cabin was made of round logs, and was the first habitation on the farm, which then consisted of 240 acres of primitive land, covered with dense forest and undergrowth. The cabin had neither doors nor windows at first, quilts serving as such until Mr. Carter went to Tiffin to purchase the material for making them; that city, then but a village, and Fremont were the nearest milling points, and it took three or four days to make the journey. Mr. Carter brought apple seeds, and grew the first apple trees in Montgomery township, and also built the first cider-mill. The children of Mr. and Mrs. Carter were as follows: Mary, who was the second child born in the township (married Asa Adams, and died in Montgomery township); James W., our subject; Helen, who married (1) Charles Bryant, (2) David Stackhouse, by whom she had one child, Bertha, and (3) Hardy Smith, who is deceased. When a young man Mr. Carter was a ropemaker, and found a good market for his product. WOOD COUNTY, OHIO. - 1045 He made miles of the bed-cord so common in pioneer days, and was very likely the only ropemaker in Wood county. His wife would spin and weave, and used the hemp also in making household articles. Mr. Carter lived some fourteen years in his log cabin in Section 20, which was always open to those who needed shelter, and no traveler ever turned from its door hungry. Mr. Carter was a Whig, then an Abolitionist, and last a Republican, on the formation of that party, taking an interest in its success, but not seeking office. He died December 25, 1871, and was buried in the Prairie Depot cemetery. His wife died March 18, the following year, and sleeps by the side of her husband. She was a member of the Presbyterian Church. Our subject attended school at Prairie Depot, and was reared as a farmer's boy, remaining at home until his enlistment, at Freeport, August 7, 1862, in Company I, 111th O. V. I. He went through Kentucky with his regiment, but was mustered out at Bowling Green for disability. In May, 1864, he re-enlisted, this time in Company K, 144th regiment, and was sent to Fort Dix, Md.; on July 9, following, being seized with typhoid fever, he was sent to the hospital, and after leaving there he went to Columbus, Ohio, where he was mustered out. On June 5, 1860, Mr. Carter was married, in Montgomery township, to Miss Harriet Ostrander, a daughter of John Ostrander. She died in August, 1861, and March 12, 1865, our subject wedded Miss Emily F. Pearmain, who was born in Grafton township, Lorain county, Ohio, May 4, 1842. She is the daughter of Edward and Esther (McConnell) Pearmain, the former of whom died when she was ten months old. Her mother then married Randolph Palmer, who came to Wood county in 1860, locating in Montgomery township. He was a member of Company K, 144th regiment, O. V. I., and died in the hospital at Fort Dix, Md., July 14, 1864. Mrs. Emily P. Carter had one sister, Julia E., who died in 1853. Their mother died January 26, 1891, in Oneida, Kans. The children by her second husband were: William H., a physician of Los Angeles, Cal. ; Cannie, now Mrs. George Dale, also of Los Angeles; George McConnell, a farmer of Montgomery township; Laura I., now Mrs. David Gilmore, of Oneida, Kans. Mrs. Carter received her education under the tuition of her maternal grandfather, William McConnell, who was well educated, and with whom she lived after her father's death until she was eleven years old. At eighteen years of age she taught school in Wood county for $1.50 a week and her board, and continued teaching for five years; her wages were raised each term until she finally received $1.25 per day. During Mr. Carter's married life he has lived on his present farm, which is a portion of the 24o acres that were pre-empted by his father. He has about sixty-eight acres, on which, in 1874, he completed his present comfortable home. He and his wife have no children of their own, but they have an adopted daughter, Emma C., now the wife of Frank Fox. She has a good musical education, and, accomplished in that art, has been a successful instructor. Mr. Carter is a stanch Republican, and has served the party as township trustee two terms. Of the old pioneer family of Carter, he is the only living male representative, and with his death the family name will become extinct. Mrs. Carter is a woman of fine literary attainments, and her contributions of poetry have appeared in the leading magazines. She has prepared an able work on the pioneers of Montgomery township, which contains much valuable information. She is a member of the Methodist Church, and an active worker in its cause. She is also a member of the W. R. C., auxiliary to Randall Post No. 53, G. A. R., at Prairie Depot, while Mr. Carter is a charter member of the G. A. R. at the same place. ISAAC MCCONE, deceased, in his lifetime an industrious and enterprising agriculturist of Portage township, was a native of New York State, born in Wyoming county, November 15, 1842. His parents, Thomas and Eliza (Waldon) McCone, were born in Ireland, where they were married, and whence, in 1833, they sailed for America, locating first in New London county, Conn., where their eldest child, Edward, died. By trade the father was a moulder, and worked in a foundry in Norwich, Conn., until 1837, when he removed to Wyoming county, N. Y. There, in Wethersfield township, he sold his land for a mill-site at $1,100 profit. He then bought 100 acres of partly-improved land in Sheldon township, to which he later added fifty acres; but unfortunately lost $4,000 by endorsing a note for a brother-in-law. At the age of sixty-five years he began life anew, coming to Wood county March 7, 1844, where he determined to retrieve his fortune. He purchased eighty acres of new land for $400 in Freedom township, on which he built a cabin, I8 x 24 feet, of round logs. Besides his wife, the family circle then included two children, Isaac and Eliza, but the latter died at the age of nine years. The father departed this life August 16, 1863, and was buried 1046 - WOOD COUNTY, OHIO. in Fish cemetery at Rochester, Ohio. Religiously he was a Roman Catholic, while politically he was a Democrat. He served his township as trustee, school director and supervisor. His wife, whose death occurred December 23, 186o, was a faithful member of the Methodist Episcopal Church. Isaac McCone was the only child of the family who grew to maturity. He pursued his studies in the district schools of that early day, learning fast, and, having a retentive memory, he became a well informed man. While living upon the home farm the Civil war broke out, and August 13, 1862, at Pemberville, Ohio, he enlisted in Company K, 21st O. V. I., Capt. Silas Campfield, and was mustered in at Camp Vance, Findlay, Ohio, whence the troops were sent to Covington, Ky. Although he had taken part in several skirmishes, the first battle in which he participated was at Perryville, Ky., October 8, 1862, and he continued with the regiment until after the engagement at Stone River, where he contracted lung fever. For about nine weeks he was in the hospital at Nashville, after which he rejoined his command at Murfreesboro, March 20, 1863, but, being given a furlough, he returned home. At Chattanooga he again, in the spring of 1864, joined his regiment, with which he remained until the close of the war. After the Grand Review at Washington, D. C., he was discharged at Louisville, Ky., June 28, 1865. and returned to his home in Pemberville, Ohio. During his absence his father had died, and the property had been disposed of, so that Mr. McCone bought a new piece of land in Freedom township, which he at once began to clear and cultivate. On this forty-acre tract was a hewed log house, and to that tract he later added eighty acres adjoining, but April 10, 1883, he came to Portage township, where he purchased the N. W. 1/4 of Section 10, known as the old Johnston homestead, one of the oldest farms in the township. On November 29, 1865, in Freedom township, Mr. McCone was married to Miss Olive De Wolfe, a native of that township, born April 5, 1845, a daughter of Henry De Wolfe, a farmer of German descent, and born in Pennsylvania. Five children bless this union: Thomas, at home; Eliza, now Mrs. Conrad Deal, of Portage township; Lucy, wife of Isaac Van Vorhis, of the same township; and Gusta and Burley, both at home. Until his enlistment Mr. McCone had supported the Democratic party, but on November 4, 1864, he voted for Lincoln while on a forced march to intercept Hood, who was heading for Chattanooga. This vote was cast in Alabama, the ballot boxes being put along the road, and their tickets dropped in by the soldiers while marching. After that time he was a stalwart Republican. He was eminently successful in business affairs, quite influential in his township, and had a host of warm friends throughout the community. He departed this life December 10, 1896, aged fifty-four years and twenty-five days. E. KRUKEMYER, an honest, industrious and hard-working young German farmer of Montgomery township, is also one of the prosperous agriculturists of his township. He was born in the Fatherland, July 4, 1867, and is a son of Henry Krukemyer, who lived upon a small farm in that country, and also worked at the carpenter's trade, supporting his family by day labor. Like many of his class in Germany, he found it a hard struggle to get along; but by the strictest economy and industry he was enabled to save enough money to bring himself and family to the United States, where he hoped to secure a home, as well as better advantages for his children. In May, 188o, they sailed from Bremen, bound for New York, where they arrived nine days later. Proceeding to Cleveland, Ohio, they for three years made that city their home, and while there our subject, for some time, worked in a coffin factory. They then removed to a rented farm, in Freedom township, Wood county, where the father died, February 9, 1888. This left the widowed mother with four children-our subject, Fred, Henry and Annie. The last named was born in this country. Mrs. Krukemyer continued to keep her family together for some time, and rented a farm in Freedom township, which she operated with the aid of her sons. The education of our subject was all obtained before leaving his native land, and his knowledge of the English language has, therefore, been acquired outside of the school room. Like a dutiful son, he was of great help to his parents, and, later, to his widowed mother. In 1892 he purchased eighty acres of land, in Section 6, Montgomery township, on which he paid the few hundred dollars which he had succeeded in saving, going largely in debt for the amount. On March 7, 1893, in Freedom township, Mr. Krukemyer was married to Miss Anna Beimdieck, born near New Rochester, Wood county, November 17, 1868, a daughter of Henry and Margaret (Telgamire) Beimdieck, who were born, reared and married in Germany. On coming to America her parents lived for ten years in Seneca county, WOOD COUNTY, OHIO. -1047 Ohio, whence they removed to Freedom township, Wood county, where the father died, March 26, 1893, the mother on December 24, 1890. In their family of ten children, eight grew to adult age, one son and seven daughters, of whom Mrs. Krukemyer is the youngest. The son died June 12, 1896, leaving a widow and four children. He lived on the old homestead, which was willed to him by his father, who was a successful farmer, at the time of his death leaving an excellent farm of 120 acres, which he had transformed from an almost unbroken wilderness, and improved in many ways. Since his marriage, Mr. Krukemyer has made his home upon his farm, and one child has come to gladden the household-Arnold, born November 11, 1894. The parents are both members of the Lutheran Church, and their social manners have gained them a wide circle of friends. Mr. Krukemyer cast his first vote in support of Grover Cleveland, in 1888, and has since been an earnest Democrat. He belongs to that type of German-Americans who become wealthy, and make our best citizens. Reliable and straightforward, he would not intentionally take advantage of any person, always abreast with the times, and destined to become one of the most substantial farmers of Montgomery township. LEVI KILLE owns and resides upon the farm where his birth occurred, June 13, 1836. This place is located in Section 36, Freedom township, and was the homestead of his parents, John C. and Caroline (Smith) Kille. His father was born and reared in New jersey,}-and when a young man became one of the pioneers of northwestern Ohio. After their marriage they settled in Sandusky county, and in the early '30s came to Freedom township, Wood county, where he purchased thirty acres of land from Abraham Schell, who had entered the same in 1835, but had never improved it. On this farm Mr. Kille spent his entire life, dying in 1886, at the age of seventy-six. In the early days he lived in true pioneer style, and was forced to cut his way through the forest and had to go to Fremont, sixteen miles, to mill. His wife passed away in 1884, at the age of seventy-four, and was buried in-Bradner cemetery. In politics he was loyal to the interests of Democracy, but never sought office, prefering to devote his attention to his business interests, and the enjoyment of his home, for he was a man of domestic tastes. In 1837 he entered forty acres of land adjoining his first premises, and there developed a good farm of seventy acres. Both he and his wife were consistent members of the Disciples Church. Their children are: Charles, of Michigan; Harriet, now the widow of G. D. Hathaway, of Bradner; Mary, who became the wife of Franklin Stiles, and died in Michigan; Levi, of this sketch; George, of Ottawa county, Ohio; Peter, of Michigan; Priscilla, wife of William Hubbs; Jane, wife of Orville Hine, of Lucas county, Ohio; David, who died in Montgomery township; Huldah, wife of Wilson Shroyer, of Bradner, Ohio; John; and Emery Bradford, who resides in Sandusky. Amid the wild scenes of frontier life Levi Kille was reared, and his education was received in the primitive schools of the day, with their crude furnishings and simple methods of instruction; but experience and observation have made him a wellinformed man. On May 3, 1857, he married Miss Rachel Vanguilder, who was born in Montgomery township, May 8, 1838, and was reared from childhood by Freeborn Hathaway, of Scott township, Sandusky county. The first land which Mr. Kille owned was a forty-acre tract in Gratiot county, Mich., which he purchased for $75.00 when about twenty years of age. This he traded to his father for twenty acres in Section 36, Freedom township, and thereon he began his domestic life in a log cabin. Subsequently he sold this and went to Sandusky county, living for three years in Madison township, when he again disposed of his property, and returned to Freedom township in 1870. Here he purchased fifty acres of the old homestead, and has since resided thereon. He has a good farm, well improved, and is recognized as one of the leading agriculturists of the community. There are two oil wells on the farm, which have been leased to the Johnson Oil Co. To Mr. and Mrs. Kille were born the following named children: Huldah C., who died October 3, 1871; Frank, of Bradner, Ohio; Lyman C., of Bradner; Dean, of Ceresco, Neb. ; Delmer, a twin brother of Dean, and a contractor of Freedom township (the Rig building being a specimen of his work); Edwin and John, twins, the former dying September 18, 1871, the latter on September 21, 1865; Winter, of Freedom township; Freeborn, of Bradner, Ohio; and Ivy May, who died October 25, 1881. The mother of these children died December 21, 1887, and was buried in Bradner cemetery. Mr. Kille has since married Mrs. Lemon, widow of Leroy Lemon. Her maiden name was Ellen Allen, and she was born in Ere county, Ohio, August 13, 1849, a daughter of Wells and Patty (Paine) Allen. Her parents were natives of Vermont, the father born in 1798, the mother in 1803. They had ten children, of whom WOOD COUNTY, OHIO. - 1048 Mrs. Kille was the youngest." By her first marriage Mrs. Kille has three children, Nellie, wife of Delmer Kille, of Freedom township; Lee, also of Freedom township; and Benjamin C. at home. Our subject was formerly an advocate of the the Democracy, but now votes independent of party ties, supporting the men whom he thinks best qualified for office. His wife is a member of the Disciples Church, and both are highly esteemed people who have many warm friends. T. V. PELTON, of Bloom township, one of the wide-awake and, prosperous citizens of that locality, has proved his ability in various lines of business, aside from his chosen calling of agriculture, meeting with success in every undertaking. He is a native of LaGrange township, Lorain county, born November 15, 1849, a son of Daniel and Eleanor (Helm) Pelton, both of whom were born in New York State. When he was a mere child his parents came to Perry township, and located upon a farm, where he grew to manhood, learning by practical work all the details of farm management. His education was obtained in the "red school house" of his district, No. 4, and the improved educational methods of to-day find in him an earnest friend and supporter. At the age of twenty-two he was married to Miss Cassie A. Mohr, a native of Lehigh county, Penn., born March 15, 1851, a daughter of Henry Mohr, a prominent citizen of Bloom township. He then bought sixty acres of land east of the "home farm," going in debt for it, as he was quite without means. He had accidentally displayed ability as a house painter while a new building was being finished upon his father's farm, and this led to his employment by others; then finding the business profitable, he served a year's apprenticeship in Fostoria, and became a skilled workman. The proceeds from eight years of his labor went toward paying for his farm and its improvements, and Mr. Pelton found himself ready to enlarge his borders; but none of the land adjoining being for sale, he sold out in 1882, and bought eighty acres in Bloom township, going in debt to the extent of $1,500. This he paid off, and in 1892 he bought seventy-seven acres at $82 per acre, in Perry township, but adjoining his original purchase. The entire farm is now under cultivation, with fine improvements. Since 1887 Mr. Pelton has been dealing extensively in live stock -buying and shipping for Eastern markets, a business which he engaged in as a boy, displaying even then unusual judgment. When he was a mere lad his father used to send him to purchase young stock for the farm, and in this way he came to be one of the best judges of cattle in the county. Mr. and Mrs. Pelton are identified with all movements for the social and religious advancement of the community. They have ten children, all healthy, intelligent and industrious: Emma married Oliver Swartz, of Bloom township, and has two children, Ada and Golda; Scott S. is a resident of Bloomdale; William H., Blanche, Olive, Earl, Edna, Mary, Ina, and Clyde M., are all at home. Mrs. Pelton is a prominent member of the M. E. Church at Bloomdale. In politics Mr. Pelton is a Republican, and he discharges faithfully the duties of a citizen, attending caucuses and conventions in order to help in the selection of competent candidates, although he never seeks office for himself, his private business demanding all his time and attention. WILLIAM HARDGROVE was born in Washington county, Penn., May 2, 1823, and is a son of John and Margaret (Jackson) Hardgrove. His grandfather, William Hardgrove, was born in Maryland, in 1776, and wedded Mary Crawford. Soon after he removed to Washington county, Penn., where he lived on a farm of 200 acres until hi death, which occurred April 26, 1821. His wife died April 25, 1823. Their children were Ruth, wife of John Sloan, a member of Congress; Amassa; Wilson; Margaret; William; Reason; Sallie and John. The father of our subject was born on the old family homestead in Pennsylvania, March 22, 1793, and there resided for some years after his marriage. He afterward lived for a number of years in Wayne county, Ohio; but, on the death of the grandfather, he returned and took charge of the homestead for a time. His last days, however, were spent in Stark county, Ohio, where he died October 9, 1852. He was a soldier in the war of 1812. His wife died January 15, 1865. Their children were Mary, who was born August 31, 1819, wife of George Archer; Orick J., born January 26, 182 ; William; Theodore, born May 16, 1833; Edward, born January 16, 1834; Leila E.; Ann J.; Harriet E., born June 12, 1836; John H., born May 18, 1837, a member of the 76th O. V. I., in which he served for three years during the Civil war; Helen, born June 19, 1838, wife of Eugene Davenport, of Massillon, Ohio. At the age of nineteen our subject began teaching school, and at the age of twenty-three he left home and formed a partnership with his T. V. Pelton WOOD COUNTY, OHIO. - 1049 brother, Orick J., in the livery stable, blacksmith and repair-shop business, which continued for three years; shortly after this (October 11, 1849) he was married to Miss Judith A. Downs, of Mt. Hope, Holmes Co., Ohio, who was born July 28, 1825, daughter of Curtis and Ann (Hall) Downs, the latter a native of England, and the former of Delaware. They were married in Jefferson county, Ohio, afterward removed to Stark county, Ohio, and later went to Holmes county, where the father died May 2, 1845, and the mother January 26, 1856. Their children were Henry, John, Curtis, George, Samuel, Benjamin, William, Robert, Mrs. Hardgrove and Owens. All are deceased with the exception of the last two -Owens being a resident of Buchanan county, Iowa. Mr. Hardgrove purchased fifty acres of land in Holmes county, Ohio, on which he located at the time of his marriage. This he sold in 1856, and in the spring of 1857 removed to Knox county, Ohio, whence in 1890 he came to Wood county, and purchased his present farm which he has greatly improved, and has six oil wells upon it. He is a strong advocate of temperance, gives his political support to the Republican party; and is an active member of the Disciples Church, and a teacher in the Sunday-school. Mr. and Mrs. Hardgrove have five children-Margaret, born July 1, 1850, wife of Rev. S. M. Cook, of Liberty township; Curtis, born November 4, 1851, married to Mary Ackerman, of Waterford, Ohio; Clarin, who was born December 9, 1854, and died December 16, 1861; Constance L. , born January 8, 186o, wife of Isaac D. Garber, of Liberty township; and William, born March 22, 1864; he married Olive Frederick, and has three children, Esther, Frederick and Curtis. IRA B. AUSTIN, a leading agriculturist of Webster township, is a native of the Buckeye State, born in Medina county, December 25, 1846. His grandparents, Daniel and Polly (Baker) Austin, were residents of Rochester, Vt.,. and reared a family of twelve children, among whom was Rufus Austin, our subject's father. He was born March 26, 1816, and had lost both his parents when he was only fourteen years old. At twenty-one he came to Ohio and located in Medina county, where, on December 20,.1842, he was married to Miss Deborah Hurlbutt, a native of Chittenden county, Vt., born September 13, 1816. She was a daughter of John Hurlbutt, a farmer and shoemaker, and his wife, Sarah (Ambler) Hurlbutt. Four children were born to Rufus Austin and his wife: Alvin C., born in 1843, a farmer in Freedom township, Wood county; Ira B., our subject; Augusta L., deceased, formerly the wife of Charles V. Black, of Michigan; and Lucien H. who died in infancy. In May, 185o, Mr. Rufus Austin moved with his family to Wood county, and settled upon a farm of 16o acres in Webster township, where he engaged in stock raising. For the last thirteen years he was an invalid; but previous to that time he was an active and prominent worker in all lines of effort. He was a soldier in the Civil war, serving in the 144th O. V. I. In politics he was a Republican, and was school director of his district for twenty-five years, and also had been supervisor and constable. His death occurred August 9, 1896. The subject of this sketch was educated in the district schools of Webster township, and at the Central Ohio Conference Seminary at Maumee. He taught school for seven years in Wood county, and for four years was employed in erecting windmills in this and adjoining counties for a Bowling Green firm; but he now devotes his time to stockraising, and the improvement of a farm of 16o acres near Luckey. He married Miss Lavina E. Fox, who was born August 23, 1846, the daughter of John A. Fox, of Scotch Ridge. She died July 29, 1887, leaving four children: Rufus E., born July 9, 1874; Bertel A., December 14, 1875; Alvin W., January 6, 1880, and Cecil Ray, September 10, 1884. Mr. Austin has been school director, and member of the board of education in his township, and is a leading worker in the M. E. Church at Luckey, having been a trustee for twenty years, a steward and recording secretary for twenty-eight years, and superintendent of the Sunday-school for several years. He was one of the chief organizers of the Prohibition Society in his county. Since the split in the party at Pittsburg, he has identified himself with the Broad Gauge, or National, party, believing its platform better represents the principles for which he has been contending. R. C. MINEAR, of Bowling Green, was formerly a successful farmer and stock raiser in Plain township, and is at present the fortunate owner of seven oil wells which have been developed upon his farm. A desire for wider culture for his two children than country life affords, induced him to remove a few years ago to the county seat. He was born in Hancock county, Ohio, March 27, 1853. On his father's side, Mr. Minear is descended from an old Virginia family. His grandfather, 1050 - WOOD COUNTY, OHIO. Isaac Minear, Sr., a native of that State, removed in early life to Indiana, where he died at the age of seventy. His father, Isaac Minear, was born April 20, 1814, in West Virginia, and in 1851 was married in Ohio to Mrs. Mary Harped, whose maiden name was McHarry. She was born in Ireland, November 2, 1817, and in 1823 came to New York with her parents. After their marriage they located first in Hancock county, later in Wood county, where he still resides; the mother died May 3, 1884. Our subject is the eldest of three children: Mary married Frank Lamb, of Center township; Maggie is the wife of J. G. Starn, of Bowling Green. Mr. Minear spent the first eighteen years of his life in Hancock county, where he attended the district school, but after that he was engaged in farming. In 1880 he married Miss Emma Teatsorth, who was born in Hancock county, August 21, 1860. For some years they lived upon the farm in Plain township, where Mr. Minear raised stock and cultivated his land, until the development of the oil industry suggested more profitable employment. The leisure, which his present ample income gives, is well spent, his natural inclination for reading and hearty interest in all the issues of the day, affording him constant enjoyment. The education of his children-Mearl, born May 5, 1884, and Maud, born April 28, 1886-is now his chief care. In politics Mr. Minear is a Republican, and he takes an active part in the work of the organization in this county, although he has never sought office for himself. Since 1887 he has been a member of the I. O. O. F., affiliating with Centennial Lodge No. 626, and Bowling Green Encampment No. 210. He and his wife are prominent among the supporters of the M. E. Church. Mrs. Minear's grandfather, James Teatsorth, was born in Pennsylvania, and was one of the first settlers in the vicinity of Findlay, Ohio. By occupation he was a miller, and he built the first gristmill at Findlay. He was among the "Forty-niners " who went to California. Two of his sons, James and Abraham, served in the Civil war. Isaac, Mrs. Minear's father, was born May 1, 1830, in Hancock county, Ohio, and, like his father, is a miller, owning his own mill at Findlay. On May 31, 1856, he married Mary Folk, who was born April 3, 1835, in Perry county, Ohio, and they became the parents of seven children - four sons and three daughters - viz. Elida, wife of Charles Phillips, who is engaged in the oil business in Hancock county; Charles, born August 30, 1858, deceased in infancy; Emma (Mrs. Minear); Sopha, born November 9, 1862, wife of Luther Worden, a farmer of Hancock county; Henry, born July 4, 1865, deceased August 2, 188o; George W., born August 27, 1873; and Clyde R., born February 14, 1875, deceased January 21, 1891. WILLIAM ELDER. As a representative of the agricultural class, and one who has met with good success in his independent calling, we take pleasure in giving a brief sketch of the gentleman whose name appears at the beginning of this notice. He is pleasantly located on a farm in Section 4, Troy township, where his birth occurred February 6, 1839, and has, therefore, witnessed almost the entire development of the county. His father, Henry J. Elder, was born in Frederick county, Md., on February 6, 1795, and was a son of Arnold Elder, a native of Baltimore, who spent his entire life in Maryland. He served with distinction in the war of 1812. The father remained in his native State until about nineteen years of age, when he came to this State on foot, making the journey from Frederick county to Bucyrus, Ohio, a distance of over five hundred miles, in eleven days. He joined a surveying party, which was employed in Ottawa, Seneca and Sandusky, counties, and became well posted on much of the land in this State. He made his headquarters in Tiffin, and remained with that surveying corps for some years. However, in 1835, he left them and began blacksmithing at Sandusky. In the same year, June 13, Mr. Elder was united in marriage with Miss Harriet Harpster, who was born in Pennsylvania, on April 24, 1813, and their wedding was celebrated at Sandusky, now Fremont, Ohio. Her parents, Christian and Delilah (Markle) Harpster, were also natives of the Keystone State, and became early residents in Franklin county, Ohio. Later they removed to Sandusky county, and at Fremont their deaths occurred. From Sandusky, Mr. Elder removed to Toledo, Ohio, in 1836; but the same year arrived in this county, where he bought a timbered tract of 139 acres, of John Bates, and there erected a tavern, which he conducted many years. He at once began to clear and improve his place, making his home thereon until his death, which occurred September 18, 1883. He took a prominent part in promoting the interests of Troy township, aided largely in its development, and assisted in advancing its educational facilities, being school director for some time. His first vote was cast for the Whig party, but he later became a stalwart Democrat. WOOD COUNTY, OHIO. - 1051 Mrs. Elder still survives her husband, and, of their fourteen children, six are now living. They, were as follows: Ephraim, who died in childhood; Mrs. Henrietta White, who died in 1865; Mrs. Mary Buxton, who makes her home in Iowa; Mrs. Sarah Gould, who died in Toledo, Ohio, in April, 1895; William, of this review; Richard, who enlisted in Troy township, in the fall of 1861, becoming a member of Company E, 72nd O. V. I., and was killed at Pittsburg Landing the following year; John, a resident of Perrysburg township, Wood county; Jesse, who died in Troy township, in 1866; Isabel and Arabel, who also died in the same year; George, who makes his home in Perrysburg township; Lucy, who died several years ago; Martha, wife of Fred Gould, of Toledo; and Harriet, who lives in the same city. The mother now finds a pleasant home with our subject. William Elder has ever devoted himself to agricultural pursuits since large enough to reach the plow-handles and aid in the cultivation of the old homestead. His education was obtained in the district schools of Troy township, and, on laying aside his text books, gave his whole time to clearing and improving the home farm of 129 acres; he owns also a tract of land in Perrysburg township. Politically, he is independent in his views, voting for those measures which he considers will be the most beneficial to the community, without regard to the party favoring them, and -he has served his fellow citizens as trustee of Troy township. LEWIS BOWERS owns a snug farm of forty acres, pleasantly located in Perry township, where he has been operating successfully since 1866. He has brought his land to a high state of cultivation, largely by the labor of his own hands, and is in possession of a comfortable set of farm buildings, to which, each year, he adds something to enhance the beauty and value of his property. A native of Ohio, he was born in Chester township, Knox county, April lo, 1824. His father, Jesse Bowers, who came from Frederick county, Va., to Knox county, in 1802, was educated for the ministry, and for over twenty years preached for the Methodist Church, traveling on horseback over a large circuit during the pioneer days. In Wheeling, W. Va., he wedded Lydia Grindstaff, a native of Washington county, Penn., and they became the parents of eleven children, five sons and six daughters, namely: Rosanna, who first married Daniel Stone, and is now the widow of Joseph Drake, of Tiffin, Ohio; Abigail, wife of William Rigley, of Kansas; Amanda, who married Moses Grindstaff, and died in Licking county, Ohio; Elias, who died in Knox county, Ohio; Martha, who makes her home in Illinois; Jeremiah, of Licking county; Lewis, of this sketch; Mary, who resides in Kansas; Wesley, of Illinois; John N., of Texas; and Philena, wife of Jackson Davis, of Iowa. The parents both died, and were buried in Hartford township, Licking county, the father at the age of seventyseven, and the mother when sixty-five years. During the latter part of his life, the former had mostly engaged in agricultural pursuits, and, while he was engaged in preaching, his children operated the farm. Previously to the organization of the Republican party, he was a Whig, but afterward affiliated with the former. The schools which Lewis Bowers attended were mostly taught by teachers hired at fifty cents per week, the parents each agreeing to send so many scholars. He is a warm friend of the public-school system, and does all in his power for the advancement of the cause of education. At the age of seventeen he began learning the shoemaker's trade; but, not liking that occupation, he took up carpentering, which he followed for fifteen years, when he was injured by a sawlog falling upon him. After his marriage he located in Hartford township, Licking Co., Ohio, working on a farm during the summer months, while in the winter he engaged in shoemaking at his own home. Two years later he went to Harlem township, Delaware Co., Ohio, where he leased twenty-five acres. For clearing the land he was to have the use of it for five years. Subsequently he purchased a house and an acre of land in Hartford township, Licking county, where he resided until November 10, 1863, when he arrived in Perry township, Wood county, locating on ten acres of timber land in Section 21, which he cultivated until 1866. In that year he came to his present farm of forty acres, on which he erected his comfortable home, in 1886. In Delaware county, Ohio, December 22, 1852, Mr. Bowers was united in marriage with Miss Rebecca Bailey, who was born in Licking county, February 26, 1831, and is a daughter of George and Elizabeth (McCartney) Bailey, the former a native of New York, and the latter of Pennsylvania. The father followed farming, and was also a local preacher of the Methodist Church. To our subject and his wife have been born the following children: Victorine, now Mrs. Calvin Brenaman, of Perry township; Lydia, wife of Rev. David Brandeberry, a Methodist minister of Hoytville, Ohio; Anna M., who died at the age of four years; George H., of Plain township, 1052 - WOOD COUNTY, OHIO. Wood county; Elizabeth (twin sister of George), who died in infancy; Amanda, now Mrs. Wilson Stearns, of Plain township; and Emma, at home. The family are all members of the Methodist Church, in which Mr. Bowers has served as superintendent of Sunday-school, and they are prominent in the social circles of the locality. For fifteen years he ably served as supervisor of Perry township, and is deeply interested in the success of the Republican party, of whose past history he is justly proud. He is a man well and favorably known, having the respect of all with whom he comes in contact. FRANCIS BRENOT, proprietor of twenty-one acres of improved land in Section 34, Ross township, is numbered among the most interprising citizens of Wood county, and is one of its most substantial farmers. He located here in 1864, and from the uncultivated soil built up a valuable homestead, which will remain as a monument to his industry and enterprise for generations to come. He has been particularly wise in his investments, and possesses excellent business capacity, making the most of his opportunities, and all through the changes of a busy life, and while laboring for his own interests, has in nowise set aside the interests and well-being of the community around him. France, who has given so many of her sons to the building up of this country, was the early tramping ground of our subject, and where he was born February 3, 1834. His parents, Frank and Jeanne Claude (Roussy) Brenot, were also natives of France, where the father spent his entire life engaged in farming, but the mother came to America and died in East Toledo, Ohio, in July, 1871. Four of their children also became residents of the United States: Mrs. Mary Martin, who died in Lake township, Wood county; Francis, of this sketch; John, of Blissfield, Mich. ; and Philomaine, who died in Wood county. In his native land Francis Brenot was reared and educated, and crossed the Atlantic at the age of nineteen years. He first located in Pennsylvania, where he worked in a sawmill, and in the woods, and later was similarly employed in Wisconsin. In 1861, at East Saginaw, Mich., he enlisted in Company H, 2nd Mich. V. I., for three months, and, on the expiration of that term, re-enlisted in the same company and regiment, for three years. He was mustered into service at Detroit, Mich., as a member of the army of the Potomac, and participated in the following engagements: Blackburn's Ford; siege of Yorktown; Williamsburg; Fair Oaks; Richmond; Glendale; Malvern Hill; second battle of Bull Run; Chantilly; Frederickburg; Vicksburg; Knoxville, where he received a gunshot wound; Jackson; Blue Springs; Campbell's station; siege of Knoxville, the battle of the Wilderness, and others. At the close of his enlistment he was honorably discharged in July, 1864, at Detroit, Mich., and was mustered out with an army record of which he may be justly proud. From Detroit, soon after his discharge, Mr. Brenot came to Wood county, and has since made his home here. In addition to the farm on which he is now located, he owns another in the same township, comprising 12o acres, 100 of which he has placed under the plow. For about twelve years also, he engaged in the grocery and saloon business in Ross township. There Mr. Brenot was married, in 1872, to Miss Pauline Ruget, a native of France, born March-20, 1850, and a daughter of Charley and Rosella (Doubet) Ruget, who were also born in France, but at an early day became residents of Michigan. Her father is now deceased, but her mother resides in Blissfield, Mich. Five children have been born to our subject and his wife, namely: Mary, Frank, Charles, Amelia, and Rosy. Mr.. Brenot is a solid Democrat, politically, and has served as a member of the school board, while socially he is prominently identified with George Douglas Post, G. A. R. No., 183, of Millbury, Wood county. He is a wide-awake, energetic marl, who has the confidence and esteem of all with whom he comes in contact. DELASCUS MERCER, who for forty-five years has witnessed the development and upbuilding of Wood county, was born October 11, 1849, in Portage township, and is one of the family of ten children born to Daniel and Susan (Roberts) Mercer. He was reared on a farm and educated in the district schools of Portage and Liberty townships. During his boyhood days he assisted in the cultivation of the old home place, and continued under the parental roof until after he had attained his majority. On March 21, 1870, in Liberty township, Mr. Mercer married Miss Louisa Dongey, the Rev. Wilcot, pastor of the Disciples Church, officiating. She was born in Wood county, October 18, 1849, and is a daughter of Peter F. and Catherine (Doran) Dongey, natives of France, who were married on board the vessel which brought them to America. They located in Liberty township, Wood county, where the father died in September, 1889. The mother is now a resident of Bowling Green. They had a Delascus Mercer WOOD COUNTY, OHIO. - 1053 family of eight children: Fred, who died at the age of twenty-two; Julia, wife of H. W. Sterling, of Bowling Green; Mrs. Mercer; Henry, of Bowling Green; Susan, wife of William M. Mercer, of Liberty township; Charles, who died in infancy; George, of Bowling Green, and Charles, of Weston. Our subject and his wife began housekeeping on a twenty-acre farm in Liberty township which constitutes a part of their present homestead. Mr. Mercer now owns 329 acres of valuable land, all under a high state of cultivation, and in 1890 he replaced the old log cabin home with a large substantial frame residence. There are numerous oil wells on his land, on some of which he receives a one-sixth royalty. Eight children have blessed the union of our subject and his wife, namely: Lewis Henry, who died in infancy; Lucy C., wife of T. J. White, of Mercer county, Penn., who is now preparing for the ministry in Bethany College, West Virginia; Edward H., a pupil in the Angola (Ind.) Academy; Clarence Elmer, Matilda J. and Abraham Garfield, at home;. Alda Edith, who died at the age of eight months; and Daniel Floyd, at home. In politics Mr. Mercer is a stalwart Prohibitionist. He has never been an office-seeker, but has, however, served as school director for a number of years. Socially he is a member of the Knights of the Maccabees at Rudolph. He and his wife are earnest supporters of the Disciples Church, and faithfully devoted to the cause of the Master. GEORGE W. BROWN located in Troy township in 1882, and the following year he removed to his present farm, where he is successfully engaged in agricultural pursuits. He is a native of Wood county, born in Plain township in 1855, and is a son of James and Ann (Brim) Brown, both natives of England. On coining to the New World the father first located in Sandusky county, Ohio, whence he removed to Plain township, where he was numbered among the honored pioneers. He there opened up a farm, but later went to Center township, this county. His death occurred in Henry county, Ohio, and at Liberty Center, that county, his wife still makes her home. Their family consisted of three children-George W., of this review; M. L., of Liberty Center; and Hattie A., now Mrs. W. H. Burke, of Cleveland, Ohio. The education of our subject was acquired in Plain township, at District No. 1, and at Bowling Green, Ohio. In the spring of 1878 he began teaching in Center township, and later was employed in the same vocation in his home school, having taught two entire school years and every winter since he began, to the present time. He has been successful in following that profession, and is ranked among the leading teachers of the county. In 1882, in Troy township, was celebrated the marriage of Mr. Brown and Miss Mary L. Hahn, a native of that township, where her father, Valentine Hahn, was one of the early pioneers. To them have been born five children -Arthur A., Allen V., Mabel, Ruby and W. Waldo. Mr. Brown is a Republican, and socially he holds membership with Centennial Lodge No. 626, I. O. O. F., of Bowling Green, with which he became identified in February, 1879. L. A. TREPANIER, wholesale grain dealer, of Dunbridge, was born in Lorain county, this State, April 27, 186o. His father, Peter Trepanier, was a native of France, and a teacher of French and English. When he crossed the Atlantic to America, he took up his residence in Lorain county, where he resumed his profession of teaching. In 1858, in New Hampshire, he was united in marriage with Caroline Sawyer, and to them was born one son, Leon A. When the war broke out, the father offered his services to his adopted country as a defender of the Union, and valiantly defended the old flag and the cause it represented. Mrs. Trepanier afterward removed with her son to Pemberville, Wood county, and Leon first attended school at Scotch Ridge. He began earning his living as a farm hand, and was thus employed for eleven years, when, with the capital he had acquired through his own exertions, he bought a forty-acre farm in Middleton township, which he operated for twelve years. He next engaged in the hardware business, which he carried on for six years, and also conducted a meat market and engaged in shipping stock. In 1892 he organized the Dunbridge Elevator Company, of which he owns a half interest, and is now engaged in making extensive shipments of grain to the East. He is a very energetic and progressive business man, thoroughly reliable, and his reputation in business circles is a spotless one. He has prospered in his undertakings, owing to his good management and energy, and may truly be called a self-made man. The lady who now bears the name of Mrs. Trepanier was in her maidenhood Libbie Wallace, daughter of John Wallace, a farmer of Middleton township, where she was born in 1862. Five children grace this union-Pearl, Mary, 1054 - WOOD COUNTY, OHIO. Edith, Ada and Rosamond. The parents hold membership with the Presbyterian Church, and Mr. Trepanier belongs to Middleton Lodge No. 786, 1. O. O. F. In politics he is a Democrat, and is now efficiently serving a second term as justice of the peace. GEORGE W. SMITH, having spent his entire life in this county, faithfully performing his duties of citizenship, well deserves representation in this history. He was born in Weston township, December 5, 1856. The grandfather was a native of Germany, and the name was originally spelled Schmitt. When a young man he crossed the Atlantic, and was married in this country. Asa Smith, father of our subject, was born in West Virginia, in 1814, and in his early manhood left that State for Wood county, Ohio, becoming one of the pioneer settlers of Weston township. Here he married fancy McKee, who was of Irish lineage. They located on a farm of eighty acres which he had secured, and there the mother died in 1857. Some years later the father wedded Mariette Ellsworth, a native of Wood county, by whom he had seven children. The children of the first marriage were John, who died at the age of forty-five; Melissa, wife of Solon Davis; Ann, wife of John Bortel, of Milton township; Warren, a member of Company F, 86th O. V. I., who died at Cumberland Gap, Ky., during the war, and was buried by his father, who went South in order to perform that last office; Celia, wife of Benjamin Bortel, of Weston township; and Emma, wife of William Haight, of Ironton, Ohio. The children of the second marriage are Deborah, wife of Silas Barton, of Weston township; Lucinda, wife of Henry Webb, of Toledo; Minnie, wife of R. S. Jenkins, of Weston township; Ida, wife of Daniel Doyle, of Toledo; Hattie, wife of Ralph Poland, of Weston; Asa, of Weston; and Nettie, at home. Mr. Smith, of this sketch, received meager educational privileges, attending school only through the winter season, for during the summer months his services were needed on the home farm. At the age of sixteen he began working by the day as a farm hand, and since that time has been dependent upon his own resources for a livelihood. By his marriage, which occurred in Weston township, October 20, 1881, he secured, as a companion and helpmeet on life's journey, Miss Wilda Dewese, who was born in Weston township, November 27, 1861, a daughter of Jesse and Ellen Dewese. They have two sonsClarence, born in October, 1882, and Roy, born November 7, 1888. At the time of his marriage, Mr. Smith located upon his present farm of l00 acres, which. was given him by his maternal grandmother when he was fifteen years of age. In 1884 he replaced the log cabin by a more modern residence. He carries on general farming, and now has a well improved place. He is industrious and energetic, and his finely-developed farm is evidence of his careful supervision. His political support is given to the Republican party, but his entire attention is devoted to agricultural interests. B. M. CRANDALL, a leading and enterprising farmer of Lake township, residing in Section 8, was born in Jay, Orleans Co., Vt., October 12, 1843, and is a son of Adna and Anna (Sanborn) Crandall. His father, who was a native of New Hampshire, in early life went to Jay, Vt., where he was married, and there his death occurred. The mother also died in the Green Mountain State. Our subject was the fifth in order of birth in their family of five children, four sons and one daughter, the others being George, Mary and Ebenezer, deceased; and S. 0., who resides in Ross township, Wood county. Mr. Crandall, whose name introduces this sketch, in his youth received a fair education in the schools of Vermont, and remained under the parental roof until 1862, when he left home, going to Oregon township, Lucas Co., Ohio. The following year he laid aside personal plans and interests to aid in the defense of his country, becoming a member of Company C, 3rd O. V.- V. C., and joined his regiment at Nashville, Tenn. He participated in the battle of Selma, Ala., and remained with that command until the close of the war, when he was honorably discharged and returned to Lucas county, where he engaged in farming. In Lake township, Wood Co., in 1874 Mr. Crandall was united in marriage with Miss Minnie Craine, and to them.-have been, born four children, namely: Thomas B., Ethel J., Ernest R., and Bernice M. Our subject took his bride to his present fine farm of forty acres, which he now has under a high state of cultivation, and well improved with good buildings. His first vote was cast while in the army, since which time he has always been a stalwart Republican, and holds membership with the G. A. R., Post No. 14, of Toledo, Ohio, He has never tasted liquor, or smoked or chewed tobacco, but has never taken a pledge, and his exemplary life wins him the friendship and high regard of all with whom he comes in contact, either in a social or business way. RETURN TO THE TITLE PAGE